Cultural Patterns Research Articles

Роль русских и китайских урбонимов в коммуникативном пространстве современного мегаполиса

The ways of nominating modern spatial realities reflect linguistic conscious-ness and create a new linguistic reality, therefore, the analysis of the names of objects that are part of the communicative space becomes an urgent problem. The article analyzes the ways of explication of toponyms, in particular antonyms, in the Russian and Chinese communicative space, the relationship between the naming of the object and the cultural code.
 The process of nomination of modern spatial realities reflects the linguistic consciousness and creates a new linguistic reality, so the analysis of locus names (toponyms) is an urgent problem. The article studies the ways of explication of space, the interrelation of language and cultural codes. The aim of the study was to describe the ways of explication of lexical units (paronyms) in Russian and Chinese, to determine their functionality in the communicative space of the metropolis.
 To achieve the goal, the following methods were used: continuous sampling method, comparative etymological and linguoculturological analyses.
 As a result of the analysis of the names of spatial objects, in particular the urban names of the Moscow and Beijing metro, their classification based on etymology, the authors come to the conclusion that lexical units that name spatial objects perform not only informational, cultural, communicative, but also culturally preserving functions, that is, they are a way of preserving cultural patterns that affect the atmosphere of the communicative space of the metropolis.
 The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time a comparative description of the urban names of the Moscow and Beijing metro is given, some ways of verbalization of urban objects are revealed and their role in the communicative space is determined.
 The practical significance lies in the fact that the analysis of the semantics of spatial lexical units helps to understand the trends in the process of nominating loci, their influence on the formation of a special communicative space, and also the fact that, giving a name to an urban object, we fill it with special information that is passed on to future generations.

A newly improved method of primary cell culture: Tissue block with continuous adhesion subculture in skin fibroblast

BackgroundFibroblasts (FBs) have been widely used as a typical in vitro cell model for investigating the biological processes and cell pathophysiological mechanisms. However, FBs are prone to senescence in cell culture process after several passages. Thus, a new approach to cell culture is quite required to enhance the viability of cells. ObjectiveTo explore a novel method of cell culture based on skin FBs. MethodsDermal tissue blocks were obtained from BALB/c neonatal mice and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group received the newly improved culture method, namely, continuous adherence subculture of tissue block (CASTB) method; while the traditional subculture method was applied in the control group. Cells at 1st, 5th and 10th passages were collected and identified by using histological/immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Cellular viability, proliferation, senescence and apoptosis were analyzed through application of cell growth curve, CCK-8 assay, Ki67 assay, PCNA protein analysis, β-galactosidase staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis. ResultsCells under two culture patterns exhibited spindle/irregular shape and vimentin positive expression. With the increase of passage times, the cellular growth rate in the control group gradually decreased, but no alterations emerged from the experimental group. CASTB method remarkably promoted cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, a greatly lower apoptosis and senescence tendency appeared in the experimental group than the control group with passages increasing. ConclusionThe method of CASTB is superior to traditional subculture, offering a large number of primary FBs with higher efficiency and success rate and being worth of further popularization and application.

An isotopic investigation on diet and inequality: The human remains from Gannì (Sardinia, 3rd millennium BC)

The Mediterranean Copper Age has been recognized as a time of profound changes related to metal circulation, better maritime connections and intensified mobility, and in many areas economic intensification, to some degree dependent on the concept of Secondary Products Revolution. This paper presents data on osteology and stable isotopes of N, C and O from collagen and bioapatite of human remains from a small cemetery in Sardinia, Italy, dating to the 3rd mill. BC and composed of three tombs and 10 individuals; to date, this is the second assemblage of skeletal remains from the chalcolithic Monte Claro culture to have been studied according to modern standards. While the absence of faunal or vegetal baseline values prevents a quantitative assessment of the proportion of different foods in the diet, a remarkably large intra-group variation in δ15N as quantifiable by the standard deviation (=1.4‰) was recorded. Considering this is one among the greatest recorded standard deviations in δ15N in the Western Mediterranean, while using caution due to limited sample size, it is compatible with a sharp differential access to resources, especially to animal protein, and such dietary inequality can be interpreted as a sign of status distinction between two groups buried in different tombs. These results are discussed in their complex, problematic relationship to the patterns of material culture.

