Traditional Culture Research Articles

The enablers and stumbling blocks in sustaining growth of women-owned micro-enterprises in India – a qualitative inquiry

Purpose The study aims to understand why women-owned microenterprises (WOMEs) in India experience a lower growth rate, where growth can be represented in increments in the venture’s size or scope. There is no conclusive understanding of the factors that affect the sustained growth of WOMEs in India. Design/methodology/approach What personal, social and economic factors support or hinder the choice, growth and sustainability of women-owned ventures? What role do institutional factors (government, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), self-help groups and microfinance institutions) play toward the sustainability of WOMEs? The answers to these questions were obtained through a qualitative design by interviewing 30 micro women entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, a Southern state of India and one of the largest hubs for WOMEs and their responses were content analyzed using NVivo 12 software. Findings The findings capture and apply the fundamentals of two key theoretical perspectives, resource-based view (RBV) and self-determination theory (SDT), in identifying the links between the individual, social and economic factors and their combined effect on the sustained growth of women-owned micro businesses. The findings add value in identifying the ingrained cultural norms and traditions and several internal and external factors that support or challenge the growth of WOMEs. This study highlights that the interventions by the government need to be strengthened for the growth and sustainability of WOMEs. Practical implications The study’s findings provide suggestions to policymakers, banks, funding agencies, financial institutions and NGOs to design applicable policies and schemes toward the sustained growth of WOMEs. Originality/value This study contributes toward a better understanding of the trends in the context of WOMEs from an Indian context. This topic has received little attention in the academic literature. Second, the study’s conceptual contribution is an application of SDT and RBV to understand and categorize the enablers and deterrents in the path of growth of WOMEs, which is a novel pursuit.

The clinical importance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in detecting disease-causing microorganisms in cases of sepsis acquired in the community or hospital setting

ObjectivesAlthough metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is commonly used for diagnosing infectious diseases, clinicians face limited options due to the high costs that are not covered by basic medical insurance. The goal of this research is to challenge this bias through a thorough examination and evaluation of the clinical importance of mNGS in precisely identifying pathogenic microorganisms in cases of sepsis acquired in the community or in hospitals.MethodsA retrospective observational study took place at a tertiary teaching hospital in China from January to December 2021. Data on 308 sepsis patients were collected, and the performance of etiological examination was compared between mNGS and traditional culture method.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-nine cases were observed in the community-acquired sepsis (CAS) group and 79 cases in the hospital-acquired sepsis (HAS) group. In comparison with conventional culture, mNGS showed a significantly higher rate of positivity in both the CAS group (88.21% vs. 25.76%, adj.P < 0.001) and the HAS group (87.34% vs. 44.30%, adj.P < 0.001), particularly across various infection sites and specimens, which were not influenced by factors like antibiotic exposure or the timing and frequency of mNGS technology. Sepsis pathogens detected by mNGS were broad, especially viruses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and atypical pathogens, with mixed pathogens being common, particularly bacterial-viral co-detection. Based on the optimization of antimicrobial therapy using mNGS, 58 patients underwent antibiotic de-escalation, two patients were switched to antiviral therapy, and 14 patients initiated treatment for tuberculosis, resulting in a reduction in antibiotic overuse but without significant impact on sepsis prognosis. The HAS group exhibited a critical condition, poor prognosis, high medical expenses, and variations in etiology, yet the mNGS results did not result in increased medical costs for either group.ConclusionsmNGS demonstrates efficacy in identifying multiple pathogens responsible for sepsis, with mixed pathogens of bacteria and viruses being prevalent. Variability in microbiological profiles among different infection setting underscores the importance of clinical vigilance. Therefore, the adoption of mNGS for microbiological diagnosis of sepsis warrants acknowledgment and promotion.

Is matching or discrepancy between filial piety expectation and filial support better? The role of filial support of children and social support.

