Cultural Context Research Articles

The ethnobotanical heritage of Lotkuh, a high-altitude tribal haven of Chitral, the Eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan.

In northwestern Pakistan, Lotkuh is a high-altitude terrain nestled within the eastern Hindu Kush region. Enclaved by towering peaks and harboring a unique culture, the region mirrors the geographical and cultural diversity of Pakistan. In this geographically isolated region, a treasure trove of ethnobotanical knowledge unfolds through generations of interaction between the inhabitants and indigenous plants, resulting in a profound understanding of the plant uses in nutritional, medicinal, cultural, and ritual contexts. Thus, the study seeks to gather, analyze, and document the indigenous knowledge of plant utilization of the distinct tribal culture. Through semi-structured questionnaires, inventory interviews, and participatory workshops, data were collected by engaging a cohort of 120 local respondents. The collected data were then classified into nine distinct use categories, following which quantitative indices were calculated. The research identified a total of 150 plant species spanning across 59 different families and categorized them into 9 distinct usage groups. Among these, Astragalus oihorensis, Astragalus owirensis, Cicer nuristanicum, Geranium parmiricum, and Rochelia chitralensis stand out as novel species with distinctive applications. Notably, medicinal use garnered 600 reports, while animal feed, veterinary applications, human consumption, and toxicity recorded 500, 450, 425, and 104 reports, respectively. Informant consensus was high ranging between 0.8 and 0.9 with most agreement on human food and animal feed category. Platanus orientalis and Juglans regia, with RFC 0.91, were the most cited. The Family Importance Value (FIV) of Juglandaceae and Platanaceae, each with an FIV of 0.91, and Capparidaceae with an FIV of 0.83 indicate the intricate role the families play. In this study, we explore 150 ethnobotanical species, uncovering novel entries within ethnobotanical literature. Among these, several species showcase unique uses previously undocumented in Pakistani literature. Our research sheds light on the intricate interaction between plants and the distinct cultural landscape of the Lotkuh region.

Family resilience and vulnerability of patients at diagnosis of lung cancer: A qualitative study.

To explore and analyse the adaptation process of patients and their families at the point of lung cancer diagnosis. Totally 23 operable lung cancer patients were included in this study. Colaizzi's method of phenomenology was employed for data analysis. This study found two different aspects of family adaptation at the diagnosis of lung cancer. For family resilience, three themes emerged: (1) Positive family belief systems (giving meaning to a cancer diagnosis and maintaining a positive/optimistic attitude), (2) Flexible family organizational patterns (maintaining the stability of family structure and function, adjusting the relationship between patients and family members and receiving external support and help) and (3) Good communication and problem-solving strategies (open communication on an equal basis, positive and open expression of emotions and collaborative problem-solving). For family vulnerability, three themes were as follows: (1) Negative family belief systems (negative attitudes and concealment and self-isolation due to stigma), (2) Rigid family organizational patterns (adaptation lost, conflicts between family support and patients' willingness and pressure upon social support) and (3) Unhealthy communication and problem-solving (poor communication, emotional asymmetry of family members and tendency to solve problems alone). The study highlights the existence of the family resilience and family vulnerability at the point of lung cancer diagnosis and provides patient's perspective for understanding family resilience in specific cultural contexts. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. ChiCTR2300074801.

Global perspectives on the burden of sexually transmitted diseases: A narrative review.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have haunted humanity from ancient times to today, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of STDs, delving into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and global response strategies. The global prevalence of STDs is staggering, with millions of new cases reported annually. Prominent among these infections is HIV/AIDS, which remains a major global health crisis, affecting over 38 million people worldwide. Additionally, bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to pose significant health risks, with millions of new cases reported yearly. Beyond the physical manifestations, STDs have profound social and economic implications. They can result in severe reproductive health issues, stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress, burdening healthcare systems and affecting individuals' quality of life. The global response to STDs has been multifaceted, with international organizations and governments implementing various prevention and control strategies, including sexual education programs and scaling up access to testing and treatment. However, challenges persist, including disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural factors influencing transmission, and evolving pathogens with increasing resistance to treatment. Through case studies and real-world examples, we illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, highlighting the lived experiences of individuals grappling with STDs and the complex interplay of factors shaping their journeys. Ultimately, this review calls for continued research, innovative strategies, and sustained global commitment to mitigating the burden of STDs and promoting sexual health and well-being for all.

