Cultural Environment Research Articles

Resonet Vox Fidelis: Scribal Colophons and Ecclesiastical Reform in Medieval Iberia

ABSTRACT A remarkable number of early medieval manuscripts produced in the Iberian Peninsula preserve scribal colophons recounting the circumstances of their production and naming their makers. Because of their highly unusual level of detail, these statements offer invaluable evidence to understand the individuals and communities who produced them, as well as the broader religious and cultural environment in which they originated. Focusing on the corpora of the Beatus manuscripts and Iberian Latin Bibles, this article considers patterns of colophon use amongst Christian monastic communities in the north-central and western regions of Iberia between the tenth and the mid-thirteenth century. This article argues that significant changes to colophon composition and use coincide with, and were related to, wider ecclesiastical reform and political transformations in the Peninsula in the late eleventh century, which promoted the abandonment of native ecclesiastical practices and critical shifts in monastic culture.

“Architectural Acupuncture” in Urban Morphology Studies

“Architectural Acupuncture” in Urban Morphology Studies

Experiences of older adults leisure-time physical activity in aquatic and leisure facilities

ABSTRACT For older adults, being physically active is positively associated with various health benefits. Despite the positive benefits of leisure-time physical activity, most older adults within Australia do not participate in physical activity at a level to generate health benefits. Aquatic and leisure facilities are important infrastructure for supporting leisure-time physical activity with local governments in Australia investing significant public funds into their development and re-development. Little is currently known regarding the experiences of older adults in these facilities. Guided by a socio-ecological approach and drawing on a qualitative methodology, this study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults (n = 20, M = 73 years of age) using aquatic and leisure facilities to better understand how this setting might be more effectively utilized to support older adult leisure-time physical activity. Multilayered analysis revealed that the social cultural environment including social networks and the behaviour setting including location and having multiple leisure-time physical activity options, assisted in supporting participation. While social norms in the perceived environment detracted from older adult’s experience. Among other recommendations, aquatic and leisure facilities could consider implementing a comprehensive word of mouth strategy into the marketing framework and generate awareness of the broad social opportunities available.

Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Care for Historically Marginalized Communities Affected by Parkinson Disease: A Qualitative Study.

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Members of the Black Diaspora (MBD) and Hispanic/Latinx people are less likely to receive a timely diagnosis following the onset of symptoms and more likely to experience greater disease severity due to late diagnosis. Historically marginalized populations (i.e., MBD, Hispanic, and Latinx communities) are not accurately represented in research; this, along with many other barriers, compounds underreporting and lack of recognition of PD. It is important to understand barriers to early diagnosis and healthcare access for these historically marginalized populations from the community's perspective. Our team conducted two focus groups to identify barriers and facilitators to PD healthcare-seeking behavior. We sought to identify which barriers are modifiable to ultimately improve engagement in neurological care for MBD and Hispanic individuals affected by PD. We enrolled 15 participants (13 female; African/African American/Black n = 10, Hispanic/Puerto Rican n = 3, other n = 2) for two focus groups. Discussions revealed sources of barriers to healthcare-seeking behavior in three main domains: legacy of racism in the United States, ancestral cultural environment, and healthcare system access. These sources influenced individuals' PD knowledge and familiarity. Additionally, participants expressed a desire to know more about PD and called for increased community-based programming for education and awareness. This paper uses a community-based participatory research approach to describe the experiences of MBD, Hispanic, and Latinx people in Manhattan and the surrounding areas in relation to possible sources of healthcare disparities and delayed PD diagnosis. These sources have broad implications and should be addressed through collaborative community programming.

Habitus and Cultural Capital in Higher Education: Chinese Students' Academic and Cultural Adaptation at UK Universities

This paper explores the challenges faced by Chinese students studying in UK universities, drawing on Bourdieu's theories of habitus, capital, and field. It highlights the difficulties encountered due to language and academic culture shocks. Despite these challenges, the paper argues that with agency and resourcefulness, Chinese students can successfully adapt to the academic and cultural environment. The paper concludes that educational institutions have a responsibility to support international students, enabling them to overcome these difficulties and achieve academic success. Future considerations should focus on enhancing cross-cultural understanding and support mechanisms to further facilitate the integration of international students.