Filial piety in traditional Chinese culture is an essential variable in explaining intergenerational interaction. However, previous studies have not clarified whether older adults' filial responsibility expectations matched children's filial support and the effects of the filial discrepancy on their life satisfaction and loneliness. The latent profile analysis showed that older adults were divided into two groups: (1) high expectations and support, and (2) low expectations and support. The results showed that compared with older adults with low expectations and low support, those with high expectations and high support reported higher life satisfaction and lower loneliness. Additionally, social support played a moderating role in the effect of the groups of older adults on life satisfaction and loneliness. Our conclusion shows that filial support is an essential factor influencing older adult life satisfaction and loneliness, and social support is an effective supplement to filial support.

Regulatory Approaches Towards AI-Based Medical Device Cybersecurity: A Transatlantic Perspective

Abstract Cybersecurity of medical devices has become a concrete concern for regulators and policymakers in the European Union and United States. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks on critical healthcare infrastructures and their IT systems, which have suffered service disruptions and put patients’ health and safety at risk. The increase in cyberattacks on healthcare infrastructure, including medical devices, exacerbated by the growing digitalisation of healthcare services in the EU and the US, has led legislators and regulatory bodies to pay more attention to cybersecurity. Cybersecurity of AI-based medical devices requires the assessment of three areas subject to evolving regulatory approaches: medical devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Although they may appear distinguished in regulatory matters, the existence of AI-based medical devices and their possible cyber vulnerabilities makes clear that the three are intertwined and deserve closer attention from a regulatory point of view. Few scholars have devoted attention to AI and cybersecurity together. Even less, in our understanding, few comprehensive and EU/US comparative pieces of literature reflect on this specific issue. This paper aims to fill this gap and address the main implications of different regulatory approaches toward AI medical device cybersecurity in the EU and the US. The research stems from the assumption that regulation of medical devices in the EU has been historically inspired by regulatory trends in the US, although with the different cultural, societal, and legal traditions that made them adapt to the specificities of the territory. The paper observes that the US is a rule-based system reflecting a “command-and-control” approach, while the EU system is a principle-based one. While they share the main characteristic of being risk-regulation-based systems, their differences impact how AI-enhanced cybersecurity is regulated.

Internal dispute resolution systems: Do high promises come with higher expectations?

AbstractWhen e-commerce appeared in the 1990s it brought with it disputes related to its operation. E-commerce is risky as the contracting parties do not even know each other, not to mention the fact that disputes have additional legal difficulties concerning jurisdiction and applicable law. However, e-commerce websites have worked out online dispute resolution (ODR) systems in order to maintain the trust of their users, employing an efficient and impartial method if problems arise from deals made on their website. These internal ODR systems are considered successful as they are faster, cheaper and more appropriate than asking for remedy from the courts.As online marketplaces resolve tens of millions of disputes a year, their influence cannot be avoided. The traditional court system fails to protect consumer rights in high-volume and low-value international transactions in practice. This circumstance raises the question of whether internal dispute resolution systems of private e-commerce sites could develop in such a way that fulfils the minimum procedural fairness requirements for dispute resolution and that is acceptable according to substantial laws. Is justice served in online disputes? Who is responsible for making just decisions, and to what extent can ODR procedures be expected to meet the principles of traditional civil proceedings?

Agricultural Extension Model based on Local Wisdom in Creating Household Welfare in the Dayak Tunjung Tribe Community, West Kutai Regency

