Cultural Influences Research Articles

Barriers and facilitators of self-management of diabetes amongst people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis.

The number of people living with diabetes is rising worldwide and a higher prevalence of diabetes has been linked to those experiencing socioeconomic deprivation. Self-management strategies are vital and known to reduce the risks of long-term complications amongst people living with diabetes. Lack of knowledge about self-care activity required to manage diabetes is a key barrier to successful self-management. Self-management interventions can be less effective in socioeconomically deprived populations which can increase the risk of exacerbating health inequalities. The purpose of this review is to identify and synthesise qualitative evidence on the barriers and facilitators of self-management of diabetes amongst people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus were searched for qualitative studies concerning self-management of multiple long-term conditions amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Relevant papers which focused on diabetes were identified. Data were coded and thematically synthesised using NVivo. From the search results, 79 qualitative studies were identified after full-text screening and 26 studies were included in the final thematic analysis. Two overarching analytical themes were identified alongside a set of subthemes: (1) Socioeconomic barriers to diabetes self-management; healthcare costs, financial costs of healthy eating, cultural influences, living in areas of deprivation, competing priorities and time constraints, health literacy, (2) facilitators of diabetes self-management; lifestyle and having goals, support from healthcare providers, informal support. Self-management of diabetes is challenging for people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation due to barriers associated with living in areas of deprivation and financial barriers surrounding healthcare, medication and healthy food. Support from healthcare providers can facilitate self-management, and it is important that people with diabetes have access to interventions that are designed to be inclusive from a cultural perspective as well as affordable. A patient advisory group contributed to the research questions and interpretation of the qualitative findings by reflecting on the themes developed.

Jewellery Development in Right-Bank Ukraine and Galicia (XVI-XIX Centuries): Insights from Precious Ecclesiastical Artifacts

This article examines the development of jewellery in Right-Bank Ukraine and Galicia from the XVI to XIX centuries, focusing on precious ecclesiastical artifacts as evidence of the flourishing of Ukrainian goldsmithing. The relevance of the research stems from its detailed exploration of ecclesiastical jewellery in Right-Bank Ukraine and Galicia, providing a unique perspective on the region's artistic heritage and European cultural integration. The purpose is studying the artistic techniques used by Lviv and Kyiv jewellers in creating church artifacts like domes, icon covers, and other ecclesiastical items. The historical-genetic method enabled comprehensively analysing the evolution of Right-Bank Ukrainian jewellery in the example of church artifacts. Periodization identified three stages of Ukrainian goldsmithing's development in the XVI-XIX centuries. The system- structural method emphasized Western European cultural influence on overall Ukrainian jewellery. The typological approach reflected empirical reality of Right-Bank Ukrainian jewellery development as evidence of flourishing culture. Narrative described and explained the significance of jewellery artifacts at each stage of the formation of Ukrainian goldsmithing. Research materials included art organizations' experience, archaeological documentation, and museum exhibits. As a result of the research, the article presents the work of such Kyiv masters as: Iyeremiya Biletskyy, Ivan Ravych, and Matviy Narunovych. Detailed descriptions of works of art by Lviv and Kyiv masters of the XVI- XIX centuries are provided. And information about the Kyiv goldsmith shop is displayed. Conclusions confirm that Right-Bank Ukraine and Galicia were a stronghold of European jewellery styles in the 16th-19th centuries. The study of church artefacts by Ukrainian craftsmen shows a special cultural mentality shaped by centuries-old traditions and the multidenominational nature of Christian faiths. Thus, the materials of the article represent a practical value for historians, ethnographers, and architects who are interested in the construction of Orthodox churches; and jewellers engaged in artistic blacksmithing.

