Cultural Factors Research Articles

A Critical Exploration of Tipping Practices in the American Hospitality Landscape from a Qualitative Approach

ABSTRACT This study provides a comprehensive analysis of tipping practices within the U.S. restaurant industry, integrating historical context, consumer experiences, and the impact of technological advancements. Utilizing a qualitative dataset via in-depth interviews with restaurant consumers, this study examines the complex nature of tipping, navigating its dual role as a voluntary gesture and a social norm. Thematic analysis via Latent Dirichlet Allocation reveals key themes such as the service-tipping relationship, customer interactions with touchscreen payment systems, cultural and economic factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both employees and customers. Network analysis and sentiment analysis further illuminate the intricacies of consumer behavior and attitudes toward tipping. Our findings underscore the necessity for a balanced approach to technological innovation in the service industry and advocate for a reevaluation of compensation models and labor practices. This research contributes to the academic discourse on tipping, offers actionable insights for the hospitality industry, and fosters dialogue toward a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable tipping culture.

The role of professional judgment in Indian real estate valuation: insights from lending industry experts

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the role of professional judgment in property valuation within India’s lending sector by exploring how different market and cultural factors influence valuation practices.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods research approach comprising interviews of 15 highly experienced property valuation professionals to understand nuances of property valuation and find important factors which require their professional judgment, based on which a questionnaire survey is administered to 137 valuers from various parts of India. A relative importance index (RII) analysis and a mixed model ANOVA were then used to evaluate the significance of different factors affecting property valuation.FindingsThe results reveal the factors which require professional judgment of property valuation professionals. Zoning and development plans, legal due diligence, regulatory compliance, real estate regulatory authority and supply–demand dynamics are top five factors. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between less experienced property valuers and their more experienced counterparts.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal important factors which require professional judgment while doing valuation in opaque property markets of India. A study reveals difficulties that valuation teams working for banks and NBFCs face due to challenges and variation in Indian real estate markets. Furthermore, it stresses the need for continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards among valuation professions.Originality/valueThis research offers an all-inclusive study about the things that influence subjective judgment in Indian property valuation and provides insight into the intricate intertwining of regulatory, market and cultural aspects in the process.

Exposure to violence and psychosocial trauma among Sudanese survivors

Purpose This paper aims to investigates the experiences of violence among Sudanese survivors and the associated mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. It highlights the variety, frequency and severity of political violence exposure and its impact on psychological trauma. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative study used data from 324 Sudanese youth exposed to violence. A self-rated 17-item questionnaire assessed violence exposure types and frequency. The General Health Questionnaire and the Davidson Trauma Scale evaluated mental health. Findings High levels of PTSD and poor general mental health were found in 60% of the youth. Exposure included brutal beatings (47%), physical torture (17%) and sexual violence (2%), with 47% enduring hours of torture. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported data may introduce biases. Future studies should use longitudinal designs and consider cultural factors to better understand the long-term effects of political violence. Practical implications The study highlights the need for systematic trauma screening and targeted psychosocial support programs for Sudanese youth, particularly for underrepresented young adult males, to address significant trauma effectively. Originality/value This research provides novel insights into the mental health impact of political violence on Sudanese youth, offering valuable evidence to inform policies and programs aimed at supporting this vulnerable population.

The culture factor: Paths to culturally relevant education for teachers and learning communities in the United States of America

The culture factor: Paths to culturally relevant education for teachers and learning communities in the United States of America

The impacts of macro, meso, and micro antecedents on environmentally responsible behavior on tourism

This study explored antecedents to tourist environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). An integrated model was constructed and tested using an analytical framework that categorized antecedents of ERB into macro (cultural factors: collectivism, biospheric value), meso (destination factors: environmental quality, environmental policy), and micro (personal factors: environmental knowledge, environmental awareness) levels with environmental attitude positioned as a mediating construct. Findings from Chinese tourists ( n = 524) suggested that the investigated factors directly impact environmental attitude, which then act to strengthen ERB. Findings suggested that environmental attitude acts to partially (collectivism, environmental quality, environmental policy) or fully (biospheric values, environmental knowledge and awareness) mediate antecedent relationships with ERB.

