Milieu Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Discussions, Debates, and Oral Presentations in Enhancing EFL Learners’ Oral Proficiency

This case study investigated the effects of different speaking activities (oral presentations, discussions, debates) on the speaking performance of 11 young adult EFL learners at a university in central Mexico. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and an online survey and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that combining socialization with varied speaking activities and incorporating popular culture topics relevant to students increased motivation, reduced the affective filter, boosted confidence, and improved fluency and accuracy. The integration of student interests and fostering of personal relationships promoted a holistic understanding of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, enhancing overall speaking skills. However, limitations include a small sample size from the same sociocultural context. Further research with a larger, more diverse sample is recommended for unbiased results. The study highlights the benefits of tailoring speaking activities to students' interests and encourages developing interpersonal relationships to facilitate language learning.

Unmet Needs of Children and Young Adults With ADHD: Insights From Key Stakeholders on Priorities for Stigma Reduction.

Individuals with ADHD continue to face stigma, which can negatively impact their access to, adherence to, and quality of mental health services, as well as their overall wellbeing. Perspectives of various stakeholders regarding priorities for stigma reduction remain underexplored. This study explores young adult, parent, teacher, and mental health care professional perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in the Netherlands, in the context of stigma reduction. A total of 24 respondents participated in seven small focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs facilitated in-depth discussions exploring stakeholder group perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in educational, professional, and social settings. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Three thematic categories of unmet needs were identified: (1) a lack of awareness, knowledge, and understanding of ADHD; (2) insufficient personalized approaches in education and health care; and (3) limited accessibility of information and support services. Within theme 1, respondents primarily highlighted the importance of improving education for primary school teachers and mental health care professionals. Theme 2 underscored the need for increased capacity for personalization and attention to the sociopsychological factors of ADHD, alongside recognizing strengths. Theme 3 emphasized the need for easy access to reliable information and mental health care, including peer networks, as well as proper follow-up and continuity of care. Findings highlight the need for improving our understanding of ADHD as a complex biopsychosocial condition, which requires specific adjustments in education and mental health care. Interventions to improve support and disrupt stigmatization should meet diverse needs, incorporate multi-level strategies, and involve key stakeholders.

A close look at children’s and adolescents’ arguments: combining a developmental, educational, and philosophical perspective

AbstractIt is broadly admitted that social contexts of reasoning may prompt children and adolescents to improve the quality of their reasoning. However, it is not clear how this quality may be assessed when it comes to arguments expressed within oral interactions in diverse settings (whole-class or small-group discussions) by students of different ages and cultural backgrounds. This study aims to offer a methodological contribution to the issue of oral argument assessment of children and adolescents, by looking at a large, annotated corpus of dialogic discussions during 111 lessons taking place in five countries. Our analysis combines a structural (Toulmin Argument Pattern) and functional (Walton’s argumentation schemes) approach to argumentative reasoning. Our findings show significant variations across age groups and social settings. The discussion points out the importance of sociocultural framing of argument reasoning development and the continuation of research in argument assessment methods able to grasp important developmental and cultural variations.

Similar Foci, Different Lenses: Literacy Education Beliefs and Practices of Chinese and U.S. Teachers

The differences in literacy education practices between China and the United States are often attributed to their different educational, sociocultural, and historical contexts. However, this sweeping view offers little to help literacy educators in both countries understand the beliefs behind literacy instructional practices and how different or similar these beliefs are. This study examines key characteristics of how Chinese (n=40) and U.S. (n=44) literacy teachers (Pre-K-8th grade) articulate their beliefs about literacy education, delineating their differences and similarities. An inductive content analysis of teachers’ self-reported written narratives about their beliefs and practices in literacy education, along with double coding, reveal that the teachers’ espoused disciplinary beliefs focus on similar themes for the most part. However, their lenses were markedly different, tinted by both the substance and style of their literacy instruction contexts, as well as their cultural epistemological foundations. Inconsistencies between teachers’ beliefs and practices manifested differently in the two groups, but they reflected similar sources. Understanding these varying and nuanced beliefs in cross-cultural contexts can inform teacher education and education reform and counter the insularity of educational research.

