Cultural Studies Research Articles

Evaluating the therapeutic communication skills of nursing students in the clinical setting: The experiences of students, patients and patients' relatives.

Evaluating the therapeutic communication skills of nursing students in the clinical setting: The experiences of students, patients and patients' relatives.

Qualitative Insights Into Cancel Culture Prevention, Its Potential Individual Impacts, and How to Explore them

The concept of cancel culture has gained traction over the past 10 years, with the continuous rise of social media and online platforms. The limited literature on this topic tends to focus on possible definitions and characteristics. However, we have yet to fully understand how cancel culture, canceling, and canceling prevention impact individuals and their lives. As such, we set out to build an empirical base that would allow us to delimit, understand, and study these individual impacts of cancel culture by proposing a new model—the pressure for a perfect conduct (PPC) model. We interviewed 20 people from different age groups to understand how cancel culture impacts their lives and which variables could be related to the pressure that derives from it. We also gathered data on their opinion regarding our proposed model and key variable, “PPC.” Our results seem to indicate that our model and the PPC variable can be used in the study of cancel culture’s individual impacts. Additionally, participants posited that this pressure negatively impacts individuals’ mental health, opinion construction, and social media participation. Furthermore, they reported that cancelling can be performed by and to anyone, not being limited to powerful figures. Further results and potential future studies are discussed. This work can help unlock future research on the topic by bringing forth a novel way to tackle it, as well as by exploring some of cancel culture’s implications at an individual level.

Literasi Budaya Belis dalam Pernikahan Masyarakat Flores Desa Kusu Manggarai Barat Nusa Tenggara Timur

Marriage in the belis tradition in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has moral and cultural values that are broad and deep enough to be learned together. In the belis tradition, when a marriage couple is about to have a traditional wedding. Both prospective brides and grooms must have a good understanding of what they are doing when they carry out the belis tradition in the marriage. The study of belis culture does require a good understanding in its application, especially when it clashes with culture. The belis tradition can be seen as a way of making prospective couples who are getting married think twice before deciding to use the tradition. Not only is there a certain amount of material or nominal amount that must be prepared, the existence of certain objects or items that can and should be considered as dowry requires each couple to provide these materials and objects properly. Not to mention the existence of other agreements and offers, which of course can be understood. Marriage in the NTT tradition, with the culture of belis, is a phase for each young couple to prepare themselves to enter a new life in their life journey. The belis tradition is a pattern of life in the NTT community that can be used as one of the characteristics inherent in the traditions of our society. with cultural wealth that is certainly inherent and stored in it as a whole.

Enhancing Behavioural Supply Chain Management: a Study of Trust, Culture, and Spirituality Effects

Enhancing Behavioural Supply Chain Management: a Study of Trust, Culture, and Spirituality Effects

The problem of periodization of Baroque and neo-Baroque concepts in Latin American Literary philosophy of the turn of the Millennium (using the example of Irlemar Chiampi's works)

The works of the famous Brazilian literary critic Irlemar Chiampi have been chosen as the object of scientific consideration. The subject of the study is the periodization of Latin American Baroque concepts proposed by I. Chiampi. In the middle of the twentieth century, writers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking America became widely known in Europe and the United States and were perceived as representatives of a different non-European-centric worldview. Three relatively structured cultural concepts (X The forests of Lima, A. Carpentier and S. Sarduya) arose on the basis of understanding the special role of the Baroque in Latin American soil. By the end of the twentieth century, there was a need to periodize and structure Latin American Baroque theories themselves. I. Chiampi analyzed not only the Baroque theories themselves, but also the entire evolution of the views of Latin American intellectuals, in which one could find a connection with the Baroque worldview with a timeless interpretation of this concept. Her periodization became, as shown in the article, a convincing panorama of "proto-Baroque" approaches, Baroque and non-Baroque concepts. This study of the reinterpretation of I.Chiampi's Baroque concepts was carried out on the basis of historical, literary and comparative methods. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time it fully presents the historical and philosophical basis of the periodization of Latin American Baroque theories in the works of I. Chiampi. In addition, some of the Brazilian researcher's works are being introduced into domestic scientific circulation. Based on the analysis of Chiampi's works and studies related to the problem of Latin American Baroque, a conclusion is drawn about the special status of this phenomenon for the formation of a model of cultural self-identification of Latin America. The practical significance of the work is seen in the fact that the questions posed in it and their coverage contribute to the systematization of ideas about the Baroque theories of Latin America and help clarify the functioning of the term "baroque" in the space of Latin American literary criticism and, more broadly, Latin American culture. The results of the research can be used in teaching disciplines related to the study of Latin American literature and culture, as well as in relevant sections of literary theory research.

