Cultural Settings Research Articles

Malay Music Transmission: Social Practices and Community Perception

Malaysia is part of the Malay cultural family of the archipelago (Nusantara). Musical elements and structures are similar to those found in Indonesian traditions. However, the local people's social practices and natural perceptions differ. This study looks into the social practices and musical perceptions of Malaysian societies. Interviews, focused group discussions, observations, a literature review, and internet data retrieval were all used in this qualitative study. The findings indicate that social practices of Malay Music differ among sub-ethnic groups in Malaysia. The sub-ethnic perceptions regarding “local” Malay Music differs as well. Several factors influence the natural perception of Malaysian music. The country's cultural diversity, natural setting, and historical legacy are all closely related to how Malaysian music is perceived. Malaysian music frequently reflects a strong sense of place and is influenced by the country's natural surroundings, ethnic traditions, and landscapes.

Intercultural Communication of Chinese Opera: A Review of Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions

Chinese opera, an essential component of Chinese culture, is gaining global recognition for its cross-cultural communication. This study delves into its historical context, notable international cases, influences of media and technology, communication challenges, and strategic approaches, aiming to provide a coherent overview, identify challenges, and propose future research directions in the field. Challenges include narrow research scopes, insufficient empirical studies on communication outcomes in diverse cultural settings, and deficiencies in digital and innovative practices. Future research can propel digital communication advancements and delve into local community psychological dynamics, cultural identities, and cross-cultural educational initiatives concerning Chinese opera.

How does employee voice influence empowering leadership? The effects of voice tactics and gender

AbstractAlthough there is considerable evidence that empowering leadership is beneficial to individuals, teams, and organizations, a few studies have examined the antecedents of empowering leadership behaviour itself. To address this gap, this research examines the predictors of empowering leadership in terms of subordinate behaviours and traits. Based on signalling theory and role‐based followership theory, we predict that employee voice expressed in rational appeals is more likely to enhance managerial attributions of employee proactivity compared to emotional appeals, which leads to increased empowering leadership. Furthermore, we propose that this is especially true when the subordinate is female rather than male. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a scenario‐based experiment across two distinct cultural settings, Japan and the United Kingdom. The results from both countries support all hypotheses; our findings provide not only theoretical implications for research on empowering leadership, voice behaviour, and gender, but also several practical implications for subordinates and supervisors.

SCREEN TIME IN PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

The World Health Organization defines sedentary screen time as the time spent in passive screen-based entertainment (TV, computer, mobile phone), excluding active screen time, specifically time spent playing games requiring physical activity or movement. Researchers agree that preschool-aged children spend longer periods of time in front of screens than recommended for their age, contradicting WHO guidelines on sedentary screen time for children up to 5 years old. The aim of our research was to obtain data on the age at which children are first exposed to screens, determine the duration of screen exposure on a daily basis, the most common type of screen, and the situations in which preschool-aged children use them. The sample consisted of 200 children, aged 48 to 60 months, of both genders. A specially constructed sociodemographic questionnaire was used for the research, which included questions regarding the age at which the child was first exposed to screens, the duration of daily exposure, as well as the most common type of screen and situations in which the child uses them. Informants were the parents of the children included in the study. The research was conducted in preschool institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, during February and March 2024. The results of the research show that children are first exposed to screens as early as at the age of 7 to 12 months, and that screen exposure on a daily basis exceeds the recommended time by WHO guidelines for most participants. The most common type of screen to which children are exposed is TV, and the most common situations in which they use them are during meals or while parents perform various household chores. Attention should be directed towards further identifying factors leading to excessive screen usage and providing clear guidelines to parents regarding the timing, content, technology, and joint activities related to screen time for young children in various cultural settings.

The Impact of Management by Objectives (MBO) on Employee Satisfaction and Performance Appraisal: An Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

This study explores the impact of the Management by Objectives (MBO) method as a performance appraisal tool on employee satisfaction. By employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we examine the relationships between various components of the MBO approach and their influence on employee satisfaction and effectiveness. The results emphasize the crucial role that different MBO components play in enhancing employee performance and contentment. The study reveals both direct and indirect connections between MBO factors and employee satisfaction and effectiveness. The significance of this research lies in providing valuable insights for organizations aiming to improve performance management practices and foster a more satisfied and productive workforce. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge on performance appraisal and offers practical implications for HR practitioners and organizational leaders. However, the study has limitations, such as its focus on a specific organizational context. Future research could investigate additional factors affecting employee satisfaction and productivity across diverse industries and cultural settings. This study highlights the importance of the MBO method in driving employee satisfaction and productivity and serves as a foundation for future research and organizational development efforts in the dynamic field of performance management.

