Cultural Studies Research Articles

Conceptual Approach to Understanding the Social Aspects of the Educational Potential of the Islamic Studies

The relevance of the research theme, lies in its importance for the effective formation of a harmoniously developed personality and society, as well as maintaining the cultural, social and economic prosperity of the modern society. The purpose of this article is to study the social aspects of the educational potential within the framework of Islamic studies, as well as to reveal the conceptual approach to its understanding. The publication materials are the information from scientific and practical disciplines, highlighting the implementation of social aspects of the educational potential of the Islamic studies in its natural environment and in a foreign context, as well as monographic works on the topic and sources that are a fixation of research observations in the field of modernization of the educational and social systems of the society life. The following concepts are the result of its study: fixing the problem under study as a composite and inseparable and a large-scale system; determination of its leading categories; establishing the relationship between its components; the authors’ interpretation of this topic as a panoramic phenomenon interconnected with many other spheres of society. The practical significance of the work was revealed in its novelty, relevance and demand among representatives of the leading areas of scientific thought and activity such as history and sociology; ethics and religious studies; cultural studies and economics; pedagogy and psychology. The prospect of the problem under consideration lies in the need to observe, fix and study its reflection and relevance in the life of modern society, as well as in the importance of expanding and enriching the boundaries of “Islamic studies” as a scientific direction that promotes awareness of the role of spiritual principle in the formation of personality, as well as in saving the ethnic groups for their prosperity and progress.

The Things of Order: Affect, Material Culture, Dispositif

Abstract: Commenting on Frantz Fanon's account of the material culture created by European colonizers in the aftermath of invasion, Achille Mbembe notes that the colony is fundamentally a state of war, a contest of forces, in which "sensory life"—the continuum of bodies, objects, and landscapes—is a battlefield. "From this point of view," he writes, "colonial domination requires an enormous investment in affect and ceremony and a significant emotional expenditure." This essay argues for a reappraisal of the work of Michel Foucault as a theory of material culture. Linking Foucault's work on power to studies of material culture, it reviews Foucault's late concept of the dispositif , which specifies the ways power is projected by objects like the scaffold and the panopticon. The article then puts Foucault's approach to material culture in conversation with two strands of contemporary critical thought—New Materialism and affect theory—to show how a full-fledged analytics of power–matter–affect might emerge. What Foucault calls the "analytics of power" supports the critical study of affect and ceremony—the streams of force that constitute subjectivity above, beneath, or outside of language. By way of example, this article explores how this emergent framework can provide new resources for moving beyond liberal approaches to the problem of Confederate monuments. Although Foucault is often read as a theorist preoccupied with discourse, a reconsideration of the dispositif shows that Foucault's analytics of power enhances our understanding of the role of material culture in guiding political affects.

Detection methods for Legionella pneumophila in diverse environmental conditions: A comparative study of FISH, seminested PCR and conventional culture

Detection methods for Legionella pneumophila in diverse environmental conditions: A comparative study of FISH, seminested PCR and conventional culture

Design approaches for 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting platforms.

The natural habitat of most cells consists of complex and disordered 3D microenvironments with spatiotemporally dynamic material properties. However, prevalent methods of in vitro culture study cells under poorly biomimetic 2D confinement or homogeneous conditions that often neglect critical topographical cues and mechanical stimuli. It has also become increasingly apparent that cells in a 3D conformation exhibit dramatically altered morphological and phenotypical states. In response, efforts toward designing biomaterial platforms for 3D cell culture have taken centerstage over the past few decades. Herein, we present a broad overview of biomaterials for 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting, spanning both monolithic and granular systems. We first critically evaluate conventional monolithic hydrogel networks, with an emphasis on specific experimental requirements. Building on this, we document the recent emergence of microgel-based 3D growth media as a promising biomaterial platform enabling interrogation of cells within porous and granular scaffolds. We also explore how jammed microgel systems have been leveraged to spatially design and manipulate cellular structures using 3D bioprinting. The advent of these techniques heralds an unprecedented ability to experimentally model complex physiological niches, with important implications for tissue bioengineering and biomedical applications.