Representation of the "enemy" frame in modern media discourses in Russia and the UK

The subject of the research is the phenomenon of the "enemy" in the media discourses of Russian and British linguistic cultures. The relevance of the research subject is related to the increased confrontation in the media environment caused by the aggravation of world-class political and economic situations. At the same time, the Internet is gaining increasing popularity, the availability of public access to which allows politicians in many countries to increasingly use it as the main space for information influence on the public. The purpose of the study is to describe and compare the semantic components that define the image of the enemy in the two analyzed linguistic cultures, based on the media texts used. A comparative description of the phenomenon under study in different linguistic cultures allows it to be qualified as a culturally determined frame that shows the peculiarities of the worldview in the national linguistic environment that applies it. Research methods such as continuous sampling, conceptual analysis, classification and systematization of analyzed linguistic units into semantic components, and the comparative method were used in the work. According to the results of the study, two groups of components were identified that make up the meaning of the word "enemy" in the analyzed linguistic cultures, such as: slot components describing basic evaluative features, and terminals expressed by certain linguistic units in a presented communicative situation that mentions this phenomenon. According to observations, the components of the second named group cause the first. The selected slot components of the described phenomenon manifested a number of subframes that determine the subject of the study by two fundamental factors, such as: basic (manifesting intention and act) and additional. The latter point to various ways of evaluating a hostile act, including the following: legal, moral, emotional, or ideological criteria. The data obtained showed a number of common (regarded by representatives of both linguistic cultures) and specific (appreciated by representatives of one of the studied linguistic cultures) components of the phenomenon under study.

Bone microphysiological models for biomedical research.

Bone related disorders are highly prevalent, and many of these pathologies still do not have curative and definitive treatment methods. This is due to a complex interplay of multiple factors, such as the crosstalk between different tissues and cellular components, all of which are affected by microenvironmental factors. Moreover, these bone pathologies are specific, and current treatment results vary from patient to patient owing to their intrinsic biological variability. Current approaches in drug development to deliver new drug candidates against common bone disorders, such as standard two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal-based studies, are now being replaced by more relevant diseases modelling, such as three-dimension (3D) cell culture and primary cells under human-focused microphysiological systems (MPS) that can resemble human physiology by mimicking 3D tissue organization and cell microenvironmental cues. In this review, various technological advancements for in vitro bone modeling are discussed, highlighting the progress in biomaterials used as extracellular matrices, stem cell biology, and primary cell culture techniques. With emphasis on examples of modeling healthy and disease-associated bone tissues, this tutorial review aims to survey current approaches of up-to-date bone-on-chips through MPS technology, with special emphasis on the scaffold and chip capabilities for mimicking the bone extracellular matrix as this is the key environment generated for cell crosstalk and interaction. The relevant bone models are studied with critical analysis of the methods employed, aiming to serve as a tool for designing new and translational approaches. Additionally, the features reported in these state-of-the-art studies will be useful for modeling bone pathophysiology, guiding future improvements in personalized bone models that can accelerate drug discovery and clinical translation.

Cultural Aspects of Type-2 Diabetes-related Social Stigma: A Cultural Epidemiological Study among General Community Members in Urban Pune, India.

There is growing evidence from developed countries that type 2 diabetes stigma has been prevalent. However, whether or not type 2 diabetes has a social stigma in India has not been explored. Against this background, a study was attempted to clarify type-2 diabetes-related stigma among general community members. A cross-sectional community-based survey using a locally adapted Explanatory Module Interview Catalog was conducted among 100 randomly selected general community members who did not have diabetes from slum pockets of Pune city. The stigma index was computed based on the responses of stigma indicators and the internal consistency assessed. In addition, based on the mean prominence values, socio-cultural group characteristics were analyzed across stigma indicators. Further, multivariate logistic regression assessed the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics as predictors and stigma indicators as outcome variables. General community members reported widespread awareness regarding type-2 diabetes. More than half of the respondents perceived that diabetes would be a fatal disease without any outside treatment. The resultant stigma index was 7.22 (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75). The milder stigma for type-2 diabetes was revealed through the preference to hide, problems in arranging marriages, difficulties in ongoing marriages, and discrimination instances at the workplace. Adjusted logistic regression (AOR) across stigma indicators showed a tendency to hide diabetes across marital status (AOR = 8.39) and difficulty forming marriage alliances across religions (AOR = 3.10). Documented socio-cultural features of stigma should be considered priorities for action to mitigate its negative influence on the physical health and emotional well-being of persons who have diabetes.