Agricultural extension is non-formal education for farmers which includes extension activities, knowledge and skills for farmers and their families which takes place through a teaching and learning process. Agricultural instructors must be able to guide farmers, instructors also provide motivation, provide information and increase farmers' awareness so that they can encourage their interest in learning in facing problems in the field. Local wisdom is a view of life and knowledge as well as various life strategies in the form of activities carried out by local communities in responding to various problems in meeting their needs. The traditional culture of the Dayak Tunjung Tribe in West Kutai is rich in various local wisdom and plays an active role in preserving the environment. Local wisdom is the noble values that apply in community life to, among other things, protect and manage the environment sustainably. Local wisdom not only understands the knowledge of indigenous/local communities between humans and how good relations between humans are, but also concerns knowledge, understanding and customs about humans, nature, and the relationship between all, where all knowledge is lived, practiced, taught and passed on from one generation to generation. The Dayak community as local farmers have local wisdom in farming and opening farms. The Dayak community does not burn forests except for farming, and this is also done through traditional calculations that have been taught from generation to generation. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence changes in farmer behavior towards household welfare in the local wisdom of shifting cultivation. This research approach uses a mixed method approach. In this research, it uses a sequential explanatory design where the first sequence uses quantitative methods, and the second sequence uses qualitative methods. The number of samples (n) in this study was 110 farmers. The data analysis used is GSCA, which is an analysis that combines the characteristics found in PLS-SEM with Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). Based on the research results, it was found that factors influence changes in farmer behavior in improving the welfare of farmer households, namely: (1) internal factors of farmers which have a significant influence on changes in farmer behavior in farming. Factors that do not influence changes in farmer behaviour are: (1) external factors of farmers and (2) the role of extension workers does not have a real influence on the farming activities of the local Dayak Tunjung Tribe community. Changes in farmer behaviour in the shifting agricultural activities of the Dayak Tunjung community, namely knowledge (Y1.1), attitudes (Y1.2), and skills (Y1.3), all of these indicators have a real and large influence on improving farmer welfare. farmer household. This means that in order to improve the welfare of farming households, farmers must change the behaviour of farmers in carrying out shifting cultivation activities in Barong Tongkok District

Exploring the Role of Traditional Chopstick Culture and Interpersonal Communication in Health Campaign-Targeted Behavior

ABSTRACT Traditional chopstick culture is widely recognized as a vital factor associated with health behavior. After the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, the Gongkuai campaign aims to change long-held traditions of communal eating habits. Little is known about the effect of individuals’ perception of traditional chopstick culture and other factors on Gongkuai campaign-targeted goal. This study investigates how social-environmental and cognitive factors motivate individuals to use serving chopsticks (the Chinese Gongkuai campaign-targeted goal) and how such effects are moderated by traditional chopstick culture. Data was collected using a nationwide online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that campaign-generated interpersonal communication positively affects individual cognitive factors. Furthermore, cognitive factors promote behavioral intentions to use serving chopsticks. While traditional chopstick culture does not directly influence an intention to use serving chopsticks, it plays a different role in the relationships between three cognitive factors and serving chopsticks use intention. Based on the results, policy implications about how to motivate individuals to use serving chopsticks are discussed.

Environmental technology and traditional knowledge as a way to preserve the water resources of the Pataxó in the Jaqueira Village in Porto Seguro (BA)

Even with all the advances in environmental sciences, traditional knowledge cannot be neglected, therefore, traditional populations deserve and must be consulted when it comes to protecting the natural elements of a landscape. Biodiversity is treated differently between capitalist society and traditional societies. The difference is that traditional people have respect for nature and everything it represents in their lives. In this way, indigenous communities are extremely important for the study of environmental conservation. The research we are developing, which gave rise to this article, aims to contribute to the analysis of the physical-chemical characteristics of the water of the Itinga River, transferring technology through citizen science, so that the Pataxó People can monitor the river through the continuity of its historical cultural relationship, adding technology to its advantage. The text shows the need and possibility of building bridges between scientific knowledge and the traditional knowledge of the Pataxó People in Porto Seguro/BA. We believe in technology transfer as part of citizenship.

Generational Guardians: Preserving India's Cultural Heritage through Family Values

This paper delves into the intricate fabric of the Indian family system, elucidating its pivotal role as a cornerstone of civilization, embodying the ethos of sanskar (values) and perpetuating the ancient sanatan sanskriti (eternal culture). Drawing from historical, sociological, and cultural perspectives, it explores the multifaceted dimensions of the Indian family, encompassing kinship structures, familial roles, and rituals. The paper examines how the family serves as a microcosm of society, transmitting cultural mores, traditions, and spiritual beliefs through generations. It also analyzes the resilience of the Indian family system in the face of modernization and globalization, highlighting its adaptive capacity while retaining core cultural values. Furthermore, the paper discusses contemporary challenges and opportunities confronting the Indian family system, including changing demographics, urbanization, and evolving gender dynamics. Through a nuanced understanding of the Indian family as a repository of civilization, sanskar, and sanatan sanskriti, the paper advocates for its continued recognition and revitalization as a foundational institution in India's cultural landscape.

