Cultural Variations Research Articles

O-019 Outcomes and correlations between traditional Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) method and a new AI-enhanced system

Abstract Study question In the context of ICSI, how does the Sperm Tracer Deep Neural Network analysis compare to the embryologist’s sperm selection technique? Summary answer Sperm Tracer AI system significantly improves fertilization rates, offering a standardized, objective approach to sperm selection, but nuanced correlations highlight complexities in sperm parameters. What is known already Traditional sperm selection during ICSI relies on subjective, manual methods, introducing variability and affecting pregnancy success. In response, AI applications, aim to enhance objectivity, potentially improving pregnancy rates. Study design, size, duration Between September and December 2023, the study examined 26 fresh ICSI cycles in a total of 268 sibling oocytes. Men aged 18 years and above with 34.4 mean women’s age. The Sperm Tracer group underwent single embryo culture, while the Embryologists' group underwent group embryo culture. The study analyzes statistical differences in fertilization rates, day 3 and day 5 embryo development. The study duration aligns with the analyzed cycles. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study compared real-time AI-assisted sperm evaluation with the Sperm Tracer system to the traditional ICSI method by embryologists. Correlation analysis was performed for the following kinematic parameters: Amplitude of Lateral Head displacement (ALH), Dance (DNC), Linearity (LIN), Straightness (STR), Wobble (WOB), Curvilinear Velocity (VCL), Linear Velocity (VSL) and Average Path Velocity (VAP). Statistical analysis involved Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals, Mann-Whitney U tests and correlation analyses by Pearson’s coefficient. Main results and the role of chance The Sperm Tracer system exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in fertilization rates (OR: 0.46, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) [0.23, 0.89], p = 0.0224) but no significant differences in cleavage stages, blastocyst formation, or the production of good-quality embryos compared to conventional methods. For correlation analysis used two groups of sperm population. Group A comprises spermatozoa subjected to ICSI with the Sperm Tracer system, resulting in unsuccessful oocyte fertilization and Group B consists of spermatozoa that achieved successful fertilization. In Group A, correlation analysis identified significant negative associations between DNC and linear parameters (LIN, STR, WOB) (p < 0.001), highlighting the clinical relevance in sperm motility. Group B displayed a distinct negative correlation between DNC and LIN (p = 0.03941), indicating potential effects on sperm linear velocity. LIN in Group A exhibited strong negative correlations with WOB (p = 0.0001), moderate negative correlations with STR (p = 0.0028), and VCL (p = 0.0773). Moreover, ALH analysis in Group A unveiled robust negative correlations with LIN, STR, and WOB, suggesting clinical significance in sperm motility. These intricate findings underscore the Sperm Tracer system's primary advantage in optimizing fertilization rates, offering valuable insights for refining sperm selection strategies in assisted reproduction. Limitations, reasons for caution The study faces limitations due to a small sample, impacting generalizability. Divergence in culture embryo strategies introduces bias, necessitating validation in larger studies. The system includes morphology analysis, but no data analysis has been conducted. Exploring the correlation between morphology, considering embryo culture variations, and motility could provide valuable insights. Wider implications of the findings This study highlights AI applications like Sperm Tracer, showcasing their potential to improve assisted reproduction outcomes. Recognizing AI's impact on IVF success is vital for adoption. Integrating AI into clinic protocols may boost IVF efficiency, requiring training for embryologists to ensure effective utilization. Trial registration number Not applicable

An educational approach to develop intercultural nursing care for refugees from Ukraine: A qualitative study.

To describe how nurses and nursing students in Poland and the United States perceive the practice of intercultural care of refugees from Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian citizens sought safety in other countries when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Nurses in Poland and the United States are positioned to provide nursing care for refugees from Ukraine yet lack intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet refugee needs. This education-focused qualitative description study was conducted in Spring 2023. Eighteen MSN and BSN students from one university in Poland and one university in the United States completed an international virtual exchange course that concentrated on the health and well-being of refugees from Ukraine. Students' reflection papers generated the data for this study. Content analysis was used to systematically structure the data, and themes were inductively derived for an initial understanding of intercultural care for refugees. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting study findings. Major themes were troubled communication, overlooked trauma-informed care, and compromised vaccine status. Language differences, a gap in nursing knowledge, and cultural variations impeded intercultural care. To address intercultural care for refugees from Ukraine, macro- and microlevel factors should be considered. Healthcare facilities need certified interpreters or adequate language-access technology for nurses. Nursing programs might evaluate content on trauma-informed care and cultural competency to meet the needs of war-affected refugees. Leaders from Ukrainian refugee communities could partner with nurses to deliver culturally relevant information to increase vaccine uptake. Nurses should advocate for inclusion of the WHO competency standards of care for refugees in healthcare policies with emphasis on communication and evidence-informed practice. Placing Ukrainian community leaders on health councils could bridge the gap between refugees and mainstream society.

