Modern Culture Research Articles

Predicting the popularity of music tracks on Spotify based on numerical metrics

In today's world, music plays an important role in the lives of millions of people, and music streaming platforms such as Spotify have become an integral part of modern culture. The popularity of music tracks is of great importance to the music industry, affecting artists' incomes and trends in the music world. Predicting the popularity of music tracks is an impor-tant task that can help artists, producers, and platforms better understand listener preferences and optimize their strategies. As part of this work, a data storage of music tracks on the Spotify platform has been de-veloped, based on a physical model of the database, the functionality of which is implemented using SQL scripts. Working with the database is presented through the implementation of software for the implementation of ETL processes and intelligent analysis of selected data. The software allows you to classify tracks by the level of popularity (0 - not at all popular, 1 - medium popularity, 2 - hit) using numerical track metrics such as acousticness, tempo, va-lence, liveness, etc. The role of the data storage management system is SQLite, the program-ming language for implementing the application is Python. Different machine learning models are used to predict track popularity, including KNeighbors, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting. Data mining software provides efficient track classification and graphical display, allowing users to easily interpret forecasting results. Libraries used in the work: pandas, numpy, seaborn, matplotlib, tabulate, xgboost, scipy, sqlite3. The overall analysis showed that the XGBoost and Random Forest models are the most effective for predicting the popularity of music tracks. They demonstrate high accuracy and resistance to changes in the set of attributes, which makes them suitable for use in real condi-tions.

Symbolic Narratives in Graphic Design: Semiotic Perspectives on Advertising Visuals

This study examines how consumer culture is reproduced through advertising visuals in the context of graphic design. Three different advertisements were selected, and the graphic design elements used in these visuals (such as color, composition, and symbols) were analyzed in terms of their impact on consumer perception. Employing the semiotic analysis method, the study reveals that advertising visuals are not merely aesthetic tools but also carriers of ideological and social meanings. The findings indicate that graphic design elements effectively convey the ideological messages of consumer culture and establish profound symbolic connections between brands and consumers. Additionally, the role of graphic design has become more prominent in the digital era, evolving into an interactive and multi-layered structure within modern consumer culture. This study underscores the critical function of graphic design as a communication tool that not only creates visual aesthetics but also shapes social values and consumer behaviors. In conclusion, advertising visuals are evaluated as strategic tools in the reproduction of consumer culture, contributing to theoretical and applied studies in this field.

INFORMATION AND REALITY (PROBLEMS OF SEMANTICS AND PRAGMATICS)

The relevance of the topic of the article is due to the need for philosophical research into the nature of information as a factor that significantly affects the development of modern society. Understanding the nature of information is important for the study of processes, mechanisms, and technologies in any sphere of social life.The study is based on a semiotic approach, the relationship between information and reality is considered based on the semantic and pragmatic aspects of this problem. The concept of semantic information by Luciano Floridi and the views on the nature of information by Yuval Noah Harari are analyzed. The semantic aspect is understood not only in terms of the “truthfulness” of data, but also in terms of the perception and interpretation of this data by the consumer of information. Information appears as a model of reality, and at the same time information models reality, creating a second, illusory reality. A person exists in a situation of “two realities” (ontological and semiotic). This situation of “two realities” creates numerous philosophical and semiotic problems.Information not only reflects and constructs reality but is also used as a means of influencing consciousness, as a means of control. The modern information society is built on technologies of manipulation of consciousness. This is associated with the peculiarities of the functioning of information in society. In modern culture, information increasingly replaces reality, simulates reality. These are fakes and disinformation, rumors and conspiracy theories, as well as literature and art that exist as an imitation of reality. The media record events less and less often, and more and more often direct them. This is what describes the state of post-truth, when information flows themselves determine what is true and what is not. Information loses touch with reality, information and reality do not intersect or intersect rarely. People are increasingly immersed in this artificial reality, being in the information, virtual world.