Construction and Reflection on College Students' Aesthetic Education based on Cultural Confidence

Aesthetic education is an important content of moral education in colleges and universities. Scientific aesthetic education is an important way to improve students' humanistic accomplishment and comprehensive quality, and it is also a key link to cultivate outstanding talents. Integrating cultural self-confidence into aesthetic education in colleges and universities is conducive to giving full play to the educational function of China's excellent traditional culture, condensing the connotation of cultural education and enhancing the value function of aesthetic education. Colleges and universities should integrate and penetrate the concept of cultural self-confidence from the aspects of the construction of aesthetic education curriculum system, the organization of activities, the creation of aesthetic education atmosphere, and the evaluation mechanism of aesthetic education. Based on cultural self-confidence, colleges and universities should build a new ecology of aesthetic education for college students, balance aesthetic education and cultural education, make aesthetic education for college students deeply rooted in excellent cultural environment, strengthen their cultural self-confidence and comprehensively improve their quality level.

The Health Status of the Population of Sellye District, a Disadvantaged Micro-Region, in the Light of Sociodemographic Factors- Literature Review

Tackling health inequalities is a global goal also set by the WHO and is in the common interest of all societies. Keeping in mind the extremely close correlation between socio-economic status and health outcomes is of particular importance in planning health promotion and making health policy decisions. The research aimed at assessing the health status of the population of Sellye district, one of the most disadvantaged micro-regions according to available statistics, to examine the relationship between socio-economic status and health conditions, and to compare health status internationally with populations living in other disadvantaged regions. Research questions: How does the impact of sociodemographic factors on health prevail? Through what mechanisms does race/ethnicity affect health? Our present study is a literature review, the first stage of a comprehensive investigation, in which we examine the Hungarian and international literature. Health status is largely determined by sociodemographic characteristics, it is also influenced by the wider social, economic, political, and cultural environment. Health must always be considered in the context of the environment. Ethnicity is strongly connected to social class, but it can still be important in terms of social cohesion and the resources available to the Roma

Racist dogs and classist rats?

In cities across the world, animals reflect, reproduce and transform urban inequalities – yet their role in mediating social hierarchies remains undertheorized. Urban scholars have begun to highlight the importance of infrastructures and technologies in configuring access to essential goods and services. While this research provides key insights into how non-human entities mediate unequal relations, it has largely overlooked how certain animals – „political animals“ – also co-produce inequalities. This article focuses on two critical urban domains, security and public health, that are often characterized by stark inequalities, and takes the role of key animals within these domains – dogs and rats, respectively – as a new analytical entry-point. Security dogs are socialized to identify threatening individuals on the basis of classed and raced markers. Rats thrive in upscale neighborhoods with historical architecture and abundant green space – yet the public health risks and the stigma associated with these rodents may disproportionately affect low-income residents. Drawing on research on security dogs in Kingston, Jamaica and rats in Amsterdam, this talk discusses the role of animals in the formation of sociospatial boundaries, and the distribution of resources and risks across urban spaces and populations. Focusing on the interactions these two types of „political animals“ have with both humans and infrastructure, it sets out a research agenda for studying how animals’ everyday encounters with their cultural and material environments combine to result in (in-)equitable social outcomes.

Determinants of the optimal selection of vascular access devices: A systematic review underpinned by the COM-B behavioural model.

Optimal selection of vascular access devices is based on multiple factors and is the first strategy to reduce vascular access device-related complications. This process is dependent on behavioural and human factors. The COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) model was used as a theoretical framework to organize the findings of this systematic review. To synthesize the evidence on determinants shaping the optimal selection of vascular access devices, using the COM-B behavioural model as the theoretical framework. Systematic review of studies which explore decision-making at the time of selecting vascular access devices. The Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and EbscoHost databases were interrogated to extract manuscripts published up to 31 December 2021, in English or Spanish. Among 16 studies included in the review, 8/16 (50%) focused on physical capability, 8/16 (50%) psychological capability, 15/16 (94%) physical opportunity, 12/16 (75%) social opportunity, 1/16 (6%) reflective motivation and 0/16 (0%) automatic motivation. This distribution represents a large gap in terms of interpersonal and motivational influences and cultural and social environments. Specialist teams (teams created for the insertion or maintenance of vascular access devices) are core for the optimal selection of vascular access devices (75% physical capability, 62% psychological capability, 80% physical opportunity and 100% social opportunity). Specialist teams predominantly lead all actions undertaken towards the optimal selection of vascular access devices. These actions primarily centre on assessing opportunity and capability, often overlooking motivational influences and social environments. A more implementation-focused professional approach could decrease inequity among patients and complications associated with vascular access devices. Optimal selection of vascular access devices is the primary strategy in mitigating complications associated with these devices. There is a significant disparity between interpersonal and motivational influences and the cultural and social environments. Furthermore, specialized teams play a pivotal role in facilitating the optimal selection of vascular access devices. The study can benefit institutions concerned about vascular access devices and their complications. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Optimal selection of vascular devices remains a growing yet unresolved issue with costly clinical and patient experience impact. Interventions to improve the optimal selection of vascular devices have focused on training, education, algorithms and implementation of specialist vascular teams; alas, these approaches do not seem to have substantially addressed the problem. Specialist vascular teams should evolve and pivot towards leading the implementation of quality improvement interventions, optimizing resource use and enhancing their role.