Doing History at the Edge of the Map: The “Digital Thrace” Research Project

Abstract “Digital Thrace: Mapping the History and Culture to Enhance the Tourist Economy” is a three-year (2021–2023) research project conducted by the Democritus University of Thrace. “Thrace,” a geographical rather than a regional or political designation, is divided into three nation-states (Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey). Despite historical nationalist conflicts and ethnic stereotypes, Thrace maintains its multicultural character. This article shows that the Digital Thrace Project not only generates research but also transforms it into knowledge and cultural experiences for visitors. It bridges the gap between academic historiography and cultural studies on one side and the public space on the other. This multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project employs cutting-edge technologies to provide two main components to its users: a digital platform primarily aimed at researchers and educators, and a digital tour application for the general public. Special attention is devoted to the project’s pedagogical section. Based on the principles and methodologies of intercultural and democratic education, over 30 educational projects have been designed for primary and secondary school classes. These projects aim to engage students in exploring not only the history and culture of their own communities but also those of the others.

Research on religion and spirituality in China: A bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science

Research on religion in China is of critical importance due to its impact on society, culture, and politics within the country and in an increasingly interconnected global context. There is a pressing need in academic and scientific realms to understand and analyze the core research themes conducted in this field over the past decade. The relevance of such research lies in their ability to establish a common framework that facilitates collaboration among researchers and consolidates existing knowledge. By identifying major research and areas of academic activity, this common framework opens the door to greater integration and synergy among academics in this field. Furthermore, this framework benefits researchers in the field of religion in China and offers opportunities to expand and deepen understanding of related topics such as sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. To do that, a comprehensive analysis has been developed using bibliometric techniques and methodologies to identify and evaluate the most significant research on religion in China over the last ten years. This approach enables the visualization of emerging trends, areas of interest, and significant contributions in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of current research. This analysis addresses this demand using bibliometric tools, techniques, and methodologies. Finally, it underscores the importance of understanding recent research on religion in China and how bibliometric analysis can significantly contribute to academic and scientific collaboration and identify new avenues of inquiry in this dynamic and complex field.

The Dynamics of Transcultural Insight in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Literary Universe

Blending literary and cultural studies, the essay discusses the manners in which Jhumpa Lahiri’s literary universe constructs a gradual unfolding of a layered transcultural vision. The paper argues that in the shift from fictions of migration to autobiographical narratives of self-redefinition, the Bengali-American author advances cultural scenarios of transformation that enable the reshaping of cultural identities through the transcendence of fixed cultural loyalties. Invoking perceived lacks in their native cultural traditions and intuiting the incompleteness of cultures, her characters are haunted by the urge to cross cultural boundaries in order to gain a sense of personal fulfilment. Ultimately, Lahiri herself replicates this pattern as she relocates to Italy and writes in a new language (Italian). The last stage in Lahiri’s transcultural scenario is represented by an attempt to dissociate cultural specificity from the notion of identity, as she takes refuge in the realm of abstraction through minimalist aesthetics. Relying on a close reading of her texts, the essay will scrutinise the author’s peculiar outlook on transculturality, which appears to embrace various cultural spaces while seemingly avoiding specific attachments. The analysis aims to establish whether Lahiri succeeds in transgressing the very idea of cultural belonging in her quest for a freeing path.

