• Identifies cave lions in Paleolithic art through morphometric and comparative analysis. • Combines image survey, fossil-based reconstruction, and statistical modeling. • Most feline depictions match cave lion proportions, with stable head proportions throughout the Upper Paleolithic. • Temporal changes in body proportions suggest stylistic or evolutionary convention codes. • Results reveal detailed anatomical knowledge and cultural complexity in prehistoric art. This study investigates the representation of cave lions ( Panthera [leo] spelaea ) in Upper Paleolithic art in France, dated between 40,000 and 12,000 years ago. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we aimed to identify depictions of cave lions among feline figures and assess the level of anatomical accuracy and familiarity prehistoric humans had with this extinct species. Our methodology combined a comprehensive survey of Paleolithic images (including cave art and portable objects), the reconstruction of a life-sized cave lion model, analyses of body proportions, and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA). The results reveal that most feline representations correspond closely to the proportions of the cave lion, particularly in terms of head dimensions, which remain consistent across pre-Magdalenian and Magdalenian periods. In contrast, body proportions show temporal variation, suggesting potential evolutionary changes in the species, shifts in artistic representations, cultural transformations in iconography, or stylistic preferences. Our findings highlight both the detailed anatomical knowledge and the complex symbolic and aesthetic choices of Paleolithic artists in their representations of large carnivores.

Evolving from Gender Equality Plans (GEP) to inclusive Gender Equality Plans (iGEP) requires the incorporation of an intersectional approach capable of addressing complex and structural inequalities, attending not only to formal equality but also to the power relations that shape experiences within scientific organizations. Intersectionality, as an analytical and political framework, recognizes that gender does not operate in isolation but rather interacts with other social categories -such as ethnicity, class, age, disability or sexual orientation- producing overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination and disadvantage. In Research Performing Organizations (RPOs), there is often a tension between the scarcity of systematic intersectional data – often caused by personal data protection policies – and the need for evidence to inform institutional policies and practices. However, these constraints cannot obviate persistent inequalities, even in environments that may seem homogeneous. Drawing on the experience of the Institute of Marine Science, this paper presents the various efforts made to obtain intersectional data and evidence of staff perceptions and experiences of discrimination and privilege related to their specific identities. The findings reveal diverse forms of exclusion, as well as dynamics of power, privilege and resistance that continue to shape organisational culture and affect the participation, recognition and career trajectories of specific groups. Addressing intersectional disadvantage requires both methodological sensitivity and ethical accountability. The paper highlights the contextual nature of intersectionalities, repositions marginalised voices within institutional analysis, and reflects on the positionality of those leading the process. It recognises the limits of perspectives and imaginaries constructed from outside marginalised groups, emphasising the importance of reflexivity and validation. The results of this process, shared and collectively validated within the institution, provide the foundation for the formulation of a GEP+ reinforcing its legitimacy and institutional relevance. The iGEP articulates inclusive policies aimed not only at addressing discrimination and inequalities, but at fostering deep and sustainable structural and cultural transformation. Through this comprehensive and intersectional approach, the iGEP advances substantive equality within the ICM, moving beyond compliance towards structural change, enhanced inclusion, and the recognition of diverse identities and lived experiences across the organisation.

Orientation: Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming employee assistance programmes (EAPs) by enabling proactive, data-driven and context-sensitive approaches to employee well-being. In South African context, however, socio-economic inequalities, pronounced digital divides and cultural and linguistic diversity continue to constrain the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced EAPs, leaving ethical, cultural and structural considerations insufficiently examined. Research purpose: To address this gap, this study employed a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from 2012 to 2024 to examine and synthesise the ethical, cultural and digital transformation requirements influencing the adoption of AI-driven EAPs in South African workplaces. Motivation for the study: The integration of AI in EAPs has not been fully explored in the South African context, where challenges of diversity, ethics and digital equity remain prominent. Research approach/design and method: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, a review of the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and EBSCOhost databases resulted in the identification of 50 relevant articles, which were analysed thematically. Main findings: The synthesis produced six interconnected themes: (1) adoption and implementation dynamics (2) infrastructure and digital competency barriers (3) cultural and linguistic appropriateness (4) ethical governance and data privacy (5) economic and structural constraints and (6) employee well-being outcomes. Practical/managerial implications: To unlock the potential of AI in EAPs, it is essential to create strategies that are culturally responsive, ethically governed and technologically inclusive. Contribution/value-add: This review offers insights to assist policymakers, Human Resource (HR) professionals and EAP designers in developing fair and contextually relevant digital well-being interventions within South African workplaces.

