Cultural Features Research Articles

(Re)search results: search engines and the logic of efficiency in scholarship

ABSTRACT This article uses the search engine as a heuristic for reflecting upon the extent to which knowledge production within the academy both shapes and is shaped by the media that it studies and with which its research is enabled. More specifically, it argues that the efficiency that has helped make search both a paradigmatic feature of digital culture and a habitual, everyday activity is achieved not just through speediness of results, but through a rationalized, regimented, and standardized structuration of knowledge, ensuring the latter is amenable to computational processing and retrieval. Search engines exercise a crypto-normative function, establishing formal norms and constraints relating to knowledge production, including academic research outputs, at the same time that they furnish one of the principal means by which this research is conducted. The purpose of this article is not to decry bureaucratic modes of conduct, which are central to the responsibilities of academic life, but to stress the importance of scholars reflecting upon their own relationship to the technologies of which they make use and the temporalities these technologies engender.

Structural and semantic features of Turkish language cultures (based on the material of the cartoon “Nasreddin Hodja: The Time Traveler”)

Structural and semantic features of Turkish language cultures (based on the material of the cartoon “Nasreddin Hodja: The Time Traveler”)

Semantic and Pragmatic Analysis of a Turkish Sadness Verb Hüzünlen-

This study provides a semantic and pragmatic analysis of the Turkish verb "hüzünlen-" which conveys the meaning of sadness. Following a corpus-driven approach, query sequences from the Turkish National Corpus (TNC) were analysed according to the Extended Lexical Units model proposed by Stubbs (2005). In this context, 284 query sequences found in real spoken and written language samples were examined to determine the lexical profile of the verb "hüzünlen-." The aim of the study is to reveal the semantic and pragmatic usage differences of the verb "hüzünlen-" compared to other verbs expressing sadness. In this regard, the syntactic features, collocational tendencies, and context-dependent semantic and pragmatic characteristics of the verb "hüzünlen-" were thoroughly investigated. As a corpus-driven study, this research is the result of an inductive examination. The study demonstrated that the lexical framework of the verb "hüzünlen-" implies a sudden, intense sadness often related to past events and circumstances. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the cultural and linguistic features of expressing sadness in Turkish, as well as to comprehending the cognitive aspects of the emotion of sadness. Furthermore, the results of the study offer significant insights into how expressions of sadness are shaped in linguistic and cultural contexts in Turkish, allowing for a broader perspective on the linguistic representation of sadness. This research suggests that the verb "hüzünlen-" should be examined not only in Turkish but also in comparison with similar emotional expressions in other languages. Thus, it can contribute to understanding the universal and culture-specific features of language and emotion.

Key Aspects of the Translation of Works of the Epic Genre from English to Russian

The article explores the key aspects of translating epic genre works from English to Russian. Translating epic texts is a complex task that requires not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of cultural context and artistic devices. The article discusses methods and strategies aimed at preserving cultural features, rhythm, and melodiousness, as well as ways of conveying metaphors and images. Studying these issues can contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between language, culture, and literary art.

Cross-cultural examination of effects of ethical leadership of independent hotels based on Social Exchange Theory

Independent hotels are in a competitive marketplace for staff in which they face a high rate of employee turnover resulting in poor performance and low profit. This study examines the impact of ethical leadership on turnover intention through ethical climate, employee voice, employee empowerment and affective commitment using a cross-cultural approach in two contrasting GLOBE surveyed countries, Iran and the United Kingdom, based on Social Exchange Theory. A sample of 807 personnel of independent hotels in the two countries were surveyed. Findings show that ethical leadership can reduce turnover intention by different mechanisms through the cultural features and leadership dimensions of the two countries.

