Indigenous Ethnic Groups Research Articles

Knowledge and perception of a clinical trial among the participants: An experience from oral cholera vaccine study in Koshi Province, Nepal

ABSTRACT Clinical trials (CT) have been the cornerstones in developing medicines, vaccines, and new interventions. Despite tremendous efforts, a CT cannot succeed without participants’ involvement. Various factors can affect people’s attitude and participation in a CT. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of a clinical trial among the participants of a CT at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. This was a population-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during 2021–2022. Participants involved in a phase III clinical trial were enrolled, and an in-depth interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Demographic information, knowledge and perception about CT were assessed, and a descriptive analysis was done. Among 622 participants, the majority were males (321; 51.6%), literate (587; 94.37%), of indigenous ethnic groups (Janajatis 61.4%), and without previous experience of CT (504; 81.1%). The majority had adequate knowledge (566/622; 91%) and positive perception (595/622; 95.7%) of CT. Most participants (467; 75.1%) had participated in CT to get protection from the particular disease from the provided vaccine and (603; 96.9%) believed CT to benefit mankind. Further studies comparing pre- and post-participation knowledge and perception might be helpful for planning and better management of CTs in such settings.

Lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma calidophilum exhibit potent anti-tumor activity by inhibiting PTP1B

The species Ganoderma calidophilum represents a distinct variety within the genus Ganoderma and used by the indigenous Li ethnic group as a medicinal agent for the prevention and treatment of cancer. However, the precise biological activity and role of G. calidophilum in antitumor treatment remain largely unresolved. Several lanostane triterpenoids have been isolated from G. calidophilum. The enzyme activity analysis revealed that four lanostane triterpenoids exhibited PTP1B inhibition activity, with minimal inhibition towards SHP2, SHP1, PTPN5, PTPRA, STEP and TCPTP. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that these compounds primarily bind to the substrate recognition and entry regions of PTP1B. Further analysis indicated that among them, ganoderic aldehyde A (GAA) is a selective and non-competitive PTP1B inhibitor. GAA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and migration of C33A and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. GAA has the capacity to induce apoptosis in a cell-type-specific manner, both in a caspase-dependent and -independent manner. PTP1B siRNA significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of GAA, while overexpression of PTP1B significantly increased cell growth after GAA treatment. These findings confirm that PTP1B is a functional target of GAA. Research into the mechanisms of action of GAA has revealed that it could inhibit the activation of AKT by inhibiting PTP1B, while simultaneously activating p38, which promotes cell death. It is possible to develop specific PTP1B inhibitors based on the lanosterol triterpene skeleton. G. calidophilum has the potential to be developed into functional foods or drugs with the aim of preventing and treating cancer.

Social technology and people's mental health: informal work in an urban context

This article presents the experience of implementing the Health Promotion Extension Project through Social and Mental Health Education through Applied Technology, that is, Plant Biotechnology applied as a resource for Eco-Socio-Environmental Technology products. Aimed at members of indigenous peoples and ethnic groups in Rio de Janeiro, users of the Environmental Health, Parasitology and Bioethics Project (SAPB-LIPAT/FF/UFRJ), the project was carried out in an intersectoral partnership with the Laboratory for Studies on Aging Processes (PROVE/IPUB/UFRJ) and the Amazon Biobusiness Center (CBA), in a multi, inter and transdisciplinary approach. The article discusses the importance of social actors in the operationalization of public policy guidelines, with a focus on the promotion and defense of human rights, especially with regard to the right to work. The participation of the Sateré-Mawé and Tukano indigenous people was highlighted, demonstrating the leading role of these groups in solving local problems, which strengthened their cultures, worldviews and self-direction, demystifying attitudinal barriers. The present study was initiated through anamnesis in ethnopsychiatry (whose approach includes cultural anthropology). This study included the participation of these individuals from indigenous peoples and other peoples in an urban context in Rio de Janeiro, demonstrating how the anamnesis of unique ethnographic narratives favored investment in local study and work with elements of their cultures, reinforcing social ties and civic contribution. The project also explored procedures in plant biotechnology, specifically the ecophysiology of Euterpe oleraceae (Açaí) seeds, to analyze the desired biological effects of plant extracts of ethnic origin (Euphorbia tirucalli, Bixa orellana, Punica granatum and Tagetes erecta). Only E. tirucalli exerted antifungal action on the seeds used for informal work (crafts). In this way, equity of access and mental health were promoted through listening, but also through the resolution of concrete local problems, in a simple and viable way, maintaining the participation and autonomy of the participants through informal work. However, the expansion of this small and successful initiative depends on the engagement of a greater number of professionals, teachers and public managers committed to promoting dignity through work for these populations.