English Literature Studies Online: Insights From Graduate and Undergraduate Students at The Hashemite University

The objective of this article is to investigate the viewpoints of both undergraduate and graduate students of English regarding online education in the aftermath of the Corona virus pandemic, which commenced in March 2020 and resulted in immediate, hit-or-miss changes within the higher education sector. To realize this aim, the study examines the perspectives of graduate and undergraduate students in the English Department at The Hashemite University in the fields of literary, cultural, and critical studies. Consequently, fifty graduate students were asked to write a well-thought essay in which they express their opinion about their experience in online education. On the other hand, eighty-four undergraduate students had to respond to a questionnaire designed to express their opinion within a scale of different responses. The results for both groups show that there is no significant difference between their attitudes. In general, there is a propensity to endorse a novel educational approach that integrates the traditional on-campus education with the most recent online off-campus education.

Routine Preoperative Urine Culture Study in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Multicentric Follow-up Study for 2 Years in Indian Patients

Abstract Background: Infection is a major complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various factors have been identified as risk factors for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The urinary tract is a common pathogenic shed, which can lead to subsequent surgical site infection. However, the need for routine screening of urine culture before elective surgery, the incidence of urine culture positivity, and subsequent risk of PJI are poorly understood in our population. Aims: The aims of this study are as follows: (1) incidence of urine culture positivity in patients undergoing TKA, (2) incidence of postoperative urinary catheterization, and (3) incidence of early PJI secondary to urinary tract infection (UTI). Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing primary TKA from November 2018 to October 2021 at two tertiary orthopedic care centers were followed up for 2 years. Complete preoperative investigations including urine culture, serum albumin, blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (Hb) A1c were recorded. Symptomatic UTIs and those patients with significant growth in culture (>1 lakh colony counts/mL) were treated with sensitive antibiotics for 5 days. Follow-up was done for 2 years for PJI. Results: A total of 2198 patients were included in the study. In 987 patients (44.9%), a urine routine study was positive for pus cells (>10 pus cells/mL) and out of them, 77 (3.5%) patients were positive for urine culture. The most common organism was Escherichia coli (70.12%) followed by Klebsiella (19.48%). About 43.54% of the patients were diabetic (957), and 64.14% (1410) were anemic (Hb = 13.5–17.5 g/dL in females and 12–15.5 g/dL in males). Around 55.78% of the patients were malnourished (serum albumin <3.5 g/dL). A total of 353 patients were catheterized for postoperative urinary retention (16.06%). About one patient (90.045%) developed early PJI, which was not statistically significant for the correlation with any of the study variables. Conclusion: Preoperative urine culture positivity, urinary catheterization, and patient profile do not show a statistically significant correlation with the incidence of early PJI. The need for regular screening of all the patients undergoing TKA for urine culture positivity may not be warranted, however, longer follow-up and larger multicentric studies are recommended in this regard.

Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean Dang-gui) Root Alcoholic Extracts in Health Promotion and Disease Therapy – active Phytochemicals and In Vivo Molecular Targets

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root is a medicinal herbal widely used in traditional medicine in Korea. AGN root ethanolic extracts have been marketed as dietary supplements in the United States for memory health and pain management. We have recently reviewed the pharmacokinetics (PK) and first-pass hepatic metabolism of ingested AGN supplements in humans for the signature pyranocoumarins decursin (D, Cmax 1x), decursinol angelate (DA, Cmax ~ 10x) and their common botanical precursor and hepatic metabolite decursinol (DOH, Cmax ~ 1000x). Here we update in vivo medicinal activities of AGN and/or its pyranocoumarins and furanocoumarin nodakenin in cancer, pain, memory loss, cerebral ischemia reperfusion stroke, metabolic syndrome and vascular endothelial dysfunctions, anxiety, sleep disorder, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Given their polypharmacology nature, the pertinent mechanisms of action are likely misrepresented by many cell culture studies that did not consider the drug metabolism knowledge. We report here Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK1/2) as novel targets for DA and DOH. Combining with published inhibitory activity of DOH on acetylcholinesterase, agonist activity of DOH and antagonist/degrader activity of DA/D on androgen and estrogen receptors, D/DA promoting activity for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)- gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory axis and inhibition of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), we postulate their contributions to neuro-cognitive, metabolic, oncologic, vascular and other beneficial bioactivities of AGN extracts. A clinical trial is being planned for an AGN extract to manage side effects of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients.

Tumor microenvironment-mimicking macrophage nanovesicles as a targeted therapy platform for colorectal cancer.

Tumor microenvironment-mimicking macrophage nanovesicles as a targeted therapy platform for colorectal cancer.

