Non-material Elements Research Articles

Digital technology and on-farm responses to climate shocks: exploring the relations between producer agency and the security of food production

AbstractRecent research into climate shocks and what this means for the on-farm production of food revealed mixed and unanticipated results. Whilst the research was triggered by a series of catastrophic, climate related disruptions, Australian beef producers interviewed for the study downplayed the immediate and direct impacts of climate shocks. When considering the changing nature of production under shifting climatic conditions, producers offered a commentary on the digital technology and data which interconnected with climate solutions deriving from both on and off the farm. Perceptions of digital technologies were mixed. Some viewpoints outlined how data driven climate solutions supported on farm planning and decision making, helping to manage climate risks and shocks. However, alongside these narratives, concerns were raised about satellite-based sustainability surveillance and their implications for producer agency. These concerns include the data-informed actions of non-farming third parties, such as bank loan call-ins for properties perceived to be a climate risk, remote surveillance of ground cover, and the commercial re-appraisal of pastoral lands as carbon sinks. Digital solutions to climate shocks thus emerge as inherently ambivalent, a response to shocks and a potential catalyst for renewed crisis. Drawing upon the theoretical lens of relationality, we argue that digital data are increasingly entangled with other material and non-material elements that may disrupt and/or reconfigure the management of farming and with that, the future security of food production. In some instances, data-based solutions to climate risks and shocks present even greater risks to producer agency than climate risks and shocks themselves.

Aktualisasi Nilai Budaya Siri’ Na Pacce dalam Akuntabilitas Non-Governmental Organization

Purpose: This research aims to actualize the cultural value of siri' na pacce in the soul of every individual in the accountability of a non-governmental organization (NGO). Research methodology: This type of research is qualitative with a data analysis process using an ethnographic approach which aims to understand the indigenous people's point of view, their relationship with life, to realize their vision of their world. The research was conducted at the gardening learning community Maros Youth Learning Center (MYLC), a learning center under the SRP Payo-payo organization in Maros, South Sulawesi. Results: The research results found that the actualization of siri' na pacce cultural values provides a strong and ethical accountability framework for the NGO. It enhances the running of the organization by fostering a sense of unity to achieve a common mission which is not only symbolized by material accountability, but also by non-material values, such as mutual respect, solidarity, and empathy. In the end, the values of siri' na pacce positively impact the organization's members as a whole. Limitations: Researcher has limitation in interacting with community donors due to limited space which refers to geographical challenges that hinder direct access to donors. Contribution: This research contributes to organizations regarding the implementation of accountability that is imbued with local cultural values, can strengthen accountability and ethics in NGO management because there are intangible, non-material elements.

Factors that influence the Islamic Perspective Human Development Index as Evidence of the Development of the Muslim Community

This study aims to analyze the relationship between macroeconomics and zakat on the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) using the maqāṣid al-sharī'ah theory approach. We also calculate I-HDI based on maqāṣid al-sharī'ah theory by combining material and non-material aspects and then compare between I-HDI and HDI. The indicators used in the calculation of I-HDI are indicators that are relevant and in accordance with the objectives of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, so that I-HDI can give a general picture of the results of human development. By employing the dynamic panel regression two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) the study finds that there is a significant difference and quite a large disparity between the results of the HDI and I-HDI, in 34 provinces of Indonesia. The study reveals that economic growth, health fiscal policy, and zakat have a positive effect both on HDI and I-HDI. Nevertheless, the education fiscal policy variable has a positive effect on I-HDI, and conversely, has a negative effect on HDI. This condition occurs because the target and strategy for absorption of the education budget are not optimally carried out by the government. This research suggests that in formulating budget policies, the government should not only focus on material elements but also non-material elements which are reflected in the I-HDI model.

