Four-element Research Articles

Happiness, virtue and wisdom: elements of ancient Greek philosophy in Islamic advice literature

This essay examines the profound influence of ancient Greek philosophy on Islamic advice literature, particularly in political ethics and governance. It aims to trace the integration of Greek philosophical ideas into Islamic advice literature, focusing on four key areas: Plato's theory of happiness, Aristotle's virtue ethics, the concept of "the three governances," and the ideal ruler-advisor relationship. Employing a meticulous analysis of a dozen Islamic sources from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, it uncovers the extent of Greek thought's impact. Findings reveal that Islamic political elites, including philosophers, secretaries, religious scholars, and historians, adopted and adapted Greek philosophical theories to align with Islamic political goals and strategies. Plato's notions of happiness through just rule and the pursuit of knowledge and justice are echoed in the works of Islamic luminaries. Aristotle's virtue ethics, emphasizing prudence, temperance, courage, and justice, are seamlessly woven into Islamic governance literature. The concept of "the three governances" reflects Aristotelian governance principles, while Greek gnomology is used to validate political concepts especially the ideal ruler’s wisdom, showcasing the rhetorical power of invoking Greek authorities. The study concludes that Greek elements were frequently combined with Arabic, Persian, and other influences in Islamic advice literature, suggesting caution in interpreting Islamic political ethics through an exclusive lens. The research underscores the convergence of cross-cultural ideas and the Islamization of Greek philosophy to support political demands within a religious framework.

Application of Kansei engineering in the innovative design of traditional fashion elements

Kansei engineering can quickly establish the relationship between human emotion and product composition, and it is expected to be an important method for design evaluation. This paper investigates the application of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces to modern attire, specifically the cheongsam, with a focus on the Kansei Engineering-based design approach. The study introduces sensory evaluation to analyse the suitability of various types of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces in cheongsam designs and the sensual style of high-fit cheongsam designs. Two experiments were conducted, with Experiment 1 assessing the suitability of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces on different traditional cheongsam, and Experiment 2 examining the overall style of cheongsam designs when combined with Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklace designs. Fuzzy logic was employed in Experiment 1 to evaluate the suitability of each necklace element, while Experiment 2 incorporated sensory evaluation to determine the sensual style of high-fit cheongsam designs, assessed through subjective ratings by 50 industry experts and 50 evaluators (women aged 18 to 35). The investigation utilized standard procedures for subjective evaluation experiments, resulting in the determination of the suitability of three mainstream cheongsam designs with 24 Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces, as well as the identification of high-fit cheongsam sensual styles. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for the design of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces on the cheongsam, utilizing the relative weight values of cheongsam designs as guidance for future applications. This research contributes to understanding the integration of cultural artefacts in contemporary fashion, offering insights into design considerations and potential enhancements of the cheongsam through the incorporation of Yungang Grottoes Bodhisattva necklaces.

Innovative Design and Application of Ethnic Cultural and Creative Products: A Case Study of the Zhuang Fu Rui Cultural Dolls

The distinctive attire of the Zhuang ethnicity is the most direct expression of its folk culture. The positive development and utilization of ethnic costumes can significantly benefit Zhuang folk tourism. Incorporating elements of ethnic costume culture, such as patterns, colors, fabrics, and decorations, into modern design can enrich the ethnic cultural connotations of contemporary design practices. This research project, taking the Zhuang Fu Rui cultural dolls as a case study, discusses the integration and continuation of minority culture with modern design. By merging Zhuang costume culture with "Fu Rui" culture, the study explores the incorporation of traditional cultural elements into modern design, aiming to preserve and promote Zhuang culture. Additionally, the paper uses case analysis to deeply examine the role of cultural and creative products in the inheritance of Zhuang culture, suggesting that products combining Zhuang culture with Fu Rui culture can effectively facilitate the transmission and spread of traditional culture.

