Cultural Practices Research Articles

Climate Change and the Formation of Social Responsibility in Culture

This article examines the relationship between climate change and the development of social responsibility within cultural contexts. It explores how environmental challenges have led to shifts in societal values and the redefinition of individual and collective responsibilities towards nature and future generations. By analyzing cultural narratives and practices, the study highlights the role of climate change in shaping modern ethics and social behaviors. Special attention is given to the interaction between ecological sustainability and cultural adaptation, revealing the importance of fostering environmental consciousness through cultural frameworks.

Unpacking transformation in community music discourse

PurposeTransformation has become a commonly employed phrase in the field of community music. However, there has been little critical examination of its employment. This study aimed to explore how and why community musicians and project participants used this concept to describe their experiences of community music-making programmes.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodological approach was utilised for this study. This included conducting an extensive literature review to establish a conceptual framework of transformations meaning within community music literature. Additionally, a historiography of the use of transformation in cultural policymaking and community music practice was developed to examine how this concept has gained prominence in the discourse. Alongside this, a case study was conducted on a music-making programme for adults with a mental health diagnosis to investigate the practical application of the concept of transformation.FindingsThe research reveals that musicians and participants often use “transformation” as a metaphor to articulate the personal impacts of community music programmes. These impacts include enhanced self-confidence, a greater sense of control and shifts in how individuals perceive themselves. The widespread use of this term is influenced by the messaging of funders and policymakers, who use the concept of personal transformation to rationalise funding for arts and cultural initiatives.Originality/valueThis research provides a new perspective on transformation and its meaning in community music practice. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection between community music activity and cultural policymaking, a relationship that has yet to receive much attention from scholars across both fields.

Fungal Biotechnology Applications in Sustainable Oil Extraction

This paper examines the role of filamentous fungi in enhancing the sustainable extraction of vegetable oils from oilseeds. Fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Rhizopus are highlighted for their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, including lipases, cellulases, and hemicellulases, which break down plant cell walls and facilitate oil release. This biotechnological approach not only improves oil yield but also reduces operational costs and environmental impacts, contributing to sustainable development goals. The integration of oleaginous fungi, capable of accumulating lipids, is also discussed as a promising avenue for boosting oil production efficiency. Furthermore, this paper underscores the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern biotechnological advancements. This integration respects local cultural practices while optimizing extraction processes, ensuring minimal ecological disruption. The use of fungi in oilseed degradation represents a significant step towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective vegetable oil production, making it a valuable contribution to sustainable agricultural and industrial practices.

Reflexiones e identificación del patrimonio cultural; centro ceremonial Yoreme Mayo, San Miguel Arcángel

The continuity of the celebrations of traditional festivals, processions, sacred ceremonies, as part of the cultural identity of the yoreme mayo group, represent, in addition to resistance, the need to preserve their culture and cultural heritage, the topic addressed is main objective the identification and description of the cultural heritage around the San Miguel Arcángel ceremonial center; As a secondary objective, it is established to determine recommendations for the conservation of heritage. It shows some living cultural practices that give the sense and identity of belonging to the social group. The proposal is generated from the field research work that the researcher begins with observation visits since 2020, during different dates of festivities and sacred ceremonies. The development of the research includes the topics of: cultural heritage, types, characteristics, identity and heritage, uses and customs and community participation. The methodology applied is with a qualitative approach, ethnographic method and grounded theory, which allows the theory to be built, starting directly from the observations, also applying a way of looking back; until the findings are made. The relevance of the study is to give visibility to the cultural heritage of the ethnic group. The place of the study is San Miguel Zapotitlán, Ahome, Sinaloa, where the ceremonial center is located. As the results of the research contribute to the safeguarding of the yoreme mayo cultural heritage, it contributes to the enrichment of cultural diversity, the preservation and respect of the yoreme mayo culture.

