Cultural Dynamics Research Articles

Pioneering Modern Education in Aceh: The Historical Portrait of Native Teachers’ Struggle in the Oetoesan Goeroe Newspaper (1926–1930)

ABSTRACT Dutch colonial rule in Aceh used modern education as a pacification strategy, aiming to solidify their control. This research analysed the Oetoesan Goeroe newspaper to reconstruct the history of education and native teachers’ struggles. This qualitative research employs the historical method and critical discourse analysis to analyse texts in Oetoesan Goeroe. The study highlights the complex relationship between the colonial government and the Acehnese community, characterised by distrust and resistance. The implementation of modern education was hindered by language barriers, cultural resistance and a lack of resources. Despite these obstacles, native teachers advocated for their rights and educational improvement through Oetoesan Goeroe, highlighting their resilience and agency in a challenging colonial context. The study emphasises the interplay of power, resistance and cultural dynamics in shaping educational development in colonial Aceh, providing insights into the historical struggles of native teachers and the complexities of implementing modern education.

Reassessing English Romanticism: An Argumentative Analysis of Its Ideological Foundations

This article reexamines the ideological foundations of English Romanticism, challenging traditional narratives that portray the movement as a uniform celebration of emotion, nature, and individual subjectivity. By situating Romanticism within the socio-political and cultural context of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Britain, the study underscores how rapid industrialization and political upheavals prompted a deliberate counter-response to Enlightenment rationalism. Employing an interdisciplinary framework that integrates ideological critique, cultural studies, and structural analysis, the article undertakes a close textual analysis of key works by seminal Romantic authors. This approach reveals inherent contradictions and contestations within Romantic thought, highlighting the dynamic interplay between individual expression and broader cultural forces. Contemporary scholarly debates are critically engaged to reassess the legacy of Romantic ideology, suggesting that its evolution mirrors broader shifts in literary and intellectual history. Ultimately, the article argues for the continued reassessment of literary movements as a means to uncover deeper cultural and ideological dynamics, offering new perspectives that enrich our understanding of both Romanticism and its enduring influence on modern literary discourse.

An allegory of Fama and Historia: rumor studies, collective memory, and semiotics

Abstract Compared with history, which is a compendium of statements of what happened in human past, rumors are a fleeting phenomenon that escapes scholarship from historiography. However, rumors, as the manifestation of local beliefs and the power relationships at the time, can expand the horizons of history by providing decentralized perspectives towards various events. The semiotic relationship between rumor and collective memory delves into respective cultures of social groups on both synchronic and diachronic planes. On the one hand, collective memory provides an integrated framework of rumor studies, which can be stratified by different layers, reaching different depths of the collective concern. On the other hand, it can contextualize rumors in the rich archive of cultural texts preceding rumor texts. In this regard, collective memory functions both as the corpus for rumor discourses to generate and as the context for such discourses to mesmerize the public by pre-selecting the audience as model readers, especially under a particular social concern. Moreover, these discourses can be sedimented for future recurrence of rumors of the same schema under certain social circumstances, which demonstrates the dynamics of culture as new rumor texts are generated out of the cultural context. Rumors, therefore, are framed in cultural history, which leads to further discussions on explosion as a cultural phenomenon.

From cairns to graves: funerary transformations in medieval sedentary communities in the Islamic Horn of Africa

ABSTRACT The funerary practices of a human group often tell us more about the living than about the dead. Analysing the funerary practices of a society is therefore key to understanding what dynamics marked not only death but also the life of a human group. The arrival of Islam in the Horn of Africa planted the seeds for a series of changes that would alter the social, religious and cultural dynamics of the region, especially during the period of its two main sultanates: Ifat and Barr Sa’ad ad-din or Adal (thirteenth to sixteenth centuries AD). These changes were reflected in material culture, introducing transformations and innovations, especially in architecture. This paper focuses on analysing medieval funerary structures and practices, describing their main modifications relative to previous periods and relating them to the process of Islamisation that the region underwent in medieval times. In addition, it proposes a typology for the new burial forms that appeared in the region during this period. This typology will be used by the StateHorn Project to study and document the necropolises associated with medieval urban sites in Somaliland, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Case Study of Cultural Activity at 10 No. Market, Bhopal An Exploration of its Significance, Dynamics, and Impact