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE ADAPTATION OF TRADITIONAL NAXI COSTUME ELEMENTS INTO CONTEMPORARY CLOTHING

The Naxi ethnic group in China has a rich and extensive history. Their remarkable traditional attire has been recognised and designated as a "living" culture by the United Nations (Wang, 2017). Nevertheless, due to shifting trends and lifestyles, contemporary society, particularly the younger generation, is progressively disregarding traditional attire. As a result, designers have incorporated diverse influences, such as blending contemporary ideas with traditional cultural features, in order to create "modern clothing" that may endure and gain international recognition while preserving the legacy of fashion. Hence, it is imperative to foster the development of Naxi heritage, just as it is done for other ethnic groups. This includes the crucial integration of Naxi motive aspects into contemporary culture. This study aims to investigate the attributes of traditional clothing elements of the Naxi ethnic group. It will employ questionnaires to examine the community's perspectives and preferences regarding the innovative design of Naxi clothing elements. The objective is to both preserve the cultural essence of these elements and achieve innovative designs. By doing so, Naxi clothing can showcase the allure of new culture and art. Keywords: Naxi ethnic group, Traditional costume, Heritage, Modern clothing, Inspired design

Decoding the role of bismuth oxide in advancing structural, thermal, and nuclear properties of [B2O3–Li2O–SiO2]-Nb2O5 glass systems

This paper investigates the pivotal role of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) in the enhancement of nuclear safety, structural, and thermal properties of glasses, specifically in the BNLS system. BNLS system has the formula [B2O3–Li2O–SiO2]-Nb2O5(20-x)–(Bi2O3)x (where x = 0.0,5.0,10.0,15.0 and 20.0 mol%). Through a comparative study, the potential advantages, and limitations of integrating Bi₂O₃ in place of traditional elements are highlighted, emphasizing its importance in the field of advanced glass materials. FTIR analysis showed the presence of Bi–O vibrations of the tetrahedral [BO4] groups and the Bi–O–Bi linkages. DSC testified the glass formation with increasing thermal stability of the formed glass with the inclusion of Bi2O3 into the glass system. Through the quantification of the Gamma Linear Attenuation Coefficient (GLAC) and Gamma Mass Attenuation Coefficient (GMAC), the work identifies the attenuation behavior against varying photon energies. Notably, a concentration-dependent rise in attenuation characteristics is observed, with BNLS20 exhibiting the most potent radiation shielding. Glass Half-Value Layer (GHVL) parameters and Mass Gamma Photon Penetration (GMFP) were measured, reinforcing that glasses with higher Bi2O3 concentrations and lower GHVL are better attenuators. The transmission factor (ln(I/Io)) was also studied, confirming that BNLS20 possesses the most effective radiation shielding capabilities. This research establishes that adding Bi₂O₃ to the [B2O3–Li2O–SiO2]-Nb2O5 glass system markedly improves its thermal stability and radiation shielding capabilities. BNLS20, in particular, emerges as a standout for radiation protection, surpassing both other BNLS variants and conventional shielding materials, thereby positioning it as an exceptional choice for advanced nuclear safety applications.

Rhythm of Exposure in Town Centres: A Case Study of Lancaster City Centre

This study proposes a novel air pollution exposure index (APEI) metric, drawing from traditional elements in rhythmanalysis and public-life studies to help understand how people are exposed to air pollution in their urban environment and when the risks are greatest. It expands on the notion of rhythm as a socially constructed natural phenomenon connected to urban life and spaces. Air quality monitoring data, as well as bus times and in situ traffic and pedestrian counts, from Cable Street and Dalton Square in Lancaster were applied to define the APEI, which combines an air pollution index (NO2 and PM10), a surrogate for ambient air pollution level, with a population index, a surrogate for population flow. The index values were subsequently ranked in numeric order, i.e., a higher ranking shows increased exposure risk and vice versa, to determine total exposure on an individual level. This metric proves valuable in defining air pollution exposure status and recognizing factors associated with high pollution and population levels. Similarly, by comparing APEI values, one could evaluate exposure levels in different locations and seasons to verify when the APEI has increased at a given location and the different rhythms and flows responsible for an individual’s exposure. Hence, it has potential use for urban planners and the city council’s policymakers who are involved in Lancaster Air Quality Management.

