Diverse Ethnic Communities Research Articles

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes using molecular markers in the North-Western plains of India

Bael is a fruit crop that is extensively distributed throughout South-East Asia and is underutilized in medicine. The potential applications of bael's therapeutic and nutritional qualities in diverse ethnic communities are enormous. This study focuses on evaluating the morpho-pomological and molecular characteristics, utilizing SSR markers, of 80 wild bael genotypes alongside the NB-5 and NB-9 cultivars, derived from the North Western plains of India. Based on the evaluated morpho-pomological features, substantial variations were found between all genotypes. The fruit's inner diameter and pulp weight varied from 4.41 to 11.54 cm and 34.63 to 786.41 g, respectively. Numerous variations in the genotypes were observed in the shell weight/fruit, fruit skull thickness and fruit yield/plant. The bael fruit mucilage's total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 40.10 to 49.60 obrix and 8.11 to 21.17%, respectively. Using ward cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into two primary clusters. Among the bael genotypes, the population structure analysis identified three subpopulations. SSR markers are used to measure genetic variety; of the 27 polymorphic markers, 17 show allelic diversity between genotypes. Molecular genetic diversity analysis, on the other hand, highlighted the genotypes genetic distinctiveness by classifying them into three major clusters. These findings offer valuable insights into the rich diversity and intricate interactions among the bael genotypes under investigation, paving the way for more strategic future breeding and selection efforts to elevate the quality of this remarkable fruit.

Suicide risk among adolescents in Sarawak, Malaysia: prevalence and determining factors.

Adolescent suicide is a significant global public health concern. Although numerous studies have investigated factors that influence the risk of suicide among adolescents around the world, limited data are available in the Malaysian context, especially among the diverse ethnic communities of Sarawak. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the risk of suicide among adolescents in Sarawak, Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,344 adolescents in Sarawak using face-to-face interviews. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that determine the risk of suicide among adolescents. Two predictive models were constructed. Both models revealed that being female (OR=1.578, 95 % CI: 1.191, 2.092, p=0.001), having Malay ethnicity (OR=1.733, 95 % CI: 1.236, 2.429, p=0.001) and having a disease significantly increased the risk of suicide (OR=1.895, 95 % CI: 1.221, 2.942, p=0.004). In particular, Model 2, which showed a better fit, found that occasional religious practice (OR=1.610, 95 % CI: 1.126, 2.303, p=0.009), poor parental relationships (OR=1.739, 95 % CI: 1.035, 2.922, p=0.037) and higher addiction (OR=1.015, 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.022, p=0.001), depression (OR=1.919, 95 % CI: 1.241, 2.968, p=0.003), and stress (OR=2.707, 95 % CI: 1.689, 4.340, p=0.001) scores were significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide. This study sheds light on multiple factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among adolescents in Sarawak. These findings underscore the importance of holistic prevention strategies, including psychological and social dimensions, to mitigate the risk of suicide in this population. Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay of these factors and guide the development of targeted interventions.

ANALISIS PERAN PANCASILA DALAM MEMBENTUK PERDAMAIAN KEBERAGAMAN DAN PERSATUAN

Pancasila is the foundation and ideology of the Indonesian nation and has a function in the life of the Indonesian nation and state. The meaning of Pancasila includes fundamental values that strengthen diversity, unity, and integrity in the midst of Indonesia's diverse ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic communities. In the context of the nation's future, Pancasila has great relevance in building a strong foundation for sustainable development and progress for the Indonesian nation. Pancasila has an important meaning for the future of the Indonesian nation because it is able to become a guide in achieving state goals, strengthening national unity, and creating social justice for all people. Pancasila remains relevant for the future of the nation because it is able to become a foundation for facing various challenges and changing times. Pancasila encourages sustainable, democratic, and socially just development. Pancasila is also able to be a means of strengthening national unity and avoiding horizontal conflict. In addition, Pancasila is able to maintain cultural and religious diversity in Indonesia, so as to strengthen tolerance and togetherness between citizens