O62 DEGREE OF HYPERTENSION CONTROL IN ABORIGINAL AND NON-ABORIGINE POPULATIONS OF A CITY IN NORTHERN ARGENTINE

High blood pressure is a widely prevalent pathology in the province of Formosa, 52% according to the latest Argentine national survey 2019, so we do not have current data, it was decided to carry out a survey that evaluates blood pressure, arterial stiffness and peripheral resistance. To evaluate how these variables are presented in 2 populations of our city, one of the general population and the other of an indigenous ethnic group of the province called Toba that lives in a neighborhood of this city. Materials and methods: data collection was carried out on patients in 3 institutions, all of which were public, with a prior diagnosis of the disease made by a health professional, in the Central Hospital of Formosa, the interdistrict hospital Evita, and the center of primary care in the Nam Qom neighborhood of Formosa. during a period of 1 month The pressure was taken by validated blood pressure monitors as well as central aortic pressure and peripheral resistance. by a Tel O Graph brand team. The data were analyzed Statistix 10.0. Results: 80 patients, 20 from the ethnic group and 20 from the general population, 62% women, age was 52 years in the general hospital (hg) and 54 in the health center (cs), systolic blood pressure was 129 1/2 and 82 1/2 diastolic, in cs 121 and 83. The central aortic velocity was 7.76 on average and the peripheral resistance 18.62 in the hc - in the cs 6.54 and 18.6. smoking habit, 45 and 25% respectively. The control was 87% in the BP in the hc and 75% in the cs population. Conclusions: Differences were found: a lower prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension than in the general population and in terms of VOP and peripheral resistance we were able to find a difference in favor of the CS population, and also in the degree of control of hypertensive patients in the same trend.

Memahami Kekayaan Budaya dan Tradisi Suku Bali di Pulau Dewata yang Menakjubkan

This research is a literature study aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of the traditional customs and culture of the Balinese people, an indigenous ethnic group from the island of Bali, Indonesia. The Balinese are known for their rich cultural diversity, which includes their belief systems, traditional ceremonies, ngaben (cremation ceremonies), and unique way of life. This literature study will collect and analyze various sources of literature, including books, journal articles, and official documents relevant to Balinese traditions and culture. The collected data will be analyzed to identify patterns, developments, and key aspects of Balinese culture, as well as how their culture has interacted with modernization and social change. The findings from this literature study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity of the Balinese people.

Government’s failure to protect its citizens against nomadic herders’ aggression: a tacit permission for self-defense in Plateau State, Nigeria

PurposeThis paper aims to present the continuous Nigerian Government’s failure to protect the lives and property of its citizens against the incessant itinerant herders’ violence, despite its numerous programs in attempts to end the carnage. It sought also to examine the relationship between this government’s failure to meet its responsibility and the ineluctable self-defense mechanisms adopted by the people of Plateau State, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research was both quantitative and qualitative. The study was conducted in four of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state: Bassa, Jos-south, Riyom and Barkin Ladi. A sample size of 400 was determined using Yamane Taro’s sampling size formula. Four hundred respondents were interviewed using a Google questionnaire (found at this link: https://forms.gle/tu96ZDwP85e8JsGu8). In this study, a total of seven key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions were conducted.FindingsThe finding revealed that most indigenous ethnic groups were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the nomadic herders’ aggression. Therefore, 99.1% of Berom, 99.0% of Irigwe and 92.9% of other ethnicities argued that the government’s failure to protect them is a tacit permission for self-defense. On the contrary, 60.0% of the Fulani were satisfied with the government’s strategies in ending the aggression and 95.0% of them argued that the government’s failure to protect its citizens is not an implied permission for self-defense. It was also found that a relationship exists between the government’s lack of capacity to end the nomadic herders’ aggression and implied consent for self-defense in Plateau State, Nigeria.Originality/valueThis is a research paper that uses primary data. The findings are germane to ending the challenge of recurrent aggression of nomadic herders on other Nigerians. The study concludes that the government must live up to its responsibility of the protection of its citizens’ lives and property, failure to do so is an implicit permission to the citizens to defend themselves. It also recommended that the government should return displaced people to their communities.