Instagram and #Wellness: Uncovering Gender and Body Patterns

The concept of “wellness” and its associated representations have become key aspects of modern culture, with social media platforms like Instagram playing a significant role. Not only do these platforms serve as spaces for the public expression of wellness-related topics, but they also influence public perceptions. This becomes particularly meaningful when these expressions are linked to gender. Our research explores how wellness and gender are depicted in popular Instagram posts. By analysing 300 public Instagram posts tagged with #wellness from 2023, we investigate whether traditional notions of gender and bodies are challenged or reinforced. Wellness is a multifaceted process, but our findings show that users often adhere to a narrow concept. To understand these representations, we focused on posts tagged with #wellness, particularly those in the physical category. The study employed a digital methods approach (Rogers, 2013) and thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2021), uncovering three primary themes: Practices & Workout, Body & Expressions, and Clothing & Adornment. Predominantly, all themes in the context of wellness depict gender in a binary form and bodies as thin or athletic. These traditional gender and body norms are perpetuated on Instagram, reinforcing societal standards of beauty and body image. Instagram’s engagement logic preferentially promotes content conforming to dominant societal norms, strengthening these patterns. Alternative or counter-narratives, while they exist, often face challenges in gaining visibility due to both algorithmic biases and cultural predispositions. Although Instagram has the potential to offer a platform for such counter-narratives, our findings indicate that normative content continues to dominate in terms of visibility and engagement.

Conceptualization of the Concept of "Cultural Modernization" in the Works of Chinese Scientists

Conceptualization of the Concept of "Cultural Modernization" in the Works of Chinese Scientists

The Nevell manuscript: new evidence of 17th-century gentlewomen’s music book-sharing and education at exiled English convents

Abstract Scholarship on early modern English musical culture remains dominated by the activities of male musicians and male institutions. Despite the drastic growth of English convent studies as a discipline, relatively little examination by musicologists of the roles of these institutions in the production and circulation of music books or in musical networks more generally has taken place. Indeed, even those who are examining books with direct evidence of female ownership and/or usage have often only viewed the books through the lenses of male institutions. This article explores a music book that initially belonged to Ursula Nevell [Neville] (c.1653–1727), identifying the contents of the book, including new sources of music from the final quarter of the 17th century. It uncovers evidence of likely usage in the context of an exiled English convent and demonstrates that the book probably travelled across the channel several times over two generations, used by both mother and daughter, both in and out of an English convent context. The article contextualizes the book against a wider backdrop of English convent musical culture and music education at the convent schools by using new research that has been undertaken since 2011. Finally, it suggests some possibilities for how Neville’s book may have been partially produced and/or used in a convent context.

Русская литературная классика: проблема понимания (к методологии истории литературы)

The purpose of this research is to identify the problematic field of Russian classical literature understanding. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the formulation of the problem of understanding Russian classics, which is relevant in modern culture, and in the in the search for a methodology for studying the history of Russian classical literature as a scientific and educational discipline. The analysis of the results of teaching the Russian classics at the university (Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia) and diagnostics made it possible to determine that the underlying reason for the misunderstanding of classical texts was a gap in the cognitive chain “Word – image – understanding”. It was found out that the starting point in this problem is the specific perception of the word in literature, which leads to the blurring of the boundaries between literature and information. It is not about the difficulty of reading or the level of knowledge required to understand a particular text or topic, but rather the epistemological challenge of comprehending Russian classical literature – its unique characteristics and the way it is presented. The article attempts to conceptualize the problem of understanding/misunderstanding of the Russian classics from the point of view of fundamental sciences. A research path has been identified that helps to overcome the revealed gap in the cognitive chain.

Актуальные характеристики и тенденции развития социально-сетевой культуры

The purpose of the study is to identify the current characteristics and trends in the development of social network culture. The article reveals the general conditions of functioning of modern socio-network culture (the embodiment of various forms of public knowledge, the representative and performative nature of the expression of socio-cultural reality, the cultural diffusion of offline and online environments, the dichotomy of two types of orientation in the social network space: orientation to freedom and autonomy and orientation to regulation and control). Among the most significant trends in the development of social network culture at this stage, the tendency towards the sovereignty of the information space, the active introduction of artificial intelligence technologies, as well as new forms and principles of spatial embodiment are considered. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the socio-philosophical problematization of the functioning and development of the phenomena of social network culture, taking into account current social, ideological and technological trends. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that the implementation of the considered trends cannot be reduced to a single vector and, as a result, meets the property of multivariative development, which determines the corresponding opportunities and limitations.