REFLECTION OF NON-MATERIAL VALUES BEHIND TAKJIL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES: A STUDY OF ISLAMIC ETHNOMETHODOLOGY

This research departs from the problem of the rise of accounting studies that focus on the corporate realm and ignore non-material values in it. This study aims to reveal the non-material values behind takjil accounting practices. This research uses the Islamic paradigm. The researcher chose this paradigm because the Islamic paradigm recognizes that accounting consists of material and non-material elements. The approach used in this study is Islamic ethnomethodology. There are five data analysis stages: charity, knowledge, faith, revelation information, and courtesy. The results of the study show that there are four accounting practices, namely cost accounting incurred by donors and mosque administrators, accounting for spiritual and emotional benefits obtained by donors when giving iftar at the mosque, simple accounting recording methods carried out by mosque administrators when receiving funds infaq from donors, and accountability for infaq costs provided by donors. The accounting practice is conditioned by non-material values in the form of sincerity, helping, and responsibility. The conclusion of this study reinforces that the essence of accounting is not only in the realm of companies but in everyday life, including when carrying out iftar activities at the mosque. Practiced accounting is not limited to material, but there are non-material values that play an essential role in shaping accounting practice.

How to improve the integrity and sustainability of historic architectural complexes and their environments in modern urban planning--an example from the "Wenming Street" historic district renovation project in Kunming

Historic buildings are the bearers of human civilization. Kunming, a famous historical and cultural city in China, has numerous historical and cultural heritages and a diverse and prosperous historical and cultural background. This study takes the renovation project of the historic district of Wenming Street in Kunming as the research object and proposes a holistic, multi-dimensional, and multi-factor planning and renovation method that should focus on the district in the conservation and renovation of historic buildings through the hierarchical analysis method. Through expert scoring and weighting analysis, questionnaires, and index scores, it is found that there is a lack of "spirit of place" and insufficient expression of non-material elements in the renovation of the historic district. This study aims to realize the integration of the historic environment with the needs of modern life using a monistic logic and to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the conservation, renovation, and sustainable development of historic buildings and the historic environment.

Muslim Pakistan Amerika pada Film Pendek American Eid: Simbolisme Religius dan Harmoni Budaya

Films often present cultural expressions, religiosity, as well as social criticisms of realities. In fact, films have played a relatively effective role in doing all of the mentioned aspects even in cross socio-cultural situations. Through films, people in Indonesia can observe the reflection of the lives of Muslims in America and vice versa. American Eid depicts the life of a Pakistani American Muslim immigrant family and challenges they face as a minority celebrating their first Eid al-Fitr in America. This article attempts to examine some of the symbolisms that emphasize the religious identity of the main characters of the film and the cultural harmony that exists between Pakistani Muslim traditions and American society. To collect data, I made intensive observations by watching the movie, reading the relevant sources to get the theories, and conducting the analysis through a qualitative method. The results of the study show that there are several religious symbolisms depicted through material and non-material elements as well as the harmony of Pakistani Muslim culture and American society in the context of school life.

When the Cemetery Becomes Political: Dealing with the Religious Heritage in Multi-Ethnic Regions

When the Cemetery Becomes Political: Dealing with the Religious Heritage in Multi-Ethnic Regions

Sino-Western Cultural Exchange as Seen through the Archaeology of the First Emperor's Necropolis

AbstractSeveral cultural features found by archaeologists at the First Emperor of Qin's necropolis did not have roots in East Asian cultures but were inspired by cultural exchange with the civilizations of West Asia along the various “Silk Roads.” Examples considered in this article include terracotta figures of soldiers and horses, long-pole acrobatics, terraced architecture for tombs, bronze chariots, bar-shaped bricks, and technology for casting and repairing bronze statuary. Within Qin culture more broadly, there are several other cultural features which were probably brought from West Asia, including iron metallurgy, gold-working, trough-form pan tiles for roofing, stone inscriptions and stone sculpture, elliptical cocoon-form flasks, and possibly the transmission of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Furthermore, non-material elements of political and economic culture from the Persian Empire and Hellenistic kingdoms were also brought eastward alongside these materials. They were part of a coherent system that inspired the political and cultural revolutions of the First Emperor.

A Foucauldian Power Analysis of China’s Confucius Institute in Africa: Power, Knowledge and the Institutionalisation of China’s Foreign Policy

The Confucius Institute (CI) was established in 2004 by China to disseminate its language, culture and other forms of positive knowledge to people of different nationalities. By critiquing existing analytical frameworks of the CI, this article draws on Foucault’s conception of power, which explains the role of language, culture, value and other non-material elements in the operation of power, to examine the case study of the CI in Africa. By investigating the CI’s power structure, its internal power operations and its power effects, this research seeks to ascertain the role of the CI in the institutionalisation of China’s foreign policy towards Africa.

