Traditional Role Research Articles

Key stakeholder's attitudes towards the professional accountabilities and responsibilities of newly qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (IPs) in England and enablers to implementation at scale?

BackgroundIndependent prescribing is set to expand amongst community pharmacists in the next few years. This study aims to explore the different accountabilities and responsibilities associated with independent prescribing compared to more traditional pharmacist roles. ObjectiveTo inform commissioning frameworks that will allow independent prescribing by community pharmacists to be commissioned safely and appropriately at scale. Design/MethodologyA series of qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, and over-arching themes developed from emergent findings. ConclusionsThis study identified three themes, supported by twelve sub-themes, associated with pharmacist independent prescribing being viewed positively. Those three themes were self, environment and competence. Whilst pharmacists are well placed through their initial education and training to undertake a prescribing role, we found that there are perceived differences in responsibility between a prescribing and a non-prescribing role, attitude towards risk and the training and support need to adapt to those changes. These differences are explored leading to a series of overarching themes and recommendations, including that ongoing support is critical and should be built into commissioning frameworks, that newly qualified prescribers need to start prescribing immediately after qualifying and that experiential learning should be built into all training programmes.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Nursing Practice: An Integrative Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in delivering mental healthcare worldwide. Within this context, the traditional role of mental health nurses has been changed and challenged by AI-powered cutting-edge technologies emerging in clinical practice. The aim of this integrative review is to identify and synthesise the evidence of AI-based applications with relevance for, and potential to enhance, mental health nursing practice. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) were systematically searched. Seventy-eight studies were identified, critically appraised and synthesised following a comprehensive integrative approach. We found that AI applications with potential use in mental health nursing vary widely from machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, digital phenotyping, computer vision and conversational agents for assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health challenges. Five overarching themes were identified: assessment, identification, prediction, optimisation and perception reflecting the multiple levels of embedding AI-driven technologies in mental health nursing practice, and how patients and staff perceive the use of AI in clinical settings. We concluded that AI-driven technologies hold great potential for enhancing mental health nursing practice. However, humanistic approaches to mental healthcare may pose some challenges to effectively incorporating AI into mental health nursing. Meaningful conversations between mental health nurses, service users and AI developers should take place to shaping the co-creation of AI technologies to enhance care in a way that promotes person-centredness, empowerment and active participation.

Body narratives in the film Marry My Dead Body: Symbols, Power, History

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the body narrative in the Taiwanese comedy film Marry My Dead Body, exploring how bodily representations serve as a vehicle for examining Taiwan's complex social and cultural contexts. Utilizing Foucault's theory of discourse and power, this study investigates the narrative strategies and power dynamics embedded in the film's portrayal of bodies. The contrasting depictions of human, ghostly, and gendered bodies dissolve conventional fears surrounding ghosts and death, while simultaneously addressing the contentious issue of same-sex marriage. Through the characters Mao Mao and Ming Han, the film reflects Taiwan's intricate social fabric, where traditional and modern gender roles intersect. Mao Mao’s body symbolizes Taiwan's evolving gender culture, while Ming Han's body embodies traditional Chinese gender symbols, making bodily representation a multifaceted carrier of cultural, social, and historical meanings. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of gender culture in Taiwan, challenging the conventional view of LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary Taiwanese cinema.

Traditional or alternative wine packaging: a study of consumer choices and perceptions

ABSTRACT Sustainability concerns in the wine sector have resulted in alternative types of wine packaging to traditional glass packaging. This article examines the impact of cultural heritage and environmental awareness on consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions in relation to wine packaging. To investigate this, a wine tasting experiment was carried out on a sample of 211 people in the city of Pécs, in Hungary, to assess consumers’ perceptions, taste perceptions and purchase propensity for 7 types of wine packaging. In order to measure the effect of each type of packaging, the same wine was poured into the same types of packaging. The aim of the experiment was to identify consumers’ attitudes towards traditional packaging and their preferences for alternative options. The results were analysed using factor analysis to identify 2 factor groups for each pack, which were validated using Bartlett's Test and Chi-squared Test. The results show that packaging style and traditionality have a significant impact on consumer preferences, especially for alternatives such as bag-in-box or pouch, which are completely different from the traditional glass bottle. In the case of PET bottles, the packaging itself has a strong explanatory power, which may be explained by its similarity in form to the glass bottle. The novelty of this research lies in the fact that with the help of the we were able to measure the effect of different wine packaging, alongside the role of cultural traditions. Based on the results, it is proposed that wine industry stakeholders should raise consumer awareness of the benefits of environmentally friendly packaging alternatives and take measures to reduce the environmental impact of traditional glass bottles.

