Cultural Practices Research Articles

Stance and food activism on Arabic Twitter (X): a multimodal analysis

Abstract Expanding on classic theories of stancetaking and theorizing digital activism as nexus analysis, I examine how Omani Arab citizens used discourse and images to canalize a failed food boycott campaign on Twitter (X) into a united negative stance against alleged corruption. I highlight the role of multimodality, impoliteness, indirectness, intertextual references, participation framework and Arabic cultural practices in creating a multi-layered, accreted stance with manifold implicit functions (e.g., defining Omani identity, lamenting and signalling dissent). I argue for the need to widen the scope and level of analysis of stance acts to include interplays between texts, emoji, actions and images. I also highlight the role that stance can perform in expressing dissent and managing cultural face in the understudied Arabic context. I, therefore, demonstrate the multidimensionality of stance acts made visible by social media affordances and user creativity.

Blending Indigenous and western science: Quantifying cultural burning impacts in Karuk Aboriginal Territory.

The combined effects of Indigenous fire stewardship and lightning ignitions shaped historical fire regimes, landscape patterns, and available resources in many ecosystems globally. The resulting fire regimes created complex fire-vegetation dynamics that were further influenced by biophysical setting, disturbance history, and climate. While there is increasing recognition of Indigenous fire stewardship among western scientists and managers, the extent and purpose of cultural burning is generally absent from the landscape-fire modeling literature and our understanding of ecosystem processes and development. In collaboration with the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources, we developed a transdisciplinary Monte Carlo simulation model of cultural ignition location, frequency, and timing to simulate spatially explicit cultural ignitions across a 264,399-ha landscape within Karuk Aboriginal Territory in northern California. Estimates of cultural ignition parameters were developed with Tribal members and knowledge holders using existing interviews, historical maps, ethnographies, recent ecological studies, contemporary maps, and generational knowledge. Spatial and temporal attributes of cultural burning were explicitly tied to the ecology of specific cultural resources, fuel receptivity, seasonal movement patterns, and spiritual practices. Prior to colonization, cultural burning practices were extensive across the study landscape with an estimated 6972 annual ignitions, averaging approximately 6.5 ignitions per Indigenous fire steward per year. The ignition characteristics we document align closely with data on historical fire regimes and vegetation but differ substantially from the location and timing of contemporary ignitions. This work demonstrates the importance of cultural burning for developing and maintaining the ecosystems present at the time of colonization and underscores the need to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to restore ecocultural processes in these systems.

Re-learning culture in cities beyond the West

Urban scholars have long engaged with the role of culture in cities. Tracing this debate, this article outlines the evolutions of culture as an object of study in inquiries on the urban and wishes to trouble two persisting trends in this literature. The first is a geographical and theoretical Eurocentric vision of culture, often framing cities beyond the West as exceptions or needing validation through a comparison with a Western case or theoretical model; the second is an economistic vision of culture under neoliberalism, neglecting the political and ideological dimensions of culture. As a step in overcoming these limitations, this article builds around the notion of ‘re-learning’, to re-insert memory, informality and conflicting heritage into the debate on culture in cities. Drawing on an ethnography of the street ‘Avenida 26’ in Bogotá, Colombia, the article shows that informal cultural practices in the middle of segregation and urban violence can hardly be grasped through the current framing of culture in cities. Yet, they invite an opening up of such a framing to include different ways to cohabit and navigate space through everyday minor engagements. These multifaceted cultural realities urge us to ‘re-learn’ culture in cities anywhere and advance theorisation on culture that takes non-Western urban spaces seriously.

Exploring perspectives and insights of experienced voyagers on human health and Polynesian oceanic voyaging: A qualitative study.