Technology Lifecycles and Digital Technologies: Patterns of Discourse across Levels of Materiality

The technology lifecycle model is extensively used to study technology evolution and innovation. However, this model was developed for industrial-age material technologies and does not address digital technologies with nonmaterial elements. Therefore, a question emerges as to whether the level of technological materiality is implicated in different dynamics of innovation, as reflected in the technology lifecycle. Digital technologies evolve through discourse that involves interactions among multiple stakeholders that shape the evolutionary trajectory of the technology. Therefore, we set out to examine whether discourse about digital technologies that vary in their level of materiality manifests in different ways throughout these technologies’ lifecycles. To do so, we conducted a study comparing the discourse around 10 digital technologies—five highly material and five highly nonmaterial—at different stages of their technology lifecycles. We identified three characteristics of discourse—volume, volatility, and diversity—and examined them for the 10 digital technologies by analyzing their corresponding Wikipedia articles. Our findings show that the discourse around technologies with different levels of materiality is similar in the initial era of the lifecycle but diverges in the two subsequent eras. In addition, we found that the discourse around highly nonmaterial technologies remains elevated for longer time periods, compared to highly material technologies. Based on these results, we put forth propositions that challenge and extend existing research on the relationships between the technological level of materiality, discourse, and trajectories of technology evolution.

Straight to the (Revenue) Source: Contextual and Individual-Level Determinants of Attitudes Toward Local Taxes

In this article, we investigate the relative roles of local tax policies and respondent attitudes and characteristics in shaping support for local taxes. Using a unique set of survey data collected across dozens of cities over several years, combined with contextual data on local tax systems, we can offer a comprehensive picture of who supports, and who opposes local taxes. The contributions of our approach are three-fold: We use measures of satisfaction with local taxes, using data gathered across dozens of localities; we incorporate measures of the local tax systems to help account for city-to-city variation in local tax attitudes; and we incorporate measures of racial attitudes to account for an important non-material element heretofore not incorporated in studies of local tax attitudes. Integrating these factors into an explanation of local tax policies rounds out and offers a more realistic understanding of attitudes in this critical policy area.

NGAJI ONLINE: Transformasi Ngaji Kitab di Media Sosial

Social change includes elements of both material and non-material culture. This emphasizes the great influence of material elements of culture on non-material elements. Technological developments cause cultural changes.The digital era has an impact on shifting interest in the search for Islamic knowledge from offline to online systems. Therefore, religious learning becomes easy and practical. The transfer of Islamic religious knowledge in “ngaji online" is not only from the teacher directly by coming to a majlis ta'lim, but can be done through social media. "Ngaji online " on social media must be equipped with controls for the content displayed. The new order that emerges from the activity of "ngaji online" forms a new habitus that adapts to the social conditions of the community. The paradigm of social change theory discusses changes in society and the processes that occur in these changes. The problem in the online Ngaji phenomenon leads to a social fact paradigm that is linked to functional structural theory.

The ecological resource of an urbanized territory

The urbanization process is accompanied by the growth of cities and an increase in their population. Modern cities are highly complex systems that comprise material and non-material elements of life of urban residents. The development of the urban economy shapes the demand for housing and utility services. Consumer requirements have changed over the years. The aspect of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources from the standpoint of the biosphere approach is to ensure the environmental safety of residential areas in urbanized territories.
 The analysis of statistical information and analytical reviews, available in the open-access sources, is carried out in the context of (1) the housing construction in the subjects of the Russian Federation, (2) ensuring the quality of the urban environment in the regions, (3) satisfaction of the local population with the living conditions in a quarter and in a city. The emphasis is placed on the volume and pace of construction of residential apartment buildings in the Russian cities from 2019 to 2021, consumer requirements for apartments, houses, and landscaping.
 The ecological resource of an urbanized territory represents the rate and quality of the housing construction, including urban planning, volumetric planning, constructive and technological solutions, as well as the current state of the urban economy, including the volume and quality of housing and utility services provided to the population.
 A system of parameters for calculating the ecological resource of residential areas is proposed for discussion, including the estimated indicators of the results of urban planning activities at the stages of the life cycle of a territory and the underground, surface and above-surface facilities that it accommodates. Macro-level design includes the accommodation and construction of permanent construction facilities, linear facilities and their infrastructure; the landscaping of the territory, as an element of the “green” urban framework; a system for handling solid municipal, bulky and hazardous waste. The micro-design is an ecological resource at the level of structural elements of a residential zone, it encompasses a residential area, a micro-district, a block, a complex.

