Cultural Strategies Research Articles

Production Location Affects Tuber Shape Phenotype of Late-Season Russet Selections and Cultivars from the Northwest Potato Variety Development Program (NWPVDP)

Abstract Potato tuber length-to-width ratio (L/W) is an important trait for consumer visual acceptance, pack-out efficiency, French fry production, and waste recovery. In the U.S. Northwest Potato Variety Development Program (NWPVDP), L/W accounts for 13% of the overall postharvest score. Selections with L/W ≥ 1.8 are preferred for maximum raw-product recovery (≥ 7.6-cm-long fries). However, tuber shape often depends on production location. Our objectives were to (1) model the effects of production location on L/W using 26 years of historical data from the NWPVDP, and (2) quantify the variability in tuber shape phenotype of selected NWPVDP varieties across production locations (WA, ID, OR). A mixed linear model demonstrated that tuber L/W was strongly affected by location, year, and location-by-year interactions (40% of total variation), while variety and variety-by-location accounted for 43% of total variation. L/W of the 227-284-g tubers of twenty-two released varieties from the NWPVDP averaged 1.65, 1.70, and 1.92 for WA, OR, and ID, respectively, and ranged from a low of 1.51 and 1.53 (cvs. Payette Russet & Palisade Russet) to a high of 2.06 and 2.12 (cvs. Ranger Russet & Echo Russet) across locations. The round phenotype of Palisade was stable across locations, leading to consistently low fry recovery (84% FW). By contrast, Payette tubers were invariably round in WA and OR, but elongated when grown in ID. The elongated phenotypes of Echo and Ranger from all locations ensured maximum fry recovery (94 to 95% FW), despite the relatively high variation in L/W (9–13%) attributable to location. Collectively, our results suggest an opportunity for genetic selection of L/W that are stable across locations for market specific reductions in shape waste. Future work should focus on identifying key mechanisms which are impacted by production environment for improved stability of L/W. Furthermore, cultural management strategies should be optimized for L/W consistency and usability by all sectors of the potato industry.

Efficacy of Botanicals as Biocontrol Agents Against Leaf Spot and Blossom Blight Pathogen of Marigold: A First Report from Longleng District of Nagaland, India

Aims: To study about etiology and organic disease management strategies of Fusarium oxysporum induced blossom blight in marigold (Tagetes spp.), cultivated in and around Longleng district of Nagaland. The experiment aimed to formulate an effective organic disease management module to combat the disease and assess the efficacy of plant extracts and biocontrol agents in suppressing fungal growth. Study Design: A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed for laboratory-based trials, and an exploratory survey was conducted during the winter season of 2024 to monitor disease incidence in marigold-growing areas around Longleng district of Nagaland. Place and Duration of Study: Field survey has been carried out in Longleng district of Nagaland. All the laboratory works has been carried out in laboratory of Assam Agricultural University(AAU), Jorhat, Assam. Duration of research is 6 months. Methodology: The tested phytoextracts at 10% and 20% concentrations included leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), garlic (Allium sativum), and other local plant species. Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were collected from the rhizosperic soil of Marigold as well as from local fields and research institutions for evaluation. Disease incidence and severity were measured based on Percent Disease Intensity (PDI). Results: The study demonstrated that garlic extract, at both tested concentrations, achieved complete inhibition (100%) of fungal growth. Additionally, several other plant extracts exhibited notable antifungal properties. Among the biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens showed a strong antagonistic effect against Fusarium oxysporum (82.65%). These findings underscore the potential for incorporating phytoextracts and biocontrol agents into effective organic disease management strategies for marigold cultivation. Conclusion: From the study, it is recommended to optimize the application of garlic extract, exploring its effectiveness in field conditions, and evaluating its potential in combination with other biocontrol agents or plant extracts.

