Iconic Research Articles

Coffeehouse as a cultural symbol of Vienna

The article examines the phenomenon of Viennese coffee houses, for which the Austrian capital is famous. A brief excursion into the history of the emergence of the first coffee houses in Vienna is given, the period of the birth of the first cafes, the stage of their heyday and crisis is examined. An attempt was made to determine the role of the coffee shop in modern urban culture. In the context of a study of the cultural dominants of the capital of Austria, Vienna, the national characteristics of the Viennese coffee culture are revealed. The thesis is substantiated that Viennese coffee houses, with their cozy atmosphere and refined sophistication, democracy and respectability, are a symbol of a European city and a center of coffee worship, a symbol that reflects the national picture of the world, partially objectified by means of language.

Based on the Design of Regional Cultural Symbols under the Rural Revitalization Policy

The study of design translation of regional cultural symbols based on rural revitalization policy aims to explore how regional cultural symbols can be effectively translated and applied to rural revitalization practice through design means. The study analyzes and excavates local cultural resources and uses modern design concepts and technologies to transform traditional cultural symbols into design works with contemporary value and significance. In this way, it not only enhances rural cultural confidence and promotes cultural inheritance and innovation but also enhances the development of rural tourism and cultural industries, ultimately achieving sustainable revitalization and economic growth in the countryside. China has rich resources of "local specialties," which have cultural and historical value and great market potential. In the background of rural revitalization strategy, this paper analyzes the design ideas of Malu grapes, a local specialty of Shanghai, and explores how to design cultural and creative products combining unique regional culture and local specialties. Tapping and developing these local specialties can effectively promote regional economic development and rural industrial revitalization. Through the creative design around the local specialties, it increases the added value of the products, inherits and carries forward the local culture, creates brand influence, enhances product recognition, strengthens the competitiveness of the products, enriches the consumption experience, and promotes the image and quality of the local specialties.

К вопросу о междисциплинарном изучении традиционного черкесского празднества Созереш

The article discusses issues related to the interdisciplinary study of the traditional Circassian winter holiday Sozeresh. The main historiographical versions and information are given, which describe the plot and compositional features of the rite. Attention is paid to its ideological components, where traditional ideas about the world order, its patterns, and cycles are transmitted through certain sequences of traditional actions and through a system of a number of cultural symbols. The question is raised about the need for further cultural and special ethnographic analysis of the functional aspects of the festival. For the first time, a philosophical and cultural understanding of the Sozeresh holiday is proposed, its vision as one of the most important components of the specific socio-cultural self-organization of traditional Circassian society. The author's vision of the essence of the main artifact of the ritual - the “fetish of Sozeresh” as a symbol of fertility and orderliness of the world is substantiated, and the fact of the gradual re-actualization of the archaic festive culture is shown. It is determined that the mytho-epic image of Sozeresh is inextricably linked with the cyclical pattern characteristic of the archaic worldview.

Formation of Ukrainian National Identity: Means and Value Orientations

The article emphasizes that the youth of Ukraine is a key factor in the future of society, requiring support and encouragement for the formation of national consciousness and patriotism. Currently, Ukrainians realize that during times of war, the formation of national identity is of special significance, as the country faces complex challenges threatening its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and distinctiveness. The scientific article reveals contemporary aspects of the formation of Ukrainian national identity and indicates that such a movement is a complex process involving various means and value orientations. Among the means of forming Ukrainian national identity are language policy, education, media, cultural events, political reforms, monuments, and memorial sites. Language policy aims to protect the status of the Ukrainian language as the state language and ensure its use in all spheres of public life. Education is one of the key means of forming Ukrainian national identity as it transmits values, traditions, and cultural customs, promotes the development of civic consciousness, and supports identification with one’s own country. Cultural events play a significant role in shaping national identity as they contribute to the awareness and appreciation of the uniqueness of the cultural heritage, language, traditions, and values of the nation. Monuments and memorial sites play a significant role in shaping national identity as they are material symbols of history, culture, and important events for the nation. In the conclusions of the scientific article, it is emphasized that Ukrainian national identity is an important factor in the formation of civil society based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and equality. Ukrainian national identity is an important element of self-identification and self-awareness of the Ukrainian people, which contributes to its preservation, development, and prosperity.

