THE CULTURE OF COMMUNICATIVE PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH IN POLAND, ARMENIA AND RUSSIA FOR THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT: RESEARCH RESULTS

The subject of the study is the impact of the development of information and communication technologies, the digitalization of social space on the culture of social participation of young people in post-communist countries (Poland, Armenia and the Russian Federation). The central concept of the implemented research is that today's youth, who have ample opportunities for social participation in the development of the territory of their residence, are poorly included in these processes due to the uneven formation of a culture of information participation. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the results of a sociological study of student youth in Poland, Armenia and Russia, the national specificity in the formation of a culture of information participation of students in the development of cities is shown, general factors determining the level of this participation are identified. Based on the results of the study, the authors proposed a classification of the levels of youth participation in the information promotion of their city: zero, elementary, advanced and professional

Having Lost for Fear of Losing: Culture, Individual Interests and the Negative Spiral of the Italian Case

Horizon Research Publishing CorporationThe present contribution stands as a wider sociological reflection of some empirical evidence resulting from a national research project entitled "Federalism, Local Autonomy and Quality of Democracy". In an attempt to understand the reasons for the substantial halt of the federal reform process in Italy, analysis of content of 60 interviews given by privileged witnesses of the administrative and local political system emphasized some cultural traits which played a seminal role. Above all, it has been detect the persistence of a ruling-classes political culture geared toward a "private" or group-oriented dimension of interest more than in accordance with public and collective aims, which creates a network of relationships between politics, society and the economy. This network is oriented to the defence of what has been achieved thanks to familistic (or neo-feudalist) mechanisms of interaction. By looking at the picture that emerges within a wider constructivist theoretical framework, it is possible to understand the Italian lack of engagement towards the bandwagon formed by countries that have managed to gain an advantage through the phenomena of globalization in terms of growth, competitiveness, development and democratization of decision-making processes in their political systems (by implementing, for example, inclusive decision-making practices supported by the use of new technologies of information and communication). The aim of the contribution is therefore a reflection on the Italian identity and political culture and their weight in shifting the impact of globalization from a potential added value for both national and local development to the virtual present loss of competitiveness of the whole system

Acceptance and Usage of Electronic Health Record Systems in Small Medical Practices

One of the objectives of the U.S. government has been the development of a nationwide health information infrastructure, including adoption and use of an electronic health records (EHR) system. However, a 2008 survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics indicated a 41.5% usage of the EHR system by physicians in office-based practices. The purpose of this study was to explore opinions and beliefs on the barriers to the diffusion of an ERH system using Q-methodology. Specifically, the research questions examined the subjectivity in the patterns of perspectives at the preadoption stage of the nonusers and at the postadoption stage of the users of an EHR system to facilitate effective diffusion. Data were collected by self-referred rank ordering of opinions on such barriers and facilitators. The results suggested that the postadoption barriers of time, change in work processes, and organizational factors were critical. Although the time barrier was common, barriers of organizational culture and change in work processes differed among typologies of perspectives at the postadoption stage. Preadoption barriers of finance, organizational culture, time, technology, and autonomy were critical. The typologies of perspectives diverged on critical barriers at the preadoptive stage. A customized solution of an in-house system and training is recommended for perspectives dealing with technical and organizational concerns and a web-based system for perspectives concerned with barriers of finance, technology, and organization. The social impact of tailoring solutions to personal viewpoints would result in the increased sharing of quality medical information for meaningful decision making

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Investigation Of Teachers’ Perspectives Towards Integrating Culture Into Chinese-As-Aforeign-Language (Cfl) Curricula And Instruction In American High Schools

The importance of integrating culture into foreign language teaching and learning has been acknowledged in the U.S. by the National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project and foreign language professionals. However, it remains challenging for Chinese-as-a-Foreign-Language (CFL) teachers to embrace this concept thoroughly and implement it effectively in their CFL classes. The study explores six CFL teachers’ perceptions and experiences towards culture and language integration into their CFL curricula and instruction in American high schools. This study aims to describe the overall landscape of culture-language integration in the CFL discipline in American high schools by revealing the essential knowledge of CFL curriculum and pedagogy; the difficulties in developing a culture-language integrated curriculum; the processes CFL teachers use to respond to the difficulties; and the experiences, relationships, structures, and/or resources shaping CFL teachers’ practices of integrating culture into CFL curriculum and instruction. The researcher adopted the hermeneutic phenomenological approach to probe the research questions and utilized questionnaires and in-depth interviews to collect data. The data analysis revealed a gap between recognizing the significance of integrating culture in CFL courses and implementing this integration in the CFL curricula and instruction among the participants. The participants appealed for support in academic knowledge of cultural teaching, and for social and cultural capital to fulfill culture-language integration in the CFL classes in American high schools. The findings underscore pedagogies and techniques the participants used to integrate culture into CFL curriculum and course instruction, including cultural comparison, contextualization, and project-based methods. Compared with the academic factors which impact the Chinese teachers’ integration of culture into the CFL curricula and instruction, the research found that structural and cultural factors played a much more fundamental role in determining Chinese teachers’ choices and dedication to integrating culture into the CFL class in America. These findings might shed light on comprehending what contextual influences were narrated by CFL teachers as influencing their choices and implementation of culture-language integration in CFL classes in American schools. Study findings provide useful information to educators in the area of CFL instruction in particular and, more generally, the teaching of world languages