Low-cost Conventional PCR Techniques Enable Simultaneous Detection of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections with Enhanced Sensitivity and Specificity

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH), the three most common treatable bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide can lead to many complications if remain untreated. Screening of high-risk population with highly sensitive methods will lead to significant improvement in patient outcomes and will prevent downward transmission. The advantages of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay are not only high sensitivity and specificity, but also detection of multiple organisms in a single reaction which reduce the result turn-around time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a multiplex PCR assay method targeting 16S rRNA gene for simultaneous detection of NG, CT and MH infection along with their trend and occurrence among high-risk population in Assam, Northeast India. A cross-sectional study was undertaken, where a total of 200 randomly selected patients from high-risk population were included. After validation of singleplex PCR, Multiplex PCR (M-PCR) was performed along with the traditional culture method for NG. The overall agreement of M-PCR with singleplex PCR was very high (100%). The occurrence of STI was found to be very high (101/200; 50.5%). Furthermore, co-infection was detected in 10/200; 5%) individuals. Infection was more common among young individuals (p<0.05) and males out-numbered females (p<0.05). The most common organism detected was CT (42/200; 21%) followed by NG (41/200; 20.5%) and MH (20/200; 10%). The M-PCR assay workflow is simple, cost effective and can be used in routine diagnostic laboratories with basic molecular facilities.

The Use of Next Generation Sequencing to Detect Early Implant Infections: The Future of Microbiology and Targeted Antibiotic Treatment

Abstract Goals/Purpose The presence of fluid around foreign bodies, particularly breast implants, is a well-established phenomenon; However scant data exists regarding the composition of this fluid. The difficulty in studying this fluid arises from the lack of safe access to aspirate fluid post-breast augmentation, and by the loss of sterility once fluid exits the body via a drain bulb as traditionally placed during breast reconstruction. Our innovative breast reconstruction approach utilizes a drainless technique with a dual chamber tissue expander (TE) in the pre-pectoral plane, offering a unique avenue to sterilely aspirate peri-implant fluid through a percutaneous drainage port. In this study, we employ Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), utilizing polymerase chain reaction technology, to discern the composition of microbial DNA within peri-prosthetic breast implant fluid. NGS, known for its precision and cost-effectiveness, circumvents the biases inherent in traditional culture methods. By integrating this cutting-edge technology with our breast reconstruction methodology, we sought to study peri-prosthetic breast implant fluid to better understand when implant infections arise and if peri-prosthetic fluid could detect infections before clinical symptoms arise. Methods/Technique This is a single surgeon, prospective study of patients undergoing mastectomy, followed by pre-pectoral, drainless, TE reconstruction. Peri-prosthetic fluid was collected through the TE drainage port in the OR immediately after closure, at 1 week post op, and 3 weeks post op. This fluid was sent for traditional culture and NGS. Patients were observed for signs of infection, antibiotics, return to OR, or implant loss. Results/Complications 33 breasts from 20 patients were included. Patients had a mean age of 50 years. The average length of drainage was 21 days post-operative, with a mean of 131 cc of fluid drained per breast per week. Eight breasts had concern for skin necrosis. In 25 breasts (76%), complete sterility was achieved at the end of the case with no NGS detection of microorganisms in the initial peri-implant fluid sample. However, NGS detected microorganisms in the initial sample in 8 breasts (24%). In 5 of these 8 breasts, microorganisms were cleared by the 1-week sample and another 2 cleared by 3 weeks. The remaining 1 breast continued to have positive NGS and developed clinical signs of infections by week 2, which were not picked up by traditional culture until week 3. One breast with skin necrosis developed a positive NGS at week 3 and clinical signs of infection at week 4. No other clinical infections were seen throughout the study. Conclusion We are one of the first groups to demonstrate the ability to achieve peri-implant sterility at the time of implant insertion in the operating room. This could have significant implications for understanding the necessity of peri-operative antibiotics following breast implant placement. Our investigation into the microbial composition of ostensibly "sterile" peri-prosthetic breast implant fluid provides insight into when microorganisms arise and when they become clinical infections. These promising preliminary results suggests that peri-prosthetic fluid monitoring through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) holds significant potential in preemptively detecting implant infections before the onset of clinical symptoms, thereby reducing infection rates. Furthermore, our findings open avenues for targeted antibiotic therapy, contributing to the imperative goal of antibiotic stewardship. Ongoing work is beginning to explore the impact of microorganisms within the fluid on breast capsule formation, as we strive to enhance our understanding of breast implants and infections.