Food exchange list based on macronutrients: adapted for the Ecuadorian population.

Food exchange lists allow health professionals to generate healthy eating plans adapted to individual or population needs. The objective of this study was to develop the first food exchange list based on the macronutrients and energy provided by the various food groups of the Ecuadorian diet. The list of Ecuadorian food exchanges was constructed by going through the following phases: (1) Selection of household measurements; (2) Selection of tables and databases of the nutritional composition of food items; (3) Definition of food groups and quantities; (4) Determination of the average energy and macronutrient values of each group; and (5) Photographic record. For the definition of food quantities, statistical criteria were applied according to a standard deviation of ±2SD; thus, for carbohydrates: ±5 g, total fat: ±2 g, and protein: ±3 g. To ensure the inclusion of the food items in the groups, a coefficient of variation of less than 30% and a Z value of ±2 were also considered. The list of food exchanges is presented with eight general groups according to the predominant nutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats), and, where necessary, subgroups are included according to the second predominant nutrient. The list includes 404 food items with their photographic record, represented by their net weights and corresponding household measurement. All food items met the statistical criteria that help to reduce the variability of the nutritional composition of the food items in each group. This is the first list of Ecuadorian food exchanges based on statistical criteria. It represents a novel tool for public health professionals as well as researchers. Resulting healthier eating plans may improve daily dietetic practice, facilitate better clinical trial designs and help establish guidelines according to Ecuador's cultural and dietary patterns. The described methodology can further be used to develop other food exchanges lists for patients with specific nutritional requirements.

Rush Farming of Konjac (Amorphophallus Muelleri) Among Novice Farmers In West Java, Indonesia: A Descriptive Study

Rush farming among novice farmers because of incomplete information on konjac crop management needs further investigation. Nonetheless, the rush in West Java province has positively impacted farmers and rural economic improvement. This study is intended to identify the factors responsible for the farming of konjac, its implications, and the necessary response. The survey was conducted in Jelegong, Ciamis district, West Java province, using the triangulation method to interview 37 farmers. The finding is that rush farming was triggered by the misinterpretation of incomplete information on farming technology and the inaccurate projection of market demand due to excessive forecasting of profits. This rush is probably a phenomenon that is supposed to be maintained carefully because such farming still provides additional income and does not require specific skills. The rush also successfully attracted the interest of new investors and government attention in distributing various incentives. Despite the rush stimulating economic growth in the village, it threatens the supply of other commodities because konjac has replaced other crops on the same land. This research also found that there are two types of konjac farming in rural society, i.e., (i) cultivating konjac without shade is better suited to smallholder farmers with less capital and less maintenance. (ii) cultivating konjac in the shade is better suited to rich farmers or industries requiring intensive maintenance. Therefore, we suggest that the government issue a map about the site suitability of various crops for the West Java region, allowing farmers to seek advice on the appropriate crop types to grow by region. Because the agro-climatic conditions in most areas of West Java are like those in the Ciamis district, the cultural patterns found in this study can be scaled up to other districts in West Java.

Qualitative Research for Interdisciplinary Studies: Multiple Methodologies for Multiple Disciplines

The intent of research is to improve the lives of individuals and communities. Through qualitative research specifically, we can deepen our understanding of reality and investigate the nuances of how people experience and make meaning from it. Qualitative research, as a scientific approach, enables researchers to examine phenomena from the point of view of those who live it. Qualitative researchers seek to understand individuals’ experiences, perceptions, thoughts, and emotions that are constructed through social rules, cultural patterns shaped by the communities and societies in which they live. Although research objectives differ, qualitative research is defined by a systematic process of researchers' identifying and interrogating their positionality, subjectivities, and influential paradigms. In this introduction readers will note similar methodologies; however, these are presented in the context of multiple disciplines. This volume demonstrates the evolving interdisciplinarity of qualitative research methods that engages scholars in innovative conversation. This editorial offers a peek at the interdisciplinary potential of qualitative research. Such interdisciplinary prowess is found in Volume 16 of New Trends in Qualitative Research.

