Inclusive Studies Research Articles

Info from the global world

The Covid-19 pandemic, has emphasised the need to consider the interconnectedness of our planet, and the importance of highlighting new, and previously underrepresented perspectives on global waste management issues. The new corner, “Info from the global world” wants to collect thoughts and impressions from different parts of the world, with the aim of contributing to a more innovative and inclusive waste management studies discourse. The column will promote cultural intersections on issues affecting circular waste management, environmental protection and human health. We will highlight contributions from diverse expert authors who discuss, among a number of topics, how gender inequality and environmental racism can be combated through truly sustainable waste management and how the circular economy and Sustainable Developing Goals can contribute to combating poverty and mitigating waste inequalities. The second issue of the Column features the work of Dare Sholanke and Jutta Guterblet of the University of Victoria, Canada. Their discussion centres the lives and livelihoods of informal recyclers in Western Canada- a topic which has traditionally been contextualised within Global South settings. Sholanke and Guterblet’s reflection is both empirically interesting, as they provide a vivid snapshot of the quotidian vulnerabilities of this group, but also conceptually valuable, as the theoretical framework they utilise could be readily adapted for scholarly use within other contexts. Their conclusions challenge the inclusivity of local waste management systems for informal recyclers, and the further recommendations that continue to come out of this project should be of great international interest.

Pragmatics of Understanding: Centrality of the Local

Abstract Cross-cultural contrastive approaches motivate research that questions the universality premise of pragmatic theories by illustrating facts of local linguistic practices from diverse geographical areas. In the spirit of my earlier studies of Japanese (e.g. Matsumoto 1988, 1989), I suggest that contrastive pragmatics can lead the field of pragmatics to addressing variations in linguistic practice that go beyond the geographical diversity of cultures and encompass other types of “atypical” discourse, such as discourse of speakers with varied cognitive conditions including persons with Alzheimer’s. This paper argues for the pragmatics of understanding, i.e. the language users’ and the analysts’ efforts (i) to understand what speakers are trying to convey in verbal interaction and (ii) to understand local pragmatic principles of verbal exchange, and thereby to encourage more inclusive studies of pragmatics.

Does quality work work? A systematic review of academic literature on quality initiatives in higher education

Quality in higher education is – and has been for many years - at the top of the political agenda. The concept of quality has been explored extensively in the literature as has the means to measure and monitor quality. Connected to these two literatures is a widespread and somewhat fragmented literature on what might initially be termed quality work. This article reviews this literature on quality work in higher education. We characterise the work in this field, its main themes, issues and questions, and discuss what this literature has to say on the effects of quality work. Based on a systematic search for the period 2008-2018, we review 68 publications. The review shows that the literature on quality work can be categorised into three major areas: the role of institutional conditions for quality work, types of quality work practices, and notions of quality and quality outcomes. The review demonstrates that there is a need for more inclusive methodologies and longitudinal studies, particularly more rigorous quantitative analysis of the effects of quality work to supplement other methods.

Diversity of Vaginal Microbiome in Pregnancy: Deciphering the Obscurity.

Human microbiota plays an indispensable role in physiology, nutrition and most significantly, in imparting immunity. The role of microbiota has remained cryptic for years, until recently meticulous studies revealed the interaction and dynamics of these microbial communities. This diversified state is governed by hormonal, behavioral and physio-chemical changes in the genital tract. Many inclusive studies have revealed “Lactobacillus” to be the most dominant member of vaginal flora in most of the healthy, reproductive age group and pregnant females. A total of five community state types have been described, out of which four are dominated by Lactobacillus while the fifth one by facultative or strict anaerobic species. A variation between species stability and gestational age has also been revealed. Studies have divulged a significant higher stability of vaginal microbiota in early stages of pregnancy and the same increased subsequently. Inter-species and racial variation has shown women belonging to White, Asian, and Caucasian race to harbor more of the anaerobic flora. The vaginal microbiome in pregnancy play a significant role in preterm and spontaneous labor. This Lactobacillus-rich microbiome falls tremendously, becoming more diverse in post-partum period. Apart from these known bacterial communities in human vagina, other microbial communities have also been traced. The major fragment is constituted by vaginal viral virome and very little information exists in relation to vaginal mycobiome. Studies have revealed the abundance of ds DNA viruses in vaginal microbiome, followed by ssDNA, and few unidentified viruses. The eukaryotic viruses detected were very few, with Herpesvirales, and Papillomaviridae being the only pathogenic ones. This flora is transmitted to infants either via maternal gut, vagina or breast milk. Recent studies have given an insight for vaginal microbiome, dissociating the old concept of “healthy” and “diseased.” However, more extensive studies are required to study evolution of virome and mycobiome in relation to their association with bacterial communities; to establish and decode full array of vaginal virome under the influence of genotypic and environmental factors, using novel bioinformatic, multi-omic, statistical model, and CRISPR/Cas approaches.

