Literary Tradition Research Articles

Evolution of Azerbaijani science fiction and emergency of Emin Mahmudov’s works

The evolution of science fiction literature in Azerbaijan has been characterized by a delayed emergence compared to European, American, and Russian counterparts. Despite this initial lag, Azerbaijani science fiction writers have made commendable strides, drawing influence from both global and local literary traditions. This article explores the historical context and thematic concerns of Azerbaijani science fiction literature, analyzing the impact of influential global authors on Azerbaijani writers and examining the stylistic elements present in their works. Additionally, the article delves into the life and career of Emin Mahmudov (1925-2010), a prominent Azerbaijani writer celebrated for his contributions to the genre. Mahmudov’s vivid imagination, intellectual depth, and exploration of cosmic themes have left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani literature. Through an exploration of Mahmudov’s works, such as “Prisoners of Neptune” and “Turbulence,” which delve into existential questions amidst rapid cosmic voyages, this article sheds light on the unique trajectory of science fiction literature in Azerbaijan and its broader significance within the global literary landscape.

“The 21st century professionalization?”: online education as an instrument for bolstering individual welfare and societal equality

Abstract Since the start of the last decade of the 20th century, the application of digital technologies with the potential of making substantial contributions to a community’s welfare have led to the creation of the literature of Public Interest Technologies and reinvigorated many areas of focus in the social sciences. A relevant subfield of this literature has been the application of new technologies to education to increase social public benefits. The traditional literature on higher education seems to agree that the expansion of this good throughout a society is desirable because it generates direct and indirect individual gains, as well as aggregate level social benefits in the form of positive externalities. However, some authors have argued that the acquisition of postsecondary education has its own drawbacks: unwanted intellectual influence of instructors on students, barriers to access for students of historically vulnerable sociodemographic groups, as well as students’ perception of a reduced pay-off from going to college. While there have been some indices that online higher education could abate many of these issues, there has been relatively little formal research to test this tool’s impact. Using a quantitative approach, via cross-section and time-series data analysis, the text finds some evidence that online higher education could solve many of higher education’s drawbacks, while also being a feasible approach given the current technological environment of the United States. The text concludes outlining future research using a mixed-methods approach that could be highly valuable to acquire a more comprehensive view and robust evidence of online higher education’s potential of expanding social public benefits.

Ideas of acupuncture diagnosis and treatment of stroke sequela based on the differentiation of disease location

Through collecting the relevant records of "brain" in ancient traditional Chinese medicine literature, the potential structure and function of the "motor system of brain-meridian-muscle region" and "perception system of brain-meridian-cutaneous region" of the human body are analyzed preliminarily. In view of the characteristics of the symptoms of stroke sequela, focusing on the differentiation of disease location and associated with the identification of disease property, the pathogenesis of stroke is determined, "malnutrition of the sea of marrow, dysfunction of meridian muscle region and disharmony of the nutrient and the defensive in the meridian cutaneous region", while, the basic principle of treatment is formulated, "filling up the marrow, replenishing the brain, regulating meridian muscle regions, tonifying qi and facilitating blood circulation in meridians and collaterals". Based on the above, the acupoints selected in treatment and the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion are clarified. This article presents the references for the clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion and provides the individual therapeutic regimen for stroke patients.

Al-Mutanabbi, the Renowned 10th-Century Arab Poet: Insights from Eastern and Western Scholars' Research