Research on Chinese Traditional Architectural Culture and Inheritance Strategy: A Case Study of the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi

Traditional Chinese villages and architectural cultural resources are abundant. Against the backdrop of rapid development in contemporary socioeconomic and urbanization processes, rural construction is facing multiple challenges such as imbalanced urban–rural development, gradually fading cultural traditions, and disharmonious living environments. The cultural elements of rural architecture urgently need more systematic and effective protection, integration, and reuse. Therefore, the precise extraction of traditional architectural features and their translation applications in modern contexts are gradually becoming key issues in current research and practice fields. This study takes traditional architecture of the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi, China, as an example. Through field investigations and mathematical and GIS spatial analysis, architectural samples were identified and extracted typologically, and a database of traditional architecture was constructed, delineating architectural cultural zones and summarizing type characteristics to create a genealogy map. Based on the results of the architectural genealogy study, modern translation pathways for traditional architecture were proposed through spatial modeling, technical analysis, and iterative optimization. Modern translation experiments were conducted on selected typical villages and their traditional buildings, exploring the application model system of traditional architecture in modern contexts. This study not only deepens the scientific understanding of the genealogy zoning characteristics of traditional architecture in the Goulou Cluster of Yue Dialects in Guangxi but also provides a reference for the modern translation and optimization path of traditional architecture, providing important theoretical basis and application guidance for promoting the inheritance and innovation of rural culture, and realizing the protection and updating of rural architectural style.

Cultural Management and Leadership: Insights from Rao Zongyi’s Calligraphy Philosophy

This study explores the application of Rao Zongyi’s calligraphy philosophy to cultural management and leadership, emphasizing the principles of balancing tradition with innovation, strategic adaptability, and resilience. Cultural institutions today face challenges in preserving artistic heritage while embracing contemporary transformations. Rao’s philosophy, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese calligraphy, provides a leadership framework that integrates artistic discipline with strategic decision-making. Using a qualitative research approach, the study employs textual analysis, case studies, and expert interviews to examine how cultural leaders can draw insights from Rao’s artistic and philosophical contributions. Findings indicate that Rao’s leadership model offers a sustainable approach for cultural institutions, fostering innovation while maintaining historical authenticity. His philosophy underscores the importance of long-term vision, adaptability, and intellectual perseverance in leadership roles. The study contributes to the growing discourse on non-Western leadership models, demonstrating that cultural management is not solely an administrative practice but an extension of artistic legacy preservation. Future research should explore comparative leadership models, empirical validation through quantitative methods, and applications in digital cultural management strategies. This study reaffirms the significance of artistic disciplines in leadership frameworks, highlighting their role in developing sustainable cultural institutions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Environmental Ethics in Sub-Saharan African Literature through Myths and Legends

This paper aims to demonstrate how Language, Culture and Environment are linked. It examines the relationship between the Environmental Ethics and the Sub-Saharan African Literature. That is, how do Myths and Legends inspire the respect of the Environmental Ethics in Sub-Saharan Cultures. The method consists of an Anthropological Analysis of some African Myths and Legends from Scholars and other Authors who wrote on African Literature to illustrate the fact that, they carry Rules that govern Environmental Ethics and values that deals with our relationship with the physical milieu around us and how Myths permit to avoid pollution and ensure the protection of the endangered species. A Comparative Study of some Myths, in cultural Contexts, different from the Sub-Saharan one, indicates how Anthropocentric and Ecocide, Myths are. The result is the reality that, most of environmental Problems faced by the Humanity nowadays, are Anthropogenic. The Theoretical approach here is the Cultural Ecology to demonstrate how human adaptation to the natural Environment takes place by the Use of Cultural mechanisms. As a Result, the Paper demonstrate how Sub-Saharan African Literature is Environmentalist for Myths and Legends, constitute Charter for societies concerning Nature. They are Cultural Adaptation to natural Environment. They are adaptive Strategies for people to survive in their natural Environment. They convey messages concerning Rules that govern peoples’ behaviour with social and natural environment. There is a harmony or an interdependence between People and their geographical Milieu. Through Myths and Legends, Sub-Saharan African Literature constitute a School of Ecology. Because, the advocate for a Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, through their beliefs systems. Myths and Legends carry Environmental Ethics. They are cultural strategies for the respect of Environmental values; they communicate fundamental conceptions of nature and society and how people ought to relate and behave with natural environment. The paper demonstrates how the perturbation of Sub-Saharan African Language and Beliefs System by the western Imperialism, disturbed the relationships between people and their physical milieu and how the Environmental Ethics has been demoted, as the result of that fact.