The moderating role of food involvement: An application of the theory of planned behaviour model in reducing red meat consumption

Reducing red meat intake is crucial for both planetary sustainability and human health. However, various psychosocial barriers impede this dietary shift, necessitating the application of psychological models such as the Theory of Planned behaviours (TPB) to predict individuals’ inclination to reduce red meat consumption. Despite TPB’s widespread use, there is a need for a more refined model addressing emotional variables. This study aims to assess TPB’s effectiveness in understanding intentions and behaviours regarding red meat reduction, while investigating food involvement’s role as a moderator between intention and behaviours. Data were collected through two questionnaires (n = 963, Time 1; n = 541, Time 2) filled out by a representative sample of the Italian population. Using descriptive statistics and structural equation models, findings reveal that attitudes and subjective norms explain 22.2 % of the variance in intentions to reduce red meat consumption. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and intention account for 39.7 % of the variance in self-reported meat consumption behaviours six months later. Moreover, high levels of food involvement hinder the translation of intention into behaviour, highlighting its moderating effect. These results emphasize the necessity of reshaping red meat reduction strategies and promoting alternative consumption choices, fostering habitual practices linked to positive emotions. It is crucial for reducing red meat consumption that this behaviour becomes a cultural symbol of change, identifying individuals as “new consumers” within a society adapting to environmental and health challenges. By integrating emotional factors into behavioural models, interventions can better address barriers and promote sustainable dietary habits.

Прагматический потенциал прозвищ в произведениях Юй Хуа

This article is aimed at identifying a complex of pragmatic, emotional and value meanings of nicknames that allow the writer to influence the reader. The study is based on three novels by Yu Hua – Brothers, To Live, and Chronicle of a Blood Merchant – and their Russian translations. Twenty-five fragments were analysed; the specificity of the main characters’ nicknames was identified in terms of the pragmatic function they perform. It is shown that the process of integration ↔ separation and extraction ↔ filling (the rules of language unit use are being constantly updated and changed) of unique linguistic phenomena – nicknames – is inherently pragmatic. The article presents the author’s concept of nicknames, demonstrates the difference between nicknames and common names (social, family-related) and emphasizes the practical importance of nicknames (distribution, communication, symbolic figure, cultural characteristics) in prose. The novelty of the study lies in describing the pragmatic functionality of nicknames in different contextual environments, which reveals the degree of productivity and creative potential of nicknames, highlights the close relationship of nicknames with the characteristics of the time period and heritage of traditional culture, as well as points out the role of nicknames (as cultural symbols) in achieving balance in group communication. As a result, the author identified the specificity of the origin of nicknames and the potential variability of their evaluation, which causes differences in the understanding of their true meaning. Therefore, studying the intrinsic functionality of nicknames as a vastly preferable and popular form of naming in literary works, public life and other spheres of society is essential.

KLASIFIKASI ULASAN PELANGGAN SHOPEE MALL TERHADAP E-COMMERCE PENJUALAN BAJU BATIK METODE NAÏVE BAYES

Batik, as a symbol of Indonesian culture, has become an everyday lifestyle and is not only limited to ceremonial occasions. In the era of globalization, the advancement of batik making has integrated its presence in various aspects of life, including in casual and informal clothing choices. E-commerce, such as Shopee Mall, provides a means for consumers to purchase batik without leaving the comfort of their homes or workplaces. Nonetheless, online shopping carries higher risks and uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of building consumer trust. Customer reviews, as a valuable source of information, are key in helping consumers make purchasing decisions. This research applies the Naïve Bayes method to classify customer reviews related to batik clothes from five sellers at Shopee Mall. Based on the results of the research and discussion carried out, it is concluded that in classifying customer reviews regarding the sale of batik clothes, using the Naive Bayes method on data from 5 sellers, where each seller has 350 reviews from Shopee Mall, the highest accuracy value is achieved by the seller Batik Prakasa, with an accuracy value of 81.90%, precision 81.90%, and recall 100%. Meanwhile, the most positive words were achieved by Batik Kanaya 1 seller, with a total of 520 positive words and 156 negative words, and achieved an accuracy of 77.19%, precision of 77.19%, and recall of 100%.