This study offers a comparative analysis of Eastern and Western scholarship on Al-Mutanabbi, the renowned 10th-century Arab poet, whose work has profoundly impacted Arabic literature and beyond. By examining key themes such as linguistic style, cultural identity, heroism, and individualism, the research highlights differences in how Eastern and Western scholars interpret his legacy. Eastern scholarship emphasizes Al-Mutanabbi’s mastery of the Arabic language, his deep cultural significance, and his philosophical exploration of Arab ideals, celebrating him as a symbol of Arab identity. Western scholars, on the other hand, often frame his work within the global literary tradition, focusing on universal themes of self-reflection and existential struggle, which position him as a bridge between Eastern and Western literature. This cross-cultural dialogue underscores the poet's dual role as both a representative of Arab heritage and a timeless voice for universal human concerns. The study concludes with suggestions for future research, including exploring Al-Mutanabbi's themes of fate and mortality, cross-cultural influences, and the effects of translation on his work's interpretation. Such research would further establish Al-Mutanabbi’s relevance in world literature and deepen the appreciation of Arabic poetry’s contributions to global literary heritage.

Flow, Stagnation, and Renewal: Understanding the Symbolic Dimensions of Water in Anuradha Roy’s ‘An Atlas of Impossible Longing’

Water is one of nature's gifts to the earth, carrying a multitude of meanings and interpretations based on its context. Water in literature is studied from a variety of theoretical perspectives due to its rich symbolism and different narrative roles. This paper aims to explore Indian writer Anuradha Roy’s novel, "An Atlas of Impossible Longing," through Gaston Bachelad’s water symbolism theory and investigates how numerous types of water bodies, including rivers, ponds, and rain, each with its own meanings and thematic importance, with the river playing a central part in the novel. This study explores the symbolism of water through three key themes: "Flow and Transformation," "Stagnation and Reflection," and "Renewal and Destruction." It examines how water functions as both a healing and destructive force in human life. Using a qualitative approach, the study combines textual analysis with theoretical interpretation based on Gaston Bachelard’s symbolism theory from Water and Dreams: An Essay on the Imagination of Matter. Through a close reading of the novel, it highlights how water serves as a metaphorical device, reflecting characters’ emotional states, personal growth, and existential challenges. This research stands out by providing a comprehensive analysis of how Anuradha Roy integrates water symbolism in contemporary Indian Literature through her narrative structure and highlights its multidimensional role in the story. The novelty lies in its comparative analysis of Roy’s water imagery with broader literary traditions, creating new insights into how water symbolism functions both as an ecological signifier and a transformative metaphor in the human experience.

Student Literacy Through Library Visits and Gemini AI Programs at SD Negeri Potrobangsan 2

People often say that literacy is the foundation for a person's lifelong education. Improving students' literacy skills is one of the main focuses in today's education world. Literacy, which includes reading, writing, and understanding information well, is an essential foundation in the learning process at all levels of education. Good literacy skills help students succeed academically and equip them with the critical and analytical thinking skills needed in everyday life. We need to consider literacy development because it is a fundamental ability that every individual must possess to navigate life in the future. This study aims to develop a strategy to improve the literacy of fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Potrobangsan 2 through a combination of library visits and the Gemini AI program. We expect library visits to cultivate students' interest in reading physical books, while the Gemini AI program serves as an interactive digital literacy medium to enhance students' learning experiences. This research approach uses a qualitative method with observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) as the primary instruments for data collection. The study results indicate that integrating traditional literacy learning with digital technology can improve students' literacy skills holistically. Students showed increased reading comprehension, higher involvement in literacy activities, and mastery of digital literacy skills. Implementing this strategy also increased motivation among students to read and utilize the library optimally. Therefore, elementary schools can apply this strategy as an effective literacy learning model.

Out of the Mouth of Babes … (Ps. 8:2)

Abstract The present paper investigates the role of children as mediators between the world of humans and the divine, as reflected in Zoroastrian Middle Persian texts. Taking the curious portrayal of the main protagonist of the Pahlavi “Story of Jōišt ī Friyān” as a starting point, it examines how the author of the tale accentuates his own educational message by attributing it to an underage boy. In this context the article attempts to contribute to the discussion on the place of visions in traditional Zoroastrian society and literature.

