Cultural Practices Research Articles

Characteristics of TB cases without documented sputum culture in the United States, 2011-2021.

<sec id="st1"><title>BACKGROUND</title>Culture-based diagnostics are the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary TB (PTB). We characterized culture practices by comparing cases with documented sputum culture to those without.</sec><sec id="st2"><title>METHODS</title>Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between PTB case characteristics and no documented sputum culture reported to the U.S. National TB Surveillance System during 2011-2021.</sec><sec id="st3"><title>RESULTS</title>Among 69,538 PTB cases analyzed, no sputum culture attempt was documented for 5,869 (8%). Non-sputum culture specimens were documented for 54%, 80%, and 89% of cases without documented sputum culture attempts among persons aged <15 years, 15-64, and 65+ years, respectively; bronchial fluid and lung tissue were common non-sputum specimens among cases in persons >15 years old. Having no documented sputum culture was associated with age <15 years (aOR 23.84, 99% CI 20.09-28.27) or ≥65 years (aOR 1.22, 99% CI 1.07-1.39), culture of a non-sputum specimen (aOR 6.57, 99% CI 5.93-7.28), residence in a long-term care facility (aOR 1.58, 99% CI 1.23-2.01), and receiving TB care outside of a health department (aOR 1.79, 99% CI 1.61-1.98).</sec><sec id="st4"><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>Inability to obtain sputum from children and higher diagnostic suspicion for disease processes that require tissue-based diagnostics could explain these findings.</sec>.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AS A STRATEGY TO LEARN ABOUT CULTURES

This study explored EFL students’ perceptions of merging the project-based learning strategy (PjBL) and the three-part cultural framework (products, practices, and perspectives = the 3Ps) to learn about cultures. Shortly after having been exposed to twenty-four-week lessons on their home and English-speaking cultures using the PjBL strategy and the 3Ps framework, thirty-four research participants completed questionnaires and were interviewed. Data analysis indicated that the participants held highly favorable opinions in regard to combining PjBL and the 3Ps as an effective strategy for culture learning in EFL classrooms. Students acknowledged that they gained a deeper understanding of American, British, and their home cultures, specifically in relation to the five thematic units they explored systematically. Despite challenges militating against its implementation, the amalgamation of PjBL and the 3Ps framework was reported to have offered multiple learning opportunities to autonomously bolster the research participants’ knowledge of cultural practices, products, and perspectives.

The impact of nurse empowerment program on patient safety culture in general public hospital in Indonesia

Background Patient safety is crucial to health-care quality and is one of the major parameters monitored by all health-care organizations around the world. Nurses play a critical role in improving the quality of care and patient safety because of their intensity in caring patients and families. Objectives This study aimed to determine the impact of nurse empowerment program on patient safety culture in general public hospital in Indonesia. Methods This study was designed as a quasi-experimental design in Indonesia. This program was conducted for three months with a five-day workshop (4 h for each day), followed by hanging up posters and handing out informative pamphlets to the experimental group's nurses and supervisors at their place of work in three common place that visited by nurses such as changing room, nurse station and near toilet. Results In the intervention group, patient safety culture practice score was significantly increased from 3.11(standard deviation [SD] = 1.43) before intervention to 4.89 (SD = 1.33) after three-month intervention (T2), with the t was 5.78, and p = .001. While in the control group, no significant increased score of patient safety culture practice before intervention and after three months intervention (3.05 ± 1.49 vs. 3.09 ± 1.25, t = 0.76, p = .516). Conclusion The implementation of this innovative empowerment program, which included nurses and supervisors, resulted in an increase in patient safety culture scores as well as growth in domain score. Therefore, this program can be used to advance these critical facets of patient safety culture, which are currently underdeveloped.