On the Re-Alienation Experiences of the Amateur Runners in Istanbul

In contemporary mass culture, individuals are increasingly subjected to standardization, homogenization, and objectification, leading to experiences of alienation within the societal framework shaped by it. Despite efforts to fortify connections with oneself, the environment, society, and meaning, individuals may still find themselves immersed in alienation within the societal structure they inhabit. Through heightened awareness, individuals strive to reclaim their authentic identities, utilizing various means to distance themselves from alienation. However, this pursuit may paradoxically result in renewed ruptures in connections, as individuals encounter re-alienation, finding themselves ontologically identical yet formally distinct within the alienation process. Amidst the complexities of modern life, individuals often seek self-realization through recreational pursuits like running. Hence, this study endeavors to examine the phenomenon of re-alienation, particularly among amateur runners. By conducting semi-structured, in-depth interviews with runners in Istanbul, the study explores both the process of distancing from alienation and the experience of encountering re-alienation through running. Through its investigation, the study aims to contribute to scholarly discourse on alienation, self-realization, and re-alienation with the lens of critical communication studies. By analyzing the lived experiences of individuals, the research seeks to deepen our understanding of the intricate dynamics of alienation and resilience in contemporary society. Research findings show that running as a recreational activity strengthens individuals' connections with themselves, nature, their social environment, meaning, and values, thereby allowing for a sense of autonomy to be achieved; however, due to social infrastructure and individual psychological tendencies, subject and object fetishes can be developed in relation to running activities, leading to experiences of re-alienation. Keywords: alienation, self-realization, mass culture, sports and recreational studies, critical communication studies

Food Culture in Precolonial Taiwan

Abstract Central to food culture are food practices that encompass any activity in which food is involved. Furthermore, food culture studies analyse the many meanings generated by these practices. This article explores food culture in precolonial Taiwan. It charts the meanings generated by the food practices of the Siraya, a Formosan ethnic group who lived in southwest Taiwan and had intensive contact with Dutch East India Company colonisers and an array of Chinese in the seventeenth century. The article analyses the rich variety of edible animals, plants, and fish, and drinks available in Taiwan before focusing on Siraya food practices and the meanings generated by these practices. These include the use of food for sacrifice, funeral rites, gifting, and exchange. The article also examines taboos around food and their social function. Furthermore, it compares Siraya food culture with that of other Formosan groups and pre-Columbian America.

A Sociocultural Exploration of the Impact Body Image Has on Black College-Aged Women’s Mental Health

This study aimed to explore the relationship between Black cultural identity body image and mental well-being among Black Americans and Black immigrant women who attend predominately white universities (PWIs). As part of the Multi-Site University Study of Identity and Culture (MUSIC) survey, participants completed the Brief Inventory of Body Image, which included questions such as “I’m proud of my body,” “I often feel ugly,” ‘I have a good figure,” “I’m ashamed of my body,” and “I am anxious about the way I look.” The results showed that there were several similarities between the subgroups in the correlations between body image and mental health indices, such as social anxiety, depression, psychological well-being, and self-esteem. Both Black American and Black immigrant college-aged women had a positive association between body image and indicators of Black women’s sense of self, like self-esteem and psychological well-being. They also had a negative association between body image and mental health, such as social anxiety and depression. However, there was one key difference in that Black American women had a stronger association between their sense of self and self-esteem and psychological well-being compared to Black immigrant women. These findings support other studies that suggest Black women tend to have a stronger positive body satisfaction relative to their overall mental well-being. The study has important implications for the understanding of Black women, ethnic identity, body image, and mental health, which are discussed in the paper.

“There's an awful lot of rubbish around masquerading as Cultural Studies”: Rethinking Sport Studies After the Cultural Turn

This article addresses the (inter)disciplinary parameters and political possibilities of Sport Studies by providing an overview of the state of Sport Studies after the cultural turn. The cultural turn is defined as the influence of linguistic models on cultural analysis and the associated impact of poststructuralism and critical theory on the social sciences. I argue that the cultural turn, especially as developed within the academic field of Cultural Studies, resulted in the elevation of culture as central rather than epiphenomenal to our understandings of how society works. Drawing on the work and ideas of Stuart Hall, I warn against decontextualized forms of cultural analysis, that privilege discourse analysis and descriptive content analysis. Instead, an argument is made for more critical conjunctural analyses, broadly defined as the analysis of socio-economic forces that shape power relations within a given social field during a particular period of time. The article then maps six key forces reshaping the current conjuncture. Sport, I argue, is entangled in complex ways with these emerging and changing formations, and in some areas, sport is at the forefront of the cultural-ideological revolutions taking place. As a key site of meaning making, a powerful space where bonds of attachment are forged, a space of fantasy and play, and a place for identity construction and human creativity, I show how sport is now central to current struggles to remake the world system into a more humane, less toxic and more egalitarian space.