PERILAKU POLITIK PEREMPUAN TANI DALAM PILKADA LANGSUNG: Studi di Kecamatan Konda Kabupaten Konawe Selatan

This study aims to explore deeper the motivations, attitudes, and political preferences of women farmers in direct regional elections, and how social, economic, and cultural factors influence their political behaviour. This study is a qualitative descriptive study, with a case study approach. This study uses a qualitative research method. The methods used to collect data in this study are: observation, interviews and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the motivations, attitudes, and political preferences of women farmers in direct regional elections are greatly influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors. The majority of women farmers choose candidates who are considered capable of supporting family needs and improving community welfare. Their political attitudes are also shaped by their life experiences, social interactions, and roles in the family. Policies that focus on the economic empowerment of women farmers, such as increasing employment opportunities or skills training programs, often attract their attention. These preferences are not only the result of urgent needs but also a reflection of women farmers' aspirations to improve the standard of living of their families and their environment.

Prevalence and Predictors of the Unmet Supportive Needs of Patients With Cancer in Oman.

Unmet supportive needs are directly correlated with more frequent psychological distress, reduced quality of life, and low patient satisfaction with healthcare and indirectly connected with low compliance with treatment and increased care-related costs. To assess the spectrum of unmet needs among patients with cancer in Oman and identify predictors of these needs and their relationship with psychological distress and symptom burden. A descriptive, correlational study design was used, involving 551 patients with cancer from 2 major healthcare facilities in Muscat, Oman. Data on patients' unmet needs were collected between January and June 2023 using the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short-Form 34. Participants had a mean age of 45.8 (SD, 15.6) years, with female patients comprising 65.5% of the sample. Breast cancer was the most prevalent type of cancer. The mean unmet need score was 31.0/100 (SD, 20.1). Statistical analysis revealed significant predictors of unmet needs, including marital status, treatment type, performance status, symptom interference, and psychological distress, with the regression model explaining 26% of the variance in unmet needs. Healthcare providers must regularly assess supportive needs, recognizing that they may vary across populations and are influenced by cultural factors. Additionally, individuals identified as having characteristics that predict higher levels of need should receive focused and prioritized supportive care. By adopting regular tailored assessments that address the comprehensive supportive needs of patients with cancer, clinicians can significantly enhance patients' quality of life and optimize treatment outcomes.

Артизация как доминирующая характеристика современной массовой культуры

The manifestation of artization in various spheres of mass culture, including media, art, leisure and everyday realities, gives it the role of one of the leading characteristics of contemporary cultural space. The impact of artization on the production, consumption, and interpretation of cultural forms, as well as the formation of cultural identity, social norms, and moral and ethical values, testifies to the importance of this phenomenon for the further evolution of culture. The authors define artization as a process in which non-art objects, events, and practices are endowed with artistic qualities and aestheticized. Being a key factor of mass culture in the XXI century, artization manifests itself in the forms of the aestheticization of everyday life, the theatricalization of social life, and the blurring of the boundaries between art and life. The study reveals that it has both positive and negative consequences for the development of culture. On the one hand, as a result of artization, access to artistic experience is expanded and creativity is stimulated, while on the other hand, superficiality, trivialization and loss of traditional values of culture and art are observed. The authors conclude that artization is an integral part of modern mass culture, it has a pronounced impact on the evolution of human culture and society.

Exploring parents’ perceptions and experiences of childhood obesity and management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: an interpretive qualitative study

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a public health concern in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where cultural and social factors shape parental perceptions. This study explores how Riyadh-based parents view childhood obesity.MethodsA hybrid approach to thematic analysis was employed, combining deductive and inductive coding to allow for emergent themes directly from the data. Semistructured interviews were conducted with twelve parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose children were identified as overweight or obese. The data were analysed to identify key themes related to parental perceptions and childhood obesity management.ResultsFour themes emerged from the data: (1) perceptions towards childhood obesity; (2) perceived barriers to weight management; (3) perceived benefits to weight management; and (4) perceived motivators to addressing obesity.ConclusionParents in Riyadh often view childhood obesity as a sign of health due to deep-rooted cultural norms. However, as they witness health and social challenges in their children, such as bullying or physical difficulties, their perceptions begin to shift. This study highlights the role of cultural beliefs, lifestyle constraints, and limited institutional support as barriers to managing childhood obesity. Addressing these factors through awareness initiatives and community support could empower parents to more effectively promote healthier behaviours for their children, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.

