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The spirituality discourse within social work has been developing for several decades, albeit more in the USA than in the states of the EU. Europe or the countries of the EU were characterised as an exceptional case because of their secularity. Social work in Europe is also typically secular. Nevertheless, the spirituality discourse within social work is slowly developing also in Europe. In social services, chaplains, pastoral workers and assistants, and similar professions are often more responsible for spiritual care than social workers. Should social workers approach spiritual issues from the client's point of view or from a theological stance or rather just from the social work perspective? What reasons and arguments can we formulate and express? This text will discuss both these questions and their context as well as the possible answers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing interventions and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires understanding that ASD is a lifelong developmental difference. However, little is known about the unique experiences of autistic young adults, parents, and community providers in the Latino community. The purpose of this study was to improve access to inclusive community based setting by identifying and learning about barriers and needs experienced by young adults, parents, and community providers of autistic individuals across the lifespan, but particularly during the transition to adulthood. Ten community providers, eighteen parents of autistic children, and five young adult self-advocates participated in focus groups. Parents discussed difficulties in accessing services throughout their child's life that made the transition to adulthood difficult. Themes highlighted important cultural values that can influence the transition to adulthood for Latinos and the difficulty in accessing bilingual service providers and services. Parents displayed significant advocacy skills and resourcefulness. We present recommendations shared by young adults, parents, and providers on ways to improve access to services and develop interventions for autistic young adults and parents. The present study has important implications regarding advancing interventions and supports for autistic young adults and their parents in the Latino community by developing culturally adapted services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall objective of this study was to assess the role of wildlife tourism in improving the livelihood of communities in Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA) by focusing on the economic and the socio-cultural roles. Data were obtained through household questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in three study villages. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 and Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed that wildlife tourism operations in the three villages associated with BWMA have generated significant benefits. Several economic and socio-cultural livelihood indicators in the study villages were significantly impacted by wildlife tourism activities. Wildlife tourism appears to have a considerable impact on increasing household incomes, but a relatively lesser impact on reducing agricultural production, which is the economic mainstay for many households in the Babati district. In terms of socio-cultural livelihood indicator, wildlife tourism operation seem to have a significant (x2 = 191.613, df = 8, N = 117 and p < 0.0001) impact in raising the profile and fame of the villages, while having a lesser impact on the erosion of local customs and culture, as most of the villagers continue to uphold their cultural practices. These findings suggest that wildlife tourism in the WMAs can improve people's standard of living and strengthen cultural values. The study recommends full consideration of socio-economic and cultural values of the communities at individual level by the potential stakeholders including policy makers. This will enhance the achievement of sustainable conservation in WMAs and community development through wildlife tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While both the classroom cultural diversity climate and curriculum-based interventions can promote cultural identity development, they have not been studied together. Drawing on theories of ethnic-racial identity development, the current study aimed to understand the dynamic interplay of a curriculum-based intervention (the Identity Project) with the classroom cultural diversity climate (heritage culture and intercultural learning, critical consciousness socialization and equal treatment) on cultural identity exploration and resolution. Our sample included 906 mid-adolescents in Italy (32.36% immigrant descent, Mage (SD) = 15.12 (0.68) years, 51.73% female), and 504 early adolescents in Germany (53.86% immigrant descent, Mage (SD) = 12.82 (0.89) years, 42.37% female). Bayesian multivariate linear models show that the Identity Project and a stronger critical consciousness climate in the classroom before the intervention promoted cultural identity exploration at post-test in both countries. However, effects of the intervention and facets of the diversity climate on subsequent resolution were only observed in Italy. There was some evidence that the intervention could alter the classroom cultural diversity climate in Germany, while the intervention could compensate for a less positive diversity climate in the slightly older sample in Italy. Thus, it seems promising to systematically build in opportunities to engage with students' diverse heritage cultures and identities when developing new curricula, as well as to train teachers to implement such curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The re-engineering of the global economy has generated extensive research into economic growth engines, with entrepreneurship emerging as a key driver. Despite numerous studies, identifying the variables that bolster entrepreneurship remains challenging due to interconnected factors. To fill this gap, this study adopts an integrated model to examine three factors influencing entrepreneurship and its motivation: income level, cultural, and political variables. Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing the Maslow theory of need and robust second-generation econometrics approaches, the study analyzed data from 1990 to 2021 across 15 selected countries. The findings demonstrate that the variables are first difference stationary and exhibit long-term co-integration. Therefore, the pooled mean group regression estimator is used to explore the long-term relationships among the study variables. Findings: The results show that income levels positively and significantly impact entrepreneurship, but at a decreasing rate in high-income regimes, and positively influence cultural values. Cultural values of mastery and autonomy significantly foster entrepreneurship. Government support further reinforces the connection between cultural values of mastery and entrepreneurship. Practical implications: It is recommended that programs be developed to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and provide resources to individuals who demonstrate these values, thus enhancing entrepreneurial activity. Originality/value: The study exposed the heterogeneous impact of income level on entrepreneurship and proposed an integrated model to explore entrepreneurship in emerging countries as prior research often examined these variables in isolation, which has proven insufficient in explaining the discrepancies in entrepreneurial activities among countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a long-lived tree endemic to Africa with economic, ecological, and cultural importance, yet its genomic features are underexplored. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome anchored to 42 chromosomes for A. digitata, alongside draft assemblies for a sibling tree, two trees from distinct locations in Africa, and A. za from Madagascar. The baobab genome is uniquely rich in DNA transposons, which make up 33%, while LTR retrotransposons account for 10%. A. digitata experienced whole genome multiplication (WGM) around 30 million years ago (MYA), followed by a second WGM event 3–11 MYA, likely linked to autotetraploidy. Resequencing of 25 trees identify three subpopulations, with gene flow across West Africa distinct from East Africa. Gene enrichment and fixation index (Fst) analyses show baobab retained multiple circadian, flowering, and light-responsive genes, which likely support longevity through the UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) pathway. In sum, we provide genomic resources and insights for baobab breeding and conservation. Baobab is a long-lived tree that holds great economic, ecological, and cultural value. Here, the authors report haploid chromosome-level reference genome of Adansonia digitata and draft assemblies for a sibling tree, two trees from distinct locations in Africa, and a related species from Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have suggested that leaders' ethical failures at the beginning of the twenty-first century have raised awareness about the importance of ethical leadership (EL). Yet, there has been no systematic effort to evaluate whether this awareness indeed led to changes in EL or how followers react to this leadership style over time. To address this gap, we examine the evolution in EL means, variability, and its associations with follower outcomes between 2004 and 2019. Our cross-temporal meta-analysis included 359 independent samples from 314 studies published between 2005 and 2020 and focused on followers' ratings of their leaders using the Ethical Leadership Scale (ELS; Brown et al., in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 97(2), 117–134, 2005). Using cubic spline meta-regressions, our results indicated no global changes in EL mean levels and variability across the 15-year period. Nevertheless, country-level comparisons revealed different EL-trends in China (i.e. decrease) versus the United States (i.e. stable), and further moderation analyses highlighted the role of cultural value dimensions and national corruption rates. Finally, we also found that the relationship between EL and desirable follower outcomes (e.g. organizational citizenship behavior) became gradually stronger over time on a global level. These results provide a solid empirical basis to evaluate cross-temporal trends in EL and its (changing) impact on follower outcomes across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify factors that affect the health behaviors of married immigrant women and Korean husbands towards their young children. Our cross-sectional descriptive study included 169 married immigrant women and 143 Korean husbands. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression, with SPSS/Win 23.0 software. The significant differences between married immigrant women and Korean husbands included parental health behavior towards young children (t = 4.66, p < 0.001), parenting efficacy (t = 3.73, p < 0.001), intercultural adaptation attitudes (t = 4.94, p < 0.001) and family strength (t = 2.52, p = 0.012). Parental health behavior was significantly positively correlated with parenting efficacy, intercultural adaptation attitudes, and family strength, in both married immigrant women and Korean husbands. A multiple regression analysis showed that the factors affecting parental health behavior in married immigrant women were family strength (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and intercultural adaptation attitudes (β = 0.25, p = 0.002), whereas factors affecting Korean husbands were family strength (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and parenting efficacy (β = 0.19, p = 0.046). Specifically, the factors that most influenced parental health behavior was family strength, for both married immigrant women and Korean husbands. Considering the results of this study, a family-focused approach is necessary to promote parental health behaviors toward young children in multicultural families. Furthermore, intervention strategies should be implemented to support the intercultural adaptation attitudes of parents in multicultural families and improve the parenting of Korean husbands. Highlights: Individual and family factors influencing intercultural couples' health behaviors towards young children should be considered. Family strength was a significant influencing factor on parental health behavior in both parents. For married immigrant women, intercultural adaptation attitudes affected their health-promoting behaviors, but not parenting self-efficacy. For Korean husbands, parenting self-efficacy affected their health-promoting behaviors, but not intercultural adaptation attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient buildings possess significant artistic and cultural value. The digitization of these structures is a crucial aspect of their restoration, providing foundational data for subsequent stress and health analyses. However, creating accurate models of ancient buildings is a challenging endeavor, even for experienced researchers, especially when dealing with a large number of structures. A pressing issue that needs addressing is how to quickly obtain accurate models of ancient buildings while ensuring both precision and efficiency. Currently, one of the more precise methods for reconstructing models of ancient buildings involves the use of scanned point clouds and manual reconstruction through modeling software. However, this method suffers from poor accuracy and low efficiency, making the modeling process complex and time-consuming. In this article, we will refer to the model generated from the point cloud of real components as the "current state model", and the unforced mesh model of the ancient building as the "standard model". An algorithm is proposed to construct the current state model of ancient buildings by guiding the deformation of the unforced standard model using the scanned point cloud model. First, this paper designs an automatic modeling method for ancient building components as the foundational data before deformation, addressing the issue of low modeling efficiency for ancient buildings. Second, it proposes a method for automatically calculating deformation control point pairs based on the characteristics of ancient buildings, solving the problem of manually locating control points. Finally, the proposed adaptive weight Laplacian deformation algorithm is applied to deform the standard model into the current state model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although parental psychological control has been well-documented as a significant predictor of social anxiety among adolescents, few studies examine how changes in parental psychological control and adolescent social anxiety are reciprocally related at the within-person level, especially in Chinese culture. This longitudinal study examined reciprocal relations between parental psychological control and social anxiety, and the potential mediating role of self-concept clarity, by disentangling between- and within-person effects. A total of 4731 students (44.9% girls; Mage = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72) participated in a four-wave longitudinal study with 6-month intervals. Results from random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling indicated that parental psychological control directly predicted social anxiety, and vice versa. Parental psychological control indirectly predicted social anxiety via self-concept clarity, and social anxiety also indirectly predicted parental psychological control via self-concept clarity. These findings reveal a vicious cycle of mutual influence between parental psychological control and adolescent social anxiety in Chinese youth, and highlight the crucial role of self-concept clarity in the interplay between parenting and adolescent social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces the concept of queer family violence, emphasizing the lack of statistical data and understanding of abuse within queer family dynamics. Topics discussed include the exclusion of queer experiences from traditional family violence research, the need for inclusive narratives in understanding violence, and the application of queer theory to enhance analyses of intimate partner violence and family abuse.

Despite increasing interest in country differences and the identification of macro-societal circumstances that shape children's well-being, cross-national comparisons of children's subjective well-being are still rare. This study investigates the effect of family relations on children's life satisfaction in 39 countries from multiple world regions, with the aims of unveiling differences in average life satisfaction, comparing the effect of family relations on life satisfaction and testing the moderating effect of cultural values, emphasizing differences between collectivist and individualistic countries. Single-country regressions and multilevel modelling are used to analyse data from 129,018 children from two-parent families who participated in the first, second or third wave of the International Survey of Children's Lives and Well-Being. The results reveal that average life satisfaction is slightly higher in individualistic societies, but that the association between the Individualism Index and life satisfaction is not linear. Good family relations are shown to improve life satisfaction in all countries, but the effect strength differs considerably. The life satisfaction of children from individualistic countries, compared to that of children from collectivist countries, suffers considerably more from the experience of bad family relations. These findings highlight the necessity of considering children's cultural environment when examining their life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional villages hold significant historical and cultural value as the precious heritage of China's agricultural civilization. Currently, against the backdrop of increasing urbanization and rapid expansion of urban construction land, the spatial patterns of traditional villages across various regions in China are being encroached upon and damaged, with protection pressures growing daily. As one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization, the Lower Yangtze River Basin (LYRB) has traditional villages closely linked with its water systems, forming a unique human-land relationship and spatial distribution pattern. However, influenced by the rapid urbanization process, the spatial patterns of traditional villages in this region also face a crisis, and the contradiction between protection and development is becoming increasingly prominent. How to balance this contradiction and ensure the reasonable protection and sustainable development of traditional villages has become an urgent issue to address. Therefore, this study focuses on the LYRB. Using ArcGIS tools and combined with mathematical analysis methods, the spatial distribution characteristics and essential influencing factors of traditional