Response of Potassium Humate Extracted from Different Organic Sources on Yield and Quality of Green Chilli

Aim: In recent trend of organic farming, use of humic substances plays important role, as it act as biostimulants to boost the yield of crop. Humic substances can be easily obtained by locally available organic sources. Hence, three different organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost, lignite were characterized for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with nutrients to judge their quality and maturity to extract humic substances. The potassium salt of humic acid extracted from these three sources were used as foliar application at different concentrations to study their effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Study Design: The pot culture experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design comprising eleven treatments with three replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in rabi season 2021-22 at College of Agriculture, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: Three organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost and lignite were used to extract humic substances (humic and fulvic acid). These organic sources were studied for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with their nutrient status to compare their quality and maturity for extraction of humic substances. Humic substances obtained from these different sources were studied for their content and characteristics. The potassium humate extracted from these organic sources were used in a pot culture study on green chilli, comprising eleven treatments and three replications. The different levels of potassium humate (200 to 600 ppm) were used as foliar application on transplanted chilli at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT) along with recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF) for studying its effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Results: Among all the three organic sources, vermicompost was reported as the best organic source to extract humic substances from its physico-chemical properties viz. pH (6.9), EC (0.3 dS m-1), water soluble organic carbon (0.76 %) and C:N ratio (18.0), which are considered as quality and maturity parameters to obtain good quality humic substances. Nutrient status for macro and micronutrients were reported to be higher in vermicompost followed by FYM and least content in lignite. In the pot culture experiment, the foliar application of potassium humate extracted from vermicompost resulted in significant improvement in fresh and dry yield of chilli fruit and stalk as compared to potassium humate application extracted from FYM and lignite. Among the various concentrations used (200-600 ppm) for the foliar application of potassium humate, application @ 400 ppm extracted from vermicompost along with GRDF (T7) was reported as the best treatment resulting in significantly increase in the fresh and dry yield of chilli fruits and stalk. Further, it was noticed that the same treatment was observed to be effective in significant improvement of the ascorbic acid content as quality parameter in fresh green chilli fruits.

No such thing as peacetime: Notes on Gaza, Hannah Arendt and cultural studies

This comment piece, prompted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the terrible toll of lives of Gazan people following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, argues that the field of cultural studies has its origins in a notion of post-war peacetime and that this has created a vocabulary deficit in regard to war, genocide and state violence. Paul Gilroy and Stuart Hall have confronted patterns of violence in regard to the urban environment and the policing of Black youth as well as the escalation in day-to-day authoritarianism and the rise of the right. There is a strong case to be made however for the field of cultural studies to more fully draw on political philosophy including Middle East scholarship to engage more directly with the politics of occupation, settler colonialism, neo-nationalism and the far right.

Бытовой фактор религиозного сообщества в аспекте проблемы религиозной девиации и морали

This article delves into considerations regarding the disintegrative role of specific segments within the modern religious field in relation to the transformation of sacred values under the influence of social innovations. Based on interdisciplinary terms, the phenomenon of “fandom micro-cult” is characterized and defined. The structure of the microcult, its hierarchy and management methods are analyzed. Using an interdisciplinary approach, religious communities are characterized from the point of view of psychology, cultural studies, sociology and religious studies. The hierarchical structure of the micro-cult and its management mechanisms are scrutinized. The regulatory function of religion is investigated, highlighting its influence on societal behavioral mechanisms. The phenomenon of the dominance of the existential aspect in modern sacred schemes is described, since the taboo of a number of everyday objects that do not initially have mystical significance becomes the main tool in the spiritual process. The conclusion is made about the deviation of religious, social, and moral norms under the influence of these processes.