Государственная символика России как средство гражданского воспроизводства исторической традиции, духовных ценностей и культурной идентификации

The article examines the philosophical and social meanings of the representation of state symbols. State symbols are aimed at the formation of identification civil determinants based on historical and spiritual values having cultural and civilizational, psychologically deterministic and ideologically formative social dimensions. Within the framework of the socio-philosophical analysis, the cultural, religious, and ideological factors of the meaning formation of state symbols, addressed to the connection between government and civil society, were considered. The state, as a guarantee of the orderliness, stability and security of public relations, significant for citizens as a single community, correlates in symbolic meanings with the individual values of individual life through such conceptual forms as “homeland”, “patriotism”, “citizenship”. As examples confirming the importance of symbolic meanings in the specified aspects, some historical and modern events that influenced civic identification processes are given.

Ethical frontiers in liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation represents a pivotal intervention in the management of end-stage liver disease, offering a lifeline to countless patients. Despite significant strides in surgical techniques and organ procurement, ethical dilemmas and debates continue to underscore this life-saving procedure. Navigating the ethical terrain surrounding this complex procedure is hence paramount. Dissecting the nuances of ethical principles of justice, autonomy and beneficence that underpin transplant protocols worldwide, we explore the modern challenges that plaques the world of liver transplantation. We investigate the ethical dimensions of organ transplantation, focusing on allocation, emerging technologies, and decision-making processes. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Central were searched from database inception to February 29, 2024 using the following keywords: "liver transplant", "transplantation", "liver donation", "liver recipient", "organ donation" and "ethics". Information from relevant articles surrounding ethical discussions in the realm of liver transplantation, especially with regards to organ recipients and allocation, organ donation, transplant tourism, new age technologies and developments, were extracted. From the definition of death to the long term follow up of organ recipients, liver transplantation has many ethical quandaries. With new transplant techniques, societal acceptance and perceptions also play a pivotal role. Cultural, religious and regional factors including but not limited to beliefs, wealth and accessibility are extremely influential in public attitudes towards donation, xenotransplantation, stem cell research, and adopting artificial intelligence. Understanding and addressing these perspectives whilst upholding bioethical principles is essential to ensure just distribution and fair allocation of resources. Robust regulatory oversight for ethical sourcing of organs, ensuring good patient selection and transplant techniques, and high-quality long-term surveillance to mitigate risks is essential. Efforts to promote equitable access to transplantation as well as prioritizing patients with true needs are essential to address disparities. In conclusion, liver transplantation is often the beacon of hope for individuals suffering from end-stage liver disease and improves quality of life. The ethics related to transplantation are complex and multifaceted, considering not just the donor and the recipient, but also the society as a whole.

Career choice of Saudi medical students: opting for ophthalmology residency programs - perceptions and sociodemographic influencing factors – a cross-sectional study in Northern Saudi Arabia

Background and aimThe present survey aimed to explore northern Saudi medical students’ perceptions and sociodemographic influencing factors in choosing ophthalmology as a career specialty to determine if they are in alignment with the health sector transformation program of the Vision 2030 initiative.MethodsThis study was conducted among 384 medical students from two universities in northern Saudi Arabia (KSA). We used a standard and validated questionnaire to collect the required data. The perception aspect consisted of 20 questions divided into five subdomains: personal and lifestyle factors, residency program aspects, patients’ care, work culture, and financial factors. We used binomial logistic regression to find sociodemographic predictors for choosing ophthalmology as the first choice.ResultsThe present study demonstrated that northern Saudi medical students preferred ophthalmology as the second most preferred specialty (11.2%). Among the motivational factors, the most frequently reported was the influence of faculty members from their college (74.2%), followed by financial aspects (74%) and family and friends (73.7%). The preference to choose ophthalmology was significantly higher among female gender (ref: male, AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.39–4.88, p = 0.001) and students with a GPA of 4.6 and above (ref: GPA less than 3.5, AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 2.99–5.36, p = 0.023).ConclusionNorthern Saudi medical students’ preference for ophthalmology aligns with Vision 2030 goals. Therefore, it is essential to tailor strategies by policymakers to the medical students according to the identified sociodemographic influencing factors. Furthermore, we recommend prospective studies across all the regions of KSA to identify regional variations.

