Ethnic Criteria Research Articles

Ethnic Reading of ‘The Jews’ in John 8:31–59 Through Durkheimian and Barthian Sociological Lenses

This study undertakes an ethnic analysis of ‘the Jews’ in John 8:31−59, using Durkheimian and Barthian sociological lenses. What social roles are associated with ‘the Jews’ ethnic markers, and how do they shape their collective behavior or distinguish them from Jesus? Informed by Emile Durkheim’s functionalist approach to social facts and Frederick Barth’s theory of social organization and ethnic boundaries, the paper proposes that in John 8:31−59, the ethnic criteria of ‘the Jews’ operate both as external forces uniting them as a collective and as norms dictating their hostile behavior against Jesus. These markers create boundaries between Jesus and ‘the Jews,’ shaping their interactions within the narrative. Furthermore, by presenting these ethnic indicators as social facts and ethnic boundaries, the study portrays ‘the Jews’ as a social entity beyond mere ethnicity. The paper enhances understanding of identity formation and intergroup dynamics globally.

Leadership and Good Governance: Catalysts for Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development

The economic development trajectory of Nigeria, since its transition to democratic governance on May 29, 1999, has witnessed sharp oscillations under different elected leaders. While some of the leaders, in the face of negative exogenous variables, leveraged the country’s abundant human and natural resources to positively advance it on the economic development ladder, others faltered in the selected performance indices. The observed differential in performance metrics seems to point to the pivotal role of quality leadership in the economic development process. To validate this view in the context of Nigeria’s democratic experience, this exploratory longitudinal study used an expost facto research design and qualitative research methodology which involved the review of existing literature and secondary data from Nigeria and Rwanda over a 24-year period spanning 1999-2022. The findings from their comparative performance analysis in 4 development indicators, reinforce the findings of previous studies that leadership can make or mar the economic performance of nations. Accordingly, it recommends that the electorate in Nigeria should diligently appraise political office seekers based on universally acceptable leadership criteria of competence, capacity and character, rather than the subjective criteria of ethnicity, tribe, region and religion, before exercising their franchise as their choice has long term implications for the nation’s economic development. It also recommends a review of the country’s constitution to provide for independent candidates as the structures of existing political parties have tended to inhibit the emergence of credible candidates.

P38: A qualitative study on the impacts of stressful life events on the mental health of older adults in Colombia

Background:Many older adults in Colombia have lived through violent and stressful life events, particularly in areas of poverty where the problem of mental ill-health is commonly tigmatized in lower- and middle-income countries. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the impact of stressful life events on the mental health and wellbeing of older Colombians living in areas of relative poverty.Methods:Older adults (aged 60+) living in the Turbo region in Colombia were interviewed face-to-face between August and December 2021. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling based on criteria of ethnicity, gender, age, and place of residence. Transcripts were coded in Spanish and English by at least two research team members, using inductive thematic analysis.Results:Twenty-six older adults participated in the study. Four overarching themes were generated: Living in violent and dangerous communities; Disturbing gender violence and gender roles; Lack of mental health awareness; Coping mechanisms. Older adults experienced a long narrative of stressful life events, from their youth into old age. Younger generations appeared to disrespect older members of Society, and participants witnessed a constant availability of around them – both interpersonal and within their neighbourhoods. Without any mental health support or awareness, older adults coped by merely accepting the extreme situations or seeking solace in their faith.Conclusions:The health system and Government need to build up trust in its institutions and generate an awareness of mental health, as older Colombians will not approach psychological support otherwise. Intergenerational community-based interventions embedded within neighbourhoods may provide a first avenue of mental health support.

