Mountain People Research Articles

Epidemiology of and Factors Associated with Prehypertension Among Hill Tribe Adults Aged 30-59 Years in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and to determine the factors associated with prehypertension among the hill tribe aged 30-59 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data using a validated questionnaire and 5 mL blood specimens among six main hill tribe people living in 30 villages. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between variables at a significance level of α = 0.05. A total of 1,076 individuals were recruited into the study: 67.3% were females, and 22.6% were aged 30-39 years. The overall prevalence was 67.8%. Six variables were found to be associated with prehypertension: being female; had family members ≤ 4 people; being members of Lahu, Hmong, Yao, Karen, and Lisu; had family debt; had overweight; and had a high total cholesterol. The implementation focused on encouraging active physical activity to reduce prehypertension is serious concerned and introduced.

Neither Trimethylamine-N-Oxide nor Trimethyllysine Is Associated with Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Older Japanese Adults.

Recent evidence suggests that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of L-carnitine and choline, is linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. As TMAO content is very high in fish, we raised the following question: why do Japanese people, who consume lots of fish, show a low risk of atherosclerosis? To address this question, we investigated the effects of TMAO and other L-carnitine-related metabolites on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Participants were recruited from a small island and a mountainous region. Plasma L-carnitine, γ-butyrobetaine (γBB), TMAO, trimethyllysine (TML), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were measured using liquid or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Plasma L-carnitine concentration was higher in men than in women. TMAO and TML were significantly higher in the residents of the island than in the mountainous people. In multiple linear regression analyses in all participants, TML showed a significant inverse association with max-IMT and plaque score (PS), whereas TMAO did not show any associations. In women, L-carnitine was positively associated with max-IMT and PS. TMAO was correlated with both EPA and DHA levels, implying that fish is a major dietary source of TMAO in Japanese people. Our study found that plasma TMAO was not an apparent risk factor for atherosclerosis in elderly Japanese people, whereas a low level of TML might be a potential risk. L-carnitine may be a marker for atherosclerosis in women.

Vulnerability and agency in research participants' daily lives and the research encounter: A qualitative case study of participants taking part in scrub typhus research in northern Thailand.

Researchers have a responsibility to protect all participants, especially vulnerable participants, from harm. Vulnerability is increasingly understood to be context specific, yet limited guidance is available regarding the vulnerability and agency of research participants in different cultural settings. This study aims to explore research participants' daily vulnerability and agency, and how these interact with participants' research experiences in their own words. Researchers' views and responses were also explored. A qualitative study was conducted around two scrub typhus research studies in northern Thailand. A thematic analysis was carried out on 42 semi-structured interviews with research participants, their families, researchers and key informants. The majority of the research participants belonged to a hill tribe ethnic minority group. Common challenges were related to Thai language barriers, travel difficulties, uncertain legal status, unstable employment, lack of education and healthcare. We did not identify new vulnerabilities but we found that the extent of these vulnerabilities might be underestimated or even hidden from researchers in some cases. Despite these challenges people demonstrated agency in their daily lives and were often motivated and supported in this by family members. The majority of perceived research benefits were related to healthcare and gaining knowledge, while attending follow-up visits could be a burden for some. Our approach to research in culturally and socioeconomically diverse settings should be more responsive to participants' specific vulnerabilities and abilities evidenced in their daily life, rather than attributing vulnerability on the basis of membership of pre-defined 'vulnerable groups'. Researchers need to be aware and responsive towards the challenges participants face locally in order to minimise the burdens of research participation whilst allowing participants to benefit from research.

Environmental Determinism and Mountain Identities in Judith

Abstract This article argues that the book of Judith seeks to define the Jews as a “mountain people.” It suggests that Judith advances this idea through numerous direct statements by prominent characters, particularly Achior during his speech at Jdt 5:5–21, and by redrawing the boundaries of Judea to correspond with the Judean and Samarian hill country. The article further argues, following a consideration of environmental determinism in ancient Greek sources and depictions of mountain peoples in Ancient Near Eastern art, that this definition is used by the author to characterise the Jews as a strong, fierce, and intimidating people as part of its wider discourse on Jewish ethnic identity.

The Cultural Identity of Mien Ethnic Group in a Digital Era


 
 
 
 Purpose: The study aimed to identify the cultural identity of the Mien ethnic group and their adaptation to dominant society.
 
 Theoretical Framework: The study was conducted physically at Mae Yao District of Chiang Rai Province, located in the northern part of Thailand.
 