villages in this area were screened and analyzed. The objective was to examine the spatial structural relationship between traditional villages, four water system types, and nine sub-basin units, intending to reveal the unique interdependence between the water system and traditional villages in this area. This would provide scientific support for the formulation of scientific conservation strategies. The research results show that: (1) Traditional villages in The LYRB form two core clusters spatially and exhibit substantial spatial accumulation; (2) Water system characteristics are the main factors affecting the distribution of traditional villages; (3) In the LYRB, the spatial distribution of the nine sub-basins is closely related to the spatial distribution of traditional villages, resulting in typical regional spatial differentiation of traditional villages in this area. This study is based on a watershed perspective, and the results highlight the importance of the water system network in the development of traditional villages, revealing a unique spatial dependency relationship between traditional villages and the water network in the LYRB. In order to ensure the comprehensive protection of the traditional village system in this region, it is essential to adhere to the fundamental principles that govern its spatial configuration. A tripartite collaborative protection system based on the watershed should be formulated from the perspective of the overall distribution relationship between the water network and the traditional villages. This system would serve to protect the overall landscape, the water network pattern, and the traditional villages. Establishing an overall pattern view of integrating the water system network and the traditional villages is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-construal, defined as the way by which individuals define themselves, is classified into two types: independent self-construal, emphasizing autonomy and uniqueness, and interdependent self-construal, emphasizing connections with others. Largely investigated in cross-cultural contexts, self-construal has been found to be associated with social anxiety symptoms. While Singelis's original Self-Construal Scale (SCS) has been widely used to measure self-construal, extant literature has suggested that the SCS lacks validity evidence, prompting the development of a 10-item with enhanced psychometric properties. This study validated the 10-item SCS in a Korean sample by examining the factor structure, measurement invariance across Korean and U.S. samples, and associations with social anxiety variables. A total of 320 Korean adults and 361 European American adults participated in an online questionnaire. The 10-item SCS exhibited a more stable factor structure than the other versions and held measurement invariance across groups. Lastly, significant associations were found between the SCS and social anxiety variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem gambling (PG) is a public health concern with severe repercussions for the individual, concerned significant others and the society. Foreign borns generally gamble less but are overrepresented among those with PG. Previous research has suggested that other factors, such as socio-economic status, might explain this, but also that cultural factors might play a role in the relationship to gambling and the development of PG. This qualitative study using content analysis investigates the experiences of and opinions about gambling and PG among 12 males living in Sweden with a migrant background in Afghanistan, the Middle East and North Africa. The results were show that the acculturation process could be a factor in developing PG, as well as a cultural values regarding money and wealth. PG was seen as more stigmatized in the origin country, and the family played a more important role in the rehabilitation of PG compared to the general population. The results of this study could be used to inform preventive and clinical programs to better reach people with a migrant background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical social work practice is increasingly informed by theoretical frameworks that attend to social justice. These frameworks include the just practice framework, the structural approach, and critical social theories such as critical race theory, feminist theory, and post structural theory, among others. Moreover, host settings that employ clinical social workers may be both consistent and inconsistent with social justice. Integrating clinical social work and social justice can be a complex process because it requires a clear definition of social justice to guide practice, and knowledge about racial disparities and how attitudes, values and beliefs might influence presenting problems. Consequently, a major competency for the clinical social worker is the ability to assess the influence of social injustice, racial disparities, and attitudes, values and beliefs on presenting problems. Additional competencies include the ability to assess the practice setting to address social injustice and provide clinical interventions, and apply social justice frameworks. Despite the fact that racial disparities exist in mental health and substance abuse treatment and services affecting black and Hispanic populations, limited information is available to guide clinical social workers with integrating social justice interventions. The purpose of this article is to consider the lessons from police social work practice to inform the integration of clinical social work practice and social justice when providing mental health and substance abuse services to black and Hispanic populations. These lessons offer recommendations intended for clinical practice in other host settings that provide services to these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is puzzling that Alain Locke and Ernst Cassirer's philosophies of culture have been little explored. It is my contention that Locke and Cassirer posit a functional logic of value (among other ideas). Both establish the importance of functionality for developing a pluralist understanding of cultural value while also critiquing a lack of social belonging and retreat into mythic consciousness. First, I will present an overview of Locke and Cassirer's functional logic of value, speculating that the two met at the University of Berlin. Perhaps together they embraced freeing value from validity and vice versa, in the manner that Locke eloquently put it: Neither is the valuable necessarily valid, nor is the valid necessarily valuable. Although we have no evidence of such an encounter, it is difficult to believe that the two did not cross paths. Next, I will explore how both develop pluralist philosophies of culture. Notably, how race consciousness and kinship feelings-judgments add to our understanding and formation of the symbolic forms. In the final section, I will apply Locke and Cassirer's functional axiologies to address what I call the darker political myths within the United States' cultural context. Locke and Cassirer's philosophies of functional value work to resist attempts to make one's values into absolute or hegemonic ones. Overcoming closed and authoritative forms of mythic consciousness is a worthy endeavor given their current seductiveness and propensity to destroy rather than create cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to address the mixed evidence in the extant literature regarding the relationship between market competition and accrual earnings management. We explore this relationship in an international context using a sample comprising all listed companies from 32 countries using International Financial Reporting Standards from 2005 to 2022, totaling 34,931 observations. Our study uncovers a positive relationship between market competition and accrual earnings management in weak financial reporting environments, while a negative association is observed in strong financial reporting environments. The inconsistency in prior findings is attributed to variations in numerous factors that constitute the financial reporting environments. In addition, our cross-country analysis highlights that the factor Informal Institutions, encompassing cultural values and social norms, exerts the most significant impact on accrual earnings management under highly competitive pressure. Our main results withstand rigorous testing for endogeneity concerns. Based on our results, we recommend prioritizing the enhancement of cultural values and social norms in countries with weak financial reporting environments, rather than relying on regulatory measures, to curtail accrual earnings management in competitive markets or industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The funerary paintings at Tarquinia, recognized for their extraordinary cultural and artistic importance, reflect the Etruscan aristocracy's outlook on life, funeral rites, and their concept of the afterlife, such as their relationship with nature. Despite their recurrence, a botanical analysis of the painted trees was lacking. Here, we analysed 34 Etruscan-painted tombs, looking at the arboreal plants, studying their characteristic architecture, and providing key elements resulting from abstractions from real features for understanding how different species are represented. The identification was supported by a bibliography of Etruscan iconography and botanical atlas and online databases useful for the comparison with the diagnostic elements present in the represented trees. The results show that myrtles (Myrtus communis) and laurels (Laurus nobilis) were the most commonly depicted arboreal species in the fifth and fourth century BC tombs, respectively. Myrtles were prominent in funerary celebrations due to the plant's Dionysian connection, and laurel was sacred within Apollonian rites. To a lesser extent, we also found palms, with their auspicious symbolism (hybrid forms combining Chamaerops humilis and Phoenix dactylifera), and single occurrences of fig (Ficus carica), and fir (Picea cfr. excelsa). These findings help to better comprehend the role of trees in Etruscan culture, which here seem to contribute to the representation of a sacred space within the funerary tomb, in keeping with the ancient concept of the sacred forests or "nemora". The regular repetition of trees also helps to project sequences of temporal events and the progress of time in human life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding footprint of urban Asian settlements and increasing living standards have put pressure on cemetery sites. Public health narratives and the sanctity associated with death matters in Asian urban landscapes have fed into the rhetoric of cemeteries as undesirable heritage spaces. Often lacking protection, many cemeteries have been exhumed, cleared, and relocated to allow room for new developments and infrastructure, risking the survival of this quiet element of the urban cultural patrimony. Within an Asian context, synergies between nature and cultural heritage preservation are not prevalent in major cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. In light of increasing recognition of urban cemeteries as multi-valued sites with both natural and cultural heritage values, this paper turns to deconstructing the nature–cultural binary and the concept of entanglement to frame an investigation of collaborative interactions. A focused study on Asian urban cemeteries follows, examining existing trends and adapted mix uses and highlighting the region's unique conservation challenges. The analysis reveals three major typologies encapsulating the region's current nature–cultural heritage entangled preservation approaches: sustainable compromises, memories, and everyday sustainability. To conclude, the paper distils respectful alternative futures for these spaces to be better integrated into the modern textures of the cities, unlocking functional recourses to destruction or oblivion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional rondavel building patterns, designs and materials have changed due to urbanisation, economic status, globalisation, and modernisation. There is limited understanding of how the architectural change has impacted the utilisation of rondavel space. This study uses the concept of habitus to understand whether the changing design of traditional rondavels has influenced their utilisation, based on a case study of the Mbhashe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal the habitus of the AmaXhosa people on how they utilise traditional rondavels (family house) for childbirth, placing a deceased's coffin, sleeping, seating, food preparation, serving and storage, keeping the spear, hosting ceremonies, communicating with ancestors, and interacting with the living. While the influence of contemporary architecture has changed the construction of rondavels, the inhabitants have not resisted changes to the architecture or cultural values as they have found different ways to adapt. Certain old dispositions are adaptable to contemporary structures, but some people are uninterested in adapting elements to the contemporary rondavel. Some habits of utilising traditional rondavels cannot be adapted to the contemporary rondavel because of health and medical innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological Culture Villages Towns (GCV(T)s) serve as rich repositories of geological resources, embodying significant historical and cultural values that mirror the dynamic interplay between Earth's evolution and human societies. Despite their importance, the theoretical underpinnings of GCV(T)s have not been thoroughly explored and elucidated. This study explores the relationship between geological culture and societal development, revealing the linkage between geological culture and societal advancement with the aim of promoting a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment. Focusing on 96 GCV(T)s in China, this study employs spatial analytical techniques such as the nearest-neighbor index, kernel density analysis, geographic connectivity, and geographic detector to scrutinize the spatial distribution patterns and identify key influencing factors. The findings reveal that (1) GCV(T)s exhibit uneven distribution, with concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta region, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and Shanxi-Gansu and Ningxia Provinces. (2) These sites tend to be situated in areas characterized by active geological formations, abundant geological relics, higher elevations, gentle topography, and ample rainfall. (3) The establishment and evolution of GCV(T)s are shaped by a complex interplay of geological heritage, natural factors, and human interventions. While the selection and spatial arrangement of these sites are predominantly influenced by geological and natural factors, the innovative development of their geological cultural heritage is driven by humanistic considerations. Overall, the distribution and evolution of GCV(T)s stem from multifaceted interactions among diverse factors. Recognizing this intricate web of influences is crucial for safeguarding geocultural diversity and formulating conservation strategies for geoheritage protection. The development of GCV(T)s transcends mere geoheritage preservation, it embodies a pivotal stride toward safeguarding the varied and multi-dimensional global geoheritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical buildings carry the key technologies and practical values throughout the development of architectural heritage. Investigating the restoration techniques for historical buildings under various forms of damage is an essential step in the conservation and utilization of these structures. Utilizing Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as the primary databases, this study employs the PRISMA methodology to search and screen relevant research literature. A comprehensive review of the retained literature is conducted, analyzing publication trends, co-citation networks of authors and keywords, among other characteristics. To enhance the visibility of restoration techniques, three-dimensional modeling diagrams are created using actual case information of material or component damage as a reference, thereby increasing the referential value of the review content on historical building restoration techniques. The study provides a thorough review of over 30 restoration techniques corresponding to 9 types of damage from the perspectives of historical building walls and wooden components. Additionally, new materials or technologies mentioned in the retrieved literature are categorized; for instance, in the context of moisture-proof treatment for brick masonry, traditional methods are explained, and new research on electrochemical desalination and lipid-based waterproof materials is discussed and evaluated. Finally, given the multifaceted value and the variable mechanisms of damage in historical buildings, an analysis of the restoration process and techniques reveals that the restoration of historical buildings is a complex interdisciplinary process. The development and implementation of restoration plans should adhere to the principles of cultural relic protection to ensure their reasonableness and effectiveness, while also considering sustainability and environmental adaptability to protect and reuse historical buildings, thus leveraging their cultural and historical values. Moreover, the advancement of restoration techniques for historical buildings in the future should be based on the inheritance of traditional craftsmanship and materials, while also integrating new technologies, materials, and concepts to enhance the applicability and efficiency of traditional techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development ensures the longevity of civilization by balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. The present study evaluates cultural heritage assets via a meta-regression analysis function transfer, in which 85 studies were examined that revealed 106 different willingness-to-pay (WTP) values in the period 1995–2022. The meta-regression methodology enables the valuation of cultural heritage—tangible and intangible—goods and services, as well as cultural values (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, symbolic, etc.). The utilization of WTP would enable us to compare the two models (i.e., European and non-European) on how much a citizen would value cultural heritage based on non-market valuation. The results would inform policymakers about the importance of cultural heritage assets in the sustainable development agenda. The empirical findings present that the WTP for the European sample is 37.6€ and for the non-European is 60.12€. In essence, the Europeans are influenced mainly by intangible cultural assets, whereas non-Europeans are influenced by oral tradition. Overall, cultural heritage conservation necessitates for proper economic valuation through a holistic approach, in short—the valuation of both tangible and intangible cultural goods and services is imperative for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating deforestation and