Optimizing Albuminuria Assessment in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Insights from the Sikamic Study

Background Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of developing renal complications, making early detection and management of these issues critical. Albuminuria has been identified as a relevant biomarker associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in SCD, as demonstrated in several studies (Gonzalez et al., 2017; Guasch et al., 2018). Quantification of albuminuria is typically performed using the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). However, this measurement is not without its challenges, as variability in results can occur due to several factors, including analytical method, varying sampling conditions, and biological and medical factors such as physical activity, diurnal changes, diet, and hydration, which require the collection of multiple consecutive first morning samples. Studies have shown that the use of ACR from first morning urine samples provides results comparable to the gold standard 24-hour urine collection, with improved precision and less intra-individual variability than random urine samples typically collected during clinic visits (Witte 2009, Jermendy 2001, Lambers 2008). Collecting more urine samples generally improves precision and statistical power, but Kröpelin et al (2025) showed that collecting more than three consecutive urine samples does not significantly improve precision. Material and method The ongoing SIKAMIC study is a phase IIb, international (France and Africa), double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The study aims to determine the effect of hydroxycarbamide on albuminuria level after 6 months of treatment in SCD adult patients. Here, we analyzed the variability of ACR in all patients pre-selected for the study. Microalbuminuria is commonly considered the first clinical indicator of glomerular damage in SCD. As per the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes), microalbuminuria is characterized by an ACR ranging from 3 to 30 mg/mmol, while macroalbuminuria refers to an ACR greater than 30 mg/mmol. For SIKAMIC study, patients with an ACR above 3 mg/mmol and below 100 mg/mmol were included. ACR was measured in first morning urine samples over three consecutive days. Patients were instructed to collect these samples at home, which were either collected by a hospital courier or brought to the hospital/laboratory by the patient for analysis. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD EPI formula without ethnic criteria. Means and standard deviations of the three measurements were calculated per patient, and a reproducibility test was performed using Mixed Effect Model and Bland Altman analyses (Graphpad Prism 9). Results Out of the initial 179 patients pre-selected for the study (59 from France and 120 from Africa) 99 patients (34 in France and 65 in Africa) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the SIKAMIC study. Pre-selected patients from Africa were younger than patients from France with a mean age of 28.3 years and 33.8 years respectively (p<0.001). However, the mean ACR did not differ between groups (11.8 vs 12.7 mg/mmol; p=0.8) as observed for the mean eGFR value (123 vs 120.9; p=0.75). Additionally, the sex ratio was similar between groups (0.62 vs 0.67). For all patients, the mean ACR was 14.6, 17.3 and 15.6 mg/mmol on days 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with no significant difference (p=0.43; Figure 1 : A). The mean standard deviation of ACR between day 1, 2 and 3 was 6.8 mg/mmol, suggesting good consistency and reproducibility of the ACR measurements over the three days. Bland-Altman plots are shown in Figure 1 for the total population (n=161; 1B), microalbuminuric (1C; n=86) and macroalbuminuric (1D; n=11) patients, illustrating the agreement of ACR measurements within these subgroups. Conclusion : The SIKAMIC study contributes valuable insights into the evaluation of albuminuria in SCD patients. The reproducibility of the ACR appears to be sufficient to allow satisfactory monitoring on a single morning measurement in SCD routine care, both in Africa and Europe population of SCD patients.

Romania’s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty

Abstract In 1866, religion played a significant role in unifying the Romanian national spirit. A foreign prince was brought to rule under the Orthodox faith, and this religious aspect was incorporated into Article 82 of the Constitution. The limitation of political rights in Romania was based on ethnic criteria, with Jews and other non-Christians excluded from full participation. The electoral system introduced a high property-based voting qualification, reflecting, to some extent, liberal principles, but effectively limiting actual participation. Thus, the Romanian Constitution of 1866 struck a delicate balance between borrowed liberal ideals and the specific cultural context of Romania. It emphasized the role of religion and property ownership in shaping political rights and identity, while also attempting to align with European constitutional standards. The electoral system of 1866 in Romania fell short of democratic ideals and perpetuated inequalities. It shaped the political landscape and had far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and representation.