Феномен гендера в научном дискурсе

The concept of gender has become increasingly prominent in scientific discourse, reflecting society’s growing recognition of the complexities of human identity and social relations. In this article, the author delves into the multifaceted nature of gender and gender culture, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of these concepts within the framework of scientific inquiry. Gender research spans various academic disciplines, each offering unique insights into the complexities of gender dynamics. Linguistic studies explore the language and discourse surrounding gender, revealing how linguistic practices both reflect and shape gender norms and identities. Psychological research investigates the cognitive processes and social factors that influence gender identity formation and expression. Sociological inquiries examine the social structures and power dynamics that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination. Philosophical analyzes interrogate the underlying assumptions and conceptual frameworks that underpin our understanding of gender. Cultural studies explore the diverse representations and practices that constitute gender culture within different societies and historical contexts. Gender culture in society is understood as a system of organizing intersexual relations that has developed within the social structure, encompassing a multitude of individual gender cultures and serving as a macroconstruct for them. The concepts of gender and gender culture as sociocultural phenomena serve as methodological tools for studying the specificity and dynamics of specific gender cultures that develop within various sociocultural societal systems. In conclusion, the study of gender and gender culture is essential for advancing our understanding of human diversity and social inequality. By critically examining the conceptual foundations and methodological approaches to gender research, we can contribute to the development of more inclusive and equitable societies that recognize and respect the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions.

Metagenomic 16S rRNA analysis and predictive functional profiling revealed intrinsic organohalides respiration and bioremediation potential in mangrove sediment.

Mangrove sediment microbes are increasingly attracting scientific attention due to their demonstrated capacity for diverse bioremediation activities, encompassing a wide range of environmental contaminants. The microbial communities of five Avicennia marina mangrove sediment samples collected from Al Rayyis White Head, Red Sea (KSA), were characterized using Illumina amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. Our study investigated the microbial composition and potential for organohalide bioremediation in five mangrove sediments from the Red Sea. While Proteobacteria dominated four microbiomes, Bacteroidetes dominated the fifth. Given the environmental concerns surrounding organohalides, their bioremediation is crucial. Encouragingly, we identified phylogenetically diverse organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) across all samples, including Dehalogenimonas, Dehalococcoides, Anaeromyxobacter, Desulfuromonas, Geobacter, Desulfomonile, Desulfovibrio, Shewanella and Desulfitobacterium. These bacteria are known for their ability to dechlorinate organohalides through reductive dehalogenation. PICRUSt analysis further supported this potential, predicting the presence of functional biomarkers for organohalide respiration (OHR), including reductive dehalogenases targeting tetrachloroethene (PCE) and 3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenylacetate in most sediments. Enrichment cultures studies confirmed this prediction, demonstrating PCE dechlorination by the resident microbial community. PICRUSt also revealed a dominance of anaerobic metabolic processes, suggesting the microbiome's adaptation to the oxygen-limited environment of the sediments. This study provided insights into the bacterial community composition of five mangrove sediments from the Red Sea. Notably, diverse OHRB were detected across all samples, which possess the metabolic potential for organohalide bioremediation through reductive dehalogenation pathways. Furthermore, PICRUSt analysis predicted the presence of functional biomarkers for OHR in most sediments, suggesting potential intrinsic OHR activity by the enclosed microbial community.