Is it personal or is it social? The interaction of knowledge domain and statistical evidence in U.S. and Chinese preschoolers' social generalizations.

Children make inferences about the social world by observing human actions. However, human actions can be ambiguous: They can be sources of information about personal, idiosyncratic characteristics of individuals or socially shared knowledge. In two cross-cultural studies (N = 420; Mage = 4.05 years, SD = 0.77, 47% female), we ask if U.S. and Chinese children's inferences about whether an action is personal or social vary by domain, statistical evidence, and culture. We did this with a generalization method: Preschoolers learn about one agent's actions and then are asked what they think a new agent will do. Low rates of generalization suggest children inferred something unique to an individual, while high rates suggest that children inferred that the action represented socially shared knowledge. In a mixed between- and within-participant design, children observed agents demonstrate sequences of statistically random (or nonrandom, between participants) actions that were verbally framed as relevant to a particular domain (agent's personal preferences, labels, object functions, or game rules). We found that children's social generalizations about actions were on a continuum: with linguistic conventions (e.g., labels) being the most social, preferences being the most personal, and nonlinguistic conventions (i.e., object functions, game rules) falling somewhere in between. Furthermore, the influence of statistical evidence and cultural variation varied for each domain. These findings highlight how children combine knowledge and evidence to infer social meaning from actions and have implications for rational constructivist accounts of cultural learning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Education Based On Religious Moderation In The Qur'an

The increasingly complex diversity of society, encompassing variations in religion, tribe, culture, ethnicity, groups, and organizations, if not based on a deep-rooted understanding of religious moderation, can lead to disputes, egoism, intolerance, discrimination, and extremism, making differences seem problematic. Islam teaches that differences are a blessing from Allah Swt. The objectives of this paper are twofold: first, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of education based on religious moderation; and second, to conduct studies to understand and apply the concept of education based on religious moderation in the study of the Qur'an. This research employs library research methods or literature studies, with data collection carried out in several stages, ranging from collecting references to analyzing them. The study focuses specifically on the concept of religious moderation-based education in the Qur'an. The results reveal several key Qur'anic verses that underpin this concept: QS al-Baqarah / 2:143 emphasizes the prohibition of discriminating between people; QS al-Mulk / 67:3 highlights the importance of maintaining the balance of natural phenomena; QS ash-Sham / 91:7-9 discusses moral values; QS al-Hujurat / 49:13 addresses issues of nation and state; QS Luqman / 31:19 promotes moderation in conduct; QS an-Nisa / 4:58 underscores justice; and QS al-Kafirun / 109:1-6 supports the freedom of religion. The study concludes that the concept of moderation-based education in the Qur'an is well-supported by various verses. These findings imply that integrating cultural education based on local wisdom with religious moderation can help individuals appreciate culture as a form of respect rather than a deviation from religious teachings. The author recommends further research on this integrated approach to enhance the understanding and application of religious moderation in diverse societies.

Exploring Critical Success Factors that Influence Tourism Success: a Qualitative Study in the Context of Diverse Tourism Destinations

Tourism is an important industry that has a huge impact on the economy. This economic impact comes from the spending of tourists who visit a tourism destination. Therefore, tourism destinations must make the necessary arrangements to effectively receive and maximize this economic opportunity. An important step in understanding and effectively managing the tourism industry is to identify the critical aspects that contribute to its success. Examining critical success factors in various tourism destinations, taking into account geographic, cultural, and economic variations, is essential to understanding the intricacies of the tourism sector as a whole. This research utilizes a qualitative research methodology, namely content analysis, which includes conducting a literature review and using triangulation. The purpose of this study was to identify the key factors that influence the success of the tourism industry in the context of diverse tourism destinations. The research findings show that various key factors significantly influence the success of various tourism destinations. These factors are uniqueness of location, attractiveness of tourist attractions, ease of access, government support, local community involvement, availability of facilities and infrastructure, quality of human resources, effectiveness of marketing and promotion efforts, and tourist motivation. Within the realm of green tourism, these findings underscore the imperative of incorporating sustainable practices into each of these elements. This includes advocating for environmentally friendly modes of transportation, endorsing local environmentally conscious enterprises, and ensuring that tourism development amplifies rather than exploits natural and cultural resources. This integration will not only adhere to the ideals of sustainable tourism but also have the ability to boost the economic advantages of the tourism industry by attracting environmentally aware travelers.

