Community Practice Research Articles

Creation, Preservation and Documentation of Oral Tradition in Ancient Yorùbá and Hebraic Cultures

Oral tradition in both ancient Yoruba and Hebraic cultures has remained challenging in contemporary times. This study therefore comparatively examines the creation, preservation, and documentation of oral tradition in ancient Yoruba and Hebraic cultures with the view to evaluating its transition and historical trajectory. Historical narrative and documentary/archival research methods as well as Key Informant Interview (KII) employed in this study. Data was generated and subjected to content analysis. In Yoruba cosmology, oral traditions created were more concretized in the minds of people through cultural activities demonstrated in the form of moonlight stories, folktales, festivals, and so on that portrayed the community norms, beliefs, practices, and morals. These cultural practices become immortalized through repeated performances over a period and these cultures are being celebrated even to date. On the other hand, the Hebraic people believe that the oral tradition was a creation of God for man and that these traditions passed down orally in successive patterns from one generation to another prior to their documentation. Regarding, the preservation and documentation of oral tradition in ancient Yoruba, it is believed that it is passed from mouth to mouth and through stories from one lineage to another. However, for the Hebraic people, the oral traditions preserved before their documentation as observed in the Hebrew Scriptures as well as seen in the written “Torah” (the first five books of the Old Testament). Consequently, the Hebraic oral traditions preserved through memorization, documented first in the Mishnah and some other ancient documents. Preserved in stories that illustrated the model of a sage who was in the order of Moses and was called the “rabbi”. The influence of globalization, misinterpretation and migration on Yoruba oral traditions remains challenging. This is not an exemption even with the Hebraic oral traditions though written.

The Democratic Paradoxes in Music Education: Proposing “What Ifs”

This article examines paradoxes in music education, focusing on tensions between inclusivity, democratization, and the traditional concept of “excellence.” Drawing on theories from Maxine Greene and recent research on democratic education, I explore strategies to bridge the divide between formal and informal learning, institutional music education, and diverse community practices. Through co-construction of knowledge, real-life connections, and pluralism, I advocate for a reimagined, inclusive approach that respects students’ sociocultural contexts. Ultimately, this article challenges educators to ask, “What if. . .?” as a means to unlock new possibilities and create a more inclusive and contextually relevant approach to music education.

The Impact of Language Revitalization Efforts on Indigenous Cultural Practices: A Case Study of the Tahltan, Cherokee, and Lakota Nations

Historically (and currently) Indigenous languages have been suppressed and marginalized within society, inspiring declining levels of language usage and L1 and L2 speakers. It can be argued that these declining levels of speakership have impacted the tangible and intangible elements of Indigenous cultural practices. Although Indigenous peoples have faced punishment for using their languages, the reclamation or revitalization of Indigenous languages can lead to the recovery of cultural knowledge and, in the process, help heal the trauma caused by colonization. This article seeks to address the impact language revitalization efforts can have on maintaining the cultural practices of Indigenous communities by examining three case studies of ongoing revitalization efforts: the Tahltan Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Lakota Nation. Moreover, a theoretical analysis will be conducted following the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis of linguistic relativity and linguistic determinism. A review of these practical and theoretical examples demonstrates that the language we speak can shape our thinking patterns as well as how we are predisposed to view the world.

Soil ecosystem services valuation in a priority terrestrial region for biodiversity conservation in Mexico, from ecological economics and the local community perspective

Soils, often perceived as merely the surface layer of Earth, play a crucial role as the foundation for terrestrial life and are deeply integrated into the worldviews, livelihoods and cultural practices of communities in Mexico. Mexican soils and the ecosystem services that provide are essential for food security and ecological resilience, especially amidst environmental challenges like climate change, desertification and biodiversity loss. Their conservation, restoration and sustainable management are essential to maintain the country's natural environment and to ensure the integral wellbeing of its inhabitants. This study evaluates the ecosystem services provided by soils in a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Mexico, adopting an approach that merges ecological economics perspectives with local community views. By understanding how residents of this region value their soils, this research highlights the ecological and economical significance of soils and their intrinsic cultural and social value within communities that have coexisted with these ecosystems for generations.