Cultural determinants in anemia prevention and management: Insights from women and caregivers

Anemia poses a significant global health challenge, particularly impacting women and caregivers across diverse cultural settings. This abstract delves into the profound influence of cultural beliefs and practices on anemia prevention and management behaviors, drawing insights from the experiences of women and caregivers.Cultural norms shape individuals' perceptions of anemia, influencing attitudes towards preventive measures and treatment adherence. These beliefs, deeply entrenched within specific cultural contexts, significantly affect health-seeking behaviors and intervention outcomes.Women, often primary caregivers and disproportionately affected by anemia, navigate cultural expectations that shape their dietary habits, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and attitudes towards medical interventions. Additionally, gendered cultural roles intersect with anemia prevention efforts, impacting susceptibility and intervention efficacy targeting women's health.Caregivers, crucial in supporting individuals affected by anemia, are also influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. Understanding the cultural context surrounding caregiving roles is essential for devising comprehensive anemia management strategies that engage caregivers effectively and optimize patient outcomes.Acknowledging the diversity of cultural beliefs surrounding anemia is critical for developing tailored prevention and management approaches. Culturally competent interventions respect and leverage cultural norms to enhance their relevance and effectiveness within specific cultural contexts.By integrating insights from women and caregivers, this abstract emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in addressing anemia. Embracing cultural diversity and understanding its influence on anemia-related behaviors are essential steps towards improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of anemia globally.

Sustainable Development of Ethnic Minority Immigrants: A Comprehensive Review of Concepts, Challenges, and Strategies

This comprehensive review explores the sustainable development of ethnic minority immigrants, a topic of increasing global importance in the context of accelerating migration trends. The study employs a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing over 30 recent articles from diverse disciplines including sociology, ethnology, economics, and geography. It investigates the conceptual framework of sustainable development for minority immigrants, encompassing economic, social, and cultural dimensions. The paper examines current challenges faced by these communities, including economic hardships, social integration difficulties, and cultural conflicts. Furthermore, it identifies key influencing factors such as economic opportunities, social and cultural dynamics, policy environments, and natural settings. The research highlights the complex interplay of these factors and their mechanisms in shaping the sustainable development of minority immigrant groups. Based on this analysis, the study proposes multifaceted strategies to promote sustainable development, emphasizing the need for cultural and educational exchange, economic support policies, and social integration initiatives. This review contributes to the growing body of literature on minority immigration and provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike, underlining the importance of a holistic approach to address this critical global issue.

Reliability and Validity of Revised Apathy Evaluation Scale-Self in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives The questionnaire Apathy Evaluation Scale-Self (AES-S) has been widely adopted globally, demonstrating high reliability and validity. However, direct translation of the AES into Chinese does not fit well into the Chinese cultural setting, so a structured and comprehensive revision is needed to obtain a high reliability and validity version of the scale. Methods In this study, 436 adults aged ≥ 60 years from two communities in Beijing were assessed using a modified AES-S. The methodology included item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale’s validity was tested using the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Reliability assessment included retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, and split-half reliability. Results The modified Apathy Evaluation Scale-Self-Assessment (AES-S-C) presented a first-order four-factor structure with higher reliability and validity than the original version within the Chinese older adult community. Conclusions The revised AES-S-C is more suitable for the Chinese older adults in community settings. Clinical implications This self-rated scale is suitable for screening apathy among older adults in community or nursing facilities, aiding in the identification of cognitive impairment and promoting mental health.

The significance of ethnomathematics learning: a cross-cultural perspectives between Indonesian and Thailand educators

PurposeEthnomathematics can help understand math concepts but is challenging in countries like Indonesia and Thailand due to its complexity. This study explores how math educators in these countries view integrating ethnomathematics into teaching. The purpose of this study is to see its importance in helping students understand and apply math concepts in different cultural settings. By looking at educators’ opinions, the study seeks strategies to effectively use ethnomathematics in education.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a mixed-methods approach with questionnaires and interviews to gather data from 138 Indonesian and 145 Thai educators, including lecturers, teachers and preservice teachers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to classify responses. Qualitative data analysis involves reducing, presenting, concluding and validating data to ensure accuracy. This approach aimed to provide a complete understanding of educators’ views on ethnomathematics.FindingsThe quantitative results showed strong support among Indonesian educators (average score 4.77) for integrating cultural elements in math education. Thai educators were slightly less enthusiastic (average score 4.57), but still positive. Interviews revealed unique cross-cultural perspectives and emphasized the need for theoretical and practical applications of ethnomathematics in the classroom. This perspective highlights the importance of social context and interaction in learning and calls for innovative teaching methods that use students’ cultural backgrounds.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights into how Indonesian and Thai educators view ethnomathematics, considering their cultural contexts. It underscores the importance of adapting teaching approaches to fit each country’s cultural characteristics, showing the close link between ethnomathematics and cultural development.