Pathways to Leadership: A Cross-cultural Analysis of Women Leaders in Pakistan and United States

This study investigates the experiences of women in leadership roles within higher education institutions in Pakistan and the United States. The main aim is to understand how women describe their experiences in attaining, advancing, and maintaining leadership positions in higher education. It contributes to theoretical understandings of women's leadership and highlighting unique challenges and opportunities in different cultural contexts. This study employs Mezirow's (2003) Critical Reflection Theory as a theoretical framework to guide participants' retrospective storytelling process. Through qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of interview transcripts, the study explores how women navigate their journeys to leadership positions and the challenges they encounter. Despite cultural variations, female leaders in both countries face comparable obstacles such as gender bias and limited training opportunities. To empower these leaders, policies should prioritize formal leadership training, address workplace bias, and support work-life balance initiatives. Policy implications include the implementation of formal leadership training programs, addressing unconscious bias, and supporting family-friendly policies to empower female leaders. Advocacy for legislative measures promoting gender equality in leadership positions is crucial for creating supportive policy environments globally. Keywords: Cross culture, work life balance, leadership, gender gap, networking, and mentorship

Barriers and enablers of digital extension services’ adoption among smallholder farmers: the case of Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam

ABSTRACT Digital Extension Services (DES) could help smallholder farmers access science-based information to boost agricultural output and resource efficiency. Gaining insight into the factors influencing farmers' use of digital extension services was essential for executing behaviour change. A total of 937 farmers from Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam were chosen as the sample for the study. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework by utilising a structural equation model. The findings showed a range of concerns pertaining to farmers' attitudes and actions regarding the use of digital extension services. Subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, and farmers' perceived usefulness had a favourable and significant impact on the uptake of digital extension services. Research has shown that both perceived risks and household wealth have a favourable impact on adoption rates. However, it is important to note that barriers and enablers differ throughout the three nations in Southeast Asia due to variations in culture, customs, norms, and socioeconomic factors. The paper presents a strategy to enhance farmers' engagement in DES technology by enhancing digital infrastructure, facilitating farmer access to hardware devices through government subsidies or private sector assistance, ensuring equitable access for women and youth, and organising additional training for key stakeholders.

Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review.

The objective of the scoping review was to explore the evidence and describe what is known about perinatal bereavement care guidelines provided within health care facilities prior to discharge. Additionally, the review sought to identify what is known about parents' mental health outcomes, and map these outcomes to the characteristics of the bereavement care guidelines. Perinatal loss poses a serious risk of emotional trauma and mental health sequelae. Conflicting evidence for international bereavement care guidelines and inconsistent implementation, a lack of experimental studies, and older syntheses with a limited focus or population made synthesis complex. Therefore, a scoping review was undertaken to determine the breadth and depth of the existing literature on this topic. Sources pertaining to bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately after perinatal loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death) and parents' mental health outcomes were included. Sources pertaining to family members other than parents, perinatal loss occurring outside of a health care facility, and physical care guidelines were excluded. The review was conducted using JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The team considered quantitative and qualitative studies, practice guidelines, case reports, expert opinions, systematic reviews, professional organization websites, and gray literature. CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), SocINDEX (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library, JBI Evidence-based Practice Database (Ovid), Embase, PubMed (NLM), ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I (ProQuest), Web of Science Core Collection, and Epistemonikos were the major databases searched. OpenGrey, Google Scholar, and organizational websites were also searched. The earliest empirical study publication found (1976) served as the starting date limit. After pilot-testing the screening process, data were extracted, collated, and presented in narrative form as well as in tables and figures. The search was first conducted in September and October 2021, and an updated search was performed on February 9, 2023. The results provide a broad view of bereavement care guidelines to support grieving parents' mental health. The included sources (n = 195) were comprised of 28 syntheses, 96 primary studies, and 71 literature review/text and opinion. From the studies that specified the number of participants, 33,834 participants were included. Key characteristics of bereavement care guidelines were categorized as i) making meaning/memories, ii) good communication, iii) shared decision-making, iv) effective emotional and social support, and v) organizational response. Parents' reported mental health outcomes included both negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, anger, and helplessness, and positive outcomes, including coping, healing, recovery, and well-being. Conceptually the characteristics of published guidelines are fairly consistent across settings, with cultural variations in specific components of the guidelines. Despite the exponential increase in research pertaining to bereavement care after perinatal loss, there is a gap in research pertaining to certain characteristics of bereavement care guidelines accepted as best practice to support parents' mental health outcomes. This review provides support for future research given the trauma and mental health risks following perinatal loss. Policies ensuring consistent and appropriate implementation of bereavement care guidelines are essential to improve parents' mental health outcomes.

