Understanding Of Practices Research Articles

Speaking with the Dead: Resurrective Reading and Pneumatological Imagination in George MacDonald

abstract: This essay examines George MacDonald's representation of reading as a conversation with the dead. It argues that MacDonald's notion of resurrective reading is both a subversion of Spiritualist discourse, and an invitation to practice an attentive mode of reading that, while critically engaged, remains open to the unfamiliar and unpredictable. By analyzing MacDonald's model of resurrective reading with particular reference to Phantastes (1858), David Elginbrod (1863), and Donal Grant (1883), this essay reveals the spiritual potential that Victorians like MacDonald associated with the act of reading. It thus demonstrates how attending to the nuances of theology in twenty-first-century readings of Victorian literature provides a fuller understanding of the period's reading practices.

Identity Construction And Co-Creation In Digital Microcultures: The Mediation Of Consumption And The Challenge To Traditional Marketing Strategies

This study provides an original contribution to knowledge by investigating how digital microcultures on platforms such as TikTok, Discord, and Twitch influence consumption and identity construction. The research highlights the co-creation of meaning between consumers and brands, challenging traditional marketing approaches. The implications are social, showing the importance of virtual interactions in community formation, managerial, requiring new participatory strategies, and academic, expanding the understanding of cultural practices in digital consumption

Green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in the construction industry: A review of current practices and future directions

This paper presents a comprehensive review of current practices and future directions regarding the integration of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives within the construction industry. With the growing concern over environmental degradation and the need for sustainable development, there has been an increasing emphasis on adopting eco-friendly practices in construction processes. The primary objective of this review is to explore the role of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in transforming traditional construction practices towards more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient approaches. Through a systematic literature review, this paper examines various aspects including the adoption of green building standards, implementation of renewable energy technologies, utilization of eco-friendly materials, and incorporation of nature-based solutions in construction projects. Additionally, the research methodology involves analyzing case studies, industry reports, and governmental policies to provide a comprehensive understanding of current practices and emerging trends in the field. Key findings indicate a growing awareness and adoption of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives within the construction industry, driven by regulatory requirements, economic incentives, and shifting societal values. Moreover, successful implementation of these initiatives has been shown to yield numerous benefits such as reduced environmental impact, improved energy efficiency, enhanced occupant health and wellbeing, and long-term cost savings. This review underscores the significant role of green infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in reshaping the construction industry towards a more sustainable future. However, it also highlights the need for further research, technological innovation, and policy support to overcome existing challenges and accelerate the transition towards truly sustainable construction practices

From policy to practice: decoding the evolution of K-12 English teacher training course selection in Zhejiang through topic modelling analysis (2014–2023)

ABSTRACT This article aimed to strengthen training programmes in Zhejiang by aligning them with educational policies to respond to ongoing reforms drawing on Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modelling and content analysis. The topic modelling approach uncovers dominant training themes and trends by analysing extensive unstructured training topics from an online training platform in Zhejiang, thus bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. This approach offers data-driven insights, supporting dynamic tracking of educational trends in real-time for timely policy and curriculum adjustments. Ultimately, the article argues that real-time data and stakeholder feedback should be integrated to ensure educational policies align closely with actual teachers’ needs. However, due to data limitations, the article acknowledges a challenge in fully utilizing topic modelling and suggests combining it with qualitative analysis to gain a deeper understanding of educational practices. The Incorporation of a topic modelling approach into teacher education research could contribute significantly to training efficiency and policy relevance, fostering an adaptive educational policy environment.

A qualitative exploration of knowledge attainment, safety practices and accessibility barriers to chest binding

ABSTRACT Objectives Chest binding is a common gender-affirming practice that transmasculine individuals can engage in for a range of reasons, including masculinising their physical appearance, which can facilitate gender euphoria, or alleviate gender dysphoria. In this study, we explored chest-binding experiences with a focus on knowledge attainment, understandings of safety and accessibility factors for those interested in binding. Method The study involved 15 semi-structured qualitative interviews with transmasculine people in Australia (aged 20–37 years) who have past or current chest binding experiences. These were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Data analysis resulted in the generation of four themes: 1) Online and social communities influence understandings of binding practices; (2) Learning about safety in binding is often self-directed; (3) Difficulties of navigating the application of safe binding within daily life, and (4) Common accessibility barriers to binding can be mitigated by trans communities. Conclusion The evidence in this study showed that chest-binding knowledge is acquired in diverse ways, and knowledge around safety and accessibility is not always readily available or easy to locate. However, participants unequivocally expressed that the practices are a crucial form of affirming care. Future research should continue to focus on creating strong, evidence-based affirming healthcare models for transmasculine Australians.