Exploring Factors Influencing Depression: Socioeconomic Perspectives Using Machine Learning Analytics

Depression is a widespread mental health disorder with significant societal impacts, and while socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established determinant, limited research has explored the unique factors influencing depression in South Korea, such as educational pressure, long working hours, and traditional gender roles. Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) collected in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, this study analyzed 24,308 participants to examine the relationship between SES and depression. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and twelve socioeconomic variables, including income, education, marital status, and working hours, were assessed using logistic regression models. The findings revealed that monthly income, age, marital status, and weekly working hours were significant predictors of depression, with higher income levels unexpectedly associated with greater depression scores, potentially due to increased stress. Gender, household size, and educational attainment were also notable contributors. This study underscores the complex interplay of SES factors and depression in South Korea’s distinct sociocultural context and highlights the need for mental health policies addressing both economic and psychological stressors, particularly for higher income individuals and women. Future research should further explore these dynamics to develop culturally sensitive mental health interventions.

Lost opportunities: How gendered arrangements harm men

Traditional gendered arrangements—norms, roles, prejudices, and hierarchies—shape every human life. Associated harms are primarily framed as women’s issues due to more severe consequences women face. Yet, gendered arrangements also shape men’s relationships, career paths, and health. Current work on gender equity overlooks men’s perspectives. Despite benefits they gain from out-ranking women, men’s position paradoxically entraps them in restrictive roles, compelling them to prioritize dominance. An inclusive framework challenges prevailing narratives by considering personal costs borne by men. Identifying with a man’s traditional role is a mixed privilege, as five gendered arrangements show for men who subscribe to them: 1. Masculine norms can restrict men’s choices and are associated with adverse health trajectories; 2. Some men’s disengagement from communal roles denies them positive outcomes associated with caring for others; 3. Hostile sexism fosters antipathy, fueling tension in some men’s interactions with women; 4. Benevolent sexism forces some men into scripted interactions, preventing genuine connections and burdening them with unrealistic breadwinner and protector roles; 5. Societal shifts in gender hierarchies can elicit threat responses in men, depending on intersections with social class and racial identities. Understanding costs to men calls for more empirical research. Gender equity for men, whose circumstances differ from those of women, would enable men to make informed choices and achieve better outcomes for themselves—paralleling the progress women have made in many areas of life. Striving for equity for all genders can ultimately enhance overall human well-being.

Reader-Text Interaction: A Feminist Analysis in Pride and Prejudice

In literary studies, reader-text interaction is seen as a dynamic process in which the reader interprets the text through personal experience, cultural background, and other factors, while the text guides the reader's understanding and feelings through its narrative style, characterization, and other elements. Feminism, on the other hand, is a theoretical framework that focuses on gender equality and challenges traditional gender roles. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen demonstrates the expectations and restrictions placed on women by the society of the time through her carefully constructed plot and distinctive female characters. The novel also expresses women's desire for self-knowledge, independence, and the right to love. By analyzing these elements, this paper reveals how readers can engage in a dialogue with the author through the text, understand and reflect on the feminist ideas in the work, and deepen their understanding of gender relations and the status of women in modern society.

A Comparative Analysis of Indian and Chinese Women’s Attitudes Toward Family, Childbearing, and Gender Norms

This paper examines the attitudes of Indian women toward family, childbearing, work outside the home, and proscribed gender norms, comparing them to women in China. The paper compares the two countries, noting that while they have experienced similar fertility declines, India has much lower female labor force participation rates. The paper explores the historical and cultural factors that influence these differences, including the legacy of socialist policies in China and the persistence of traditional gender roles in both countries. The research uses data from several waves of the World Values Survey to analyze women’s beliefs and values, comparing them across demographics and exploring the relationship between these attitudes and individual characteristics. The paper ultimately aims to understand the drivers of these differences and their implications for gender equality and social development in both countries.

Perceived fairness and legitimacy of parental workplace discrimination

ABSTRACT Parental discrimination has been shown to be related to several risks, including impaired health, increased job stress, and decreased job satisfaction, which calls for increased awareness of parental discrimination. This paper analyzes fairness and legitimacy judgments of unequal treatment based on parental status at work and the antecedents that influence these judgments. Stereotypes of symbolic vilification that suggest lower commitment due to caring responsibilities, and symbolic amplification, which refers to rational economic organizational needs, are expected to rationalize discrimination. Moreover, we expect specific values and ideologies to be related to judgments of fairness and legitimacy, mediated by resonance with symbolic vilification and amplification. Analyses are based on survey data from a sample of employees aged between 20 and 45 years (n = 376). Respondents’ evaluations of parental discrimination were measured using two fictional cases. The results suggest that greater acceptance of vilifying and amplifying justifications is triggered by a stronger preference for the ideal worker norm and traditional gender role expectations. Women tend to view discrimination as more unfair and illegitimate than men, while men’s judgments are more strongly driven by economic reasoning.