Impact of Social Media on Students' Academic Performance at Green Hope University, Garowe, Somalia

This study investigates how students at Green Hope University in Garowe, Somalia, perform academically in relation to social media, particularly Facebook and TikTok. In light of social media's pervasiveness in daily life, the study aims to determine how these platforms affect academic performance in this particular sociocultural context. Through surveys and questionnaires, information was gathered from 144 participants including students, instructors, parents, and university administration using a mixed-methods approach. The results showed that Facebook (r=0.480) and TikTok (r=0.550) had favorable relationships with academic achievement, indicating that social media can improve academic engagement when utilized carefully. But the study also emphasizes the necessity for students to utilize social media under supervision because excessive use can lead to distraction. Future research prospects are highlighted along with the ramifications for parents and educators.

Affordable housing design in response to sociocultural context. A comparative study in Koya City

ABSTRACT Affordable housing design should respond to the socio-cultural context using adequate housing types. This study develops a theoretical framework for designing sustainable, affordable housing in Iraq based on learning from traditional architecture. It examines this framework by exploring famous traditional and modern types of affordable housing: type1 courtyard housing and type2 apartment buildings. Different values of sustainability are discussed, and three are elected: social qualities (safety and privacy), environmental qualities, and economic qualities (Compactness and Densification). An empirical study was conducted on the said types of affordable housing in Koya City to examine the proposed framework. The study results show that courtyard houses achieve sustainability values more than apartments. Traditional housing types can provide a sustainable environment with limited resources and simple manners. The paper’s main finding is that distributing inner outdoor spaces all over the housing area is critical to designing affordable housing for sustainability.

Beyond the Binary: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Gender Dysphoric Adolescents in Indonesia

Introduction: Gender dysphoria among adolescents is increasingly recognized globally, yet research on the lived experiences of transgender youth in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and support needs of Indonesian adolescents navigating gender dysphoria within a sociocultural context characterized by traditional gender norms and limited access to specialized healthcare. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adolescents (aged 13-19) who identified as experiencing gender dysphoria. Participants were recruited through LGBTQ+ youth organizations and community centers in Jakarta and Surabaya. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns within their narratives. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) Early Recognition and Internal Conflict: Participants described an early awareness of their gender identity incongruence, often accompanied by feelings of confusion, shame, and fear due to societal expectations and potential rejection. (2) Navigating Disclosure and Social Support: Coming out to family and peers was a significant challenge, with varied responses ranging from acceptance to rejection. Support networks, primarily found within online communities and LGBTQ+ organizations, played a crucial role in fostering resilience. (3) Barriers to Accessing Healthcare: Participants reported significant obstacles in accessing gender-affirming care, including limited availability of specialized healthcare providers, financial constraints, and lack of family support. (4) Resilience and Hope for the Future: Despite the challenges, participants expressed resilience, hope, and a strong desire to live authentically. They emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, peer support, and advocacy for greater understanding and acceptance of gender diversity in Indonesia. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of gender dysphoric adolescents in Indonesia. Findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, improved access to gender-affirming care, and supportive interventions to promote the well-being of this vulnerable population.

EXPLORING MUSICAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT: PERSPECTIVES FROM STAGE THEORY, SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY, AND A LIFESPAN APPROACH

Music has a profound impact on a person's identity and has a complicated and deep relationship with the self. A psychological concept called "musical identity" includes a variety of elements derived from "personal, social, emotional, and musical competencies." It represents how people behave in a cultural and social context and is influenced by their involvement in music and practice. The study of how people acquire their musical knowledge and skills examines the cognitive, emotional, and social facets of this process. The stage theory by Trevarthen and Malloch, which hypothesizes discrete transitions in musical development across the lifespan, is a well-known framework in this area. Another approach is the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) application by Evans and McPherson, which emphasizes the significance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in forming musical identity. Using a lifelong perspective, Lamont emphasizes the impact of social settings and cultural environments on the negotiation of musical identity. Her work emphasizes the significance of early musical encounters, the influence of formal and informal musical interactions during infancy, and the development of musical identity during adolescence and maturity. Understanding these frameworks advances our knowledge of how musical identities are formed and has implications for music education, therapy, and the encouragement of lifelong musical participation.