 Methodology: The qualitative study employed Esser model of social integration. Primary data was collected from focus groups, in-depth interviews, on-site observations, and secondary data from related documents and research work.
 
 Findings: As part of Thailand's rural population, hill tribes were considered as vulnerable group of society, who mainly depends on slash and burn subsistence farming lifestyle with low-income employment, socially distanced, low education, and poverty. Through the Royal Project of King Rama IX initiatives, issues concerning hill tribe livelihood, including quality of life and cultural preservation have been addressed. 
 
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: Socio-economic status and socio-cultural mingling in dominant society for their livelihood are the most significant factors that consequently impact upon their thinking patterns of the individuals and community. Although technology such as mobile phones and the Internet has played an explicit role in the community today, preserving the traditional way of life without oblivion still exists. Digital culture therefore becomes an essential aspect of the community's way of life with the influence of digital media.
 
 Originality: This study provides important impacts to a better identification of the Mien ethnic group cultural and their adaptation to dominant society.
 
 
 

Lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with different body weights in mid-mountain conditions

To study the peculiarities of lipid metabolism disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in lean and obese patients in medium altitude conditions. The study was carried out within the framework of the project "Etiopathogenetic features and rates of development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the conditions of Kyrgyzstan" (№ of state registration MHN/TZ-2020-3). An open comparative study of patients with two forms of NAFLD: fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (n=236) living in low mountains (Bishkek, altitude above sea level - 750-800 m; n=111) and middle mountains (At-Bashy district , Naryn region, height above sea level - 2046-2300 m; n=125) Kyrgyzstan. The average age of the patients was 55.7±0.95 years. Given that genetic factors may play a role in the development of NAFLD, we analyzed a population represented only by ethnic Kyrgyz. Patients in each group were divided into lean (BMI≤23) and obese (BMI>23) groups. To determine physical activity, a physical activity questionnaire was used, which was compiled on the basis of the materials of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study www.ipaq.ki.se. Physical examination included measurement of anthropometric parameters (height, body weight, waist circumference), calculation of body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMM), percentage of body fat. According to the grades of the WHO, the degree of obesity was assessed by BMI for Asians. Blood samples were taken for research in the morning on an empty stomach after at least 12 hours of fasting. The following indicators were determined: glucose, lipid spectrum (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The BARD scale was used as a predictor for assessing the development of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. The scoring system included three variables: BMI, AST/ALT, and the presence of DM 2. The diagnosis of NAFLD made on the basis of history, laboratory tests, ultrasound examination of the liver, and exclusion of other liver diseases. The results were analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software package for Windows. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. It was found that the inhabitants of the middle mountains with NAFLD are represented by a lower BMI relative to the inhabitants of the low mountains. In women, the levels of SMM and the percentage of fat are significantly and statistically significantly correlated (r=-0.971; p<0.001), while in men these two indicators are not related. Men showed a trend towards higher percentages of fat, regardless of body weight and region of residence. For women, this indicator was within acceptable limits and did not exceed 31%. There was found a statistically significant difference in total cholesterol levels between low and middle mountain people in the group of obese patients (p<0.001) suffering from NAFLD. Statistically significant low ALT indices were revealed in the group of obese patients living in mid-mountain conditions. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic mid-mountain hypoxia may slow down the course of overweight-induced NAFLD.

Frightened or familiarised? Permanent residents' and second‐home owners' risk perceptions of extreme weather events

AbstractThe number and severity of extreme weather events have been increasing globally. Given the vulnerabilities of second homes to natural disasters, it is important to learn how their owners consider the related risks. This paper investigates the extreme weather‐event risk perceptions and their preconditions between second‐home owners and local people in the Little Beskid mountains in Poland. The results show that, despite significant differences in social, demographic and presence–absence terms, the two populations were very similar with respect to risk perception. It then lays the ground for community preparedness and successful recovery from extreme weather hazards.

