Cultural Elements Research Articles

Developing a cultural geomorphology of hazards for heritage conservation: reflections from Majuli Island of India

Cultural Geomorphology attempts to find the relationships between cultural elements and geomorphological features of a region. Such studies have proven invaluable to understanding the interactions between culture and geomorphology and have formed an important part of the epistemology of nature-society studies. Using concepts of Cultural Geomorphology, the current study argues for the need to develop a Cultural Geomorphology of hazards. The study shows that such a work will be invaluable in preserving the knowledge of cultural heritage sites that are at risk of being permanently lost because of the changing landscape brought about by natural hazards or climate change related events.

Unveiling Hunnic legacy: Decoding elite presence in Poland through a unique child’s burial with modified cranium

This article presents a double burial from Czulice indicating elements of the Hunnic culture. Individual I, aged 7–9, and Individual II, aged 8–9 with a skull deformation, were both genetically identified as boys. Individual II, who exhibited genetic affinity to present day Asian populations, was equipped with gold and silver items. In contrast, Individual I displayed European ancestry. The application of strontium isotope analysis shed light on the origins of the individuals. Individual I was non-local, while Individual II was identified as a local, but also falling within the range commonly associated with the Pannonian Plain. Stable isotope analysis suggested a diet consisting of inland resources. Through radiocarbon dating, this burial was determined to date back to the years 395–418 CE, making it the earliest grave of its kind discovered in Poland. The analyses have provided new insights into the nature of the relationship between the Huns and the local inhabitants.

Detection and recognition of Chinese porcelain inlay images of traditional Lingnan architectural decoration based on YOLOv4 technology

With the rapid development of machine learning technology, it has become possible to automatically identify cultural heritage elements in traditional buildings. This research aimed to develop a machine learning model based on the YOLOv4 architecture to identify the traditional Chinese porcelain inlay pattern in the Lingnan region. The researchers collected and annotated a large quantity of Lingnan Chinese porcelain inlay image data and then used these data to train the studied model. The research results show that (1) the model in this study was specifically adjusted to effectively identify a variety of Chinese porcelain inlay pattern types, including traditional patterns such as plum blossoms and camellias. (2) In the 116th epoch, the model showed excellent generalization ability, and the verification loss reached the lowest value of 0.88. The lowest training loss in the 195th epoch was 0.99, indicating that the model reached an optimal balance point for both recognition accuracy and processing speed. (3) By comparing different models for detecting Chinese porcelain inlay images across 581 pictures, our YOLOv4 model demonstrated greater accuracy in most classification tasks than did the YOLOv8 model, especially in the classification of chrysanthemums, where it achieved an accuracy rate of 87.5%, significantly outperforming YOLOv8 by 58.82%. However, the study also revealed that under certain conditions, such as detecting apples and pears in low-light environments, YOLOv8 showed a lower missing data rate, highlighting the limitations of our model in dealing with complex detection conditions.

DISINTEGRATION AS ONE OF THE REFLEXES OF CULTURE TO SUSTAIN ITS EXISTENCE

Culture, which encompasses everything produced by humanity, is one of the most extensively researched subjects. Various disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, sociology, and ethnology all focus on culture, but they conduct studies by addressing it from different perspectives. A discipline relatively newer than others that focuses on culture is folklore studies. This rapidly developing discipline since its establishment in 1846 to present has made significant contributions to cultural studies, both in terms of the breadth of its research scope and the abundance of the theories and methods it employs. Folklore science, which examines a wide range of topics from oral cultural products to tangible and intangible cultural heritage, provides very important information to local and international authorities for a better understanding and survival of culture. In this study, the disintegration 2 function of culture is analyzed from a folkloric perspective. Just as cells form organs and organs constitute the human body, culture is formed by the combination of small building blocks such as motifs, cults, symbols, and behaviors. These building blocks constitute cultural elements, and the combination of cultural elements constitutes the culture of a nation. In situations like the weakening of tradition, forgetting/make forgotten in oral culture, loss of function, and cultural interactions. The building blocks that constitute cultural elements, such as motifs, symbols, and cults, detach from the whole and enter into another part and continue to preserve the old cultural element alive in the new cultural structure. Thus, culture does not cease to exist; it can continuously renew itself and ensures cultural continuity by engaging in new cultural productions. There is strong data that this situation will continue in the future. This situation identified in the study was examined together with its causes, and the application of this function on cultural elements was termed “Disintegration 1 Theory”