The interview with Hernán Ramírez examines the recent rise of right-wing movements in Latin America as an expression of a structural crisis affecting economic, social, and political dimensions. Throughout the dialogue, it is argued that this phenomenon is not new but rather a reactivation of dynamics linked to neoliberalism, the weakening of the state, and the limitations of the left in representing broad social sectors. It also explores the role of neoliberal subjectivities, cultural transformations, and the influence of social media in shaping new political rationalities. The discussion highlights how contemporary right-wing movements channel social discontent through effective discourses supported by transnational networks and ideological capital. Finally, it suggests that this context reflects a broader crisis of modernity and the erosion of traditional forms of political organization, opening the possibility for new configurations in the future.

ABSTRACT A considerable body of research on the German-Polish borderland has focused on different forms of cooperation and bilateral interaction that have developed since 1990. In this sense the borderland has indeed functioned as a “laboratory” of European integration, contributing to a sense of good neighbourliness and interconnectedness that has prevailed despite numerous political and social challenges. However, the significance of the German-Polish borderland is not limited to these considerations, its development since 1990 is an expression of multifarious social, cultural and political transformation processes that have taken place in the two countries. In this paper I will argue the German-Polish borderland's significance as a multiverse consisting of numerous overlapping and co-existing ways of living at and across the borders and as a source of conceptual wealth regarding the ways in which borderlands can be understood to exist. From an isolated space of unresolved historical tensions, the borderland is presently understood by many as an opportunity space for shopping, education, housing, travel and employment. It is also narrated as a synergistic cooperation space by public and civil society actors. At the same time, the borderland is also a space of bi-national tension, including sporadic border closures and populism.

This study investigates the critical function of veteran contemporary artists in leveraging creative expression as a proactive means to interrogate and deconstruct gender-based obstacles. Utilizing a qualitative framework that integrates rigorous formal analysis with socio-cultural contextualization, the research evaluates how visual, performance-based, and multi-disciplinary artworks act as both reflective mirrors and radical instruments for challenging entrenched patriarchal paradigms. The analysis highlights the contributions of influential figures like Judy Chicago, whose seminal installation *The Dinner Party* rearticulates historical female narratives; Cindy Sherman, whose photographic explorations dismantle archetypal feminine stereotypes; and Lorna Simpson, who addresses the intersectional complexities of racial and gendered identities. Each practitioner’s body of work illustrates specific methodologies for destabilizing conventional social roles. By examining both the literal and symbolic depictions of gender, this paper argues that these artistic interventions facilitate meaningful dialogue and foster cultural transformations toward genuine equality. Furthermore, the study emphasizes an intersectional perspective, acknowledging that gendered experiences are inextricably linked with other identity markers. The findings suggest that art serves as a robust platform for political activism, harmonizing aesthetic brilliance with social critique to reshape public and institutional perceptions of gender. Ultimately, this research posits that seasoned artists remain central to the ongoing evolution of feminist and queer advocacy through their transformative creative practices.

Many products (goods and services) experience rapid adoption followed by decline, transformation, or absorption into broader technological and cultural systems. These phenomena, often described as innovation fads, provide valuable insight into the cultural mechanisms that shape the lifecycle of innovations. This article analyzes sixty-six cases of products (goods and services) that experienced explosive growth between the late 1990s and the mid-2020s across multiple sectors, including consumer electronics, media formats, communication technologies, lifestyle products, and digital platforms. The study applies the Cultural Innovation Construct Process Model that classify innovations according to four cultural drivers: Neowel (technology-driven), Beutel (aesthetic-driven), Moral (rule-driven), and Gnosil (knowledge-driven). Using comparative historical analysis and cross-sector case examination, the research identifies recurring patterns in how innovations emerge, diffuse, and decline. The findings suggest that aesthetic-driven innovations tend to generate rapid but short-lived diffusion, while technology-driven innovations frequently become absorbed by new technological platforms. Norm-driven innovations display greater stability when supported by institutional frameworks. The most durable cultural transformations, however, appear to be associated with knowledge-driven innovation, where new scientific or systemic understanding reshapes behavior and decision-making. The study proposes a strategic framework indicating that innovations integrating knowledge transformation, institutional alignment, technological enablement, and cultural symbolism are more likely to evolve from temporary fads into sustained cultural practices.