A Study of the History of Hakka Mountain Song Education Transmission Based on Inheritance Historicity

Among the folk music of China, the Hakka Mountain Folk Songs of Gannan are a unique system with a long history. Understanding the rich humanistic connotation of Hakka and its place in the spiritual life of the people is of far-reaching significance to the study of Hakka culture, Hakka language and the spiritual sentiment of Hakka people in Ganzhou; and to arouse people’s awareness of the inheritance and protection of this precious cultural heritage which is on the verge of extinction. The distinctive local characteristics and folk features are fully expressed in the Hakka Mountain Folk Songs, and the local language and customs, local customs, artistic conditions， and political and cultural life are reflected in the Hakka Mountain Folk Songs in a very realistic way. In recent years, the academic community has paid more attention to the musical characteristics of the Hakka Mountain Folk Songs in Gannan, and the research has gained certain achievements. This paper will focus on the historical origin of Hakka Mountain Folk Songs in Gannan, the spiritual characteristics of Hakka people, the language of Hakka Mountain Folk Songs, the study of the musical characteristics of mountain songs and contemporary vocal works that successfully borrow from Hakka Mountain Folk Songs in Gannan. In the last part of the article, he writes some opinions about the inheritance and innovation of Gannan Hakka Mountain Folk Songs, which will help the creators to create more and better local music works and do their part to promote the inheritance of Gannan Hakka Mountain Folk Songs.

Географический и хозяйственный факторы как условия «иммунности» в жизни народов Северного Кавказа первой половины XIX века

The geographical environment in all its diversity often determined the forms of social existence of the North Caucasus highlanders in the first half of the 19th century. Society and landscape were closely intertwined through a long practice of interaction and were inherited from generation to generation through the transmission of tradition. This circumstance largely determined the persistent rejection of all other variants of sociocultural paradigms that invaded the living space of the mountaineers of the North Caucasus. The connection of mountain societies with the landscape environment was also determined by the role that local landscapes played in mountain everyday life, being, for example, indispensable participants in local sacred cults. The foreign cultural agents that were brought in destroyed the previously established harmony in the interactions of mountain societies with their geographical environment, and therefore were rejected by them, since they attempted to cancel the very foundations of mountain traditional existence. Ethnic Caucasian societies did not actively accept foreign innovations that disrupted the course of their usual life and contradicted their mentality. The removal of the existing prohibitions, which were various mechanisms of self-defense in the Caucasian environment, was hindered by the very environment of their habitat, its natural foundations, the destruction or abandonment of which led to the degradation of not only the environment itself, but the mountain societies associated with it. Defending their identity, the mountain peoples realized using both real and ritual actions. Modifications associated, for example, with a change in the nature and purpose of labor, which went beyond the framework of a pre- existing tradition, could have devastating consequences, which, if introduced into mountain life, were the result of insurmountable external influence.

Армия Российской империи как ретранслятор многовекторной мотивации в условиях Северного Кавказа первой половины XIX века

Introduction. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the course of the Caucasian War at its initial stage of development and the roles of the Russian imperial army, which the military had to perform in the conditions of the realities of the North Caucasus in the first half of the 19th century. Materials and methods. Using published sources, the author turned to the method of historical reconstruction to achieve the research goal. Analysis. The author of the article draws attention to the fact that the Russian side actively influenced the developing situation in the region. Finding itself in climatic and geographical conditions that went beyond its previous experience, and meeting with peoples whose daily lifestyle was too different from those familiar to Russian habits, the army itself was forced to adapt to new challenges. Authorized military commanders have radically changed the strategic approaches and tactics of conducting combat operations in mountainous forest areas. The equipment, weapons and moral and psychological training of the troops participating in the expeditions against the highlanders have changed. At the same time, the imperial authorities, given the opportunities and means they had at that time, saw in the Caucasian troops not only a force capable and intended for crushing local Caucasian strongholds, but endowed the army with a peculiar mission to be a communicator of innovations brought by Russia to the Caucasus region. In this regard, the army was also instructed to be a conductor of various kinds of motivations, covering the socio-cultural and economic spheres of life of the conquered region, to strive in every possible way to involve the local population in them. Representatives of the mountain peoples were involved in the construction of roads, fortresses and bridges, participation in trade and exchange operations, which had the goal of overcoming distrust and hostility, as well as strengthening ties in everyday life. Often the headquarters of the army regiments became the centers providing innovations introduced by the Russians. Results. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Russian imperial army acted as the vanguard of the Russian world, with which it introduced the Caucasian peoples. Through the military St. Petersburg hoped to establish the type of communication with the local population (at first, at least part of it) that would allow achieving a tolerable mutual understanding in order to lay the foundation not only for peaceful coexistence but also for the transmission of imperial state-political messages to the Caucasus foundations.

«Инструменты» национальной политики в развитии высшей школы на Северном Кавказе в 1920–1930-е гг.