Raluca Bianca Roman, Sofiya Zahova, and Aleksandar G. Marinov, eds. Roma Writings. Romani Literature and Press in Central, South-Eastern and Eastern Europe from the 19th Century until World War II

Raluca Bianca Roman, Sofiya Zahova, and Aleksandar G. Marinov, eds. <i>Roma Writings. Romani Literature and Press in Central, South-Eastern and Eastern Europe from the 19th Century until World War II</i>

Этнические особенности физического развития мужчин-северян зрелого и пожилого возраста

Introduction. Physical development indicator variables can be used to estimate the population health status. Mature and elderly male residents of Magadan region, Aborigines and Caucasians by origin, were examined to study basic anthropometric indicators. Materials and methods. This study presented data obtained in the 2022 Evensk and Magadan Reproductive Health pilot project and Kolyma Longevity regional program surveys. The data of medical examination records of one hundred and seven male residents from the district of Evensk and eight hundred ninety-nine from the city of Magadan were assessed. The following anthropometric indicators were put into general database: body length, body mass, waist circumference, and body mass index was also calculated. Age and ethnic criteria were applied to form 6 groups. Results. The research showed that negative tendencies in physical development were characteristic of both ethnic groups in both regions: all examinees exhibited high percentage of overweight and shorter body length with the incidence growing with increasing age. The higher waist circumference index at older age in Caucasian populations of Magadan indicated subjective abdominal obesity. The ethnicity proved to specify the dynamics of physical development indicators with age: Caucasian examinees, mostly from the city of Magadan, tended to get shorter in body length with an increase in waist circumference and body mass variables. Aboriginals pronouncedly reduced body length with a tendency to a decrease in body mass, body circumference and body mass index. Conclusion. Age and ethnicity have an influence on somatometric status of northern residents, which should be considered when forming regional standards of physical development. @ 2023. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Enlightening the association between TNF-α -308 G > A and migraine: a meta-analysis with meta-regression and trial sequential analysis

BackgroundMigraine is a complex neurological disorder that is characterized by a "lower threshold of neuronal hyperexcitability" with distinctive periodicity and complex vascular dysfunction. Genetic factors have impacted incredibly on the susceptibility of migraine and one such example is the TNF-α 308G > A.AimTherefore, we aim to provide a glimpse of the association of the TNF-α 308G > A risk on the susceptibility of migraine.MethodThe pooled odds ratio with the associated 95% of confidence interval were calculated using different genetic models. Heterogeneity was accessed by using Cochran's Q Test and I2 statistics and Begg's and Egger's tests were used for finding the publication bias, tests were two-sided, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Trial Sequential Analysis with Meta-regression Analysis were also utilized to find out the sample size requirement for meta-analysis to avoid type I error and source of heterogeneity respectively.ResultA total of 13 studies with cases: 7193 and controls: 23,091 were included and after using different genetic models, no overall association with migraine and its clinical subtype migraine with aura was observed (Allele model “OR: 1.28, 95% C.I. [0.96–1.69] and OR: 0.99,95% C.I. [0.69–1.42]) respectively. Interestingly, after sub-grouping using the “ethnicity criteria” in the migraine group, it was observed that the allelic genetic model and the dominant model were found to be significantly associated with the Asian ethnic group (OR: 1.79, 95% C.I. [1.13–2.84], and OR: 1.85, 95% C.I. [1.0927; 3.1580].ConclusionIn conclusion, the present meta-analysis has provided evidence that 308G > A increases the risk of migraine only in the Asian population.