The context of accelerating contemporary cultural transformations, the modes of cultural operation, structures of cultural identity, and mechanisms of meaning production have undergone profound adjustments, placing higher demands on the self-conscious development of culture. Chinese cultural subjectivity is therefore no longer understood as a fixed cultural attribute, but as a continuously generated cultural state shaped through the interaction between history and reality. Based on the fundamental characteristics of contemporary cultural change and the historical background of the theoretical self-awareness of cultural subjectivity, the philosophical connotation of cultural subjectivity is clarified, followed by an analysis of the internal resources and structural tensions involved in the formation of Chinese cultural subjectivity. On this basis, the construction path of Chinese cultural subjectivity under contemporary conditions is systematically examined from the perspectives of reshaping cultural understanding, maintaining a conscious stance in cultural exchanges, and sustaining reflective mechanisms, aiming to provide an analytically robust perspective for grasping the theoretical implications and practical development of Chinese cultural subjectivity in the new era.

ABSTRACT This study examines how disability-related language in Saudi Arabia shapes the everyday experiences of persons with disabilities and sustains linguistic ableism despite recent policy reforms. While initiatives such as the Disability Code and Vision 2030 emphasise inclusion, limited empirical work has explored how everyday speech, cultural values, and institutional discourse reproduce stigma. Drawing on qualitative data from 38 participants – 25 adults with diverse disabilities and 13 caregivers – using semi-structured interviews, discourse analysis, and participant observation, the study identifies five thematic domains. Everyday language emerged as a primary site of stigma, with terms such as mucāq, majnoon, and maskeen described as identity-reducing. Religious and cultural framings intertwined notions of divine testing with norms of shame and concealment. Participants also highlighted gaps between policy and practice, alongside pronounced gendered constraints and reductive media portrayals. The study concludes that advancing inclusion requires legal reforms accompanied by deeper cultural, gender-sensitive, and media-level transformation.

The transformation of educational paradigms has increasingly emphasized the importance of inner development as a fundamental component of meaningful learning. This study aims to analyze how inner development contributes to the transformation of educational practices and institutional culture. The research employs a qualitative approach using library research by analyzing various academic sources, including scholarly journals, academic books, and research reports related to transformative education and inner development. The findings indicate that contemporary education is shifting from a traditional knowledge-transmission model toward a transformative and reflective learning paradigm. This shift highlights the importance of developing inner capacities such as self-awareness, empathy, ethical responsibility, and reflective thinking. These capacities play a crucial role in enabling learners to understand themselves, interact constructively with others, and respond to complex social and environmental challenges. The study also identifies several pedagogical approaches that support inner development, including transformative learning, experiential learning, and reflective dialogue. In addition, the findings reveal that interdisciplinary integration involving educational psychology, leadership studies, and sustainability education contributes significantly to the development of holistic educational practices. Based on these findings, this study proposes a conceptual framework called the Inner Development–Transformative Education Model, which integrates inner capacities development, transformative learning processes, and institutional integration. This model highlights the importance of combining personal growth with institutional innovation to support holistic and sustainable educational transformation.

Reframing traditional Irish music through an interdisciplinary lens, this study investigates its function within the cultural and identity transformations of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Ireland. The research aims to elucidate how musical traditions contributed to the formation of cultural nationalism and the reconstruction of collective memory during a period marked by colonization, modernization, and globalization. The scope of the study extends beyond Ireland’s borders to examine the role of diaspora communities and international festivals in transmitting and redefining Irish traditional music within global cultural networks. Methodologically, it employs qualitative, comparative, and content-based approaches, supported by institutional case studies such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, archival resources, and statistical migration data. The theoretical framework draws upon the ethnomusicological insights of John Blacking and Frank Harrison, emphasizing the socio-cultural construction of musical meaning. The findings reveal that Irish traditional music—far from being a static heritage—has functioned as a dynamic medium of resistance, identity expression, and cultural continuity. Moreover, its international dissemination demonstrates how vernacular musical traditions can adapt to global contexts while maintaining their indigenous roots. By integrating perspectives from musicology, anthropology, and cultural history, this article underscores the necessity of recognizing traditional Irish music as a vital site of cultural negotiation and interdisciplinary inquiry, urging broader engagement with non-Anglophone perspectives within ethnomusicological scholarship.