Based on archival sources, the mechanisms of the influence of Soviet power on national policy in the North Caucasus through higher education in the 1920s and 1930s are shown. The process of formation of higher education in the region took place during these years and it developed in parallel with the formation of national statehood within the RSFSR. The first universities appeared in 1918 – 1919 on the initiative of the society and the Soviet government. The devastation of the 1920s made it impossible for all universities to survive. Nevertheless, the new government did not retreat in its desire to create national cadres in all areas. In the 1930s, the industrial transformations of the first five-year plans led to the need for personnel. Mobilizationally, in a short time, a significant number of higher educational institutions in the national-territorial formations of the region have earned. The management made every effort to attract the mountain peoples to the training. Universities in central cities booked budget places. The support of scholarships, the provision of dormitories, the work of young specialists in their republics played an important role. By the 1940s, the higher education system in the region has already fully functioned, created supranational, nationwide ties, and thereby influenced interethnic communications. Modern students of the region recognize the level and quality of higher education in the USSR as the most important value of the Soviet era, the second most important after the victory over Nazism during the Great Patriotic War.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Enhancement of Mountainous People of Swat and Mansehra Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Enhancement of Mountainous People of Swat and Mansehra Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Десять лет истории Северо-Кавказского краевого музея горских народов им. большевика Муссы Кундухова (1926–1936 гг.)

The peoples of the multinational North Caucasus region have preserved their distinctive culture for many years. The Soviet government contributed to this in every possible way. The guides of this policy of the state were museums, research and local history organizations that existed and were newly created in the autonomous regions. One of such museums was the Museum of the Mountain peoples. The article examines the history of the formation and development of the North-Caucasus Regional Museum of Mountain Peoples named after Bolshevik Mussa Kundukhov, the main directions of its activities in 1926- 1936. Much attention is paid to the expeditionary work of the museum and a number of research organizations, the results of which have significantly replenished the museum collection. The exposition and exhibition activities of the museum are analyzed, educational work is considered. The author paid attention to interesting exhibits and a modern display of materials from the collections of the Museum of Mountain Peoples, which are currently part of the collection of the Stavropol State Museum-Reserve named after G.N. Prozritelev and G. K. Prave.

The catastrophe of blazing forests, hills in flame and the failing British during 1916-1921

One of the fair, straightforward and challenging task before the present academicians is to resurrect for posterity the hidden accounts of injustices done, mass-destruction of resources both natural and human, crimes committed by the colonial masters under the pretext of rules and regulations that were framed only for continued exploitation and the element of protest amongst the colonized people for protection of men and environment. “Acts” of protest lesser known; that may be individual or autonomous have hidden repercussions. The growing control of the colonials over resources and territories affected living traditions and life-styles thereby imposing upon the natives; be it masses or the rulers, a repressive process of acceptance and submission either coercively or persuasively. Denial to conform had its own dangers yet the living consciousness of natives opposed restrictions and absurd demands at every step. During 1916-1921, the hills of Kumaon saw incessant fire that would continue for days informed to be caught by accident to the British administration which in reality would be set ablaze by the village people of the hilly regions of Kumaon. The same men/women, who had post-independence, started the Chipko Movement for the protection of forest-wealth used to burn their forests overnight to protest against the Forest Regulation Act imposed by the British. The village women who in the Chipko movement would cling to trees to oppose their vehement destruction would silently watch the whole region burn. This form of silent resistance added to the increasing administrative failures, enormous anxiety, discomfiture and apprehensions amidst the Britons. In this paper, I propose a re-engagement into the Forest Regulations Act as imposed and the active resistance of the hill people who were stereotyped as “simple and law-abiding hillman” as there was an absence of protest in the first century of British rule. A revisionist remaking of the past and re-invention of a new tradition becomes an act of creation. History, as retained in the memories of the people, contains symbolic power. They become the symbolic projections of peoples’ hope, values, fears and aspirations.

CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF KANIKKARS IN KERALA- AN ANALYSIS

A tribe is defined as a group of people who live in inaccessible forest areas in hilly and remote areas, are members of the oldest racial group, speak a common dialect, practise primitive religions, work in primitive occupations, have nomadic lifestyles, a love of drinking and dancing, and have endogenous professional social organisations that are distinct from those of the surrounding population. Additionally, they go by the name Adivasi. Adi means original and Vasi means inhabitant, thus original inhabitant is what is meant. Kerala is a homeland of numerous tribal communities. They have their own unique customs in every aspect of life. Kanis or Kanikkars are a prominent group among the tribals in Kerela mostly found in western parts of Trivandrum and Kollam districts. Kanikkars are wild but inoffensive hill tribes. They are the owners of land and their knowledge about nature became valuable. This paper tried to find out the features of culture and traditions of Kanikkars. They evolved a unique culture and life style, tradition and practices, which could be quite often referred to as backward and irrational by outsiders. Kanikkar have rituals and ceremonies of their own The tribal group who were identified as more isolated from wider community and who maintain distinctive cultural identity. They have a marginal degree of contact with other cultures.