Experimental verification of guided-wave lumped circuits using dielectric rod

Abstract This paper presents a method to realize equivalent lumped inductance/capacitance by adjusting the relative permittivity, diameter, and offset of the dielectric rod. The dielectric rod is used to replace the traditional reactance matching elements (metallic diaphragm, pin, and resonant window) in the substrate integrated waveguide, which avoids the problem of short circuit in the upper and lower metal plate of the substrate integrated waveguide, and has the advantage of high regulatory freedom, low radiation loss, and low crosstalk. Based on this method, three air rod filters are designed and verified by experiments. The three filters are designed based on the diameter and offset of a single dielectric hole and the offset of symmetrical dielectric rods. Compared with conventional filters, this method greatly adjusts the degree of freedom of media regulation in the substrate integrated waveguide. The experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical analysis and simulation results. It provides an effective platform for the design of substrate integrated waveguide functional lumped circuits.

Scalar Field Prediction on Meshes Using Interpolated Multi-Resolution Convolutional Neural Networks

Abstract Scalar fields, such as stress or temperature fields, are often calculated in shape optimization and design problems in engineering. For complex problems where shapes have varying topology and cannot be parametrized, data-driven scalar field prediction can be faster than traditional finite element methods. However, current data-driven techniques to predict scalar fields are limited to a fixed grid domain, instead of arbitrary mesh structures. In this work, we propose a method to predict scalar fields on arbitrary meshes. It uses a convolutional neural network whose feature maps at multiple resolutions are interpolated to node positions before being fed into a multilayer perceptron to predict solutions to partial differential equations at mesh nodes. The model is trained on finite element von Mises stress fields, and once trained it can estimate stress values at each node on any input mesh. Two shape datasets are investigated, and the model has strong performance on both, with a median R-squared value of 0.91. We also demonstrate the model on a temperature field in a heat conduction problem, where its predictions have a median R-squared value of 0.99. Our method provides a potential flexible alternative to finite element analysis in engineering design contexts. Code and datasets are available at: https://github.com/kevinferg/sfp-cnn.

The Malaysian Social Contract: A Historical Perspective

This paper delves into the concept of social contract, a framework rooted in the diverse theories pioneered by Western philosophers, to expound on the unique facets of the Malaysian social contract. This concept elucidates different forms of agreement between the people and the ruler in establishing an organised society. Unique and central to Malaysia, this contract involves traditional elements integral to the Malay establishment, encompassing Islam, the Malay language, the special position of the natives and the institution of Malay rulers in addition to citizenship rights for qualified individuals. To comprehend the distinctiveness of the Malaysian social contract, it is imperative to explore its historical context, tracing back the compromise forged among the inter-ethnic groups towards the independence of the Federation of Malaya. This historical narrative reveals that the post-World War II is Malaysia’s state of nature. However, the Malaysian social contract extends beyond understanding and consensus of inter-ethnic groups namely the Malays and the non-Malays. It also incorporates the agreement between the populace as a whole and the sovereign Malay rulers. Enshrined in the Federal Constitution, traditional elements and balancing provisions ensure compliance with the mutually agreed-upon social contract for both the Malays and the non-Malays.

New Insights into Aptamers: An Alternative to Antibodies in the Detection of Molecular Biomarkers.

Aptamers are short oligonucleotides with single-stranded regions or peptides that recently started to transform the field of diagnostics. Their unique ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity is at least comparable to many traditional biorecognition elements. Aptamers are synthetically produced, with a compact size that facilitates deeper tissue penetration and improved cellular targeting. Furthermore, they can be easily modified with various labels or functional groups, tailoring them for diverse applications. Even more uniquely, aptamers can be regenerated after use, making aptasensors a cost-effective and sustainable alternative compared to disposable biosensors. This review delves into the inherent properties of aptamers that make them advantageous in established diagnostic methods. Furthermore, we will examine some of the limitations of aptamers, such as the need to engage in bioinformatics procedures in order to understand the relationship between the structure of the aptamer and its binding abilities. The objective is to develop a targeted design for specific targets. We analyse the process of aptamer selection and design by exploring the current landscape of aptamer utilisation across various industries. Here, we illuminate the potential advantages and applications of aptamers in a range of diagnostic techniques, with a specific focus on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensors and their integration into the well-established ELISA method. This review serves as a comprehensive resource, summarising the latest knowledge and applications of aptamers, particularly highlighting their potential to revolutionise diagnostic approaches.

