Cultural Experiences Research Articles

A - 75 Clarifying the Complex: International Adoptees as Exemplars of Culturally-Informed Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract Objective School-age international adoptees are underrepresented in the literature despite their unique cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences. The lack of representative norms paired with reduced cultural exposure in the United States requires special consideration from the neuropsychologist. This case report of an internationally adopted child with cerebral palsy illuminates the varying responsiveness of measures to changing levels of acculturation, language acquisition, and educational intervention. Method Patient was adopted at age 10 from China. He experienced lifelong institutionalization and limited formal education; he was illiterate at time of adoption. Brain MRI was consistent with his diagnosis of diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level I). Beginning approximately one year after adoption, he underwent three neuropsychological evaluations over five years. Testing accommodations to support language, behavior, and executive functioning were provided across evaluations. Results Patient’s initial neuropsychological evaluation demonstrated below age expectation performance across nearly all domains of cognitive functioning. Subsequent evaluations evidenced notable improvements across language, memory, mood, behavior, and adaptive functioning, with many areas revealing age appropriate abilities. Improvements across domains commonly affected by cerebral palsy were more limited, and academics were a longstanding, refractory area of difficulty. Conclusions Traditional administration and interpretation of neuropsychological measures can have difficulty characterizing the cognitive skills of medically involved, international adoptees. Thoughtful measure selection, administration, and interpretation are needed to differentiate underlying ability from performance. Interpreting assessment data can be challenging due to dynamic levels of language acquisition, academic proficiency, and acculturation. Rate of skill acquisition/development across multiple evaluations may be a better indicator of underlying ability than normative comparisons.

Fatherhood and men’s participation in antenatal care in rural sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionMen’s participation is imperative for improving antenatal care (ANC) access and mother and child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Research looking at improving men’s participation in ANC often focuses...

The influence of clan culture on the accounting information quality: evidence from privately listed firms in China

ABSTRACT Based on a sample of privately listed firms in China from 2007 to 2020, this study examines the impact of clan culture on accounting information quality. The results indicate that regions with stronger clan culture significantly improve the quality of accounting information. This study also investigates two potential channels: the trust channel and the moral standards channel, revealing that clan culture fosters trust and ethical norms, effectively reducing earnings management and enhancing accounting information quality. Additionally, the findings show that firms with stronger clan cohesion and greater prevalence of clan culture experience more substantial improvements in accounting information quality, while external cultural shocks diminish this effect. These findings enhance our understanding of how informal institutions influence the financial performance of publicly listed firms and emphasize the importance of preserving native culture in a globalized world.

Inclusive assessment in health professions education: Balancing global goals and local contexts.

In this article, we draw upon diverse and contextually different experiences of working on inclusive assessment, with the aim of bridging and enhancing practices of inclusive assessments for health professions education (HPE) within universities. Instead of juxtaposing our views from three countries, we combine our perspectives to advocate for inclusive assessment. Creating an inclusive assessment culture is important for equitable education, even if priorities for inclusion might differ between contexts. We recognise challenges in the enactment of inclusive assessment, namely, the notion of lowering standards, harming reliability and robustness of assessment design and inclusion as a poorly defined and catchall term. Importantly, the lack of awareness that inclusion means recognising intersectionality is a barrier for well-designed inclusive assessments. This is why we offer considerations for HPE practitioners that can guide towards a unified direction of travel for inclusive assessments. This article highlights the importance of contextual prioritisation and initiatives to be considered at the global level to national, institutional, programme and the individual level. Utilising experience and literature from undergraduate, higher education contexts, we offer considerations with applicability across the assessment continuum. In this state of science paper, we were set the challenge of providing cross-cultural viewpoints on inclusive assessment. In this discursive article, we focus on inclusive assessment within undergraduate health professions education whilst looking to the wider higher education literature, since institutional policies and procedures frequently drive assessment decisions and influence the environment in which they occur. We explore our experiences of working in inclusive assessment, with the aim of bridging and enhancing practices of inclusive assessments for HPE. Unlike other articles that juxtapose views, we all come from the perspective of supporting inclusive assessment. We begin with a discussion on what inclusive assessment is and then describe our contexts as a basis for understanding differences and broadening conversations. We work in the United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia, having undertaken research, facilitated workshops and seminars on inclusive assessment nationally and internationally. We recognise our perspectives will differ as a consequence of our global context, institutional culture, individual characteristics and educational experiences. (Note that individual characteristics are also known as protected characteristics in some countries). Then, we outline challenges and opportunities associated with inclusive assessment, drawing on evidence within our contexts, acknowledging that our understanding of inclusive assessment research is limited to publications in English and currently tilted to publications from the Global North. In the final section, we then offer recommendations for championing inclusion, focussing firstly on assessment designs, and then broader considerations to organise collective action. Our article is unapologetically practical; the deliberate divergence from a theoretical piece is with the intent that anyone who reads this paper might enact even one small change progressing towards more inclusive assessment practices within their context.