10 No. Market in Bhopal is not only a commercial hub but also a centre for cultural activities. This research paper aims to study the cultural dynamics, scope, and impact of events hosted in this market. By employing a systematic approach—fieldwork, interviews, and secondary research—the paper provides an in-depth understanding of how cultural activities shape the market's identity, foster community bonding, and promote local heritage. Key Words: Proposals, Footfall, technologically advance, youth centric.

Insights into language management in the health sector: Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa

This article explores language management issues in South Africa’s multilingual context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the critical role of language as both an enabler of and impediment to access to health care is important for health care systems and governments that are characterised by linguistically and culturally diverse populations as in South Africa. A significant concern during the pandemic was the inadequate use of indigenous African languages for disseminating crucial health care information. During this period, English was predominantly used for health care communication. For example, the president’s addresses to the nation and the Corona Virus Command Council announcements were done in English, thus disadvantaging most African language speakers who may not be fully proficient in English. This happened even though African languages are spoken by over 80% of the South African population. The article draws from the language management approach to argue that the sociolinguistic and cultural dynamics that affect language use in the health sector should be addressed through effective macro- and micro-level language management to achieve language management goals. In conclusion, although the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, it presented an essential opportunity for transformative and adaptive changes, offering valuable insights into language management in the health sector.

For the Purpose of Instruction and Diversion: The Library at the South Dakota State Penitentiary

ABSTRACT The library at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls played an important role within the institution’s history and can serve as a lens into wider cultural dynamics. This article examines the development of the library and how its use reflected societal perceptions of reading. In connection to the library, it explores the introduction and influence of entertainment and educational programs at the penitentiary. Many historical insights about reading at the penitentiary come from the inmates who oversaw the library. Notably, the study discloses the committed efforts of these library caretakers in advocating for the transformative power of reading. While it would be ideal to have direct accounts reflecting a range of voices from the broader prison community, including those with limited reading experience or from diverse cultural backgrounds, library records show that reading participation was widespread among the incarcerated population, leaving a significant imprint on prison life.

Conceptualising space in doctoral education: a meta-ethnographic analysis of research spaces and their impact

ABSTRACT Despite evidence suggesting that campus space plays a role in shaping the experiences of doctoral researchers (DRs), space as a concept is typically overlooked in the literature. This oversight is particularly significant given Higher Education’s (HE’s) evolving spatial landscape post-pandemic, where increasing digitisation and hybrid work have altered how DRs engage with their research. This meta-ethnography synthesises qualitative research to explore space in doctoral education, resulting in an overarching higher-order concept: ‘Research spaces are environments where social, cultural and environmental dynamics interact with academic identity and well-being, negotiated through social and spatial mechanisms’. A new conceptual spatial model is presented, underscoring the relationship between the social, cultural, and environmental factors that impact DR’s well-being and academic identity and how these are negotiated through social and spatial mechanisms.

Supporting social justice through equity-based actions for a sustainable future in animal genetics (at the 39th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference).

The 39th International Society for Animal Genetics conference (ISAG) was held for the first time in Africa under the theme 'Animal genetics for a sustainable future' in 2023. The conference convened scientists, policy makers, industry professionals, and students from interdisciplinary fields to share and discuss the latest developments in the space of animal genetics. Since its inception as a society, ISAG has sought to provide a platform advocating for a just and equitable future in animal genetics. At the 39th ISAG conference, this commitment towards furthering inclusion in animal genetic science was progressed with two new offerings to attendees. The first session guided discussions on the political, ethical, legal, socioeconomic, and cultural dynamics that present barriers to participating in and benefitting from the genomic and genetic science fraternity. This session also included principles of social justice, specifically equity, diversity, and inclusion, towards enacting fairness in an unfair world, and focused on constraints related to sustainability in animal genetics. The second session used the important tradition of storytelling to transfer knowledge and wisdom from experienced scientists to upcoming researchers. Experienced scientists shared lived experiences on educational and career paths, challenges, and opportunities, providing networking and opportunities for further mentoring. Here, we report on these equity-based actions and their relevance to address the urgent continent-specific and global disparities in animal genetics to move towards a sustainable future.