A Comprehensive Overview on the Biology and Culture Practices of Mud Crab (Scylla Sp.) in India

The genus Scylla, commonly known as mud crabs, is frequently found in mangrove habitats, brackish waters, coastal regions, ponds, and intertidal swamps, making them a rapidly growing exportable resource in India. Farming mud crabs serves as a vital income stream for fish farmers throughout the country. The increasing demand for mud crabs in the export market as an alternative to shrimp has led to heightened collection of wild seeds for cultivation, thereby posing a threat to natural populations. To promote sustainable crab farming and alleviate pressure on wild stocks, it is essential to focus on the availability of seeds, which is a crucial factor for successful farming. Additionally, crab fattening proves to be lucrative due to its quick turnover and high survival rates. This practice is particularly advantageous for small-scale operations, providing an extra source of income for local fishermen. This review article aims to consolidate existing knowledge on the ecology and biology of mud crabs.

STINGLEES BEES AND URBAN SPACES: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CONDITIONS FOR ADAPTATION TO CITY BUILDINGS AND LANDSCAPING

Stingless native bees are essential for the preservation of ecosystems as they contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and the stability of forest fragments. Information on how these species behave in urban environments is still scarce in Brazil. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of stingless bees in the urban area of the city of Realeza (PR) through the localization of nests and active and passive capture methods. Sampling was conducted between October and December 2022, a period of peak nectar-producing species flowering in the region. The searches were carried out in five sectors, covering both public and private areas, and aspects of the landscape such as floral species, physical characteristics of buildings, and nesting substrates were recorded. During the survey, 23 nests of Tetragonisca angustula and Scaptotrigona depilis were recorded, and foraging activities of Scaptotrigona bipunctata and Plebeia spp. were also detected. The urban forest fragments of Realeza face challenges for stingless bees due to urbanization and exotic vegetation. Tetragonisca angustula adapts to artificial substrates, while Scaptotrigona depilis depends on natural cavities. Wooden houses favor nesting, and strategies such as artificial shelters, native plants, and sustainable cultural practices are essential for conserving pollinators and ecosystem services.

Intralesional steroid injection in keloid ear — a prospective observational study

BackgroundKeloid is a fibro-proliferative dermal benign growth affecting the Asian population. In India, ear keloids are common, often resulting from ear piercing, a prevalent cultural practice. The resultant ear keloids pose aesthetic concerns, leading to significant psychological distress, and necessitating effective treatment. While various treatment options are available, their outcomes and recurrence rates vary, highlighting the need for individualized and optimal management strategies. Our study aimed to observe the combined effect of intralesional triamcinolone with hyaluronidase on keloid regression.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted at our tertiary care institute over 1 and a half years. Fifty patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and received intralesional triamcinolone injection with hyaluronidase. Keloid regression was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), while the visual analogue score (VAS) and patient satisfaction score (PSS) provided subjective evaluations of symptom relief. All patients underwent compression therapy. Patients were evaluated at every visit and then at 1 year for symptom relief, keloid regression, and complications if any.ResultsDemographic data of all patients were recorded. Ear keloids were predominantly observed in females, with a male-to-female ratio of 18:32. The most common etiology was trauma following ear piercing, accounting for 46% of cases. All patients showed improvement in VSS, VAS, and PSS scores in the follow-up visits. A total of 98% of patients demonstrated a complete treatment response, with only a single instance of recurrence.ConclusionIntralesional triamcinolone with hyaluronidase provides satisfactory symptomatic relief and has lower recurrence rates. All patients showed improvement in the Vancouver Scar Scale and had enhanced VAS and PSS scores.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, MINERALS CONTENT, TOTAL PHENOLICS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TRADITIONALLY CONSUMED POSTPARTUM SUPPLEMENTAL FOODS