Beyond the Inches: Unveiling Cultural Influences and Gender Perceptions Regarding Height Norms in Punjabi Group

Beyond the Inches: Unveiling Cultural Influences and Gender Perceptions Regarding Height Norms in Punjabi Group

Organizational Culture and Individual Innovativeness among Employees Working in an MNC

Abstract: This study aims to explore the relationship between different organizational culture types (Adhocracy, Clan, Hierarchy, and Market) based on the Competing Values framework and individual innovativeness of employees working in an MNC. The data was collected from 150 participants who were employed in MNC. The questionnaires used in the study were OCAI scale (Cameron & Quinn, 2006) and Individual Innovativeness Scale (Hurt et al., 1977). Results revealed that Adhocracy, Clan, and Hierarchy were not significantly correlated with individual innovativeness. However, a significant correlation was found between Market culture and Individual Innovativeness. Furthermore, using simple linear regression it was found that market-oriented organizational culture influence individual innovativeness among employees. These findings provide insights into the potential of market culture to stimulate innovativeness among employees.

Helping Mongolia out of Poverty: Analyzing Social Challenges and Public Policy

Mongolia's challenging geography and historical development obstacles position it on the fringes of economic advancement. This paper presents a thorough analysis of its unique social, cultural, and economic hurdles, proposing visionary strategies for poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. The first section advocates a shift towards value-added industrialization, addressing the sparse population by exploring rural-to-urban migration and urging the dismantling of gender-based divisions while fostering rural entrepreneurship. The second part highlights leveraging indigenous cultural attributes and uplifting rural assembly industries to achieve balanced regional development. However, it cautions against unintended consequences like protectionism and urban-rural disparities. The third segment uncovers fundamental impediments rooted in Mongolia's self-sufficient, myopic nomadic culture, underscoring the need for education to reshape outdated mindsets. Moreover, the abrupt transition from nomadism to socialism and Western ideals has left a fragmented cultural identity, posing an identity challenge. This paper emphasizes the enduring influence of culture on socio-economic progress and underscores the significance of cultural preservation to steer Mongolia towards prosperity and global equity.

Unraveling the Tapestry of Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnic Variations, Cultural Influences, and Physiological Mechanisms in Pain Management and Perception

Unraveling the Tapestry of Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnic Variations, Cultural Influences, and Physiological Mechanisms in Pain Management and Perception

The Influence of Hindu-Buddhist, Chinese, and European Culture in Exterior Architectural Characteristics of Mosque on Java Island Indonesia

The Influence of Hindu-Buddhist, Chinese, and European Culture in Exterior Architectural Characteristics of Mosque on Java Island Indonesia

Study on the Impact of Organizational Culture and Leadership on Competitive Advantage in Universities. Case in Vietnam

In the flow of integration and globalization, domestic universities need to create their own innovations and characteristics to adapt and develop. These requirements have led to major changes in the mechanism and organization of the operation of universities in the country. Therefore, universities need to have a clear and effective vision in strategic planning in development, building organizational culture and managing change, keeping up with the development and modern trends in higher education today. The paper offers three research hypotheses to assess the influence of organizational culture and transformational leadership on universities' competitive advantage in the current context. Using a quantitative descriptive approach with a causal approach, the authors developed a 5-point Likert scale and conducted a Google form survey on a sample of 281 managers and employees in universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The results of the study show that there is a positive impact from organizational culture and transformational leadership on the university's competitive advantage. From the conclusions obtained, the paper makes appropriate recommendations for universities in building and developing organizational culture and transformational leadership.

Enhancing Organizational Resilience: The Transformative Influence of Strategic Human Resource Management Practices and Organizational Culture

In an era characterized by rapid changes and uncertainty, organizational resilience emerges as a critical factor for the survival and prosperity of businesses. Confronted with a progressively volatile and unpredictable organizational landscape, an organization’s capacity to swiftly and effectively address challenges and adapt to changes becomes indispensable. This paper investigates the role of strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices and organizational culture (OC) in enhancing organizational resilience (OR). The research employed a questionnaire distributed to 501 employees within public institutions, with data analysis conducted using structural equation modeling. The study assesses the direct effects of SHRM practices on organizational resilience while also investigating the mediating effects of organizational culture on the relationship between these practices and resilience. The primary findings highlight both the direct and indirect impacts of SHRM practices on organizational resilience. The study underscores the importance of adopting an integrated approach, wherein SHRM practices and organizational culture are strategically aligned to bolster organizational resilience and secure sustainable success in a dynamic and turbulent organizational landscape.