Therapeutic potential of Astragalus-based Eefooton in patients with chronic kidney disease: from clinical to bench study.

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern, and recent clinical evidence suggests the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to slow CKD progression. This offers alternative strategies for CKD patients, mitigating risks related to polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions. Our self-controlled, prospective study aims to assess the impact of Eefooton (EFT), a TCM-based regimen, on kidney health in stage 3-5 CKD patients. Additionally, we conduct a cell culture study to explore the potential mechanisms of EFT in protecting renal function. Materials and methods: Between 2021 and 2022, 75 stage 3-5 CKD patients (56% males; mean age 68.20y) at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital and Wu San-Chiang Medical Clinic received six months of EFT treatment alongside conventional CKD medications. The primary outcome assessed was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months, with secondary outcomes including kidney size and blood biomarker changes. Adverse events were monitored. In an in vitro study, EFT effects on HK-2 cell viability and clonogenicity, as well as analysis of apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins through Western blot, were investigated. Results: Median eGFR significantly improved from 34.37 ± 13.58 to 42.47 ± 18.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001) at month 6 post-treatment. Notably, improvements were observed across different baseline CKD stages (stage 3: p < 0.001, stage 4: p = 0.037). Ultrasonography scans indicated a slight increase in mean kidney size. In vitro, EFT enhanced HK-2 cell viability and increased clonogenicity. Indoxyl sulfate exposure raised cleaved and total PARP-1 activity. Co-treatment with EFT and IS reduced cleaved PARP-1 activity. EFT decreased IS-induced expression of fibrosis-related proteins (α-smooth muscle actin) without affecting apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase 3). Conclusions: When combined with conventional CKD medications, EFT has shown effectiveness in enhancing kidney function in individuals with stage 3-5 CKD, with no reported safety concerns. The PARP-1 inhibition and anti-fibrosis properties of EFT present potential benefits in the context of CKD.

Molecular Weight-Dependent Boron Release Effect in PVA/Chitosan Cryogels and InVitro Mineralization Evaluations by Osteoblast Cells.

Cryogels were fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan of varying molecular weights (Mw). In this study, the effects of chitosan Mw, types of boron-containing molecules on network formation, and boron release rate in resulted cryogels were investigated. The PVA/chitosan blend maintained a constant 4.5% (w/v) polymer content. PVA to chitosan weight ratio of 6:1 was maintained and fixed. Five percent w/w boric acid and borax (sodium tetraborate) crosslinkers were added in PVA and chitosan mixtures to construct cryogels. The freeze-dried specimens underwent crosslinking evaluation, chemical composition analysis by FTIR, and boron release studies by ICP-MS. The pore morphology and the swelling capacity of the cryogel have been assessed by SEM and incubation in water, respectively. Mechanical test was also used to evaluate the effect of borax and Mw of chitosan on cryogels' mechanical properties. It was demonstrated that the types of boron supply had a significant role on the cryogelation capability. For different chitosan Mw, the cryogels made using borax showed stable cryogels. In contrast, even after altering the chitosan Mw, the formula with boric acid was unable to create stable cryogels. In addition, boron release assay showed that the quantity of free boron in the incubation solutions decreased as the Mw of the chitosan component of the cryogel was reduced. Cell culture studies with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells in the cryogels indicated that borax-crosslinked samples exhibited sustained cell viability. Alizarin red staining assay was used to study mineralization capacity of boron-containing hydrogels, which confirmed increase of mineralization in low molecular weight chitosan groups.

Radiofrequency Induced Time-Dependent Alterations in Gene Expression and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Line.

The widespread use of wireless communication technologies has increased human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). Considering the brain's close proximity to mobile phones and its entirely electrical transmission network, it emerges as the organ most profoundly impacted by the RF field. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of RF radiation on cell viability, apoptosis, and gene expressions in glioblastoma cells (U118-MG) at different exposure times (1, 24, and 48 h). To achieve this, we designed and implemented an in vitro RF exposure system operating at a frequency of 2.1 GHz, specifically for cell culture studies, with an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.12 ± 0.18 W/kg determined through numerical dosimetry calculations. Results reveal a significant influence of a 48 h exposure to a 2.1 GHz RF field on U118-MG cell viability, gene expression, and the induction of caspase (CASP) dependent apoptosis. Notably, increased CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 mRNA levels were observed after 24 and 48 h of RF treatment. However, only the 48 h RF exposure resulted in apoptotic cell death and a significant elevation in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio. This observed effect may be influenced by extended exposure durations surpassing the cell's doubling time. The increased BAX/BCL-2 ratio, which acts as a key switch for apoptosis, and the heterogeneous morphology of the astrocyte-derived U118-MG cell line may also play a role in this effect.