This study examines the alienation mechanism of fan cultural practices within the platform society, investigating how the technical architecture and commercial logic of new media platforms transform participatory culture, rooted in emotion and community, into digital labor. Besides, the study explores how this process affects fans' identity, reinforces group cohesion, and triggers social phenomena such as information cocoons and group polarization. Specifically, by reviewing existing literature, this paper analyzes, from the perspectives of the political economy of communication and mediatization theory, how platforms shift the environment of cultural participation towards one of data labor. It examines how algorithmic recommendation, quantitative indicators, and competitive rules constitute the technical mechanism of laborization. Furthermore, it discusses how fans, as active agents, reconstruct their identity and sense of community belonging by internalizing data logic, thereby becoming active labor subjects. The findings indicate that this interactive process fosters highly cohesive yet exclusionary digital communities, leading to collective consequences such as cognitive narrowing and social segmentation.

The discussion around Education 4.0 focuses on technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, creating the impression that technology alone can transform schools. However, simply introducing digital tools does not guarantee meaningful pedagogical change, especially when organizational structures and mindsets remain unchanged. This article argues that the success of Education 4.0 requires a parallel transformation of leadership. Leadership 4.0 is not limited to technological infrastructure, but constitutes a framework that combines digital, transformative, distributed, flexible, and ethical leadership. Leaders are called upon to shape a culture of learning, manage uncertainty, ensure participation, and set ethical limits on the use of technology. Critical challenges emerge, such as resistance to change, digital inequalities, and teacher burnout. The article concludes that Education 4.0 is not a technological initiative but an organizational, cultural, and ethical transformation. Without a coherent strategy, effective training, and people-centered leadership, any reform risks remaining superficial.

ABSTRACT This study investigates how non-English speaking universities transform cultural distinctiveness into competitive advantages in global higher education markets. Employing mixed methods – structural equation modelling of 252 international students’ surveys and thematic analysis of 20 administrative interviews – we examine Chinese sports education internationalization. Three key findings emerge: (1) institutions evolve through three strategic stages (imitation, integration, distinctive development), with cultural capital transformation effectiveness increasing progressively (β = 0.45 to 0.73, p < 0.001); (2) paradoxically, Chinese characteristic sports education exceeded expectations most significantly (+0.61, d = 0.74), while support services underperformed (−0.52, d = 0.56); (3) cultural capital transformation strongly predicts student satisfaction (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), moderated by institutional strategic maturity. The study proposes a “Cultural Capital Transformation Model” synthesizing Bourdieu’s capital theory, Knight’s internationalization framework, and Porter’s differentiation strategy. This model reconceptualizes cultural resources from barriers to strategic assets through three mechanisms: cultural coding/educationalization, value reconstruction, and embodied learning. Findings offer theoretical advancement and practical guidance for Asia-Pacific institutions seeking differentiated internationalization through cultural distinctiveness.

This narrative review examines strategies and recommendations to address the current radiologist shortage in the USA, with a particular emphasis on workforce retention and preservation through operational efficiency, organizational leadership, cultural transformation, and technology integration. National workforce data, expert commentaries, and strategic frameworks from academic radiology and healthcare leadership literature were reviewed to contextualize current challenges and proposed solutions. The radiology workforce faces escalating pressure driven by rapidly increasing imaging volumes, limited growth in the number of practicing radiologists, and rising attrition rates. Between 2008 and 2018, radiologist workloads nearly doubled while workforce expansion was much smaller, exacerbating workload imbalance, burnout, and professional dissatisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated workforce challenges by causing an exodus of workers and making on-site work more challenging. Although short-term mitigation strategies exist, sustainable long-term solutions require coordinated cultural and structural changes that prioritize strategic hiring, transparent career advancement pathways, protected academic and professional development time, and optimized workflow efficiency supported by technology. In conclusion, effective management of the radiology workforce shortage necessitates integrated operational and cultural approaches, with departments implementing comprehensive and tailored interventions to expand workforce capacity, enhance professional fulfillment, and maintain high-quality patient care.