How culture shapes Chinese teacher’s compassionate love

ABSTRACT Background Love could play a role in motivating teachers to help students and is closely related to students’ achievement and prosocial behaviour. Though influenced by culture, teachers’ love is not adequately studied. Purpose This study explores how Chinese teachers’ compassionate love is expressed and how situational factors such as Chinese culture and history influence or motivate teachers to perceive and express compassionate love for students. Method This study adopted a qualitative approach of narrative study by describing and investigating the experience of a Chinese middle school teacher and two middle school students and their parents during COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Chinese teacher’s compassionate love demonstrates some universal features in terms of emotional response, cognitive understanding and behaviour. Furthermore some Chinese culture-related features are also found: Chinese teachers behave in a caring and supporting way at the cost of sacrificing their own free time and comfort; an enduring long-term teacher-student relationship is valued; the Chinese culture encourages, sustains and motivates Chinese teacher’s compassionate love. Discussion Teacher’s compassionate love is a multi-dimensional concept entailing some universal traits in cognition, emotion and behaviour. The perception and enactment of teacher’s love is subject to situational factors. Some measures for compassionate love could be built into teacher’s education programme.

Barriers to mental health service utilization among African immigrants in the United Kingdom: A systematic review

AbstractBackgroundAfrican immigrants in the United Kingdom (UK) face unique challenges in accessing mental health services (MHSs), in contrast to their peers born in the UK, contributing to their worsening mental and physical health outcomes. This study aims to uncover barriers to MHS utilization and proffer evidence‐based recommendations toward addressing the mental health needs of African immigrants residing in the UK.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted across six databases: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CIHNAL, Scopus, and Embase published up to September 2022. To assess methodological quality of the included studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Program qualitative checklist and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018 were used. Consecutively, a deductive thematic analysis was employed to group related barriers within overarching themes.ResultsThe study selection process yielded eight studies conducted in the UK, encompassing African populations identifying as African/Afro‐Caribbean origin, Somali refugees, and ethnic minorities of Black/British descent. The findings highlight the complex interplay of key barriers such as stigma, residential instability, cultural influences, discrimination, and accessibility issues, among others, that continue to hinder African populations from accessing and utilizing MHSs. These barriers were categorized into predisposing,enabling and need factors (themes), aligning with Anderson's model of health service utilization, reflecting a comprehensive range of challenges affecting this population.ConclusionThis systematic review illuminates the myriad barriers faced by African immigrants in utilizing MHSs in the UK, underlining the urgent need for targeted interventions. The findings advocate for the development of culturally sensitive, affordable, and accessible MHSs and policies that address the personal, sociocultural, and structural barriers identified. Collaboration across key stakeholders is highly recommended for advancing equitable and inclusive MHSs for all.

Comparing congratulatory speech in Javanese and Sundanese: influence of culture on strategies

While several expressive speech acts like requesting, apologizing, and inviting had been widely studied, the speech act of congratulating has been given little attention. This study compared how Javanese and Sundanese speakers congratulate each other, which has not been studied much before. This research also looked at how age, social power, and social distance affect the way people congratulate each other. The contribution of this paper lies in providing a nuanced understanding of how cultural and social values in Javanese and Sundanese societies shape congratulatory speech acts. The study involved 60 participants who completed a written Discourse Completion Task (DCT). A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was used for analysis. The data was coded and categorized using Elwood's (2004) framework. The study identified new strategies, such as mentioning occasion and divine remarks, that were significant in relation to the dataset. Participants responded to five real-life situations by providing congratulatory expressions in their local language on a Google Form. The most frequently utilized strategy is the expression of surprise which is followed by IFID in the second position. The presence of divine remarks in the act of congratulating in this study is attributed with the highly influence of Islamic culture in Indonesia. In terms of social position, social distance, and age, both groups demonstrate a preference for employing High variety (H) when interacting with individuals with higher position or older individuals.

