Four-element Research Articles

An Approach to Bektashi Anecdotes from the Perspective of Relief Theory: Mental Aberration or Substitution of Humour

Many philosophers have approached the nature of laughter and various ideas have been put forward in the period from the classical period to the present day. One of the relevant ideas was created by the pioneers of relief theory, who sought the nature of laughter in the act of release from psychological pressure. Relief theory appears as one of the most difficult subjects to diagnose, as a result of its dependence on certain psychological conditions, within the framework of the ecology of Turkish laughter. Bektashi narratives, in which the Turkish–Islamic synthesis is intensely seen, probably take the lead among the Turkish anecdote types that can be included in the subject area of relief theory. In the Ottoman geographical region of the 13th century, Bektashism, which was established with a mystical Sufi understanding based on Hacı Bektaş Veli, started to generate products with an intense subject of laughter over time. It is known that Bektashism, which is the continuation in Anatolia of the Turkish Sufi tradition initiated by Hoca Ahmet Yesevi in the 11th century in the Khorasan region, was also respected by the Ottoman Empire for a long time. Bektashism, which is a continuation of the cultural understanding of Islam, became the subject of anecdotes as a type as a result of certain historical events. In Bektashi narratives, which are reflected in anecdotes as a type, it is easy to determine the situation that causes laughter but difficult to make an analysis of why the matter in question is laughed at. From the narrator’s point of view, there is a fear as to why he/she is telling the story, and, from the listener’s point of view, there is a feeling of having sinned because he/she is laughing. Bektashi anecdotes, which have an element of laughter other than the classical laughter elements based on equivoke, consist of a suppressed fear in their content. The act of laughter, which occurs when the suppressed fear causes sudden relief, reveals the feeling of having sinned based on the aggressive attitude of the anecdote towards religious figures that has been aroused in the person. This situation brings along the necessity of explaining the laughter element in Bektashi anecdotes with the theory of relief. The interpretation of Bektashi anecdotes based on the views of Sigmund Freud, one of the pioneers of relief theory, on laughter and its relationship with the unconscious has made it possible to evaluate this in the context of “substitution” theory. The theory of substitution, a mechanism identified by Freud on the interpretation of dreams and the content of anecdotes or jokes, occurs in cases where a statement and its response deviate from the direction indicated by the original statement. For the formation of the theory, which is characterised as a psychological deviation or a product of faulty reasoning, a subject contrary to social norms must be dealt with, laughter must not depend on equivoke and it must be found in the last response of a conversation. Based on these data, five Bektashi anecdotes have been identified using the sampling method in the article and substitution theory has been applied to the identified jokes.

Predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy using backpropagation neural network optimized by the improved dung beetle algorithm

AbstractIn this study, we propose an innovative approach that enhances the performance of the backpropagation (BP) neural network in predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy by improving the dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm with the maximin Latin hypercube design (MLHD) strategy. To address the challenges posed by complex geometric components under different temperature conditions, this research employs finite element simulation to expand the limited experimental dataset and utilizes these data to further guide and optimize the MLHD_DBO_BP model. Test results indicate that the proposed MLHD_DBO_BP model significantly outperforms the traditional finite element method (FEM) and other neural network models in terms of fatigue life prediction performance. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning models that combine experimental and simulation data in predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy.

Analysis of the Artistic Expression Ability of Traditional Chinese Elements in Modern Visual Communication

Analysis of the Artistic Expression Ability of Traditional Chinese Elements in Modern Visual Communication

Optimal Design of an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Electric Vehicle Applications Using a Machine Learning-Based Surrogate Model

This paper presents an innovative design for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), targeting enhanced performance for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The proposed motor features a double V-shaped rotor structure with irregular ferrite magnets embedded in the slots between the permanent magnets. This design significantly enhances torque performance. Furthermore, a machine learning-based surrogate model is developed by integrating fine and coarse mesh data. Optimized using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), this surrogate model effectively reduces computational time compared to traditional finite element analysis (FEA).