The Iraq Invasion at Twenty: Iraq’s Mafia State

How should one characterize the U.S. war of 2003? Was it a “liberation” of millions of people from tyranny, or a much hated “occupation”? This essay reflects on how the Interim Governing Council (IGC)—formed following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein—conflated “democracy” with “representation” based on muhassasa (the practice of filling key government posts by “consensus” of the major-party bosses, using sectarian or ethnic criteria). This arrangement of the IGC proved ripe for corruption. Post-2003, identity politics continued to shape the outlook of Iraq‘s political elite, but today a new generation has begun making itself heard. This generation believes in Iraq as a nation and understands democracy as more than a source of spoils to be divided among groups.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN MOZAMBIQUE: BETWEEN HISTORICAL INJUSTICES AND STRUGGLES FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION

This article analyzes the mediations of ethnicity and social class in the process of democratization of access to higher education (HE) in Mozambique as part of public policies. Such a model, to include the Whole, strictly respected the income criteria, without adopting the ethnic criterion that would contemplate the populations of the central and northern regions of the country. Based on the statistical data provided by the Mozambican Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, in the period between 2010 and 2020, we seek to sustain the thesis that, considering the pattern of Mozambican ethnic relations, producer of ethnic/regional asymmetries among groups with specific ethnic marks, ethnic inequalities have in political power their offensive and powerful motto, at the same time that isolated social class is insufficient in the understanding and overcoming of the ethnic problem in HE. The results point out that the discriminatory and institutional mechanisms experienced in the context of HE do not undermine the importance of the idea of its expansion, inclusion and democratization of its spaces; ethnicity, in its political and cultural biases, operates in a relational and independent way with social class in the context of production of regional and ethnic asymmetries in Mozambique in access to HE.

Prevalence of Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, and MNS antigens in the Hispanic donor population of South Texas.

As population diversity in the United States expands, understanding antigen prevalence by ethnic group is essential. Differences in antigen prevalence among ethnicities have caused increased alloimmunization in chronically transfused patients. Recognizing these differences in patients and donors can reduce the risk of patients developing alloantibodies. Also, determining the antigen prevalence by ethnicity will improve the ability of blood centers to have compatible blood available. Thus far, there has not been significant published data on antigen prevalence of the U.S. Hispanic population. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) antigens, as determined by human erythrocyte antigen genotyping, in South Texas Hispanic blood donors. A total of 3455 donors, seen from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2020, were included in the study. These donors met the inclusion criteria of self-selecting Hispanic ethnicity and successfully donating a RBC component. The antigen results for each included donor were entered into a data collection spreadsheet. The prevalence of each antigen was calculated. A binomial test was performed to determine if the observed results are statistically different as compared with the published prevalence of antigens in white and black populations. After statistical analysis, the p value for most antigens was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The Kidd blood group antigens were the only major antigens that did not show a significant difference. Cohen's h showed a large effect size for most antigens when compared with those of the black population and a small to medium effect size when compared with those of the white population. For most blood groups antigens, their prevalence in Hispanic donors was significantly different than that published for both white and black populations.

POSTMODERN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: BEYOND NATIONAL AND ETHNIC IDENTITIES

New modes of communication gradually emerged at the end of the 20th century, shifting the focus of attention from national and ethnic criteria to the more complex and multifarious ones suggested by the intercultural paradigm. This shift parallels the global tendency to move away from univocal, modernist perspectives to the more complex, and ambiguous postmodern ones. Downplaying the role of fixed national or ethnic identities in the communication process, and refusing simplifications and generalizations to emphasize instead fluidity and complexity, this new paradigm has had consequences on the lives of sub-groups and minorities, and on the communication process as a whole.

Comparative epidemiology of gestational diabetes in ethnic Chinese from Shanghai birth cohort and growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes cohort

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring. Prevalence of GDM differs by country/region due to ethnicity, lifestyle and diagnostic criteria. We compared GDM rates and risk factors in two Asian cohorts using the 1999 WHO and the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria.MethodsThe Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) and the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort are prospective birth cohorts. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and medical history were collected from interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants underwent a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks gestation. Logistic regressions were performed.ResultsUsing the 1999 WHO criteria, the prevalence of GDM was higher in GUSTO (20.8%) compared to SBC (16.6%) (p = 0.046). Family history of hypertension and alcohol consumption were associated with higher odds of GDM in SBC than in GUSTO cohort while obesity was associated with higher odds of GDM in GUSTO. Using the IADPSG criteria, the prevalence of GDM was 14.3% in SBC versus 12.0% in GUSTO. A history of GDM was associated with higher odds of GDM in GUSTO than in SBC, while being overweight, alcohol consumption and family history of diabetes were associated with higher odds of GDM in SBC.ConclusionsWe observed several differential risk factors of GDM among ethnic Chinese women living in Shanghai and Singapore. These findings might be due to heterogeneity of GDM reflected in diagnostic criteria as well as in unmeasured genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