Cultural Studies with Communities in South Africa: Implications for Participatory Development Communication and Social Change Research

This article theorizes the role of local and indigenous culture in its intersection with development initiatives. It argues that Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC), through a cultural studies framework, strengthens the potentiality of democratization and participation within community-based development and social change settings. We advocate that applied cultural studies can facilitate agency (through voice and self-representation) in social interventions. This is a cultural studies approach that has been recontextualised from the Birmingham origin as read through Marxist development studies, first adapted and mobilized during the anti-apartheid struggle in developing cultural strategy, and more recently with efforts to indigenise research practices with research participants in the southern Kalahari. We draw on an example of the community-owned, state-funded, and privately operated !Xaus Lodge cultural tourism asset. We illustrate how CDSC strategies, influenced by applied cultural studies, can work with an agentic imperative to effect development and mutual understanding in a defined geographical area, where multiple stakeholder agendas, cultural backgrounds, and ontologies are to be negotiated.

AI in Inclusive Education: A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Challenges in the Indian Context

India’s educational landscape, characterised by its dynamism and diverse student populace, has witnessed a notable shift towards inclusive education principles, aiming to provide equitable learning opportunities for all. The burgeoning advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer a promising avenue to revolutionise traditional educational paradigms, making the intersection of AI and inclusive education pivotal, especially within India’s unique socio-cultural and economic context. This systematic review explores AI applications in inclusive education within India, highlighting key trends, successful implementations, and challenges. The findings reveal that AI can significantly enhance personalised learning, assistive technologies, and administrative efficiencies, contributing to more inclusive educational environments. However, challenges such as linguistic diversity, varying learning environments, and uneven technological infrastructure pose significant obstacles. The review underscores the need for context-specific AI solutions and robust policy frameworks to address these challenges, providing insights into how AI can be effectively harnessed to foster inclusive education in India, catering to the diverse needs of its student population.

DPD (DePression Detection) Net: a deep neural network for multimodal depression detection.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental conditions which could impair people's productivity and lead to severe consequences. The diagnosis of this disease is complex as it often relies on a physician's subjective interview-based screening. The aim of our work is to propose deep learning models for automatic depression detection by using different data modalities, which could assist in the diagnosis of depression. Current works on automatic depression detection mostly are tested on a single dataset, which might lack robustness, flexibility and scalability. To alleviate this problem, we design a novel Graph Neural Network-enhanced Transformer model named DePressionDetect Net (DPD Net) that leverages textual, audio and visual features and can work under two different application settings: the clinical setting and the social media setting. The model consists of a unimodal encoder module for encoding single modality, a multimodal encoder module for integrating the multimodal information, and a detection module for producing the final prediction. We also propose a model named DePressionDetect-with-EEG Net (DPD-E Net) to incorporate Electroencephalography (EEG) signals and speech data for depression detection. Experiments across four benchmark datasets show that DPD Net and DPD-E Net can outperform the state-of-the-art models on three datasets (i.e., E-DAIC dataset, Twitter depression dataset and MODMA dataset), and achieve competitive performance on the fourth one (i.e., D-vlog dataset). Ablation studies demonstrate the advantages of the proposed modules and the effectiveness of combining diverse modalities for automatic depression detection.

Understanding the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, acceptance, and hesitancy in Ethiopia and Tanzania: a scoping review

BackgroundThe development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccines have been a breakthrough in controlling the pandemic. However, the vaccination coverage in most low-income countries remains very low due to critical vaccine shortage and profound hesitancy. In this scoping review, we aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake, acceptance, and hesitancy in Ethiopia and Tanzania.MethodsThe search was made in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Only original research articles focusing on vaccine acceptance and hesitancy were included. The studies selected for a full read were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.FindingsA total of 76 articles were included in the study, with 74 of them coming from Ethiopia. The study found an increasing trend in vaccine uptake over time. However, there was also an increase in hesitancy and a decline in willingness to receive the vaccine. The willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia ranged from 18.5 to 88%. The main reasons for "vaccine hesitancy" included fear of side effects, concerns about long-term safety, doubts about vaccine effectiveness, lack of information, vaccine fast-tracking, and religious beliefs. The study also found that younger individuals, females, and pregnant women were less willing to receive the vaccine. The adverse events reported among vaccinated individuals were mostly mild. Most of the studies operationalised vaccine acceptance-hesitancy as dichotomous variables. However, the historical, political, and socio-cultural context in which vaccine acceptance and hesitancy occur was not given any attention. While there is a good amount of data from Ethiopia describing patterns of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among different populations over time, there is limited information from Tanzania due to the late arrival of the vaccine and limited published articles.ConclusionWe have observed a paradox involving two seemingly conflicting trends: an increase in vaccination rates/coverage and "anti-vax." Most studies have simplified vaccine acceptance-hesitancy as an “either-or” incident, without considering its dynamic nature and occurrence within a broader political, social, and cultural context. Therefore, it is crucial to explore approaches that can enhance our understanding of the vaccine acceptance-hesitancy phenomenon, in order to improve vaccine trust and uptake.