Ethnic integration in the “Lin-ge” migration epic: a grassroots perspective

This study comprehensively analyzes China’s ethnic migration epic, “Lin-ge,” as a case study to explore the cultural and social phenomena it reveals about exchanges, communication and integration among ethnic groups. It reveals how this process has facilitated mutual understanding and integration among diverse ethnic communities from a grassroots level. Focusing on inter-ethnic religious syncretism, economic interactions, warfare exchanges, trade practices, and intermarriages depicted in “Lin-ge,” the research showcases the complexity and dynamism of ethnic integration. It emphasizes the pivotal role of regional community identity in bridging different ethnic groups and forming the foundational cultural logic behind the identity of the Chinese national community. Through textual analysis, this study finds that “Lin-ge” transcends the boundaries between official and folk, sacred and secular, and historical and contemporary narratives, presenting a more inclusive and diversified perspective of the Chinese national community. The research highlights that the syncretism of religious beliefs, cultural exchanges, and social practices are key mechanisms in shaping the identity of regional social communities and promoting harmonious coexistence among various ethnic groups. Moreover, by reviewing extensive literature and conducting case analyses, this study provides a thorough understanding of China’s ethnic policies, ethnic relations, and the formation and development of multi-ethnic communities. The findings are not only of significant academic relevance to the fields of ethnology and anthropology but also offer practical guidance for addressing ethnic issues and promoting ethnic unity and national integration in modern society.

Study of medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary medical system in riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundThe use of medicinal plants to treat various veterinary illnesses has been practiced for millennia in many civilizations. Punjab is home to a diverse ethnic community, the majority of whom work in dairy farming, agriculture, and allied professions and have indigenous practices of treating animal illnesses using native flora. This study was designed to (1) document and preserve information about the applications of medicinal plant species in ethnoveterinary remedies among inhabitants of Punjab, Pakistan, and (2) identify popular plants for disease treatment by quantitative analysis of the obtained data and to assess the pharmacological relevance of these species.MethodsTo collect data from informants (N = 279), questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using principal component analysis, relative frequency citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, and rank order priority.ResultsA total of 114 plant species utilized in the ethnoveterinary medicinal system were found, which were divided into 56 families and used to treat 16 different illnesses. The Poaceae family, with 16 species, was the most common in the region. The most commonly employed growth form in herbal preparation was herb (49%). The most used part in ethnoveterinary remedies was leaves (35%), while powder was the most commonly used way for preparing ethnoveterinary remedies (51 applications). According to principal component analysis, the most typically used species in the research region were grasses. Five grasses (Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum) showed a 100% FL value when used to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded at 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments in the study area.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that medicinal plants play an important part in satisfying farmers’ animal healthcare demands, making it a feasible practice. The study also provides a wealth of knowledge regarding ethnoveterinary methods for further planning and application, providing an option for farmers who cannot afford allopathic therapy.

Nutritional profiles of Middle Eastern dishes and composition

The study examined 27 traditional Middle Eastern/Kuwaiti dishes, primarily meat, chicken, and fish-based, to assess their taste and nutritional content. The evaluation included protein, moisture, carbohydrates, ash, fat, energy, dietary fiber, 11 vitamins, 8 minerals, and 3 sugars. Certain dishes displayed high levels of protein, fat, energy, water, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. For instance, Marag laham and Majbous dajaj stood out for their high protein, fat, and energy content. Additionally, Marag laham and Marag dajaj exhibited high water content of 63.55% and 69.42% respectively for the meat and chicken section, while Majbous laham and Majbous dajaj had elevated carbohydrate levels due to the rice (27.52%). Notably, Turkey and Arabic meat shawarma had the highest fat energy with Arabic meat shawerma energy calculated at 400.91 kcal due to its total fat content (31.74%). The study concludes that using standard recipes for common meals can facilitate the collection of global and regional food composition data, which can be integrated into global food composition databases for diverse ethnic communities. Overall, the research highlights the importance of considering both taste and nutrition when making food choices and supports making informed dietary decisions based on comprehensive nutritional information

“Stay tuned!"

“Stay tuned!"