“Ceramic Road” – Seen from Village Communal House Carving Art

Inheriting the essence of traditional art has always been considered the fulcrum for the development of modern art. Pottery Road is the sketch for viewers of artworks re-enacting important historical events of the country, and scenic spots along the quintessence of traditional pottery villages. The image of “Ceramic Road” in close relationship with regions in the country is also simulated by a 100m-long ceramic painting piece, using ceramic coated with a colored glaze, fired at a temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius, ensuring durability stands firm against time. The ceramic path with the application of traditional artistic elements, although not a creative application, has also achieved certain successes.

Research on the Integration of Traditional Culture into Situation and Policy Course Teaching

Traditional culture is a historical accumulation of more than 5,000 years of the Chinese nation, which highlights the national spirit of self-improvement, perseverance, innovation, hard work, and indomitable struggle, which provides quality materials for ideological and political teaching in colleges and universities. Ideological and political teachers in colleges and universities should integrate the traditional culture into the teaching of Situation and Policy courses, explain the idea of governing the country in the traditional culture, and build a system of excellent traditional Chinese culture theory. Teachers should focus on current affairs, integrate relevant traditional cultural elements, and build a teaching system that integrates and promotes each other to deepen students’ understanding of traditional culture by using the teaching method of historical observation. Integrating regional excellent traditional culture into the course can guide students to explore traditional culture in depth, enhance their cultural self-confidence, and improve the quality of ideological and political education.

Deep learning based identification and interpretability research of traditional village heritage value elements: a case study in Hubei Province

The preservation and transmission of traditional villages is crucial to the prosperity and development of ethnic cultures. However, current traditional village surveys usually require a large number of experts and scholars to conduct field research, which is an expensive and time-consuming method, especially for large-scale tasks. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic classification method based on deep learning (DL) for the identification of traditional village heritage value elements (TVHVE). The study evaluates four selected convolutional neural network (CNN) frames using traditional villages in Hubei Province as a sample dataset. The results show that Residual Network152 (ResNet152) is the most suitable CNN frame for identifying TVHVE in Hubei. The stability and consistency of various TVHVE present in the ResNet152 model were evaluated using Area Under Curve (AUC) and Precision Recall Curve (PRC), which indicated satisfactory prediction performance for most elements, except for specific elements such as tombstones and stone carvings, which showed lower accuracy. In addition, the study sheds light on the areas of concern of the model with respect to different TVHVE images and elucidates the reasons behind the confusion between elements through semantic clustering based on image classification and interpretability analysis using the Gradient-Weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) heat map. By using an automated classification method based on DL, this study significantly reduces the cost and effort associated with traditional surveys. At the same time, insight into areas of concern and confusion in the model improves guidance for conservation efforts and provides valuable references for subsequent research.

STATE-CHURCH RELATIONS IN THE FIRST CZECHOSLOVAK REPUBLIC: SPECIFIC FEATURES OF LEGAL REGULATION

It is indicated that the relationship between the Church and the state went through various stages in its formation both in Ukraine and in the world as a whole. In addition, the state’s relations with religious organizations in various countries still have their own specifics. Models of these relationships are usually built depending on the political, religious, cultural and other traditions of each region. Therefore, today in Europe, despite the presence of a number of common trends, there is still no unity of approaches in building a system of state-church relations. It is quite obvious that in order to solve this problem, it is necessary to study the existing historical experience of Czechoslovakia. Regarding this, the confessional policy of the Czechoslovak state in the 20th century has a special value. Back in the interwar twentieth century (1918–1938), an attempt was made here to build such a model of the relationship between the state and religious organizations, which, on the one hand, provided for the secular nature of the state and the maximum limitation of the role of the church in public life, and on the other hand, the preservation of the main elements of the system of state -church relations that developed in Austria-Hungary. We can say that in a slightly modified form this model continued to exist in Czechoslovakia and in the second half of the 20th century. Even during the years of state atheism, the church here was not separated from the state. Thus, in the 20th century, Czechoslovakia accumulated rich experience in adapting traditional elements of the state church to new historical conditions. Based on the study of domestic and foreign sources, the article analyzes the legal regulation of state-church relations in the First Czechoslovak Republic. The study attempted to analyze the country’s relationship with the Vatican, which consisted primarily of the need to conclude a concordat agreement. The legal nature of Modus vivendi is analyzed. It was determined that the model of state-church relations in the first Czechoslovak Republic became an organic development of the model that existed in Austria-Hungary. It can be said that the process of equalizing the rights of all state-recognized denominations came to a certain logical conclusion in the first Czechoslovak Republic. At the same time, one of the fundamental principles of Austrian religious policy was preserved in the Czechoslovak Republic – the desire to limit the ties of local denominations with foreign administrative centers as much as possible.