Utilizing Metaverse Technology for the Preservation of Indigenous Houses in Southeast Sulawesi: A Study of Bajo, Tolaki, Muna, and Buton Cultural Heritage

Abstract - Southeast Sulawesi, as one of the Provinces in Indonesia, has cultural artifacts that serve as diverse reflections of its culture and need to be preserved to ensure their continuity for future generations. There are four major indigenous ethnic groups in Southeast Sulawesi, namely Tolaki, Muna, Buton, Moronene, and Bajo, which represent the cultural diversity of the region. These ethnic groups have traditional houses that serve as cultural hubs, preserving cultural values and acting as iconic representations of the local culture in Southeast Sulawesi. The development of metaverse technology, a tangible proof of recent technological advancements, is known for its ability to create spatial environments in virtual reality. The urgency of this research arises from the lack of community interest in traditional houses, as evidenced by the eclectic and minimalist architectural designs, as well as the threat of extinction faced by traditional houses in Southeast Sulawesi. This study aims to preserve traditional houses in Southeast Sulawesi by integrating them with metaverse technology, enabling the transmission of cultural values to future generations. The research will employ a qualitative descriptive method. Additionally, this research aims to fill the gaps in previous studies by introducing metaverse technology as a groundbreaking innovation in addressing the threat of cultural artifact extinction in Southeast Sulawesi province. Keywords : Metaverse, Artifact, Preserving, Architectural.

Burden of malaria during pregnancy in perennial transmission settings of two densely forested and remote blocks (Baihar and Birsa) of district Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, central India.

Background Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is a major public health problem due to the vulnerability of pregnant women to infections, resulting in adverse maternal/foetal outcomes in endemic areas. Methods We did a field-based study to assess the burden of MIP (prevalence at the time of enrolment and follow-up) and to identify risk factors for MIP in the Birsa and Baihar blocks of district Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, which have perennial malaria transmission. Malaria screening (during 2015-2017) was done by microscopy and bivalent rapid diagnostic test (SD Bioline RDT, malaria antigen Plasmodium falciparum/Plasmodium vivax Pf/Pv). Dried blood spots were used for haemoglobin estimation. Sociodemographic details with past and present pregnancy status were obtained. A subset of pregnant women were followed up for malaria during pregnancy. Women were also screened for malaria post delivery. Malaria treatment was given as per the National Guidelines of 2013. Multivariate analysis was done to assess independent risk factors for malaria. Results A total of 1728 pregnant women were screened, of which 1651 were included in the final analysis. Malaria prevalence at first screening was 23.4% (Pf 88%). Prevalence and Pf parasitaemia both were significantly higher among primigravid (G1) compared to multigravid (G>2; p value 0.012 and 0.019, respectively). Pregnant women of the Baiga ethnic group were more likely to have malaria compared to those belonging to the Gond group (OR [95% CI]; 2.4 [1.7-3.4]; p<0.00001) and non-indigenous group (OR [95% CI]; 8.3 [3.9-19.7]; p<0.00001). Primigravid status of women, first and second trimester of pregnancy, women belonging to indigenous ethnic tribal group and cash crop insufficiency for whole year (a socioeconomic indicator) in the family were the independent risk factors for malaria. Conclusion MIP is a major public health problem in forested tribal settlements of Birsa and Baihar blocks of Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh and requires immediate intervention.