Deconstructing Desire: Criticism of Western Romantic Narratives in Mitski's "Your Best American Girl" Music Video

Mitski Miyawaki, a Japanese American indie-rock artist professionally known as Mitski, wrote her 2016 song, “Your Best American Girl,” from the perspective of a woman who is unable to have a relationship with her love interest due to their different racial and cultural backgrounds. The accompanying music video engages with the song’s social message while adding nuance and complexity to it. Many of the lyrics portray Mitski’s feelings of isolation as an Asian American woman, especially through their employment of Japanese cultural symbols, while the music video uses parody, camera angles, and Americana iconography to further illustrate Mitski’s experiences of isolation. This essay analyzes the subtle ways in which “Your Best American Girl” subverts Asian stereotypes and destabilizes white patriarchal structures that are perpetrated by popular media, particularly through white centrality in the indie-rock genre. Comparison of “Your Best American Girl” to Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” music video reveals how “Your Best American Girl” uses parody techniques to criticize this white centrality. Further, its references to PJ Harvey allows Mitski to occupy a similar position of musical authenticity and command respect. Through lyrical, musical, and visual storytelling, “Your Best American Girl” chronicles Mitski’s journey towards self-acceptance, while critiquing the pervasive whiteness in romantic narratives.

Cultural symbol value in animated advertisement model: systematic review

At present, animation has a wide range of applications in the field of advertising, and more cultural levels drive greater advertising effects. Cultural value with different cultural backgrounds, there are different consumer behaviors for advertising. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify the most common dimensions of animated advertising presented in recent publications and to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of cultural values in animated advertising. Through electronic search of the database, a total of 1829 citations were identified, of which 14 publications included models. Empirical data were included in 13 studies, and the focus of the review was around the visual perspective, the challenges faced due to the growing cultural diversity, but the lack of cultural value, which led to the dilemma in the cultural perspective of animated advertisement. This review will help researchers explore cultural value as one of the research variables that influenced the results of the study.

Study on the Color Design of Elderly Space based on Design Color Science

The article applies the principle of art color science, through the analysis of the physiological and psychological characteristics of the elderly group and the various feelings of the color environment of the housing interior space, and carries out a series of research on the color matching method of the housing interior space of the elderly. Artistic color theory is a theory about color, and as a research method, it takes "color" as the focus, not just as an ordinary or auxiliary element, but as the "center" to be considered. The researcher can identify the "central" element of color through the artwork, explore the history of color development, color techniques and expressions, color symbols, and cultural symbolism, as well as the symbolic meaning and significance of ethnicity, nation, or country implied by color in the artwork, Art colorism, as a theory and method of interpreting the artwork.

Exploring Cultural Adaptation and Symbolism in English Versions of “The Peony Pavilion”

Background: "The Peony Pavilion" by Tang Xianzu is a classical Chinese play renowned for its profound cultural and literary significance. Over the centuries, it has been translated into English numerous times, each rendition reflecting the translator's interpretation and cultural context. Materials and Methods: This reflective study examines a selection of English translations of "The Peony Pavilion" spanning different time periods and translators. Utilizing textual analysis and comparative study, we assess linguistic fidelity, cultural nuances, and the translators' approaches to bridging the gap between the source and target languages. Results: Our analysis reveals varying degrees of linguistic and cultural fidelity across translations. Quantitative metrics indicate a spectrum of fidelity, with scores ranging from 1 to 10, reflecting the extent to which translations capture the essence of the original text. Cultural nuances are often lost or altered, reflecting the influence of the translator's cultural background and the target audience's expectations. Conclusion: English translations of "The Peony Pavilion" present a dynamic interplay between linguistic accuracy and cultural interpretation. While some translations excel in preserving the original text's nuances, others diverge significantly, reflecting the translator's creative license and cultural context. This study underscores the importance of considering both linguistic and cultural fidelity in translating classical works, enriching cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Representasi Budaya Jember dalam Jember Fashion Carnival: Pendekatan Teori Representasi Stuart Hall