Intergenerational grounding of women’s environmental non-migration

This study examines the impact of intergenerational learning and intellectual capital on women’s voluntary decisions to remain in place despite environmental risks. By investigating how women experience the decision to stay through intergenerational knowledge transfer, we analyze the adaptability of communities facing climate-driven livelihood challenges and the intricate socio-ecological factors that tie individuals to their homes. Through life-story interviews with 70 women from 25 households in five environmental hazard-prone sites in Bangladesh, the study reveals nuanced patterns of traditional gender roles that both support and limit women’s autonomy in making mobility choices. Although mobility decisions vary across site and scale, systemic issues such as arranged child marriage, financial instability, (traditional) home-bound duties, male authority over mobility decisions, and gendered expectations consistently emerged as barriers to women’s (non-)migration, even when they aspired to leave. Thus, this research offers insights into gendered (non-)migration and its intergenerationality, which is inevitable in developing sustainable adaptation pathways.

The gendering of programmers’ work: taking China’s IT industry as an example

This paper discusses the gendering of programmers’ work in China at both the occupational and work organization levels: the dichotomy between social and technical aspects in programming work leads to a gendered hierarchical division of labor that undermines the legitimacy of women programmers’ professional identities. Additionally, the combination of the overtime culture in technology companies and traditional gender role expectations makes women more likely to face work‒family conflicts. This paper uses the concept of embodiment to analyze women’s experiences of exclusion and women’s motivation to reconcile their gender and occupational identities and plan their career development. Thus, it simultaneously reveals how gender rules operate and how they may be changed in programming work.

Under Construction (2015): A Sketchy Attempt to Depict Female Subjectivity

This article investigates the role and representation of the female characters in Rubaiyat Hossain’s critically acclaimed feminist film Under Construction (2015). This qualitative and explorative study uses textual analysis and approaches to representation by Stuart Hall as the methodology. This study deploys the concept of feminist political economy, women and economics, and subjectivity as the theoretical framework. Findings show that female characters in the film either adhered to traditional gender roles or were financially dependent on others. Hence, they were prone to being exploited by male-dominated systems due to their limited choices and lack of control. This study delves into the experiences of three women characters, examining their behavior in response to societal norms and the perceptions they encounter from others. Its goal is to grasp the fundamental concepts of feminist political economy, women and economics, and subjectivity to assess their relevance in contemporary society. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 73-90.

The Role of Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions in Driving Autoimmune Diseases.

Platelets and neutrophils are among the most abundant cell types in peripheral blood. Beyond their traditional roles in thrombosis and haemostasis, they also play an active role in modulating immune responses. Current knowledge on the role of platelet-neutrophil interactions in the immune system has been rapidly expanding. Notably, circulating platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNCs) have been widely detected in various inflammatory diseases and infections, closely associated with inflammatory processes affecting multiple organs. These findings emphasise the critical role of platelet-neutrophil interactions in driving and sustaining inflammatory responses. In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms by which neutrophils and platelets physically interact, leading to mutual activation. Additionally, activated platelets release pro-inflammatory factors that further modulate neutrophil effector functions, enhancing their immune response capabilities. We highlight the role of platelets in promoting the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which, in turn, promote local platelet activation, thereby exacerbating the immune response and sustaining chronic inflammation. Furthermore, we review current evidence on the role of platelet-neutrophil interactions in common autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Finally, we identify gaps in understanding the mechanisms of these interactions in the context of other autoimmune diseases and underscore the potential of targeting platelets and neutrophils as a therapeutic strategy for these conditions.