Blind spots in medical education – International perspectives

Background All individuals and groups have blind spots that can create problems if unaddressed. The goal of this study was to examine blind spots in medical education from international perspectives. Methods From December 2022 to March 2023, we distributed an electronic survey through international networks of medical students, postgraduate trainees, and medical educators. Respondents named blind spots affecting their medical education system and then rated nine blind spot domains from a study of U.S. medical education along five-point Likert-type scales (1 = much less attention needed; 5 = much more attention needed). We tested for differences between blind spot ratings by respondent groups. We also analyzed the blind spots that respondents identified to determine those not previously described and performed content analysis on open-ended responses about blind spot domains. Results There were 356 respondents from 88 countries, including 127 (44%) educators, 80 (28%) medical students, and 33 (11%) postgraduate trainees. At least 80% of respondents rated each blind spot domain as needing ‘more’ or ‘much more’ attention; the highest was 88% for ‘Patient perspectives and voices that are not heard, valued, or understood.’ In analyses by gender, role in medical education, World Bank country income level, and region, a mean difference of 0.5 was seen in only five of the possible 279 statistical comparisons. Of 885 blind spots documented, new blind spot areas related to issues that crossed national boundaries (e.g. international standards) and the sufficiency of resources to support medical education. Comments about the nine blind spot domains illustrated that cultural, health system, and governmental elements influenced how blind spots are manifested across different settings. Discussion There may be general agreement throughout the world about blind spots in medical education that deserve more attention. This could establish a basis for coordinated international effort to allocate resources and tailor interventions that advance medical education.

ANALISIS PERSEPSI PENONTON TERHADAP IKLAN MULTIKULTURAL "SASA HADIRKAN RASA UNTUK INDONESIA"

"Sasa Hadirkan Rasa untuk Indonesia" is one of Sasa's commercials shown using a two-dimensional method. Sasa's commercials contain multicultural concepts that are reflected in Japanese animation style, European MIDI music, and culinary culture content in Indonesia. This study used data collection methods in the form of interviews and literature studies. This research aims to: 1) analyze the incorporation of Indonesian cultural elements in typical Japanese animation styles and musical backgrounds with the use of European MIDI music; 2) analyze audience perception of three-cultural collaboration in Sasa advertising; 3) provide a reference in the form of innovation for the development of advertising in Indonesia. This study analyzed the Sasa animated advertising video version of "Sasa Hadirkan Rasa for Indonesia" which had been broadcast in 2021 through social media Youtube. Interviews were conducted on men and women aged 20-35 in Indonesia. To support research data, literature studies focus on audience perception, multicultural advertising, and advertising. Based on analysis it was found that Sasa's commercials were interesting because they reflected international multicultural culture in two-dimensional animation.

Cultural Imperialism and Video Game Localization: A Case Study of Revelations: Persona

With increasing focus on global markets for media, video game localization continues to be an essential process for the industry. However, video game localization only sometimes effectively handles the unique cultural elements of video games. In some cases, these localizations intentionally erase such elements to make the game more marketable or remove controversial content in an American cultural context. This article explores the localization of Megami Ibunroku Persona (retitled Revelations: Persona for its U.S. release) and considers how its localization changed various elements to convert the setting from a Japanese city to a U.S. one. Using a Neoformalism-inspired approach to game studies, I analyze playthroughs of both the original Japanese version and the U.S. localization, noting how changes erased cultural uniqueness in the original. Then, from the standpoint of cultural imperialism, I discuss how localization can function as a defense mechanism for limiting the cultural impact of imported media.