Assessment of different nitrogen sources and bioreactor cultivation strategies during growth of Aurantiochytrium limacinum on spruce sugars

Assessment of different nitrogen sources and bioreactor cultivation strategies during growth of Aurantiochytrium limacinum on spruce sugars

Via Crucis of the Body: Clarice Lispector visits advertising

ABSTRACT If anyone could write a story about a 77-year-old lady dreaming of shagging a pop star, it was Clarice Lispector. The Ukrainian refugee immigrated to Brazil as her Jewish family fled in the wake of the Russian Revolution. She is one of the most enigmatic writers of the twentieth century and her modernist prose is highly introspective and autobiographical. In this paper, I draw on two of her later collections, Where Were You at Night and The Via Crucis of the Body, both published in 1974, to outline several modes of ‘meno representation’, which offer alternatives to pathological perceptions of the menopause transition, and which can be adopted in advertising and marketing communications. Through feminist literary criticism of her stories, which focus in part on the lives of ageing women, I contribute to cultural strategy by suggesting new forms of meno representations in advertising.

Mental Health and Employee Wellbeing: A Bibliometric and Thematic Content Analysis

Introduction: Mental health and employee wellbeing have become critical determinants of organizational success, significantly impacting productivity, engagement, and retention, particularly in high-pressure work environments. With escalating workplace stressors and global challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for effective strategies to enhance employee wellbeing. Objectives: This study aims to explore the evolving research landscape on mental health and employee wellbeing. It seeks to identify key themes, collaborative patterns, and gaps in the literature to provide actionable insights for improving workplace wellbeing. Methods: The research employs a bibliometric and thematic content analysis from 1980 to 2024 of 254 scholarly articles published across 180 journals. A systematic review of collaborative research patterns involving 994 authors was conducted, coupled with a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes such as workplace culture, leadership support, and stress management practices. Results: The findings indicate an annual growth rate of 8.34% in research publications, reflecting increasing interest in mental health and employee wellbeing. Collaborative research patterns and thematic analysis highlight the interconnected roles of workplace culture, leadership support, and stress management in promoting employee wellbeing. The study also identifies gaps in the literature, such as limited focus on cultural and industry-specific wellbeing strategies. Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of mental health strategies in fostering healthier workplaces and improving employees’ quality of life. By bridging theoretical insights and practical applications, the study provides organizations with data-driven interventions to address wellbeing challenges. It contributes to the broader discourse on mental health within organizational frameworks and offers a roadmap for future research in this vital area.

Foreword

Studying the Korean language serves as a vital key to understanding the interconnected realms of linguistics, history, culture, literature, and education. This issue seeks to highlight the richness of contemporary Korean Studies through a diverse collection of articles spanning these various fields. Notably, this edition showcases the passion and interest in Korean linguistics from scholars across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Through the global engagement, we envision the potential for building a new Korean Studies network and, ultimately, fostering an expanded network for Asian Studies. This issue begins with YOON Sang-seok’s “The Use of the Honorific Suffix -‍si- for Non-human Subjects: An Analysis of Talk-shows,” which examines pragmatic nuances in the misuse of honorifics, shedding light on broader social tendencies. Following this, Maša ŽBOGAR’s “An Overview of Korean Case Marker Alterations: Focusing on the eul/reul 을/를 – i/ga 이/가 Alteration” investigates the substitution of accusative and nominative markers in specific constructions, offering fresh perspectives on Korean grammar. Bishwanath KUMAR’s “Grammaticalization in the Korean Aspectual System” concludes the grammatical studies section, exploring the evolution of Korean aspectual markers in a global linguistic context. The historical dimension of the Korean language is addressed in two intriguing articles. MOON Hyun-soo’s “Differences in Linguists’ Perceptions of the History of Korean Language: Focusing on the Causes” contrasts how distinct socio-political contexts shape linguistic interpretations. Andrew SHIMUNEK’s “Puyŏ and Han: Morphological and Lexical Analysis of Two Distinct Language Groups of the Early Korean Peninsula” challenges the traditional notion of Puyŏ-Han linguistic unity, demonstrating their distinctiveness as independent language groups. The cultural aspect of Korean linguistics is explored through Eva VUČKOVIČ’s “Workplace Discourse and Expression of Hierarchy in Yoon Tae-ho’s Webtoon Misaeng,” which uses critical discourse analysis to examine hierarchical dynamics in corporate settings, as depicted in this iconic Korean webtoon. In the realm of translation, KANG Byoung Yoong’s “Unveiling Koreanness in Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl: Cultural Representation and Translation Strategies” investigates the representation of Korean identity within the space opera genre, exploring the challenges and strategies involved in translating such cultural elements. Finally, JEONG Eun Kyung’s “A Comparative Study of Idiomatic Expressions Related to Staple Foods in Korea and Türkiye: Rice and Bread” bridges linguistic and cultural divides, comparing idiomatic expressions tied to staple foods in Korean and Turkish traditions. The ICKL conference, held late in the winter of 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, sparked a commitment to high-quality collaboration and professional growth in our field. As a key outcome of this fruitful exchange—supported by AKS-2022-INC-2250001—we are pleased to present this issue, which showcases the insights and advancements fostered through this collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean for their unwavering support. Their commitment to advancing Korean Studies globally has been fundamental to the scholarly efforts presented here. This issue highlights the vibrancy and interdisciplinarity of Korean Studies, offering fresh perspectives and fostering dialogue. We sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and contributors whose dedication made this issue possible and hope it inspires further exploration of Korean linguistics and culture. Guest editors