The Worldwide Voyage (WWV) was a 3-year (2014-2017) open-ocean voyage to circumnavigate the world using Indigenous knowledge and navigational skills aboard Hōkūle'a, a traditionally designed Native Hawaiian (NH) voyaging canoe (wa'a kaulua). Each WWV segment included experienced crew and leadership who were recognized by their voyaging peers as highly experienced in Polynesian oceanic voyaging. This study explored the perceptions and insights of WWV-experienced ocean voyagers on the interconnection between human health and oceanic voyaging. A constructivist approach with a storytelling-based moderator guide was used to conduct focus groups and informant interviews of experienced crew and voyaging leadership. Participants were interviewed and recorded transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Triangulation of analysis included secondary thematic review by two independent NH cultural practitioners and participant member checking. Purposive sampling was used to enroll 34 of 66 eligible highly experienced voyagers (leadership n = 6; crew n = 28) in 5 focus groups and 4 informant interviews. Six themes emerged: 1) Indigenous context (spiritual and natural environment); 2) Importance of relationships and community; 3) Description of life on the canoe; 4) Holistic health; 5) Mindfulness, stress reduction and emotional health; and 6) Opportunities for intervention. Themes 1-5 were inductive and intricately interrelated, and theme 6 was deductive in that it directly resulted from a moderator guide question. Theme 6 offers strategies to improve the impact of voyaging and health well beyond the physical voyage with recommendations for improved transition back to land and developing a wa'a community context, which reflects a traditional voyaging experience. Polynesian oceanic voyaging is strongly perceived as a positive and transformative holistic-health-promoting experience. Recommendations to promote generalizable health benefits of a voyaging lifestyle offers a promising and culturally grounded approach warranting future studies to understand mechanism and potential impact for improving health inequities.

Sustainable tourism development through community homestays: a case study of Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay in Madi, Chitwan, Nepal

ABSTRACT In rural areas of Nepal, homestays are becoming an important source of income for many families. Homestay offers many benefits, such as experiencing the local culture, learning about different cultural practices in a homely environment, improving language skills, and many more. This study is an attempt to explore the status and homestay owners’ perceptions of Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay, Madi, Nepal. In this study, a concurrent mixed-methods approach was applied using a questionnaire and informal interviews to understand the homestay situation. The research explores how a specific community in Nepal has developed a sustainable tourism industry through the use of homestays, with a focus on how the community has balanced economic growth with environmental and cultural sustainability. Along with this, it also examines the impact of ecotourism on the local community, including the economic benefits, social and cultural impacts, and environmental sustainability practices. The finding suggests that homestays play a vital role in conserving nature, reducing human-wildlife conflict, preserving culture, and generating employment opportunities.

The Interplay of Tradition and Modernity: A Case Study of Gender Roles in Georgian Society

The case study of gender roles in Georgian society offers valuable insights into the complexities of societal transformation. The interplay between tradition and modernity reflects the dynamic nature of cultural evolution and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Understanding the dynamics of gender roles in Georgia enhances cultural sensitivity. It acknowledges that gender roles are not universal and are deeply influenced by cultural practices, allowing for a more nuanced and context-specific approach to gender studies. Non-narrative content analysis of respondents’ interviews provides empirical grounding for theories and concepts related to gender roles. This empirical foundation strengthens the validity and reliability of the study's findings. The study can serve as a valuable reference for comparative analyses with other cultural contexts. By highlighting the unique features of gender dynamics in Georgia, it allows for cross-cultural comparisons that enrich our understanding of the diversity of gender experiences globally. The study contributes to the theoretical frameworks of cultural anthropology, and gender studies. It advances our understanding of how these fields can intersect and mutually inform each other, paving the way for further theoretical development. Insights gained from the research can inform practical interventions and policies aimed at challenging and reshaping gender norms in Georgia. By identifying specific linguistic and cultural mechanisms, the study offers tangible entry points for interventions promoting gender equity. The study adopts qualitative methodology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences that contribute to the construction and reinforcement of gender roles in Georgia. In the cultural context of Georgia, we hypothesize that individuals' lived experiences and expressions of gender will reflect a negotiation between cultural expectations and evolving societal dynamics, contributing to a complex and dynamic understanding of gender roles in Georgia.