Determining Factors for the Sustainability of Arabica Coffee-based Eco-farming in Sembalun, Indonesia

The sustainability of eco-farming based on Arabica coffee in Sembalun, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia is influenced by various environmental, economic, social, cultural, institutional, and technological factors. Arabica coffee, known for its high quality, has become an important commodity for farmers and the local economy. However, challenges in implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as excessive pesticide use and limited knowledge, hinder the adoption of eco-farming. This research adopts a combined qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluate the factors affecting sustainability. The results indicate that improvements in land management and waste disposal, educational and social support for farmers, as well as the active role of women farmer groups and community organizations, are crucial for achieving effective sustainability. It is hoped that these findings will provide practical recommendations to enhance eco-farming systems and support sustainable development goals, as well as the welfare of farmers in Sembalun.

Exploring Iranian men’s experiences of infertility through qualitative content analysis

BackgroundInfertility affects men and women differently; however, there is a scarcity of studies focusing specifically on men’s perspectives. Given the importance of understanding men’s experiences in infertility treatment, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian men facing infertility.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit 12 Iranian men dealing with infertility. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Persian, the native language of the participants, to facilitate ease of communication and ensure the richness of data. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis, following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria for trustworthiness to ensure rigor. The entire content of the interviews was transcribed in Persian and analyzed in the same language to maintain the original meaning of the participants’ expressions. After the analysis was completed, the manuscript, including the summarized findings, was translated into English. MAXQDA software version 0.9.5 was used for data management.ResultsThe findings were organized into five main themes: psychological, social, sexual, cultural, and coping dimensions. The study reveals that infertility profoundly impacts men’s psychological well-being, leading to reduced self-confidence and increased societal and familial pressures. Participants expressed feelings of inadequacy and challenges in sexual intimacy, exacerbated by cultural stigma. The social pressures included external societal expectations and dynamics within spousal relationships. Additionally, cultural beliefs significantly influence men’s experiences of infertility, affecting their mental health and treatment choices. Coping strategies such as acceptance, faith, and optimism are crucial in helping men navigate these challenges.ConclusionOverall, the results highlight the need for comprehensive support addressing the psychological, social, sexual, and cultural dimensions of infertility. This study underscores the importance of tailored interventions that consider the unique experiences of men facing infertility, emphasizing the role of coping strategies and the influence of cultural factors on mental health and treatment decisions. By fostering an understanding of these complexities, healthcare providers can better assist men in navigating the challenges of infertility.

Scientific Concepts in programs in Brazil and Japan for High School Students

This paper investigates how cultural, historical, and emotional factors influence scientific concepts in Brazil's Science Vocation Program (Provoc) and Japan's Sakura Science program. It analyzes how Western and Eastern views of science might shape program goals, through high school students’ reports. Sociology and Anthropology of Emotions, History and Sociology of Science have been deployed to analyze documents of the year 2019 of both programs and Content Analysis has been conducted with the assistance of ATLAS.ti. The results indicate that the different trends of the programs are important. While Provoc students’ reports the express value of science as more related to individual growth, either academic and/or professional, students’ reports of the Sakura Science tend to be more collectively oriented, valuing scientific and technological innovation.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review of Insights from Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health challenge fueled by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are central to the proper use of antimicrobials, patient outcomes improvement, and resistance reduction. Over the years, AMS has taken top place in Saudi Arabia as part of its healthcare reform. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to summarize the opinions of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses regarding the current practices of AMS in Saudi Arabia. It discusses the successes, challenges, and importance of interprofessional collaboration in Saudi Arabia. Significant barriers include insufficient infrastructure and training, cultural factors influencing prescription practices, and relatively low penetration into decision-making roles. Successes include adopting explicit AMS policies, increasing awareness among healthcare professionals regarding AMS issues, and several ongoing training programs. Recommendations for AMS improvement consist of furthering interprofessional collaboration, building educational efforts, implementing advanced diagnostics, raising the level of authority of pharmacists and nurses, and investing in health infrastructure for better real-time surveillance and support for evidence-based prescribing.