"Navigating the lived efficacies of Chagas treatment".

Drawing on an ethnographic study of Chagas treatment among migrant domestic workers in Catalonia, conducted between January 2014 and May 2016, and utilizing the concepts of "lay care" and "living labyrinths," this paper explores how the efficacy of parasiticide treatments is experienced within relational and contextually situated frameworks. While pharmaceutical efficacy is often characterized by temporary and uncertain outcomes, the results indicate that lived efficacy is shaped by a complex interplay of embodied sociocultural, political, and historical processes, being continually negotiated and redefined within a broader context of global health values, biomedical technologies, migratory experiences and ethnicity, patient-doctor relationships, personal identities, daily demands, and care practices. The findings emphasize the reflexive management of the condition by those affected and highlight the role of pharmaceuticals as active agents that shape social and cultural dynamics, with significant impacts on social life and healthcare. By examining lived efficacy, the study suggests that limited access to healthcare services is not the sole process preventing treatment for Chagas, providing deeper insights into the logics behind actions related to Chagas pharmaceutical treatments. Incorporating "lay care" practices and perspectives into the therapeutic negotiation process not only acknowledges the complex "living labyrinths" navigated by social groups but also offers a foundation for reflecting on and reimagining alternative forms of care, recognizing their role in social and cultural reproduction.

Cultural and Psychological Dynamics in School Leadership: The Moderating Role of Trust in the Relationship Between Teachers' Cultural Values and Their Expectations for Paternalistic Leadership

ABSTRACTAlthough a growing body of theoretical work indicated that the cultural orientation of societies shapes their understanding of leadership, there is a lack of empirical research to explore how individual cultural value orientations shape teachers' expectations for school leadership. This empirical research addresses this gap by examining the relationship between teachers' cultural value tendencies and their expectations for principals' paternalistic leadership behaviours, considering the moderating role of trust in the principal. This study analysed data collected from 738 teachers in Türkiye, employing a moderated structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The results indicate that teachers' cultural value orientations are significantly related to their paternalistic leadership expectations, meaning that teachers who indicate that they are more collectivist, feminine, short‐term orientated, avoidant of uncertainty, and open to power distance tend to expect their principals to exert stronger paternalistic leadership practices. Additionally, we found a significant moderating role of teachers' trust in the principal, suggesting that higher trust levels strengthen the relationship between cultural values and paternalistic leadership expectations. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural and psychological dynamics in schools, especially concerning the role of individual cultural value dispositions and trust influencing the extent to which teachers desire their principals to demonstrate paternalist leadership behaviours.

Redefinition of Japanese Culture and Structure of Feelings in Kubo and the Two Strings

This research aims to reveal how Japanese culture is being redefined as a dynamic social process. The social dynamic processes involve emotional experiences that are formed from individual perspectives into collective feelings. It views culture as something that continues to develop along with social changes and the collective feelings felt by society. These ideas are represented in the film Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). This research uses a qualitative approach to Marxist literary criticism. The film Kubo and the Two Strings is not only as entertainment but also as a representative of deep social criticism of social movements regarding power dynamics and cultural identity. This study contributes to the field of Marxist studies by highlighting cultural dynamics and how the structure of feelings works in society to create newness without abandoning conventional traditions to achieve balance. In addition, it provides insights for future research and encourages broader exploration of increasingly diverse cultural dynamic contexts which influences the interpretation of defining culture itself. The results of this research prove that Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) represent a redefinition of Japanese culture in terms of the 3 main aspects dominant, residual, and emergent. Supported by the structure of feelings that were felt by Kubo. These findings are a powerful example of how art can serve as a tool to examine changes in culture.