The Role of the Russian Language as a Means of Conveying Thoughts and Communication

The article explores the development of the Russian language as a complex and multifaceted process, encompassing not only the establishment of grammatical and lexical norms but also the crucial role of language in thinking and communication. Language is viewed as a tool for conveying thoughts and facilitating communication, contributing to the development of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and logical thinking. The influence of cultural, social, and historical factors on speech development is emphasized, alongside the interaction of language with mass media, the internet, and modern culture. The article highlights the importance of education in developing speech skills and fostering critical thinking. Technology is seen as a complement to traditional teaching methods, enhancing the effectiveness of the educational process. Ultimately, the Russian language is presented as a dynamic system that plays a key role in social and cultural life.

The Formation of New Quality Productivity of Agriculture Under the Perspectives of Digitalization and Innovation: A Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis Based on the “Technology-Organization-Environment” Framework

The formation and development of new quality productivity of agriculture can effectively promote agricultural sustainability and modernization. In order to explore the multiple paths of the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture, using the panel data of 30 provincial levels in China from 2012 to 2021, based on the “technology-organization-environment” framework and dynamic QCA method, this paper explores how seven factors such as agricultural technology innovation, digital infrastructure, innovation policy support, the formation of e-commerce industry, marketization level, green finance, and rural culture modernization interact to promote the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture. The findings reveal that none of the above seven factors can promote the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture, and agricultural technological innovation and digital infrastructure are becoming more and more important to the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture over time. The high new quality productivity of agriculture formation models can be categorized into four types: TOE empowers new business model development-driven, government–market–culture triple-driven, market-oriented efficient transformation of technological achievements-driven, and deep integration of agricultural technological innovation and emerging agricultural business models-driven. The configurational results exhibit significant regional effects, with diverse pathways for the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture across different provinces.

Prospects of conceptualization of M. M. Bakhtin's dialogical approach in the structure of modern cultural and philosophical knowledge

There is a significant number of scientific literature on the philosophical work of the outstanding Russian philosopher, cultural critic and literary critic M. M. Bakhtin. His ideas made him one of the most influential Russian theorists, penetrated deeply into all the humanities ("sciences of the spirit" according to M. M. Bakhtin). Modern humanitarianism is impossible without such concepts as dialogue and polyphony, author and Other, act and responsibility, etc. However, for the most part, Bakhtin scholars are focused on analyzing and generalizing the semantic and ideological content of his manuscripts. Considering the key principles of M. M. Bakhtin's philosophical teaching, the authors of the article propose their promising development in relation to the main directions of cultural and philosophical science. Basing their research on the methods of logical extrapolation and modeling, the authors try to outline the possibilities of applying Bakhtin dialogism as a universal methodological principle in various fields of modern philosophical knowledge and culture. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that four aspects of the prospective application of this conceptual position in different fields of humanitarian knowledge are highlighted: 1) historical-cultural and historical-philosophical (as the principle of constructive dialogicity of different philosophical trends and traditions), 2) epistemological (as the principle of dialogicity of human cognition), 2) axiological (the principle of polyphonic axiogenic dialogue of different social subjects) and 4) socio-cultural (the principle of equal partnership dialogue in interstate relations, which is the basis of global integration and the defining trend of modern world development (i.e., the main content of the modern era). The depth of M. M. Bakhtin's vision of the problems of modern humanitarianism, who anticipated the development of scientific knowledge about man and his spiritual being for almost a century ahead with his ideas about dialogic and personal responsibility, allows, on the basis of the method of logical extrapolation, to outline ways to further develop his conceptual provisions.