Култ медведя у народов Примурья и Примория (по материалам российских исследователей)

Based on field materials and publications of Russian ethnographers, the article discusses the cult of the bear, which is widespread among the indigenous small-numbered ethnic groups of the southern part of the Far East. Among the native ethnic groups of the Amur Region and Primorye, this cult manifests itself in the so-called “bear” holiday, which was celebrated on two occasions: the first celebration was associated with the killing of an animal in a den, and the second - on the occasion of a bear grown in captivity. The peculiarity of this holiday lies in the fact that the bear at the region’s natives was a totem animal from the Neolithic era. Therefore, the “bearish” holiday among local peoples has pronounced totemic features that reflect various prohibitions. Starting with the killing of the beast and ending with the special process of eating it, all this was accompanied by magical actions aimed at diverting from the hunters the responsibility for killing the bear - a close “relative” in the female line. The peculiarity of the “bear” holiday lies in the fact that only men and the oldest women, incapable of having children, took part in it, and even then with a number of restrictions associated with eating meat. The totemic nature of this holiday is also reflected in the rite of keeping intact all the bones of the skeleton and skull of the bear, and their ritual burial is associated with the idea of reviving the dead animal. This holiday reflected the idea of the unity of two clans of one ethnic group and testified to a single process of cultural development among the peoples of the Amur and Primorye.

Suku Dayak: Mengenal Tradisi Adat dan Kehidupan Masyarakatnya

This research is a literature study which aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the traditional and cultural traditions of the Dayak people, an indigenous ethnic group in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Dayak tribe is known to have rich cultural diversity, including in terms of belief systems, traditional ceremonies, tiwah ceremonies, and their unique way of life. This literature study will collect and analyze various literary sources, including books, journal articles, and official documents that are relevant to the traditional traditions and culture of the Dayak tribe. The collected data will be analyzed to identify patterns, developments and important aspects of Dayak culture, as well as how their culture has interacted with modernization and social change. It is hoped that the results of this literature study will provide a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity of the Dayak tribe.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Adolescent Pregnancy Among an Indigenous Ethnic Group in Rural Nepal: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study.

The Chepang people, an indigenous ethnic group in Nepal, experience substantial marginalization and socioeconomic disadvantages, making their communities among the most vulnerable in the region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in the Chepang communities of Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 among 231 Chepang women selected using simple random sampling from Raksirang Rural Municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing the mothers. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Variables with a variation inflation factor of more than 2 and a p-value of more than 0.25 were excluded from the final model. The study revealed that the prevalence rate of adolescent pregnancy among Chepang women was 71.4% (95% CI, 65.14 to 77.16). A large percentage of participants (72.7%) were married before the age of 18 years. Poor knowledge of adolescent pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.3; 95% CI, 8.42 to 14.87), unplanned pregnancy (aOR, 13.3; 95% CI, 10.76 to 19.2), and lack of sex education (aOR, 6.57; 95% CI, 3.85 to 11.27) were significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy among the Chepang community was high. These findings highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the potential consequences of adolescent pregnancy and implementing comprehensive sexuality education programs for preventing adolescent pregnancies within this community.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Candesartan Cilexetil between Hypertension patients of Muna and Tolaki Ethnicity