The cultural construction of cellular agriculture food: through the lens of the whole-parts framework for meat

This essay presents a critical perspective on the nature of what is referred to as “cultured meat” in the public sphere by revisiting the concept of meat in cultural practice. We propose a perspective that focuses on and further investigates whether cultured meat is meat, examining the interaction between the emergence of cellular agriculture technologies and cultural practices. First, we review the production processes of cellular agriculture for meat, comparing this to the processes used to produce conventional meat. Second, we discuss how meat has been embedded in cultural practices, focusing on meat-related activities, and propose that a whole-parts relationship is critical for constructing the meaning of meat in cultural contexts. Third, several key issues raised in the social debate on cultured meat are addressed within the whole-parts framework. Cultured meat requires a complete bottom-up process in producing objects, indicating that the concept of cultured meat is not necessarily aligned with the concept of existing meat, as previously suggested from the perspective of producing conventional meat. In this perspective, we proceed to further investigation the meaning of meat in cultural constructions, wherein the relationship between the whole body and meat as a part of it is important. Thus, cultured meat can be considered a nonmeat under the whole-parts framework for meat. This insight can provisionally and speculatively update some of the ethical, legal, and social issues of cultured meat as well as products based on cellular agriculture technologies.

Culturally sensitive patient-centered healthcare: a focus on health behavior modification in low and middle-income nations—insights from Indonesia

Patient-centered, culturally sensitive healthcare acknowledges the profound impact of cultural beliefs on health behaviors and outcomes, particularly vital in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Within Indonesia, distinct cultural factors are pivotal in empowering patients, necessitating their integration into healthcare practices. For example, the cultural concept of gotong royong, emphasizing communal collaboration, presents an opportunity to foster community support networks among patients. Moreover, honoring familial ties and involving family members in decision-making enhances patient empowerment. Acknowledging and incorporating spiritual and religious beliefs, which are deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, into healthcare interventions further augments patient empowerment and well-being. In LMICs, including Indonesia, achieving patient empowerment demands implementing critical strategies. Community-based interventions harness local resources and engage the community to drive health behavior change. Culturally sensitive communication bridges the gap between healthcare providers and patients, respecting language nuances and cultural norms. Patient education fosters a comprehensive understanding of health conditions, thereby encouraging active involvement in decision-making. Tailored behavior modification techniques, aligned with cultural beliefs and practices, support the adoption of healthier behaviors among patients. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of patient-centered, culturally sensitive healthcare in LMICs, particularly in Indonesia. It delves into strategies to promote health behavior change within these unique contexts, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care. The discourse also explores the cultural landscape impacting healthcare, acknowledging the challenges faced in delivering comprehensive healthcare services within these diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, it outlines innovative approaches and success stories in implementing patient-centered care, highlighting how cultural factors intersect with healthcare outcomes. By advocating for integrating culture-specific patient empowerment practices into healthcare methodologies, this article underscores the potential for improved health outcomes, heightened patient engagement, and the delivery of culturally relevant services within LMICs.

Do We Know Whether to Laugh or Cry? User Responses to @Ukraine’s Dark-humour Meme

This study investigates international users’ reception of a dark-humour meme tweeted by Ukraine’s governmental Twitter (X) account on 7 December 2021 as part of its exceptional cultural practice of posting humorous memes. Tweeters’ responses to the ‘headaches meme’ are examined through a discourse-analytic lens. An emphasis is placed on the appreciation of the humour (emanating from the meme or its contextual embedding) and other forms of humour support demonstrated by its online indicators. The overarching aim is to distil and compare user reactions to the meme in two sociopolitical contexts—before and after the invasion of Ukraine that Russia mounted on 24 February 2022—based on two equal quote tweet samples. While the findings reveal a relative decrease in humour appreciation after the invasion, the same diversified reactions encompassing humour support or its lack and politically polarised discourses making for participatory digital warfare are detected in both parts of the dataset.

A Review of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Their Application in Sustainable Solid Waste Management

Indigenous communities have always used their knowledge systems to improve their quality of life. For example, rural communities’ resort to indigenous cultural practices to manage their own waste when local administration lacks coordinated ways to manage waste. In the context of indigenous knowledge systems, the idea of waste is non-existent. As indigenous knowledge is believed to provide a holistic framework for an approach that effectively promotes sustainability. As such, the current study conducted a systematic review to evaluate the extent to which indigenous solid waste management practices contribute to sustainable waste disposal methods. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a literature search was carried out in the field of indigenous solid waste management practices. The results indicate a significant imbalance in the amount of conclusive evidence that has been produced to date that suggests the sustainability of indigenous solid waste management practices. It is for this reason that the current study has discovered a substantial literature gap in sustainable solid waste management associated with indigenous knowledge systems. This is an unprecedented trend, especially for a knowledge system that is supposed to promote sustainability practices. However, to improve the likelihood of incorporating indigenous solid waste disposal methods into modern practices, it is imperative to understand the foundational elements that contribute to the advancement of sustainability, lest the sustainability aspect associated with this knowledge system in the discipline of solid waste management remain a mere rhetoric.