Mythologizing History in Buryat Shamanic Rites

This study explores the regional specificity of Buryat rites with regard to the variable manifestation of mythological and historical components, and late innovations. The first attempt is made to reconstruct the mythological component of spoken texts accompanying these rites in the historical and ethno-cultural context. On the basis of field and archival data, contamination and transformation of myth and history in ritual is demonstrated. The principal characters such as deities, shamans, tribal and clan chiefs are described, and the semantics and pragmatics of ancestor and master- spirits in the historical context are discussed. The mythological status of supernatural characters of the rite is assessed. Specific ethnic criteria of turning real personalities into mythological characters in the historic context are listed. Universal features traceable in the process of turning history into myth include a regular mixture of mythological motifs with historical facts, interchange of temporal planes, and especially the reincarnation theme. The conclusion is made that pragmatic rites are the most stable, whereas the general tendency is that rites become less and less connected with mythology and progressively less hyperbolic.

One size does not fit all: Evaluating disparities in lung cancer screening eligibility amongst Hispanic/LatinX and African Americans.

6538 Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic men. African Americans (AA) have the highest LC mortality rate in the United States (US). We sought to identify the tendencies for screening eligibility amongst Hispanic/LatinX (H/L) and AA prior to their LC diagnosis according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and The United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. Methods: We conducted an observational study in patients diagnosed with LC from 2016 to 2019. Current and former smokers were included in the analysis. Charts were reviewed for demographics, smoking history, family history, personal history of other malignancy, and prior exposures to assess screening their eligibility prior to LC. The chi-square test was used to examine the association between race and ethnicity with each screening criteria. Results: A total of 530 subjects were reviewed, of which 428 were included in the analysis. One hundred and fifty three and 245 subjects were ineligible for NCCN and USPSTF screening criteria prior to their LC diagnosis. Twenty-eight of the subjects failing to meet NCCN criteria identified as AA and 12 as H/L. Forty and 20 of the USPSTF ineligible subjects identified as AA and H/L. There was a significant association between ethnicity and individual screening eligibility, where 52% of H/L met NCCN eligibility compared to 20% of H/L who met USPSTF eligibility (p = 0.0010). There was a significant association between ethnicity and USPSTF criteria (p = 0.0166), as 80% of H/L subjects were screening ineligible under USPSTF criteria compared to 56% of non-Hispanic or other [Table]. Conclusions: In our study, H/L had significant lower tendencies of meeting the USPSTF LC screening eligibility criteria than non-H/L or other. Notably, there was a profound association between ethnicity and eligibility of screening criteria, where a proportionally higher number of H/L who were ineligible under USPSTF criteria met NCCN criteria. These findings suggest that leniency in the screening criteria can possibly lead to earlier detection of lung cancer in high-risk individuals. Our study is in line with developing data that minority individuals at high-risk for lung cancer can be missed, mainly if current USPSTF criteria was to be applied. Recently, USPSTF has modify their criteria which may benefit more of these individuals. To improve rates of screening and overall mortality of minorities, organizations should continue to re-evaluate and liberalize their screening guidelines.[Table: see text]

Legibility and the Politics of Ethnic Classification of the Population in the National Census of Mauritius: A Statist Perspective

Drawing from James C. Scott’s treatise, Seeing Like a State, this article examines the concept of “legibility” and argues that a population census with ethnic cleavages is a political maneuver for the state to control its subjects. Under British colonial rule, “legibility” was easily attained as the censuses provided the authorities with a simplified view of the society which allowed observation, control, and manipulation (in non-derogatory terms). However, in the post-independence context of Mauritius, for electoral purposes, there is no attempt to make the society officially “legible” through an updated population census with ethnic categories. By choosing to no longer classify its population on ethnic criteria for the sake of national unity and while continuing to rely on the 1972 population census for electoral purposes, even though it is outdated, it is in the state’s advantage to ensure control of its subjects, where this control is spurred by the societal structure, the institutional design, the census politics, and the parties’ politics and interests.