Exploring the Multifaceted Concept of Death in Indian and Western English Literature

Death, being an inescapable aspect of the human condition, has been a perennial subject of exploration and contemplation in literature. Both Indian and Western English literature offer rich and diverse perspectives on the nature of mortality, drawing from cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions. This research paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of death in select texts from these literary traditions, examining the various ways in which death is conceptualized, interpreted, and imbued with meaning. Through a comparative lens, this paper seeks to elucidate the similarities, differences, and underlying themes that emerge in the depiction of death in Indian and Western English literature.

‘From divided past to cohesive future’: a reflection on the reconciliatory mechanisms of (Yoruba) traditional approaches to conflict resolution in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in Nigeria are deeply rooted in customs, traditions, and native laws, forming a complex network that dispenses justice. Among these mechanisms, the reconciliation process stands out as a crucial traditional instrument, encompassing the pursuit of truth, justice, healing, and forgiveness. This study focuses on the Yoruba indigenous system and examines how its reconciliatory mechanisms contribute to conflict resolution through traditional reconciliation processes and in the healing of emotional wounds. Using qualitative research methods, this study generated data using interview protocols such as key informant interviews (KII) and naturalistic observational studies. This study explores the significance of indigenous practices in the reconciliation process within the Yoruba traditional society. These indigenous practices are employed to mend broken relationships and bridge the gaps created by conflicts. It further emphasizes that traditional conflict resolution approaches among the Yoruba ethnic group primarily serve the purposes of genuine reconciliation, peacebuilding, and maintenance of social relationships. This research confirms the appropriateness and practicality of Yoruba's traditional conflict resolution mechanisms as an effective home-grown approach. This demonstrates their compatibility with the modern Nigerian system, offering a pathway towards a cohesive future characterized by harmonious relationships.

Africa and the prospects of rotational democracy

AbstractSharing of social, economic, and political opportunities is crucial for the stability of many African states. Democracy has been identified as an inclusive framework that allows individuals to freely contest for these opportunities. However, in Africa, democracy appears not to work as compared to Western democratic societies. Some African political philosophers blame the problem on liberal democratic type practiced in the continent, which is modeled after the hegemonic socio‐political discourse in Europe and North America. Thus, it is argued that workable democratic model for Africa must be embedded in the continent's cultural and historical nuances. Consequently, initial effort by the Ghanaian philosopher Kwasi Wiredu appealed to the nonpartisan Consensus Democracy of traditional Akan society. But it is doubtful that the consensual model, which was successful in the mono‐ethnic traditional Akan society, will produce the same effect in a multi‐ethnic society as the modern African states. At present, ethnicity inter alia remains a major obstruction to democratization of the continent. Africa needs a democratic model that takes its rigid multi‐ethnic character into account instead of uncritically imposing global democratic knowledge to African situations or totally disregarding local knowledge of democracy. Therefore, I investigate how ethnicity inter alia can be accommodated in democratic practice. An experimental model called “Rotational Democracy” is introduced based on the traditional African social practice of One Cup, which embodies the phenomena of power rotation and rationing of the traditional society. The article demonstrates how indigenous knowledge can be the starting point for democratic practice in Africa.