The Novel ‘Ezharaippangali Vagaiyara’ from the Perspective of Cultural Anthropology

‘Culture’ is the gradual development of civilization in human society. Every society has its own behaviors according to its ethnicity. Elements of culture are found in everything from spoken language, relationship levels, artefacts, arts, professions, oral traditions, religious festivals, beliefs, and rituals. They have been quoted in the literature ever since. Thus many novels tell the life story of the Islamic people. In which s. Arshia’snovel ‘Ezharaippangali Vagaiyara’ is one of them. These novels, which focus on the life of the Islamic people, reveal the culture of that community. Cultural anthropology, a branch of anthropology, is at the forefront of this modern-day study. According to the semantic and non-material elements of ‘cultural anthropology’, research is carried out on the novel of the sevenfold genre. This study is based on the idea that one can know the culture of a society in terms of the principles stated by ‘cultural anthropology’.

IMPLEMENTASI AJARAN TRI HITA KARANA PADA PELESTARIAN LEMBU PUTIH DI DESA TARO

Ceremony (Ritual) is the basic framework of Hinduism, which is in the form of materialistic offerings and also contains non-material elements. The ceremony is made through the concepts of Tattwa and Jnana, based on the intention of offering through the teachings of Catur Marga, namely: Karma Marga, Bakti Marga, Jnana Marga and Raja Yoga. Rituals are a procession of offerings that are organized by realizing ceremonies and events that have the aim of building morality based on morality which is implemented in ethics which will have a positive impact to get closer to God Almighty. The Hindu worship system has three dimensions, namely the application of the Tri Hita Karana Teachings. In connection with the teachings of Tri Hita Karana, the preservation of the White Ox in Taro Village is an implementation of the teachings of Tri Hita Karana itself. This study used a qualitative design. Data were collected using the observation method, interview method, library method and documentation method. Based on this analysis, the following research results were obtained: (1) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and Parhyangan, namely: a) The relationship between preservation of white cattle and mamineh empehan in Taro Village; b) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and the mepada ceremony in Taro Village; c) The relationship between preserving white oxen at the Tawur Panca Wali Krama Agung ceremony in Taro Village. (2) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and Pawongan, namely: a) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and breeders in Taro Village; b) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and the Taro Village Community. (3) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and Palemahan, namely: a) White cow dung is related to environmental sustainability in Taro Village; b) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and the Tourism Park; c) The relationship between the preservation of white cattle and flora and fauna.

Examining Duffy’s Textual Space in “Water” and “Cold” through the Unnatural Ecopoetics Concept

Unnatural ecopoetics presents new directions for poetry scholars. It is a theoretical lens that studies how texts use self-reflexive language and formal experimentation to create a textual space where material and nonmaterial environmental elements are uncovered. The term material stands for all physical objects and places, whether man-made or occurring naturally in the world. Nonmaterial, on the other hand, refers to the invisible emotional, historical, political, and personal elements that influence the speaker’s experience of space and the translation of it to the textual space of a poem. Post-modernist poet Carol Ann Duffy has played a pivotal role in contemporary English poetry. While many studies have dealt with her poetry, few have examined Duffy’s poetry in light of the unnatural ecopoetics concept. In this paper, the reader is invited to read within the textual space of Duffy’s “Water” and “Cold” (2011) through the lens of unnatural ecopoetics. This article argues that Duffy’s experience and memories of her mother’s last days configured nonmaterial elements fused with material elements of her environment. The findings of this study provide a new way of analysing contemporary poetry through ecopoetics reading by delving into literary texts and examining all the environmental elements and situations around a persona in a poem or the poet.