This article aims to analyze the representation of Jember culture in the Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) using Stuart Hall's representation theory approach. The main concepts applied in this analysis are change and resistance, which are used to understand how cultural symbols are represented and interpreted in JFC. The data collection process was carried out through literature study. Where the data obtained comes from the results of research and scientific work of other people which is studied and then developed. Data analysis was carried out by combining the concepts of Stuart Hall's representation theory with the findings found in the JFC event. The results of the literature study analysis show that JFC is an important forum for representing Jember's cultural identity through costume modifications, dance, music and other performances. In addition, the media plays an important role in the spread and influence of these cultural representations. In the context of Stuart Hall's representation theory, change refers to the transformation of cultural symbols in the JFC, while resistance describes the process of building cultural representations through interactions and agreements between JFC actors, the government and society. Through this process, Jember's cultural identity is represented and interpreted in JFC events. The implication of the results of this research is the need for continuous support in developing and promoting Jember culture through collaborative efforts between the government, cultural actors and the community. In this case, JFC can be an effective means of strengthening and expanding understanding and appreciation of Jember's cultural identity.

A Study on Nyonya Food Culture from the Perspective of Cross-Cultural Adaptation Theory

Nyonya food culture is a unique blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. Drawing from John Berry’s cross-cultural adaptation theory, this paper delves into the formation, development, and dissemination characteristics of Nyonya cuisine. The analysis reveals that the Chinese immigrants in Malacca primarily adopted an integration strategy during their cross-cultural adaptation, which is evident in the localization of food ingredients, cooking techniques, taste preferences, and dining etiquette. As a symbol of food culture, Nyonya cuisine has played a crucial role in helping the Nyonya ethnic group establish their identity in Southeast Asia, where diverse ethnic groups coexist. Furthermore, as a product of cross-cultural exchange, Nyonya food’s inherent adaptability and integration have made it an essential medium for fostering intercultural communication and understanding.

Ghanaian Graphic Design Education: Redefining Western Influences and Reclaiming Indigenous Cultures

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the evolution of graphic design and its education in Ghana. Graphic design emerged in Ghana through colonisation, which influenced the perceptions of traditional art forms. We review the tensions between Western and indigenous trends in Ghanaian art and design and explore existing pedagogical philosophies in Ghana's graphic design education. Ghana's rich traditional and cultural values, including spirituality, proverbial meaning and symbolism, are embedded in its art and design. Colonisation and the adoption of Western religion and global values caused indigenous Ghanaian art to be regarded as primitive and fetishistic. Similarly, Ghanaian graphic design was and continues to be influenced by the West. We argue that designers must embrace their cultural identity, both professionally and educationally, to empower the graphic design community to decolonise Ghanaian design.

AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF BHIL ART-INSPIRED DESIGN IN CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE PRODUCTS

Known for the intricate motifs, vibrant colors, and deep cultural symbolism, Bhil art is the cultural heritage of the Bhil tribe in India. This paper presents an in-depth study of Bhil art- inspired designs in contemporary textile products. The study also explores the adaptation of traditional artistic elements into modern textile design, exploring the synergy between heritage and innovation. Emphasizing a qualitative approach, the research delves into the cultural nuances embedded in Bhil artistry and examines how these elements are translated into textile products through innovative design methodologies. The focus of the paper is to contribute to the discourse on the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of evolving design practices. This study not only sheds light on the artistic evolution but also addresses the ethical considerations and challenges in preserving the authenticity of Bhil culture amidst modern design processes. The primary findings contribute to a full consideration of the active chemistry between cultural heritage and the ever-evolving area of textile product design.