Examining urban polarization in five Spanish historic cities through online datasets and onsite perceptions

At present, the planning and management of historic districts are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between the needs of residents and seasonal pressures from visitors. These socially bustling sites could also benefit from the data cross-referencing of cultural and social patterns in order to identify areas for improvement. This research analyses geo-referenced online datasets and data from social media applications, subsequently contrasting these with onsite data from in-person interviews. These specific variables highlight parallels and conflicts between districts designated World Heritage areas in five Spanish cities. The study provides a quantitative analysis of hotspots and coldspots within the built environment. This is followed by an examination of these two types of areas using qualitative data linked to the three most challenging issues: housing and the built environment; basic services; and cultural services. When analysing the future of historic districts three major challenges to management highlighted in the results should be considered. Firstly, even in socially active districts, imbalances and dysfunctional areas are highlighted by both online data and onsite perceptions. Secondly, the study of the dynamics of districts for observing how stakeholders adapt to this social, economic, and mobility-related polarization. Thirdly, while the study acknowledges the changes to the consumption of culture, there is still potential for improvement in hosting alternative or countercultural movements.

The Quagmire of Ideologies: An Ethnography of Kurdish Virtual Life-World on Facebook

ABSTRACT Using critical virtual ethnography, this article deals with the virtual life-world of Iranian Kurds on Facebook. We used a Constructivist grounded theory approach (as a data analysis method) to understand how Facebook is used as a space to reproduce Kurdish identity with semantic symbols and cultural patterns that are shared amongst Kurds. We argue that these common cultural patterns and meanings on Facebook have become ideological with the dominance of major ideologies that interpret ‘self’ and ‘other’ based on their particular interpretation of Kurdish identity and history. Any individual or group not fitting into this narrative is excluded from the Kurdish virtual society. As a major ideology, Kurdish nationalism assumes that the Kurds had a glorious ethnic history in the past, which was stolen by the ‘other’, paving the way for further oppressing the Kurds until the present. Different Kurdish ideologies on Facebook believe the ‘other’ must be destroyed to break this oppression chain. Each ideology interprets this ‘other’ differently. We show how Kurdish Facebook has become a virtual colonial land, a quagmire of ideologies, where subjects are colonised in different ways.

Getting closer to the minority culture: Experimental evidence of cultural enrichment to increase attributions of morality and majority adoption of Moroccan cultural patterns

Acculturation is a bidirectional process in which both the majority and minority groups change as they relate to each other. In Spain, studies have usually focused on the acculturation of minorities (e.g., Moroccans) upon their arrival in Spanish society, but little has been said about the acculturation of the majority. In this study, we analyzed whether making salient the richness of the Moroccan culture can affect the stereotypes of (im)morality of a sample of Spanish participants regarding Moroccan immigrants as well as their attitude toward adopting Moroccan cultural patterns through a process of self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs. In a preliminary study, we explored what people of Moroccan origin would like Spaniards to learn from Moroccans. Then, using an intergroup experimental design, we randomly assigned participants to one of the following three conditions: (a) enrichment of Moroccan culture (using excerpts from actual discourses, n = 222), (b) exposure to Moroccan immigration rates (n = 238), or (c) a control condition (n = 181). The results revealed that the participants in the cultural enrichment condition experienced more self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs, perceived Moroccans as more moral (only vs. the immigration rates condition), and reduced their resistance to adopting Moroccan cultural patterns, even though the effects were small. Furthermore, self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs mediated the effect of the cultural enrichment condition on perceived morality (but not immorality) and on the adoption of Moroccan cultural patterns. We discuss how, by emphasizing the enrichment of Moroccan culture, we can increase the morality attributed to Moroccans and decrease the resistance of Spaniards to adopting that minority culture.