Pathways to motivation and learning in English language education: a case of two youths engaging in multiliteracies

Purpose This study investigates the effect of digital multimodal composing (DMC) on student motivation and literacy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. It explores how students engaged in creating digital animations to respond to literary texts and the implications for integrating DMC into traditional literacy practices. Grounded in social semiotic theory and Self-Determination Theory, this study aims to understand how digital composing influences student engagement, motivation and literacy development. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were gathered over a six-month period using a combination of student surveys, semi-structured interviews, reflection logs and student-produced scripts/animations. This study focused on two university students who engaged in multimodal projects as part of their extracurricular EFL activities, examining their processes and reflections. Findings Students demonstrated strong intrinsic motivation during DMC processes, largely due to the social affordances provided by digital multimodal composing. By combining traditional literacy skills with digital practices, students experienced enhanced creative expression, enhanced meaning-making and a deeper understanding of literary texts through the production and sharing of animated videos. This process promoted both emotional and cognitive engagement, emphasizing the importance of teacher guidance and digital tools in creating a more dynamic and supportive learning environment. Practical implications This study outlines a practical approach to DMC through a structured process: selecting and reading a book, proposing a change as if requesting it from the author, creating and sharing a video on YouTube to explain the change and reflecting on the experience. This approach can guide educators in designing activities that deepen student engagement, enhance critical thinking and integrate digital tools with traditional learning methods. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of how digital technologies can transform traditional literacy practices, offering insights into the benefits of multimodal composition for language learning and motivation in EFL contexts. It provides practical examples of how students and teachers can leverage digital tools to enhance literacy education and prepare students for 21st-century challenges.

Revitalizing Javanese Islamic Literature: A Philological and Oral Tradition Study in Coastal Culture

This study explores a spiritual occurrence that flourishes and develops within the framework of Pesantren, a significant aspect of Javanese Islamic tradition. One notable spiritual activity that flourishes in Pesantren is known as Pesantren literature. The term 'Pesantren literature' refers to literary works that originate and develop within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both the physical and spiritual realms. Noteworthy characteristics of Pesantren literature include the following. Pesantren literature is predominantly composed in Arabic and is typically written in Arabic script. At times, Pesantren literature may be composed in the new Javanese language with Arabic-pegon script. It emerged and gained momentum during the 18th century, experiencing rapid development in the 19th century. Pesantren literature encompasses both oral and written traditions. It is often recited during specific ceremonies and occasionally performed as a form of performing art. Pesantren literature exhibits varying degrees of influence from Arabic and Persian literature. In conclusion, Pesantren literature has been a vital spiritual and literary tradition in the Indonesian archipelago, particularly in Java. It has evolved as a unique form of literary expression within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both oral and written traditions. Received: 6 April 2024 / Accepted: 27 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Direct combustion noise: Nearfield and non-compactness influences on pressure–heat release coherence

There are several mechanisms through which turbulent flames produce sound. In low Mach number, unconfined flows, direct combustion noise – i.e., unsteady gas expansion generated by heat release fluctuations – is known to be a dominant contributor. This study is motivated by the fact that in the farfield, the coherence between spatially integrated heat release fluctuations from acoustically compact flames and direct combustion noise is unity. This suggests that the role of direct combustion noise relative to other sources can be ascertained from the value of the coherence. However, in practice it is difficult to fully satisfy the requirements to achieve a unity coherence, even in cases where direct combustion noise is the dominant noise source. This paper explores the contribution of noncompactness and nearfield effects on coherence. For the noncompactness part, while it is often the case that flames are small relative to a wavelength, they are never infinitesimally small. For the nearfield aspect, it is often not possible or practical to obtain farfield measurements, particularly in confined environments. This paper presents calculations that quantify how these noncompactness and nearfield effects influence coherence values. These calculations provide guidance on frequency ranges over which direct combustion noise will lead to near-unity coherence values, as well as required distances and optimal angles for acoustic instrumentation.Novelty and significance statementThis study presents a theoretical study on the coherence between heat release rate and acoustic pressure fluctuations, which has been mostly overlooked in prior literature. To the extent of the author’s knowledge, this is the first attempt that identify and investigate the inconsistencies between traditional theory and experimental literature on coherence. Results have implications for our previous understanding of the relationship between the heat release rate fluctuations and direct noise, aiding in future studies on combustion noise.