Designing a Business Strategy Using Business Model Canvas (BMC) on Product Newcomer Gyura Hijab

In the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion industry, newcomers face significant challenges, particularly in crafting effective business strategies. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of Gyura Hijab's business plan through an entrepreneurial lens and to analyze the development of a business strategy using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework. It focuses on understanding consumer preferences, hijab fashion trends, and aspirations for a modern lifestyle as a foundation for designing products and marketing strategies. The research employs a case study approach with qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights. A comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted, supported by qualitative data collection and analysis to understand the internal and external factors influencing Gyura Hijab's business strategy. The findings indicate that Gyura Hijab is strategically positioned to expand its business through initiatives such as opening new branches in different regions with unique concepts and products. The company plans to develop a Budget Plan (RAB) for new stores with distinct decorations, products, and partnerships. It also aims to launch partnership programs as a promotional strategy, foster collaborations with loyal customers, and implement more aggressive marketing tactics both online and offline. This study contributes to the practical understanding of utilizing the BMC framework for business development in the hijab fashion industry. The novelty lies in tailoring the BMC framework to the specific needs of a hijab fashion business, providing actionable insights for practitioners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the industry.

Biomechanical Insights in Ancient Greek Combat Sports: A Static Analysis of Selected Pottery Depictions

Background: Though ancient Greece preserves many pictures of combat sports, there is limited research in terms of biomechanical analysis of their sports. This research aimed to investigate the Pankration postures of ancient Greek athletics, expecting to bridge the gap between historical sports practices and contemporary biomechanical applications. Methods: This study employed computer vision (OpenPose) to analyze two images, one as readiness and another as kicking postures, from ancient Greek Pankration by constructing a static multi-segmental model. Using Newton’s Laws, the models simulated the postures as presented in historical depictions, estimated joint forces and moments, and calculated weight distribution and ground reaction forces for these postures. Results: For the readiness posture, it was found that the right hind leg experienced significant forces, with the highest moment at the knee joint, while the ankle and hip joints showed similar slightly lower moments. The front leg encountered lower forces and moments. For the kick posture, the supporting leg experienced the highest moment at the knee, while the kicking leg showed minimal moments at the ankle, knee, and hip. Conclusions: The static analysis provided quantitative estimates of joint forces and moments in the depicted Pankration postures, suggesting that these postures were biomechanically effective for their intended functions in combat. While the analysis cannot confirm whether ancient athletes deliberately applied biomechanical principles, the results highlight the potential of biomechanical modeling to enhance our understanding of ancient sports practices. The research demonstrates the possible benefits of integrating static analysis with historical elements to study the physical demands and techniques of ancient combat sports.

LITERASI KEUANGAN, EFIKASI DIRI, DAN PERILAKU KREDIT ONLINE BERISIKO DI KALANGAN MAHASISWA KOTA BATAM

This study aims to analyze the relationship between financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, and risky online credit behaviour among college students in Batam City. The issue of online consumer credit for students has garnered considerable academic attention; however, the mechanisms linking financial literacy to risky credit behaviour are not yet fully understood. A sample of 190 students in Batam City was randomly selected as study respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SEM-PLS analysis. The findings reveal that students' financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on risky credit behaviour, with subjective financial literacy exerting a stronger influence than objective financial literacy. Additionally, financial literacy positively affects financial self-efficacy. The study also shows that financial self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between financial literacy and risky credit behaviour. These findings hold implications for policy recommendations aimed at improving financial literacy and enhancing students' understanding of sound financial management practices.

Impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge management on proactive green innovation: the moderating role of trust and sustainability

PurposeIn this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.FindingsThe study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

Morphometric analysis and environmental planning: an educational approach in science and mathematics for understanding geomorphological processes in the Água das Araras watershed, Cornélio Procópio and Santa Mariana, Paraná, Brazil