A Study on Inclusive Education in Turkey

The purpose of this research is to examine inclusive education research and to guide applications and research according to the results obtained. Within the framework of this aim, the studies carried out in the field of inclusive education in Turkey were systematically examined. Articles published in national and international refereed journals in English or Turkish between 2009-2019 were included in the research The research is qualitative research in which the studies are examined according to the publication year, publication language, subject, research design, the field of the researchers and the scope of the articles. The data of the study were collected through document review. In this study, it has been concluded that the studies about inclusive education have started to increase in recent years, generally, qualitative research methods are used and more specifically, researchers in special education field have made inclusive education studies. When the articles were examined in terms of scope, it was seen that the majority of the studies were on attitude and descriptive studies. At this point, it can be said that the priority of the studies related to inclusive education in Turkey is not to produce theoretical knowledge or to create the infrastructure of new studies by examining the studies done. In the studies carried out, studies that reveal the opinions, attitudes and perceptions of the participants regarding inclusive education were more prominent. In order to contribute to both national and international literature, it would be useful to conduct further research on theoretical and literature research and to plan experimental research to reveal the effectiveness of inclusive education-related practices. Similar studies will be conducted in different countries and the comparison of the findings will contribute to the literature in terms of revealing the international trend.

‘BAD’ TRASH: PROBLEMATISING WASTE IN BLANTYRE, MALAWI

‘Waste’ is everywhere, a common aspect of daily life in both the West and the Global South. However, the ways in which we as individuals understand it as a problem is far from universal. It does not exist independently from the people it affects, rather, waste, as a problem, is continually made and remade through human practice. The purpose of this article is to explore how and why certain ‘waste’ items are and become understood as problems. We adopt Foucault’s (1984) notion of ‘problematisa-tion’, as an analytical lens for conceptualising processes of problem formation through the eyes of two different groups working within and on the margins of Mzedi Dump Site in Blantyre, Malawi: subsistence maize growers and informal waste pickers. Drawing on extensive qualitative and ethnographic fieldwork, our findings suggests that for those working at Mzedi, waste problematisations are shaped by the tangible: the visible, and often painful impacts that Mzedi’s hazards have on their lives and livelihoods. However, the ultimate problematisation of waste lies in its utility, i.e. ‘good’ waste, is internalised based on its value. ‘Bad’ trash however, is problematised because it has no value, and is therefore considered useless, a problem taking up time and space that could be utilised more profit-ably. Understanding these processes of problem formation, and the degree to which waste problematisations are personal and/or socially constructed, has important ramifications for the adoption of appropriate waste management strategies and should inform a more nuanced and inclusive waste management studies discourse.

Evolution and research trends of inclusive museum studies: a bibliometric approach

Inclusion is defined as the opportunity disabled people have to fully participate in different contexts: education, work, consumption, entertainment, and other daily social activities. For an understanding of that, this study aims at examine the evolution and research trends of the field of inclusive museums in order propose a line of research that includes growing and emerging concepts in this area of knowledge. For that purpose, technological mapping was carried out by means of a bibliometric analysis that examined 284 publications indexed in Scopus from 1987 to 2018. Results indicate that 47 countries have carried out studies on inclusive museums, within the framework of the research lines inclusive education and education in museums. Research that has been disseminated in greater measure through American journals. This bibliometric study on inclusive museums enabled to shed light on the productivity, impact, and networking of researchers in this field. Finally, this study constitutes a relevant starting point that not only presents trends in the field of inclusive museums but also encourages university communities and cultural institutions (such as Latin American museums) to consider the role they play in said area, as well as the visibility of their research efforts.