Multi-modal Metaphorical Analysis of Children’s Picturebook <i>Little Stone Lion</i>

Little Stone Lion stands out as a member of Xiong Liang's "Chinese Illustrated Book" series. This work tells the story from the perspective of the stone lion at the bridgehead of the town, recounting its observations, experiences, and feelings. This book integrates traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with cultural elements, presenting a Chinese-style visual creation. Drawing upon a qualitative research approach, the study employed a comprehensive analysis of Little Stone lion, focusing on identifying and interpreting the verbal, pictorial, and multimodal metaphors employed in the illustrations and their relation to the accompanying text. The study delved into the interplay between visual and textual elements, examining how they contribute to the creation of metaphoric meaning and literary depth in the picturebook. This research sought to uncover metaphorical meanings derived from the situational and conceptual-cognitive contexts as well as the underlying thematic and emotional layers embedded within the picturebook. As the only guardian deity of the town, the little stone lion has witnessed the growth and departures of countless generations, silently guarding this land and its people. Multimodal metaphors identified from camera angles, colors, and its plain monologue are enough to touch the heartstrings and evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for one's hometown and loved ones.

The community health worker experience and perception toward mental illness: A multi-settings cross-sectional study in Indonesia.

The experiences and perceptions of Community Health Workers toward mental illness are vital for tailoring interventions, reducing stigma, improving access to services, and fostering community engagement in mental health initiatives. This study investigates the experiences of community health worker and their perception of mental illness. A multi-settings cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 Community Health Workers. Their experience and perception toward mental illness were studied with questionnaires, which examined their general perception, religious-related perception, cause, treatment, and expectation for mental treatment. Most participants concurred that serving as a community health worker enhances their communication abilities (90.4%), strengthens connections with community health center staff (84.8%), boosts self-confidence (84.6%), and refines their capacity to identify signs of mental disorders (77%). Most notably, they consider their fellow community health workers essential to their extended family. Furthermore, a notable proportion associates' mental illness with religious elements, with 19.5% believing it can result from a lack of religious worship and a minority attributing it to witchcraft or black magic (3.5%). In terms of treatment, 14.2% think Ruqyah can cure mental illness, 6.4% believe in treatment by religious scholars, and a similar percentage (6.4%) think no medication or treatment is necessary for mental problems. Participants overwhelmingly recognize the positive impact of serving as community health workers, citing improvements in communication, relationships with health center staff, self-confidence, and mental disorder identification. The strong bond among community health workers, likened to an extended family, emphasizes their collective importance. Additionally, the majority advocates for compassionate treatment of individuals with mental illness. These findings underscore the complex interplay of professional, communal, and cultural elements in addressing community mental health.

“Aves de toda especie”: representaciones sociales de la homosexualidad en la prensa en Antioquia, Colombia, 1960-2000

Objective/Context: This article explores, from the perspective of cultural history, the social representations produced by the press about homosexuality in Antioquia (Colombia) during the second half of the twentieth century. In doing so, it aims to approach the figure of the sexual monster, the ridiculous homosexual, the infectious “faggot”, the individual explainable by science, and the subject who conquers its citizenship and disputes its rights. Methodology: The discourses and representations of homosexuality in the newspapers Sucesos Sensacionales, El Colombiano and the radio newspaper El Clarín were identified; an interpretative matrix was constructed by cross-referencing cultural elements of the context with journalistic representations. Originality: The period 1960-2000 corresponds to an unexplored period on the subject. Its revision is articulated with the observation of previous and parallel representations of the processes of homosexual liberation and the conquest of rights: the decades of 1960-1970, the emergence of hiv/aids in 1980, and the appearance of a series of social organizations around the anti-aids struggle in the 1990s accompanied by the juridical-political path traced by social movements. Conclusion: During this period, a homosexual subject emerges who, in addition to being outlined by the media, begins to postulate an image of himself that tensions the field of representations. Despite pointing to changes associated with freedoms and rights, the novelties in the press - influenced by international and local contexts and contested by everyday practices that claimed sex/gender dissidence - also pose a conservative counter-response that reinstates old ghosts and prejudices. Thus, this is not a linear and progressive history that moves from darkness to light, that is, from a dark past of violence and denial to the conquest of rights, but reflects diverse continuities and simultaneities in the representation of homosexuality.