The postpartum period is critical for maternal and newborn health, marked by significant physiological and emotional changes. Cultural and traditional dietary practices often play a vital role in restoring maternal health and promoting lactation. This study investigates the proximate composition, mineral content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of traditionally consumed postpartum supplemental foods in eight districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected from postpartum women through interviews, and commonly consumed foods were selected for chemical analysis. The findings reveal that these foods are nutrient-dense, with significant amounts of macronutrients, minerals, and bioactive compounds. The study highlights the role of traditional dietary practices in maternal nutrition while emphasizing the need for a balanced approach combining cultural practices and medical guidelines. These insights can aid healthcare professionals in optimizing dietary plans for lactating mothers, ensuring improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The Role of Fashion and Art in First Nations Healing, Decolonisation, and Cultural Practice

This paper explores the intersection of art, fashion, and decolonisation within First Nations communities, focusing on how clothing and adornment are powerful tools for healing, cultural survival, and resistance. Through art programs, fashion workshops, and community-based projects, First Nations peoples reconnect with culture, land, and history, fostering identity and continuity while addressing the traumas of colonisation. This paper examines how First Nations artists and designers engage with traditional garments, such as kangaroo skin cloaks and shell necklaces, to reclaim ancestral practices and challenge colonial traumas. By reinterpreting colonial clothes and creating new forms of fashion, artists engage in truth-telling, amplify resilience, and promote reconciliation. This paper highlights the role of art and fashion as an aesthetic expression and a strategy for cultural survival and resistance. It concludes by offering recommendations for policies and programs that support First Nations fashion initiatives, fostering economic opportunities, social well-being, and intergenerational healing. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the transformative power of art and fashion as pathways to decolonisation and empowerment for First Nations communities.

Don’t assume, ask! A focus group study on end-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities from minoritised ethnic groups

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities are less likely to have access to palliative care, and the evidence shows that their deaths are often unanticipated, unplanned for, and poorly managed. Within the general population, people from minoritised ethnic groups are under-represented within palliative care services. End-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities from minoritised ethnic groups may be a way to address these issues. There is a huge gap in the evidence regarding intersectionality of intellectual disability and ethnicity within end-of-life care planning. This study explored the characteristics of effective and preferred end-of-life care planning approaches and resources for people with intellectual disabilities from minoritised ethnic groups.MethodsNine focus groups and three semi-structured individual interviews were held with 41 participants from minoritised ethnic groups (11 family carers; 25 support staff; and five people with intellectual disabilities). Session recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework analytical approach.ResultsParticipants thought that end-of-life care planning practices were dependent on the person’s culture, ethnicity, and religion, and that it was important to follow these at the end-of-life. They deemed it important to discover and respect (and not assume) the individual’s perspectives, values, needs, and wishes through a person-centred approach. Cultural attitudes to talking about death could hinder end-of-life care planning as participants perceived it as taboo. Disagreement was described as hindering end-of-life care planning, particularly when strong feelings about cultural and religious practices were involved. Staff highlighted the need for cultural and religious awareness, which could involve seeking information and receiving training. Opening the conversation about death and dying was seen as a potential facilitator for exploring end-of-life care planning.ConclusionsThe study was committed to addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It is the first study to explore perspectives on end-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities from minoritised ethnic groups. It was deemed important that staff did not assume but discovered and respected the views and preferences of people with intellectual disabilities regarding culture and religion. There is an urgent need for more research into end-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities from minoritised ethnic groups.

The Role of Vietnamese Mourning Culture in Grief Symptomatology – A Study Protocol

Losing a loved one is a universal and inevitable part of life; however, the way that bereaved individuals grieve and cope with loss varies between cultures. Culturally bound symptoms of disordered grief often go unnoticed when assessed with Western-developed diagnostic tools. Additionally, culturally significant funerals and rituals to be carried out during the mourning period may serve an important role in defining the expression and presentation of grief. Funeral and mourning activities following the death of a family member in Viet Nam span over one year, consisting of rituals to be carried out forty-nine days, one hundred days, and one-year post-loss. No previous study has assessed the course of grief symptoms of Vietnamese bereaved throughout the mourning period using a culturally adapted scale. This paper describes the protocol for the research that aims to examine the possible protective and supportive role of traditions, rituals, and other ceremonies for bereaved individuals. The results are expected to reveal that participating in ritual activities predicts a better grief trajectory. These results would suggest the consideration of cultural contexts in the assessment and treatment of pathological grief. The project would not only contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of grief but also highlight the importance of local cultural practices in grief recovery.