Navigating ethical dilemmas in Generative AI Development: A framework for responsible innovation

This comprehensive article explores the evolving landscape of ethical challenges and solutions in generative AI development, focusing on key areas, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and implementation frameworks. Through detailed analysis of case studies and research findings, the study examines successful approaches to ethical AI implementation across various sectors, particularly in content generation and code development. The article presents a structured framework for ethical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessment, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring. By investigating cultural integration strategies and technical safeguards, this study provides valuable insights into establishing and maintaining ethical AI systems while balancing innovation with responsible development practices in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Exploring the preservice training of assistant language teachers in Japan: Contents, gaps and recommendations

This study explored the preservice training programs of Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japan, analyzing their content, identifying gaps and overlooked essential topics, and proposing enhancements to equip ALTs for their roles better. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that training emphasized foundational topics such as Introduction to English Education and Team Teaching, highlighting the need for understanding Japan's education system and collaborative teaching roles. However, less attention was given to Error Correction and Feedback and Reading and Writing, indicating potential gaps. ALTs suggested additional training in Cultural Awareness, Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, and Professional Growth, emphasizing cultural competence, practical strategies, and career development. The study concluded that while effective in some areas, current training programs must address these gaps to align better with ALTs' needs. Recommendations include expanding modules on error correction, reading and writing pedagogy, cultural sensitivity, lesson planning, and classroom management. Professional development opportunities like certifications were also suggested to support long-term career growth. These improvements aim to enhance ALTs' effectiveness in Japanese classrooms and improve English education outcomes. Future research could explore the impact of such improvements on classroom effectiveness and student learning.

Culture and Conflict Management Strategy: The Mediating Role of Instrumental Concerns

Culture and Conflict Management Strategy: The Mediating Role of Instrumental Concerns

Research on Effective Strategies for Cultural Cultivation into Local Government Higher Education Policies

In order to improve the level of higher education, local governments need to develop effective strategies for cultivating cultural self-confidence, so this paper analyzes from the perspective of education policy. Local governments should analyze the conditions for the integration of cultural self-confidence according to the conditions of local autonomy, and do the following; the impact of cultural self-confidence integration on higher education policy; higher education policy involves institutions, performance and methods; cultural self-confidence includes values, social environment and the concept of self-confidence; The impact of cultural self-confidence, local government and higher education policies on education, and the main influencing factors. The results show that the cultivation of cultural self-confidence includes socialist values, social and cultural environment, and the concept of personal self-confidence, which have a promoting effect on higher education, which is one of the main influencing factors, the education system of local governments, the educational performance of colleges and universities, and the cultivation method of cultural self-confidence are the effective aspects of education improvement, and strategic support needs to be provided from the above perspectives.

Date Palm and Water Management in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: New Insights Using Bayesian Longitudinal Model