A Cross-Cultural Examination of Young Children’s Attitudes Towards Peers with Disabilities in South Korea and the United States

ABSTRACT Despite much research effort in promoting young children’s positive attitudes towards peers with disabilities, little is known about cultural influences on the attitude formation. In this study, data were collected from 111 kindergarten aged children from South Korea (n = 59) and the United States (n = 52) to measure the participating children’s attitudes towards peers with disabilities and compare their responses to an attitude measure, the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarteners-Revised (ASK-R). Results revealed that American children had significantly more positive attitudes towards peers with disabilities than Korean children did. When comparing children’s responses to each item in the ASK-R, larger differences were found on the items that did not specifically ask about peers with disabilities (e.g. Do you play with kids even if they look different?). Based on the results, cultural influences on children’s understanding and acceptance of peers with disabilities are discussed.

Motivations Behind Sacrifice in Romantic Relationships

Understanding the motivations behind selfless actions within romantic relationships is a pivotal area of research, intricately intertwined with an individual's character, values, and societal and cultural influences. This article delves into the nuanced interplay of motives driving sacrificial behaviors in romantic partnerships. "Sacrifice" in this context refers to forsaking immediate desires for the betterment of the relationship or a partner's happiness. Through the lenses of social exchange theory, attachment styles, self-determination theory, love, emotional connection, commitment, and cultural influences, this paper explores when, why, and how individuals are inclined to make sacrifices in romantic relationships. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries in the face of excessive sacrifice, highlighting the delicate balance between dedication and well-being within relationships. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the intricate dynamics that underlie selflessness in the context of love, devotion, and intimate connections.

At the intersection of economic history and contemporary regional development: insights from a Swedish ‘bruksort’

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore contemporary regional development in a historic industrial region. Specifically, we unpack the influences of industrial history and culture, built up over several centuries, on contemporary regional development dynamics and issues. In doing so, we draw on an evolutionary perspective within economic geography and perspectives from deindustrialization studies to understand how the past shapes the present. We combine these with theories of agency to understand how key actors comprehend the industrial heritage of a place, and how this is incorporated into contemporary regional development efforts. We explore this combination of conceptual lenses through an in-depth case study of Karlskoga, in Sweden, one of the country’s ‘bruksorter’ (mill towns) that grew up around the production of iron and steel, leading to it eventually becoming one of the largest arms manufacturing cities in Europe, home of the well-known Bofors company. However, all has not been plain sailing, and Karlskoga has experienced the challenges of de-population, industrial restructuring, and shocks to the sector upon which the town is reliant. By analysing these mixed fortunes we develop new insights into how regional development is intertwined with structural, institutional, and cultural industrial legacies.

How East Asian Culture Influences the Personality Traits of Its Residents: An Exploration of Cultural Characteristics and the Emphasis on Interdependence

East Asia, a region that includes China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, is home to a diverse mosaic of cultural practices, traditions, and philosophies that have developed over millennia. This paper examines the profound impact of East Asian culture on the personality traits of its inhabitants, concentrating on the region's emphasis on interdependence. The research investigates how ancient philosophies such as Confucianism and cultural norms anchored in collectivism influence individual behaviors, cognitive processes, and interpersonal interactions. The paper explores the contrast between East Asian interdependence and Western individualism in greater detail, emphasizing the nuances of high-context communication, holistic thinking, and adaptability prevalent in East Asian societies. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study highlights the significance of understanding cultural complexities in our increasingly globalized world, highlighting the central role East Asian cultural traits play in molding individual personalities and behaviors. This exploration provides valuable insights for academicians, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between culture and personality in East Asia.