Impact of birth order on risk-taking: Evidence from China.

Evidence about impact of birth order on risk-taking is mostly from the Western cultural contexts, and the findings are contradictory. Scant attention has been devoted to the impact of birth order on risk-taking in East Asian societies influenced by Confucian culture. In this study, we investigated how birth order impacts adult risk-taking using a representative Chinese sample (N = 12,756). The results revealed that the effect of birth order on Chinese risk-taking did not exhibit a linear trend, either when the birth order was coded using the original birth rank or when coded as firstborns, middleborns and lastborns. However, this study found that laterborns, as a whole, were more likely to take risks than firstborns. In addition, there was a quadratic trend inherent in the birth order effect on risk-taking, showing that middleborns were more likely to take risks than firstborns or lastborns. Furthermore, we found that the birth order effects on risk-taking were not affected by individuals' age, birth spacing and family size. Additional analyses also demonstrated the robustness of these results. Our findings established a small but meaningful association between birth order and risk-taking in a Confucian-influenced society.

Developing practical strategies to reduce addiction-related stigma and discrimination in public addiction treatment centers: a mixed-methods study protocol.

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have restricted engagement with health-care facilities and describe repeated experiences of stigma, discrimination, and mistreatment when receiving care at health-care and public addiction treatment centers (PATCs). The purpose of the current study is to design practical cultural-based strategies to reduce addiction-related stigma and discrimination at PATCs. The present study will use a mixed-methods design with an explanatory sequential approach. Phase 1 of the study will combine a cluster sampling technique combined with a cross-sectional survey of Patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Mazandaran, Iran. A total of three hundred and sixty individuals with SUDs will be selected to assess their experiences of stigma and factors predicting stigma. Phase 2 will involve qualitative study aimed at exploring participants' perceptions regarding the aspects and determinants of their stigma experience. The participants will include two groups: people with SUDs and staff/health-care providers at PATCs. Participants for Phase 2 will be purposively sampled from those involved in Phase 1.Qualitative data will be collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using content analysis with a conventional approach. Phase 3 will focus on the development of new strategies to reduce the experiences of stigma among people with SUDs at PATCs. These strategies will be formulated based on the findings derived from the qualitative and quantitative data obtained in Phases 1 and 2, a comprehensive review of the literature, and expert opinions gathered using the nominal group technique. This is one of the few studies conducted within the domain of stigma pertaining to individuals who use drugs within the context of Iranian culture employing a mixed-methods approach, this study aims to develop culturally sensitive strategies to reduce such problems from the perspective of Iranian people who use drugs. It is anticipated that the study will yield evidence-based insights and provide practical strategies to reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by people who use drugs at PATCs. Such outcomes are important for informing policymaking and designing healthcare interventions tailored to the needs of individuals grappling with substance dependency.

Health-promoting physical activities for refugees from Syria - physiotherapists' clinical reasoning.

Refugees from Syria face health challenges with psychosocial dimensions due to disrupted networks, uncertain life situations, and language barriers. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases, so health-promoting initiatives involving physical activities are essential. To explore physiotherapists' clinical reasoning and collaboration with refugee families in developing group-based health-promoting physical exercising to increase participants' wellbeing, sense of togetherness, and self-efficacy. The design was participating action research with 24 resettled refugees from Syria. Data consisted of field notes and three focus group interviews. Data gathering followed a phenomenological approach, and the four-step analysis was inspired by Giorgi. Based on clinical reasoning and collaboration with the participants and their wishes, the physiotherapists organized a physical exercise intervention integrating language learning. The physiotherapists based the intervention on social cognitive theory, focusing on the group's and the individual's capacity and working with the participants on exercise and organizational adaptations to the group and individual. The participants appreciated the joyful physical activities, body awareness, and a sense of togetherness. To accommodate that many suffered from musculoskeletal pain, the physiotherapists developed an intervention for therapeutic exercising that included individual assessment and pain management. The physiotherapists' clinical reasoning in working with refugees included the cultural, linguistic, and social context rooted in a salutogenic perspective. The participants' wellbeing and self-efficacy in adhering to exercise increased. They experienced pain relief and increased confidence in using the body.