Moral intensity and ethical decision-making: a combined importance-performance map analysis for professional accountants

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of moral intensity on the ethical decision-making process of professional accountants based on a combined importance-performance map analysis (cIPMA). Design/methodology/approach Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data from 309 accountants, the study examined the relationships between four moral intensity dimensions: magnitude of consequences, social consensus, probability of effect and concentration of effect, and the ethical decision-making process. The study also methodologically complemented by a combined importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis. Findings The findings reveal that moral recognition and moral judgment are necessary conditions for predicting accountants’ moral intent. However, in terms of importance and performance, moral recognition plays a less significant role compared to moral judgment. Furthermore, the influence of moral intensity dimensions is pronounced on moral recognition, while their influence on moral judgment and moral intent is more context dependent. This is also exhibited in the combined importance-performance map analysis results. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the importance of considering specific ethical dilemmas and the differential influence of moral intensity when developing strategies to strengthen ethical decision-making in the accounting profession. Future research is encouraged to explore how cultural backgrounds and diverse settings influence accountants’ ethical decision-making with tailored measurement tools for a more comprehensive understanding. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is among the first to complement the results of PLS-SEM with importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis to examine the relationship between moral intensity and ethical decision-making of accountants.

Tradisi VS Modernitas: Konflik Generasi dan Komunikasi Gender dalam Crashing Eid

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of tradition versus modernity through the lens of generational conflict and gender communication in the Netflix series "Crashing Eid." Utilizing a systematic content analysis, the research aims to identify and categorize representations of these themes within the series. The analysis focuses on key aspects such as traditional versus modern values, generational perspectives, and gender roles as depicted in the interactions and dialogues of the characters. The findings reveal that "Crashing Eid" effectively portrays the tension between traditional and modern values, particularly in the context of family expectations and personal aspirations. The series highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in balancing respect for cultural heritage with the desire for individual autonomy. Gender communication is intricately woven into these narratives, showcasing the evolving roles of women and men within the Saudi Arabian cultural setting. The study underscores the importance of media representation in reflecting and shaping societal norms and values. "Crashing Eid" serves as a poignant example of how contemporary media can address and bring to light the complexities of generational and gender-related conflicts. The research contributes to the broader discourse on cultural change and continuity, emphasizing the role of media in facilitating dialogue and understanding across different societal segments.

Patterns of teachers' responses to school bullying and their associations with training, self-efficacy, and age: A moderated mediation model.

Bullying remains a pervasive issue in educational settings worldwide. This study examined the effect of teacher training and self-efficacy on teachers' responses to school bullying with the moderating effect of age. Drawing on data from 585 Taiwanese primary and secondary school teachers, the study revealed six distinct response patterns to bullying among Taiwanese teachers. The results underscore the critical role of self-efficacy in enabling proactive responses to bullying, highlighting that training programs that boost teachers' self-efficacy can be effective across different age groups. Furthermore, the research points to the necessity of differentiated training approaches that consider teachers' age to enhance responses of mediating involvers. This study contributes to the broader discourse on bullying prevention, emphasizing the importance of teacher training and the need for further research into the nuanced relationships between teacher characteristics, self-efficacy, and intervention strategies in diverse cultural settings.

Insights gained from a cultural adaptation of preschool promoting alternative thinking strategies©: the importance of teachers' cultures as an implementation driver.

Cultural adaptation of interventions is complex and yet vital to achieving the intended benefits of interventions with new populations. However, little is known regarding deliverers' perceptions of cultural adaptation and when a cultural adaptation process can be considered complete. The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of cultural adaptation that need further attention in an intervention that had undergone an initial cultural adaptation. Four focus groups (FGs) were conducted with preschool teachers who had worked with a culturally adapted version of preschool Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS©) in Sweden for approximately 6 months. In total, 16 teachers from eight preschools were included, with 3-5 teachers in each group. All FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis with an inductive approach was applied to the transcribed data. Three themes were identified where teachers described the need for further cultural adaptation for the intervention to align with personal and societal fundamental cultural values and be useful for their work as teachers in the Swedish preschool setting. The themes pertained to culturally adapting a manual-based intervention to a foundational, value-based approach, such as the practical application of core values and the steering documents of the Swedish preschool. Furthermore, the practical function of the culturally adapted intervention in the new cultural context revealed a further need to adjust materials and activities in interaction with the children. Finally, the prerequisites within the Swedish cultural setting, including resources and collaboration with parents as part of the work structure for preschool teachers in Sweden, needed further attention in relation to the intervention. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the deliverer in the cultural adaptation process in addition to adaptations that focus on end users (children in the case of preschool PATHS). Furthermore, the study indicates a need for a more open-ended view of the cultural adaptation process for interventions than perhaps previously described in models of cultural adaptation of interventions.