Health promotion and tobacco control: a transatlantic perspective between Brazil and Portugal

Health promotion, a concept based on the Ottawa Charter, recognizes that health is influenced by economic, social and environmental factors, as well as individual practices. The fight against smoking is one of the most challenging fronts in this context, given its direct relationship with the global burden of chronic diseases and preventable deaths. The articulation of public policies that involve multiple sectors and civil society has proved fundamental in dealing with this problem. In both Brazil and Portugal, health promotion plays a crucial role in integrating tobacco prevention and control actions, reflecting the guidelines of Canada's Population Health Promotion Model. This Canadian model highlights the intersection between health, public policies and community action, emphasizing the need for healthy environments and structural interventions that shape behaviour. The influence of this paradigm is evident in global policies, including those adopted in Brazil and Portugal. It offers a theoretical framework that guides governments to create evidence-based strategies that are sensitive to cultural and social particularities. In Brazil, the National Health Promotion Policy (Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde, PNPS) translates these principles into concrete actions, whereas in Portugal, the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking reflects a progressive normative approach, especially in relation to tobacco consumption and electronic devices. Brazil and Portugal have different histories and cultural dynamics, but they share similar challenges in tackling smoking. In Brazil, robust policies have contributed to a significant reduction in the prevalence of adult smokers, from 34.8% in 1989 to 12.6% in 2019(1). These achievements are the result of educational campaigns, tax increases and the creation of smoke-free environments. In Portugal, legislative efforts, such as the Tobacco Law (Law No. 37/2007), have significantly limited smoking in public places and restricted advertising, but the country still faces worrying rates, with 17% of the population identified as smokers in 2019(2). [...]

P-330. Beneath the PPE: Perspectives on Infection Prevention from Emergency Department Healthcare Personnel

Abstract Background Adhering to best practices in infection prevention and control (IPC) can be challenging in emergency departments (EDs) due to high patient volumes, high acuity of illness, and limited initial information about patients’ history, among other factors. Understanding ED healthcare personnel’s (HCP) perceptions is important for improving IPC practices in this environment.Table 1.Demographics of interviewees. Methods Between August 2023 and November 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews focused on IPC with HCP working in emergency departments across the United States. EDs were selected for inclusion via convenience sampling from a larger group of EDs selected for representative geographic, volume, and practice type variety. Our study solicited voluntary participation from staff in these EDs via their ED leaders. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, and subsequently coded across 19 themes by two independent raters. Each theme as sorted as either a facilitator or barrier to following recommended IPC practices in the ED. We then used content analysis to quantify the frequency of the identified themes, and stratified responses by role group.Table 2.All identified codes and frequencies in interviews. Codes identified in all interviews, sorted into promoters and barriers. Higher percentage is indicative of more mentions of each code across all interviews. Note: IPC = infection prevention and control; HH = hand hygiene; PPE = personal protective equipment. Results We conducted 25 interviews across four role groups (Table 1). Key barriers identified in the interviews included constraints related to time (25/25, 100%), attention (23/25, 92%), environment of care (23/25, 92%), and personal perceptions (23/25, 92%), while top promoters included IPC culture (24/25, 96%) and interpersonal dynamics (23/25, 92%) (Table 2). Stratified analyses indicated that there were variations among roles, with environmental staff emphasizing the importance of training, and nurses highlighting policies both as a promoter and barrier (Table 3).Table 3.Top codes stratified by role. Higher percentage is indicative of more mentions of each code across each group. Codes are stratified by healthcare personnel’s role (with transport and environmental services staff pooled to support staff) and promoter/barrier categorization. Note: IPC = infection prevention and control. Conclusion The main barriers to effective IPC measures perceived by ED staff are limited time and other demands on their attention in the ED environment. A strong culture promoting IPC and cohesive team dynamics were the primary IPC facilitators, suggesting potential targets for future interventions. Future research should explore interpersonal relationships further by conducting comparative studies across different types of hospital emergency departments, and longitudinally while testing strategies to improve IPC adherence. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Perspectives of health workers on the facilitators and barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence following intensive adherence counseling in Northern Uganda