Interpolation-based immersogeometric analysis methods for multi-material and multi-physics problems

AbstractImmersed boundary methods are high-order accurate computational tools used to model geometrically complex problems in computational mechanics. While traditional finite element methods require the construction of high-quality boundary-fitted meshes, immersed boundary methods instead embed the computational domain in a structured background grid. Interpolation-based immersed boundary methods augment existing finite element software to non-invasively implement immersed boundary capabilities through extraction. Extraction interpolates the structured background basis as a linear combination of Lagrange polynomials defined on a foreground mesh, creating an interpolated basis that can be easily integrated by existing methods. This work extends the interpolation-based immersed isogeometric method to multi-material and multi-physics problems. Beginning from level-set descriptions of domain geometries, Heaviside enrichment is implemented to accommodate discontinuities in state variable fields across material interfaces. Adaptive refinement with truncated hierarchically refined B-splines (THB-splines) is used to both improve interface geometry representations and to resolve large solution gradients near interfaces. Multi-physics problems typically involve coupled fields where each field has unique discretization requirements. This work presents a novel discretization method for coupled problems through the application of extraction, using a single foreground mesh for all fields. Numerical examples illustrate optimal convergence rates for this method in both 2D and 3D, for partial differential equations representing heat conduction, linear elasticity, and a coupled thermo-mechanical problem. The utility of this method is demonstrated through image-based analysis of a composite sample, where in addition to circumventing typical meshing difficulties, this method reduces the required degrees of freedom when compared to classical boundary-fitted finite element methods.

Thermomechanical responses of steel frames under aftershock after fires

A novel advanced fiber beam-column element, which incorporates stability functions and the fiber distributed plasticity model to capture geometric and material nonlinearities, respectively, has been successfully developed to predict the nonlinear inelastic thermo-mechanical behaviors of steel frames subjected to aftershock after fires. To address the nonlinear dynamic problems resulting from aftershocks after fires, a sequential nonlinear thermal incremental-iterative solution scheme has been developed, which is based on the Newton-Raphson algorithm and Newmark-β method. In addition, a transcendental probability-based method is employed to express the statistical characteristics of aftershock intensity relative to the mainshock. The proposed method is applied to analyze three framed structures: a steel portal frame, a two-story plane steel frame, and a four-story asymmetric space steel frame. This analysis shows the accuracy, computational performance, and applicability of the proposed method. Remarkably, the results obtained from the code work, using just one or two elements per member, are in close agreement with all the results analyzed by Abaqus. This emphasizes that the proposed method effectively predicts the response of framed structures under aftershock after fires with excellent computational efficiency, significantly surpassing traditional finite element approaches in commercial software like Abaqus. The successful results of the dynamic analysis of the frames under aftershocks following fires underscore the importance of considering aftershocks after a fire incident. It is demonstrated that the occurrence of an aftershock accelerates the failure of the frame compared to the case when the frame is subjected to fire alone. This highlights the critical need to account for aftershocks when assessing the safety and structural integrity of framed structures after a fire event.