Key Features of a Positive Research Culture

Key Features of a Positive Research Culture

Corporate culture's influence on the transparency of financial reporting in Iran: an in-depth analysis of readability and tone

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of corporate culture on financial reporting transparency within Iranian firms.Design/methodology/approachLeveraging a dataset of 1,480 firm-year observations from the Tehran Stock Exchange spanning from 2013 to 2022, the study employs text mining to quantify linguistic features of corporate culture and transparency, specifically readability and tone, within annual financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reports.FindingsOur results confirm a positive and significant relationship between corporate culture and financial reporting transparency. The distinct dimensions of corporate culture — Creativity, Competition, Control, and Collaboration — each uniquely enhance financial transparency. Robustness tests including firm fixed-effects, entropy balancing, Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) validate the profound influence of corporate culture on transparency. Additionally, our analysis shows that corporate culture significantly affects the disclosure of business, operational, and financial risks, with varying impacts across risk categories. Cross-sectional analysis further reveals how the impact of corporate culture on transparency varies significantly across different industries and firm sizes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s scope, while focused on Iran, opens avenues for comparative research in different cultural and regulatory environments. Its reliance on text mining could be complemented by qualitative methods to capture more nuanced linguistic subtleties.Practical implicationsFindings underscore the strategic importance of cultivating a transparent corporate culture for enhancing financial reporting practices and stakeholder trust, particularly in emerging economies with similar dynamics to Iran.Originality/valueThis research is pioneering in its quantitative analysis of the textual features of corporate culture and its impact on transparency within Iranian corporate reports, integrating foundational theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence.

The hydrogeology of sacred wells: insights from Ireland

AbstractSacred wells and springs are important cultural features in many societies. A recent study in Ireland may be the first detailed countrywide investigation of the hydrogeology and water chemistry of sacred wells. Key findings are discussed in relation to case studies elsewhere. A wide range of hydrogeological settings are represented. There is evidence of anthropogenic impacts at many sacred springs and wells. Communication of potential health impacts is necessary but challenging, because of the sensitivities surrounding these sacred water sources.

Digital Communication in Japanese Companies: The Corporate Blog. Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The present article examines the digital communication patterns exerted by domestic Japanese companies through Japanese-language blogging practices: main characteristics, current trends, challenges, and future tendencies at the intersection of Japanese corporate culture, communication, and the digital realm. After a concise literature review of Japanese corporate identity and predominant cultural features of Japanese management, we will conduct a qualitative content analysis on a selected corpus of Japanese language corporate blogs to investigate the digital corporate discourse (content, types of public, communication strategies, and techniques) on a national level and to inquire into the extent of the impact exerted by the digital evolution of media platforms and the emergence of new AI tools. The implications of the present research are twofold. First, the database we manually compiled contains only Japanese language sources, thus surpassing the linguistic barrier many Western academics confront when researching Asian countries and media content in Asian languages. Examining the Japanese language digital discourse of domestic companies in a post-pandemic globalized context bridges the unceasing gap between the West and the East, thus decentring the focal point from the Western companies and shifting the attention from English-language digital communication. Second, connecting the Japanese-language business discourse with domestic blogging platforms represents another aspect of particular importance neglected by previous research.

Linguocultural Aspects оf the Translation оf Jokes and Anecdotes (Based оn Examples from Three English and American Comedy Series)

The article examines some linguocultural aspects in the translation of comedy series, focusing on two English series created between 1977 and 1992 – “MindYourLanguage”(1977),“‘Allo,‘Allo”(1982–1992),andtheAmericanshow “The Nanny” (1993). The difficulties in translating linguistic features, deviances in the characters’ speech, the challenges in translating the cultural code as a whole, and their relevance to ensuring the success of communication, are examined. The article also focuses on the figure of the foreigner, common to the three series, and on the translation of cultural notes and stereotypes as a test for the translator, who must recreate not only linguistic differences, but also the distinctive features of individual cultures and ethnicities, without abandoning his cultural code. The effect of this clash does not affirm the humiliating attitude towards a certain ethnicity or culture, and the humor shows a desire to overcome stereotypes, expressing that the differences between us as people are not that many.