The article develops a detailed morphometric analysis of the Água das Araras Stream Watershed, located in the regions of Cornélio Procópio and Santa Mariana, Paraná. The investigation focuses on the geomorphological characterization and the dynamics of processes shaping the basin's relief and drainage network. Using quantitative methods such as areal, linear, hypsometric, and fluvial planning analysis, the research aims to clarify the structural factors and environmental conditions shaping the basin.The study seeks not only to identify the natural potential and aspects of environmental vulnerability but also to suggest management actions that enable more effective and sustainable territorial planning. This work presents an important resource for future disciplines in favor of water resource preservation, besides strengthening interdisciplinary understanding of geomorphological processes and their relevance for sustainable development. Additionally, it highlights the application of these concepts in environmental education, especially in the teaching of Geography, Science, and Mathematics. Moreover, morphometric analysis proves to be a powerful tool for interdisciplinary teaching in Geography, Sciences, and Mathematics, promoting a practical understanding of natural processes and their impacts. The study concludes by emphasizing the relevance of the basin for environmental education and the necessity of conservation policies to ensure the sustainability of local water resources. The study also highlights the need for preservation policies and the importance of the watershed as an educational resource to foster environmental awareness.

Development and validation of a self-perception instrument for critical media literacy in Chilean pre-service teachers

IntroductionThe influence of mass media and social media has profoundly impacted the way individuals access, interpret, and engage with information. It is becoming increasingly important to gain an understanding of media literacy practices, particularly among those who influence children and young people. In Spanish, there is little knowledge about critical literacy practices related to media content. This study aims to develop and validate a self-perception instrument designed to measure critical media literacy practices among Chilean pre-service teachers.MethodA structured written questionnaire with closed-ended questions was designed and validated. The instrument encompasses three dimensions: situating discourse within sociocultural contexts, recognizing and participating in discursive practices, and assessing the impact of media on the community and the individual. It comprises 28 first-person statements, rated on a five-point Likert scale.ResultsThe content was validated by a panel of experts in education, linguistics, and journalism in two phases, resulting in a high inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.78) and a content validity coefficient (CVC) of 0.97. A pilot study was conducted with 92 undergraduate students enrolled in teacher education programs. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a three-factor structure that aligns with the proposed dimensions, explaining 51% of the total variance. Internal consistency analyses showed strong reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84 and McDonald’s omega of 0.85.DiscussionThe results indicate that the instrument is valid and reliable for assessing self-perceived critical media literacy practices. The findings underscore the need for educational interventions to enhance students’ ability to critically engage with media content.

Deciphering Evolutionary Patterns and Multifaceted Drivers of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in Amdo's Tibetan Inhabited Area, China

ABSTRACTTibetan Buddhism, which has been nurtured and developed within the unique geographical environment of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, represents a religious and cultural phenomenon that exhibits distinct regional and ethnic characteristics. Investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of Tibetan Buddhism is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this religious practice. Traditional research has largely concentrated on qualitative descriptions derived from historical data compilation, neglecting the quantitative analysis of its spatiotemporal evolution and underlying mechanisms. This study seeks to quantitatively explore evolutionary patterns and various factors influencing the historical development of Tibetan Buddhist culture within Amdo Tibetan cultural heartland in China. Utilizing Tibetan Buddhist monasteries as cultural carriers, the research employed spatiotemporal data mining and machine learning methods to uncover these dynamics. The results show that: (1) The quantity of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Amdo region has substantially grown over time, exhibiting increasingly noticeable spatial clustering characteristics; (2) Factors such as the concentration of population and economic activities, accessibility to water resources, climate and agricultural production conditions, and convenience of transportation significantly impact the spatiotemporal evolution of Tibetan Buddhism; (3) Under the combined influence of macro‐geographical environment factors and micro‐level religious heritage history, the Amdo Tibetan inhabited area has gradually developed a spatial pattern characterized by clusters of monasteries centered in the Hehuang Valley, with widespread distribution throughout the eastern region. The quantitative research framework proposed in this paper offers an academic reference for exploring the spatiotemporal evolution of complex religious and cultural phenomena across long historical periods.

Role of HR Practices in Fostering Employee Creativity: Mediating Role of Organizational Culture