The use of fish and herptiles in traditional folk therapies in three districts of Chenab riverine area in Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundLike botanical taxa, various species of animals are also used in traditional and modern health care systems. Present study was intended with the aim to document the traditional uses of herptile and fish species among the local communities in the vicinity of the River Chenab, Punjab Pakistan.MethodData collected by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were subsequently analyzed using relative frequency of citation (FC), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), similarity index (SI), and rank order priority (ROP) indices.ResultsOut of total 81 reported species, ethnomedicinal uses of eight herptiles viz. Aspideretes gangeticus, A. hurum, Eublepharis macularius, Varanus bengalensis, Python molurus, Eryx johnii, Ptyas mucosus mucosus, Daboia russelii russelii and five fish species including Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cirrhinus reba, Labeo dero, Mastacembelus armatus, and Pethia ticto were reported for the first time from this region. Fat, flesh, brain, and skin were among the commonly utilized body parts to treat allergy, cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory disorders, sexual impotency, skin infections, and as antidote and anti-diabetic agents. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, and Ptyas mucosus mucosus (herptiles), as well as Labeo rohita, Wallago attu, and Cirrhinus reba (fish) were top ranked with maximum informant reports, frequency of citations, and rank order priority. Uromastyx hardwickii, Ctenopharyngodon idella, H. molitrix, Cirrhinus mrigala, C. reba, L. rohita, L. calbasu, L. dero, and Pethia ticto were the species with 100% fidelity level. Furthermore, medicinal uses of Aspideretes gangeticus, Aspideretes hurum, Calotes versicolor, Daboia russelii russelii, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cirrhinus reba, Labeo dero, Mastacembelus armatus, Pethia ticto, and Gagata cenia were reported for the first time.ConclusionAbout half of the reported species depicted zero similarity index with previously reported literature, which indicates strong associations of local inhabitants with animal species, particularly for therapeutic purpose. Inclusive studies on composition and bioactivities of the species with maximum use reports may contribute significantly in animal-based novel drugs discovery.

“We Are Already Sick”: Infectious Waste Management and Inequality in the Time of Covid-19, a Reflection from Blantyre, Malawi

The efficient and sanitary management of infectious waste is an essential part of the humanitarian response to any disaster, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, in many contexts within the Global South, waste management systems are poorly equipped to handle these waste streams during periods of normalcy, let alone during times of crisis. The purpose of this article is draw attention to a number of existing inequalities that define infectious waste management practices globally, with a critical eye to how they constrain poorer nations’ ability to respond and manage their own Covid-19 outbreaks. In particular, the work draws on the authors’ extensive research, experience, and activism at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, to understand how waste management practices will inform and react to mitigation efforts and to propose a number of practical steps that can be achieved in the short-term, as well as towards long-term structural transformation. Ultimately, this conversation is meant to contribute to a more inclusive and critical waste management studies discourse.

2030 개발의제 이행을 위한 삼각협력 논의 동향과 정책 시사점 연구

In the midst of paradigm changes in global development cooperation, “Triangular cooperation” is on the rise as a “complement” to existing development cooperation modalities. Triangular cooperation has been criticized in that it is applicable only at small scales and scopes of cooperation, lacking a systematic planning and implementation mechanism, thereby not providing clear value added. However, inclusive studies and discussions led by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have shown that triangular cooperation is not just a mode of cooperation that is applicable in niche areas; it is a “transformative development cooperation modality” that combines the strengths of development partners to implement innovative and flexible solutions to address development challenges and to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper aims to identify policy implications for KOICA by examining recent research and international discussions on the benefits and challenges of triangular cooperation in implementing the 2030 Development Agenda. It includes the definition, history, and form of triangular cooperation; major findings from international discussions and research; and policy recommendations for KOICA.