Bee Venom: Composition and Anticancer Properties.

Among the various natural compounds used in alternative and Oriental medicine, toxins isolated from different organisms have had their application for many years, and Apis mellifera venom has been studied the most extensively. Numerous studies dealing with the positive assets of bee venom (BV) indicated its beneficial properties. The usage of bee products to prevent the occurrence of diseases and for their treatment is often referred to as apitherapy and is based mainly on the experience of the traditional system of medical practice in diverse ethnic communities. Today, a large number of studies are focused on the antitumor effects of BV, which are mainly attributed to its basic polypeptide melittin (MEL). Previous studies have indicated that BV and its major constituent MEL cause a strong toxic effect on different cancer cells, such as liver, lung, bladder, kidney, prostate, breast, and leukemia cells, while a less pronounced effect was observed in normal non-target cells. Their proposed mechanisms of action, such as the effect on proliferation and growth inhibition, cell cycle alterations, and induction of cell death through several cancer cell death mechanisms, are associated with the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), caspases, and matrix metalloproteinases that destroy cancer cells. Numerous cellular effects of BV and MEL need to be elucidated on the molecular level, while the key issue has to do with the trigger of the apoptotic cascade. Apoptosis could be either a consequence of the plasmatic membrane fenestration or the result of the direct interaction of the BV components with pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors. The interaction of BV peptides and enzymes with the plasma membrane is a crucial step in the whole process. However, before its possible application as a remedy, it is crucial to identify the correct route of exposure and dosage of BV and MEL for potential therapeutic use as well as potential side effects on normal cells and tissues to avoid any possible adverse event.

Unlocking the potentials of sustainable livelihoods in Chattogram Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), home to diverse ethnic communities locally known as tribals, lags behind in socioeconomic development, with widespread poverty and precarious livelihoods. This paper, using diverse sources of literature, examines the existing livelihood challenges faced by the tribal people of CHT and explores various livelihood options that could improve their well-being. Our analysis revealed that a variety of factors, including geographic, economic, social, historical, and political, affect the livelihoods of tribal people in the CHT. The region's difficult topography, remoteness, poor infrastructure, and past conflicts have hindered development efforts and deterred both private and public sector investments. Although over 60 % of the tribal people depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods, many of them are landless. Moreover, tribal communities have limited access to finance, education and training, health services, and markets due to their remote locations, poor infrastructure, and lack of transportation facilities. Our findings suggest that, despite many challenges, there is huge potential to improve the livelihoods of the tribal people. However, it would require a holistic and coordinated approach of managing natural resources, improving human, social, physical, and financial capital, as well as addressing underlying structural and institutional factors. Priority should be given to managing natural resources, improving governance, resolving land disputes, investing in infrastructure, improving access to markets and financial services, and developing skills and knowledge. This paper outlines a framework to address the existing challenges and harness the opportunities to promote sustainable livelihoods in CHT.

Evaluating the impact of conceptual change pedagogy on student attitudes and behaviors toward controversial topics in Iraq

This study assesses the effect of conceptual change pedagogy on students’ attitudes toward pluralism and related rights within culturally sensitive contexts. Global efforts to address the spread of intolerant ideologies that foment radicalization, discrimination, and violence are fraught with controversy. Prior research on the Middle East and North Africa region has found that efforts to address these challenges in the field of education — including reform to curricula, the promotion of narratives inclusive of religious diversity, and civics education initiatives — have had varied levels of success. Absent from these efforts is the development of an effective pedagogy and the training of teachers to identify and address ideologies and behaviors that foment intolerance and conflict among students. Hardwired Global developed a teacher training program based on conceptual change theory and pedagogy to fill these needs. Conceptual change refers to the development of new ways of thinking and understanding of concepts, beliefs, and attitudes. Hardwired Global implemented the program in partnership with the regional Directorate of Education for Mosul and the Nineveh Plains region of Iraq from 2019–2023. From 2021–2023, Hardwired trained 485 teachers in 40 schools across the region. Following the training, teachers implemented two lessons. A mixed method research study — with a primary focus on quantitative data collected — was conducted to determine the effect of the program on student perceptions, understanding, and behavior toward key concepts inherent to pluralism. Quantitative data consisted of a pre-post survey with four multiple choice questions. Scores on pre-surveys were compared to post-surveys and a two sample paired t-test was applied. We documented statistically significant developments in students’ conceptual understanding of key concepts inherent to pluralism and associated rights, including: respect for diversity in expression inclusion of diverse religious and/or ethnic communities, gender equality, and violent or non-violent approaches to conflict. Qualitative data consisted of semi-structured interviews with teachers and students implemented at the conclusion of the program and observations reported by Master Trainers and teachers during training and activity implementation. Findings suggest conceptual change pedagogy on pluralism and associated rights is a promising approach to education about controversial topics in conflict-affected and culturally sensitive environments.