Association of Social Support and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Completion Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Patients.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is presently the most evidence-based, effective treatment of obesity. Nevertheless, only half of the eligible individuals who are referred for this procedure complete it. This study aims to investigate the association between social support and MBS completion, considering race and ethnicity. In this prospective cohort study, 413 participants were enrolled between 2019 and 2022. Using the 19-item Brief Family Relationship Scale, which comprises three subscales (eight-item Cohesion subscale, four-item Expressiveness subscale, and seven-item Conflict subscale), the quality of family relationship functioning was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between MBS completion and social support status, adjusting for variables including race, ethnicity, age, gender, body mass index, and insurance. The mean age of the sample was 47.55 years (SD 11.57), with 87% of the participants being female and 39% non-Hispanic White. Nearly 35% of participants (n = 145) completed MBS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed overall cohesion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.15-2.00]; p = .003) and overall expressiveness (aOR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.22-2.05]; p < .001) were associated with higher odds of pursuing MBS. There was no significant interaction between overall cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, and race/ethnicity (p = .61, p = .63, p = .25, respectively). The findings indicated that there is a link between family-based social support and MBS completion, regardless of race and ethnicity. Future research should continue to explore the complex interplay between family dynamics and MBS outcomes, considering cultural variations to enhance the effectiveness of obesity interventions within diverse communities.

Exploring the Ideal of Breast Beauty: A Morphometric Analysis Based on the Opinions of the Brazilian Population.

Background The quest to identify parameters deemed optimal for breast aesthetics holds paramount significance in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The definition of ideal breast beauty, however, is subject to cultural variations and diverse standards, necessitating a detailed understanding. Objective This study delves into the perspectives of the Brazilian population regarding the aesthetics of the female breast. Methods A selection of images portraying variations in the distribution of upper and lower pole ratios across four distinct proportion models (35:65, 45:55, 50:50, and 55:45) was presented to participants. Through a meticulously crafted questionnaire administered via Google Forms, respondents were tasked with identifying the images they deemed most beautiful and attractive. Comprehensive demographic data of the study participants were gathered and subsequently correlated with their group-specific opinions. Results A total of 3744 questionnaire responses were collected 228 of which were from plastic surgeons/residents. The average age was 35years, with 55.3% being women. Notably, breasts featuring a ratio of 45:55 emerged as the consensus choice for the epitome of beauty, garnering preference from 73% of the general population, 68% of women, 78% of men, and an equal 78% of plastic surgeons. This preference was consistent across all regions of the country. Conclusion Breasts with a ratio of 45:55 were universally deemed the most aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, breasts with a 50:50 ratio of breast tissue emerged as the next preferred choice. These insights contribute valuable perspectives on aesthetic considerations in breast surgery within the unique cultural context of Brazil.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Psychosocial Developmental Phases of Death (Mortality) Awareness: What Educational Therapists should know when working with Terminally Ill Clients