Blastocystis sp. Subtype 9: as the First Reported Subtype in Patients with Schizophrenia in Iran

Blastocystis sp. is more prevalent in mentally-retarded individuals, immunocompromised patients, and organ recipients. There are no inclusive studies in Iran evaluating the prevalence and molecular identification of Blastocystis sp. infection in schizophrenic patients. This study aimed to determine prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in schizophrenic patients in Tehran province, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 58 stool samples of schizophrenic male patients in Tehran province, Iran, using the sequence-tagged site (STS) and ST-specific primers. Overall, 58 stool samples were collected from hospitalized male patients with schizophrenia in Tehran province. After conventional PCR, positive samples were probed by ST-specific and STS primers. Following molecular evaluation, 32 samples (55.2%) were positive for Blastocystis sp. Which, 28 (87.5%) cases were ST3, 3 (9.4%) cases were found to be ST9, and one case (3.1%) was ST1.This study was the first report of the ST9 of Blastocystis in Iran. Blastocystis infection was more prevalent in asymptomatic patients (55.6%) compared with symptomatic patients (55%). There was a significant association between the duration of hospitalization and Blastocystis infection rate (0.002). The results of the present study represented a high prevalence and significance of Blastocystis sp. infection in schizophrenic patients. Patients with schizophrenia are unable to attend to their own care. Also, schizophrenic patients have a lack of perception that can result in poor hygiene, which needs more care, accuracy, prevention, and control.

Can we publish inclusive research inclusively? Researchers with intellectual disabilities interview authors of inclusive studies

Accessible summary We are a group of 17 inclusive researchers. Some have a disability, some work in the university, and some are support workers. In this paper, we interviewed 11 people who wrote inclusive research to find out what they thought. We asked how do you write inclusive research? Then, we asked two more questions: how were people with intellectual disabilities included in writing inclusive research? And, what got in the way of people with intellectual disabilities being included in writing inclusive research? We found that inclusive research is a process of learning together: listening and including people's experience of disability. The main finding was that writing and publishing inclusively in peer‐reviewed literature was hard. Few researchers knew how to write or publish with people with intellectual disabilities. It will need more research to figure out how best to include people with intellectual disabilities in writing up studies. AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to explore how researchers with intellectual disabilities were involved in writing up and publishing inclusive research, particularly in peer‐reviewed journals. It was conducted over a year by members of the Centre for Disability Studies Inclusive Research Network representing 17 co‐researchers (with intellectual disabilities, university and support agency staff) doing research together.Materials and MethodsThe research focused on facilitators/barriers to inclusive research. The main research question was as follows: “how do you write inclusive research?” As in, what did authors who had written inclusive research articles find helped people with intellectual disabilities get involved in the publication process? Also, what, if anything, got in the way of people with intellectual disabilities being involved? The group interviewed 11 university scholars with varied experience publishing collaboratively with people with intellectual disabilities (one self‐identifying as disabled). Content analysis identified common themes.ResultsFor the participants, inclusive research meant listening to and supporting people with the lived experience of disability. Researchers encountered numerous challenges in publishing, linked to what they perceived as “complex” and “unfair” universities, systems which governed funding. Instead of peer‐reviewed articles, inclusive teams created many other outputs and focused on outcomes.ConclusionsThe main finding was that writing and publishing inclusive peer‐reviewed literature was prohibitive. It would appear that those working in inclusive research are only at the start of devising ways to include their co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities; it will need more research to articulate common strategies to include teams of people with intellectual disabilities in joint publications.