Patterns of population structure and genetic variation within the Saudi Arabian population.

The Arabian Peninsula is considered the initial site of historic human migration out of Africa. The modern-day indigenous Arabians are believed to be the descendants who remained from the ancient split of the migrants into Eurasia. Here, we investigated how the population history and cultural practices such as endogamy have shaped the genetic variation of the Saudi Arabians. We genotyped 3,352 individuals and identified twelve genetic sub-clusters that corresponded to the geographical distribution of different tribal regions, differentiated by distinct components of ancestry based on comparisons to modern and ancient DNA references. These sub-clusters also showed variation across ranges of the genome covered in runs of homozygosity, as well as differences in population size changes over time. Using 25,488,981 variants found in whole genome sequencing data (WGS) from 302 individuals, we found that the Saudi tend to show proportionally more deleterious alleles than neutral alleles when compared to Africans/African Americans from gnomAD (e.g. a 13% increase of deleterious alleles annotated by AlphaMissense between 0.5 - 5% frequency in Saudi, compared to 7% decrease of the benign alleles; P < 0.001). Saudi sub-clusters with greater inbreeding and lower effective population sizes showed greater enrichment of deleterious alleles as well. Additionally, we found that approximately 10% of the variants discovered in our WGS data are not observed in gnomAD; these variants are also enriched with deleterious annotations. To accelerate studying the population-enriched deleterious alleles and their health consequences in this population, we made available the allele frequency estimates of 25,488,981 variants discovered in our samples. Taken together, our results suggest that Saudi's population history impacts its pattern of genetic variation with potential consequences to the population health. It further highlights the need to sequence diverse and unique populations so to provide a foundation on which to interpret medical- and pharmaco- genomic findings from these populations.

RELEVÂNCIA SOCIOCULTURAL E ECONÔMICA DA PRODUÇÃO DE QUEIJOS ARTESANAIS NO BRASIL: IMPORTÂNCIA E HISTÓRICO

The production of artisanal cheeses in Brazil is a deep-rooted cultural and historical practice that preserves regional traditions. In addition to strengthening the geographic identity and producing territories, the activity increases in the value to dairy products and promotes the appreciation of local production systems.Thus, this study aimed to carry out a literature review on the importance of artisanal cheeses, addressing the challenges related to microbiological safety, standardization and sustainable production in Brazil. The artisanal production of each variety of cheese, such as Minas Artesanal and Canastra, presents differences in physical-chemical composition and production method, resulting in specific sensory characteristics, influenced by regional factors such as milk composition and environmental conditions. Despite its importance, the artisanal cheese show significant challenges, especially, in the microbiological safety and political regulation of the activity. The raw milk use and the lack of adequate hygiene and sanitation practices increase the risk of contamination by microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms, reducing the quality of the final product. Food safety has become a challenge due to the use of raw milk in the production of artisanal cheeses, and the adoption of good manufacturing practices, associated political regulations and initiatives such as the Selo Arte, are essential to promote the quality and commercial viability of these products.

Visible and invisible cultural patterns influencing women’s use of maternal health services among Igala women in Nigeria: a focused ethnographic study