Will the decrease in food availability affect food tourism? A historical and contemporary perspective: horizon 2050 article

Purpose This study aims to discuss the possible consequences of food crises caused by unsustainable food production and distribution, as well as how the rapid depletion of food resources may affect human life, destinations and the food tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach To address the lack of research examining the impact of sustainability issues and food crises on food tourism, this study conducted a critical review of the literature and reports related to agriculture, food production and sustainability. Findings Global conflicts, climate change and supply disruptions result in the reduction of food availability and quality. The high price of food and energy in such circumstances will further exacerbate poverty and delay destination development, which will negatively impact food tourism's economic sustainability. Furthermore, local businesses will be limited in their ability to offer a variety of culinary experiences, which will negatively impact the overall experience of food tourism. In this context, there is a pressing need to investigate the experiential aspects of food tourism as well as today's challenges relating to food crises at multiple levels, sustainable approaches, food quality and food services. Research limitations/implications The United Nations, FAO, WHO, UNICEF and other regional and international organizations refer to unsustainable practices and food crises on a variety of levels. Several sectors, including the food tourism industry, are predicted to be negatively affected by the current situation. However, governments have not adopted an emergency code to address this issue, except in some regions experiencing extreme inflation and food shortages. Besides promoting sustainable practices, responding to global crises and enhancing culinary and cultural tourism experiences, food crisis management and sustainability efforts can have a significant impact on future research, practical applications and societal outcomes. Originality/value As one of the first studies conducted in this field, this study examines the effects of declines in food production and issues in the supply chain on the food tourism industry.

Unravelling the Nexus: Exploring the Impact of Corruption and Personality Traits Among Public Servants in Putrajaya on Malaysian Governance

Objective: With an emphasis on governance and the effects of organizational culture, ethical education, and work experience, the study explores the connection between personality qualities and corruption among public workers in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The inspiration behind this study stems from the pervasive and ongoing problem of corruption among Malaysian public servants, in the Putrajaya. The study investigates the intricate relationship between personality traits and organizational dynamics, focusing on their impact on corruption and governance. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing corruption in the public sector, crucial for developing effective anti-corruption strategies. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between personality traits, ethical education, organizational culture, work experience, and corruption among public servants in Putrajaya. The study utilized a quantitative methodology, using online surveys via Google Forms, with 230 respondents completing usable questionnaires. This study employed random sampling methods to select participants and applied statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 26. The study reveals that personality traits, ethical education, and organizational culture significantly influence corruption among public servants. It highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance governance and reduce corruption. The findings underscore the importance of ethics education and the unexpected positive correlation between corruption and governance. These insights have the potential to inform the development of tailored public administration policies that consider individual differences and prioritize ethical competence to enhance governance and combat corruption effectively. Based on the findings, the study suggests enhancing ethical education and revising organizational policies to effectively combat corruption, which could significantly impact policymaking by prioritizing ethical integrity for improved governance and reduced corruption in public service.

Global influencers’ content creation strategies: Negotiating with platform affordances to practice vernacular creativity

We examine how globally oriented-influencers from India utilize specific strategies of content creation to negotiate with the dominant logic of platform affordances to engage with global audiences. It involves individual negotiations by the influencers with the platform affordances in creating content that foregrounds their cultural realities and aspirations while remaining relevant to global audiences. We do so by deploying the critical technocultural discourse analysis (CTDA) framework to understand influencers’ strategic choices and discursive practices as they interact and negotiate with the platform affordances. Our analysis shows two processes that help the influencers communicate their content to the global audience and sustain their local connections and followership: (1) Templatization: a process through which influencers from the global South attune themselves to the technological possibilities of the platform and utilize its features to produce content with a set of replicable patterns, formats, and practices; and (2) Cultural brokering: a negotiation strategy which allows the influencers to foreground and express their quotidian lived realities and cultural experiences in an increasingly globalized digital environment.