There are differences in the efficacy of a drug between ethnicities. Hypertension Treatment Guidelines of JNC 8 recommend not using angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors in the black population for first-line therapy. The Tolaki and Muna ethnicities are two indigenous ethnic groups of the Southeast Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. The very different physical characteristics between these two ethnic groups raise the possibility that there are differences in the body's response to antihypertensive ARBs, including candesartan. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of candesartan cilexetil monotherapy for one month in hypertensive patients of the Tolaki and Muna ethnicities. Assessment of therapy efficacy includes the proportion of patients achieving the therapeutic target according to JNC 8 and the reduction of blood pressure. Tolerability is assessed based on side effects and adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported by patients. Patients who met the criteria for this study were those who had recently been diagnosed with essential hypertension or hypertension with type 2 diabetes mellitus, were taking candesartan cilexetil (8 mg orally once a day), and had blood pressure values after one month of treatment. Sixty-eight Tolaki ethnic patients and 51 Muna ethnic patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The results showed that the decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was greater in the Tolaki than those in the Muna ethnicity. The median value of the systolic decrease was -33 ((-10)–(-60)) mmHg for the Tolaki ethnic group and -10 (0–(-20)) mmHg for the Muna ethnic group. The median value of diastolic decline for the Tolaki and Muna ethnicities was -10 (0–(-37)) mmHg and -5 (5–(-20)) mmHg, respectively. The MAP value of the Tolaki ethnic group is 93.30 (80–110), and that of the Muna ethnic group is 110 (96.69–130). The achievement of the target of reducing blood pressure was also significantly higher for the Tolaki than the Muna ethnicities. Complaints felt by some people in both ethnic groups were dizziness, headaches, and feeling weak. Six people in the Muna ethnic group with diabetes mellitus with type 2 experienced hyperkalemia. There was a significant difference in the efficacy of candesartan for one month between Muna and Tolaki ethnic hypertension patients. There was no difference in tolerability between the two ethnic groups.

Dependence of the Thyroid Gland Ultrasound Findings on Somatotypological Parameters in Young Men Living in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The paper highlights the study results related to the structural features of the thyroid gland (TG) based on ultrasound examination findings and their relationship with somatotypological parameters in young men living in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Since diagnosis of thyroid pathology is associated with ultrasound examination, advanced information about the regional features of the anatomical standad parameters of the thyroid gland remains an acute research and practical issue. The aim of the study was to identify the morphometric parameter features of the thyroid gland during ultrasound scanning and the nature of their relationship with the somatotype in young men living in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), indigenous and non-indigenous ethnic groups. Material and methods. The study involved total 195 males, aged 17-21, who were divided into groups depending on indigenous and non-indigenous ethnicity. All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements of 10 parameters, followed by determination of the somatotype according to Heath-Carter. To determine the linear dimensions and volume of the thyroid gland, the ultrasound diagnostic option was used. Results. As stated, representatives of the mesomorphic somatotype predominate among young men of the indigenous ethnic group; representatives of the ectomorphic somatotype predominate among young men of the non-indigenous ethnic group. A comparative analysis of ultrasound morphometry revealed significantly larger values of the total volume of the thyroid gland, due to an increased thickness and volume of the right lobe, as well as the thickness, width and volume of the left lobe in young men of the non-indigenous ethnic group, compared with young men of the indigenous ethnic group. When comparing the thyroid volume with the identified distribution of somatotypes according to Heath-Carter, statistically significant differences were registered in representatives of the mesomorphic somatotype: in young men of the non-indigenous ethnic group, the volume was 2.1 cm3 greater than in young men of the indigenous ethnic group. Conclusion. Thus, the obtained findings related to linear parameters and thyroid volume evidence their relationship with ethnicity and somatotype.

Moving from ethnic exclusions to cultural safety: how is athlete ethnicity discussed in research on menstrual health in sports? A scoping review

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate how athlete ethnicity is discussed in the inclusion and exclusion criteria, methodology, findings, and conclusions of research focused on menstrual health in sports science and...

UNSUR-UNSUR TOTEMIK PADA PATUNG LORO BLONYO

Abstract This research aims to describe the elements of totemism in the Loro Blonyo statue. Totemism is a belief and practice with based on the belief that involves glorifying or honoring totems, which can be animals, plants, and inanimate objects. Totemism is often found in indigenous communities or ethnic groups that have strong connectivity to nature and the environment around them. Javanese society has various cultures. There are also Javanese cultural products that contain totemic elements, which is these totemic products are still considered important for the supporting community. One of the Javanese cultural products that contains totemism is the Loro Blonyo statue. The Loro Blonyo statue is usually placed around the central of the senthong room, which is a special room that is sacred in a traditional Javanese house, usually located in the middle room, and functions as a place to store heirloom objects as well as functioning as a place to carry out good rituals that have religion aspect or other mystical beliefs for the owner. Loro Blonyo is believed to be an object that has good luck, as well as a means to achieve the hope of fertility of offspring and prosperity in life. The aim of this research is to analyze the totemic elements contained in the Loro Blonyo statue. Keywords: Loro Blonyo, Senthong Tengah, Totemism, Javanese Culture