An Analysis of the Works of Fazıl İskender and Narine Abgaryan from Contemporary Caucasian Literature in Terms of Cultural Commitment

This article explores the intersection of mythology and modernity in contemporary Caucasian literature, focusing on how contemporary writers from the Caucasus region integrate traditional mythological elements into modern narratives. The study examines selected works of prominent writers such as Fazıl İskender and Narine Abgaryan. It investigates how these writers reflect their commitment to their culture in their works and how they benefit from mythological elements while doing this. For this purpose, Fazıl İskender's Sandro of Chegem and Narine Abgaryan's Three Apples Fell from The Sky were examined, and the way cultural symbols and mythological elements were reflected in these works were supported by quotations from the works. In addition, the cultural and social effects of these works within and outside the Caucasus region were evaluated, and their role in preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage in the globalization environment was emphasized. The study aims to show how regional literary works can be renewed and developed by benefiting from their cultural background, and thus to contribute to a better understanding of contemporary Caucasian literary works.

The Hexi Corridor Elements in Traditional Music and Contemporary Innovation and Application

This article explores the characteristics of the Hexi Corridor elements in traditional music and their innovation and application in contemporary times. The research background includes a review of the cultural and musical history of the ancient geographical region of Hexi Corridor, analyzing its unique elements in traditional music such as melody, rhythm, and instruments. The research method adopts a combination of literature analysis and field research, collecting and analyzing relevant music materials to explore the core elements of music in the Hexi Corridor. The research results indicate that the musical elements of the Hexi Corridor have been innovatively applied in modern music creation, such as integrating electronic music, modern stage art, etc., enriching the expression forms of contemporary music. This article argues that the innovative application of traditional music elements in the Hexi Corridor not only broadens the expressive power of traditional music, but also provides new inspiration and materials for modern music creation. Research is of great significance in promoting the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture, and promoting the development of cultural diversity.

Finite Element Method-Peridynamics Coupled Analysis of Slope Stability Affected by Rainfall Erosion

Rainfall is a pivotal factor resulting in the cause of slope instability. The traditional finite element method often fails to converge when dealing with the strongly nonlinear fluid–solid coupling problems, making it impossible to fully analyze the sliding process under the state of slope instability. Therefore, this paper uses the coupling of peridynamics (PD) and the finite element method (FEM) to propose a data exchange mode between the seepage field and the deformation field. The influencing factors of fine particle erosion during rainfall are further considered. According to the damage mechanism of the slope sliding process to the original structure of the soil, a modified erosion constitutive relationship is proposed, which takes into account the destructive effect of plastic deformation on coarse particles. Then, the influence of rainfall duration, rainfall intensity, erosion, and initial saturated permeability coefficient on slope stability was simulated and analyzed. This paper provides a novel concept for slope stability analysis and safety evaluation under rainfall conditions.

From Esoteric Religiosity to Ethical Inclusivity: An Investigation of the Detrimental Effects of Religious Trauma in The Saint of Bright Doors

In fantasy, the conflation of disparate familiar conventions and concurrent subverted delineation of the same often renders a reimagination of the essentialist socio-political norms. Such transgressions of recognizable circumstances by dint of fantastical elements also engender a feeling of ‘hesitation’, as argued by Tzvetan Todorov, which also encourages readers to eulogize the protagonists for their prowess in undertaking an arduous quest to resolve a multi-layered mystery. However, the celebration of magical environments and supernatural characters by popular imagination often surpasses the protagonists’ emotional challenges and intermittent indecisiveness to acquire empowerment. Sometimes, their objective of seeking the truth is hindered by the cognitive deficiencies induced by childhood abuse, domestic violence, the necessity of achieving belongingness, and so on. In this regard, this study attempts to analyze the detrimental effect of religious trauma on the individual pursuit of redefining fantastical traits in The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera. With the seamless unification of traditional fantasy elements such as invisible ‘antigods’, lethal catechism, and magic doors, with the modern socio-cultural developments in terms of ringing phones, emails, quarantines, and social distancing, the select fiction depicts the protagonist’s journey into a world that is imbibed with both mundane and mystic implications. This study further seeks to investigate the consequences of indoctrinated religiosity in restraining agency hued with fantastical peculiarities.