BackgroundExplicit and implicit cultural patterns are critical cultural norms, beliefs, and practices that determine women’s health-seeking behaviour. These cultural patterns could limit women’s use of maternal health services, resulting in maternal health complications. The study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of explicit and implicit cultural patterns, their meanings and how they influence women’s use of maternal health services among Igala women in Nigeria.MethodsRoper and Shapira’s (2000) focused ethnography was employed with 43 women aged 18–43 years recruited using the purposive and snowballing technique. The study was conducted with 21 women for one-on-one interviews and two focus group discussions with six women in the rural area and seven women in the urban area. In addition, participant observation of nine women from the third trimester to birth was conducted, yielding 189 h of observation in two primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban areas. Data analysis was conducted using Roper and Shapira’s (2000) method.ResultThree themes were generated using the PEN3 cultural model: perceptions, enabler, and nurturers. Subthemes generated under the theme of perception were, Belief in witchcraft, Pregnancy announces itself, I cannot tell people I am in labour, and Unspoken acquiescence to the culture. Under the theme of nurturer, Home birth was found to limit access to maternal health services. The theme of enabler yielded subthemes such as You are not woman enough; I want my placenta and Rising matriarchs.ConclusionImplicit and explicit cultural patterns significantly influence women’s use of maternal health services. Given the complexity of culture and its influence on women’s use of maternal health services, multifaceted strategies tailored to the cultural needs of communities are needed to enhance the realization of Sustainable Development Goal #3:1 in Nigeria.

Gendered dynamics in Moroccan transnational migrant networks in Tenerife: environmental concerns, engagement, and remittances

The concept of transnational knowledge networks has entered the field of study of environmental mobility. Yet, how these networks play a role in adaptation to environmental change remains understudied. Power dynamics and familial ties impact the functioning of transnational networks and intricately shape responses to environmental challenges, with gender serving as a salient factor. This research aims to theorize and empirically study how gender matters for how men and women engage with environmental concerns within transnational spaces of Moroccan migrants living in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. This study employs visual mapping techniques to uncover gendered patterns and modalities of communication within transnational networks. Findings reveal significant gender disparities in how environmental challenges are discussed and addressed within Moroccan transnational networks. While women prioritize family welfare and employ cultural practices to tackle environmental issues, men focus more on economic implications. Women’s perspectives and voices are marginalized, reflecting societal gender norms and biases that prioritize men’s voices and expertise in economic matters. This ignorance hinders their participation and access to support within transnational networks, perpetuating gender disparities in engagement and decision-making.

Fine-tuning blood culture practices: implementing diagnostic stewardship in cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Overusing blood cultures (BCxs) can lead to false positives, unnecessary antibiotics, and increased healthcare costs. Despite studies on inpatient BCx algorithms, none have focused on cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) patients, with complex postoperative care and invasive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a BCx algorithm on BCx event (BCE) rates in CTS step-down units. The study was conducted in 3 CTS step-down units at Duke University Hospital. The BCx algorithm, based on Seidelman et al. (2023), was implemented in June 2023. BCE rates, incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and adverse outcome IRRs were compared between pre and postintervention periods using ITS and χ2 tests. We analyzed 4978 BCE during the study period: 3439 (893 patients) pre-intervention and 1539 (452 patients) postintervention. BCE rates decreased [IRR= 0.78 (95% CI 0.74,0.83, p-value< 0.01)] without significant differences in adverse outcomes such as central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates (IRR= 0.6, 95% CI 0.17, 2.30), readmission rates (IRR= 0.99, 95% CI 0.88, 1.12), or in-hospital mortality (IRR= 3.53, 95% CI 0.32, 38.90). Our study supports the beneficial effects of a BCx algorithm, which reduces unnecessary BCxs in CTS patients without compromising patient safety.

The Authenticity of Cultural Ways of Life: A Hermeneutic of the Ifugao Social Practice Gotad

This study examines the Ifugao Gotad cultural practice to distinguish the valued transcendent meaning and the normative values that are faithfully lived. It builds on Ginev’s hermeneutic theory of social practices that determines the nexus of authenticity in human agency participating in configured practices. It is argued that an integral and authentic identity is achieved through reflexive appropriation of possibilities in routinized practices of everyday life and heeding the call of the cultural lifeform’s transcendent authority. In doing so, the study first shows how a hermeneutic of social practices provides an explanatory view of our culture. Second, the study examines how the hermeneutic of social practices allows the determination of human subjectivity and the cultural lifeform as existentially authentic or inauthentic. Lastly, a hermeneutic of the Ifugao cultural Gotad practice reveals the authenticity of the cultural lifeform through the members heeding the call of its transcendent meaning and authority. The reconfiguration of the traditional Ifugao Gotad practice into an institutionalized ethnocultural thanksgiving gathering represents the contemporary Ifugao cultural way of life, re-establishes and recontextualizes the people’s agency in the face of competing ways of life, encourages the people to continue to find ways of ensuring their well-being, allows the members to resolve tensions arising from conflicting ways of life, and rediscover their cultural rootedness.