Multimedia tools integration in the musical education teaching process

Relevance. Given the rapid development of technology, the educational system of Kosovo in the 21st century requires finding ways to modernise, as well as highlighting the role and significance of information and communication technologies used in this area.Purpose. The study aims to reveal the process of application of multimedia resources in educational practice, as a complex integrated phenomenon and the study of its leading components.Methodology. Systematisation, analysis, comparison, generalisation and synthesis methods were used to achieve it.Results. As a result of studying this problem, the key spheres of using information and communication technologies and modern software in educational music institutions of Kosovo were established. These are directions in comprehension of national folklore of one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Albania (fixation, practice of performance and dissemination of folk traditions); aspects of mastering musical disciplines related to the folk art of Kosovo and world music art (expansion of the base of theoretical and practical information, stable source of communication between teachers and students, favourable and motivating to achievements learning environment); the results of the application of Internet resources, in terms of modernization and increasing the effectiveness of learning mechanisms in one of the regions of the Balkan Peninsula (establishment of intercultural dialogue, enrichment of musical traditions of the ethnos, modernization of educational and creative spheres). All of them meet the needs of one of the ethnic groups in Albania for spiritual, cultural, and social identification on the platform of the global world community of the 21st century.Conclusions. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results can be used as mechanisms of educational activities of educational institutions not only in Kosovo but also in neighbouring regions, where different Albanian ethnic communities reside.

Kumari Culture: A Ritualistic and Dialectic Performance

Cultural values and traditions including rites and rituals are the peculiar identities of ethnic groups in Nepal. Newars of Kathmandu valley is one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal with enough prosperity in their unique cultural performances. Every performance in Newari culture, from a typical folklore to native language to the celebration of national Newari festivals, has their own distinguishing features. Among the several aesthetic performances of Newari community is 'Kumari Culture'. In Kathmandu valley, 'Kumari Culture' regards to one of the sacred and idiosyncratic ritual performance where a young girl of age gap between 2-5 belonging to Newar Buddhist community is chosen as the divinity of goddess. The selected 'Kumari', regarded as a living goddess, is then worshipped by entire Nepali citizen. Kumari culture is believed to be originated from ancient Malla reign in the kingdom. Nonetheless, much controversy has arisen regarding Kumari culture in the recent times. Some critics call this culture as a system of child labour whereas, some advocate for the abolishment for its connection to the Royal history. Yet, Kumari culture is a holy form of Newa: Cultural performance that has its own inherent significance. Hence, this paper attempt to examine multi-dimensions of Kumari culture by assessing ritual performances of this culture. Finally, this paper affirms for the recognition of spiritual and dialectical performance of Kumari culture. I would be developing my argument within the fundamental theoretical insights of Richard Schechner and Victor Turner, incorporating the parameters of qualitative analysis.

Knowledge, compliance, and challenges in anti-malarial products usage: a systematic review of at-risk communities for zoonotic malaria