Multiplier Effect Wisata Halal Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Pandaan dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat di Kabupaten Pasuruan

This research aims to analyze and understand the role, potential, and multiplier effects of halal tourism at Masjid Cheng Hoo in Pandaan towards enhancing the welfare of the community in Pasuruan Regency. The research methodology employed is qualitative, based on field research. The findings reveal that its historical and cultural value serves as a primary attraction for tourists seeking rich religious and cultural experiences. The potential of halal tourism around the mosque is evident in the increased tourist visits and the growth of the local tourism industry. Furthermore, the study indicates that the development of halal tourism around the mosque has a positive multiplier effect on the welfare of the community in Pasuruan Regency. The growth of the tourism industry creates new job opportunities and enhances household income, while contributing to the development of infrastructure and better public services. These findings underscore the significant economic and social benefits that the development of halal tourism at Masjid Cheng Hoo brings to the local community.

Traditionally used medicinal plants for human ailments and their threats in Guraferda District, Benchi-Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe field of traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices that are deeply rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. The research aimed to identify traditional medicinal plants used in Guraferda District and assess the threats they face.MethodA total of 96 individuals, 80 males and 16 females, were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical data. Statistical tests like independent t tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 to compare informant groups.ResultThe study found 81 medicinal plant species in the district from 71 genera and 38 families, with Asteraceae and Solanaceae families having the most species. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for medicine. Significant differences in plant knowledge were observed across genders, age groups, education levels, and experiences. The highest ICF value was for Dermal and Cutaneous ailments, and Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich and Bidens pilosa L. had the highest fidelity levels.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of traditional medicinal plants in treating ailments but noted threats like overharvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Further research is needed to explore their potential for modern medicine and develop sustainable use strategies.

Phenomenology Study of Experiences and Reasons of Women Married Early in Kokop District, Bangkalan Madura

Early marriage has become a national problem in the field of reproductive health which we still encounter in the surrounding environment. Difficult economic conditions, lack of knowledge and family education so that children must be married at a young age. The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of early marriage, both the experience and reasons for doing the early marriage.The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a phenomenological approach to explore in depth the experiences and reasons for early marriage. The research location is in Kokop, Bangkalan Regency, East Java. Data collection techniques were carried out by in-depth interviews with six women who had early marriage as main informants and one religious leader, and one health worker as triangulation. The data obtained were analyzed by describing and finding statements then grouped into the main points of the statements found.The results of the analysis of this study resulted in 4 themes discussed, namely the demands of parents, personal factors, culture and past experiences. The cause of this early marriage is due to arranged marriages and forced by parents, in addition to this reason those who do early marriage on consensual basis without knowing well the impact of early marriage. The experience of early marriage that has been experienced has made an important lesson that their children will not be married at an early age on the grounds that they are not ready and mature economically and healthily.The study of these three themes can provide benefits for understanding the experiences and reasons for early marriage, and we can prevent this from happening according to the reasons for each occurrence.

The unique preservation of Yves Saint Laurent’s birthplace: A singular cultural heritage in Oran

Abstract In 2020, the Affane Mohamed Foundation initiated the restoration of the Yves Saint Laurent house in Oran, Algeria, led by architect Youcef Fernane. The project aimed not only to restore the artist’s birthplace but also to showcase his first private theatre, sketches, drawing table, study, and personal bedroom. The house, built in 1925 in the Plateau Saint-Michel district (now Hai Sidi El Bachir), exemplifies neoclassical architecture with Art Deco influences. This project stands out as a unique initiative in Oran, where the preservation of public figures’ homes is rare, making it an exception in Algeria. The restoration, completed in 2022, has attracted significant attention, drawing visitors locally and internationally, particularly through social media, highlighting the cultural and historical value of the site. The research addresses visitor feedback, hypothesising variability in their testimonials, which serve as constructive criticism of this initial tourism initiative in Oran. The dual objectives are to illuminate the significance of the Yves Saint Laurent residence and to analyse visitor perceptions and attitudes towards this memorial site. Methodologically, the study is based on documentary research, including recent surveys and photographs from the Youcef Fernane design office and qualitative data from online questionnaires and visitor books. The results highlight the house’s importance as a cultural landmark but also reveal a lack of publicity, affecting its visibility. Conclusions suggest that the museum significantly enhances Oran’s cultural landscape, offering emotional and educational experiences. However, there is a need for better promotional efforts to increase its visibility and appeal to a broader audience, emphasising the importance of strategic marketing and visitor experience improvements for future projects.