This conceptual paper explores death and dying (mortality) from scientific, philosophical, and psychosocial perspectives, emphasizing its multidimensionality. Scientifically, death signifies the cessation of biological functions, while philosophically, it marks the end of conscious experience. Psychosocially, death encompasses emotional, cultural, and social dimensions, shaped by beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Educational therapists play a crucial role in navigating the psychosocial aspects of death, providing support and guidance to individuals and families coping with loss and grief. Across cultures, diverse rites and rituals as well as mourning practices aid in navigating its challenges. Focusing on death awareness from a psychosocial standpoint, this paper highlights its profound psychological implications, especially within the Eriksonian developmental theory, which is the main focus of this paper. The author has also suggested that future research could integrate interdisciplinary approaches to gain a holistic understanding of death, examining biological, philosophical, and psychosocial intersections. Practical applications could include enhancing palliative care, bereavement support, and mental health interventions, with educational therapists playing a pivotal role in these palliative endeavors. Studying cultural variations in approaching death or mortality could deepen our appreciation of human experiences. Longitudinal studies could track the evolution of individuals’ attitudes towards death and its impact on well-being. Overall, further research on death and dying, with the involvement of educational therapists, can help to enrich our current comprehension of death’s implications for humanity.

Validating the caregiving experiences questionnaire (CEQ) in a Turkish setting: Understanding attachment and parental care in diverse contexts

Despite the universal significance of secure attachments, differences exist in parental responses to children’s signals of need across cultures. While much research has focused on Western countries, there is a growing recognition of the need to explore cultural variations in parental ideologies and caregiving practices. However, limited assessment tools exist for evaluating caregiving experiences, particularly in non-Western contexts. This present design study aims to explore the Turkish validity of the Caregiving Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), specifically tailored to assess the self-reported caregiving experiences of parents with young children within the attachment system. The Turkish-CEQ was administered to 339 Turkish mothers with children attending preschools. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was employed to assess the congruence of the Turkish data. The results showed that the CEQ is a relevant construct in Turkish culture. The CEQ successfully adapted to Turkish, resulting in a questionnaire comprising 34 items organized into four factors namely maintaining warm parental bond, suffering from separation concerns, struggling with parenting challenges, and imposing emotional parentification on the child. The internal consistency of each factor demonstrates satisfactory reliability, with Cronbach Alpha coefficients ranging between 0.71 and 0.80. Finally, we assessed the criterion validity of the CEQ by examining its relationships with the Parental Burnout Assessment and Parenting Stress Scale. The results support the criterion validity of the Turkish-CEQ. The study provides Turkish researchers with a new instrument for assessing caregiving experiences and paves the way for future cross-cultural studies on caregiving experiences among parents from diverse backgrounds in Turkey.

Avoiding Rejection or Seeking Harmony: The Underlying Motivation to Social Tune for Collectivists

The current work examined why collectivists engage in more chronic social tuning: to seek harmony or to avoid rejection. In Study 1, 159 Asian participants self-reported being more motivated to avoid rejection in a situation involving social tuning. In Study 2, 190 Asian participants engaged in social tuning to a classmate’s perceived views more when primed to avoid rejection than seek harmony. While study 3 found that 192 American participants reported avoiding rejection in social tuning situations, Study 4, showed that 206 American participants did not engage in social tuning when primed to avoid rejection. Collectivists will social tune and reduce prejudice when motivated to avoid rejection. This warrants future attention to cultural variation in other social tuning domains.

Stages of relief development in the area of the paleolithic site of Ushbulak (East Kazakhstan)

The study was carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation № 21-78-10146 “Upper Paleolithic mosaic — cultural and technological variability of stone industries in the foothill zones of northern Central Asia in the second half of the Late Pleistocene” (field work and absolute dating), geomorphological studies were carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University (121040100323-5 and 121051100135-0), Paleogeographic studies are supported by the state assignment of the IG RAS (FMWS-2024-0005).

The evolution of musicality and cross-domain co-evolutionary interactions

The evolution of human musicality has often been linked to the evolution of the faculty of language since the development of musical and linguistic abilities seems to share a common phase in their ontogenesis. Apart from that, both singing and speaking are, on the one hand, universal forms of human vocal expression and, on the other hand, consist of culturally specific elements. Such a probable co-occurrence of the predisposition to speak and sing, with the cultural variability of both these forms of communication, has prompted researchers to indicate gene–culture co-evolution as the probable mechanism responsible for the emergence of human musicality and the faculty of language. However, in most evolutionary scenarios proposed so far, the evolutionary paths of music and language followed independently after divergence from a common precursor. This article, based on observations of contemporary interactions between language and music, presents a different view in which musical and language-like forms of proto-communication interacted leading to the repurposing of some of their neural mechanisms. In this process, the Baldwinian interplay between plasticity and canalization has been proposed as the most probable evolutionary mechanism that shaped our musicality. The premises that support the presence of cross-domain co-evolutionary interactions in the contemporary communicative niche of Homo sapiens are indicated.