Geographic information systems and big data analytics: optimizing digital adoption to develop tourism in Buton Islands, Indonesia

This research aims to optimize tourism potential in the Buton Islands, Indonesia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Big Data Analytics. The study addresses the low tourism potential in the region and constraints in tourism development, such as lack of information and data. Qualitative methods include document analysis, literature studies, and focus group discussions. Quantitative methods involve surveying respondents about the use of GIS and Big Data Analytics in tourism development. Data was collected from government documents, online news, and direct observation of tourist sites. The results emphasize the importance of IT and GIS in developing the tourism sector in the Buton Islands, particularly in Baubau City and South Buton Regency. GIS is crucial for identifying and managing tourism potential, while Big Data Analytics helps optimize development by analyzing visitation trends, tourist preferences, and consumer behavior patterns. The integration of these technologies can improve tourist experience and efficiency of tourism-related public services. By integrating GIS, Big Data Analytics, and Information Technology, local government and stakeholders can collaborate to create a superior tourism experience, support local economic growth, and ensure the sustainability of the natural and cultural environment in the Buton Islands.

Examining the Effect of Five-Factor Personality Traits on Cultural Intelligence

With the impact of globalization in the field of education as in every area, the tendency of individuals to prefer other countries and cultures for education has increased. Individuals who move to different cultural environments for educational purposes face different cultural challenges. In this regard, cultural intelligence (CI) emerges, which contributes to managing cultural differences in the best way, using them in the most appropriate way for the benefit of individuals and organizations, and exhibiting appropriate behaviors in different cultural environments. This study aims to determine the effect of five-factor personality traits (FFPT) on the cultural intelligence (CI) of international university students through an experimental research design. Further, the effect of five factor personality trait dimensions on cultural intelligence was examined. Valid responses were obtained from 585 international students continuing their education in different faculties and departments of Mardin Artuklu University. The data were analyzed with the structural equation modelling (SEM) AMOS package program. Result of the analysis, it was seen that FFPT have a positive and significant effect on CI. In addition, positive significant effects of the FFPT dimensions (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and neuroticism) on the dimensions of CI (cognitive, meta-cognitive, behavioral, and motivational) were observed.

Architectural research facing the challenges of the 21st century: Criticality, creativity and diversity

As we enter the 21st century, a new era of digital technologies is offering increasing possibilities, but at the same time, posing serious challenges to architectural research. Therefore, the recovery of a critical approach is more necessary than ever. This should encompass not only the critical evaluation of the aforementioned technologies, but also counteract models of thought associated with them, such as the standardization of languages or the hegemony of solutionism. Likewise, it is also necessary to reclaim imagination and brilliance as attributes of a seriously threatened freedom. Working on the challenges of our time must emphasize the ideation, development and definition of mental processes and structures, mechanisms that are still outside the scope of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Finally, it is still important to reassert that all architectural postulates should be understood in the cultural environment and physical surroundings in which they are produced, admitting their diversity and avoiding a Eurocentric view. Current environmental degradation can be understood as a symptom of a crisis of civilization, marked by a model of living that does not recognize the need to understand ourselves and our built environment in relation to nature.