A LANGUAGE AND SOCIAL CONTEXT IN THE SYMBOLS OF THE RITUAL REBO BUNTUNG

Lombok island is a piece of paradise rich in tradition and culture. The practiced tradition that still exists in Lombok is Rebo Bontong Tradition; it is especially practiced by the people around the coastal area of ​​Tanjung Menangis, Pringgabaya, East Lombok. In the present time, the development of modern technology has touched and influenced society, which has become a challenge for the community to maintain and preserve the existing values ​​or culture. The tradition of Rebo Bontong in practice in the past was different from what it is now. The previous tradition merely focused on worship without any entertainment elements in it; at the present, it is functioning as entertainment. Related to those notions, the problem arises are the current traditions and values of the Rebo Bontong ritual are eroded by the influence of modernization or are still the same. Therefore, this study aims to redefine the meaning of each value in the Rebo Bontong tradition as an effort to maintain the existence of traditional cultural meanings from generation to generation. This research is qualitative research using an ethnographic method approach that aims to study, describe, analyze and interpret the cultural patterns of an ethnic group in terms of behavior, beliefs, language, and shared views. This research was conducted at Ketapang Beach, Tanjung Menangis, Pringgabaya District, and East Lombok Regency. The results showed that the ritual symbolized the new meanings; they are (1) a symbol of intergenerational unity and (2) a symbol of environmental harmony and moral values as well as customs within the framework of religious culture. (3) Social symbols which are part of the social bond, social interaction media, and socialization media

Determinants of the implementation of participatory actions in environmental education with children and adolescents in Chile

Internationally, academics and social organizations have emphasized the incorporation of the perspective of children and adolescents in the design, evaluation, and execution of environmental education activities. This study sought to identify those contextual factors that influence the implementation of participatory actions in environmental education. An online survey was applied to 78 teachers, non-formal educators, administrators, researchers and journalists involved in environmental education. Through thematic content analysis, 17 determinants of implementation were identified, highlighting the traditional education model, cultural patterns, willing and social support, time, resources, and organizational drivers. It is argued that beyond macro and meso structural conditions, the implementation of these actions falls on a greater measure in the self-efficacy of the people involved in education, as well as in their possibility to manage the implementation conditions and obstacles.

Pak-Afghan Bilateral Trade:

Afghanistan and Pakistan are located at the junction of Central Asia and South Asia. Owing to geographical contiguity, common border, common culture and similar consumption patterns, bilateral trade between the two countries should have increased with the passage of time, in line with the assumptions of the Gravity Model of international trade. However, it has been observed that during the period 2012-2018, bilateral trade between the two countries has either stagnated or declined. There are various causes responsible for the declining trends in trade where this study uses both quantitative and qualitative evidences as primary and secondary data. The gravity model of trade was estimated by using random effect estimation technique for panel data set (secondary data). Furthermore, the trade potential was estimated which shows that Pak-Afghan trade is operating below potential level. For qualitative evidences, the input of the actual stakeholders (primary data) including traders, transporters, clearing agents and customs officials was taken and analyzed. The finding of the study shows that Pak-Afghan trade is operating below the potential level and is not in line with GMT. Similarly the non-tariff barriers (NTBs) for Pak-Afghan bilateral trade have resulted in trade diversion to Afghanistan’s trade with India, Iran and Uzbekistan.

A Quantitative Study on Aging and the Evaluation of Attitudes towards Aging: The Adiyaman University Example

Aging has become an essential social phenomenon in developing countries. The underlying reason is the demographic aging conceptualized as the increase in the number of the elders within the general population. The demographic structure which changes rapidly transforms attitudes towards aging and the significance of the relationship between cultural patterns into an important social phenomenon which needs to be examined in the sociological aspects. Attitudes developed by the society towards aging and elderliness which contain the cultural codes of the society and doesn’t actualize independent from the social values vary according to time. Within this context, the study aims to examine at which level is the perception of two different generations (y and z) towards aging and elderliness in the demographically aging populations. In this study, Elderliness and Aging Attitudes Scale was implemented whose validity and reliability had been tested before. As a result of the data obtained, aging and negative attitudes towards old age are associated with the decline in the social status of the elderly. The developments that cause the elderly to be dependent on others have been evaluated as one of the important causes of aging and negative attitudes towards old age. It has been observed that the attitude towards aging and aging negatively affects active aging, and withdrawal from life, which is the opposite of active aging, increases addiction. In the research, the low social status of the elderly was associated with aging and attitudes towards aging.