BackgroundZoonotic malaria is a growing public health threat in the WHO Southeast Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP) regions. Despite vector-control measures, the distribution of Macaque fascicularis and M. nemestrina, and Anopheles mosquitoes carrying non-human simian malaria parasites poses challenges to malaria elimination. The systematic review assesses the literature on knowledge and malaria-preventive practices in zoonotic malaria-affected areas across the WHO SEA and WP, aiming to identify challenges for malaria control.MethodsPeer-reviewed articles published in English, Malay and Indonesian between January 2010 and December 2022 were searched in OVID Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies of any design—excluding reviews, conference proceedings, and reports from all WHO SEA and WP countries vulnerable to zoonotic malaria—were included. Backwards-reference screening and thematic analysis were conducted.ResultsAmong 4,174 initially searched articles, 22 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. An additional seven articles were identified through backwards-reference screening, resulting in a total of 29 articles for this review. Half of these studies were conducted in Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand, mainly in forests and remote communities. The review highlighted inconsistencies in the operationalization of knowledge, and five major themes were identified related to knowledge: causation and transmission, symptoms, treatment, severity and complications, and malaria prevention. While participants generally had some understanding of malaria causation/transmission, minority and indigenous ethnic groups demonstrated limited knowledge and held misconceptions, such as attributing malaria to drinking dirty water. Preventive practices included traditional and non-traditional or modern methods—with a preference for traditional approaches to avoid mosquito bites. Challenges to malaria control included feasibility, cost, and access to healthcare services.ConclusionThis review provides insights into knowledge, local understandings, and preventive practices related to malaria in the WHO SEA and WP regions. The findings highlight the need for future research to explore the knowledge of at-risk communities regarding zoonotic malaria, their perceive threat of the disease and factors exposing them to zoonotic malaria. New strategies must be developed for zoonotic malaria programs tailored to local contexts, emphasizing the significance of community participation, health education, and socio-behavioural change initiatives. It is important to consider the interconnectedness of human health, environmental and non-human primates conservation. Socio-cultural nuances should also be carefully considered in the design and implementation of these programs to ensure their effect tailored to local contexts.

Нефтегазовый комплекс Арктики и коренные этносы: оценка потенциала и проблемы взаимоотношений

The oil and gas industry is the basis of Russia’s socio-economic development and remains the main source of foreign exchange earnings. In the 21st century, hydrocarbon exploration moved to Arctic regions. The study aims to assess the impact of the Arctic oil and gas industry on indigenous peoples of the North and identify ways to improve contractual relations between them. To this end, statistical, cluster, aggregation, analogy approaches, etc. were used. Analysis of the differences of oil and gas districts in economic activity, commodity specialisation, transport logistics revealed 6 clusters: Nadym-Urengoy, Purovsky, Zapolyarny, Nenets, Taimyr-Turukhansky (Vankorsk) and Usinsky. The oil and gas fields are linked to places of traditional residence and economic activity of small indigenous peoples that are rich in renewable natural resources. The development of these areas expanded the country’s oil and gas resource base. However, it also caused social and environmental problems associated with a decrease in renewable natural resource potential of places of traditional residence and economic activities as a result of pollution and reduction of fishing and hunting grounds. Simultaneously, the shift method traditionally used to overcome the shortage of qualified personnel in the Northern and Arctic regions allows oil and gas companies to avoid the cost of creating social infrastructure. Despite advances in technology and state policy measures implemented to solve social, ethnic and environmental problems of small indigenous peoples, economic benefits are the most important reason for the development of the Northern and Arctic regions. Thus, contractual relations between extractive corporations and indigenous ethnic groups do not protect peoples’ livelihoods. A comprehensive assessment of renewable natural resource potential is required to reduce the damage to indigenous peoples and the environment during hydrocarbon exploration.

Komunikacja w kulturze japońskiego kolektywizmu – wybrane koncepty

Japan is one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in the world. Although there is an indigenous minority Ainu ethnic group from Hokkaido Prefecture and indigeneous inhabitants of the Riukiu (Okinawa) archipelago, the Japanese communally share the core values that form the core of their sense of cultural and national identity. Hall and Hofstede’s concepts provide a reference point for the present reflections on specific aspects of the Japanese cultural code, encompassing the sociological and psychological concepts of uchi-soto, honne-tatemae, and wa. Awareness of the role the Japanese attribute to social harmony helps sensitise the unique communicative culture of the Japanese and, under certain circumstances, to break down cultural barriers. Internalising this attitude can help a non- Japanese demonstrate proper social etiquette and maintain communicative harmony. My own experience of experiencing cultural difference in Japan from the perspective of a woman, a European, and a Polish researcher, provided a direct impetus to analyse the underlying cultural concepts that underlie Japanese communicative culture, as well as the perception of the dichotomy of Self versus the Other.