‘The Pinocchio Effect’ – when managing the brand creation process, across cultures

In global marketing and international management, the fields of Branding and Culture are well discussed as separate disciplines; within both academia and industry. However, there appears to be limited supporting literature, examining brands and culture as a collective discipline. In addition, environmental factors such as ethnicity, nationality and religion are also seen to play a significant role. This in itself adds to the challenges encountered, by those looking to critically apply learning and frameworks, to any information gathered. In the first instance, this paper tries to bring aspects together from Branding and Culture and in doing so, aims to find linkages between the two. The main purpose of this paper is to distil current brand thinking and explore what impact cross-cultural, cross-national, and ethnic interactions have on a brand’s creation. The position of the authors is that without further understanding in this field, a brand will experience what has been termed by them as the ‘Pinocchio Effect’. Pinocchio was a puppet who longed to become a real human being; but sadly encountered difficulties. The conclusion presented is that the critical long-term success of a brand lies in three areas: how it is created; the subsequent associated perceptions; and more specifically in the reality of the relationships that it enjoys. Collectively these processes necessitate an appraisal of connecting strategic management procedures and thinking. Finally, this paper looks into proposing future methods for brand evaluation and strategic management. The aim is to stimulate further thinking in a field; which transcends national, ethnic and cultural boundaries - in the interests of developing new insight, and to provide a platform for marketers to develop more effective communications

The impact of national culture on knowledge management processes in the context of an economic transition to a knowledge-based economy: the case of Qatar.

In recent years, a global movement towards a knowledge-based economy through the provision of adequate and appropriate infrastructure and development programs for leveraging the potential of human capital has started. There has been tremendous cognitive development in the developed countries including the Arab countries, but in the developing countries, things are still slowly progressing towards a level of knowledge capture, creation, and dissemination that will allow them to rise to the level of developed countries. The central administration derived from the authoritative patriarchal structure of the Arab society significantly affects the motives of their qualified workforce in their quest to utilize their knowledge for the desired development towards a knowledge society. The research investigates the influence of national culture on the progress of knowledge economy four pillars ranked by World Bank Knowledge Economy index, education, information and communication technology infrastructure, innovation, and adequacy of supporting institutional framework. The research adopts Nonaka & Takeuchi's SECI knowledge management model to study the impact of national culture upon knowledge acquisition, transfer, creation, and dissemination as facilitated through Nonaka and Takeuchi's (1995) cyclical knowledge management model by People, Process, and Technology. Furthermore, the research introduces a conceptual framework and detailed analytical framework illustrating relationships and mapping governing principles to the research aim and objective. The research keeps a specific focus on the influence of Qatar's national culture on the knowledge management process prevalent in the country as the research aims to explore elements that may affect Qatar's transition towards a knowledge-based economy. The research surveys a sample of Qatari nationals community to profiles Qatar National culture, interviews a sample of Qatari professionals to investigate the impact of cultural dimensions on knowledge management process, and validate the concluded analysis by identifying Qatar's ranking in relevant Knowledge Economy global indexes. The research assert the possible influence of national culture on knowledge conversion processes as critical to the success of country's economic transition to knowledge economy

Utilising the Clinical Excellence Commission’s Performance Indicators for Quality Use of Medicines

Like other aspects of health care, Quality Use of Medicine (QUM) can be considered in terms of structures, processes and outcomes. These components of QUM can be measured with performance indicators. This poster describes the Clinical Excellence Commissions (CEC) new performance indicators and their use in a warfarin practice improvement project. Aim: - To measure performance indicators in order to; Comprehensively audit warfarin therapy. - Benchmarking current practices. - Identify opportunities for practice improvement. - Measure practice change\u3e Method: Auditing structures, processes, and outcomes requires different tools and methods. For this project, the following tools were utilised; - The CEC Medication Safety Self Assessment for Antithrombotic Therapy in Australian Hospitals tool (MSSA-AT) was selected to provide qualitative data on hospital structure, culture, systems, policies, procedures and activities. - The CEC and NSW TAG Indicators for Quality Use of Medicines in Australian Hospitals were used to review processes. These indicators provided quantitative data regarding the impact and effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures. Indicators from Australia Council of Health Care Standards (ACHS) provided quantitative data related to patient outcomes. Results: Together, the tools provided a comprehensive evaluation of warfarin therapy at St Vincents Private Hospital. The MSSA-AT provided a baseline measure of performance, a benchmark of practices, and numerous areas for practice improvement. The CEC’s process indicators provided a picture of current practices. This data, when benchmarked, identified strengths and opportunities and the ongoing measurement of these indicators will provide ongoing evidence of practice change. The ACHS outcomes date provided evidence that, although room for improvement, outcomes remained comparable with national data. Conclusion: Using performance indicators enabled a comprehensive review of clinical practice by providing information from a variety of sources about different aspects of therapy. This information can then facilitate the practice improvement process