Managing the Needs of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Mainstream Rural Schools: An Ethnopsychology Informed Approach

Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in mainstream rural schools encounter unique challenges stemming from loss, economic instability, and disrupted familial structures. Addressing their needs demands a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach. This paper thus explored the use of an ethnopsychology framework to understand and address the diverse needs of rural children, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive interventions in mainstream schools. It also evaluated the effectiveness of ethnopsychological interventions and the role of community collaboration. This article used secondary data sources to understand how the ethnopsychology approach can be utilized as a potential sustainable intervention strategy for the needs of OVC in mainstream rural schools. The results show that OVC are well-served by the cultural resources that rural schools have in abundance from a cultural perspective. The study also emphasized the significance of cultural practices and beliefs in influencing community responses and developing resilience in assisting OVC. The study supported the care, protection, and psychosocial support to OVC as significantly influenced by family and relationship networks, community-based organizations, and traditional support systems. The paper made recommendations for improving rural schools’ response to OVC needs in light of cultural sensitivity. These include boosting collaboration between formal and informal support systems, creating community networks, fostering cultural adaptation and preservation, and giving community members more agency through programs that increase their knowledge and skills. This study underscored the significance of ethnopsychology principles of community and social connection in leveraging cultural resources, context-based and responsive interventions, and appreciating and sustaining existing indigenous knowledge systems in understanding and addressing the needs of OVC in mainstream rural schools. Understanding and supporting OVC contributes towards cultivating meaningful collaborations and transformative care of OVC in the Global South. Keywords: Ethnopsychology, Cultural Sensitivity, Rural Community, Mainstream Rural Schools, Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

Modelling the impact of climate change on cultural practices: the future of fen skating (1981–2079)

Cultural practices reliant on the formation of ice are likely to be affected by climate change across the world. Outdoor skating is a popular pastime in many regions of North America, Asia and northern Europe. Fen skating is a traditional sport practiced in the flat area of east England, when shallowly flooded fields and meadows freeze to form large stretches of ice. To assess the future of fen skating, climate metrics were constructed to capture the freezing conditions needed for fen skating to take place. A skating freeze was defined as requiring the daily minimum temperature to be either (i) four nights below -4 °C, (ii) three nights below -5 °C or (iii) two nights below -8 °C. The 12 km resolution UKCP18 dataset was used to assess the frequency and duration of skating freezes in the fens for the period 1981 to 2079. Results from the 12 UKCP18 model members showed notable variability and only four model members successfully captured past skating freezes. Outputs from these four model members showed a rapid decrease in the frequency and duration of skating freezes, raising concerns over the future of this sport.

Knowledge and perception of cereal farmers and extension agents on fungicide use in Northern Ghana.

Agricultural pesticide use in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled over the past three decades; with a greater relative increase for fungicides. As pesticide inputs continues to rise, so does the potential for the development of resistance. Here, we report on a survey conducted to understand pesticide resistance awareness, pesticide use knowledge and practices of growers and agricultural extension officers (AEOs) in the cereals growing-belt of Northern Ghana, with emphasis on fungicides. The results may inform development of strategies for improving pesticide literacy including resistance awareness, extension services, and crop protection outcomes. The survey revealed a low level of pesticide use knowledge for AEOs and growers. This was more so for growers with low education, predominantly women. Education level (and indirectly gender) influenced perceived effectiveness of fungicides and levels of adoption of cultural and agrochemical best practices. Only 28% of growers and 11% of AEOs practice crop and fungicide rotations, respectively. More than half (53%) of the respondents indicated that fungicides used in Northern Ghana are not effective. Given the low level of pesticide literacy of AEOs and growers, training programs on best practice on the use of pesticides, with targeted initiatives for female growers would improve crop protection outcomes, and safety. The limited adoptions of crop rotation and repeated use of fungicides with the same active ingredients, along with >50% of respondents reporting 'fungicides not working' suggest the potential presence of fungicide resistance cases in growers' fields in the Northern region of Ghana. Further work is needed to determine the incidence of resistance in the region. It is recommended that a key policy priority should focus on understanding broader agrochemical use practices, crop losses and household-level food security in the presence of resistance risks. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Screening of Lentil Genotypes Against Wilt of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik L.) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum F. SP. Lentis in Glasshouse Condition