FHG-PR: a hybridized fuzzy-AHP and game theory model for assessing privacy risk on social media platforms

Social media platforms have become integral to our daily lives, enabling global connectivity and interaction. Current research provides general solutions for mitigating privacy risks, but it does not focus on particular platforms. However, the voluntary sharing of personal information on these platforms presents considerable privacy risks, highlighting the need for effective risk assessment mechanisms. This study presents a hybrid approach that uses the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and game theory to estimate privacy risks on Meta and X. We used a fuzzy AHP to rank determinant variables based on surveys of social media users and professionals. These weighted criteria were then used in a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework using cooperative game theory to discover ways to lower privacy hazards. The model accurately analyzed the privacy threats on Meta and X, recommending alternate techniques for preventing breaches in data privacy. The cooperative game theory method allows stakeholders to collaborate on creating privacy-preserving measures. The findings emphasize the model’s ability to address platform-specific privacy threats, as well as its flexibility in other social media settings. The model’s potential for real-world application is demonstrated by its ability to provide practical risk reduction measures, which improve privacy protection for social media users.

Human Trafficking In The Islamic View (Comparative Study Of Al-Azhar And Al Misbah Interpretation)

This study aims to examine and compare Islamic views on human trafficking based on two prominent tafsir works, namely Tafsir Al-Azhar by Buya Hamka and Tafsir Al-Misbah by M. Quraish Shihab. Human trafficking, as a form of modern slavery, is a global problem that is very contrary to human values. From an Islamic perspective, protection of human dignity and rights is strongly emphasized, including the prohibition of all forms of human exploitation. Tafsir Al-Azhar, with a contextual and sociological approach, emphasizes the importance of maintaining human honor and freedom and condemns slavery in the socio-cultural context of Indonesia. On the other hand, Tafsir Al-Misbah, with a linguistic and historical approach, highlights human trafficking as a violation of the principles of justice and humanity in Islamic teachings. This study found that although the two tafsirs have different approaches, both are in line in the view that human trafficking is an act that is prohibited in Islam and contrary to the universal values taught by the Qur'an.

Experiences of health care providers in the sociocultural context of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana: A descriptive phenomenology

Experiences of health care providers in the sociocultural context of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana: A descriptive phenomenology

Ayahuasca rituals for the treatment of substance use disorders: Three narratives of former patients of a neo‐shamanic center from Uruguay

AbstractAyahuasca is a psychedelic beverage from the Amazon rainforest, used in spiritual and religious settings for medical purposes. Since the 1990s onwards, several religious and neo‐shamanic groups have been using it in Uruguay within the psychospiritual networks. Some participants go to rituals of ayahuasca looking for therapeutic alternatives to certain ailments, such as substance use disorders (SUDs). In this chapter, three cases of former patients who recovered in a neo‐shamanic center that uses ayahuasca for the treatment of SUDs are described and analyzed. The center is conducted by a psychologist trained in the Peruvian vegetalismo tradition. An ethnographic description of the ritual setting as well as the process of psychotherapeutic intervention of the center are described. In‐depth interviews were used to collect the narratives of the three patients. A medical anthropology perspective is used, focusing on different subjective trajectories: the general biographic trajectory, SUDs trajectory, spiritual trajectory, and the trajectory under the entheogenic field, ayahuasca included. As we discuss, the impact of ayahuasca rituals ceremonies should be explained not only by ayahuasca as a psychedelic compound, but as a psychotherapeutic tool immersed in a social, cultural, and spiritual setting aimed at the treatment of SUDs.

Efficacy of Nigella sativa seed oil against psychophysical stress induced irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety-like symptoms in Wistar rats.