Tissue Culture Studies on Shankhpushpi

Callus from root portion of seedlings of Convolvulus pluricaulis has been cultured on a medium (BM) based on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium. Sucrose, 1.5%; casein hydrolysate, 1250 mg/l ; IAA, 15 mg/l ; kinetin 1.5 mg/l and GA, 0.5 mg/l, individually were found optimum for the maximum growth of callus.Maximum hypotensive activity was noticed in the extract of callus tissue cultured on BM supplemented with a higher concentration of casein hydrolysate.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of microemulsion based cream formulations for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

AbstractBy lowering the significant adverse effects of traditional medications, this study intends to create cream formulations based on microemulsions that contain extract from Allium sativum L. for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Characterization experiments were carried out on the developed cream formulations based on microemulsions. Textural profile analysis and spreadability tests were conducted. Furthermore, cell culture studies and toxicity analysis were performed. As a result, the pH and viscosity values of the developed formulations were found between 6.43 ± 0.00 and 6.66 ± 0.01, and between 13.90 ± 0.080 and 137.20 ± 8.02 P, respectively. The highest‐performing empty and loaded cream formulations in terms of spreadability and textural profile analysis were those with the highest beeswax content. The highest‐performing empty and loaded cream formulations in terms of spreadability and textural profile analysis were those with the highest beeswax content. According to the visual physical evaluation of the formulations, it was observed that the developed formulations were neat, smooth, and homogeneous. The optimum formulation developed was non‐cytotoxic, which maintained cell viability by over 90%. Additionally, the skin irritation experiment was also non‐irritant with a relative cell viability of 92.6%. In conclusion, the developed A. sativum extract‐loaded microemulsion‐based cream formulations appear to be promising formulations for the acne vulgaris treatment, without malodors.

Indocyanine green-loaded N-doped carbon quantum dot nanoparticles for effective photodynamic therapy and cell imaging of melanoma cancer: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo study

N-doped carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanoparticle was prepared as a novel nanocarrier with excellent solubility, stability, and high quantum yield to overcome Indocyanine Green (ICG) obstacle in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with simultaneous cell imaging property. Cell culture study and In vivo assessments on the C57BL/6 mice containing melanoma cancer cells was performed. Results showed that CQD size after ICG loading slightly enhanced from 24.55 nm to 42.67 nm. Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) test demonstrated that CQD improved ICG photo-stability and ROS generation capacity upon laser irradiation. Cell culture study illustrated that ICG@CQD could decrease the survival rate of melanoma cancer cells of B16F10 cell line from 48% for pure ICG drug to 28% for ICG@CQD. Captured images by confocal microscopy approved more cellular uptake of ICG@CQD and more qualified cell imaging ability of the nanocarrier. In vivo assessments on the C57BL/6 mice containing melanoma cancer cells displayed the obvious inhibitory effect of the tumor growth for ICG@CQD in comparison to free ICG. In vivo fluorescence images confirmed that ICG@CQD accumulates remarkably more than free ICG in the tumor region. In conclusion, ICG@CQD is proposed as an innovative nanocarrier with great potential for PDT and diagnosis.

EXPLORATION OF THE THEMATIC CLUSTERING AND COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES IN KAZAKHSTANI RESEARCH

In today's academic environment, the rapid growth of research publications calls for advanced methods to organize and understand the extensive collections of academic work. This study aims to systematically categorize a substantial number of research paper abstracts from Kazakhstani institutions, focusing on identifying key themes and potential interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. The dataset includes 13,356 abstracts from the Scopus database, covering a wide range of academic fields. The methodology of this research goes beyond traditional hand-done analysis by using advanced text analysis tools to organize the text data efficiently. This initial phase is crucial for summarizing each abstract's core content. The next steps of the analysis use this organized data to find and group similar thematic areas, considering the complex and multi-dimensional nature of academic research topics. The results reveal a diverse array of research themes, highlighting the dynamic academic contributions from Kazakhstan. Significant areas such as environmental science, technological advancements, linguistics, and cultural studies are among the prominent clusters identified. These insights not only provide an overview of current research directions but also highlight the potential for cross-disciplinary partnerships. Moreover, the findings have important implications for decision-makers, scholars, and educational institutions by illuminating key research areas and collaborative possibilities. This thematic overview acts as a guide for shaping research policies, fostering academic connections, and efficiently distributing resources within the scholarly community. Ultimately, this study adds to the academic conversation by offering a way to navigate and utilize the wealth of information in scientific literature, promoting a more collaborative and integrated research environment.