Machine Hands on Flaws to Machine: The Surprising Sources of Biases in Machine Learning Models

Machine Hands on Flaws to Machine: The Surprising Sources of Biases in Machine Learning Models

Practice of Thudong in Indonesia: Evidence of Actualization on Pancasila Values through Religious Rituals

The practice of Thudong, a form of spiritual journey undertaken by Buddhist monks, has gained popularity in Indonesia in recent years. This study aimed to explore the extent to which Thudong practitioners actualize Pancasila values, which are the foundational principles of the Indonesian state, through their religious rituals.  This qualitative research employed a case study design, with six Thudong practitioners selected as the subjects of the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation of the practitioners’ religious rituals. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that Thudong practitioners in Indonesia actively engage in religious rituals that reflect the Pancasila values. The practitioners’ dedication to their spiritual journey was characterized by a deep sense of respect for their fellow human beings and the environment. They demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice, equality, and tolerance towards different religious and cultural practices.  The study also found that Thudong practitioners in Indonesia have a unique approach to their spiritual journey, which combines Buddhist teachings with local cultural practices. This fusion of traditions allows for a richer and more diverse religious experience, enabling practitioners to better actualize Pancasila values. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that Thudong practice in Indonesia serves as a means of actualizing Pancasila values through religious rituals. The findings suggest that Thudong practice has the potential to contribute positively to the development of a more just and tolerant society in Indonesia  

Pocong Oath Law in Palembang City

This research was motivated by the phenomenon of the pocong oath carried out by Lorong A Rahman Residents, RT 10/04, Kelurahan 1 Ilir, Ilir Timur II District Palembang City, which had shocked the public on social media. Besides that, this issue often occurs in the community. The pocong oath is closely related to shari'áh. The pocong oath is substantially the same as a cultural practice or a community custom; it is done when there is a dispute or problem of a mystical nature or to prove something. Rationality is essential to distinguish between the truth of belief and rationality, which refers to the basis for believing it. The findings of this study are that the religious point of view related to the pocong oath is that there must be a name of God and that it is a truth. The method used in this study is qualitative research with three data collection techniques, namely in-depth interviews, conservation and documentation.

Enablers and barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of studies across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and USA

BackgroundIndigenous adolescents access primary health care services at lower rates, despite their greater health needs and experience of disadvantage. This systematic review identifies the enablers and barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents to inform service and policy improvements.MethodsWe systematically searched databases for publications reporting enablers or barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents from the perspective of adolescents, their parents and health care providers, and included studies focused on Indigenous adolescents aged 10–24 years from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United States of America. Results were analyzed against the WHO Global standards for quality health-care services for adolescents. An additional ninth standard was added which focused on cultural safety.ResultsA total of 41 studies were included. More barriers were identified than enablers, and against the WHO Global standards most enablers and barriers related to supply factors – providers’ competencies, appropriate package of services, and cultural safety. Providers who built trust, respect, and relationships; appropriate package of service; and culturally safe environments and care were enablers to care reported by adolescents, and health care providers and parents. Embarrassment, shame, or fear; a lack of culturally appropriate services; and privacy and confidentiality were common barriers identified by both adolescent and health care providers and parents. Cultural safety was identified as a key issue among Indigenous adolescents. Enablers and barriers related to cultural safety included culturally appropriate services, culturally safe environment and care, traditional and cultural practices, cultural protocols, Indigenous health care providers, cultural training for health care providers, and colonization, intergenerational trauma, and racism. Nine recommendations were identified which aim to address the enablers and barriers associated with primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents.ConclusionThis review provides important evidence to inform how services, organizations and governments can create accessible primary health care services that specifically meet the needs of Indigenous adolescents. We identify nine recommendations for improving the accessibility of primary health care services for Indigenous adolescents.

Contextualized Social Science Learning Activities from Upland Corn Farming Practices: A Literature Review

The agricultural landscape of the Philippines, characterized by its rich natural endowments and tropical climate, has emerged as a cornerstone of socio-economic development, driven largely by small-scale farming practices. Despite its significance, challenges such as soil erosion and unsustainable farming practices persist in upland regions, necessitating a shift towards sustainable resource management. This literature review explores the contextualization of social science learning activities within agricultural frameworks, focusing particularly on upland corn farming practices. Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines the evolutionary trajectory of agriculture, traditional farming methods, and their contemporary relevance in shaping educational paradigms. Through an analysis of educational initiatives and cultural practices, the review highlights the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and traditional farming methods into educational frameworks. Key findings underscore the critical role of social science in promoting sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and cultural preservation within farming communities. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to bridge the gap between social science education and agricultural practices, particularly in upland farming communities, to advance sustainable agricultural development and preserve cultural heritage.