Gaya Kepemimpinan Religio Paternalistik

This article aims to analyze the implementation of the paternalistic religio leadership style contained in Muhammad Nur Salim Asy'ari's book entitled "Students' Perceptions of Kiai Leadership Behavior in Islamic Boarding Schools." Leadership style is the way a leader carries out his leadership function. The connotation of kiai leadership in pesantren is often branded as authoritarian and arbitrary. Even though the leadership of the kiai in pesantren is very closely related to religious values. Apart from that, pesantren life has its own cultural pattern, which eventually forms a kiai's leadership style. This study used library research methods with content analysis. Then check the validity of the data using source triangulation. Based on the BS Cheng theory, there are three indicators of paternalistic leadership: autocracy, benevolence, and morals. If an analysis is carried out on the book "Santri's Perceptions of Kiai Leadership Behavior in Islamic Boarding Schools," it is shown that; the autocratic aspect is shown by the kiai providing direction and guidance to the management; the aspect of virtue is shown by the attitude of syafaqah/affection; and the moral aspect is shown by the kiai always providing role models for santri, both in the form of aqwal and ahwal.

Safety and Security Battles: Unpacking the Players and Arenas of the Safe Standing Movement in English Football (1989–2022)

This article advances recent debates on social movement (relational) fields, outcomes, and successes by suggesting that the analysis of such fields as a whole must be temporal. The relational interpersonal and intersubjective choices made by interdependent actors in social life take place in fields of interaction, but these interactions and their networks of social relations have a history. Hence, the social movement field is characterised by multiple temporal periods through which the actions of activists both shape and are shaped by the long-term socio-political environments in which they are embedded. To develop this analysis, we identify a football supporter-movement in England, ‘Safe Standing’, revealing the complex interplay of cultural and technological patterns of interaction across the compelling timeframes and orientations of a 30-year movement field. Adopting a theoretical framework which synthesises research on the strategic interactions of movement ‘players’ and ‘arenas’, and sport-focused security fields, we identify a series of compound and sub-players across the political, symbolic, mediatised, technological, and legislative arenas which constitute the security field of contention, in what is an under-researched lifeworld in sociology.

ROLES OF DIGITAL MEDIA IN PRESERVING TRIBAL HANDICRAFTS

This study aims to examine the roles of digital media in reserving tribal handicrafts corresponding to the key government policy in protecting livelihoods, arts, and cultures of tribes in Thailand. The results of the study reveal that in the 21st century, digital media play a suitable role for today's society in communicating with the audience about identities of local handicrafts. The contents are, then, perceived quickly and properly. Modern media can also enrich social values, reach out a more expansive range of the audience, and harmonize the context of Thai society. We often see the tribal handicrafts as a cultural selling point in movies, animations, advertisements, games, and online applications. Involving digital media in storing the way of life as well as recording cultural patterns and stories is beneficial resulting in the intercultural media where the digital age meets unique cultures. The creativity of digital media leads to commercial values known as a creative business to reserve tribal handicrafts in society for good.

Emergence and Dimension of Medicalization Phenomenon in the Socio-Historical Context: With a Glance at the Dimensions of Medicalization in Iran

Introduction: Medicalization can be defined as the process by which some aspects of human life come to be recognized as medical problems, while before that, they were not considered pathological. Considering the importance of an awareness of the dimensions and consequences of medicalization, the present study aimed to securitize the historical aspects, emergence, and dimensions of medicalization with a glance at this phenomenon in Iran. Method: This descriptive-analytical study tried to address the dimensions and process of medicalization in a historical context and finally discuss the motor engines, aspects, and effects of medicalization in Iran. Results: Modern medicine and capitalism use three motor engines, including consumers, technology, and controlled medical care, to dominate and govern societies. During the last few decades, especially in the post-war period, medicalization has found its place in Iran's society with the change of cultural and consumer patterns. Conclusion: Due to the keen dependence on technology and the capitalistic paradigm, modern medicine has been affected by the discourse and capitalist view in some areas. Therefore, some aspects of human life have been redefined under the label of disease and put in the cycle of supply and demand.