Wilt of lentil is most damaging disease of lentil caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis. It causes severe crop damage from vegetative to reproducing stage which results in yield reduction. Fol isolates shows high variability and aggressiveness according to the climatic condition. So to overcome from this disease there are many ways of management like by cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices. Resistant variety selection is one of the best ecofriendly cultural management of the disease. So for this purpose one hundred genotypes were taken and screened through pot screening technique under glasshouse was carried out at the Student Instructional Farm (SIF), in the department of Plant Pathology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, which is situated in the IndoGangatic plains of eastern Uttar Pradesh at a latitude of 26.470 and an altitude of 113 meters above sea level during Rabi 2020-21. One hundred genotypes of lentil were obtained from the Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya and IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.).Out of 100 genotypes, 41 genotypes were found highly resistant, 30 genotypes resistant, 8 genotypes moderately resistant, 10 genotypes susceptible and 11 genotypes highly susceptible to Fusarium wilt.

Isidore of Seville, his Mode of Writing and the Metaphor of Taste

The writings in which an author expresses his thought may actually be the product of certain cultural practices of his age. The article considers how such practices are manifested in the writings of Isidore of Seville, particularly with respect to the meaning of the metaphor of taste. Isidore borrows this metaphor from texts that explain the process of understanding Scripture and applies it to the achievement of wisdom. On the one hand, the metaphor stresses the transformative aspect of understanding (rather than the informative, scientia). It focuses on the special experience of the reader who senses the sweetness of the text, and not on the application of the text to one’s life. On the other hand, reading and writing were imagined in terms related to food. The text was food that had to be prepared, to ‘read’ meant to ‘taste’, to ‘meditate’ on it meant to ‘ruminate’. Against this background, the writings of Isidore seem to appeal to the memory of the reader and his ability to meditate upon the text and, finally, to experience the taste of wisdom. Only the outermost level of texts was intended to inform the reader.

Gendered racial microaggressions and stress in PAs who are Black women.

This mixed-methods study explored whether physician associates/assistants (PAs) who are Black women (for brevity, called Black women PAs throughout this article) experience gendered racial microaggressions and whether these experiences correlated with psychologic distress. The phrase Black women encompasses those who identify with the sociocultural roles, behaviors, and expressions of being a Black woman. We conducted an online survey of Black women PAs using the Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale during a 2-month period in 2019. Black women PAs experienced gendered racial microaggressions in clinical settings. Gendered racial microaggressions were correlated with stress, being silenced and marginalized, and assumptions of beauty and sexual objectification. No correlations were found between stress and the angry Black woman and strong Black woman variables. This study revealed that Black women have interlocking forms of oppression related to their race and gender, which are associated with psychologic distress. Awareness of these occurrences can reduce the unknowing perpetuation of gendered racial microaggressions and create cultural awareness practices.

Gender Disparity Index in European Former Communist States: Assessing the Influence of EU Membership

This research is a reflection on the new challenges in former European communist countries in three areas of gender equality. The analysis employs the gender disparity index (GDI), which encompasses life expectancy, education, and income indices, each equally weighted by gender. The former communist states are categorized into two clusters: the first comprising European Union (EU) member states, and the second consisting of non-EU member states or those in the integration process. The findings indicate pervasive gender-based inequalities across the former European communist bloc. This study offers critical insights for countries seeking EU accession, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address gender disparities in multiple domains. Contrary to the hypothesis positing a connection between feminine cultural values and gender egalitarian practices, the data do not support this assertion. The implications of this research are particularly pertinent for aspiring EU member states, who must navigate issues of monopolism while striving to establish effective principles of business efficiency.