Stressors play a critical role in the progression of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Heterogenous stress causes alterations in our bowel movements which can further cause anxiety and depression-like symptoms, decreasing the ability of individuals worldwide to function in social, academic, and employment settings. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of orally administered Nigella sativa (0.2mL/kg b.wt.) seed oil (NSSO) on stress-induced IBS, anxiety, and depression-like symptoms in Wistar rats. In the present study, modelling IBS induced anxiety and depression-like symptoms in rodents have been employed to correlate the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this disorder. Moreover, evaluation of ameliorative potential of traditionally used NSSO in IBS was also carried out. Present investigation indicated that acute stress of 1.5h daily for 20days induced hyper cortisol, gastrointestinal (GI) hypermotility, diarrhoea, altered levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and inflammation which are common symptoms of IBS. Furthermore, depression and anxiety-like symptoms were validated in test groups by various behavioral tests and decreased levels of 5-HT-Transporter mRNA gene expression, which are clear indicators of cognitive impairment. It is possible that these IBS-like symptoms may have contributed to the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits and depression. However, the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and possibly the anti-anxiolytic properties of NSSO helped in the mitigation of altered gut-brain axis. Because the concurrent treatment of NSSO alleviated the symptoms of modified GI function and consequently, the anxious & depressive behavior of the animals. Overall, this research explored the protective efficacy of NSSO against stress-induced IBS and depression-like symptoms, shedding light on the potential of this natural compound as a therapeutic option in the field of gastroenterology and psychiatry.

Legitimacy in polycentric groundwater governance: Framework conditions identified in Nebraska's Natural Resource Districts

AbstractThis study considers how and why agricultural groundwater users would limit their own water consumption. We find that voluntary governance arrangements are based on a form of legitimacy that stems from informal social processes. Agricultural irrigation reform in Nebraska, U.S. took place after decades of collaboration in informal social settings; this background of decentralized rulemaking contributed to legitimizing extraction limits in times of water stress. The dimensions of social legitimacy are assessed through triangulation of interview data, integrated management plans, workshop facilitation, and recordings of legal proceedings related to the Natural Resources Districts in the state of Nebraska. These districts initially placed voluntary limits on extraction but evolved to sanction violators for over‐consumption. Groundwater rules are accepted because they are set by publicly elected boards, leaders participate in a state‐wide leadership training network, and the districts are granted rule‐making authority by the state. Our results show that voluntary self‐limiting behavior can form the basis for binding legal requirements. The legitimacy of polycentric governance stems from social acceptance, inclusive membership, a prior history of collaboration, and an understanding of rules. The rules themselves are context‐specific and self‐made. We summarize these elements in an evaluation framework to test whether and how authority in other polycentric groundwater governance arrangements is justified and accepted.

Ancient and Modern in Eighteenth-Century British Music Criticism: The Contradictory Case of Henry Purcell’s Te Deum and Jubilate

ABSTRACT During the early modern period, the Quarrel of the Ancients and Moderns encapsulated profound changes in the way people conceived of the past in relation to their own present. While the Ancients continued to advocate emulating esteemed ancient authorities, the Moderns sought to break away from previous models through original invention. In reality, this binary opposition disguises a much more gradual process of change, which often resulted in contradictory perspectives on the past. This article uses music criticism from eighteenth-century Britain to explore these complexities, concentrating on how Henry Purcell’s Te Deum and Jubilate was appropriated by authors from both sides of the Quarrel to advance opposing viewpoints, using embryonic musical analysis as a hermeneutic tool. The study exposes the tensions underlying the developing historical narratives on which Purcell’s posthumous reputation was built, allowing us to place our own understanding of his reception more firmly within its socio-cultural context.

Re-reading Genesis 24:55b–60 in the context of marriage by proxy in Awkunanaw, Enugu State

Genesis 24:55–60 takes cognisance of the right of a damsel in marriage arrangement. The study aims to examine Genesis 24:55–60 in the context of marriage by proxy in Awkunanaw, Enugu State, Nigeria. The methodology employed in this study is narrative analysis. The findings of the research indicate that marriage by proxy has been a longstanding practice in ancient Awkunanaw. The approach to this practice has evolved between ancient Awkunanaw and contemporary Awkunanaw. The study also reveals that damsels were granted the right to choose their life partners within the socio-cultural context of Genesis 24:55–60. The Hebrew phrase supporting this claim is niqrä’ lanna‘árä, meaning ‘we will call to the girl’. This suggests that Rebekah, the damsel in the text, consented to the marriage made on her behalf. Therefore, the study recommends that parents and guardians in contemporary Awkunanaw should adopt the socio-cultural practices of Laban’s society, as indicated in the study, to help curb the state of chaos within families in Awkunanaw.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This study emphasises the need to advocate for the rights of young women in Awkunanaw concerning marriage by proxy. It indicates that allowing a woman to choose her marriage partner would help reduce domestic violence and other marital crises in Nigeria, particularly in Awkunanaw.