The Oxford DClinPsy ‘mind-to-mind’ mentoring scheme: Experience of benefits and barriers

There is an underrepresentation of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the clinical psychology workforce. Research highlights that individuals from diverse ethnic communities (DEC) face many barriers in their journeys towards becoming a clinical psychologist, one of which involves being unable to access support and advice from those already in the profession. The Mind-to-Mind mentoring scheme is a positive initiative action to support aspiring psychologists with their individual career pathways. This project aimed to evaluate the first year of the mentoring scheme and offer recommendations on how the needs of mentees from DEC can be better met. Separate focus group discussions were carried out with four mentees, qualified mentors and trainee mentors to explore their experiences of the scheme. Recommendations for the scheme to better support individuals from DEC are provided, some of which may also be beneficial to other courses delivering similar initiatives.

Ethnopharmacology of Assamese Fermented Foods: Traditional Wisdom, Therapeutic Potential, and Evolutionary Insights

The migration patterns of humans from various regions over extended periods form the ancestors of the present-day ethnic communities in Assam, a region located in Northeast India. Throughout the process of assimilation, the people of this area developed the skill of fermenting different types of perishable and inedible raw agricultural products into tasty, preserved, and superior foods and drinks pleasing to the senses. Fermented foods have played a crucial role in the cultural and dietary practices of diverse ethnic communities worldwide since ancient times. Particularly in developing countries, their inclusion holds significant importance as it provides a cost-effective method of preserving food while enhancing its nutritional and sensory attributes. The native population of Northeast India, particularly in Assam, has a long-standing tradition of preparing and consuming various smoked, sun-dried, fermented, and salted fish products. This practice, which originated from the astute observations of our ancestors, has resulted in a wide range of fermented food items and beverages that are unique to this region. Among these, Judima, Rice beer, Apong, Jou, Sujen, Khorisa, Kahudi, Napham, Kharoli, Xaj-pani, Chokot, Shidol, and traditional fermented fish products like karati, bordia, and lashim hold significant prominence. These ethnic fermented foods not only influence the local healthcare system but also possess potential therapeutic benefits for disease prevention and managing physiological disorders. The phytochemical constituents present in these fermented foods, individually or in combination, exhibit noteworthy therapeutic potential. The objective of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of the diverse range of ethnic fermented foods in Northeast India, specifically Assam, their impact on health, and the evolutionary development of their preparation techniques.

Mapping a Contested Space: Northeast India Through the Ages

Northeast India, home to diverse ethnic communities, has often been described as the cauldron of ethnic violence and insurgencies. The ongoing crisis in Manipur (in the form of a fratricidal war between the Meiteis and Kukis) and the State’s failure to contain it calls for deeper scrutiny of the geopolitics of the region. Whereas the region was once a crossroad that facilitated the movement of these ethnic groups, its transformation into a frontier area during colonial times and as a borderland after India’s partition turned it into a contested space. Further, with the introduction of colonial modernity, the old socio-cultural and economic structures have radically altered the relationship among the communities giving space to necropolitics. In this context, by referring to Rituparna Bhattacharyya’s edited volume Northeast India through the Ages: A Transdisciplinary Perspective on Prehistory, History, and Oral History and other research works, this commentary maps the transformation of the territory into a necrospace. In doing so, this study argues that while much of the complications had been foisted due to the colonial map-making process and immigration, an ethnic resurgence had further facilitated the growth of necropolitics in the region. Additionally, the study will focus on the representations of socio-cultural history and politics by relating those to the multifaceted aspect of necropolitics and its entangled colonial history.