Co-creation of a food marketing offer by final purchasers in the context of their lifestyles

PurposeThis article is theoretical and empirical in nature. Its purpose is to determine whether a lifestyle resulting from a particular personality type is significant for elements of a food marketing offer, which final purchasers would like to co-create with offerors.Design/methodology/approachA cognitive-critical analysis of the world literature on the subject was used to prepare the theoretical section. The results of the analysis indicate a cognitive and research gap in analyzing the above aspects. In order to reduce the gap, empirical studies were conducted in which a questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The data were subjected to quantitative analysis using statistical analysis including exploratory factor analysis, Pearson chi-square independence test, V-Cramer coefficient analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test and cluster analysis.FindingsThe results of the statistical analysis allowed three research hypotheses to be verified. It was found that there is dependence between respondents' lifestyles and elements of a marketing offer which they would like to co-create with offerors. It was also found that a lifestyle is a feature differentiating both material and non-material elements of a marketing offer which respondents would like to co-create with offerors. Such dependence was identified for, respectively, a material product, service and brand, regardless of whether these considered a company or a product. Thus, research hypotheses were proved to be valid for respondents.Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained from the research have a cognitive and applicability value. They contribute to the theory, including marketing and customer behavior. They can also facilitate the shaping of good mutual relationships between offerors and final purchasers as important partners cooperating in the process of creating marketing values.Originality/valueThe originality of the approach presented is confirmed by the fact that until now elements of a marketing offer which purchasers would like to co-create with offerors have not been analyzed in the context of a lifestyle either in theory or in practice.

Balance introductorio de la literatura sobre la relación entre condiciones socioeconómicas y consumo de alimentos

This paper aims to present a literature review that serves as a guide for the analysis of the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and food consumption. First, it shows different interpretations of this relationship from three categories: a) the position that a person occupies in the economic and social system; b) rational and functional aspects of food consumption; c) changes in food consumption and socioeconomic conditions. Then, based on the conclusions drawn from these sections, the analytical balance proposed in this article will be exposed. The paper concludes that there are different micro and macro; material and non-material elements; dynamic; in time and space; that restricts food consumption; thus, it is suggested to the beginner reader of this topic not to lose sight of the vast complexity of the problem.

SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS AND THEIR IMPACT ON IMPROVING FARM PERFORMANCE AS PERCEIVED BY FARMERS KEEPING NATIVE BREEDS

The main aim of the research was to assess the possibility of improving the functioning of farms as a result of using short food supply chains to offer products obtained from native breeds of animals. The study was conducted in 2017 and involved 144 farms selected on purpose, with animals of native breeds such as cattle, sheep and pigs. The territorial scope of the research covered the Lubelskie, Małopolskie and Podkarpackie province. The method of direct interview (PAPI) was used to obtain information. The use of short supply chains for the sale of farm produced food has positive effects. Farmers see the greatest benefits in improving farm functioning in such business areas like profitability, integration with other participants of the local market and image change. As food of animal origin on farms is produced and offered to consumers, a transition from the sale of agricultural raw materials to higher added value food products takes place. For farmers, another important area of farm functioning, which benefit from selling food in short supply chains, is the integration links between the farm and other local market players. The integration of actors involved in the production and distribution of food is one of the success factors of such undertakings and contributes to the relationships between sectors of the local economy. The image of the farm belongs to non-material elements which build trust and links with customers and, consequently, decide about the prosperity of the business.

Stylized animal images in the bone inventory of Mesolithic Hunters-Fishers at Zamostje 2 (Volga-Oka region)

Relationship between the prehistoric human and the surrounding fauna has always been of a complex nature and consisted of material and non-material elements. Sculptural images of animals and birds made of various materials (bone, antler, flint, or wood) are a typical feature of the surviving evidence of the spiritual culture of Mesolithic and Neolithic population in Eastern Europe and the Urals. Realistic and stylized animal images were used to decorate ceremonial and everyday objects including weapons and knives, skis and paddles, axes and wooden utensils. This paper aims to evaluate some patterns in decorative activities and priorities in depicting certain zoomorphic images on an example of small series of Late Mesolithic artefacts from well-known site Zamostje 2, which is located in the Volga-Oka region. Unique preservation conditions in this wetland settlement contributed to accumulation of rich and diverse materials including a large set of decorated objects. This paper focuses on zoomorphic knife handle ends and stylized animal figurines made of bone and wood, which are brought together and considered in this perspective for the first time ever. All knives and pins were involved in production or domestic activities, while some figures carried a non-utilitarian magic function. The site area, obviously, served both for everyday life and for performance of some rites. For the first time for scope of Late Mesolithic settlements, a conclusion is drawn about a possible connection between the image of a duck and a snake.