ecological degradation, linked to political and economic policies and agendas that endanger the health, well-being, and cultural survival of Indigenous people, present dire threats to the Amazonian biome and its inhabitants. Confronting these challenges necessitates a unified response by local and global partners. We argue for a more pluralistic approach that calls for an equitable footing between Indigenous knowledge and sustainability science. We present a case study of the Cofán community of Zábalo in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where collective efforts to tsampima coiraye (care for the forest) have resulted in dynamic institutions adapted to diverse challenges and opportunities. Tsampima coiraye exemplifies a form of caretaking that is distinct from and complementary to Western conservation and that provides important insights into understanding the context and meanings through which community governance fosters stewardship. We draw upon longitudinal ethnographic fieldwork and the emerging Cofán concept of puifama atesuye (Two-World Knowledge) as an epistemic framework for critical reflection and action based on the multiple knowledges available to Cofán people about caring for the rainforest. This approach highlights the Cofán's rejection of scarcity-driven conservation in favor of fostering abundance and conviviality, reshaping interactions with their environment. We argue that Western conservation could benefit from embracing community-based knowledge that reflect deep collective histories, cultural values, and understandings. Recognizing these perspectives challenges assimilationist conservation discourses and underscores the importance of respecting Indigenous ways of interacting with the environment, which remain distinct and politically significant for the Cofán of Zábalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Eurasian steppes, ancient burial mounds called 'kurgans' are among the most widespread manmade structures. These sacred sites hold cultural values and often provide safe havens for grassland-related plant species. We established links between kurgans' cultural and natural values through a comprehensive multi-layered evaluation of human and landscape history, cultural attributes, and botanical composition on selected mounds in Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. We evaluated factors that can support or endanger the grasslands on kurgans and assessed whether there are synergies or trade-offs between the presence of cultural and natural values. We found that kurgans act as cultural hotspots in transformed landscapes, and we found the following evidence for the synergies between cultural and natural values: i) Extensive land use and management connected to the cultural functions could considerably contribute to the preservation of grassland specialist plants on the mounds. ii) Over the past three centuries, most grasslands we studied were converted to cropland, but the cultural importance of the kurgans could hinder their destruction through ploughing or construction works. However, we also found that built cultural objects decreased the grassland cover area and supported the establishment and spread of several weedy and invasive species. Consequently, to preserve the valuable biocultural systems, it is essential to focus efforts on the maintenance of the already existing traditional cultural functions and not the establishment of new objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique health-related traditions, perceptions, and communication patterns of Ethiopian immigrants are challenging to Israeli healthcare providers who are trained in western medicine. The aim of this review was to conduct a survey of traditions, beliefs, and symptom reporting by Ethiopian immigrants and culturally oriented interventions to improve the care of Ethiopian immigrants. We used the keywords "Ethiopian immigrants Israel" and "Ethiopian Jews." Of 418 articles initially retrieved, 35 satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We described health-related traditions and their possible complications. Possession syndrome was frequently misdiagnosed as a neurological or psychiatric disorder. The medical staff was unfamiliar with these health and illness beliefs, somatization patterns, and the communication style of Ethiopian immigrants. There were successful interventions that involved liaisons from the Ethiopian community and community-based educational activities. Medical professionals working with African immigrants worldwide can use the Israeli experience to develop effective, culturally oriented interventions to optimize the health care for these immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Values-based approaches are among the best practices for management and conservation planning. However, cultural significance assessments (of the attributes and values of cultural heritage) have generally been performed by experts (top-down) instead of including expert and nonexpert communities (top-down and bottom-up). Objectives: This paper presents a multitechnique approach in which different strategies are applied to assess the perceptions of cultural significance held by several actors (users, managers, staff, experts, children, students, virtual community) within the framework of the Keeping It Modern Grant awarded by the Getty Foundation (2020–2023) for the Ocean Swimming Pool (1960–1966) designed by Álvaro Siza in Matosinhos, Portugal. Method: Interviews, surveys, social media analysis, and workshops with children, students, and experts were adopted for the method, and, whenever possible, the 'Imagine Ballarat' Love, Change and Imagine questions were utilised as a resourceful instrument for assessing the significance attributed by multiple stakeholders. Results: Based on the results, stakeholders' opinions and values regarding the heritage site could be compared, which revealed the relationship between the values and the groups of actors, thereby deepening the complexity of heritage sites as National Monuments. Conclusion: By using this integrated perspective, we could define the cultural significance of a modern heritage site through an inclusive methodology while also establishing the grounds for conservation policies within a more broadly participative management of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial cities in Asia and Africa, developed under the dual influence of native and sovereign cultures during the colonial era, exhibit unique urban morphological characteristics and reflect the planning ideologies of diverse cultures. Thus, the morphological study of colonial cities in Asia and Africa is crucial for understanding and identifying the historical and cultural value of these cities, which in turn enables the formulation of precise conservation strategies. In light of this, the study develops an urban morphological analysis methodology comprising "Colonial Background Analysis—Morphological Characteristics Analysis—Driving Factor Extraction" based on the Conzenian Approach, which is used to examine the morphology of 21 typical colonial cities in Asia and Africa across various colonial periods. As a result, "Dual-City" emerges as the core spatial characteristic of colonial cities in Asia and Africa, reflecting the morphological differences in road layouts, urban fabric, and urban cores between native and European zones. Additionally, as native settlement sizes, social structures, and cultural identities differ between cities, three major spatial patterns of the "Dual-City" model can be identified: separated, mediated, and integrated spatial patterns, resulting from the varied planning approaches applied by colonizers. Furthermore, suggestions for the conservation of colonial heritage are proposed based on the driving factors analysis from the morphological study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the postnatal bodily experiences of urban white-collar women intricately relate to the tradition of "doing the month" (DTM). The DTM guidelines serve a dual purpose: they aid women in recuperating from postnatal frailty and act as cultural restrictions that govern women's bodies as bearers of fertility for patrilineal families. This research delves into the postnatal embodied practices of white-collar Chinese women and their articulations of subjectivity during DTM. The findings enrich the theory of embodiment with empirical materials in terms of embodied cultural practice by illustrating how women exhibit embodied subjectivity at the intersections of traditional, modern, and gendered discourses. The findings reveal the affirmative bodily practices of women we interviewed: (i) They astutely employ both beneficial DTM regulations and non-DTM knowledge to support their own body's recovery. They also procure professional services for enhanced recovery. (ii) They express embodied subjectivity during postnatal breastfeeding, which serves as a way to adapt to motherhood. (iii) From the viewpoint of social relations, mothers can devise coping mechanisms to assert agency during interactions with primary family members concerning breastfeeding and infant care. These findings transcend the literature on women's body–self relations and extend to the examination of body–self–family relations from a postfeminist standpoint, thereby enriching embodiment theory by suggesting that cultural values and disciplines shape and inform the expression of subjectivity through the body–mind connection during embodied practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital museums play a crucial role in facilitating users' access