Public Perception of Accommodation Structures in the Cultural Landscape: An Exploration of Integration and Significance

Since the end of the communist era in Romania (c. 1989) an economic shift has influenced new construction in the rural parts of the region. New construction faces challenges due to a potential clash between the historic architectural style of the region and the surrounding environment that has been highlighted by the architectural guidebooks from the Romanian Order of Architects. Research surrounding the preference of the region’s inhabitants is limited. A survey was conducted to analyze three main questions and their significance for individuals native to the region and for specialists. This survey addresses how the respondents (1) will define the blending (and the differences between blending and integration), (2) how respondents evaluate the blending of construction styles, and (3) if it is important to pay attention to the visual impact of new construction. These architectural considerations were identified after a literature review illuminated concerns regarding landscape blending disparities due to new construction and where the survey was conducted using a diverse sample population of individuals who were engaged in the study via social media. Respondents were shown images of buildings and asked to rate the blending of these structures with the cultural landscape using a scale from one to five. The survey data were collected and analyzed to determine preferences in each key area. The findings indicate that respondents perceive blending as a valuable tool, with a significant visual impact, favoring positive examples irrespective of their professional background. Notably, there is a substantial preference for positive examples over negative ones regarding color. However, respondents without experience in the field tend to choose negative options more often. Researchers anticipate that these findings could inform the planning process and aid in seamlessly integrating new construction with the traditional and natural elements of the region.

MATERIAL ITEMS IN THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF UKRAINIAN RURAL POPULATION IN ALTAI KRAI IN THE 1910-1960s: TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS

The paper considers material items used in the wedding rituals of Ukrainian rural population of Altai Krai in the 1910-1960s. The items under consideration include bride’s dowry, wedding clothes, and wedding food. As a result, it is revealed that the socio-economic factor had the greatest influence on the process of introducing innovations, which led to the loss of traditional ethnic characteristics. Despite this fact, some traditional elements, such as a wedding wreath, kvitki, and some Ukrainian dishes, retained their presence.

The Movement of Sundanese Karawitan Artist in the Indie Music From the Perspectiv of Music Sociology

This research delves into the attitudes and perspectives of Sundanese karawitan artists toward the indie music movement through the lens of music sociology. Employing qualitative methodologies such as literature review and fieldwork, the study reveals that these artists do not merely act as preservers of cultural heritage but also actively adapt and integrate their traditional music into the indie music scene. As pivotal figures, they engage in collaborations with global elements within the indie world, making substantial contributions to the evolution of indie music. This active participation fosters a unique harmony that mirrors the diverse and dynamic nature of Indonesian culture. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of how Sundanese karawitan artists interact with and influence the indie music scene. Their involvement is not just a preservation of traditional art forms but a dynamic adaptation that enriches both their cultural heritage and the broader indie music movement. By blending traditional and contemporary elements, these artists create innovative music that appeals to a global audience while retaining its cultural roots. Furthermore, this research highlights the significant role of Sundanese karawitan artists in the indie music scene, showcasing their ability to navigate between tradition and modernity. Their contributions reflect a broader trend in the Indonesian music landscape where traditional art forms are not static but are continually evolving and adapting to new contexts and influences. This dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation is crucial for the sustainability and growth of both traditional and indie music genres in Indonesia.

Socio-cultural transformations in modernity and household patterns: a study on local traditions housing and the impact and evolution of vernacular architecture in Yazd, Iran

The study investigates the impact of vernacular architecture in Yazd, Iran, focusing on traditional housing and its influence on the socio-physical aspects of homes. The central challenge lies in balancing cultural heritage preservation with the need for modern housing that promotes environmental sustainability and social well-being. Employing a qualitative approach, the study compares four historical houses to four modern homes in Yazd city. Its novelty lies in highlighting the importance of incorporating traditional elements into new developments. The research offers practical recommendations for achieving compatibility between house form and lifestyle, designing spaces for communication and social contact, and integrating cultural continuity with change. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of considering architectural elements and environmental conditions during residential unit design and planning. The study reveals the negative effects of modernization on residential transformation, particularly in historical areas where rapid construction neglects cultural heritage. It recommends incorporating traditional architectural elements while adapting to current needs to achieve sustainable urban living. This contribution to the discourse on urban development provides nuanced insights into the complex dynamics shaping residential landscapes in the modern era. The study's findings suggest that traditional houses offer essential benefits often missing in modern homes, such as improved well-being, privacy, stability, and a stronger sense of community. This can lead to feelings of alienation, physical discontinuity, and socio-economic inequality in modern developments. The study concludes by recommending a reevaluation of housing dynamics and emphasizes the need for further research comparing traditional and modern houses.