Construction of Security Pattern for Historical Districts in Cultural Landscape Based on MCR Model: A Case Study of Chaozong Street, Changsha City

This study aimed to establish a comprehensive and sustainable approach to the conservation of historical districts through the “Cultural Landscape Security Pattern” (CLSP) theory. Deploying this theory can penetrate limitations posed by physical and social-emotional factors, enabling a resilient framework which can coordinate long-term heritage protection with urbanization in a more sustainable manner. Chaozong Street in Changsha City, China, was taken as the locus of study, which was initiated by quantitatively analyzing and evaluating the cultural landscape. The ArcGIS spatial analysis and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model were then considered to model different levels of CLSP. It was on this basis that corresponding regulations and development strategies were then proposed. The results from the study demonstrate that implementing CLSP in historic districts can construct a protective network over the districts, which can then guide the recovery of fragmented historical built environments, as well as ensure continuity of historical consciousness and integrity. In addition, in comparison with conventional protection planning methods, this method features greater flexibility and adaptability when considering and accounting for complex spatial issues in historic districts and provides a novel approach for similar studies.

Contrasting one's share of the shared life space: Comparing the roles of metacognition and inhibitory control in the development of theory of mind among Scottish and Japanese children.

Cultural comparisons suggest that an understanding of other minds may develop sooner in independent versus interdependent settings, and vice versa for inhibitory control. From a western lens, this pattern might be considered paradoxical, since there is a robust positive relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and inhibitory control in western samples. In independent cultures, an emphasis on one's own mind offers a clear route to 'simulate' other minds, and inhibitory control may be required to set aside one's own perspective to represent the perspective of others. However, in interdependent cultures, social norms are considered the key catalyst for behaviour, and metacognitive reflection and/or suppression of one's own perspective may not be necessary. The cross-cultural generalizability of the western developmental route to ToM is therefore questionable. The current study used an age-matched cross-sectional sample to contrast 56 Japanese and 56 Scottish 3-6-year-old's metacognition, ToM and inhibitory control skills. We replicated the expected cultural patterns for ToM (Scotland>Japan) and inhibitory control (Japan>Scotland). Supporting western developmental enrichment theories, we find that inhibitory control and metacognition predict theory of mind competence in Scotland. However, these variables cannot be used to predict Japanese ToM. This confirms that individualistic mechanisms do not capture the developmental mechanism underlying ToM in Japan, highlighting a bias in our understanding of ToM development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We replicate an independent cultural advantage for theory of mind (Scotland>Japan) and interdependent advantage for inhibitory control (Japan>Scotland). From a western lens, this pattern might be considered paradoxical, since there is a robust positive relationship between theory of mind and inhibitory control. Supporting western developmental enrichment theories, we find that the development of inhibitory control mediates the link between metacognition and theory of mind in Scotland. However, this model does not predict Japanese theory of mind, highlighting an individualistic bias in our mechanistic understanding of theory of mind development.

Is social work a dangerous profession in China? An analysis of client violence towards social workers in central China

Abstract Client violence is a persistent problem that seriously disturbs the physical and mental health of social workers worldwide; however, there is very limited discussion around this issue in China. This mixed-methods study included 602 social workers from three provinces in central China. The quantitative results (N = 602) revealed an overall level of violence of 48.17 per cent, with verbal violence being the most common. Significant differences were found in client violence by gender, work experience and field of work. The qualitative results (N = 20) revealed that client violence is closely related to the institution, culture and work patterns in the field. The results of this study can be combined with the Chinese social background and cultural context to discuss the reasons for lower levels of client violence in China compared to other countries.