Innovative Cultural Transmission Paths Analysis for Local Opera Based on Data Mining

With the rapid development of society and cultural diversity, local opera, as a representative of traditional art, faces dual challenges of inheritance and innovation. The inheritance of traditional Chinese opera often relies on oral instruction, but in modern society, this method is no longer suitable for the rapidly changing cultural environment. The purpose of this study is to explore in depth the innovative cultural dissemination path of local opera through data mining techniques. This paper uses data mining techniques to explore and analyze the inheritance of innovative culture in local opera, and to study the inheritance paths. This paper proposes a data mining-based method for analyzing and identifying the paths of inheritance of innovative culture in local opera. This paper focuses on two aspects of technology clustering and technology theme association, and the research paths are divided into flexible clustering based on data enhancement and technology evolution path identification based on theme extraction. Firstly, the heritage changes of dating tunes are discussed. Secondly, the unique artistic esthetics of the dating tune is compared with the artistic characteristics of Henan opera and the three-stringed book. Through the research and learning experience of the Dai Yongqu, it is easier to thoroughly understand the artistic essence and cultural connotation of the Dai Yongqu, and that exposure to the Dai Yongqu is a process of touching traditional culture. In the text clustering section, the data co-occurrence frequency matrix is constructed based on the results of multiple clustering, transforming the problem of determining the number of clusters into a co-occurrence frequency problem with semantic information of the text, thus achieving the purpose of flexible clustering on demand. In a comparison with existing methods, the text representation method using data-enhanced coding achieves better semantic coding results. The flexible clustering method can differentiate the data better than the clustering method with a defined number of clusters and obtains clustering results with high intra-class similarity and high inter-class differentiation.

The Interrelationship between Culture and Capital Structure: Evidence from International Retailers

The present study investigates the influence of cultural factors in 2022 on the capital structure of global retailers. There are sixteen retailers from eight countries in the sample. In recent times, numerous academicians have taken an interest in examining the capital structure and business model of retailers, owing to their swift and consistent growth. However, the fact that the majority of research originates from the retailers’ host country gives rise to debate regarding the applicability of the capital structure of said retailers to countries with distinct cultural environments. Consequently, academics have begun to investigate whether the capital structure of multinational retailers is impacted by the diversity of national cultures.

Indigenous Land-Based Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability: Learning from the Khasis Indigenous Community in Bangladesh

This research explores Indigenous land-based perspectives on environmental sustainability, centering on the Khasis Indigenous community in Bangladesh. With a critical connection to their land-based cultural heritage and environment, the Khasis community offers a distinctive perspective for examining environmental challenges. Emphasizing the traditional land-based knowledge and practices of the Khasis, as well as their insights on environmental challenges, this study employs a land-based theoretical framework. It sheds light on the adaptive strategies of Khasis Indigenous communities amidst shifting environmental conditions, illustrating how they integrate sustainable practices into daily life by drawing upon Indigenous land-based knowledge and practices to mitigate environmental risks. Additionally, the research scrutinizes the challenges faced by the Khasis in preserving their land-based knowledge, practices, and identity in the face of a global environmental crisis. The findings contribute to broader discussions on Indigenous land-based knowledge and practices and their significance in contemporary climate discourse. By amplifying the voices of the Khasis Indigenous community’s land-based knowledge and practices, this study advocates for the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives into climate policies and interventions. It underscores the necessity for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to environmental sustainability, one that acknowledges and respects the resilience of Indigenous communities like the Khasis in Bangladesh.

A Review of Cross Cultural Studies on World Fandom Culture in the Context of World Cultural Diversity: Taking China and the United States as Examples

While the world economy is developing rapidly, the way of information media is becoming more and more diversified, and under the multiple effects of politics, economy and culture, a new group has gradually arisen fandom. In China, fandom originates from celebrities' fan circles, a group formed spontaneously by fans for their Idol (the celebrities favored by the fan groups). This group communicates with each other on the Internet, and in reality, and helps celebrities to promote themselves, beat the charts, and vote for the celebrities. In the process of development, the radicalization of these groups and the social influence they produce cannot be underestimated. In recent years, fandom culture has been expanding and developing, and the degree of wrong value guidance and negative social influence caused by fandom culture has also been expanding. Fandom culture is a topic that has been researched extensively in China. However, it is essential to note that fandom culture is not limited to China alone. It is a global phenomenon that has influenced the cultures of various countries. The impact of fandom culture is not only limited to its sphere but can also be seen in the broader cultural environment. Therefore, cross-cultural research on fandom culture is essential to understand its influence on different cultural environments. This paper will combine the existing research results to analyze and propose the future development trend of fandom culture as a new cut, in order to provide useful reference and guidance for the benign development of fandom culture in China in the future.