This study examines the political, social, and cultural transformations that shaped the Central Sudan region between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, with particular emphasis on the historical development of the Kanem–Bornu Empire. Despite its long-standing significance in African and Islamic history, the socio-cultural dimensions of this empire remain relatively underexplored compared to other prominent West African states such as Mali and Songhai. The research adopts a historical-analytical approach, drawing upon both primary narratives and secondary historiographical sources to reconstruct the evolution of the Kanem–Bornu polity. It explores the role of geography in facilitating trans-Saharan trade networks, which positioned the empire as a crucial economic and cultural crossroads linking North Africa with sub-Saharan regions. The study further analyzes the political organization of the state, particularly under the Zaghawa and Saifid dynasties, highlighting their contributions to state formation, territorial expansion, and administrative continuity over several centuries. In addition, the paper investigates the processes through which Islam was introduced, institutionalized, and disseminated across the region. The adoption of Islam by ruling elites significantly influenced governance structures, legal systems, and cultural practices, while also promoting the spread of the Arabic language and scholarly traditions. The findings demonstrate that the Kanem–Bornu Empire functioned not only as a political entity but also as a dynamic center of cultural interaction, religious transformation, and economic exchange. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical complexity of Central Sudan and underscores the importance of integrating socio-cultural perspectives into the study of African Islamic empires.

ABSTRACT This article explores the network of small public spaces in Nikea, a borough in Greece shaped by a century of migration and socio-spatial transformation. Established in 1923 as a settlement for Asia Minor refugees, Nikea’s initial masterplan featured shared courtyards and alleys that complemented the small housing units and served as transitional spaces, between public and private. These spaces fostered vibrant social ties and a sociable everyday life, becoming integral to the area’s identity. Over the last three decades, however, the shared spaces have declined, reflecting broader disintegration in Nikea’s social fabric despite recent regeneration efforts. Grounded in ethnographic fieldwork and spatial documentation, this study examines the potential of these heterotopic spaces to serve as more than infrastructure for social encounters. It investigates their capacity to act as thresholds – dynamic, inclusive spaces where private and public lives intersect, fostering meaningful connection and the negotiation of cultural differences. The paper explores socio-spatial, relational and cultural transformations shaping the use and perception of these spaces and their role in the neighbourhood’s evolving identity. While Nikea’s shared spaces hold latent potential to bridge divides, realizing this requires intentional, collective action to reclaim them as catalysts for togetherness in an increasingly fragmented urban landscape.

This study provides a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the role of women’s political participation in fostering and institutionalizing participatory democracy in Algeria. Drawing upon a combination of legal-institutional analysis, political sociology, and comparative democratic theory, the research examines how women’s engagement in political processes contributes to the transformation of governance structures, civic inclusion, and democratic legitimacy. The study integrates constitutional developments, electoral reforms, and international commitments—particularly those aligned with global gender equality frameworks—to evaluate the extent to which formal guarantees translate into substantive political empowerment. Empirically, the research analyzes patterns of women’s representation in elected councils, decision-making positions, and civil society organizations, highlighting both progress and persistent structural constraints. The findings reveal that, despite significant legal advancements—such as constitutional provisions promoting gender equality and quota-based representation— women’s political participation in Algeria remains limited by deeply rooted socio-cultural norms, institutional inertia, and the constrained autonomy of civil society actors. Moreover, the study demonstrates that participatory democracy in Algeria continues to exhibit predominantly formal characteristics, with limited effective citizen engagement in policy formulation and governance processes. The article argues that enhancing women’s political participation is not merely a question of representation but a fundamental prerequisite for achieving inclusive, responsive, and accountable governance. It further contends that the consolidation of participatory democracy requires a holistic approach that combines legal reforms with cultural transformation, institutional transparency, and the empowerment of independent civil society structures. By situating the Algerian case within broader theoretical and comparative perspectives, this study contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse on gender, democratization, and participatory governance in transitional and developing political systems.

From Vision to Action: A Principal's Curriculum Leadership, the Integration of ESG into School-Based Curricula, and Organizational Cultural Transformation—A Case Study of P Elementary School

Technological continuity amidst cultural transformation: pottery production at the late Neolithic Miaoliang Site, Northern China