Is being elite the same as living an easy life? Two distinct ways of experiencing subjective socioeconomic status.

Socioeconomic status (SES) predicts a large number of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; here, we build on these findings to try to paint a comprehensive picture of what people who occupy different SES ranks are like. Existing findings attribute a mixed set of psychological patterns to people who consider themselves near the top of the socioeconomic hierarchy; these individuals are variously portrayed as selfish yet generous, entitled yet happy, and narcissistic yet tolerant. Building on previous efforts to characterize distinct dimensions of SES, we wondered whether there might be distinct but overlapping ways of experiencing one's status in the socioeconomic hierarchy, each linked to a different psychological profile, and each potentially corresponding to a different theoretical approach to the study of SES. We employed a bottom-up, participant-driven approach (total N = 3,338) to identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that factor into people's subjective SES. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that these experiences are best represented by two distinct dimensions-a sense that one belongs to a historical cultural elite (corresponding to SES as early life cultural context) and a sense that one's life is easy (corresponding, though less conclusively, to SES as current rank). We developed scales to measure each dimension and, using these scales, found that the two dimensions help categorize the known correlates of SES into two separate but internally coherent sets of psychological patterns-one magnanimous and one self-focused. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Albanian Handwritten Text Recognition using Synthetic Datasets and Pre-Trained Models

Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) has continuously attracted the focus of researchers to enable the integration of technology into our daily lives. Handwritten text recognition (HTR), a technology of considerable importance, takes a leading role in the analysis and digitization of various documents. This technology is important in facilitating the efficient use of handwritten documents, especially within academic, historical, and cultural contexts. The use of artificial intelligence in handwriting recognition offers a very good opportunity to achieve satisfactory results in this field, but to achieve good results a large dataset is needed. Creating a large dataset to train different AI models is a challenge for languages with limited resources such as the Albanian language. This paper aims to present a novel approach to the development of an HTR system for the Albanian language using an attention-based encoder-decoder architecture. The dataset used in the experiments is a synthetic dataset generated using deep learning techniques based on the English language dataset as they are both variants of the Latin alphabet. We enhanced the dataset with two letters specific to Albanian, (“ë” and “ç”). The usage of pre-trained English models for handwriting recognition improved our model’s performance. The results of the experiments are very promising and prove that our approach is efficient in recognizing handwriting in the Albanian language. This shows that the attention-based encoder-decoder architecture can be adopted for different languages with limited resources.

An overview on the 20th-century Central-European novel

Over the past century, the history of Romanian literature has been dominated by nationalist approaches, necessary for the consolidation of a stable cultural identity. However, the concept of cultural identity involves changing and migratory components as well, many related to its links with other cultural identities, each of them with its own literature. This book review provides insights into the scholarly significance of Dicționarul romanului central-european din secolul XX [The Dictionary of Central European Novel in the 20th Century] coordinated by Adriana Babeți and edited by Oana Fotache, understood as a project that maps a transnational literary phenomenon. The study is examined for its uniqueness, specific linguistic diversity and multicultural scope: 250 entries about works initially published in one of the fourteen languages spoken in the region, including French and English as international languages, either part of the canon or more marginal and less known. Other reasons include its adequate combination of analysis and synthesis; the extensive team research carried out over three decades; and its socio-political relevance nowadays. The review highlights the historical, cultural, and academic contexts in which the dictionary was published, the avatars of the concept of Central Europe, several characteristics of the Central-European novel, and details about its structure, sections and features. The presentation mentions a few limitations about the availability of the titles in the languages of the region and the admitted gender imbalance and indicates several research audiences possibly interested in alternative ways of approaching novels in the context of globalization.