A secondary analysis of the factors associated with women´s adequate utilization of antenatal care services during their last pregnancy in Uganda

BackgroundAdequate antenatal care services (ANC) use is critical to identifying and reducing pregnancy risks. Despite the importance placed on adequate antenatal care service utilization, women in Uganda continue to underutilize antenatal care services. The primary goal of this study is to identify the factors associated with women’s adequate utilization of antenatal care services in Uganda.MethodsSecondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey were used in this study. The study sample consists of 9,416 women aged 15 to 49 who reported giving birth in the five years preceding the survey. The adequate use of antenatal care services is the dependent variable. A woman who used antenatal care services at least four times is considered to have adequately used antenatal care services. We used univariate, bivariate, and multilevel logistic regression modelling to identify the factors associated with adequate utilization of antenatal care services. STATA version 14.2 was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe prevalence of adequate utilization of antenatal care services in Uganda was found to be 61.4%. Women with secondary or higher education were 32.0% (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI;1.07–1.63), employed women were 26.0% (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI;1.10–1.44), women who received high-quality antenatal care content were 78.0% (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI;1.58–2.02), and women who belong to the rich category of the wealth index bracket were 27.0% (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI;1.09–1.49), more likely to use antenatal care services adequately. Finally, the study discovered that women from less diverse ethnic communities were 15.0% (AOR, 0.85, 95%CI; 0.73–0.99) less likely to use antenatal care services adequately.ConclusionWomen’s adequate utilization of antenatal care was influenced by both community and individual-level characteristics. Policymakers must use a multi-sectoral approach to develop policies that address both individual and community-level characteristics.

“We Know Only Our Po Then Luang ”: Heritagization, Religious Inculturation, and Resistance in Post-đổi mới Vietnam

Abstract: In 2016, the local government of Như Hoa multi-ethnic district of a northern province of Vietnam rebuilt a ruined temple of the Thái minority, a place associated with their long tradition of offering buffalos to their supreme God –the Po Then Luang. With the aim of meeting the spiritual needs of diverse ethnic communities in the district, the structure and altars of the temple were built with a combination of Việt Buddhist temple architecture and the iconic Thái stilt house. During the inauguration of the temple, a Buddhist ritual was celebrated by hundreds of different ethnic people including the Thái. However, in contrast to the local government's expectation, Thái villagers resisted local authorities’ efforts to integrate Buddhism and the Mother Goddess religion into the rebuilt temple. Thái villagers did not mind the architecture of the rebuilt temple or the devotional practices of the Vietnamese people, but they resisted the inclusion of altars dedicated to Buddhist figures in the temple and the inclusion of Buddhist rituals in their own site of worship. Their resistance revealed the complexities of religious accommodation in contemporary Vietnam. This article examines this episode of contestation in relation to state efforts of heritagization, and situates this local resistance within the larger context of religious dialogue and revitalization in contemporary society.

532-P: Know Your Diabetes by Heart—DSME/S Collaboration with Project Dulce and Dulce Digital Improves Knowledge and HbA1c