Influence of Digital Management on the School Improvement at Beijing Normal University

The adoption of digital management in educational settings, specifically at Beijing Normal University (BNU), reflects the ongoing transformation of academic environments through technology. This study explores the comprehensive impact of digital management practices on school improvement. Specifically, the study aims to investigate the influence of six dimensions of digital management, including school visions, school leadership, pedagogical practices, teaching community practices, school-level knowledge practices, and digital resources, on school improvement at Beijing Normal University. Employing a quantitative research methodology, this study utilizes correlation and regression analyses to assess the impact of digital management practices on school improvement. Data were collected via structured surveys from a sample of 351 teachers at BNU. The findings indicate significant positive correlations and effects across all digital management dimensions on school improvement, with school-level knowledge practices and pedagogical practices showing higher substantial influence. This study contributes to the understanding of digital management’s pivotal role in enhancing educational quality and administrative efficiency in higher education settings. It offers a validated framework for other institutions aiming to leverage technology for comprehensive school improvement

Breadth and Depth of Patient and Caregiver Supportive Services in Community Oncology (WF-1803CD).

Providing supportive services to patients and their caregivers is essential to quality cancer care, yet the depth, availability, and infrastructure underlying these services remains unknown in community practice. We assessed these factors among practices within the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) to guide priorities for comprehensive supportive service(s) development and inform implementation of evidence-based interventions in clinical practice. Supportive care leaders at NCORP practices completed online surveys regarding availability of services to patients and caregivers within seven domains, service infrastructure (e.g., staffing, technology), and implementation recommendations for caregiver-specific services. Primary outcomes were the proportion of practices offering at least one service in each domain to both populations and the proportion offering caregiver training/education. Of the 103 participating practice groups, only 15.5% offered at least one service in each domain to both populations; 21.4% offered caregiver training/education. Psychological (83.5%) and spiritual/religious (75.7%) services were most widely available to both; health promotion (28.2%) services were least available to both. Services offered were largely available on-site with dedicated staff; caregiver-specific services were nearly always off-site and typically self-pay. Practices most often used the patient health portal to communicate with patients and caregivers (54.4%). Only 28.9% provided bilingual staff for services. Social workers (35.7%) and navigators (34.7%) were recommended to support caregiver services. To meet national recommendations for supportive service provision, practices should invest in caregiver education/training programs, expand health promotion programs, and increase interpretation services. Future interventions should leverage existing resources (e.g., recommended staff, patient portal).

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Public Perceptions of Water Quality in Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia

The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of water and assess the public perception of the water quality status in the Tasik Chini watershed based on a community survey. The water sample was analyzed based on standard methods and categorized according to WQI (Water Quality Index). Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to find spatial variations in water quality, determining the pollution level and sources of contamination. The study results were compared with NWQS (National Water Quality Standard for Malaysia). The results showed that the value of dissolved oxygen (DO) was low (4.68 mg.L-1), while the level of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) was found to be high, 2.92 mg.L-1, 26.10 mg.L-1 and 22.93 mg.L-1 respectively. High turbidity was recorded in a mining area in the rainy season (35.76 NTU). The DOE-WQI value categorized the lake under class II and class III. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the major sources of contamination were due to anthropogenic activities, especially settlement, mining, agriculture, and illegal activities. Overall, Tasik Chini’s water quality status was classified as slightly polluted to highly polluted based on hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) results. The survey showed that 55% of the local community reported that the water quality was poor. The knowledge and attitude level of the local people was medium category, while community practice was low. The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a strong significant relationship at 0.01 level between knowledge and attitude and knowledge and practices. The scientific findings with public perceptions might be useful for policymakers and the general public to improve the management system for a desirable future.