This study applies panel techniques with macro variables to analyze the connection between date palms production and water management in GCC countries using the Bayesian random and mixed effects models. Also, this study utilizes panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) and feasibly generalized least squares (FGLSs) methods to test the robustness and verify the Bayesian results. By utilizing a Bayesian longitudinal model, this study not only fills in a critical research gap but also provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics of water management practices and their impact on date palm cultivation over time. The results of this study confirm that the posterior means for coefficients of the water efficiencies for all purposes are positive with a magnitude of 11%, 28%, and 125%, respectively, for agriculture, services, and industrial purposes, determining that the Bayesian inference is efficient and reasonable. This result indicates the fit of the model, the validation of the results, and the knowledge that decision-making can suggest water management strategies for date palm cultivation. The findings from the PCSE and FGLSs models confirm that efficient water use in services (β = −0.329, significant at 1%) and agriculture (β = −2.834, significant at 1%) can lead to increased competition for limited water resources, reducing water availability for palm cultivation. Water use efficiency for industrial purposes (β = 0.503, significant at 1%) shows a positive relationship. Industrial water efficiency practices, such as water recycling, can help preserve water resources, managing more water available for agricultural activities. In addition, industrial water efficiency initiatives often involve technological innovations that can be applied to agriculture, improving water management practices in palm production. Developing and implementing comprehensive strategies, such as Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), that consider water needs for all purposes and establish coordinated water distribution plans to ensure sustainable water use practices across various sectors are highly recommended for policymakers and stakeholders. Also, further research must be performed to investigate the implications of climate change on water resources and date production to develop adaptation strategies that enhance the resilience of date palm cultivation. This will help the development of sustainable agricultural practices that balance water conservation with agrarian productivity.

The effect of single versus group culture on cumulus-oocyte complexes from early antral follicles.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus group culture strategies for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from early antral follicles (EAFs), with the goal of optimizing culture conditions to increase oocyte availability for assisted reproductive technologies. COCs isolated from EAFs (350-450µm) from sheep ovarieswere cultured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 0.15µg/mL Zn++ as zinc sulfate, 10-4IU/mL FSH, 10ng/mL estradiol, 50ng/mL testosterone, 50ng/mL progesterone, and 5µM Cilostamide. After 5days of long in vitro culture (LIVC), COCs underwent in vitro maturation. This study investigated the effects of single and group culture conditions on COCs, focusing on morphology (integrity of oocyte-granulosa cell complex), viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, and ultrastructure. Additional factors influencing developmental competence were assessed, including global transcriptional activity, gap junction communication, and meiotic competence. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial activity were also measured. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of morphology, viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, ROS levels, or mitochondrial activity. However, group culture resulted in ultrastructural changes, with a notable reduction in global transcriptional activity, an increase in active gap junctions, and a higher rate of meiosis resumption (p < 0.01). Overall, group culture of COCs derived from sheep EAFs promoted meiosis resumption, suggesting that this approach could improve in vitro culture techniques, increase the availability of mature gametes, and support fertility preservation programs.

Development of therapeutic peptide producers based on Escherichia coli BL21 and their cultivation technology

Introduction. Peptides with a molecular weight of less than 5 kDa have been used in medicine and biotechnology over the past decade for the treatment of various diseases. However, chemical synthesis peptide has several disadvantages, including low yield, reduced efficiency, and high costs. An alternative approach to peptide production is the use of the Escherichia coli expression system. The development of effective peptide synthesis technology remains a critical task because of the low productivity of recombinant strains.Aim. Developing highly efficient strains of Escherichia coli BL21 expressing therapeutic peptides with a molecular weight of less than 5 kDa in E. coli and their cultivation technology.Materials and methods. Genetic constructs were obtained using the restriction-ligase method, and their authenticity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Cultivation technology was developed using the Design of Experiments approach. The cultivation condition was validated in the Biostat B bioreactor. Hybrid proteins were purified by metal-chelate chromatography, followed by hydrolysis ULP proteas to obtain the target peptides. The quantitative content of the target protein was determined by capillary electrophoresis, and the authenticity of the protein was confirmed by HPLC-MS and ELISA.Results and discussion. Highly efficient peptide-producing strains were developed. Cultivation conditions were optimized: рН 7.5 ± 0.5, cultivation temperature 37 °C, induction optical density 28 ± 2, IPTG concentration 0.05 мМ. The productivity of the producer strains was up to 4.82 ± 0.05 g/L. Furthermore, samples of the target peptides were isolated and purified.Conclusion. The productivity of peptides in this study were significantly higher than in previous research. The presented strategy for strain development, cultivation and purification technology can be used production of therapeutic peptides with diverse physical chemicals characteristics in the future.

Harnessing cell aggregates for enhanced adeno-associated virus manufacturing: Cultivation strategies and scale-up considerations.