Purpose – This paper explores the role of human resource (HR) practices in fostering employee creativity, specifically focusing on leadership, motivation, training, and rewards. Although existing literature addresses similar topics globally, a research gap is evident in the context of Nepal, where cultural, social, and economic factors may influence how HR practices interact with organizational culture to foster creativity. Aims(s) – The primary aim of this paper is to assess the role of HR practices in encouraging employee creativity. Additionally, the paper aims to analyse whether organizational culture mediates the relationship between HR practices and employee creativity. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a quantitative research approach, collecting data from 131 employees across various organizations in Nepal through a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SMART PLS software to examine relationships between the variables. Findings – It was found that in order to encourage employees' creativity at work, the right kind of leadership, encouragement, and rewards should be given to them. However, training does not seem to have a significant relation in fostering employee creativity. Similarly, creativity of employee is not mediated by organizational culture. By understanding the factors that helps to foster the employee’s creativity in work, it is possible to develop more innovative and new ideas to perform the work. Limitations of the study – The study focuses only on select HR practices and is limited by a small sample size of 131 respondents, primarily from Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, the gender imbalance (74.81% male) may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should include a more diverse and balanced sample to enhance the understanding of HR practices' impact on employee creativity. Originality/value – This study provides novel insights into the HR-creativity relationship within the unique cultural and economic context of Nepal, offering value to HR practitioners and scholars interested in enhancing employee creativity in developing countries.

Development of a Knowledge Assessment Tool to Measure Farmers' Understanding of Improved Groundnut Cultivation Practices

This study focused on assessing farmers' knowledge of improved cultivation practices in groundnut farming. An initial pool of 40 knowledge-related items was developed, drawing from various sources such as literature, input from field extension personnel, insights from relevant specialists, and the researchers' own expertise. After applying statistical procedures to ensure the reliability and validity of the knowledge test, the final set was refined to 21 items. This standardized knowledge test serves as a tool for evaluating the extent of farmers' understanding of advanced groundnut cultivation practices.

Lean Construction Journal – Special Issue Call for Lean Education: Principles, Practices, and Simulations for Enhancing Lean Education and Training

The purpose of this special issue is to help identify and gather the emerging methods, technology, approaches, and advancing standards for well-known educational modules, simulations, and games as well as new content that can enhance the understanding of lean principles, methods, and practices. This call summarizes the topics, scope, and timeline to elicit submissions for the special issue gathering content related to Enhancing Lean Education and Training. The lean construction community has a rich history of engaging its students in active simulations and educational practices that use experiential learning. While the lean community and adoption of lean methods and systems have grown significantly across the construction industry, the methods of teaching and training the next generation of lean practitioners have continued to grow and evolve. The practices and modules that are developed by academics or industry practitioners are often maintained in small communities but not easily accessible for use and advancement of the industry, and vice versa with industry firms creating their own versions or new content. In addition to teaching lean in academic environments, lean education and training is applied extensively in industry training environments. As projects develop new methods of onboarding and training team members, or as projects find new or better processes for capturing reflective experience sharing and project-related learning, these practices benefit from greater dissemination and feedback from other teams or lean community members.

Neuropsychological Validity Assessment Beliefs and Practices: A Survey of North American Neuropsychologists and Validity Assessment Experts.

The present study sought to identify changes in neuropsychological validity assessment beliefs and practices relative to surveys of North American neuropsychologists conducted in 2015 and 2016, obtain a more nuanced understanding of such beliefs and practices, and examine salient validity assessment topics not addressed by previous surveys. Adult focused neuropsychologists (n = 445) and neuropsychological validity assessment experts (n = 16) were surveyed regarding their perceptions and practices related to the following topics: (i) importance of validity testing; (ii) multiple performance validity test (PVT) administration and interpretation; (iii) suspected causes of invalidity; (iv) reporting on malingering; (v) assessment of examinees of diverse language, culture, and nation of origin; (vi) terminology; and (vii) most frequently utilized validity measures. There was general agreement, if not consensus, across multiple survey topics. The vast majority of neuropsychologists and experts view validity testing as mandatory in clinical and forensic evaluations, administer multiple PVTs regardless of setting, believe validity assessment to be important in the evaluation of all individuals including older adults and culturally diverse individuals, and view evaluations with few to no validity tests interspersed throughout the evaluation as being of lesser quality. Divergent opinions were also seen among respondents and between neuropsychologists and experts on some topics, including likely causes of invalidity and assessment and formal communication of malingering. Current results highlight the necessity of formal validity assessment within both clinical and forensic neuropsychological evaluations, and findings document current trends and reported practices within the field.

Cross-Cultural Innovative Ski Wear Design from the Perspective of Cultural Symbol Translation

This article delves into the application of Morris' semiotics in innovative clothing design, specifically focusing on constructing a model for the translation and regeneration of cultural symbols in ski wear. By meticulously examining the semantics, syntactics, and pragmatics of cultural symbols, it derives essential styling elements, structural components, and functional attributes for the design. Notably, the study also highlights the gap in research regarding the fusion of local elements into foreign-introduced products, such as ski wear. By exploring the current research status and development trends of cultural symbol theory within the context of innovative ski wear design, this study not only expands the scope of ideas for personalized innovative design of ski wear products but also discusses the potential for extending these conclusions to other types of clothing, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of innovative design practices across the apparel industry.