A multiblock (MIB) finite element method for accurate and efficient blood flow simulation

We present an efficient and accurate immersed boundary (IB) finite element (FE) method for internal flow problems with complex geometries (e.g. blood flow in the vascular system). In this study, we use a voxelized flow domain (discretized with hexahedral and tetrahedral elements) instead of a box domain, which is frequently used in IB methods. We highlight the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method in generating the flow domain mesh and removing unnecessary portions of the domain, compared to the standard IB methods that rely on a full Cartesian mesh. Our approach is attractive for internal flow problems that use IB methods. The proposed method accurately satisfies the boundary conditions on the immersed object using velocity and pressure correction procedures. The velocity correction applies implicitly such that the velocity on the immersed boundary (Lagrangian points) interpolated from the corrected velocity values computed on the mesh nodes (Eulerian nodes) accurately satisfies the prescribed velocity boundary conditions. The proposed method utilizes the well-established incremental pressure correction scheme (IPCS) FE solver, and the boundary condition-enforced IB (BCE-IB) method to numerically solve the transient, incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) flow equations. We verify the accuracy of our numerical method using the analytical solution for the Poiseuille flow in a cylinder, and the available experimental data (laser Doppler velocimetry) for the flow in a three-dimensional 90° angle tube bend. We further examine the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method by considering flow within complex geometries, such as blood flow in aneurysmal vessels and the aorta, flow configurations that would otherwise be difficult to solve by most IB methods. Our method offers high accuracy, as demonstrated by the verification examples, and high applicability, as demonstrated through the solution of blood flow within complex geometry. The proposed method is efficient, since it is as fast as the traditional finite element method used to solve the Navier–Stokes flow equations, with a small overhead (not more than 5%) due to the numerical solution of a linear system formulated for the IB method.

Exploring the Musical Styles of Beethoven’s Middle Period through the Piano Sonata Op. 90

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 90 represents the pinnacle of his compositional achievements during his middle period, showcasing significant transformations and advancements in his musical style. This paper analyses the structure and technical features of Piano Sonata Op. 90, including its two-movement sonata, the treatment of thematic material, and the application of polyphonic techniques. These elements illustrate the stylistic evolution from Beethoven's middle to his late periods. A detailed musical analysis of Piano Sonata Op. 90 reveals how Beethoven integrated classical and Romantic elements within this work, thereby foreshadowing the technical and spiritual developments of his late period compositions. Furthermore, the paper discusses specific performance techniques essential for interpreting Piano Sonata Op. 90, providing practical guidance to enhance understanding and execution of this masterpiece.

A rapid and automated analysis procedure for seismic response of arch dams

The seismic safety of arch dams has long been a focal point of research. Due to the complexity of modeling and computation, analyzing the seismic response of arch dams using traditional finite element methods requires a considerable amount of time. In the event of a sudden earthquake, it is challenging to quickly obtain stress analysis results or conduct a safety assessment. To address these issues, a rapid and automated analysis procedure is proposed in this paper, providing seismic response of arch dams within hours after an earthquake. The procedure includes a pre-processing program, a computing program EACD-3D-2008, and a post-processing program, achieving a fully automated process from generating non-uniform earthquakes to analyzing dam dynamic responses and visualizing computation results. As a case study, the 294.5 m high Xiaowan arch dam in southwest China is analyzed, which is equipped with strong motion instruments that have recorded several small earthquakes. The case study revealed that accounting for the non-uniformity of the earthquake significantly improves simulation results, with maximum principal stresses typically occurring near the dam-foundation rock interface. Additionally, the procedure effectively compensates for missing data, allowing for the successful supplementation of the missing acceleration records. For stronger earthquakes, high-stress regions are clearly displayed in the result visualization, providing an effective reference for safety assessment. The case study validated the accuracy and wide applicability of the procedure, demonstrating its potential to offer valuable insights for similar analyses in various engineering projects.

Design framework to renewal abandoned areas in historic districts

ABSTRACT Urbanization and population growth have profoundly impacted the environment of historic and cultural blocks, resulting in a lack of public buildings and spaces for internal adjustment, fostering pronounced homogeneity. This study focuses on completely abandoned areas within historical streets, integrating space syntax analysis with semantic analysis to explore reshaping regional public buildings. Unlike previous studies centered around restoring old objects, the abandoned disconnected areas require a novel regional public architecture design framework through the semantic transformation of archival photographs, historical plans, and local culture. Taking Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi as a case study, this research comprehends the abandoned disconnection area through a literature review and examination of archival data. By using spatial syntax analysis to combine the overall pedestrian flow space with the depth of ancient historical plans, entrances are set according to the pedestrian flow, preserving unique spatial characteristics and transforming the abandoned land into new public building spaces with distinct regional and contiguous features. Through semantic translation rooted in local culture, classical elements were extracted from intangible cultural heritage and applied to the ancient town’s architectural facades, navigation systems, and structures, thereby mitigating homogenization tendencies in both spatial and cultural elements.