Actualization of Fisip Unila’s Partnership with Atpusi Lampung Province Through Personal Rebranding Training for Librarians in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: In the contemporary landscape characterized by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the profession of librarianship is experiencing a noteworthy transformation, thereby necessitating a re-evaluation and re-branding of the role in order to maintain its relevance. Librarians are transitioning from their traditional role as custodians of physical books to emerging as essential stakeholders in the domains of digital literacy, privacy, and information ethics. They currently fulfill the roles of information strategists, data analysts, and educators, demonstrating proficiency in navigating intricate digital environments. Notwithstanding these advancements, public perception frequently remains outdated, perceiving librarians primarily as engaged in rudimentary administrative activities. This stereotype inhibits the recognition of their extensive contributions to society. Re-branding initiatives center on emphasizing the evolving roles of librarians, which encompass the management of comprehensive digital resources and the promotion of critical information literacy within the context of the artificial intelligence era. The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Lampung (Unila), in conjunction with the Association of Indonesian Political Science Students (ATPUSI), has commenced the implementation of training programs aimed at facilitating the re-branding efforts of the institution. These initiatives aim to enhance the digital competencies of librarians and transform public perceptions by positioning them as crucial facilitators in the process of knowledge dissemination. The results of the training indicate a significant enhancement in participants' comprehension of personal re-branding, thereby suggesting the efficacy of these initiatives in preparing librarians with the requisite skills for a future increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Keywords: librarian re-branding, artificial intelligence (AI) era, librarian skill improvement.

Actualization of Fisip Unila’s Partnership with Atpusi Lampung Province Through Personal Rebranding Training for Librarians in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: In the contemporary landscape characterized by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the profession of librarianship is experiencing a noteworthy transformation, thereby necessitating a re-evaluation and re-branding of the role in order to maintain its relevance. Librarians are transitioning from their traditional role as custodians of physical books to emerging as essential stakeholders in the domains of digital literacy, privacy, and information ethics. They currently fulfill the roles of information strategists, data analysts, and educators, demonstrating proficiency in navigating intricate digital environments. Notwithstanding these advancements, public perception frequently remains outdated, perceiving librarians primarily as engaged in rudimentary administrative activities. This stereotype inhibits the recognition of their extensive contributions to society. Re-branding initiatives center on emphasizing the evolving roles of librarians, which encompass the management of comprehensive digital resources and the promotion of critical information literacy within the context of the artificial intelligence era. The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Lampung (Unila), in conjunction with the Association of Indonesian Political Science Students (ATPUSI), has commenced the implementation of training programs aimed at facilitating the re-branding efforts of the institution. These initiatives aim to enhance the digital competencies of librarians and transform public perceptions by positioning them as crucial facilitators in the process of knowledge dissemination. The results of the training indicate a significant enhancement in participants' comprehension of personal re-branding, thereby suggesting the efficacy of these initiatives in preparing librarians with the requisite skills for a future increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.Keywords: librarian re-branding, artificial intelligence (AI) era, librarian skill improvement.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61436/bsscd/v3i1.pp08-18

The Role of Spirituality, Cultural Traditions, and Personal Values in Corrupt Practices within Ghana’s Governmental Institutions

Spirituality, personal values, cultural norms, and traditional beliefs are essential to the everyday existence of Ghanaians. This paper is aimed at investigating the influence of spirituality, cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s Governmental Institutions. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This TPB is to examine how corrupt actions are influenced by the interaction of individual beliefs including spirituality or personal values, social influences such as traditional or cultural norms, and institutional practices. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The paper employed a descriptive research design complimented by an exploratory design. With a target population of five thousand (5000) individuals constituting both managerial and non-managerial employees of the public services in Ghana. A non-probability sampling technique with a purposive and convenience sampling was adopted to select a sample size of three hundred (300) respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS Multiple Linear Regression model with a stepwise method. The findings of the study suggest that, corruption in the public office is a conduct that deviates from the normal obligations of a public role because of financial or status gains. Corruption is a prevalent occurrence in Ghana. People’s spirituality does not prevent them from being corrupt. People’s moral and ethical values never helped them to be free from corruption, whether Christian or Muslim does not matter people will still bribe and be corrupt every day in their public life. However, some respondents strongly argued that ‘the fear of God can help reduce corruption than ethics,’ ‘Spirituality, personal values, cultural-traditions and ethics influences the level of corruption. In the final model with an R2 of 25.9% all two predictor variables thus Spirituality or Cultural-Traditions and Personal Values on Corrupt Practices were statistically significant. In conclusion, the null Hypothesis that there is no positive relationship between spirituality or cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s Governmental Institutions was rejected. Hence, there is a positive influence of spirituality, cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s public institutions. The paper recommends that, establish and mandate training for all tiers of government personnel that underscore the need for honesty and integrity. Facilitate the reporting of misconduct in a secure and confidential manner. This system must have legislative protections to allow individuals to report misbehaviour without fear of retribution. Lastly, establish initiatives to acknowledge and motivate public servants for exemplary ethical conduct.