Towards a comprehensive understanding of science practices: a heuristic for increasing educator familiarity across a series of science education frameworks

Scientific practices describe behaviors scientists engage in while investigating the natural world. Educators should be aware of different science practice frameworks to better understand their students' progression for learning science practices across the K-20 spectrum. For example, a high school AP instructor would benefit from understanding both the K-12 frameworks their students have already experienced and the future undergraduate frameworks their students are moving toward. We were interested in exploring educator familiarity with the scientific practices outlined in the Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices, the Advanced Placement Science Practices, and Vision & Change Core Competencies. In practice, all science educators are teaching the same set of core principles around which these different frameworks are built. Under this view, it is a missed opportunity to not consider or draw on different frameworks to expand one’s teaching practice. Using a cognitive constructionist approach, we describe the implementation of the “Science Practice Frameworks Concept Map Activity,” designed to (1) introduce educators to scientific practices contained within Science Practice Frameworks and (2) show educators that despite these science practices targeting different student populations they are, at their core, very similar and often overlap. We present data showing a positive shift in educator familiarity with Science Practice Frameworks and present examples of participant concept maps that help us begin to understand how educators perceive the frameworks and the relationships between them, ensuring that educators are better prepared to guide students through a comprehensive understanding of science practices.

Determinants of Stunting Risk Factors for Toddlers Aged 6-36 Months in the Malang Regency, Indonesia

Stunting remains the most prevalent nutritional issue among toddlers in Indonesia. In 2022, the Malang Regency reported a stunting prevalence of 23%. Data from the Ardimulyo Health Center in August 2021 showed 372 stunted children. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for stunting in children aged 6-36 months, focusing on child, mother, father and household factors. The research utilized a case-control design with a population comprising all children aged 6-36 months. The case sample included 50 stunted children, while the control sample consisted of 50 non-stunted children of the same age range. Respondents were the parents of the case and control children. Samples were selected through purposive sampling, with both case and control samples drawn from Wonorejo Village. Data collection involved interviews using questionnaires and physical measurements. Data were analyzed using bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariate (multiple logistic regression test) methods. The study identified several risk factors for stunting in children aged 6-36 months. Significant factors included a history of low birth weight (LBW) (p=0.035), lack of exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.008), inappropriate complementary feeding (p=0.009), history of infectious diseases (p=0.002), maternal knowledge (p=0.000), and family income (p=0.016). Among these, maternal knowledge emerged as the most dominant factor in the multivariate analysis (p=0.000). This finding underscores the critical role of maternal education in influencing child health outcomes. In conclusion, multiple factors contribute to stunting in children aged 6-36 months, with maternal knowledge being the most significant. Therefore, enhancing mothers' understanding of nutrition and child care practices is crucial in mitigating the risk of stunting. Efforts to improve maternal education on these topics could play a key role in reducing stunting rates in Indonesia. Additionally, interventions should address the broader socioeconomic factors that influence child health, such as improving family income and access to healthcare services. This holistic approach is essential for creating sustainable improvements in child nutrition and health outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the multifaceted nature of stunting and the need for comprehensive strategies that address both direct and indirect determinants. Public health initiatives should focus on increasing awareness and education among mothers, ensuring adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, and providing support for low-income families. By targeting these areas, it is possible to make significant strides in reducing the prevalence of stunting and improving the overall health and well-being of children in Indonesia. Key words: Risk factors, stunting, nutrition, vulnerable population, children aged 6-36 months

PENDAMPINGAN KELOMPOK TANI HUTAN DAN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN DESA SECARA PARTISIPATIF DI DESA MASIHULAN KECAMATAN SERAM UTARA

The community engagement program with forest farmer groups and forest managers in Masihulan Village aimed to enhance the community's capacity to sustainably manage forest resources and strengthen the local economy through the diversification of non-timber forest products. A participatory approach was employed in this assistance process, actively involving the community in every stage of the program. The results show a significant improvement in the farmer groups' understanding of agroforestry practices and sustainable forest management. Additionally, the institutional strengthening of the forest farmer groups positively impacted their ability to access government assistance programs and financial institutions.