The possibility to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) by adherent HEK293T cells was studied in a stirred tank bioreactor (STR) culture of cell aggregates. A proof-of-concept of rAAV production was successfully demonstrated in a process where single cells were first expanded, then cell aggregates were formed by dilution into a different medium 1 day before triple plasmid transfection was conducted. An alternative approach for the STR inoculation using a seed taken from a high cell density perfusion (HCDP) culture was also investigated. It was, however, found that the spent medium of the HCDP inhibited the transfection of HEK293T cell aggregates, which was confirmed when testing with single-cell suspension culture. The formation of aggregates in shaken multi-well plates was also investigated to develop a screening system using the average power input as a scale-down criterion, which revealed that cell aggregates could be generated in 12-well plates, however with a larger size than in a STR. Taking into account the reported higher rAAV production of adherent cells in comparison with single cells for triple-plasmid transfection, HEK293T cell aggregates can possibly surpass single-cell suspension in space-time rAAV yield. The formation of HEK293T cell aggregates in a STR system offers a promising approach for scaling up and intensifying rAAV production by triple-plasmid transfection, in comparison with traditional 2D scale-up methods.

Integrated biorefinery approach for sustainable production of biodiesel, bioplastics and high value bioproducts from a bloom forming alga, Botryococcus braunii.

The global shift towards sustainable energy and bioproducts has intensified research on algae. Renewable green biofuel can address and provide solutions to both energy crisis and climate change challenges. Botryococcus braunii, a bloom forming green microalga, known for its high lipid content and potential for biofuel production has been explored in the present study. The study envisages the utilisation of algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems for the production of biodiesel and high value bioproducts through an integrated biorefinery approach. During the peak bloom, the algal cell densities reached up to 3.3×106 colonies L-1 with significant shift in water quality due to high nutrient uptake. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic analysis revealed high concentration of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly hexadecanoic acid (C16:0) and 9-octadecenoic acid (C18:1) which are essential for stable, energy-rich biodiesel production. Hydrocarbons including squalene, botryococcenes, and botryococcane, produced by this alga have significant industrial applications. The high polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) content in the alga emphasises its potential for sustainable bioplastic production. Growth conditions, lipid content, and biochemical composition of B. braunii were investigated. Algal blooms can provide a sustainable and economically viable source of biofuel with high value co-products. This approach not only contributes to renewable energy solutions through valorising a waste bioresource but in combination with other mass cultivation strategies can also offer a means to sustainably manage the impact of algal blooms on aquatic ecosystems.

Cultural humility strategies for recruitment and retention of minoritised participants: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionCultural humility practices are shown to be effective when working with diverse populations in healthcare settings. Research recruitment and retention among minoritised groups are essential to address health inequities. Given...

High-Andean Vernacular Architecture: Sustainable Design for Healthy, Inclusive, and Sustainable Communities (SGD 3 and 11)

Objective: The objective of this research was to characterize thermal conductivity, spatial organization, ancestral beliefs, and customs, reflecting the economic, social, ideological, and psychological identities embedded in the landscape of rural vernacular dwellings in the Atuncolla municipality, Puno, Peru. Theoretical Framework: The vernacular architecture of the high-Andean regions of Peru has inspired sustainable design innovations, fostering environmental harmony while offering climatic solutions. This study explores its application in the context of Atuncolla, Puno. Method: A qualitative approach was used, combining field observations, architectural measurements, and interviews with residents. Data collection included spatial analysis, thermal performance testing, and ethnographic research on cultural adaptation strategies. Results and Discussion: Findings highlight adobe’s superior thermal performance due to its low thermal conductivity, measured between 0.182 and 0.225 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹. The thermal conductivity of concrete, in comparison, ranges from 0.35 to 0.791 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, indicating adobe's better insulating properties. Spatial analysis revealed key distances within residential complexes: kitchens were positioned 4.10 m from bedrooms, 5 m from bathrooms, and 12.5 m from stables. Courtyards measured 174 m² on average. These configurations, adapted to harsh climatic conditions, enhance energy efficiency and environmental resilience. Research Implications: The study suggests practical applications for improving rural housing by integrating traditional designs with modern sustainable technologies, promoting eco-efficient and culturally respectful housing models that address local climatic challenges. Originality/Value: This research rescues ancestral knowledge and integrates it with sustainable design principles. Its originality lies in combining ethnographic insights with architectural analysis, offering innovative perspectives on eco-friendly and culturally appropriate housing in high-Andean contexts, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements in sustainable rural architecture.