An application of Computational Intelligence in group formation for digital drama education

AbstractUnveiling the intersection of technology and art, this research aims to explore the vital role of Computational Intelligence (CI) techniques in shaping digital theater performances within virtual worlds by managing student populations engaged in these productions. The realm of digital theater offers opportunities for creative expression and collaboration. This necessitates the integration of Computational Intelligence (CI) to establish cohesive teams in digital theater. By doing so, effective collaboration is promoted, and creativity is dynamically enhanced in virtual cultural environments and digital worlds. Central to this study is the use of a CI algorithm called Flying Fox Optimizer, designed to form homogeneous student groups, and optimize theater dynamics. The algorithm utilizes fuzzy logic, eliminating the requirement for fine-tuning by the user. The results reveal that through this mechanism, theater educators of the future can effortlessly create student groups that foster seamless collaboration in virtual theater education.

A Systematic Analysis on the Integration of Marxist Religious Thought into Ideological and Political Curriculum Teaching Content

The systematical integration of Marxist religious thought into IPC teaching content can counter the challenges posed by capitalist core values and enhance students' ideological and political literacy. The system elements and target of this integration is explored, highlighting the importance of treating religion in a materialist dialectical manner and focusing on personal identity, educational goals, and social relations. Discussed systematically is the boundaries and environment of integrating Marxist religious thought into IPC teaching content, emphasizing the need to analyze the specific situation and cultural environment. It suggests that the integration should be carried out in the context of religious sinicization and the sinicization of Marxism, and should help students criticize religion and establish scientific beliefs.

Proposals to improve the law on securities brokerage activities in Vietnam

Securities brokerage activity in Vietnam is one of the conditional business activities. Besides providing stock trading services for individuals and organizations who want to buy or sell securities on the exchange, securities brokerage activities are also connecting investors, helping to attract and circulate cash flow in the economy, improving the investment and business cultural environment and promoting new product development. Currently, the law on securities brokerage activities is relatively complete in terms of the legal framework, however, no matter how the law is strict, it cannot cover all cases. In the scope of this article, the author will gain an overview of the securities brokerage activities in Vietnam. Through analytical research and synthetic methods based on current legal regulations including laws, decrees and circulars, the article will evaluate the remaining shortcomings in the legal regulations of the securities brokerage profession, thereby, giving some recommendations and solutions to supplement and improve the legal regulations related to securities brokerage activities in Vietnam.

Cultural Intelligence and Ethnocultural Empathy Among Psychology Students in Serbia: Insights and Perspectives

Cultural intelligence is of great importance for effective communication between members of different cultures, but also for the possibility of better adaptation to other cultural environments. Ethnocultural empathy is necessary to better understand the emotions and needs of members of other cultures. Ethnocultural empathy also involves the understanding and effectively communicating with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This study aimed to assess the intercultural competencies of psychology students in terms of cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy. The Cultural Intelligence Scale, with 20 items, and the Ethnocultural Empathy Scale, with 30 items, was used for data collection. As such, participants completed questionnaires that included basic socio-demographic questions and questions corresponding to each item on the scale. The questionnaires were completed in both online and printed form. The sample included 100 psychology students from various universities in Serbia. A detailed statistical analysis was conducted in order to detect all results elements of importance. A significant correlation was detected between cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy. Dimensions of cultural intelligence through which the correlation was manifested were shown to be metacognitive and motivational one. Determination of cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy by intercultural competencies were examined. The study demonstrates that proficiency in communicating in other languages is the primary factor predicting both ethnocultural empathy and the influence of exposure to different cultures. The effect of experiencing other cultures on ethnocultural empathy may be partially influenced by one's ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages. This study offered a fresh perspective on a previously researched topic, considering the impact of changing contexts and social structures on its outcomes. It provided insights into how these changes have influenced the subject on a global scale. Practical changes in educational approaches indicated by this study results are needed to help psychology students become more culturally aware and empathetic, which impacts overall cultural diversity development.