Linguistic Markers of Gender Stigmatization: Media Narratives as a Case Study

Gender stigmatization prevails in the Moroccan media mainly in films, and series where the sexist language used against women is tied within cinematic narrative elements. Women are portrayed as primarily responsible for the domestic task, but men are the dominant of public sphere. The Moroccan media plays a salient role in contributing to the perpetuation and reinforcement of traditional gender roles through the use of sexist language and stigmas in dialogues tied within narrative scenes. The current research aims at investigating the representations of the sexist linguistic discourse used against women. The research studies the linguistic derogatory terms, gender stereotypes, reification of women, and dismissive attitudes of women’s interests. The study utilizes a mixed approach of selected Moroccan films and sitcoms through the analysis of dialogues, and interactions among characters. It aims at discerning the representations of the sexist language in media and how gender inequalities are maintained. The data analysis points out the various ways of gendered stereotypes or negative derogatory terms used against social groups typically women. The results unveil prominent interrelations between gender representations and the reinforcement of gendered stereotypes. The research concludes that the Moroccan media has a role play in structuring prerequisite linguistic stigmas. Through drawing the significant ways in which the sexist language is used in films and sitcoms. The findings display the linguistic stigmatization used against the female kind. Such stigmatization could be touching the stereotyped gender discourses prevailing in societies with patriarchal system.

Islam as liberatory exploration: praying with British inclusive Muslims

Abstract This paper explores the process of meaning-making in an Islamic site—The Inclusive Mosque Initiative (IMI)—where the cultivation of a plural religious space is pursued as an Islamic, rather than a secular, virtue. The study highlights the discourse, spatiality, and praxis of the Friday prayers at IMI, revealing a distinctive non-hierarchical symbolic spatiality, plural congregational practices, shared ritual leadership, and interactive sermons cultivating diversity in congregants’ ethical self-formation. Drawing on these ethnographic experiences, the paper advocates for an expansion of Talal Asad’s concept of the discursive tradition of Islam by proposing a greater emphasis on ‘non-established’ practices, such as IMI’s gender-expansive Friday prayers. Additionally, by questioning the primacy given to reason and argumentation referring to the foundational Islamic texts in Asad’s approach, it highlights how embodied, affective, and phenomenological experiences play a defining role in Islamic discursive traditions. Inclusive Muslims offer an expanded purpose of power within the Islamic discursive tradition, moving away from conceptions of Islamic authority linked with ‘orthodoxy’ to ones demonstrating, what Shahab Ahmed calls, the ‘explorative’ mode of authority. Consequently, the study of non-normative, inclusive Muslim communities, exemplified by the IMI, offers insights into alternative Islamic practices and discourses and challenges conventional anthropological definitions of Islam as a discursive tradition.

Homophobia in Greece

Abstract: Introduction: Apart from a few studies with limited sample sizes, we have little data on attitudes toward lesbian and gay (LG) people in Greece. Methods: This study examines this topic in 949 heterosexual Greek participants. Based on previous research in cultural contexts other than Greece, we hypothesized that four demographics (gender, age, education, area of residence) and religious and political orientation predict a substantial amount of variance in homophobia (i.e., anti-LG attitudes). Results: We verified all observed variables except area of residence as significant predictors. Regarding the “intergroup contact hypothesis,” we distinguished the direct effects of the predictor variables from indirect effects mediated by contact with lesbians and gay men. All variables except area of residence showed a direct effect and, except for education, also an indirect effect on homophobia. The strongest effects were found for religious and political orientation, followed by gender. Highly religious, right-wing oriented, and male participants reported the highest levels of homophobia, partially mediated by their low level of contact with LG people. Discussion/Conclusion: The results confirm and further explain the detrimental role the Greek Orthodox Church, right-wing political parties, and traditional gender roles play in the acceptance of sexual minorities.

The Role of Vietnamese Mourning Culture in Grief Symptomatology – A Study Protocol

Losing a loved one is a universal and inevitable part of life; however, the way that bereaved individuals grieve and cope with loss varies between cultures. Culturally bound symptoms of disordered grief often go unnoticed when assessed with Western-developed diagnostic tools. Additionally, culturally significant funerals and rituals to be carried out during the mourning period may serve an important role in defining the expression and presentation of grief. Funeral and mourning activities following the death of a family member in Viet Nam span over one year, consisting of rituals to be carried out forty-nine days, one hundred days, and one-year post-loss. No previous study has assessed the course of grief symptoms of Vietnamese bereaved throughout the mourning period using a culturally adapted scale. This paper describes the protocol for the research that aims to examine the possible protective and supportive role of traditions, rituals, and other ceremonies for bereaved individuals. The results are expected to reveal that participating in ritual activities predicts a better grief trajectory. These results would suggest the consideration of cultural contexts in the assessment and treatment of pathological grief. The project would not only contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of grief but also highlight the importance of local cultural practices in grief recovery.