Strategi Upaya Mitigasi Bencana Kebakaran Hutan di Kalimantan Barat Berbasis Kebiasaan Setempat

Title: Strategy for Mitigating Forest Fire Disasters in West Kalimantan Based on Local Customs Forest and land fires (karhutla) are annual disasters in West Kalimantan. Forest and land fires are caused by two factors, namely natural factors and human factors. At the same time, the Dayak community practices land clearing by burning forests. This study aims to identify strategies carried out by the Dayak Tribe in efforts to mitigate forest fire disasters based on local customs. The research method used is a descriptive approach with a disaster adaptation theory framework based on local beliefs to prove the hypothesis. The study results indicate that the Dayak community has anticipated the karhutla disaster during land clearing with disaster mitigation strategies based on local customs.

The Strategy and Effectiveness of Baitul Maal wa Tamwil in Eradicating Loan Shark Practices in Java and Sumatra

This study aims to analyze the role of Baitul Maal wa Tamwil (BMT) as an Islamic microfinance institution in eliminating loan shark practices in communities, particularly in Java and Sumatra. Loan shark practices persist due to the ease and speed of loan disbursement, despite the high interest rates that entrap small communities in difficult-to-escape debt cycles. BMT offers a fair and interest-free Islamic financing solution based on profit-sharing principles and a more inclusive approach. This study discusses BMT’s financing strategies, such as lenient requirements, fast processing, and financial education programs designed to compete with loan sharks. The main findings indicate that BMT plays a significant role in providing fairer financing access to small communities and helping reduce their dependence on loan sharks. However, this study also reveals several challenges BMT faces, such as limited capital, strict regulations, and low financial literacy among the public. These challenges hinder BMT's ability to effectively compete with loan sharks in terms of speed and accessibility. The results of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening BMT’s capital, developing human resources, and innovating Islamic financing products so that BMT can play a more prominent role in eradicating loan shark practices in the community. With the right strategy and support from various stakeholders, BMT has great potential to continue growing as a more equitable and empowering financing solution.

Development of High-Quality Organic Fertilizer from Biomass Waste and the Application of Biochar in Local Areas of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand

This study investigates the production of high-quality organic fertilizers from biomass waste in the Ban Wa Yai community of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices amidst challenges such as soil degradation and reliance on chemical fertilizers. The primary objective was to develop organic fertilizers that enhance soil health and support plant growth while utilizing locally sourced biomass materials, including cow and buffalo manure, finely ground fermented leaf scraps, and weed debris. A fermentation process lasting 15 to 30 days was used, integrating biochar to improve nutrient profiles and microbial activity. Results showed optimal pH levels of 8.04 after 15 days and 7.94 after 30 days of fermentation, beneficial for addressing the region’s acidic soil conditions (pH 4.67 - 5.38). The germination index (GI) was notably high at 129 ± 1.86 after 30 days, indicating effective growth promotion potential. Analytical assessments confirmed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in the organic fertilizers met or exceeded organic standards, supporting plant nutrition and fostering healthy microbial ecosystems. The organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) content were approximately 40 - 60 % higher than commercial alternatives, enhancing soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Additionally, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels improved the nutrient profile, with Ca slightly exceeding standard limits, which helps ameliorate soil acidity. Economic analysis indicated a 40 % reduction in fertilizer costs for local farmers, promoting a shift towards organic practices. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the sufficiency economy philosophy in fostering sustainable agriculture practices within the Ban Wa Yai community. By utilizing local resources and transitioning from chemical fertilizers to high-quality organic fertilizers, the community enhances agricultural productivity while promoting economic independence and resilience. Such initiatives exemplify the potential for integrating traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to ensure a sustainable future. HIGHLIGHTS The study developed high-quality organic fertilizers from local biomass waste, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Ban Wa Yai community. Fermentation resulted in optimal pH and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), surpassing commercial fertilizer standards and improving soil health. Transitioning to organic fertilizers led to a 40 % cost reduction for farmers, promoting self-reliance and aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

A Preaching that Forms a Practical Faith Community through a Change in the Pathos of the Congregation : Focusing on Abraham Heschel’s Theory

A Preaching that Forms a Practical Faith Community through a Change in the Pathos of the Congregation : Focusing on Abraham Heschel’s Theory