Famine and Childhood: Ottoman Children’s Experiences during the Famine of 1873-1875

This article explores the unique experiences of children who lived in a famine-affected region of Central Anatolia between 1873 and 1875. The deplorable conditions forced some children to consume inappropriate foods, be traded for bread, be abandoned during migration, or be subjected to exploitation and domestic servitude. The article emphasizes the contrast between child-rearing practices and the concept of childhood in the Central Anatolian region and urban areas of the period. This challenges the prevailing emphasis in previous studies that have primarily examined urban children during the period of peace. Emphasizing the famine of 1873–1875, the research underscores that the concept of childhood and the material culture developed and adopted by urban families of the period under the effect of modernization were not observed in Central Anatolia. Thus, it is suggested that examining childhood in the Ottoman Empire necessitates a periodical and regional methodology that considers the socioeconomic and cultural variations that influenced the experiences of children in various regions and eras. In addition, the article delves into the Ottoman government’s response to the famine. The article addresses these issues by comprehensively examining Ottoman archival sources, periodicals and gazettes, together with contemporary accounts and reports from the famine period.

Cross-Cultural Examination of Problematic Internet Use and Associated Psychological Variables: A Comparative Study in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru.

Background: Several studies focused on the escalating prevalence of Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) and its consequential impact on mental health globally. This study investigates the relationship between PUI and associated psychological variables across different cultural contexts in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. Method: A total of 675 participants, aged 18 to 54 (M = 22.73; SD = 4.05), completed measures assessing Internet addiction, social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Phubbing. Results: Significant cultural variations were found, with Italian participants showing higher levels of Internet addiction but lower levels of social media addiction compared to other countries. Fear of Missing Out was higher in Italy, while the Italian sample exhibited lower Internet Gaming Disorder levels compared to Peru. As regards the communication disturbance caused by Phubbing, the Italian sample demonstrated significantly higher scores than the Peruvian sample. Linear regression analyses revealed distinct predictors for problematic Internet use in each country, emphasizing the importance of considering the cultural context in understanding this phenomenon. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of cultural factors, psychological variables, and problematic Internet use, guiding future research and interventions.

Factors Affecting Share Traders' Investment Decisions: Investigating the Psychological, Social, and Economic Factors That Influence Share Traders' Investment Choices and Risk Tolerance

Deep Dive into Share Trader Decision-Making: A Psychological, Social, and Economic Exploration This research delves into the intricate world of share trader decision-making, specifically focusing on the interplay between psychology, social dynamics, and economic factors. It aims to shed light on how these multifaceted influences shape investment choices and risk tolerance, particularly among the burgeoning generation of young adult traders (Gen Z).  Beyond Rationality: the Behavioral Dimension Investment decisions are often depicted as exercises in cold, calculated logic. However, the field of behavioral finance challenges this notion, highlighting the significant role of psychological biases. This study builds upon this established knowledge by exploring how these psychological factors, along with social and economic considerations, converge to influence trading decisions and risk tolerance within the Gen Z demographic.  Methodology: Unveiling the Underlying Factors To gather valuable insights, the study will employ a survey methodology utilizing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Disseminated through social media platforms, the survey aims to capture data from a broad range of participants. The primary target audience will be Gen Z respondents (aged 18-21), with a subset of participants from older generations included for comparative analysis. The questionnaire will be meticulously crafted to assess psychological factors (e.g., overconfidence, fear of missing out), social influences (e.g., peer pressure, online communities), economic considerations (e.g., market trends, interest rates), and risk tolerance.  Hypotheses: A Framework for Understanding The study proposes a set of four core hypotheses to guide the investigation:  Psychological Influence: Psychological factors, such as overconfidence or anchoring bias, significantly impact share traders' investment decisions.  Social Dynamics in Play: Social factors, including group dynamics and the influence of online communities, exert a substantial influence on share traders' decisions.  Economic Considerations as a Guidepost: Economic factors, encompassing market trends, interest rates, and company performance, provide valuable guidance for share traders' decision-making processes.  The Moderating Effect of Initial Trades: Initial trade decisions act as a moderator, influencing the relationship between the aforementioned factors and an individual's risk tolerance.  Data Analysis: Unveiling the Relationships The collected data will be meticulously analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) software like SPSS AMOS. This powerful technique allows researchers to delve deeper by evaluating:  Confirmatory Factor Analysis: This analysis technique assesses the strength and validity of the relationships between the observed variables (survey questions) and the underlying latent variables (psychological factors, social factors, etc.). It essentially confirms that the survey questions are effectively capturing the intended constructs.  Path Coefficients: Path coefficients quantify the direct effects of each factor (psychological, social, economic) on risk tolerance. Additionally, the analysis will explore whether initial trade decisions moderate these effects, meaning they influence the strength of the relationship between the factors and risk tolerance.  Expected Outcomes: Illuminating the Path Forward This research aspires to achieve the following key outcomes:Demystifying Decision-Making: Identify the relative influence of psychological, social, and economic factors on Gen Z share traders' decisions.  Understanding Risk Tolerance: Elucidate how these factors interact and contribute to the development of risk tolerance among young adult investors.  Empowering Traders: Equip individual traders with valuable insights to bolster their decision-making processes and risk management strategies.  Informing Financial Literacy: Provide insights for policymakers and educators to design financial literacy programs and regulations that cater to the specific needs and preferences of young adult investors.  Acknowledging Limitations: A Call for Further Exploration The study acknowledges inherent limitations, such as the potential for self-reported bias in survey responses. Additionally, the initial focus on a specific age group (Gen Z) within a limited geographical area (India) necessitates further research to explore potential cultural and demographic variations in financial decision-making. This research serves as a springboard for future investigations, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the nuanced interplay between psychological, social, and economic factors in shaping financial decision-making across diverse demographics and cultural contexts.