Эргонимикон как важнейший компонент языкового ландшафта современного полиэтнического города (на примере Уфы)

The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main structural, semantic and linguocultural features of the ergonymicon of a modern multiethnic city in relation to the specifics of its characteristic linguistic situation. The article defines the conceptual foundations for the study of the linguistic landscape of the city; examines the originality of the ergonymicon as an integral component of the onomastic urban space; carries out a multidimensional description of ergonyms recorded in the territory of the city of Ufa. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that, using the example of Ufa, a systematic analysis of the ergonymicon of a modern multiethnic city is carried out according to various parameters (method of education, origin, linguistic and cultural features) and the conditionality of the specifics of these units by intra- and extra-linguistic factors is determined. As a result of the study, it was found that the main features of the Ufa ergonymicon are multilingualism, active appeal to national identity and regional affiliation in the nomination of urban objects, and widespread use of borrowings. It was also found that when creating ergonyms, Russian language units are used most often. Elements of the national (Bashkir) language are less frequently used compared to English-language ones. Urban specificity is especially noticeable in ergonyms created based on toponyms, anthroponyms, and ethno-cultural realities.

Localized Canal Development Model Based on Titled Landscapes on the Grand Canal, Hangzhou Section, China

After the decline of water transportation along the Grand Canal, the integration of urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage along the canal has become imperative. This paper takes the titled landscape as its research perspective and investigates the cultural significance of the canal through its historical, spatial, artistic, and spiritual dimensions, identifying the “Ten Canal Scenes” (TCS) that encapsulate both the canal’s heritage and the unique characteristics of Hangzhou, with the aim of establishing notable urban cultural landmarks. Archival analysis, average nearest neighbor (ANN) analysis, nuclear density analysis, and clustering of resource sites are first used to identify cultural landscape features. Evaluation and decision-making techniques are then used to comprehensively assess and categorize the conservation and utilization value for the TCS based on the value evaluation framework. Finally, it proposes strategies for enhancing the comprehensive values of titled landscapes and addressing socio-economic and cultural dimensions. These efforts seek to reconcile the preservation of the canal’s cultural heritage with the ongoing regeneration and development of the city and propose references for a localized canal development model based on titled landscapes.

Концептуальная оппозиция «правда – ложь» в чувашской и русской языковых картинах мира

The purpose of the study is to identify the linguistic and cultural features of the representation of the concepts of TRUTH and LIE in the Russian and Chuvash language worldviews. The article examines the structural and semantic features of the concepts as complex mental formations, identifies their intercultural correspondences, analyzes conceptual, figurative and moral-aesthetic components reflecting important attitudes of the life philosophy of the Russian and Chuvash peoples. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the fact that it for the first time presents a description of the concepts of TRUTH and LIE based on the material of Russian and Chuvash proverbial expressions in a comparative way, examines the linguistic and cultural aspects of their linguistic implementation, identifies intercultural correspondences and differences that determine the linguistic mentality of the Chuvash people. As a result of the study, it was found that the cognitive categories "truth" and "lie" are the basic elements of the cultural code of nations. They form a single semantic paradigm in the space of the Russian and Chuvash worldviews and act as units of a functional and pragmatic level. The emotional and evaluative interpretation of the considered components is determined by life or behavioral situations and receives various metaphorical content within the framework of the studied linguistic cultures.

Better perceived health among the Swedish-speaking minority as compared with the Finnish-speaking majority in Finland: a cross-sectional study with an intergenerational perspective.