Accounting as a social and moral practice: bridging cultures, balancing indigenous factors, and fostering social accountability

Purpose This study aims to investigate accounting practices within a non-Western (indigenous) context and provide insights into alternative accounting approaches and perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an interpretive research approach to gain an in-depth insight into the functioning of accounting in Solomon Islands’ unique cultural and social-political context. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the perceptions and meanings held by participants concerning Western accounting practices and their limitations. Findings The findings provide unique insights into different interpretations of accounting and accountability through two distinct cultural lenses – Western and non-Western. The complimentary and rival explanations on what accounting and accountability are doing and what accounting and accountability should be doing will help close the gap in knowledge and contribute to shaping a better world for indigenous people. Practical implications Implications for practice involve fostering collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, leaders and institutions to harness cultural strengths through accounting. Additionally, continuous capacity building and education are essential to develop accounting skills, enhance financial literacy, promote professional expertise and build a pool of skilled accountants with local knowledge to support indigenous communities. Originality/value This study is original and provides novel insights supporting the need for accounting to recognise the importance of indigenous perspectives, adapt to cultural sensitivity and integrate cultural norms and values into accounting practices to make an impact and achieve greater social and moral accountability.

Covering the ‘Scottish position adequately’: Planning Civil Defence in Post-war Scotland, 1948–59

Abstract This article brings together the histories of post-war Scottish policymaking, local civil defence governance, and the British security state in the first decade of the Cold War, 1948–59. The article addresses three themes: organizational responsibility, evacuation and shelter, and nuclear radiation to show that Scottish cultural, social, and political contexts were distinct from the English precedents set by Whitehall. In the context of developing Cold War security measures, and regional differences, the article argues that Scottish policy-makers negotiated independence over early civil defence planning, while exercising a conciliatory relationship with the central government. Issues raised around regionality posed important questions in Whitehall about the implementation of nuclear era civil defence nationwide. In assessing how this occurred the article augments the debate around Scottish autonomy and administrative distinction in the post-war era and makes a wider contribution to understandings of civil defence cultures in Britain’s Cold War. While studies of civil defence have provided important context to the history of the British Cold War state, local responses to such policy have not been adequately interrogated. This study shows that civil defence is not only an invaluable window onto local government perceptions of Cold War policy but is also a lens onto regional expressions of Second World War memory, post-war recovery, political power, and social organization.

Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy

AbstractDespite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.

Facilitators and barriers to self-management in Iranian men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

IntroductionSelf-management, as the most common method of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, is not an isolated behaviour, but a set of physical, social, cultural, psychological and existential factors affecting...

Performing Colonization:

Theatre is always influenced by the culture in which it is performed, and can be employed as an ideological tool to influence its cultural context in return. This article assesses the role of European theatre practices in the ideological colonization of the Americas. World’s Fairs, Wild West shows, and Christian pageant theatre are methods by which colonial ideology was communicated to audiences and performances, and sites of resistance for Indigenous performers in the past and the present.

Cultural context and self-care impact on medical students' quality of life. A mixed-methods approach.

Medical education can make it difficult for students to take actions to improve their health. To evaluate the influence of the university context on self-care behaviors and quality of life. A mixed-methods approach was used, with surveys being combined to assess self-care and quality of life, with in-depth interviews to explore cultural influences and perceptions. Statistical analysis and qualitative data coding were carried out, with methods being integrated through network analysis. Self-care scores exceeded 50 points, and quality of life scores exceeded 60 points. Medical students' context is shaped by motivations, expectations, skills, and goals that influence identity formation and contribute to the medical profession. There is a positive connection between self-care practices and quality of life. However, academic stress can potentially disrupt self-care routines. Furthermore, an association between obesity and a decrease in quality of life stands out, which emphasizes the need for health promotion actions.