DESAIN BALIHO KAMPANYE MAHYELDI - AUDY DI PILGUB SUMBAR 2020 SEKARANG

This study analyzes the design of Mahyeldi - Audy's campaign billboard in the 2020 West Sumatra Gubernatorial Election using a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The analysis focuses on visual elements, typography, symbolism, and visual narratives used in the billboard design. The results show that the billboard design successfully combines traditional Minangkabau elements with a vision of modernity, creating a strong visual narrative about leadership rooted in local values yet oriented towards progress. The use of color, typography, and local symbolism demonstrates a deep understanding of the socio-cultural context of West Sumatra. The design's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey complex campaign messages through an easily digestible visual medium while building an emotional connection with voters. However, this design also raises critical questions about gender representation, identity politicization, and the ethics of visual political communication. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of visual communication in shaping political discourse and influencing voter behavior in an increasingly mature era of local democracy.

Study on hysteresis performance of four-limb CFST latticed column-box girder joints based on GA-BP neural network

This study investigates the seismic performance and energy dissipation capacity of the concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) latticed column-box girder joints. A low-cycle reciprocating load test was carried out on the CFST latticed column-box girder joints with three different connection forms. Based on the test results, a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed in combination with the back propagation neural network (BPNN) model for prediction research. Using a training set of joints with single-limb diagonal and cross-diagonal braces (training set), the development of load-displacement hysteresis curves of joints with transverse diaphragm plate (test set) under low-cycle reciprocating loads is predicted. The test results are compared with those obtained from the traditional algorithms and finite element simulations. The results on the joint hysteresis performance show that all three types of joints have a good seismic performance and energy dissipation capacity. Compared with the traditional algorithms, the GA-BP model predicts more accurate results and is therefore used to predict the load-displacement hysteresis curves of CFST latticed column-box girder joints, which is shown to be convenient and feasible.

An Analysis of Aesthetic Communication on Wayang Tavip’s Performance to Influence Public Understanding

This research discusses the Wayang Tavip performance with a focus on the analysis of aesthetic communication in a public context. The research method used is descriptive to gain an in-depth understanding of the aesthetic aspects contained in the Wayang Tavip performance. Wayang Tavip is an art form that combines traditional elements with a modern public context. This study identifies aesthetic elements such as visual design, color usage, stage arrangement, and artistic expression used in the Wayang Tavip performance. Additionally, this research explores how aesthetic communication in the Wayang Tavip performance can influence the audience in a public context. The results of the study show that the Wayang Tavip performance possesses aesthetic richness that creates a deep visual and emotional experience for the audience. The aesthetics presented in this performance have the potential to enrich and expand the public's understanding of traditional art, while also attracting the attention of the younger generation.

Analyzing the Application of Traditional Chinese Cultural Elements in Brand Packaging Design With Design Semiotics: A Case Study of Modern China Tea Shop

Analyzing the Application of Traditional Chinese Cultural Elements in Brand Packaging Design With Design Semiotics: A Case Study of Modern China Tea Shop

An Analysis of Chinese Tea Brand Packaging Design in the Context of New National Color

Under the guidance of the new national color design concept, Chinese tea brand packaging design is in a transitional period of integrating traditional and modern elements. This study aims to analyze the packaging design practice under this trend. Through case studies of different tea brands with various varieties and regional cultural backgrounds, such as Fujian Zhengshantang, Hunan Anhua black tea, and Yunnan Pu’er tea, this paper reveals the formation of different tea brand packaging styles and design concepts under the new national color background. The study explores the integration of innovation and tradition, the in-depth expression of cultural connotations, and the innovation of consumer interactive experiences. This study adopts a qualitative analysis method, combined with interviews with brand designers and business managers, to explore the new concepts and packaging design strategies of tea brand packaging design in the context of the new national color. The study found that the new national color design not only successfully conveys the unique charm and cultural depth of tea culture but also further promotes international exchanges in tea culture and enhances the international image and market competitiveness of Chinese tea culture.