Can We Still Say “We”? Manuel Puig and the Question of Readership in the Global Age

Abstract What kinds of collectivities might come into being in literature in an age of diverse global readership? This question, pressing for twenty-first-century reevaluations of comparative literature, is not new to Latin American literature and its criticism. This article takes Manuel Puig’s 1980 novel Maldición eterna a quien lea estas páginas as an example of a text that engages in debates of its moment, including reader-response theory and Latin American testimonio, while also looking over their horizons to anticipate the ways the collective “we” of literary studies would be thrown into question in the decades to come. Though the novel, which was written during Puig’s exile in New York and anticipates a metropolitan readership, condemns its reader from the outset to read badly (incompetently, extractively, parasitically), it also suggests that there is ethical value in staying with the textual encounter in which meaning, power, and relation are negotiated. Miscommunication, distortion, and projection may be inevitable when continuity in culture, language, and life experience cannot be assumed between writer, characters, and readers, but Puig’s novel affirms that the creative collaboration (however conflictive) that takes place in the act of reading is what gives rise to new ways of saying “we.”

It’s Not the End Game—What Digital Transformation Really Means

If digital transformation is not the ultimate goal, then what is? There are many common myths and misconceptions surrounding digital transformation. Technology plays a role, to be sure, but it’s not the only essential ingredient. A true digital transformation strategy requires many incremental steps involving changes in culture, business models, and user experiences. So, what is the endgame?

Psychosocial and Structural Correlates of Tobacco Use Among Black Young Adults

IntroductionUS- and foreign-born Black young adults (YA) often have different cultural backgrounds and experiences that can an affect the types, extent, and response to psychosocial stressors encountered. This study examined whether psychosocial and structural stressors are similarly related to any and polytobacco (i.e., two or more tobacco products) use among sub-groups of Black YA in the U.S. MethodsCross sectional data were collected in 2023 from 445 Black YA (18-25 years) in the U.S. Stratified regression models were used to examine the association of psychosocial (mental health adversity, race-related adversity, concerns about societal issues), and structural (food insecurity, and housing insecurity) stressors with past 6 month any and polytobacco use among U.S.- and foreign-born Black YA. ResultsRace-related adversity was associated with higher odds of polytobacco use (vs. non-use) among both U.S.- (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.06, 1.74) and foreign-born (aOR=2.18, 95% CI=1.18, 4.03) Black YAs. Food insecurity was associated with higher odds of polytobacco use among foreign-born Black YA (aOR=1.92, 95% CI=1.13, 3.27) and any tobacco use among both U.S.- (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.04, 1.79) and foreign-born (aOR=1.47, 95% CI=1.01, 2.17) Black YA. However, concern about societal issues was associated with reduced odds of polytobacco use in both groups. ConclusionsIn all models, experiences of racism and discrimination (race-related adversity) was linked to higher odds of polytobacco use, while concern about societal issues was protective. However, there were nativity differences in the association of food insecurity with any and polytobacco use. Findings support the need for culturally/ethnically conscious tobacco prevention strategies that address the underlying psychosocial and structural drivers of tobacco use among Black YA subgroups.

The role of local product festivals in attracting tourists: a Halabja case analysis

Local product festivals play a crucial role in attracting tourism by showcasing unique and authentic cultural experiences and promoting local economies. The importance of this research lies in its potential to shed light on the impact of local production and festivals on tourism. The research explores the views of 171 respondents with the help of a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23, descriptive analysis was used to show frequencies. who were selected to participate in the survey from four different but interrelated local product stakeholders: Government entity/festival organizer, Customer/ Tourist, Owner of domestic products, and Owner of hotels and tourism projects. The main findings were: the services provided to the customer/ tourist vary according to the sectors, the type of activities, and the marketing environment, in our study, see that some factors affect the attraction of tourists to the city of Halabja. There is an impact relationship between the variables in attracting tourists, which means the need to pay attention to the dimensions of the marketing environment. Our questionnaire survey among local producers in Halabja City has been able to verify our hypotheses. This study suggested exploring the variety of products towards the satisfaction level of targeted customers.

Travel the world to feel part of it? The relations between long-term stays abroad, global identity, and nature connectedness

Global identity (i.e., an identification with and concern for all humanity) and nature connectedness are positively related to people’s pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. Therefore, ways to develop these traits are sought after. There are preliminary indications that stays abroad may provide opportunities to do so. In the current study, we thus examined the potential effects of long-term stays abroad on global identity and nature connectedness. Furthermore, we investigated how different experiences made abroad are related to travelers’ global identity. We conducted an online survey in three participant groups (N = 292): An experienced group which had returned from a long-term stay abroad, a planning group which intended but had not yet experienced such a stay, and a home group which had neither experienced nor planned a long-term stay abroad. We found higher levels of global self-investment (i.e., one dimension of global identity reflecting concern for all humanity) for the experienced group compared to the home group but not the planning group. The planning group did not differ regarding global identity from the home group. Moreover, we found that global identity was positively related to the amount of contact with international people met abroad, but to almost no other of the examined cultural experiences made. The three groups did not differ regarding nature connectedness. In sum, long-term stays abroad and positive international experiences with people appear to be associated with global self-investment. However, a causal effect of long-term stays cannot be derived unambiguously, and future research should use longitudinal designs.