Management of Panca Jiwa Character Education in Islamic Boarding Schools

Panca Jiwa Islamic Boarding School which is a pattern of fostering students or students who are believed to be an educational concept that leads to the value of character building and as a core educational element in the world of Islamic Boarding School. In this case, the practice of the values of the five souls of Islamic Boarding School is not fully successful in all students or santri. This is due to the development of modern culture or the influence of outside cultures that occur in Indonesia. Therefore, with the aim of research to describe the values of the five souls that exist in the Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School in North Lampung. In this study the authors used a descriptive qualitative approach or field research, namely research that examines the facts and problems found in the field. The results and discussion of the research found that Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School has successfully implemented Panca Jiwa-based character education effectively. Careful planning aims to produce Muslim individuals who are tough and have strong character. The organization of the program is carried out by involving all related parties, ensuring that each individual has a clear role in shaping the character of the students. The implementation of character management is carried out holistically by involving all elements of the Islamic Boarding School in various activities. Evaluation is carried out in an integrated manner to correct past mistakes and achieve positive changes in the character building of santri. The supervision of character education is carried out carefully, ensuring positive interaction with the environment and Islamic Boarding School activities. Thus, Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School has created a supportive environment for the formation of quality santri character and adhering to Islamic values.

Preliminary Study about Comparison of Potato Minitubers Production in Conventional Culture and Modern Culture – Aeroponic

Preliminary Study about Comparison of Potato Minitubers Production in Conventional Culture and Modern Culture – Aeroponic

CULTURAL ARCHAEOLOGY: TEXT – CODE – SYSTEM OF REPETITIONS AND KEY-NAMES

Various interdisciplinary studies, linking approaches of culturology and archaeology, allow to consider one of the productive directions within this convergence, called culturology of archeology. This direction focuses on the study of archaeological memorials and texts that can act as cultural phenomena, which allows to comprehensively study the nature of such phenomena, their structure, laws of development and functioning in modern society. The article aims to clarify the content of this interdisciplinary area, highlight its research potential. Considering «Arkaim» as a text, the author analyzes the structure of the famous archaeological monument with the help of the “filled” term «cultural code». The author identifies a repeating code, semantic code, narrative code and descriptive code. Their distinguishing feature is the high degree «valence» of internal signs. The mechanism of functioning of these codes with a system of signs is described in the example of interaction of texts G.B. Zdanovich and poet M.P. Nikulina about «Arkaim». This is seen as the key reason for a great variety of interpretations of modern archaeological sites and text. It is concluded that this property of «archaeological» text can be perceived, on the one hand, as a negative factor, and on the other, to act as a «mirror» in which important processes taking place in modern society and culture are reflected.

FIGURATIVE ART IN THE CONTEXT OF PHILOSOPHICAL AND CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE

As an important part of modern culture, figurative art is embodied in the reflection of social reality and the expression of the artist’s subjective world and deep cultural consciousness. In the context of philosophy and culture, figurative art adopts an interdisciplinary research approach, combining philosophical, cultural and art historical studies to reveal its meaning and role in contemporary society. Through the framework of philosophical theory and the analysis of cultural context, the deep meaning of figurative art is demonstrated, and the importance of philosophical and cultural analysis in understanding figurative art is emphasized. Using a philosophical and cultural analysis approach, it delves into the deeper meaning of figurative art. Through the analysis of philosophical theoretical framework and cultural context, the significance and role of figurative art in contemporary society are revealed.

TATTOO CULTURE AS A PHENOMENON OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION

This article is devoted to tattoo culture as an element of visual communication in modern society. The author analyzes the history of tattoos, their meaning and influence on society. The role of tattoos in self-expression and creation of an individual image is also considered. Different styles and techniques of tattooing, their influence on fashion and art are analyzed. This is determined by the peculiarities of modern culture, which is characterized by changes in the life orientations of modern society. Tattooing is considered as a communication in society. This communication can be an updated form of culture and become a certain lever of socio-cultural renewal, which brings new meanings and values into the culture of society. The article concludes that tattoos are a powerful means of visual communication and can be used to convey various messages and values.