Integration of Traditional Cultural Elements Into Civics Teaching Practice in Colleges and Universities Based on Internet Distance Education

This study uses questionnaire surveys to examine the real impact of incorporating traditional cultural elements into the practice of ideological and political education in colleges and universities. The integration of traditional cultural elements into these practices is the research object of this paper. It realizes the sharing of teaching resources for the integration of traditional culture into the practice of ideological and political education in colleges and universities and examines the impact of network distance education on students' learning interests using SQLServer development tools and network distance education technology. The study's conclusions demonstrate that students can enjoy the allure of traditional culture virtually by setting up a network distance education platform and implementing resource sharing. The study's findings offer theoretical evidence in favor of using network distant education to incorporate traditional cultural components into the practice of teaching politics and ideologies in higher education institutions.

Understanding the diversity of Community Supported Agriculture: a transdisciplinary framework with empirical evidence from Germany

IntroductionCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an emerging model within alternative food networks (AFNs). It shapes close relationships between food producers and consumers, thereby contributing to food sovereignty and agri-food system transformations. Despite rapid growth from about 10 to over 500 CSAs in just over a decade, the model in Germany still remains niche. We argue that further and faster scaling up requires better understanding of its diversity, yet a comprehensive conceptualization of CSA types is lacking, with insufficient differentiation in research and practice.MethodsThis study employs a transdisciplinary mixed-methods approach (literature, qualitative, and quantitative data) in cooperation with the German CSA Network. By integrating organizational perspectives, we found that CSAs are highly complex and diverse organizations. Therefore, we firstly aimed at identifying characteristics that we summarized in a CSA framework. In a second stage, we used this framework as guiding structure for co-developing a survey with the Network covering 70 participating CSAs.ResultsAs the defining characteristic within the CSA framework, community financing (domain A) clarifies the uniqueness of the CSA model, thus enables delimitation from other AFN forms. Then differentiation characteristics (domain B) encompass the diversity of CSA configurations. CSA governance (domain B1), regarding the predominant characteristic of organizational governance, distinguish between Producer-led, Consumer-led, and Integrated (all-in-one) CSA types. Varying characteristics (domain B2) specify CSA configurations and enable additional distinction between CSAs. Based on the developed CSA framework, the survey results verify the applicability of governance types in particular, while confirming a high level of diversity of differentiating characteristics in general.DiscussionThis study can be used to reveal existing generalizations about CSAs, providing a starting point for more nuanced and critical views in research and practice. When seen against the background of AFN and food sovereignty discourses in particular, CSA is an alternative production-distribution model, but not every CSA is governed or structured in alternative ways. CSAs can simultaneously contain both more conventional, traditional elements, as well as more alternative elements. Moreover, the framework provides easy-to-access differentiation criteria for matching members with their most suitable CSAs and vice versa. Overall, this study illustrates that CSA cannot be considered as homogeneous AFN type but be rather marked as a diverse field of its own.

Space jam: how retail technologies are influencing store space production

PurposeTechnologies are dramatically reshaping various aspects of the store space, modifying design, services and usage. Accordingly, several studies tackled technology impact on each of these aspects, investigating design, service and usage singularly, but lacking a holistic viewpoint. Thus, this paper aims to identify the different dimensions of the store space (levels) and assess the impact of technology introduction on store space dimensions (levels).Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a qualitative approach based on direct observations of apparel brand stores located in London between March and April 2023. Data collection followed a structured observation protocol covering store information, adopted technologies and their effects across various store space levels, i.e. consumption activities, service environment and customer experience.FindingsResults show that the store space can be defined as the sum of different dimensions consisting of consumption activities, service environment and customer experience. Accordingly, technology introduction holistically influences each of the three store space levels as follows: (1) first, technologies redefine how activities are performed or alters the location where certain activities are consumed; (2) within the service environment, technologies replace traditional elements, fill empty spaces and enhance the atmospherics; finally, (3) customer experience is enhanced in hedonic and/or utilitarian terms due to technology adoption.Originality/valueThis paper defines the space as a dynamic entity, providing a deeper understanding of how the store space is produced, from a holistic point of view and the role of retail technology in this process.