Ethnocentrism or xenocentrism: consumer attitudes toward culture mixing based on spatial metaphor theory

PurposeRapid globalization has continually promoted integration between different cultures. This study attempts to examine responses toward culture mixing based on spatial metaphor theory. Specifically, it focuses on power relationships to explore the impact of space image schemas on consumer attitudes. The boundary conditions of this effect, the significance of cultural symbols and the dominance trait are also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments are conducted, and 567 participants are involved in this research. The data are analyzed using ANOVA and Process 213.FindingsThe results show that the relative vertical positions of cultural symbols significantly impact consumer attitudes toward culture mixing, and demonstrate that perceived cultural threat enhances ethnocentric tendencies. The data also indicate that individuals only express their distinct attitudes toward culture mixing when significant cultural symbols are presented, and only high-dominance individuals, who prefer to link vertical spatial metaphor with power relationships, are sensitive to vertical spatial metaphor.Originality/valueThis research highlights the underlying mechanism, encouraging ethnocentric tendencies among the young population in China. It extends work on the use of metaphorical concepts and contributes to the increasing literature on power in consumer behavior. Additionally, it generates useful suggestions for multinational entrepreneurs who want to facilitate symbolic localization.

Influence of age-related bone density changes on primary stability in stemless shoulder arthroplasty: a multi-implant finite element study

BackgroundStemless implants were introduced to prevent some of the stem-related complications associated with the total shoulder arthroplasty. Although general requirements for receiving these implants include good bone quality conditions, little knowledge exists about how bone quality affects implant performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of age-induced changes in bone density, as a metric of bone quality, in the primary stability of five anatomic stemless shoulder implants using 3D finite element (FE) models. MethodsThe implant designs considered were based on the Global Icon, Sidus, Simpliciti, SMR, and Inhance stemless implants. Shoulder arthroplasties were virtually simulated in Solidworks. The density distributions of 20 subjects from two age groups, 20 to 40 and 60 to 80 years old, were retrieved from medical image data and integrated into three-dimensional FE models of a single humerus geometry, developed in Abaqus, to avoid confounding factors associated with geometric characteristics. For the designs which do not have a solid collar covering the entire bone surface, i.e., the Sidus, Simpliciti, SMR, and Inhance implants, contact and non-contact conditions between the humeral head component and bone were considered. Primary stability was evaluated through the assessment of micromotions at the bone-implant interface considering eight load cases related to rehabilitation activities and demanding tasks. Three research variables, considering 20 μm, 50 μm, and 150 μm as thresholds for osseointegration, were used for a statistical analysis of the results. ResultsThe decreased bone density registered for the 60-80 age group led to larger micromotions at the bone-implant interface when compared to the 20-40 age group. The Global Icon-based and Inhance-based designs were the least sensitive to bone density, whereas the Sidus-based design was the most sensitive to bone density. The establishment of contact between the humeral head component and bone for the implants that do not have a solid collar led to decreased micromotions. DiscussionAlthough the age-induced decline in bone density led to increased micromotions in the FE models, some stemless shoulder implants presented good overall performance regardless of the osseointegration threshold considered, suggesting that age alone may not be a contraindication to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. If only primary stability is considered, the results suggested superior performance for the Global Icon-based and Inhance-based designs. Moreover, the humeral head component should contact the resected bone surface when feasible. Further investigation is necessary to combine these results with the long-term performance of the implants and allow more precise recommendations.

CULTURAL SYMBOLS AND IMAGERY IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

This article explores the profound role of cultural symbols and imagery in English literature, tracing their evolution from the medieval period to contemporary works. By examining religious, nature, social, political, racial, and gender symbols, the article highlights how these literary devices enhance thematic depth, create atmosphere, and aid character development. Through given examples, the article demonstrates that cultural symbols and imagery are integral to conveying complex ideas and reflecting societal values, enriching the reader’s experience and understanding of literature across different eras.

Plato's Timaeus as a Symbol of Greek Culture in Mark 10:46–52: A Contextual Interpretation

Plato's Timaeus as a Symbol of Greek Culture in Mark 10:46–52: A Contextual Interpretation

Editorial

This Special Issue delves into the nexus of pop politics and popular culture, focusing on the employment of cultural symbols and strategies in communication. The articles included discuss the evolution of politainment in the digital age, where social media platforms amplify political messages by blending entertainment with political discourse. The authors highlight concerns regarding the devaluation of political information and its impact on democratic quality. Furthermore, the issue examines how pop politics encourages civic engagement and political awareness, utilizing various mediums for collective action, while cautioning against the potential adverse effects on public discourse. Ultimately, this Special Issue provides multidisciplinary perspectives on the intersection of politics and entertainment, its implications for democracy, and the evolving landscape of political communication.