Gastrofeminism

Gastrofeminism traces the centrality of food within diverse feminist narratives of agency and resistance. This manifesto introduces the theoretical, pedagogical, and methodological scope of Gastrofeminism to rethink feminist genealogies, legacies, and new embodiments of a radical future. It calls for a reckoning of both established and emerging feminist engagements with food, consumption, and culinary practices. This introduction underscores conjunctures where feminist methodology and pedagogy intersect in variegated social, cultural, and historical settings to engender dialogues on food, eating, and culinary practices. It emphasizes everyday acts of negotiating feminist boundaries and subverting dominant perceptions of food. Furthermore, it contests the practices whereby food is used to reproduce social norms and hierarchies. Gastrofeminism remaps the boundaries of gendered relations through food practices in sites of conflict as well as everyday resistance to gendered norms of domesticity through technological innovations around cooking, eating, and representation of food. This manifesto assembles feminist scholarship and pedagogies committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional food studies and taking it into new, inclusive directions. Gastrofeminism spans across disciplines and praxis to engage with sensory documentation of food, gendered forms of intimacy, appetites and embodiments, food memories, affects, and nostalgia, new feminist pedagogies, foodways, ecosystems and sustainability, and food access, conflict, and social justice.

The impact of cultural settings on sustainability narratives: an explorative study with the Indian diaspora

Achieving sustainable futures is complicated by the diverse understandings and prioritisations of sustainability issues and practices. A reason for the lack of common ground is the fact that sustainability is a global project which is primarily driven by the North, rather than one that consistently integrates local and cultural diversity. Research has shown that sustainability expectancies of Southern civic society are lacking in the considerations of crucial sustainability frameworks. This investigation focuses on the expectancies of a community with Southern cultural origins and identities—the Indian diaspora in Australia. The unique bicultural positioning of diasporas and their growing influence on the cultural scaffolds of societies, make their assessment of sustainability distinctly relevant and insightful. The objective of this qualitative inquiry was to explore the Australian Indian diaspora’s understanding of sustainability, their prioritisation of diverse sustainability concerns, and the cultural underpinnings of these perceptions and preferences. Seven focus groups including components of the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique and personal storytelling, were conducted in Sydney, Australia from September to October 2022. This study demonstrates that two distinct sustainability narratives direct the meaning of sustainability—one has a global application and environmental focus, the other a localised Southern application and social focus. Cultural context is critical in directing the adoption of either narrative by mobilising relevant cultural social identities and promoting their resonance. Education emerges as a strategy to reframe the sustainability narrative and create a more balanced sustainability discourse.

Quality of Life in Patients Affected by Facial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Prospective Longitudinal Pilot Study and Validation of Skin Cancer Index in Lithuanian Language.

Facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) poses significant challenges due to its potential for local destruction and impact on quality of life (QoL). Continuous research is necessary to identify novel factors influencing the quality of life within this demographic across diverse cultural settings. The aims of this study were to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Lithuanian version of Skin Cancer Index, subsequently utilizing this questionnaire in the pilot phase of the study to achieve the following: (1) identify the differences in short- and long-term QoL, (2) establish empirical correlations between SCI scores and aesthetic facial regions, evaluate the potential differences between age, gender, and tumor size groups. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 100 consecutive patients. The SCI was translated into Lithuanian language, with a rigorous assessment of its psychometric properties to confirm validity. Alongside hypothesis testing, a detailed analysis of variables was conducted. Statistical techniques, including t-tests and ANOVA, were employed to compare scores across demographic and clinical groups, with effect size calculations for further interpretation. Our findings demonstrate that the Lithuanian SCI successfully fulfills the criteria established by the COSMIN checklist. Surgical treatment for facial BCC notably enhances QoL, particularly evident six months post-surgery. Analysis of SCI scores identified demographic and clinical factors associated with lower QoL, including female gender, treatment with skin plasty, and tumor sites in aesthetically sensitive areas like the cheek, nose, and eyelid. The Lithuanian version of the SCI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing QoL in facial BCC patients. Our findings underscore the global relevance of understanding the multifactorial influences on QoL in BCC patients. Early diagnosis, less invasive treatment approaches, and tailored post-operative care are crucial in minimizing the psychological, social, and appearance-related burdens of facial BCC.