to and exploration of digital cultural heritage resources. However, exploring the factors influencing user engagement with these digital museums from a user experience perspective remains essential. This study evaluates the factors driving user continuous behavioral intention towards the digital museum of Beijing's central axis, integrating the new task-technology fit (TTF) and the new unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) models, and introducing perceived enjoyment, design aesthetics, and perceived cultural value as additional variables. Analyzing survey data (n = 377) utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM), the study identifies the following key findings: (1) the task and technology characteristics of digital museums significantly impact the TTF; (2) performance expectancy, effort expectancy, design aesthetics, perceived enjoyment, and perceived cultural value all positively impact user continuous behavioral intention; (3) the technological characteristics of digital museums were observed to positively impact users' effort expectancy; but (4) the TTF and social influence did not have no significant impact the user continuous behavioral intention. These findings offer valuable insights into the factors driving users' continuous behavioral intention to use digital museums of cultural heritage, offering practical guidance for future development and optimization of these digital museums, and highlighting specific implications and suggestions for enhancing the user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic identity, profoundly influenced by familial factors, embodies multifaceted layers; yet, the intricate process of family ethnic socialization warrants deeper exploration. This study focuses on exploring the complexities of ethnic identity formation, specifically within the context of Yi adolescents. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it delves into family ethnic socialization dynamics among Yi adolescents. The research engaged 606 surveyed participants and conducted interviews with 188 individuals in focused group settings in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Quantitative analysis revealed correlations between caregiver-adolescent relationships (CAR) and ethnic identity. Adolescents experiencing ambivalent, positive, or neutral CAR exhibited higher ethnic identity levels than those with negative CAR. Qualitative analysis highlighted two key themes. Firstly, families tended to acculturate love through traditional cultural expectations and socialization, demonstrated through unconscious integration of Yi culture and a focus on individual modernity within family values. Secondly, ethnic identity attainment was observed through self-differentiation, including reflexive awareness of Yi ethnicity, enrichment of Yi identity through peer interactions, and the connection of self-actualization with Yi prosperity. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive support, particularly for social workers, to facilitate reflexive self-differentiation among ethnic minority adolescents during family ethnic socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our ever technologically driven and mediatized society, we face the existential risk of falling into an info-calypse as much as an eco-calypse. To complement the list of values of a progressive culture put forth by Harrison (Natl Interest 60:55–65, 2000) and Vuong (Econ Bus Lett 10(3):284–290, 2021), this short essay proposes cultivating a new cultural value of protecting the infosphere. It argues rewarding practices and products that strengthen the integrity of infosphere as part of the newly emerged corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are highly beneficial for the fight against contaminations of the infosphere, i.e., misinformation, disinformation, damaging contents, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The former Italian concession in Tianjin (1901–1945) has assumed symbolic significance for the modern urban redevelopment of this municipality through experimentation with distinctive practices of conservation management. In 1986, when the Historic Buildings Protection Area was defined, the former Italian concession was identified as a pilot urban conservation project. In 2002, the public company Haihe Construction and Development Investment Ltd. was put in charge of the design and implementation plan for the site, which progressively assumed the semblance of an 'Italian-Style Town'. The distinctive transformation raised significant questions regarding the architectural restyling as well as its specific historical and cultural value. In August 2020, the management of the Italian-Style town was handed over to the Hebei District Government. This coincided with the emergence of a proposal for the creation of a 'Larger Italian-Style Town', that extended beyond the borders of the original Italian concession to include the former Austrian concession and the western section of the ex-Russian concession. The redevelopment strategy for this larger area aimed to create a service-oriented commercial area, presented as an 'urban living room', while showcasing Tianjin as an international metropolis. This article analyses the evolution of the conservation strategy as well as the relevant legislation, management, and practices during the redevelopment of the former Italian concession. The aim of this study is to address the conflict between heritage protection and commercialisation. Thus, this article offers a critique of the trend towards functional replacement and structural adaptation to cater to the tourism industry rather than to the value of the community's livelihood as a living heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of clan paintings reveals a shift in perspective from art aesthetics to cultural connotations to cultural identity, yet literature seldom discusses the relationship between art and kinship culture. Taking the murals of ancestral hall architecture in Guangzhou as an example, this paper utilizes text mining to identify factors influencing its decorative art. It reveals the traditional rites' artistic expression through dimensions of characters' demeanor and the transmission of content values, offering a fresh perspective for heritage value research. Findings: (1) themes and implications are mostly oriented towards positive value transmission, transitioning from idealistic layman life to the realism of lower-class existence, emphasizing humanization; (2) the extroverted portrayal of characters contrasts with the dignified, restrained etiquette of traditional rites, with some characters' portrayal and facial expressions exuding approachability; (3) murals conveying positive emotions are mostly related to longevity, auspiciousness, fortune, and heroic deeds, while those conveying negative emotions mainly involve elderly male figures, reflecting a content bias related to characters; (4) historical allusion murals with complex content reduce the emotional resonance and arousal efficiency of the viewer; (5) incomplete mural content increases negative emotions in perceivers, highlighting the impact of mural preservation on emotional resonance. To delve into the formation of clan painting art, it is essential not only to interpret the diversity of its patterns but also to demonstrate the representation of its social attributes in decorative art. The formation of clan painting decorative art exhibits kinship cultural attributes, epitomizing the essence of traditional ceremonial thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support has long been associated with positive physical, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. However, contextual factors such as subjective social status and an individual's cultural values, heavily influence social support behaviors (e.g., perceive available social support, accept support, seek support, provide support). We sought to determine the current state of social support behaviors and the association between these behaviors, cultural values, and subjective social support across regions of the world. Data from 6,366 participants were collected by collaborators from over 50 worldwide sites (67.4% or n = 4292, assigned female at birth; average age of 30.76). Our results show that individuals cultural values and subjective social status varied across world regions and were differentially associated with social support behaviors. For example, individuals with higher subjective social status were more likely to indicate more perceived and received social support and help-seeking behaviors; they also indicated more provision of social support to others than individuals with lower subjective social status. Further, horizontal, and vertical collectivism were related to higher help-seeking behavior, perceived support, received support, and provision of support, whereas horizontal individualism was associated with less perceived support and less help-seeking and vertical individualism was associated with less perceived and received support, but more help-seeking behavior. However, these effects were not consistently moderated by region. These findings highlight and advance the understanding of how cross-cultural complexities and contextual distinctions influence an individual's perception, processing, and practice of social support embedded in the changing social landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultural values of rural areas play a crucial role in influencing the retention of homesteads, as highlighted in insights gathered from residents engaged in rural tourism. This