Enchanted Backburner: Channeling Taylor Swift and Niki on Cegil Identity

This study chooses a transnational perspective to understand the practice of American culture in Indonesia. As this study discussed identity formed in social media and involved popular music singers, the theories applied in this study are the theories of identity, youth culture, new media, and popular music from the popular culture approach. In examining this study, the content analysis method was applied. After reviewing primary and secondary sources and find suppported theories for the data, it is find that the cegil identity is channeled through Taylor Swift and NIKI’s musicality due to the interconnection of youth culture and new media in treating popular music. The star and stardom of Swift and NIKI influence people's perspectives on their songs. The cegil community likes their lyricism in descriptive, imaginative, and poetic songs. Global access and media allow Spotify and X as the mediums to communicate and participate for cegil to express their feelings. They were also the place where the cegil term was coined. The last factor is a youth culture that treats music as the soundtrack of life and hence sees songs as a medium to express themselves.

Community Conversations: A Tool in Improving Health Outcomes and Reducing the Burden of Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Isiolo County, Kenya

Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Leishmania species that affects human. Transmission is through the bite of Phlebotomus sandflies. Globally, WHO ranks Kala-azar as the second largest parasitic killer after Malaria. The disease poses a threat to more than a billion people on almost every continent. Approximately 90% of Kala-azar global burden is found in Africa. Major endemicity is documented in Eastern Africa (Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia). Accurate burden of the disease in Kenya is unknown attributable to inadequate information on disease prevalence, diagnostic challenges, and spatial distribution. Additionally, morbidity and mortality levels from the disease in the Country are unknown ascribable to a low index of suspicion by healthcare workers, diagnostic challenges, and case management. An example of diagnostic challenges is a reported outbreak of ‘unknown disease’ akin to Kala-azar in Marsabit County in May 2023 where nine people were confirmed dead and over 80 hospitalized. This study aimed to analyze community’s prioritization of causes of Kalaazar as well as community awareness of disease prevention and control. Quantitative data were collected using Participatory Epidemiology methods in purposively selected study villages. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Study findings indicated that 97.2% of respondents had heard about Kala-azar. Despite the awareness, a broad gap between knowledge and practice of prevention and control strategies of the disease was evident. Kala-azar was associated with human behaviour like preferences for traditional and alternative treatment approaches (45.2%), evening outdoor practices before going to bed (99.6%), sleeping outdoors (60.1%), occasional bed nets use (69.2%), and availability of domestic animals and wild animals within house yards (54.6%). Cultural beliefs and practices were noted to play a key role in augmenting the disease burden, where most cases had burn scars from traditional healers’ therapeutic burns. As a consequence, they sought medical help after onset of complications, which ranged from increased severity to fatalities. Community engagement was minimal in prevention and control. In this participatory research, we propose behaviour change communication activities for the elimination of Kala-azar as a public health problem. This article serves as a base for future studies aimed at giving voice to communities while enhancing their understanding of causes of diseases, the possibility of enhanced early diagnostic techniques, and options for prevention, control, and surveillance which in turn is translated to action.