Protocol for a Systematic Review of Mobile Phone Technology for Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients:A Research Protocol

Introduction: Mobile phone technology is an evolving trend in the medical field for rendering health-related care services to the needy. Chemotherapy is one of the cancer treatments which leads to certain side effects. These side effects can be managed well with the help of mobile phones, which became an essential thing in our life in recent decades. Aim: To identify the efficacy of using mobile phone technology for managing side effects associated with chemotherapy and improvement in quality of life. Materials and Methods: A systematic review will be conducted on randomised control trials and non-randomised control trials. In this review, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) will be followed and a literature search will be conducted in PubMed-Medline, CINHAL Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid, J-Gate, and Trip databases. The literature search for this systematic review will be done on studies published between 2007 and 2019. The quality of the study will be assessed by the JBI clinical appraisal checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Non-Randomised Controlled Trials (Non-RCTs). Studies will be included based on predetermined inclusive criteria like studies published in the English language, with keywords like cancer patients, smartphone/android applications, chemotherapy, quality of life. Results: A descriptive synthesis of the findings of the selected studies will be carried out which will be presented in a narrative summary with statistical findings incorporated. Conclusion: This review will provide up-to-date evidence to support or oppose the hypothesis that mobile phone technology plays an effective role in managing side effects associated with chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

A methodological approach to accessing informal dementia care

PurposeA growing body of research seeks to include people with dementia as both participants and co-designers. It is also increasingly recognized that dementia research must pay greater attention to informal care, provided by family and friends in non-institutional settings, because this is the situation of most people affected by dementia. Accessing these kinds of naturalistic care sites through meaningfully inclusive studies can be challenging for researchers in many fields. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes a methodology designed to facilitate meaningful inclusion and access to hard-to-reach dementia care networks. It describes the implementation of this methodology in the field, the problems that emerged and the lessons learned.FindingsA two-step sampling approach was used. People with dementia were sampled through organizations unrelated to dementia. Care networks were sampled through ecomapping with people with dementia. The strategy successfully accessed the desired population, but it was labour-intensive and biased the sample in several respects.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this outline will encourage further reflection and discussion regarding methodological approaches to complex sampling and recruitment issues in dementia research.

ПРОФЕСІЙНА ПІДГОТОВКА СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПЕДАГОГІВ ДО ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ДІТЕЙ З ОСОБЛИВОСТЯМИ ПСИХОФІЗИЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ

Стаття присвячена питанню професійної підготовки соціальних педагогів до інклюзивного навчання дітей з особливими освітніми потребами в середовищі навчального закладу. Аналіз літературних джерел і власні наукові розвідки дають можливість розглянути компоненти професійної готовності майбутнього соціального педагога до роботи за умов інтеграції дітей з особливостями психофізичного розвитку. З метою формування у студентів професійної компетентності у сфері розвитку, навчання і виховання дітей з особливими потребами авторами складено схему підготовки фахівця до роботи на основі аналізу навчального плану зі спеціальності «Соціальна робота» (освітня програма «Соціальна педагогіка»). Виокремлено нормативні та вибіркові дисципліни циклу природничо-наукової і професійно-практичної підготовки, що забезпечують опанування студентами системою знань щодо анатомо- фізіологічних особливостей дітей з порушеннями в розвитку; перспективних напрямів, сучасних технологій соціально- педагогічної роботи, методів корекційно-реабілітаційної роботи з дітьми, які мають особливості психофізичного розвитку; закономірностей міжособистісного спілкування тощо. Розглянуто емоційно-мотиваційний, когнітивний, діяльнісно-практичний критерії готовності майбутніх фахівців до інтеграції дітей з особливостями психофізичного розвитку в середовищі загальноосвітнього навчального закладу та їх змiстoвi характеристики.

Earth’s Atmospheric Dynamics and Temperature and Pressure Profiles Over a Low-Latitude Indian Station Using Different Remote Sensing Techniques – A Case Study