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are closely linked, yet many people with T2D are unaware of the risk. The ADA and AHA, supported the integration of Know Your Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) messaging into DSME/S programs to improve knowledge of CVD risk in T2D populations. Scripps Health, a large health system in San Diego, CA employed two distinct diabetes education methods to deliver enhanced KDBH messaging and determined change in knowledge and clinical outcomes after program delivery. Messages emphasizing the connection of CVD to T2D, and BP and cholesterol risk management were developed in English and Spanish and delivered via 1) Project Dulce (PD), an evidence-based culturally and linguistically modified 9-hour, 5-session traditional in-person and virtual telehealth DSME/S program, and 2) Dulce Digital (DD), an innovative 6-month diabetes education texting program within Scripps ambulatory clinics and partnering Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving diverse racial and ethnic low-income populations in California. Pre/post surveys assessed knowledge and self-management, and clinical metrics were evaluated via electronic health records. Of the N=333participants, 59% were Female, mean age 54 (SD 12.3) years and 42% were Spanish speakers, 70% were White, 54% Hispanic, 17% AA, Asian, NA, PI, and 18% other. Among those with baseline (BL, N=291) and Month 6 (M6, N=82), survey feedback demonstrated improved knowledge of the association of CVD toT2D (PD-94 ->98%, DD-65->85%), the leading cause of death as CVD (PD-51->60%, DD-34->45%) and an increased willingness to discuss the link between heart disease and diabetes. Mean change in HbA1c (N=86 paired values) between BL and M6, was -0.98 [-1.35, -0.61] (-p<0.0001). KDBH campaign in English and Spanish improved CVD risk knowledge and A1c with two methods of DSME/S, PD group live and DD texting in a community-based health system and FQHCs, serving low income diverse racial and ethnic communities. Disclosure M.Ruiz: None. S.R.Spierling bagsic: None. H.Sandoval: None. M.Chichmarenko: None. A.L.Fortmann: Employee; Dexcom, Inc. C.Walker: None. A.Philis-tsimikas: Advisory Panel; Dexcom, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, Other Relationship; Medtronic, Research Support; Novo Nordisk A/S, Lilly, Viking Therapeutics, NIH - National Institutes of Health.

Enhancing Physical and Community MoBility in OLDEr Adults with Health Inequities Using CommuNity Co-Design (EMBOLDEN): Results of an Environmental Scan.

Using the comparatively new environmental scan methodology, a protocol was developed and conducted to inform the co-design and implementation of a novel intervention to promote mobility among older adults in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The EMBOLDEN program seeks to promote physical and community mobility in adults 55 years and older who face barriers accessing community programs and who reside in areas of high inequity in Hamilton, and to address the following areas of focus: physical activity, nutrition, social participation, and system navigation supports. The environmental scan protocol was developed using existing models and drew insights from census data, a review of existing services, organizational representative interviews, windshield surveys of selected high-priority neighbourhoods, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. A total of 98 programs for older adults from 50 different organizations were identified, with the majority (92) supporting mobility, physical activity, nutrition, social participation, and system navigation. The analysis of census tract data identified eight high-priority neighbourhoods characterized by large shares of older adults, high material deprivation, low income, and high proportion of immigrants. These populations can be hard to reach and face multiple barriers to participation in community-based activities. The scan also revealed the nature and types of services geared toward older adults in each neighbourhood, with each priority neighbourhood having at least one school and park. Most areas had a range of services and supports (i.e., health care, housing, stores, religious options), although there was a lack of diverse ethnic community centres and income-diverse activities specific to older adults in most neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods also differed in the geographic distribution number of services, along with the number of recreational services specific to older adults. Barriers included financial and physical accessibility, lack of ethnically diverse community centres, and food deserts. Scan results will inform the co-design and implementation of the Enhancing physical and community MoBility in OLDEr adults with health inequities using commuNity co-design intervention-EMBOLDEN.

The Role of Culture in Economic and Social Development during the Process of International Integration in Vietnam

During the process of integration, traditional culture is highly respected and fundamentally restored (Vietnam’s traditional culture has a rich history spanning thousands of years, surpassing the nation-building histories of many countries, which means it possesses sustainability and a greater influence than many might imagine). The new perspective on culture has sparked a revival of many previously neglected or even stigmatized traditional values, bringing Vietnamese culture back to its normalcy and reconnecting it with its past. Cultural values and diversity, including the diversity of local cultures and ethnic groups, such as Cham culture and Funan culture, are being studied more deeply, reviving the objective humanitarian significance of the existence of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities within an independent and unified nation. The achievements of human civilization that have once been present in Vietnam, such as French civilization in Vietnam or the accomplishments of the Nguyen Dynasty, are increasingly recognized as rational and inherited elements of Vietnamese culture. The awareness of society, especially the institutions responsible for economic growth coupled with cultural development, the pursuit of progress, and social equity, is increasingly recognized and implemented practically and effectively.