Equal Representation: Challenges and Opportunities

This article explores the contours of the highly politicised and gendered spaces in Kenya that female aspirant leaders still struggle to overcome in order to participate fully as citizens. It aims to highlight the exclusionary nature of the political and democratic space in Kenya, notwithstanding constitutional and legal provisions for gender equity. We argue that enjoying a simple majority in terms of overall population figures (50.1%) has not necessarily translated into political capital for Kenyan women, who are perpetually locked out of meaningful political participation due to entrenched patriarchy and sexism. The introduction of political affirmative action through the two-thirds gender rule augmented female representation in parliamentary and other public and legislative offices. This was also meant to regulate the monopoly of any one gender in the occupation of political and public positions. The article utilises secondary data and related theories in supporting the argument that the insignificant number of female parliamentarians is, inter alia, a result of entrenched and skewed power relations. Outdated cultural practices, gender stereotypes, negative rhetoric and ethnicity, patriarchy, and a lack of economic and social capital have indeed adversely affected women’s trajectory in politics. Results of the past two elections (2013 and 2017) have indicated that gender skewing in parliament and other competitive positions in the public service is still an issue to reckon with. This, we observe, is tantamount to non-compliance with constitutional and legal provisions that were geared toward achieving an equal society. We suggest the implementation of the gender rule as envisaged in the 2010 Constitution. A conducive legal framework, coupled with collaborative efforts of relevant state and non-state actors, is paramount. A significant and current discussion should encompass new realignments aimed at disrupting and deconstructing the pervasive gendered relationships.

Cultural and Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Upsurge in Teenage Pregnancies in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County Western Kenya

Cultural and Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Upsurge in Teenage Pregnancies in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County Western Kenya

Understanding the Factors Promoting Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. This review aimed to identify and understand key factors promoting MTCT and assess the effectiveness of current prevention interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases using relevant keywords and approximately 57 individual literatures was reviewed. Studies focusing on MTCT in Nigeria published after 2015 were included. Eligible studies were critically appraised for quality and relevance. Findings indicate significant knowledge gap (such as misconceptions about transmission routes, limited understanding of prevention methods, delay in seeking testing and care and inconsistent adherence to Antiretroviral therapy) among pregnant women regarding HIV transmission, persistent stigma and discrimination hindering access to PMTCT services, and challenges within the healthcare system such as geographical disparities and inadequate provider training. Cultural practices, including breastfeeding and postnatal rituals, further exacerbate MTCT risk. Male partner involvement emerges as a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of PMTCT. Existing interventions showed moderate effectiveness, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Strengthening multi-level interventions addressing social, economic, and cultural determinants, alongside culturally sensitive approaches and increased male engagement, are crucial to address MTCT and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions tailored to specific contexts and populations.

“Sindhi literature in post-partition India: marginalization, challenges, and digital interventions”

ABSTRACT Sindhi, both as language and literature, has had a precarious position in the Indian literary canon. In the aftermath of Partition, various social, educational, and political realities resulted in Sindhi being on the periphery of literary scholarship. Given the historical background of Partition and resettlement in a new social and geographical space, this article aims to explore the current status of Sindhi literature produced and distributed in India. Specifically, it seeks to assess the readability and dissemination of Sindhi literature, particularly among the post-Partition generations within the Sindhi community. To uncover the present ground realities in the canon of Indian Sindhi literature, the research incorporates deep-focused interviews with Sindhi intelligentsia, mainly comprised of Sindhi writers, scholars, and publishers. The selected interviewees represent the last Sindhi generation of writers and scholars that is entirely conversant with the practices of Sindhi culture and literature due to their educational and historical background; they articulate their first-hand experiences and perceptions concerning the challenges in the overall expansion and development of Sindhi literature in post-Partition India. The research employs an autoethnographic approach as it is useful to draw from the personal academic experiences of the researcher, who comes from the third generation of post-partition Sindhis. The autoethnographic approach aids in performing a comprehensive analysis of the interviews, which contributes to locating the challenges restricting the maintenance, accessibility, and utility of Sindhi literature among the young Sindhi generations in India. The interviews underscore irrevocable literary and cultural damage that is being caused due to the marginalization of the Sindhi language and education in India; they also discuss the existing challenges and opportunities in developing Sindhi literature. The study concludes with the possibility of employing digital methods to facilitate access to and comprehension of Sindhi literature and cultural history among the young Sindhi generations.