Background/objectives: Even after plenty of inclusive studies, the earth’s lower atmospheric dynamics and a few important atmospheric parameters (temperature and pressure, etc.) have not yet been completely understood, particularly over equatorial and low-latitude regions. Methods/analysis: An attempt is made here by effectively utilising various ground- and satellite-based remote sensing instrument (Doppler sodar) data over a typical low-latitude Indian station, i.e. Gadanki (13.45°N, 79.16°E), to understand different atmospheric dynamics, and the critical behaviors of temperature and pressure profiles as measured by radiosonde and COSMIC RO techniques are presented. Findings: Zonal, meridional and vertical winds measured using the Doppler sodar showed distinct diurnal and nocturnal variations; most importantly, the evolution of night-time boundary layer was observed. A one-to-one correspondence was seen between radiosonde measured and COSMIC RO measured temperature and pressure profiles. Applications/improvements: This study recommends that it is very much essential to use different available datasets from various remote sensing instruments to completely understand the earth’s atmospheric dynamics since various dynamical interactions play a role in dictating them directly and indirectly near the earth’s surface.Keywords: Low-latitude Station, Doppler Sodar, Radiosonde, COSMIC RO Technique, Atmospheric Dynamics, Nocturnal Boundary Layer

Revision of “Bellinurus” carteri (Chelicerata: Xiphosura) from the Late Devonian of Pennsylvania, USA

Horseshoe crabs are an iconic group of marine chelicerates that have an impressive fossil record extending back to at least the Lower Ordovician. Despite their long fossil record and associated palaeontological interest, a range of fossil horseshoe crab taxa erected in the 19th and 20th centuries have remained understudied. Recent phylogenetic hypotheses have led to improvements in the understanding of xiphosuran origins and evolutionary history; however, the resolution among the basal-most Devonian-aged members remains poor. Here, the type specimen of “Bellinurus” carteri Eller, 1940 from the Late Devonian of Pennsylvania is reconsidered. Based on a revised morphological description and comparison, we conclude that the species is not referable to the genus Bellinurus and erected a new genus: Pickettia gen. nov. A phylogenetic analysis resolves Pickettia carteri within a polytomy containing taxa previously considered to comprise the group Kasibelinuridae, but which is currently a paraphyletic assemblage. We discuss P. carteri within the context of other stem xiphosurids and conclude that the diversity of this assemblage has been overstated. The redescription of P. carteri highlights the need for more inclusive studies to resolve the evolutionary relationships of stem xiphosurids.

Inspection of thermal stress parameters of high temperature ceramics and energy absorber materials

Thermal stress of ceramics and high temperature materials have gained much attentions in the recent years due to their involving and increasing interest in highly advanced and severe applications. However, ceramic materials experience a high degree of brittleness and sensitivity to mechanical damage under thermal and mechanical loadings. This in turn promote the generation of thermal stresses of high magnitude. Catastrophic thermal stress failure of ceramic materials affects mainly on their successful implementation in high temperature and energy applications. Concept of thermal stress, its causes, consequences and ways to prevent its distressing failure should be inclusively studied and introduced. Moreover, due to the increased importance of solar radiation and its great role in solving the global energy deficiency problem, much efforts and studies should be exerted in overcoming the thermal stress generated among its components. So that, this article will handle several aspects concerning the thermal stress of high temperature ceramic materials. Besides, its causes and different ways to enhance thermal stress durability and resistance will be included. In addition, for the first time we will discuss the direct relationship between the thermal stress, thermoelectricity and solar energy absorption. Finally, inclusive studies on thermal stress of laminated and multilayer composites will be covered and investigated.

Hittite Toponymy

Abstract This article provides an up-to-date overview of the collection of toponyms in the Hittite corpus. It discusses the general features of the inventory of place names and their distribution according to various criteria, including dating, language and specific context. Particular attention is paid to the geographic typology of toponyms applied by the Hittite scribes (from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives). It is hoped such a general sketch could offer comparative material for broader, more inclusive studies on the geographical concepts in the Ancient Near East.

Critical reflections on postgraduate andragogy from the points of view of a Kenyan student and an Australian academic

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we use Critical Reflective Practice to give voice to the experience of a Kenyan teacher who travelled to Australia to undertake advanced coursework in leadership and inclusive education studies. It also reflects upon an Australian academic as she tries to be more culturally responsive in her andragogy when teaching, supervising and mentoring postgraduate international students. We use reflective practices over an extended period to lessen the power imbalance between them as academic supervisor and postgraduate student. This eventually allowed for the student to teach and the academic to learn; and together we here shed light on what it is like to study and teach within an Australian university that annually enrols 6000 students from more than 100 countries around the globe.