Factors affecting E-HRM practices in Greek shipping management companies: the role of organizational culture, cultural intelligence, and innovation

HRM is forced to adapt and reinvent its practices towards more innovative and creative frameworks and models, due to the impetus technological developments in the modern business environment. The same applies to the elements of the organizational culture and corporate structure, which are decisive for the success of such initiatives. To undergo the shift to digital transformation, there is a need for human resource development professionals to invest in advanced competencies and capabilities. The scope of this paper is to examine the concept of digital innovation and HRM digitalization in the shipping industry and their relationship with corporate culture, intelligence, and leadership. Data were collected via a survey conducted in Greek shipping companies, and personal interviews with maritime professionals. Findings show that organizational culture and cultural intelligence are significant factors for digital innovation. Digital culture and digital leadership are proving to be important components in achieving this, whereas organizational cultural intelligence has a major impact on e-HRM. The present research contributes at both academic and policy level. In the former case is assists in bridging the gap in the maritime literature by examining digital innovation and e-HRM practices in the shipping industry along with the required skills for their development or enhancement. In the latter case the paper assists in the documentation of challenges maritime companies face in relation to digitalization practices and how policy makers can assist in their adoption.

An Analysis of Influencing Factors on Bilingual Reading of Second Language Learners

Proficiency in second-language (L2) reading is an important skill essential in an increasingly globalized world. Previous research has often addressed disparate elements influencing L2 reading proficiency without aggregating them into a comprehensive framework. This paper seeks to fill this gap by systematically collecting and examining the various factors that impact the ability to read in a second language. The primary objective of this research is to compile an exhaustive list of factors affecting L2 reading and to analyze their respective influences. By categorizing these factors into external and internal dimensions, this study aims to provide a holistic view of the ecosystem within which L2 reading comprehension develops and operates. Employing a qualitative literature review methodology, this research meticulously synthesizes existing studies and theoretical perspectives on L2 reading. The factors influencing L2 reading proficiency are divided into two broad categories: external and internal. External factors encompass educational contexts, socioeconomic influences, the role of technological tools and digital literacy, as well as cultural and contextual elements, and the characteristics of reading materials. Internal factors are identified as cognitive processes, the effects of language transfer and interference, and the roles of motivation and attitude in L2 reading. Each factor is analyzed for its unique contribution and interplay with other elements within the L2 reading process.

The moderating effect of expatriate acculturation on career sustainability: Evidence from Chinese University alumni from Africa

Purpose: To a large extent, the recent global instability is responsible for the rapid structural mutation of the career landscape, thereby affecting individuals’ career development, especially expatriates who are subjected to an acculturation process. Even though the cultural element exists in the career development literature, the implications of expatriate acculturation (EA) on individual expatriates’ career competence (CC) and career sustainability (CS) remain understudied. Therefore, this study proposes to fill this gap in literature by exploring the intrinsic role EA plays in regulating the CC–CS interactions.Design/methodology/approach: For a more comprehensive analysis, we attempt to identify the effect on each dimension of CC, thus Reflective, Social, and Behavioural competencies (RC, SC, and BC), in the case of Chinese University postgraduate alumni from Africa. We conducted a double-layer analysis with 389 respondents’ data samples.Findings/results: Results reveal that, at the aggregate level, the positive relationship between CC and CS is weakened by EA in the case of African postgraduates who studied at Chinese universities. The detailed analyses reveal that the negative effect of EA significantly undermines the RC–CS mechanism, but significantly strengthens the BC–CS interaction. Besides, the SC–CS mechanism is not significantly moderated by EA despite the negative acculturation tendencies.Practical implications: From the perspective of international interdependence, this research elucidates the magnitude and diversity of expatriates’ contribution to the host country’s career ecosystem.Originality/value: Investigating from the career construction theory (CCT) perspective, this article aims to fill this gap by finding the moderating effect of EA on the CC–CS mechanisms.