Local Perceptions of Forest-Based Ecosystem Services in Benin, West Africa

Ecosystem services are closely linked to the daily lives of local communities, particularly those living near forests. The study of the local perceptions of these services is relevant because they vary depending on the community, the study period, and the environment. So beyond the inventorying of ecosystem services, understanding the perceptions of local communities regarding these services remains a necessity. Our study aims to analyze how local communities perceive the ecosystem services provided by forests and the factors that determine these perceptions. We collected data from 232 heads of households across 23 villages bordering the forest and analyzed them using descriptive statistics and ordered Probit analysis. The results showed that provisioning services (such as plant-derived medicines, rafters and planks, livestock feed, crops, and firewood) were the most important, followed by regulating and supporting services (including soil formation, erosion control, and climate regulation) are the most important. Finally, cultural services (encompassing cultural practices, heritage, and spirituality) were perceived as important. However, communities did not perceive the value of ecotourism. Factors influencing these perceptions included gender (male), age (young individuals), occupation in farming, household size, level of education, Bariba ethnicity and income. To ensure the sustainable utilization of forest resources in the region, it is necessary to encourage young people to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices, to use improved stoves that require less wood and promote cultural services to diversify their sources of income.

The Structure of Social Capital and Cultural Participation: A Cross-sectional Study

This article examines the relationship between cultural participation patterns and access to social resources, proxied by the position generator tool. In addition, it asks to what extent social networks are class-homogeneous (closed) depending on the configuration of cultural practices. The survey results show that participation in highbrow culture is a more relevant predictor of access to higher prestige contacts than participation in popular culture. Both styles are related with the general volume of contacts and the heterogeneity of social resources. Moreover, the analysis indicates that the structure of social capital (i.e., the proportion of contacts with upper-, middle-, and lower-class members) is connected with pursuing different cultural profiles. The effect of network homogeneity is stronger for highbrow style than for any other style. The results are interpreted in terms of social closure and the role that culture plays in monopolizing access to social resources and maintaining social boundaries.

Maintenance of callus-associated endophyte balance to mitigate oxidative browning in plant tissue culture practices

Maintenance of callus-associated endophyte balance to mitigate oxidative browning in plant tissue culture practices

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

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Care Provided to the Umbilical Cord Stump by a Group of Mothers from Luanda

Care provided to the umbilical cord stump differs greatly depending on the country, region, culture, and caregivers. This care normally occurs at home and is usually provided by women in the family or close friends while the knowledge grounding such care is not always based on scientific evidence but on beliefs transmitted from generation to generation. Many of these cultural care practices conflict with those based on scientific knowledge as inappropriate substances or procedures expose newborns to a high risk of neonatal tetanus and infection. Hence, this study’s objective was to identify care practices provided to the umbilical cord stump by mothers who delivered in the Lucrécia Paim Hospital. A qualitative study was conducted, and the study setting was Lucrécia Paim Hospital, Luanda, Angola. A total of 29 mothers participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Sample size was determined by reaching data saturation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The results reveal three themes: 1) How to care for a umbilical cord stump; 2) The objectives of providing care to the umbilical cord stump; and 3) People to whom mothers turn for guidance. The mothers use alcohol and other substances/products, in accordance with folk knowledge, to facilitate disinfection and to cause the umbilical cord stump to drop off more quickly. Most mothers learn how to care for the umbilical cord stump within their families, also learning from folk knowledge as disseminated in the society. Such knowledge is highly valued by these mothers; only a few learned how to provide care from healthcare workers. The results also show that healthcare professionals do not provide guidance on how mothers should care for the newborn’s umbilical cord stump.

Uncovering Attributes of an Internal Islands Diaspora: Connections and Aspirations to Return

A transnational migration lens has shaped diaspora research in recent decades. Yet exploring diasporas in the context of moves across international borders has obscured sub-national diasporas, and this has led to a gap in our understanding of how such groups can and do contribute to their communities of origin. This article aims to develop a better understanding of the Scottish islands diaspora and to explore its potential to contribute to island communities, including via internal return migration. We present findings from a survey conducted with the Scottish islands diaspora to illustrate how internal diasporas can exhibit continued connection to a ‘homeland’. This includes taking an active interest in a ‘home’ island’s future and participating in shared cultural practices that bind individuals together within the diaspora over a sustained period. We find that the Scottish islands diaspora carries many of the hallmarks of its transnational counterparts and highlight how this group has the potential to contribute to the future of Scotland’s islands both at a distance and, potentially, via return migration.