BackgroundIn some contexts, people living with HIV (PLWH) who are virally non-suppressed and participating in an intensive adherence counseling (IAC) program have demonstrated non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) even after IAC. There is limited literature on the facilitators and barriers to ART adherence following IAC.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare workers (HCWs) on the facilitators and barriers to ART adherence following IAC among PLWH in Northern Uganda.MethodsThis was a descriptive qualitative study conducted among HCWs at the ART clinics of the two highest-volume public health facilities in Lira District. We purposively sampled 15 study participants and conducted face-to-face in-depth interviews using an interview guide formulated based on the components of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation framework for Behavior change (COM-B framework). Thematic analysis was used based on the COM-B framework. In this study, the desired behavior was ART adherence following IAC. Factors that were perceived to positively affect any component of the COM-B framework were classified as facilitators and those that were perceived to negatively affect were classified as barriers.ResultsThe majority of the participants were females (53%), diploma holders (40%), and nurses (40%). The perceived facilitators and barriers to ART adherence following IAC emerged as six key themes under the subdivisions of the three domains of the COM-B framework: cognitive and emotional processes, physical and practical skills, accessibility and material resources, social relationships and cultural dynamics, cognitive beliefs and aspirations, and finally, emotional and subconscious drivers. These themes were identified as either facilitators or barriers to ART adherence following IAC depending on the lenses of interpretation.ConclusionsThis study offers a multidimensional insight into the facilitators and barriers to ART adherence following IAC and how the behavior influencing ART adherence can be optimized. The results suggest that optimizing cognitive and emotional processes, physical and practical skills, accessibility and material resources, social relationships and cultural dynamics, cognitive beliefs and aspirations, and emotional and subconscious drivers during IAC and any ART adherence-related intervention could yield the best level of ART adherence among the PLWH who are virally non-suppressed and on ART.

Exploring family dynamics in living funerals: Rituals to relationships

AbstractThis study aims to analyse how internal family relationships and dynamics are manifested during funeral ceremonies in Chinese society. As an emerging farewell practice, living funerals in Chinese societies depart from traditional death rituals, challenging established funeral paradigms and providing a platform to scrutinise the inner family dynamic and experiences. The study utilises a multidimensional data collection approach, including interviews with the living funeral holders and attending family members, detailed field notes during the living funeral and whole video recordings of the event. Employing narrative analysis, it delves into the family's life experiences as narrated during the funeral, providing insight into the emotional and relational shifts that occur. The findings suggest that while living funerals allow for exploring family roles and emotional landscapes, they also highlight the complex interplay of cultural practices and familial relationships. The study contributes to understanding how traditional taboos around death may be navigated through contemporary practices. Findings underscore the profound exploration of living funerals on family dynamics within Chinese culture. The practice provides a vital lens for examining the interconnectedness and emotional underpinnings of family relationships. Participation engages families in a process of navigating collective and individual histories, aiding reconciliation and affirming familial identities. Research highlights how living funerals powerfully express love, regrets and unspoken words, fostering deeper understanding and continuing bonds before death. Living funerals represent a meaningful contemporary practice, challenging traditional death taboos and offering therapeutic benefits for family therapy and end‐of‐life care. The paper contributes to the literature by addressing a crucial gap regarding living funerals within Chinese culture and expanding family perspectives on death. By examining how these ceremonies influence familial interactions, the study offers new insights into emotional and cultural dynamics, enhancing understanding of the practice and broader death‐related family issues.

Communication Preferences in Pediatric Palliative Care: Insights From Caregivers and Specialists-A Central-Eastern European Perspective.