Global guidelines recommendations for dietary sodium and potassium intake.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause a significant global health challenge, with unhealthy diets identified as a major risk factor. Sodium and potassium, which are essential minerals for human health, play important roles in various bodily functions, and an imbalance in their intake can have significant health implications, particularly concerning hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This review compiles dietary sodium and potassium intake recommendations from prominent global health organizations and compares global guidelines to Japan's Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines. Sodium and potassium intake guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA), Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and DRI for Japanese exhibit variations. Compared to other Asian countries, Japan's historically higher sodium goal aligns with Southeast Asia where traditional preserved foods contribute to high sodium intake. Contrarily, Japan's lower potassium goal contrasts with other countries in Asia promoting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The ongoing effort by Japan to align with global recommendations reflects a gradation approach considering social habits. While harmonizing international efforts is essential, appreciating regional diversities is paramount through tailoring guidelines to cultural and dietary habit practices. Implementing context-specific guidelines informed by scientific research can contribute to global efforts in promoting healthy diets and reducing the burden of NCDs. Global guidelines that recommended the daily dietary intake goal for sodium and potassium exhibit variations. These disparities are influenced by diverse factors, including cultural dietary habits, socioeconomic status, health priorities, and available scientific research. Each population should follow the recommendations of their region.

Cultural preservation through technology in UAE libraries

Purpose This study aims to explore how libraries in the United Arab Emirates use technology to preserve and digitize cultural and historical documents. It examined how these institutions use different technology models to facilitate the dissemination of UAE’s cultural traditions, practices, historical experiences and expressions to the local and global populations interested in learning about the country. Design/methodology/approach This study relied heavily on a review of the relevant literature and case studies covering how UAE libraries use technology to preserve, document and share tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The methodology entailed gathering and synthesizing relevant information from scholarly journal articles, government and reputable institutional resources online and reports. Collectively, it led to a close analysis of the impact of technology on cultural preservation and an assessment of the specific technology models preferred for optimal outcomes in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage information of the UAE. Findings Multiple UAE libraries rely heavily on technology to collect, record, translate and store cultural heritage information, including releasing it to users when required. The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the UAE National Library and Archives, New York University Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Research libraries have leveraged different technological models and tools to make UAE’s cultural heritage information available and accessible globally. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, three-dimensional imaging and scanning, electronic archiving systems, document management systems and ICT storage systems have helped the UAE libraries to promote and disseminate the nation’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Originality/value By relying on scholarly and authoritative sources of information and evidence to draw conclusions, this study contributes to the existing literature by offering insights into the innovative strategies used by UAE libraries to leverage technology for cultural preservation and promotion. In underlining the value of digital approaches to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the research highlights the instrumentalism of technology in preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage and identity.

The Effect of Yakson Touch on Pain and Physiological Parameters of the Newborn

Background: The stressors faced by the newborn can directly affect the newborn’s sensory development, brain development and organization by causing pain in the newborn. Yakson touch, a traditional Korean cultural practice, is known to reduce the pain in the newborn.
 
 Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Yakson touch applied to the newborn on pain and physiological parameters during the heel prick procedure.
 
 Methods: The study was conducted using a randomized controlled trial design (experimental, control). The study sample consisted of 80 newborns (experimental group = 40, control group = 40), all born between 35-40 gestational weeks and considered suitable for clinical conditions. Yakson touch is a technique that involves warm, pressure less, slow, and compassionate touch, following a fixed fifteen-minute protocol. The Yakson touch protocol was initiated for the experimental group before the heel prick procedure. Research data were obtained using the Parent and Baby Information Form, Physiological Parameters Observation Form and Newborn Baby Pain Scale. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V23 and the significance level was taken as p < .05.
 
 Results: There was no difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of neonatal oxygen saturation, heart rate, and pain score before, during, and after the procedure (p > .05). There was no difference in cry duration between the two groups before and after the heel prick procedure, but the newborns in the experimental group cried less during the heel prick procedure compared to the control group (p = .007).
 
 Conclusion: The newborns in the experimental group, who receives Yakson touch during the heel pricking procedure, had shorter crying times than those in the control group. Therefore, it is recommended to include Yakson touch in nursing interventions during this procedure.