The rhetoric of ideological transgression: History and psychological language in the archives of the Securitate

This paper presents a discursive and sociocultural approach to the rhetoric of ideological transgression in the archives of the Securitate (the infamous Romanian communist secret police) during the Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej (1948–65) and Nicolae Ceaușescu (1965–89) periods. First, we explore Securitate’s discursive practices of defining and responding to ideological transgression and antagonism. We examine the case of two suspected legionaries (Constantin Vaman and Petru Mureșan) to illustrate how the Securitate chose to catalogue and describe those it considered prototypical ideological antagonists. We look at the language and categories used in Securitate files, surveillance operative reports, and instructional manuals to describe people the communist state deemed ‘enemies of the state.’ The first part of the paper offers a brief historical overview of the Securitate and its role in quelling opposition and dissent. We then highlight the contribution of discursive psychology to the analysis of discursive practices of a professional community in the service of state power as a cultural form of communication. Finally, we show how psychological language is strategically mobilized to define a particular class of ideologically transgressive behavior in Securitate’s surveillance apparatus.

Caring leadership practices in Chilean educational communities: Perceptions of school principals and teachers

Caring leadership practices in Chilean educational communities: Perceptions of school principals and teachers

Developing and validating a knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire regarding dengue among secondary schoolchildren in Malaysia

IntroductionDengue is a viral disease borne by mosquitoes that infects humans that is a significant public health concern and socio-economic burden globally, especially in countries in the tropics and subtropics. Health education and community participation are the most powerful prevention strategies. Assessing local community knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on dengue is essential for targeted interventions, as enhancing KAP helps communities recognize risks, adopt preventive attitudes, and implement effective measures to reduce dengue transmission. This study developed and validated a questionnaire on dengue KAP among secondary schoolchildren. Questionnaires serve as essential tools in research, allowing for standardized measurement of knowledge, attitudes, and practices, which supports accurate data collection and meaningful analysis.MethodsThe development and evaluation process (structure and content) involved consultations with eight experts including public health medicine specialists, medical officers, behavioural insights officer, academician, and entomologist, to ensure the relevance and comprehensiveness of the questionnaires. A QDengue-KAP questionnaire was administered to 30 secondary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The online questionnaire was self-administered, closed-ended, distributed anonymously, and participation was voluntary.ResultsThe final questionnaire comprised four sections and 50 items after the initial version had undergone a rigorous evaluation to ensure its reliability and validity. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) values exceeded the minimum requirement and indicated that all items met the minimum standards for content validity. Compared to the initial version, the final version of the questionnaire had improved Cronbach alpha values for each dengue KAP domain: knowledge [Cronbach’s alpha: 0.765 (items: 15)], attitude [0.894 (15)], practice Part A [0.735 (15)], and practice Part B [0.876 (5)]. Thus, each statement in the Knowledge (K), Attitude (A), and Practice (P) domains was deemed valid through validity and reliability evaluation, ensuring their relevance and accuracy in assessing dengue-related factors.ConclusionThe validation process demonstrated that each statement in the KAP domains was relevant, accurate, and aligned with the study's objectives, supported by expert validation and representation of the target population. This rigorous approach strengthens the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, making it a valid tool for assessing and improving dengue-related behaviours within the target population.

Maintenance Intramuscular Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, a Retrospective Chart Review of Efficacy, Adverse Events, and Dropouts from a Community Practice