Who Is Your Biggest Critic? Cultural Variation in Moral Judgments of the Self and Others

People are motivated to punish others who commit immoral actions when they believe the person willingly committed such an act. Compared with European American individuals, East Asian individuals are more punitive of wrongdoings, yet are less likely to attribute actions to the person. Here, we drew on research in cultural psychology to test the prediction that Chinese individuals are more punitive in part because they are more self-critical than European American individuals. This prediction would imply that cultural differences in punishment are most pronounced in judgments of oneself (vs. others) and largely driven by a difference in self-enhancement motives. To test this prediction, we conducted two studies, where 1,563 participants imagined immoral (vs. moral) actions performed by themselves or others. We then measured self-enhancement (how much participants perceived the immoral act impacts self-esteem) and attributions (how much participants perceived the immoral act is due to the person). As predicted, Chinese individuals punished immoral behavior more than European American individuals, which was explained by Chinese individuals being less self-enhancing, as indicated by a greater perception that immoral actions will negatively impact their self-esteem. Dispositional attributions predicted punishment regardless of culture. This work highlights how cultural differences in self-enhancement are key to understanding moral judgments and their cultural variation.

The choice of probiotics affects the rheological, structural, and sensory attributes of lupin-oat-based yoghurt

Plant-based yoghurt (PBY) presents an alternative for vegetarians, flexitarians, and individuals with dairy allergies. However, how the bacterial (culture) variations can impact the properties are not yet well investigated. This study aims to investigate the physicochemical attributes, encompassing texture, rheological properties, microstructure, and sensory characteristics, of yoghurt formulated with a lupin-oat base as affected by the addition of commercial probiotics including Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. casei 431 (Lactobacillus paracasei), Lactobacillus plantarum, BB12 (Bifidobacterium sps) during storage at 4 °C for 28-day. Significantly, lupin-oat yoghurt fermented with a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium species exhibited rapid metabolic activity, leading to a notable reduction in fermentation time compared to other probiotic strains. Furthermore, this combination conferred similar water-holding capacity, firmness, and consistency with dairy yoghurt (control). Different probiotic strains induced variations in particle size and led to shear-thinning behaviour across all yoghurt samples. Over the refrigerated storage, a decline in apparent viscosity was observed and lupin-oat yoghurt exhibited greater rigidity compared to dairy yoghurt. Changes in the yoghurt microstructure during storage, notably the presence of increased serum pores were associated with its functional attributes. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy revealed distinctive microstructural features in yoghurt fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium species compared to other probiotic combinations. Notably, this combination garnered higher sensory ratings for appearance, taste, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability, positioning it as a suitable dairy yoghurt alternative. These findings provide insights into enhancing the structural and sensory attributes of lupin-oat-based yoghurt.