study aims to explore the relationship between residents' recognition of local cultural values in rural tourism areas and their intention to withdraw from homesteads. Employing quantitative methods, a random sampling technique was utilized to select 722 questionnaires for analysis. Descriptive statistics and SPSS were employed to assess residents' participation in community activities, social interactions, and the building process of public facilities. Findings indicate a negative relationship between residents' recognition of cultural values and homestead withdrawal intention, aligning with consistent withdrawal behavior. Additionally, the extent of residents' participation in community activities and building processes correlated positively with homestead withdrawal. The study contributes novel insights into the intricate dynamics of rural tourism areas, emphasizing the crucial role of cultural values and community engagement in homestead retention. The mean age of participants was determined to be 30 to 60 years, with a standard deviation of variables, providing demographic context. In conclusion, fostering residents' connection to cultural values and promoting active community involvement are key factors in mitigating homestead withdrawal in rural tourism areas. This research not only enhances our understanding of these dynamics but also offers valuable implications for sustainable land resource allocation in such regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the association between Hofstede's cultural values and societal aging indicators. Longevity and birth rate data for 59 countries and regions from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s were used. Multiple regression analyses were conducted, adjusted for the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and gender gaps in higher education and workforce participation. Uncertainty avoidance (UA) was positively associated with the percentage of older adults in all three decades and negatively associated with the total fertility rate in the 1990s. Interactions between UA and GDP were significant for the percentage of female older adults in the 1990s and 2000s, male and female life expectancy, and the total fertility rate in the 1990s. UA was positively associated with life expectancy and negatively associated with the total fertility rate in countries with higher GDP, but not in countries with lower GDP. UA may therefore be a key cultural value for aging societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper describes rates of recent (past six months) adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and examines the association of ACEs with cultural connection and depressive symptoms among Indigenous children aged 10 to 14 (N = 177; mean age = 11.8; 48.3% boys; 44.3% girls; 7.4% another gender identity). Children completed baseline surveys as part of a larger evaluation of a culturally grounded, strengths-focused, family-based program to prevent ACEs. Surveys included an inclusive measure of ACEs developed for the current study, an adapted measure of connection to culture, and the Children's Depression Screener. Results for ACEs indicated that 18.6% of Indigenous children reported none, 37.2% reported one to three, and 44.2% reported four or more in the past six months. Importantly, children who reported no ACEs reported greater cultural connection than children who reported one to three ACEs. Depressive symptoms were higher among children who reported one to three and four or more ACEs compared to children who reported no ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trust in mental health professionals and services profoundly impacts health outcomes. However, understanding trust in mental health professionals, especially in ethnic minority contexts, is lacking. To explore this within the Bedouin-Arab minority, a qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 Bedouins in southern Israel. Participants were primarily female (60%) married (60%), averaging 34.08 years old. Employing grounded theory, three themes emerged. Firstly, concerns about confidentiality were central, eroding trust due to societal repercussions. Secondly, factors influencing confidentiality concerns and distrust were tied to Bedouin-Arab social structures and cultural values rather than professional attributes. Lastly, the consequences of distrust included reduced help-seeking. This study enriches the understanding of trust in mental health professionals among non-Western ethnic minorities, highlighting how cultural factors shape perceptions of mental health services and distrust. Addressing confidentiality worries demands Bedouin mental health professionals to acknowledge hurdles, build community ties, and demonstrate expertise through personal connections and events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We checked whether national cultural differences according to Hofstede dimensions (HD) contribute to differences in life expectancy (LE) irrespective of per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the countries, such as the Russian Federation (RF), where LE is markedly below the general LE-vs.-GDP trend (Preston curve, PC). The sample of 102 countries included those from the lists available at World Bank, Human Mortality Database and Hofstede Insight websites that feature all required data on GDP, LE and HD. Partial Kendall correlations between LE, GDP and five HD scores were calculated for GDP ranges distinguished based on different patterns of LE-vs.-GDP relations. It was found that, among the countries where LE is higher at GDP lower than in RF (Group Q; 37 countries), RF stands at the tops of lists ranged by HD scores for power distance (PD) and uncertainty avoidance (UA). Generally, PD and UA are uncorrelated. In Group Q, the combination of high UA and PD scores is specific for former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia states. Correlations with LE are negative and significant for this combination and for separate UA but not PD scores. UA does not correlate with LE in all countries and in groups where GDP > 30 000 or < 30 000 US$. The main cultural correlates of LE there are long-term orientation (both groups) and individualism (at GDP < 30 000), which do not correlate with LE in Group Q. These observations may be useful for judging about prospects for increasing LE in Q countries by measures limited to economics, administration and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift from the conventional agri-food system to alternative practices is a challenging transition for agricultural producers, yet surprisingly under-studied. Little research has examined the social and cultural processes in rural communities that mobilize producers and construct and sustain producer-driven alternative food networks (AFNs). For AFNs to go beyond just offering "alternative foods" or "alternative networks" and to be constructed as "alternative economies", this transformation in the producer community is indispensable. This paper presents a case study of a rural cooperative in Shanxi, China. The discontent with both productivist agriculture and the social decay in communities motivated a group of women to engage in a decade-long process of social mobilization, cultural reconstruction, and learning by experimentation. Through this, they developed an alternative vision and successfully created a localized alternative socio-economic model, which I call "anti-productivism". It prioritizes ecological sustainability, self-reliance, reciprocity, and cultural values over output maximization, productivity growth, commodity exchange, and monetary gains. This case contrasts sharply with the urban-initiated, consumer-driven AFNs studied in the China literature, which mostly just offered alternative foods but brought little change to the producer community. It shows that the alternative economy must be embedded in an alternative community united by strong social bonds and shared cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major issue in international business is why many International Joint Ventures (IJVs) fail to live up to partners' expectations. Research into why IJVs underperform centres on differences between partners' equity, resources, technical knowledge and cultural values, but seldom internal sensemaking conflicts. We address this research gap: specifically, the sense managers make of their own and their partner managers' perceived performance in relation to strategy practices, and the effects of sensemaking upon collaboration. Some IJV studies examine outright organizational failure, but we focus on a common situation where partner firms' expectations about each other's performance are not met. Our case is a major Sino-New Zealand dairy IJV in a Limbo-like state of severe sensemaking discrepancy. Here, managers struggled to perform strategy effectively in a context of mutual misunderstanding and profound miscommunication, rooted in sensemaking differences. Using a strategy practice lens, we explore how this sensemaking discrepancy arose over organizational identity, learning and experience, strategizing, communication and trust. This eroded meaningful cooperation over strategy, leading to disjointed collaboration: a new concept capturing a state of compromised engagement, where the IJV continued operationally, but collaboration became increasingly difficult. We provide a theoretical framework to help understand sensemaking discrepancy in IJVs, based on a reconceptualization of sensemaking discrepancy in terms of own and others' expected and perceived performance. We also