The Role of the Practice of Excellence Strategies in Education to Achieve Sustainable Competitive Advantage to Institutions of Higher Education-Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Al-Azhar University in Gaza a Model

This study aims to look at the role of the practice of excellence strategies in education in achieving sustainable competitive advantage for the Higher educational institutions of the faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, a model, and the study considered the competitive advantage of educational institutions stems from the impact on the level of each student, employee, and the institution. The study was based on the premise that the development of strategies for excellence in education, and its implementation is a vital important prerequisite to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in higher educational institutions. The study followed a systematic exploratory descriptive methodology through review of the theoretical literature, and the adoption of the experience of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Al-Azhar University in Gaza as a model for its unique experience in the field of excellence in education. The study results showed that the most important are: There is a strong correlation between the level of exercising excellence strategies in education and the achievement of higher educational institutions to the sustainable competitive advantage. The results include a general required number of important sub results on the subject of the model - Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Al-Azhar University in Gaza as follows: - The student considered the academic focus of the operation in the development process of the workers’ skills, particularly academics at the university helps to distinguish students and increase the employment rate after graduation. - The existence of consistency in development efforts and quality improvement for all three levels (student, employee, and the university), and this contributes to the Faculty excellence. - The Faculty has been able to achieve competitive advantages by offering excellent services without harming the efficiency, and this alone is a great success because improving service properties requires great investments, which negatively affect the continued institutional development. The study also reached a set of recommendations as follows: - The need to exercise excellence strategies in education, excellence reward at the national level, and those higher educational institutions follow the criteria for measuring the competitive advantages of its institutions always. - There is a need to increase efforts to implement programs of excellence, the allocation of adequate time, reward outstanding efforts as well. There is a necessity for each faculty to achieve competitive advantage and sustainability, using the general philosophies of competitive advantage, but with a different strategically content from what is in the private commercial sector, it reflects the Faculties mission and objectives, depending on making improvements and excellence in processes that ensure the safety of its outputs. As well as the need to find a balance between the work of teaching and research work of the faculty members, this has important implications regarding the criteria used in the process of excellence evaluation. The study recommended the adoption of strategies for excellence in education on a national public policy level mainly in the processes of change in higher education institutions. The need to support the existence of a common understanding of the efforts of excellence to create a general culture that appreciates excellence in faculties and universities. This underlines the need for transparent, fair rewards systems, to encourage innovation in education. The need to conduct a comprehensive surveys on the graduates of faculties and universities including the areas of employment and skills, because that will give accurate indications of the graduates and will help to establish a link to a more precise about the relationship of excellence strategies with the competitive advantages

Ambivalence of the Image of Fire in the Belarusian National Culture

The relevance of this study is due to the current state of the information space associated with the rapid development of globalization processes. Under these conditions, traditional Belarusian culture may finally lose its identity, which will subsequently inevitably lead to the dissolution or complete loss of its unique mental traits. The article is devoted to the analysis of the mythological ideas of Belarusians, the peculiarities of their life, traditional holidays and rituals using fire as an important sacred element of the Belarusian national culture. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that fire is perceived by Belarusians as an element of ambivalent nature. Moreover, in their minds, fire is often presented as a phenomenon that has a positive effect on their way of life. Also in Belarusian traditions and rituals there is an inextricable connection between the cult of fire and the cult of ancestors. The author argues that at the present stage, the symbolism of fire plays an important role in the formation of a positive attitude towards the cultural heritage of Belarus. The “participation” of fire in the preservation and development of Belarusian national traditions has a positive impact on the formation of value orientations of society, including the younger generation

From Ingsoc to Skynet it is not only science fiction: From novels and science fiction to quasi-reality

The contribution will provide an overview on the following side effects of tangible and intangible impact of cyber technologies with specific focus on the oversupply of information (info-obesity), resulting in its devaluation and loss of trust to professional media; monopolization in the field of communication, information and digital technologies (mainstream communication, freedom of speech); the transformation of the Internet from a space for the free exchange of ideas into a tool for supervision and management (the betrayal of IT revolution) , with Internet companies turning into digital giants, moving from digital platforms to digital ecosystems and annexing not only cyberspace, but also real sector industries (monopoly and dominant position); the massive decrease in the level of critical thinking and the emergence of waves of information epidemics of national and global levels (mainstream communication, limited contraposition, fake fake-news); post-truth in its heyday, with public perception shaped more by means of addressing feelings and personal opinion rather than actual facts, with fakes, clickbaits, hypes and other tools introduced to form post-reality in the political and media culture; changing the system of values – with the new normal (semantic shifts, etc), new ethics putting personal free will and freedom of choice under question; traditional cultural regulators of social relations (covid 19 example) and processes being displaced by automated social algorithms (increasing role of algorithms and ML); blurring the borders between the real and the digital world, wide spread of simplified virtual mock-ups and simulacra; mass collection of data for managing people's behaviour (evaporation of privacy, data protection), formation of an appropriate economic imperative to direct the development for business, society and states; increasing the level of conflict in society (between individuals and groups – haters, discrimination) and between states (XXI Century warfare, soft concerns)