Highly Flexible Methyl Cellulose/Gelatin Hydrogels for Potential Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications.

Cartilage damage resulting from trauma demonstrates a poor capacity for repair due to its avascular nature. Cartilage tissue engineering offers a unique therapeutic option for cartilage recovery. In this study, methylcellulose (MC)/gelatin (GEL) hydrogels (MC10G20, MC12.5G20, MC15G20, and MC17.5G20) were developed to assess and compare their chemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics for cartilage repair. First, the interaction between MC and GEL after blending and subsequent crosslinking with EDC/NHS was confirmed by using FTIR. Mechanical tests under compression test revealed that hydrogels' resistance to both elastic and plastic deformation increased with higher wt.% of MC. The % strain of the hydrogels doubled with the addition of MC, likely due to abundant hydrogen bonding between polymeric chains. Furthermore, the compressive modulus of MC/GEL hydrogels was approximately 0.2 MPa, closely matching modulus of human cartilage tissue. Similarly, the % water retention capacity of the hydrogels increased over the 7 days as the MC content increased. Additionally, SEM images showed that the incorporation of MC to GEL introduced porosity with the diameters ranging from 10 to 50 μm, similar to the size of pores in native cartilage. Invitro cell culture studies confirmed the biocompatibility of MC/GEL hydrogels. Fluorescence staining showed a 2.5-fold increase in F-actin staining following the incorporation of MC into the hydrogels. Overall, this study highlights the potential of MC/GEL hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering, however, further research is required to assess its full potential.

Archaeology and Catholic Things

Abstract: From rosaries and relics to resting places, material things and places have long been central to Catholic modes of prayer and veneration. This essay reflects on recent literature about Catholic materiality, as derived from the fields of archaeology and material culture studies. Focused on understanding the past and present through material evidence, studies show how beliefs, values, and spiritual experiences are encoded in Catholic sacra (holy things and places). Moreover, lived experience associated with Catholicism can be interpreted through the contextual analysis of everyday practices: religion shaped regional culinary traditions, medical practices, the design of yard spaces, and forms of bodily adornment. Thematically, this review addresses Protestant and Catholic attitudes toward material culture, ways that immigrants navigated devotional and political identities, European/Indigenous hybridity, postcoloniality, object agency and animism, and reconciliation through cemetery projects.

Meta-Criticism of the Concept of Cultural Contents and Cultural Contents Studies: From the perspective of a comparative study between Cultural Studies and Cultural Contents studies

Meta-Criticism of the Concept of Cultural Contents and Cultural Contents Studies: From the perspective of a comparative study between Cultural Studies and Cultural Contents studies

KATHAK DANCE: FOSTERING SUFI-INSPIRED LIFESTYLES, REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT, AND PREVENTING SUICIDE

This research explores the multifaceted impact of Kathak dance, a traditional Indian art form, on the mental well-being and professional outcomes of practitioners. Drawing on a diverse literature review, encompassing historical perspectives, cultural studies, and dance scholarship, the study focuses on the integration of tradition and policy, the adoption of a Sufi-inspired lifestyle, entrepreneurial practices for unemployment reduction, and educational initiatives within the Kathak community. The methodology employs Smart PLS4 for structural equation modeling, emphasizing the quantitative exploration of these variables. Through a cross-sectional design, the study aims to uncover the intricate relationships between these factors and practitioners’ mental well-being and suicide prevention. The research contributes to the fields of dance studies, cultural preservation, and mental health by offering insights into the dynamic interplay between tradition, policy, lifestyle, and education in the context of Kathak. Keywords: Kathak dance, mental well-being, suicide prevention, tradition and policy integration, Sufi-inspired lifestyle, unemployment reduction, educational initiatives, Smart PLS4, structural equation modeling, cultural studies.

Encountering Folk, Knowledge, and Place

Studies of culture, history, literature, and art can provide insight into our multiple senses of place. The manner in which we speak, write, illustrate, and produce our landscapes; the politics of land use; and life on land or sea (or away from it) reflect human efforts to live locally. Similarly, studies of ecologies, landforms, weather, and other natural phenomena can teach us about how people spatialise and make homes in the world. Culture, lifeworlds, and place can be mutually constitutive, and knowledge is situated. In this paper, the co-editors-in-chief of ‘Folk, Knowledge, Place’ journal introduce ourselves and show how our collective work has demonstrated the need for this journal. We then discuss theoretical frameworks; introduce our approach to researching in-between between disciplines, places, and theories; and present how the journal is published.