Semantic Analysis of the Linguistic Heritage of the Golden Horde Period: Based on the Material of “Gulistan Bit-Turki” by Seif Sarai and “Khosrov and Shirin” by Qutb

The aim of this study is to examine the written monuments from the Golden Horde period and contemporary literary works, focusing on the frequency of use, functionality, and stylistic features of both indigenous and borrowed vocabulary within literary texts. The lexical units were analyzed using methods such as linguistic-statistical, contextual, historical-comparative, semantic, and contextual analysis. This study explored the literal and figurative meanings of words of Turkic, Arabic, and Persian origin used in the written monuments of the Golden Horde. The research provides insights into the primary lexical layers of the Turkic languages, the time of their formation, and their frequency of use in the literary tradition. Emphasis was placed on examples of contexts that confirm specific lexical meanings, as well as on metaphorical and figurative transformations aimed at achieving stylistic effects. The study also considered the history of the formation of Turkic languages, the adaptation of borrowed lexical layers, and the modification of primary meanings (metaphorical, figurative). Kipchak, Karluk, and Oghuz language elements were highlighted through the analysis of the written monuments, along with their frequency of integration. Contemporary literary texts were examined in terms of the use of lexical elements (both indigenous and borrowed) for artistic purposes. This research can be used for comparative analysis of closely related Turkic languages, the study of contemporary literary texts in terms of the use of indigenous and borrowed lexicon, and for forming an understanding of the ancient lexical layers of various Turkic languages.

Cap-and-trade under a dual-channel setting in the presence of information asymmetry

Cap-and-trade, a widely used carbon regulation policy, encourages firms to adopt carbon abatement technologies to reduce emissions. Traditional supply-chain literature on this policy assumes symmetrical information, overlooking the fact that carbon abatement efforts and costs are often private and vary significantly across geographies, industries, and pollutants. In this paper we explore a dual-channel setting involving a manufacturer and a retailer, where the manufacturer, subject to cap-and-trade regulations, has undisclosed information about its carbon abatement costs. Our findings reveal that high abatement costs can paradoxically benefit the manufacturer, the environment, consumers, and overall social welfare. Our result also cautions that a higher carbon trading price (e.g., due to more ambitious emission reduction targets) can disincentivize the manufacturer from investing in carbon abatement. Moreover, a higher production cost, while resulting in lower market output, can increase pollution generation. We contribute the following to the practitioner debate about the impact of carbon policies: for an industry with a large market size, our findings lend support to governments to implement a cap-and-trade policy, because the manufacturer, customers and social welfare can be better off under a cap-and-trade policy than under a tax policy or no carbon policy. Additionally, we suggest that in such industries, governments need not enforce information transparency within the supply chain.

JAMAL ASSADI: A VOICE OF CULTURAL BELONGING IN MODERN ARAB POETRY

This article explores the poetry of Jamal Assadi, a prominent Palestinian poet whose works delve into themes of identity, displacement, and cultural belonging. Using a biographical approach, the study analyzes how Assadis personal experiences, particularly as a Palestinian Arab living in Israel, inform his poetic voice. By drawing on Assadis own words from interviews and his body of work, the article examines key poems to highlight his reflection on time, memory, and the socio-political struggles of the Arab world. Assadis use of both classical Arabic poetic forms and modern free verse techniques enriches the Arab literary tradition, blending the old with the new to address contemporary concerns.The critical method employed in this article focuses on the relationship between Assadis life and his literary creations, emphasizing how his poetry acts as a mirror of personal and collective experiences of exile and cultural fragmentation. Additionally, the article explores Assadis engagement with global literary traditions, showing how intertextuality plays a role in his political critique. Ultimately, this article affirms Assadis significant contribution to modern Arab literature, arguing that his poetry serves as both a continuation of classical Arabic traditions and a platform for innovation. By addressing themes of cultural resilience and political critique, Assadis work provides a nuanced and powerful voice within the broader landscape of Arab poetry, making it an essential subject of literary study.