Previous research has shown that the Swedish speaking minority in Finland has slightly but significantly better health compared with the Finnish speaking majority. However, a clear explanation for this is lacking. The aim of the study was to explore differences of perceived health comparing three groups: Swedish speakers with reported dominance of Swedish also in the preceding generation; contemporary Finnish speakers with reported dominance of Finnish in the preceding generation and a group with a reported mixed-language structure of Finnish and Swedish between generations. Health and Social Support is an on-going population-based survey initiated in 1998 (N = 64,797), aimed at working-age adults. The present study is based on the 2012 follow-up survey, which included a question on the dominating language (Swedish or Finnish) of the respondents and their parents. The outcome was perceived health, which in this study was dichotomized to very good/good and intermediate/poor/very poor. The statistical analysis was carried with logistic regression, using SAS software. Age, gender and occupational training were included as covariates in the multivariable analysis. This study found that the Swedish-speaking group in Finland report better perceived health compared with the Finnish-speaking group (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.57, p < 0.001). The health of the mixed language-speaking group fell between the other two groups. The results gave some support to a culturally mediated mechanism for the health advantage of Swedish speakers. Cultural features of Swedish-speaking groups in Finland may also support health promotion of the Finnish-speaking majority.

Isolation's Echo Current Perspectives in Loneliness Research

Despite increasing incidence across the world, not much evidence is available for understanding and effective management of loneliness. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, hard economic times, parental stress, marriage issues and other factors pressed the global population with severe loneliness in high-income, low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review investigates the current landscape of loneliness in high and LMICs to identify new developments, knowledge gaps and insights. This literature search in electronic databases, PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, to gather qualitative and quantitative evidence and evaluate reported symptoms, prevalence and variance of loneliness across populations. The review focused on unaddressed or contentious issues that are vital for evidence-based interventions. The incidence of loneliness among adolescents, married, children, and separated partners in high and LMIC resonated around vulnerability due to socio-economic, cultural, political and ethnic features. A global incidence of loneliness manifested through parental stress, family conflict, abuse and victimization, racial discrimination, loss of jobs, the COVID-19 pandemic and weak social connections. In children aged 4 to 10 years, loss of pro-social activities like hobbies, sports, school, family conflicts, child-parent disagreements, sedentary behaviors like increased screen time, health disparities and racism have been associated with loneliness. Loneliness has been deemed a trigger of poor social development, quality of life and family fragmentation. The global variance of loneliness can be attributed to unique risk factors. Loneliness implicates social isolation, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among children, adolescents and elderly people. Apart from parental stress, the recent pandemic amplified its prevalence due to hard economic times, loss of jobs and curfews. Males, adolescents and children are the major victims of ensuing loneliness. nonetheless, our study established that physical exercise is an effective intervention against loneliness. Keywords: Loneliness Research, Social Isolation, Mental Health, Psychological Well-being, Current Perspectives

STEM department chairs’ perspectives on navigating teaching culture to influence instructional change: a four-frames model analysis

Academic departments have been highlighted as key targets to sustainably transform the learning environments of postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in the United States. Despite STEM department chairs playing a critical role in shaping their unit, few studies have characterized how chairs view the teaching culture within their department and how cultural features influence instructional change. This study addressed this gap by applying the four-frames model for organizational change to analyze interviews conducted with 14 STEM department chairs at one research-intensive institution in the United States. The department chairs identified several challenges to supporting and advancing teaching culture. These challenges were mostly related to the structures and symbols frames and included an institutional emphasis on research over teaching, inadequate methods to evaluate effective teaching, and weak teaching feedback mechanisms available to faculty. The chairs also described how they leverage their power to affect people and thereby influence the teaching culture. For example, they strategically position teaching as an important aspect of the departmental culture during hiring processes and elevate certain groups of faculty who have demonstrated interest and efficacy in teaching. This study contributes to the literature by providing a rich description of the teaching culture in STEM departments at a research-intensive institution from the perspective of department chairs. This unique focus on department chairs helps identify opportunities for instructional reforms that are grounded in the reality of the departmental environment and provides a framework for considering how change might occur in STEM departments at research-intensive institutions. The opportunities identified emphasize the importance for department chairs to consider and leverage all four frames to enact instructional change.