Too many immigrants: How does local diversity contribute to attitudes toward immigration?

This paper investigates the link between residential context, perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants by linking data from the British Election Study with Census statistics on composition of electoral constituencies in 2001 and 2011. I consider which type of local diversity is most salient for natives’ attitudes by combining information on ethnicity, religion and skills. Second, I look at whether base levels of and changes in local diversity affect anti-immigration attitudes in the same way. I find that immigration is more salient when defined by ethnic criteria, rather than criteria that combine ethnicity and religion or skills. Anti-immigrant attitudes are more likely to be expressed by natives who live in constituencies where there has been a large change in diversity between 2001 and 2011, but these responses depend on initial diversity levels. For non-whites and skilled ethnic minorities higher residential segregation is associated with more negative attitudes toward immigrants among natives.

Deserving of Social Support? Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Decisions on EU Migrants’ Benefit Claims in Germany

Migration raises the question of how street-level bureaucrats treat non-citizens when it comes to the distribution of limited welfare resources. Based on a German case study, this article reveals how local social administrators rationalise practices of inclusion in and exclusion from social assistance receipt and associated labour market integration services for mobile EU citizens, who are perceived first and foremost as ‘foreigners’. The findings from fifty-five qualitative interviews with job centre representatives show how politics of exclusion are justified by nationalistic and ethnic criteria of membership. Insofar as EU migrants are considered outsiders to the imagined welfare community of their host country, they are seen as less deserving than German-born claimants. However, mobile EU citizens can earn their legitimacy to access benefit receipt through sustained participation in the host society, demonstrating knowledge of the German language and societal norms so as to appear ‘German’. Such a cultural performance-based logic of deservingness tends to be intertwined with nationality-based and racialising stereotypes of welfare fraud to frame exclusionary practice.

О некоторых особенностях административного устройства республик СКФО

In the article, the author attempts to identify and analyze some flaws and shortcomings of the national-territorial form of the administrative structure of the national republics of the North Caucasus, which serve as one of the factors of the region's conflict potential. The author substantiates that in the conditions prevailing in the region this principle has outlived its usefulness and needs a serious reassessment. The author sees the main goal of such a reassessment in the gradual abandonment of the ethno-territorial principle to the state-administrative principle common for the entire Russian Federation, and when choosing the top leaders of the legislative and executive bodies of the republican authorities the author suggests switching from ethnic criteria to the criteria of professionalism.

Y-Chromosome Genetic Analysis of Modern Polish Population.

The study presents a full analysis of the Y-chromosome variability of the modern male Polish population. It is the first study of the Polish population to be conducted with such a large set of data (2,705 individuals), which includes genetic information from inhabitants of all voivodeships, i.e., the first administrative level, in the country and the vast majority of its counties, i.e., the second level. In addition, the available data were divided into clusters corresponding to more natural geographic regions. Genetic analysis included the estimation of FST distances, the visualization with the use of multidimensional scaling plots and analysis of molecular variance. Y-chromosome binary haplogroups were classified and visualized with the use of interpolation maps. Results showed that the level of differentiation within Polish population is quite low, but some differences were indicated. It was confirmed that the Polish population is characterized by a high degree of homogeneity, with only slight genetic differences being observed at the regional level. The use of regional clustering as an alternative to counties and voivodeships provided a more detailed view of the genetic structure of the population. Those regional differences identified in the present study highlighted the need for additional division of the population by cultural and ethnic criteria in such studies rather than just by geographical or administrative regionalization.