Systematic literature review on the nexus of food waste, food loss and cultural background

PurposeThe present paper aims to reveal how different cultures, as reflected by cultural norms, traditions, and social expectations, influence food waste behaviour in different regions of the world.Design/methodology/approachA systematic multifaceted literature review was employed as a main research tool.FindingsThe focal role of education and awareness campaigns in reducing household food waste and promoting responsible food consumption behaviours is revealed. The importance of guilt, behavioural control, negative attitudes towards leftovers, and social norms are among the most important factors predicting intentions to reduce food waste. Cultural beliefs significantly shape food attitudes and waste. Tailoring sustainable practices to traditions helps to ensure food security. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to the development of effective and sustainable food consumption patterns across different parts of the world.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper fully devoted to revealing how different cultural backgrounds shape food consumption habits and which marketing strategies aiming to nudge positive changes in responsible food consumption are preferred in different cultural contexts.

Discover Use Linen Back Baby Carriers in Social Science of Ancient Egypt

This article presents a thought-provoking perspective on a possible link between ancient Egyptian design and ergonomics. Remember that this is an ongoing field of research, and new discoveries or interpretations may challenge or refine the presented ideas. Always strive to critically evaluate sources and consider alternative perspectives when exploring historical topics.The Pharaohs of Egypt innovate the science of ergonomics and the design of infant carriers. Definitive proof of photos ancient Egypt, the explicit evidence does of back baby carriers being used in ancient Egypt, even within the royal household. Considering the cultural context, practical advantages, and potential adaptations for royalty, further research holds promise in unlocking this fascinating aspect of childcare in a bygone era.This article is intended for research informational purposes and should be depended of research professional ergonomics medical advice. And this research paper is a starting point and can be further expanded upon by including specific citations, additional research findings, and personalized discussions based on your specific interests and areas of focus.

Helicopter parenting, autonomy support, and young adults’ psychological adjustment in Turkey: the mediating role of psychological control

AbstractThis study examined the relations from helicopter parenting and autonomy-supportive parenting to Turkish emerging adults’ psychological adjustment (depression, anxiety, and stress levels), using parental psychological control as a mediating mechanism. The participants included 457 emerging adults aged between 17 and 27 (M = 20.47, SD = 1.90) who filled out a self-report questionnaire on their parents’ helicopter parenting, autonomy-supportive parenting, psychological control, and their depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Path analyses were performed to test the hypotheses. The findings displayed that there were indirect links from helicopter parenting and autonomy-supportive parenting to emerging adults’ psychological adjustment through parental psychological control in a relatively collectivistic Turkish cultural context. Results indicated that parents who engage in developmentally inappropriate over-involvement in their children’s lives may also use psychological control to maintain or strengthen their control over their children. Furthermore, parents’ autonomy support may be related to a decrease in their tendency to use psychological control, which in turn results in better psychological adjustment.

CHALLENGES IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ESP) TEACHING MATERIALS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FOR MODERN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the evolution, effectiveness, and challenges associated with English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teaching materials, with a focus on their integration of digital technologies, learner-centered design, and cultural inclusivity. Through a comprehensive analysis guided by the PRISMA method, 87 studies from 2000 to 2023 were evaluated. The findings reveal a significant shift towards incorporating digital tools in ESP materials, highlighting the growing emphasis on creating immersive and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of developing materials tailored to the learners' specific needs and cultural contexts, facilitating more meaningful engagement and language acquisition. Despite the observed benefits, challenges such as the necessity for ongoing teacher training and the absence of standardized evaluation frameworks for ESP materials were identified. Recommendations include enhancing digital integration, prioritizing learner-centered and culturally inclusive materials, investing in teacher training, developing evaluation frameworks, fostering collaborative material development, ensuring accessibility, and conducting longitudinal impact studies. This SLR sets a foundation for future research and development in ESP material design and implementation, aiming to support learners' language learning goals and professional aspirations effectively.

Culturally Informed Technology: Assessing Its Importance in the Transition to Smart Sustainable Cities

Culturally Informed Technology: Assessing Its Importance in the Transition to Smart Sustainable Cities