Visual Design of Chinese Animated Films Infused with Oriental Punk Aesthetics

In recent years, China's movie industry has been advancing, and movies based on ancient myths, which can combine cultural expression with technical expression, have become a hot topic for creation. Especially the ancient mythological novels such as "The Legend of Deification" and "Journey to the West" have become the source of creative ideas for movie adaptations, and Light Chaser Animation, as one of the most important forces in Chinese film production, has been exploring new possibilities for animation movies, inheriting and innovating traditional Chinese cultural elements. Light Chaser Animation, as one of the most important forces in Chinese film production, has been exploring new possibilities for animation films, inheriting and innovating traditional Chinese cultural elements, and has produced the famous "New Gods" series of films, which combines oriental elements and cultural characteristics, blends modernity and tradition, and forms an Oriental Punk style with Chinese characteristics. Oriental Punk not only shows the construction of modernity of Chinese traditional culture, but also the embodiment of cultural self-confidence, and at the same time presents the unique style and aesthetic value of Chinese culture to the world. This article analyzes the visual symbols, color design and action vocabulary of the film New Gods: Yang Jian, and points out a new direction for Chinese films to integrate traditional cultural elements and modern art technology in the creation of new mythological themes.

Climate impacts and adaptation strategies for coastal erosion, aquaculture, and tourism along the Adriatic side of Apulia region

This study addresses the imperative need for adaptation strategies to climate impacts in coastal areas, particularly vulnerable to climate change effects. Under the Interreg project “AdriaClim,” our research aims to provide a comprehensive account of predicted climate impacts and corresponding adaptation measures for three key sectors for the coastal economy of the Puglia region (Southern Italy): coastal erosion, aquaculture, and tourism. Analyzing regional climate projections, predicted climatic anomalies for Apulia have been delineated. Together with a comprehensive description of the investigated sectors, the expected sectoral climate impacts have been identified. The respective adaptation measures for each sector have been evaluated in terms of coherence with the studied context and effectiveness, among those proposed in the literature. In aquaculture, climate change may influence ecosystem structure, functionality, production cycles, infrastructure, and organism physiology. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) emerges as a solution to enhance the resilience of Apulian aquatic production systems to climate change. For coastal tourism, the vulnerability to various climate impacts is emphasized. These impacts can directly influence tourist flows or indirectly alter the attractiveness of the Apulian Adriatic coast. Given the sector's strong ties to anthropic, natural, and cultural elements, a comprehensive adaptive approach proves most effective. Concerning coastal erosion, results underscore the prevalence of numerous stretches of eroding low coastline, with future projections indicating scenarios of widespread retreat along the southern Adriatic coast. Consequently, protective, and coastal management measures become imperative. The analyses and the obtained results serves as a valuable knowledge framework essential for formulating a climate change adaptation plan for the Apulian Adriatic coast, aligning with the regional authorities' orientations.

Benefits of l-theanine supplementation and its possible role in clinical use – review

Introduction: Green tea has been a meaningful element of various cultures among the world for ages and its benefits for human health are widely known. Discovery of its ingredients facilitated the profound research of their positive role and mechanisms of action. One of them – l-theanine - seems to have a multidirectional influence on human health. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature from PubMed database, GoogleScholar database between the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords: “theanine”, “theanine cognition”, “theanine brain activity”, “theanine neural activity”, “theanine neuroprotection”, “theanine stress”, “theanine cancer”, “theanine immunity”, “theanine safety”, “theanine caffeine”, “theanine metabolism” Aim of study: Review of current knowledge on l-theanine, its benefits for health, mechanisms of action, possible applications in clinical use and safety. Results:  L-theanine has a profitable influence on cognitive performance, stress management, neuroprotection, immunity and exhibits anti-cancer properties while having virtually no detrimental side effects. Conclusions: Further research on application of l-theanine in clinical use is necessary as studies carried out on humans included only a limited number of participants.