Research on the Design of Cultural Creative Products Based on the Traditional Craft of Shouzhuo Ceramics

With the rapid development of the cultural and creative industries, the innovative design of traditional crafts has become an important avenue for promoting their sustainable development. As one of the most significant representatives of Chinese traditional ceramic culture, Shouzhuo Ceramics boasts a long history and unique craft characteristics. This paper discusses the application of Shouzhou traditional ceramics in modern culture and creative product design.. First, the paper briefly reviews the historical development and craftsmanship features of Shouzhuo Ceramics, analyzing their uniqueness in terms of glaze colors, patterns, and shapes. Second, it proposes methods for integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern design concepts, in line with the development trends of the cultural and creative industries. Through specific design cases, this paper examines how the traditional elements of Shouzhuo Ceramics can be transformed into creative and marketable products. Finally, the article summarizes the challenges faced in the creative product design process, especially in balancing commercialization with cultural inheritance, and provides outlooks for future research directions.

The Misunderstandings of Architectures: From Perceptions of Gothic Architectures to Modern Stereotypes and Social Solutions

The paper starts with the common misconceptions of Gothic architecture, particularly its association with horror and the supernatural in modern culture. Gothic architecture was originally designed to evoke reverence and spiritual awe and has been repurposed in films to create eerie and unsettling atmospheres. The paper argues that this shift in perception stems from the architectural elements of Gothic structures, such as their extensiveness and seemingly endless spaces, which can affect human perception and create a sense of unease. Additionally, the visual illusion of structural vulnerability in Gothic buildings contributes to portraying these architectures as haunted or dangerous places in media. The paper also addresses the issue of how architecture is often overestimated as a solution to social problems, using examples like Gothic churches in the Middle Ages and modern architectural designs aimed at solving issues like social segregation. Ultimately, the paper concludes that while architecture can play a significant role in shaping experiences, it should not be seen as a panacea for deeper societal issues.

Legacy of Dmitry Govorov - Olonkhohut Miterey in the context of modern socio-cultural space

The article examines the legacy of Dmitry Govorov - Olonkhohut Miterey in the modern socio-cultural space. According to ancient teachings, thought and, especially, word, have great creative and destructive power; therefore, people who possess these skills were considered special spiritual leaders on a par with outstanding shamans and blacksmiths. Thanks to the efforts of the enthusiast A. F. Boyarov, who recorded the full text of the olonkho, we know about its extensive repertoire, including the olonkho "Mulju Bege." It is known that in the 1970s - 1980s, the folk art of the peoples of Russia was in decline. However, in modern realities, there is a revival of national identity in the form of a movement for the revival of traditional ethnic culture, which leads to a more noticeable role of folklore in public life, the restoration of its origins and the preservation of traditions. The purpose of the article is to analyze the role of the olonkhohut (Olonkho-narrator) in the modern cultural environment using the work of Dmitry Govorov - Olonkhohut Miterey as an example. This study uses historical and typological comparison and a system analysis of modern storytelling. Particular attention is paid to the role of the olonkhohut personality in the context of the modern cultural space. The scholarly novelty of the article lies in the fact that it is the first to consider and analyze the personality of the olonkhohut in the context of the modern cultural environment, which has not been thoroughly studied by researchers to date. This work makes a significant contribution to understanding the role of the olonkhohut in modern culture.

Institutes and Institutions Influencing the Content of Jurisprudence

This paper seeks to explore the intricate relationship between legal culture and its foundational institutions in Hungary from the medieval period to the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. The study underlines the dynamic interplay between Hungary’s legal institutions, the legal profession and the evolving landscape of legal education. The historical review offers insights into how these components interacted, influenced each other, contributed to the foundations of modern legal culture in Hungary and led to the perception of Hungary as a nation of lawyers. By weaving historical detail with an analysis of legal institutions, the paper positions itself as a critical resource for understanding the complex development of Hungarian jurisprudence and offers perspectives on the lasting legacy of these foundational shifts in today’s legal system.