Balancing Sleep and Study: Cultural Contexts in Family Informatics for Taiwanese Parents and Children

This study examines the intersection of academic pressure and sleep within Taiwanese families, revealing how cultural norms and expectations shape sleep practices. Through interviews and two-week diaries from eleven families, we found that academic demands significantly influence children's sleep patterns, leading to reduced sleep duration and varied sleep schedules. Our research highlights the importance of integrating care and attuning into the design of sleep-tracking technologies, advocating for a family informatics approach that considers both health needs and social expectations. By exploring these dynamics, we contribute to a broader understanding of family contexts in diverse cultural settings and offer insights for more inclusive technology design.

Exploring Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Kalinga Province: Practices, Preservation, and Perspectives

This study delves into the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the Indigenous People of Kalinga, Philippines, while also examining similar practices and challenges faced by other indigenous communities worldwide. The study highlights the universal themes and unique adaptations of TEK across cultures, providing a broader perspective on the significance of traditional knowledge in addressing contemporary environmental issues. It aims to identify and document the traditional practices, rituals, and beliefs that demonstrate the community’s deep connection with nature and their efforts in sustainable resource management; it explores the challenges faced in preserving TEK, such as the impact of formal education, globalization, and modernization, and provide recommendations for safeguarding and promoting TEK among the Kalinga people for future generations. It uses a pure qualitative research method with interviews as the primary tool; the elders of the different Kalinga sub-tribes are the study participants. Ethical considerations were followed; the researcher sought the elders’ approval before being interviewed. The results of this study were also returned to them so they could concur with the translation of their answers. The findings highlight the community’s profound reverence for nature, reflected in their cultural traditions and environmental stewardship practices. By advocating sustainable actions like refraining from burning and employing natural farming techniques, Kalinga communities contribute to climate resilience and biodiversity protection. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of TEK in sustainable development and environmental stewardship, advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Additionally, the study underscores the impact of formal education and globalization on Kalinga traditions, emphasizing the need to balance modernity with heritage preservation.Recommendations include involving youth in traditional activities, integrating old and new farming methods, documenting TEK, and incorporating it into the education curriculum to ensure longevity and relevance. This holistic approach aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility, sustainability, and environmental consciousness across Kalinga communities.

Policy experimentation, everyday state informality, and contested cultural-creative entrepreneurial practices in urbanizing China

ABSTRACT Focusing on a state-run cultural creative industrial district in China, this paper examines how creative city policy, as a top-down experimental agenda, is embedded in the situated cultural and creative practices through informal urban governance at the local level, and how this informality reshapes the experiences and existing precariousness of creative entrepreneurs. Beyond the dichotomy of self-entrepreneurialism and state entrepreneurialism, this paper argues that urban cultural creative industries emerge from everyday conflicts and informal negotiations between creative entrepreneurs, local authorities, and indigenous communities in the context of policy experimentation. This process is facilitated specifically through two mechanisms: (1) political informality, which involves policy ambivalence, corruption, clientelism, and bureaucratic preferences in local state-business relations; and (2) social informality, which involves the informal social connections and cooperation between local residents and creative industries. This informality can fall on a spectrum ranging from para-formal to a-formal, depending on the degree of state intervention. While the para-formal can lead to negotiated forms of cultural production and innovation, the a-formal based on political performances and state-enlisted voluntarism may increase the precariousness and insecurity of creative entrepreneurs.