Effective communication is crucial in pediatric palliative care and is essential to facilitate shared decision making between families and the health care team. This study explored the communication preferences of caregivers and health care specialists in Central-Eastern Europe, a region with unique cultural and health care dynamics. Through qualitative interviews, key communication style preferences and barriers were identified. The results affirm that caregivers need thorough information about their child's illness, symptoms, therapeutic options, and care plans. Pediatric palliative care specialists must deliver this information competently and compassionately. Both caregivers and specialists showed common preferences for clear, timely, and empathetic communication. However, specialists faced challenges in finding time within institutional frameworks to meet these communication needs effectively. These findings highlight the need for pediatric palliative care policies and practices that enable specialists to engage in meaningful, culturally sensitive communication, aligning with caregiver preferences while navigating health care system constraints to enhance caregiver satisfaction and improve patient outcomes.

In silico modelling of organ-on-a-chip devices: an overview

An organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) is a microscale device designed to mimic the functions and complexity of in vivo human physiology. Different from traditional culture systems, OOACs are capable of replicating the biochemical microenvironment, tissue-tissue interactions, and mechanical dynamics of organs thanks to the precise control offered by microfluidic technology. Diverse OOAC devices specific to different organs have been proposed for experimental research and applications such as disease modelling, personalized medicine and drug screening. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mathematical modelling of OOAC can facilitate the optimization of chips’ microenvironments, serving as an essential tool to design and improve microdevices which allow reproducible growth of cell culture, reducing the time and cost of experimental testing. Here, we review recent modelling approaches for various OOAC devices, categorized according to the type of organs. We discuss the opportunities for integrating multiphysics with multicellular computational models to better characterize and predict cell culture dynamics. Additionally, we explore how developing more detailed OOAC models would support a more rapid and effective development of microdevices, and the design of robust protocols to grow and control cell cultures.

The Urgency of Ammending Jinayat Qanun in Eradicating Cyber Sexual Crime in Aceh, Indonesia

As a special province in Indonesia with the jurisdiction to enforce Islamic law, Aceh has enacted Jinayat Qanun to regulate criminal actions. However, incidents of sexual offenses in cyberspace remain unregulated. This article seeks to elucidate the necessity for amendments to the Jinayat Qanun, particularly for instances of sexual offenses in cyberspace. It employs empirical research methodologies assessed via a legislative framework utilizing system theory. Data was gathered through meticulous literature review and extensive interviews. This study reveals that online prostitution has emerged as a global concern, reflecting the adverse effects of contemporary advancements. In Aceh, the currently enacted Jinayat Qanun is perceived as necessitating ammandments. These modifications are tailored to the evolving conditions of society. According to system theory, Jinayat Qanun substantially addresses the issue of online prostitution implicitly. However, obstacles persist within the legal framework and cultural context. Indonesia's legal structure and cultural dynamics, particularly in Aceh, pose significant challenges, underscoring the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, ulama, and community leaders.

How institutional and cultural dynamics converge to create paradoxical experiences for academic dance leaders in the United States

ABSTRACT Along with issues of leadership in the academy at large and as related to US-American politics, such as academic freedom and the corporatization of the American university, particularities of academic dance provide a nuanced view of dance leadership in US postsecondary institutions. A dominant culture of overwork, lack of awareness and respect of the dance discipline, and gender and racial biases contribute to the difficulties academic dance leaders face. Nevertheless, the appeal of effecting change that positively impacts students and colleagues, the ability to influence new curricula and programs, and the potential of amplifying and improving the dance field at large influence leaders to continue in these paradoxical yet critical roles. In this article, we report on a qualitative study, which unpacks survey responses from 29 participants working as dance leaders in US colleges and universities. We highlight their shared experiences as leaders and analyze those experiences alongside scholarly voices contributing to the topics of leadership and dance leadership in the US postsecondary sector. We also suggest ways that leadership in postsecondary dance could be transformed for greater inclusivity and equity and to appeal to a wider variety of professionals.