Exploring Characteristics and Patterns of In Situ Space Morphology: Perspective of the Historical and Cultural Canal Settlement

During the development and evolution of settlements, space morphology created unique local cultural features and played an important role in guiding rural planning in the context of new-type urban development. The in situ characteristics of the space morphology of the ancient historical and cultural towns along the Grand Canal of China reflect the prints of the local culture and history over thousands of years and integrate modern life and the cultural memories of the citizens there. Using Yangliuqing Town, a famous historical and cultural town, as an example, this study quantitatively analyzes the in situ characteristics of the space morphology. It applies the UAV 3D model, POI data, actual site measurements, and other data to establish detailed models of the streets and lanes, quantifies the in situ characteristics of the space morphology of the streets and lanes in terms of space organizational characteristics and VGA manifestation, analyzes the influencing factors of the characteristics of in situ space morphology, and proposes guidelines for renewing ancient towns according to the in situ characteristics of space morphology. The research results indicate that ① multidimensional factors influencing the historical development of the research area have been clarified for the three aspects of its status as a canal transport hub, canal settlement industries, and traditional residential courtyards in ancient towns; ② the in situ space morphology of the streets in Yangliuqing Town is reflected in three aspects such as the core guiding and control of historical and cultural resources, the inherent influence of space element layout, and the attractiveness of street space; ③ it extracts the guidelines for the renewal of the ancient towns in terms of the space morphology strategy, the environmental element strategy, the interface attribute strategy, and the business attribute strategy. The research methods and conclusions boast great significance for clarifying the characteristics of the space morphology of the ancient towns along the Grand Canal and improving the practice of preservation there.

Teaching and learning with older adults: Research ethics, risk analysis, and covert research

ABSTRACT This article reports a case study of older adults learning English in China. It indicates how, founded on consequentialist ethics, risk analysis, and safeguarding, it was decided to use covert research, drawing on the confluence of risk analysis, risk evaluation, risk management, safeguarding, research ethics, and important contextual and cultural features. Ethical principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, safeguarding, and protection were addressed, and account was taken of the strength, likelihood, and consequences of risks, safeguards, and benefits, informed by Chinese cultural contexts, values, behaviors, and features of teaching and learning based on andragogy and geragogy. Implications are drawn for teaching and learning with older adults, advocating significant account to be taken of contextual factors.

Transplant Renal Vein Stenosis (TRVS) Managed with Percutaneous Endovascular Stenting: A Case Report

Transplant renal vein stenosis (TRVS) is a rare vascular complication of renal transplant that can masquerade findings of rejection and infection. We report a case who presented 2 years 9 months post-transplant with localized non-tender heaviness and fullness at the graft site with renal dysfunction. Initial ultrasonogram (USG) was suggestive of graft pyelonephritis with perinephric collection, though, there were no clinical features of infection and cultures came as sterile. Doppler revealed findings of TRVS, which was confirmed with a CT angiogram. Graft vein angioplasty restored the hemodynamics, but the patient again presented after 4 months with incidentally detected graft dysfunction. USG Doppler showed graft vein stenosis at the same site, which was managed with an elective renal vein angioplasty with stent placement.

Fusarium kamalianum, a new species of Fusarium from India from ornamental Chamaedorea seifrizii

A novel species, Fusarium kamalianum, belonging to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), is established to accommodate a fungal pathogen that was isolated from infected Chamaedorea seifrizii (Bamboo palm). The identification of this pathogenic strain was determined based on the cultural features, asexual-morphs, and phylogenetic analysis based on translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), 28S large subunit (LSU), and β-tubulin (tub2) sequence data. The detailed taxonomic descriptions, cultural, microscopic images, and phylogenetic trees are presented for the introduced taxon. The sequencing data of this isolate exhibited substantial distinctness from the previously discovered species of Fusarium and created a unique distinct clade. This is the first study that reports infection in Chamaedorea seifrizii plants caused by Fusarium species.