Benefits of l-theanine supplementation and its possible role in clinical use – review

Introduction: Green tea has been a meaningful element of various cultures among the world for ages and its benefits for human health are widely known. Discovery of its ingredients facilitated the profound research of their positive role and mechanisms of action. One of them – l-theanine - seems to have a multidirectional influence on human health. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature from PubMed database, GoogleScholar database between the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords: “theanine”, “theanine cognition”, “theanine brain activity”, “theanine neural activity”, “theanine neuroprotection”, “theanine stress”, “theanine cancer”, “theanine immunity”, “theanine safety”, “theanine caffeine”, “theanine metabolism” Aim of study: Review of current knowledge on l-theanine, its benefits for health, mechanisms of action, possible applications in clinical use and safety. Results:  L-theanine has a profitable influence on cognitive performance, stress management, neuroprotection, immunity and exhibits anti-cancer properties while having virtually no detrimental side effects. Conclusions: Further research on application of l-theanine in clinical use is necessary as studies carried out on humans included only a limited number of participants.

A Thangka cultural element classification model based on self-supervised contrastive learning and MS Triplet Attention

A Thangka cultural element classification model based on self-supervised contrastive learning and MS Triplet Attention

Embracing the Emic of Minahasa celebration culture and Christian Religious Education

Christian Religious Education (CRE) studies are often known to neglect the incorporation of local culture, as regulations primarily mandate the inclusion of Christian dogmatics and social issues. In fact, Christian ethics and biblical doctrine receive massive exploration compared to social and cultural discussions. Therefore, this study explored Minahasan celebration practice as an alternative dimension that can be integrated into the CRE curriculum, thereby bridging the gap between social and religious features. A sensitive analysis was used to delve into Minahasan cultural expression, which potentially contributed to the tension. The study used literature, references, articles and books to construct the practice and philosophy of each ritual. In essence, practices such as mapalus, kampetan, mu’kur and foso rummages are alternative values for the CRE curriculum.Contribution: The findings contribute to developing the Christian Religious Education curriculum in Indonesia, specifically Minahasa. Local cultures share values relating to social, religious and educational values, potentially enriching and developing the curriculum. Ritual practices could contribute significantly to the Christian Religious Education that provides local cultural elements.

Experiences, expectations and suggestions of digital nomads towards an intangible cultural heritage

PurposeTo understand the experiences, expectations and suggestions of digital nomads towards intangible cultural heritage in the places they travel.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research method was used and the research design is a phenomenological design. Multiple qualitative research design steps were followed in obtaining the research data. In this context, online interviews were conducted with a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers, and the social media accounts of digital nomads were monitored. The sample consists of nine digital nomads who were interviewed online and five digital nomads whose videos and comments shared on social media were monitored. The inductive thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data.FindingsIt was found that digital nomads experience intangible cultural heritage elements, especially religious rituals and food culture, and actively participate in activities and rituals related to these elements as well as sharing them on their social media accounts. It was also concluded that the participants expected to work towards the protection of intangible cultural heritage elements through a number of activities such as awareness-raising and education, and that it is difficult to experience cultural heritage in societies that are not foreign-friendly.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were obtained from volunteer participants consisting of digital nomads and digital nomads who shared their experiences on social media. It is suggested that traditional food and religious rituals as intangible cultural heritage should be promoted and transferred by sharing the experiences these digital nomads on digital platforms.Practical implicationsReligious rituals and food cultures are prominent in the ICH experiences of digital nomads. Digital nomads who stay longer in their destination than tourists can play an intermediary role in promoting and transmitting this heritage. The social media and other digital platforms enable digital nomads to share their experiences of cultural heritage and create a global dialogue and understanding through these experiences.Social implicationsThe experiences and expectations of digital nomads towards ICH require a reassessment of traditional approaches to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. By experiencing different cultural heritages and sharing these experiences through digital platforms, digital nomads contribute to the reinterpretation and reproduction of cultural heritage. This process reveals that cultural heritage is not limited to a particular community or geography, but is rather a global phenomenon, and therefore needs to be addressed from a global perspective.Originality/valueIt is one of the pioneering studies on the experiences of digital nomads towards intangible cultural heritage.