ABSTRACT The use of ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment of depression has grown dramatically, though much of these data are short term. The clinical profile of maintenance treatment remains poorly characterized. We assessed maintenance KAP for efficacy, tolerability, and reasons for dropout. This observational study retrospectively analyzed electronic health records from an addiction psychiatry practice offering intramuscular ketamine with contemporaneous psychotherapy for the treatment of depression. All patients receiving treatment between January 2016 and September 2022 were included, yielding 1,114 sessions from 70 patients. The response was quantified via the clinical global impression-severity scale. Side effects and reasons for dropout were extracted from charts. Comorbidities include an anxiety disorder (79%) or substance use disorder (49%). The induction yielded 82% response, maintained above 80% after six months (sessions q21 days, 1.13 mg/kg mean dose). Many (38%) remained in treatment for at least one year. Nausea management accounted for nearly all as-needed medication use. Antihypertensives were seldom utilized. Chronic side effects were notable for one case of ketamine use disorder, resulting in residential treatment. Dropouts cited logistical reasons half the time and side effects only 9.7% of the time. KAP yielded robust improvements in mood, anxiety, and substance use. Maintenance sessions effectively extended benefit and were largely well tolerated.

Disaster Management Policies and Practices in Vulnerable Communities of Nepal: A Qualitative Analysis

Disaster Management Policies and Practices in Vulnerable Communities of Nepal: A Qualitative Analysis

Fluid Ontologies: Colonial Legacies and an Indigenous Oceanic Worldview in the Sulu Archipelago

In recent decades in Southeast Asia, dramatic social, economic and political changes have profoundly impacted the lives of Indigenous populations. In Malaysia, the Sama Dilaut, known as the “sea nomads,” are under pressure to abandon their traditional way of living at a time of rapid modernization. Over centuries, the Sama Dilaut have developed a harmonious relationship with their environment, practicing sustainable small-scale fishing methods that have minimal impact on marine ecosystems. In their worldview, humans are not considered exceptional but interconnected with the ocean and species that inhabit it. This contrasts with the Western-centric worldview, where nature-culture dualism prevails, viewing humans as separate from nature and encouraging exploitative attitudes toward the environment. This article outlines and acknowledges the value of the Sama Dilaut culture, knowledge of the sea and struggles against dominant power structures. It advocates for recognizing Indigenous rights to ancestral lands and seas and integrating Indigenous knowledge and communities in conservation practices. These goals are essential for achieving justice for Indigenous peoples and offer significant potential in the search for alternative approaches to combating climate change.

Institutional Holistic Undocu-Care: Lessons from the Changing Socioemotional States of Undocumented STEM Students During the First Three Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The present study drew from the framework of socioemotional development and used an exploratory qualitative interview methodology to understand the socioemotional states of undocumented STEM students in a community college at the start and after three years of living during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that students underwent a shift from largely negative socioemotional states at the start of the pandemic to positive socioemotional states after three years, but their reasons were complex and varied. Hence, the researcher proposed an implication for practice for community colleges to establish Institutional Holistic Undocu-Care to effectively assist undocumented STEM students and their multidimensional and intersectional needs.

Unearthing Culture to Support Health Promotion: Learning from Rural Guatemalan Women.

This ethnographical qualitative study focused on health perceptions and practices of rural Guatemalan women. Researchers gathered data through interviews and observations in health, school, and village settings. Three themes emerged in data analysis: health practices are related to the situation of poverty; knowledge gaps exist related to healthcare; and natural remedies are a prevalent practice in rural communities. The findings can help structure sustainable health programs not only for rural Guatemalan communities but where poverty and/or lack of knowledge influence health, as well as point to the importance of nurses practicing cultural humility and providing collaborative care.

Análisis de prácticas ambientales, comerciales, seguras y saludables en comunidades artesanales rurales y urbanas de Cali

The objective of this article is to document the experiences and results of the project “Technical Assistance for Environmentalmanagement, safe and healthy practices in rural and urban artisanal communities, Cali 2023", based on the potential of theartisan of the handicraft sector in the popular economy and its contribution to the Colombian economy, supported by tradition,culture, in the environmental, commercial, social and labor dimensions. Artisan communities in Cali and its rural areas wereinvited so that various group and individual meetings were held with artisans in their territories and other agreed-upon spaces.The identification and selection of the participating artisan communities was carried out, by characterizing the populationof interest through a rubric for the identification of needs and a interview data collection instrument This made it possible to propose a plan of action aimed at training and advice tailored to the artisan and the artisan community, as well as the developmentof a pilot test of a web-based application for the strengthening competencies in digital economy.