Unfulfilled potential in digital textbook development: Modern technologies and traditional literacy

Unfulfilled potential in digital textbook development: Modern technologies and traditional literacy

From self-sacrifice to self-awakening: G. G. Alexander’s translation and adaptation of the story of Diaochan from Sanguo yanyi

ABSTRACT In the 1860s, George Gardner Alexander translated the story of Diaochan from the Chinese classical novel Sanguo yanyi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and then adapted it into a five-act play, Teaou-shin. This adaptation is the most typical example of textual transformation in the English transmission history of the novel over the past two centuries, showcasing how textual intervention can reflect and engage with contemporary social issues of the recipient society. Through an art form that was popular with the British audience at the time, the play made effective use of the British theatrical tradition. On the basis of adopting the general plot of the story of Diaochan, the play adapted to the social realities of Victorian England and remodeled the characters. By manipulating the theme of the story, Alexander showed solidarity with the women’s rights movement of the time. Through changes in form and content, the story adapted to the literary tradition of England and the gender ideology of the time, catered to the tastes and expectations of Victorian readers and audiences, and conveyed Alexander’s stance on the “woman question”.

Investigating the Impact of Technology Addiction on Early Literacy Skills: A Study of First Graders

This study explores the impact of gadget addiction on the reading abilities of Grade 1 learners, focusing on how technology dependence affects early literacy development. Using a quantitative descriptive correlational approach, the study examined the relationship between gadget addiction and reading proficiency. The findings indicate a minimal and statistically insignificant negative correlation between gadget addiction and reading skills, suggesting that technology use does not significantly impede children's reading development. Despite notable indicators of gadget addiction, such as technology interference in family activities and difficulties in avoiding social media, most learners displayed strong reading and comprehension abilities. The results imply that factors beyond technological dependency, such as educational practices, parental involvement, and individual learner characteristics, may have a more substantial influence on early literacy skills. Consequently, the study concludes that addressing gadget addiction alone may not be sufficient to improve reading abilities. Instead, a comprehensive approach considering various educational and developmental factors should be prioritized. Efforts to enhance early literacy should focus on broader educational strategies, parental guidance, and individualized learner support. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about the balance between technology use and traditional literacy practices in early education, advocating for more holistic approaches to foster reading development in young learners. Future research should explore other contributing factors to literacy achievement, moving beyond the narrow focus on digital device usage.

Let’s chat! Integrating ChatGPT in medical student assignments to enhance critical analysis

What is the educational challenge?: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are overtaking the progress in teaching and assessment. Traditional assignments, such as written reports and posters, have become obsolete as these can be created almost entirely using AI tools. As educators, it is imperative that we devise out-of-the-box assignments to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding, ability to synthesize and think critically, while promoting the ethical and innovative use of AI. What are the proposed solutions?: In place of a traditional literature review essay, our junior medical students were given a structured assignment that required the use of ChatGPT to write a report, a critical analysis of the output, and the creation of a final report using their own research combined with the AI output. How was the solution implemented?: Students were provided with clear guidelines in writing and in the form of an in-person presentation, in addition to guidance during the process of the assignment. What lessons were learned that are relevant to a wider audience?: Using ChatGPT as part of constructing an essay and critically analyzing its output was a beneficial experience for the students, allowing them to recognize the utility and limitations of the widely available version of the AI platform. It also provided them with a sense of openness to new technologies that will support their academic journey. This structure could be generalized for use in a wider scope, to promote the effective and ethical use of AI. What are the next steps?: Implementation of such strategies to develop various types of assessments involving student coursework is at the center of revamping our medical school’s assessments. This successful endeavor represents the spark of innovation at our school which is constantly evolving to address the ever-changing needs of our medical programs.