Effectiveness of Logotherapy in Enhancing Quality of Life Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals, often leading to a poor prognosis. Various studies have explored strategies to prevent the decline in quality of life among CKD patients. However, there is limited literature specifically examining the role of Logo Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LCBT) in improving the health outcomes of hemodialysis patients. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Logo Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LCBT) in enhancing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies utilizing LCBT among hemodialysis patients. Online databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Springer, Google, and Google Scholar were searched using specific keywords. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the PRISMA flow diagram was employed to guide the selection process. Results: A total of ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The findings suggest that LCBT is effective in improving HRQoL among hemodialysis patients. The results highlight that LCBT could serve as an adjunct to clinical care, providing comprehensive support and enhancing the psychological well-being of this patient population. Conclusion: LCBT appears to be a valuable supportive therapy for optimizing the standard treatment of hemodialysis patients. However, further research is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness across diverse cultural settings and to determine its long-term benefits in different populations globally.

Reliability and separation index analysis of mathematics questions integrated with the cultural architecture framework using the Rasch model

This research uses Rasch model analysis to identify the reliability and separation index of an integrated mathematics test instrument with a cultural architecture structure in measuring students' mathematical thinking abilities. The study involved 357 students from six eighth-grade public junior high schools in Bima. The selection of schools was based on average school exam scores and considered the effectiveness of the learning process that used cultural settings to explore mathematical content. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel to calculate the content validity of Aiken's index with four experts and the jMetrik software to measure reliability and the separation index. The research results indicate that the mathematics test instrument passed validation by mathematics experts and measurements with a valid content validity level. Rasch model calibration shows a very high level of instrument reliability. Separation analysis on the logit scale indicates the instrument's ability to differentiate students with different ability levels with good homogeneity in the distribution of test items and individual abilities. Scale quality statistics show good item response variability, low error rates and a high separation index. This study has limitations because it focuses solely on multiple-choice questions. Similar research must be conducted using other types of questions (such as those used in PISA, namely open- constructed and closed-constructed questions) and integrating other mathematical materials within relevant cultural architectural structures.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Bloodstream Infection without an Identifiable Source: a Hospital-Based Case-Control Study.

The association between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and systemic infections caused by bacterial translocation is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether patients receiving PPI therapy have a higher risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) without an identifiable source of infection. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study which enrolled all patients aged 20 years and older who were hospitalized in Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital with BSI confirmed by two sets of positive blood cultures in 2019. Patient data were collected from medical records, and the bacterial translocation-type (BT-type) BSI group was defined as patients with BSI without an identifiable source of infection, whereas those with a BSI from an identifiable source were assigned to the control group based on the diagnostic criteria for each infectious disease. Data from 309 patients, including 66 cases and 243 controls, were analyzed. Compared with PPI non-users, PPI users had a 2.4-fold higher risk of developing BT-type BSI after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio: 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-4.51, P = 0.006). In conclusion, PPI use is associated with a higher risk of BSI without an identifiable source; therefore, PPI use might increase the risk of BSI secondary to bacterial translocation.

The Role of Power Relations and Identification in Collaborative Knowledge Construction at Single Gender Online Forum

This short paper describes a research project that aims at exploring how identification and power relations contribute to learners’ knowledge construction in single gender online forum. This multiple case studies take place at five online classes in two female universities in Saudi Arabia. Data is collected from semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Qualitative content analysis of online discussions is used to investigate the extent in which collaborative knowledge construction was achieved by participants utilizing Gunawardena et, al. 1997 tool. In addition, Foucault discourse analysis is used to explore learners’ power relations and identification. The initial findings of the pilot study suggest that learners have imposed several power relations strategies in the discussion’s forum such as maintaining norms of online discussions; (2) maintaining norms of a good classmate; (3) criticizing, comparing and assessing each other's posts; (4) displaying personal information; (5) checkingothers' intellectual activities and messages; (6) comparing between oneself and others' actions and ways of thinking; (7) categorizing oneself and others ; and (8) excluding and including others. These behaviors were organized under three themes: normalisation, surveillance, and classification. Initial findings also showed that participants revealed parts of their identities while interacting with each other. The research will continue to investigate how these practices are influenced by the social and cultural settings and how this contributes to the quality of knowledge construction in online discussion forum.