Resilience of Traditional Ritual Practices in Bhutanese Mountain Farming Systems Amid Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities

Indigenous mountain people are often marginalized from mainstream development and are not able to express their concerns over the impacts of ecosystem changes on their livelihoods. Living in geographically difficult terrains, they engage in traditional ritual practices concerning their livelihoods that build on generations of deep-rooted beliefs. Yet, the availability of literature on traditional rituals practiced in the context of farming systems is scant. We conducted an exploratory study, through structured survey questionnaires, to document the traditional ritual practices observed in farming across the country of Bhutan. The study revealed the continuing practice of diverse and unique traditional rituals being propitiated to local deities for the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities across all ethnic groups in Bhutan. This study documented various tangible and intangible cultural values adopted in farming practices in Bhutan that are at risk of disappearing due to anthropogenic pressures.

Focus Issue: Weaving Together Knowledges—Collaborations in Support of the Wellbeing of Mountain Peoples and Regions

Focus Issue: Weaving Together Knowledges—Collaborations in Support of the Wellbeing of Mountain Peoples and Regions

Baron Franz Nopcsa: the man who would be king of Albania

"Franz Nopcsa, a polymath who was a founder of palaeophysiology, in addition to making great contributions on palaeontology, geography, philology and Balkan ethnography with a special focus on Albania. Coming from an aristocratic family in Transylvania, he was one of the first palaeobiologists, promoted the idea of tectonic plate movement and what is now known as the island rule, in addition to discovering 25 reptile genera and five dinosaurs. He was, however, a difficult personality with a rudeness and arrogance that antagonised many colleagues and left him marginalised. Nopcsa spent long periods in Albania, then a wild and isolated country for the West, staying with the hill people of Shkodra and travelling widely, making him a leading ethologist and expert on the languages, culture and tribal law. Nopsca challenged conventional attitudes towards sex as well, having a relationship with Bajazid Doda, which lasted till the end of their lives. Nopcsa’s financially-comfortable life ended after World War 1 and it was a struggle to support himself after that. Nevertheless, he continued to travel and put out publications. Unwell, struggling financially and depressed, on 25 April 1933 he killed Doda and himself, leaving a suicide note. Franz Nopcsa came from the last days of the Habsburg Empire with so many other radiant talents. He was one of the last ‘gifted amateurs’ who adapted poorly to the new classless world of professional academics, but his phenomenal creativity and output should not be forgotten."

Oral Customs of Javvaadhumalai Malayalis

Tamil Nadu consists of the Eastern and Western Ghats. There are thirty-six tribal people living in these hills including "Adiyaan, Aranaadan, Eravaalan, Irular, Oorali, and Kaniyan." The Eastern Ghats have Javvaadhumalai, Yelagirimalai, Kalvarayanmalai, Servarayanmalai, Chitherimalai, Pachaimalai, Paalamalai, Vattalmalai, Neyyaamalai, Jarugumalai, Parukkurmalai, Kaalimalai, Kadakadalai, and Kollimalai hills. The divisions of the population living in the Western Ghats cannot be seen in these hills. The hills are mainly inhabited by Malayali tribes. The life of these javvaadhu hill people is a simple life. They are also preserving the arts according to the environment in which they live. The oral literature in their case helps to know the life and culture of the hill people.

The Resilience of the Indigenous People Towards Natural Disasters: Case of Central Mountains of Papua

The resilience of the indigenous people of Papua towards natural disasters has been questioned because of the large number of casualties post disasters deaths which should have been handled differently considering their knowledge and closeness to nature; thus, it should be easy for them to adapt in times of natural changes. This study is aimed at investigating the resilience of the indigenous people of Papua in the central mountains of Papua towards disasters based on secondary data. Study results showed that the resilience of indigenous people of the central mountains of Papua towards disasters is more influenced by social factors than ecology since, generally, the ecological system in the disaster area in the central mountains of Papua has not experienced much change. The social factors are, among others, the impact of modern civilization, which has not been well adapted by the indigenous people, and the lack of skills of local stakeholders in disaster mitigation. Disaster mitigation should be in the form of improvement of the social condition of indigenous people of the central mountains area of Papua to perfect their civilization towards a more prosperous life