Cybercriminal Networks and Operational Dynamics of Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scammers: Insights from the “Black Axe” Confraternity

ABSTRACT I explored the relationship between the “Black Axe” Confraternity and cybercrime, with a particular emphasis on the structural dynamics of the Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes. I investigated whether a conventional hierarchical system governs the membership and remuneration for BEC roles as perpetrators by interviewing an accused “leader” of the “Black Axe” affiliated cybercriminal incarcerated in a prominent Western nation. I supplemented the analysis of interview data with insights from tapped phone records monitored by a law enforcement entity. I merged Actor-network theory and Social Network theory as analytical frameworks and thematically analyzed data to produce six overarching themes: (1) The fluidity of Structure and Adaptive Roles in BEC, (2) Challenges in Visualizing Criminal Networks, (3) Globalization and Transnational Dimensions, (4) Social and Cultural Influences, (5) Internal Cybersecurity Threats and Money Laundering, and (6) Remuneration and Influences of Cryptocurrency, casting a brighter light on the topic. Unlike traditional organized crime, BEC scammers have adopted a nonhierarchical model that is flexible and fluid. I found no evidence of a rigid hierarchy dictating positions and remuneration for BEC roles. Instead, I observed that cybercriminals involved in BEC activities functioned horizontally, promoting fluidity, maneuverability, collaboration, and specialization across various facets of their illicit pursuits. I also highlighted the cross-border links BEC offenders have with other criminal actors facilitated by Black Axe organizational machinery. My research adds value to the existing body of knowledge, utilizing a unique dataset comprising direct testimonies of a high-profile BEC offender affiliated with the ‘hard–to–access,’ Black Axe gang.

Anglicisms in Omani Arabic: A Study on the Use, Status, and Perception of English Loanwords

The growing dominance of English in fields such as education, technology, business, culture, and politics across the globe has contributed to the existence and spread of Anglicisms in world languages. The use of anglicisms, English loanwords, is a global phenomenon that has a significant impact not only on international communication exchanges but also on people's native languages. Modern varieties of Arabic, including Omani Arabic, are no exception to this growing trend. This research is an attempt to investigate the status of Anglicisms in Omani Arabic. The aim is to determine the factors promoting the use of Anglicisms in day-to-day interactions and people's attitudes towards them. As a method of data collection, the study used focus group discussions that included seventy undergraduate students. The findings of the study showed that anglicisms are consistently used by young Omanis in face-to-face and virtual interactions. Furthermore, the findings revealed that a large number of anglicisms have undergone morphological and phonological adaptation and thus been incorporated into the lexicon of Omani Arabic. This rising trend of anglicisms can be attributed to certain factors including a) the influence and prestige of Anglo-American culture, b) the influence of information and communication technology, c) the internationalization of education, d) lexical voids in the native language, and e) conciseness and expressiveness of English loanwords. Finally, apart from some voices against the unnecessary use of anglicisms in the language, the younger generation seems to accept and have a positive attitude towards the use of English loanwords in day-to-day interactions.

Leveraging Policy Solutions for Diabetes Disparities: Suggestions for Improving the National Clinical Care Commission Report's Recommendations for Hispanic/Latino Populations.

In the U.S., Hispanic/Latino populations face increased disparities in both the prevalence and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article critically examines the multifaceted nature of T2DM disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations in the U.S. and identifies key factors contributing to T2DM prevalence within these communities, including socioeconomic status, cultural influences, and healthcare access. Utilizing a modified expert consensus procedure, we evaluate the ways in which the National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) recommendations apply to the Hispanic/Latino community as well as propose recommendations for improved efficacy. Through a comprehensive analysis of government-community health initiatives, food security, environmental exposures, and housing inequalities, we emphasize the need for targeted interventions and health policies to effectively address and dismantle these disparities. Overall, while the National Clinical Care Commission's recommendations provide a valuable framework for the implementation of policies pertaining to diabetes management and prevention in the general population, our analysis suggests that recommendations may be strengthened by considering the unique cultural, social, and economic needs of the Hispanic/Latino population moving forward.

Psychosocial Dynamics and Mental well-Being of Modern Youth

A comprehensive study of psychosocial factors affecting the mental well-being of modern youth is being conducted. Focusing on family support, social networks, stress management strategies, cultural influences, educational factors, and socioeconomic status, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis highlighting the influence of each of these aspects. The results highlight the key role of family relationships and social connections in the formation of emotional stability, and also highlight the importance of cultural factors and education in the perception and support of mental health. The generalized findings of the article provide the basis for the development of targeted strategies to support the mental health of young people, taking into account the diversity of sociocultural contexts.