HATE CRIMES AS A CULTURAL PHENOMENON: THE EXPERIENCE OF LATVIAN SOCIETY

Changes in the international situation during the last decades have become the reason for new conflicts and aggravations at the national level. The 2015 European migrant crisis (Refugee crisis), 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine have become a catalyst for increase in hate crimes. In order to recognize the criminal offense as a hate crime in the sense of the Latvian regulatory framework, it is necessary to establish two criteria: (a) the composition of the criminal offence is included in the Criminal Law; (b) a motive of hatred against a particular protected group of society can be stated in the criminal offence. It is the motive – hate or prejudice – that distinguishes hate crimes from other types of crimes.Prejudice is a negative assessment of a social group and its members. These are objectively unfounded assumptions and erroneous generalizations that, in the opinion of the offender, separate the representatives of this group from the rest of society. Persistent prejudices are called stereotypes. Unlike prejudice, stereotypes are not necessarily negative in nature. However, stereotypes are not based on objective truth either. It follows from court practice that hate crimes were directed against several groups of Latvian society: against ethnic groups (Latvians, Russians, Ukrainians, Jews, Gypsies or Roma, etc.), against representatives of various religious denominations, against asylum seekers, against people from other countries, against sexual minorities as well as against other groups. Stereotypes are often based on personal or negative cultural experiences of previous generations.In this context, it can be mentioned that it is specifically culture that is the basic factor according to which it is possible to understand, identify and reduce hate speech. Professor Aleksandrs Krugļevskis believed that with a change in cultural understanding, expanding public participation in cultural processes, the level of legal awareness will rise and tendencies, intentions to commit a criminal offense will disappear. Criminal law as a cultural factor creates a system that corresponds to the level of education and culture of the people. The above also corresponds to the vision of Latvia’s cohesive society policy “Guidelines for Cohesive and Active Civil Society 2021–2027”: mutual trust, participation, and cooperation between different social groups have improved among Latvian residents, and the level of tolerance has increased, stereotypes and prejudices against different social group representatives have decreased.Statistical data show that since the start of the war in Ukraine, the number of registered hate crimes in Latvia has increased. These show the relevance of the chosen topic. The authors of the article offer their vision of the problem of hate crimes, studying hate crimes as a cultural phenomenon, paying special attention to the experience of Latvian society in this area.

Influences of Cultural Factors on Vaccination Practices Among Parents Prior to School Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Influences of Cultural Factors on Vaccination Practices Among Parents Prior to School Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Reasons for unsafe abortion in Iran after pronatalist policy changes: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Iran, restrictive abortion laws have led to widespread unsafe abortions, posing significant health risks. The 2021 Family and Youth Protection Law further restricted access to reproductive health services in an effort to boost birth rates. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the reasons women sought abortions in an illegal context, based on their own experiences.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 46 women in Kermanshah, Iran, between April and August 2024. All participants had experienced incomplete abortions after undergoing unsafe procedures. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and thematic analysis with MAXQDA 10 software to identify key themes in the women's experiences. To ensure the study's rigor, we applied Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability.ResultsFive main themes emerged from the interviews: economic hardship, pursuit of a prosperous life, unstable marital relationships, health and fertility issues, and cultural factors. Economic challenges, such as unemployment and lack of basic necessities, were the most frequently cited reasons for seeking unsafe abortions. Health issues, including unplanned pregnancies and fear of fetal anomalies, also played a significant role, alongside cultural stigmas related to age, illegitimacy, and gender preferences.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the multifaceted factors driving unsafe abortions in Iran following pronatalist policy changes. A holistic approach is recommended to address the interconnected economic, social, and cultural challenges that contribute to this issue. By implementing such comprehensive strategies, policymakers and stakeholders can work to reduce the prevalence of unsafe abortion practices and foster improved health and well-being for women.

Effects of Cultural Factors at the Individual Level on Online Privacy Among Vietnamese University Students: An Empirical Study Using a PLS-SEM Approach

The research investigates how Hofstede’s cultural dimensions at the individual level influence online privacy among Vietnamese university students. The previous research findings, APCO model, Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions and the protection motivation theory were adopted to conduct the study hypotheses. Data from a sample of 386 students at a private university in Hanoi was analysed with the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings show that collectivism, long-term orientation and uncertainty avoidance had a positive impact on privacy concern but they did not directly influence privacy behavior. Instead, they could affect privacy behavior through privacy concern. Masculinity had no significant impact on both privacy concern and privacy behavior. Power distance positively influenced privacy behavior, but it did not have any effects on privacy concern. Regarding the relationship between privacy concern and privacy behavior, the findings suggest a potential two-way connection between privacy concern and behavior, requiring longitudinal research to examine it thoroughly.