Impact of cultural behaviour on indoor comfort: Examining the air quality in Homes and exploring observational and experimental methods of representation through filmmaking

There is a limited understanding of householders’ cultural differences and their impact on spatial organisation and energy behaviour in dwellings. Indoor air quality directly impacts the health and well-being of occupants. The airborne COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted shortcomings of controlled ventilation systems in recent reports (PHE, Dec 2020). While efficiency interventions can make homes more affordable to heat, they can exacerbate conditions such as asthma, due to reduced indoor air quality and ventilation. Preliminary research conducted in Plymouth by the applicant indicates that British Asians use their homes differently compared to native British in terms of spatial organisation, cooking habits (on average, they spend five times more time cooking the daily meal) and ventilation strategies, all of which have an impact on indoor air quality. This project sets out to establish the impact of culturally informed choices on indoor air quality and the extent to which the norms that guide the design of energy-efficient homes ignore potentially significant cultural and behavioural differences. It will achieve this by focusing on the impact of energy behaviour and choices related to cooking on the indoor air quality of British-Asian households. The project aims to quantify temperature, humidity and air quality by data collected by a pilot study in Plymouth, UK. We will engage the community in a participatory methodology using correlational research and survey questionnaires and IAQ Data Loggers to evidence anomalies from the design norms currently used in the UK. In addition to traditional data analysis, our methodology includes artistic research, utilising observational and sensory ethnographic filmmaking techniques, to support, document, and evidence the impact of cooking in the home. We aim to explore how the intersection between these two methods can reveal and communicate new perspectives. The main outcome is to evaluate the impact of cultural behaviour on the air quality of super-insulated British-Asian homes through an interdisciplinary methodology. This project lays foundations for larger-scale research working with diverse ethnic minority communities to promote engagement in a low-carbon society.

An exploration of strength-based consultation; The Tree of Change

AimsThis paper presents and evaluates the consultation model Tree of Change (ToC) which offers an alternative approach to traditional problem-solving consultation frameworks for practice in educational psychology. ToC aims to resolve many of the issues associated with the traditional deficit models by enhancing the positive developmental pathways of pupils through augmenting their strengths, as opposed to focusing solely on reducing or eliminating the stated issue of concern (Donovan & Nickerson, 2007; Nickerson & Fishman, 2013; Resiliency Initiatives, 2011).MethodThis study was set within diverse ethnic and socio-economic communities based in north and east London. The researcher used a qualitative case study design. For the purpose of this study, case studies have been defined as a strategy for carrying out an investigation of a particular occurrence within the context of ‘the real world’ (Robson, 2011). The present study fits within Robson’s notion of a ‘set of individual case studies’ because it involves the study of a common set of features (e.g. exploring the implementation of ToC) across eleven consultations: nine Educational Psychologist (EP)and two EP-Teacher-Parent-pupil consultations. In total four EPs participated in the study all of whom were female. Eleven case studies were generated as a result of this: EP A submitting one case study, EP B submitting five cases, EP C submitting three cases and EP D providing two cases. The ethnicity of the EPs were black British, white British and Italian. The ethnicity of the consultees is reported in appendix 3. Consultation meetings were facilitated by EPs using the ToC model, please refer to appendix 1.FindingsEvaluation data revealed the ToC approach generated pupils’ strengths at different levels of ecology which influenced action plans by affecting the choice of strategy and/or target of interventions for young people.LimitationsData purported that information about the ToC should be shared in advance of consultation meetings so that consultees can better prepare and familiarise themselves with the process. Using the ToC virtually reportedly reduced relational connections when compared to engaging in this process face-to-face.ConclusionsThe ToC is a collaborative consultation framework which creates positive developmental pathways for pupils through augmenting their strengths and reducing the emphasis placed on their deficits. The process promotes shared understanding of pupil’s narratives and empowers marginalised voices.