Pengaruh budaya organisasi dan pengalaman kerja terhadap kompetensi dan kinerja pegawai di Kantor Pertanahan Kabupaten Musi Rawas

This study aims to analyze the influence of organizational culture and work experience on the competence and performance of employees at the Land Office of Musi Rawas Regency. The research sample consisted of 31 respondents, with data collected through questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using quantitative methods, employing both simple and multiple linear regression techniques. The results of the study show that organizational culture has a significant impact on employee performance. Work experience also significantly influences employee performance. Additionally, the study found that organizational culture and work experience partially affect employee competence. Simultaneously, organizational culture and work experience significantly impact both employee performance and competence. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of developing organizational culture and enhancing work experience as efforts to improve employee competence and performance in the workplace.

Lived Experiences of Migrant Fathers in the Perinatal Period: A Systematic Review and Analysis.

The worldwide population of migrant families is on the rise, and there is growing acknowledgement of the significance of supporting parental mental health within these families. However, understanding of the experiences of migrant fathers during the perinatal period remains incomplete. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing research on perinatal migrant fathers' experiences in different cultures. Multiple searches were conducted in April 2023 for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies across six electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Fourteen eligible articles were identified, including nine qualitative studies, five quantitative studies, and no mixed-methods studies. The Mixed-methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of these studies. The quantitative findings were transformed into narrative summaries to be analysed thematically along with the qualitative data. Three themes were identified: (1) Cultural competence (dealing with cultural differences, needs related to original country); (2) Parenthood in a new country (challenges and adaptation to fatherhood, challenging traditional gender norms, lack of extended family and building new support networks, being the main supporter for the family); (3) Needs of the fathers and their personal difficulties. The findings of this review suggest a direction for future research in perinatal psychology. The review also provides insights into the need for social and community support for migrant fathers and how healthcare services can support this group during the perinatal period.

Lighting Design for Lanna Buddhist Architecture: A Case Study of Suan Dok Temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, there has been an increasing demand for lighting design strategies that enhance tangible and intangible values of cultural heritage destinations. This research explores the role of lighting design in enhancing the cultural experiences and promoting the cultural tourism of Lanna Buddhist architecture. Suan Dok Temple was selected as a case study due to its historical, social, and cultural significance. This research uses qualitative approaches such as field surveys, photographic documentation, and interviews with temple authorities, cultural heritage experts and tourism professionals for the formulation of initial users’ requirements and lighting design criteria and concept. Data analysis suggested that cultural heritage and conservation, cultural tourism management, and operation and maintenance are important factors in heritage lighting design for cultural tourism. Realistic rendering images of lighting design scenes for the temple’s chedis and vihara are generated based on the concept of luminance layers representing the Buddhist cosmology idea. In addition, lighting operation and installation details are developed and presented to stakeholders for discussion on contextual and operational appropriateness. Finally, the study discusses critical lighting design factors for the development of lighting design solutions for heritage sites, particularly Lanna Buddhist temples, contributing to sustainable cultural tourism.

Strategical Ways for Dental Anxiety Management Prior to Third Molar Extraction.

A patient experiencing moderate to severe anxiety often skips regular check-ups, choosing to visit only when necessary. As a result, their oral health worsens. Various variables can affect anxiety such as age, gender, culture, and previous experiences. One of the most frequent oral surgical procedures is extracting the third molar, which is accompanied by severe pain, tension, and anxiety, the use of invasive equipment, and local anesthetic. A combined effect was found of four factors, including the patient, dental employees, setting, and dental procedure, which can trigger and affect dental anxiety. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches were explored; as a non-drug approach, anxiety was managed by music therapy. Acupuncture, music, audio-visual aids, and lavender oil showed an effect that helped in reducing anxiety. Patients' dental anxiety can be reduced through behavioral management such as educating the patients before the surgical procedure, relaxation strategies, biofeedback, and exposure therapy. Medicationsinclude benzodiazepines, nitrous oxide (N2O), and midazolam. Effective treatment relies on collaboration between the patients anddentists; calm patients not only provide a manageable environment for the dental team but can also result in better treatment outcomes.