Comparable yet distinct: a systematic review of social and small and medium-sized enterprises growth trajectories

Purpose This study aims to expand the concept of business growth by incorporating sustainability demands, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene era. It explores the growth trajectories of social enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), examining how SEs integrate social and environmental objectives into their growth process. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this study compares these approaches with traditional SME growth paradigms, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of business growth that addresses contemporary socioenvironmental challenges. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative SLR was conducted, using a structured search algorithm to identify and evaluate research on growth and scaling in SMEs and SEs. The search of the Web of Science database with specific growth-related keywords yielded 5,362 articles, which were narrowed to 194 after filtering by journal relevance. Content analysis, guided by an inductively developed codebook, examined growth definitions, operationalizations, and methodologies. This paper focused on key growth dimensions (economic, social and environmental) and identified whether growth was addressed as an outcome or process, along with its enablers and barriers. Findings While there are areas of intersection between the literatures, the findings reveal that traditional SME growth frameworks do not entirely align with SEs growth conception and management. Furthermore, SE’s growth barriers and facilitators, as well as growth trajectories more broadly, emerge as distinct from those of traditional SMEs. The results distill insights from SE growth paths that can be valuable for traditional SME managers, particularly in terms of managing stakeholders and the institutional environment. Social entrepreneurs commonly use strategies for reshaping business norms, influencing consumer culture and raising social issues awareness, leveraging the values of stakeholders to secure essential support. Originality/value As SMEs confront escalating pressure to align with the sustainable development agenda, the findings underscore the critical significance of drawing insights from the burgeoning SE growth literature. This suggests that traditional SME growth literature stands to gain invaluable insights from recent SE research, fostering a more nuanced comprehension of sustainability-centric SME growth trajectories.

An Analysis of Chinese Narrative Poems from the Perspective of the Narrator, the Case Study of Han Yuefu Poems

This paper explores the narrative techniques in Han Dynasty Yuefu poetry, with particular attention to how the narrator’s perspective enhances both storytelling and emotional depth. Through the analysis of selected poems, it highlights how shifts between omniscient and limited perspectives enrich character portrayal and convey complex emotions. By placing Yuefu poetry within the broader tradition of Chinese literature, the study challenges the common perception that classical Chinese poetry is purely lyrical, suggesting instead that narrative elements play a crucial role. It argues for a re-evaluation of these poems, emphasising the interplay between narration and emotion, and how this contributes to the development of Chinese narrative art. Additionally, the paper considers how Yuefu poetry, with its distinct narrative strategies, laid important groundwork for later developments in Chinese literary traditions. This study underscores the importance of looking at ancient Chinese poetry from a narrative perspective, recognising its contribution to the evolution of storytelling in Chinese literature.

Plucking Heartstrings: Guqin, Aesthetic Attunement, and TCM Music Therapy

In the Chinese cultural context, music is deeply intertwined with the human heart and plays a central role in both healing and governance. Guqin, an ancient Chinese zither, exemplifies holistic care throughout history, embodying heart-based empathy and resonance. This study draws on insights from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), classic philosophy, literature, and aesthetics to trace a lineage of thinking that continues to inform contemporary music therapy. We examine the Chinese notion of xin/heart and the interdependent self, and how music facilitates individuals’ aesthetic attunement toward the natural and social orders. Our approach transcends limitations of Euro-American psychological paradigms centered on the psyche, by adopting a holistic perspective that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the heart, the body, and the cosmos. We argue for the necessity of moving beyond reductive biomedical treatment models to explore alternative ways of living and alternative care that highlight relational, moral, and aesthetic approaches to well-being.