offer essential practice-based insights into cognitive barriers to strategy collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commemorative stamps have a place in the cultural, economic, and geopolitical status of a nation; and what is printed on stamps often reflects a country's culture, regime, and values. Whilst stamps can celebrate monuments, flora and fauna, and points in a nation's history; they are also a source of recognition, celebrating the contribution of key figures and their performance in areas deemed significant to a nation. In this empirical study, we analyse commemorative stamp data in a cross-sectional setting to understand key determinants that shape their provision. The award literature has developed propositions that have not yet been tested empirically. We find evidence that the political process and regime influences the use of postage stamps as a recognition tool and a country's governance, matters. For example, controlling for regime, more corrupt countries are more likely to use stamps to recognize personalities. However, the researchers note that democratic regimes frequently use stamps as a recognition tool. We find that cultural factors and ideologies show substantial heterogeneity in their influence, while factors such as fractionalization or income inequality do not seem to matter. Factors such as personal and impersonal pro-sociality or creativity reduces the utilization of stamps as a recognition tool, while other factors such as market orientation, individualism, or traditionalism encourage the use of stamps to recognize individuals. Overall, we find that some results are consistent with the theoretical propositions while others are not, requiring more empirical evidence and a better understanding of how stamps differ from other recognitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how Confucian cultural values influence the efficacy of classroom leadership styles, which may explain why classes in countries such as South Korea often remain largely teacher-centered. To find out more about Confucian values and correlating preferences for classroom leadership, 57 English as a Foreign Language learners from South Korea were given the Vannsimpco Leadership Survey and a Confucian values survey. Statistical analysis revealed that Korean learners preferred democratic classroom leadership the most. However, learners with strong preferences for traditional Confucian values also preferred autocratic-transformational and democratic-transformational leadership styles. Results appear to suggest that cultural values do indeed influence preferences for classroom leadership. This view is further supported by analysis of Korean students who lived abroad, primarily in non-Confucian countries. These students did not favor autocratic leadership as much as their counterparts, who lived only in South Korea. Overall, findings suggest that an integrated approach to classroom leadership may be needed in Confucian contexts, whereby different styles are tailored to individual needs based on cultural values and personal preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasifika student engagement and achievement remain an ongoing concern in Aotearoa New Zealand with inequitable outcomes a reality. This article opens with a short story about Amosa, a Samoan student, to highlight some of the ways inequitable outcomes can become a reality in educational contexts where curriculum content is disconnected from culture. We offer our introductory conceptualisation of a pedagogy of the heart situated in the field of Pasifika educational outcomes, as a possible response to such disconnection. Conceptualised as the practice of teaching both from and with the heart, a pedagogy of the heart is a culturally-based pedagogy and can be understood as a form of tautua or service. Underpinned by tautua and other key Pasifika values such as alofa (love) and osiosiga (reciprocity), we argue a pedagogy of the heart has the potential to lift Pasifika student engagement and achievement through utilising these values as a catalyst for learning. After addressing the pedagogy's significance and how it might be implemented, we conclude with some reflective questions designed to encourage thinking about the pedagogy in philosophy and practice, while maintaining its adoption will increase opportunities for Pasifika students and their teachers' to thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employees all around the world are affected by the problem of workplace mistreatment. However, little is known about how people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds react to mistreatment. Adopting an ego-depletion theory, the current study aimed to investigate how a supervisors' mistreatment leads to next-morning instigated incivility against supervisors via increased subordinates' self-regulatory resource depletion between Chinese and Pakistani employees. A snowball technique was employed to collect data, involving 90 Chinese and 95 Pakistani employees across 2 work weeks. Measurement invariance analysis revealed that both groups were significantly different in experiencing workplace mistreatment and its outcome. Findings from multigroup path analysis revealed that Chinese employees showed a greater positive direct effect of supervisors' mistreatment on subordinates' instigated incivility against supervisors via subordinates' resource depletion as compared to Pakistanis. Additionally, the positive relationship between supervisors' mistreatment and the subordinates' resource depletion was mitigated by a higher level of trait mindfulness. Furthermore, the positive association between the subordinates' resource depletion and instigated incivility was also buffered by a higher level of trait mindfulness. These effects were also stronger in Chinese than in Pakistani employees. It was concluded by the study that employees' cultural values may either render them more or less vulnerable to the effects of workplace rudeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops and tests a new conceptual model incorporating the indirect impact of two ethical ideologies (idealism and relativism) on Chinese consumers' ethical judgments under four ethically problematic consumption situations (active benefit, passive benefit, deceptive practice, and no/indirect harm) through two cultural values (integration and moral discipline). Data from a large-scale online consumer survey in five major Chinese cities (N = 1046) support most hypotheses. The findings are consistent with the postulated global impact of ethical ideology on forming an individual's beliefs and values and highlight the importance of a thorough understanding of the significant determinants of consumer ethics to promote ethically responsible consumption behaviors. This study also uses an emic approach to conceptualize and measure Chinese cultural values by using cultural constructs and measures that are designed explicitly in the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on determining the suitability of servant-teacher leadership as a leadership approach for instructional purposes. The study specifically looks at how servant leadership affects followers' cognitive learning by considering the mediating role of follower psychological empowerment. Using a stratified random sampling technique, data was collected through a questionnaire from seven hundred graduates from various HEC-recognized universities. The results of the study show that servant teaching significantly improves students' cognitive learning and sense of empowerment. Additionally, the study found that psychological empowerment mediates the link between follower cognitive learning and servant leadership. The findings of this study provide new insight to instructors seeking to develop a learning environment that fosters students' learning outcomes. However, it is also important to consider how to ensure students' commitment and that they are being challenged. Future research may explore the impact of cultural values on students' behavior toward servant teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regions of East Asia, as well as South Asia and the Middle East are rich in cultural heritage of grottoes where a large number of Buddhist niches exist. Three-dimensional (3D) semantic modelling enriches 3D geometric models with an understanding of the historical and cultural value of cultural heritage, facilitating interoperability and analysis beyond mere visualization. 3D models with semantic information act as essential digital infrastructure for heritage management, knowledge dissemination and simulation analysis in cultural heritage. However, due to the lack of standardized data model for the grotto domain, it is difficult to exchange information, share knowledge and the advancement of spatial analysis and simulation. In order to fill the above-mentioned gap, this study develops a data model for niches as a CityGML Application Domain Extension (ADE) based on the CityGML 3.0 standard. In this ADE, niche components and their attributes are defined on two semantic levels, i.e., niche structural component and niche component member. A famous niche in China belonging to the World Heritage was selected as a case study to demonstrate the integration of geometries, semantics and attributes, illustrating that the extended ADE module complies with the CityGML 3.0 standard. This study provides novel insights into the 3D semantic modelling of niches as well as expands the applications scope of CityGML standard within the cultural heritage sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]