Indonesian Sundanese Local Wisdom as An Ethical Reference in Digital Media

Purpose: Cultural traditions as ancestral heritage contains local wisdom that can be utilized in community empowerment with communication technology to improve welfare.&#x0D;  &#x0D; Methods: This research inventories the relevance of Sundanese cultural values to digital civilization. The type of research is qualitative research. The data collection techniques used are in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. &#x0D;  &#x0D; Results and Conclusion: The results of this study state that local wisdom can be explored scientifically from a cultural product, with in-depth interpretation. As a cultural product, cultural traditions contain various things related to the life and livelihood of the owner community, such as value systems, beliefs and religions, social norms, work ethics, and even the way social dynamics take place.&#x0D;  &#x0D; Research implications: West Java Province, Indonesia occupies the highest positions reaching 16.4 million with an internet penetration rate of 36%. The majority of West Java people are Sundanese ethnic that have the noble values of cultural traditions and are used to regulate the Sundanese community order.&#x0D;  &#x0D; Originality/value: It is significant for this local wisdom to be actualized again in the current era, and it is the basis for the view that everyone has ethical boundaries in seeing, hearing, and speaking, especially in verbal traditions.

Behind the waterfall - Interdisciplinary results from Holley Shelter and their implications for understanding human behavioral patterns at the end of the Middle Stone Age in southern Africa

Holley Shelter is a Middle (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The rock shelter is located at the intersection of three ecosystems, in a strip of the Savanna Biome between the Grassland and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biomes. Initial excavations in the 1950s by Gordon Cramb yielded large amounts of unifacial points and splintered pieces, as well as organic remains associated with MSA occupations. Our comparative techno-typological evaluation of this material in 2015 suggested the occupations may date to early MIS 3. We then initiated new excavations at the site using modern field methods and controlled sampling for lithic and organic material. Following the initial round of interdisciplinary analysis, we herein report the first absolute ages for Holley Shelter, a detailed technological analysis of new lithic material from the uppermost MSA layers at the site, and a preliminary study of the associated faunal remains. A set of 12 14C dates place these occupations within a constricted chronological period dated to ∼36,000–34,000 cal. BP that overlaps with the so-called ‘final MSA’. The hornfels-dominated lithic assemblages are characterized by diverse core technologies oriented toward the production of laminar products, which include bladelets and abundant splintered pieces. The zooarchaeological analysis documents an emphasis on open grasslands that provided the bulk of the animal prey exploited by the inhabitants of the shelter, with a preference for medium-sized antelopes. Three bone retouchers, a rare occurrence in southern African MSA contexts, were identified in the faunal assemblage. The archaeological deposits at Holley Shelter reflect short-term, potentially seasonal, and specialized occupations that could be influenced by its ecological position. The archaeological material exhibits marked discrepancies with other well-dated final MSA assemblages such as those from Sibhudu, Umbeli Belli, Sibebe and Border Cave. This illustrates considerable variability and a complex spatio-temporal patterning of behavioral adaptations and cultural traditions at the end of the MSA in southern Africa.

Regional development policy in Galilee periphery in Israel

AbstractIn Israel, regional clusters serve as a mechanism for regional development, achieved through the integration of interests, pooling of resources, knowledge transfer, and the facilitation of agglomerations. This study gains insights from two EU regional development programs, LEADER and URBACT, to potentially benefit the regional clusters in Galilee, Israel's northern periphery. The research examined five municipal clusters in Galilee, aiming to identify their distinct characteristics and place them within a wider theoretical and comparative framework. A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving semi‐structured interviews with the clusters' CEOs and an analysis of pertinent policy documents. The findings suggest that Galilee's municipal clusters encounter challenges similar to those faced by the EU's LEADER and URBACT programs. These include establishing regional networks, achieving recognition for their capabilities, and cultivating trust and cooperation gradually. The CEOs shared their experiences in navigating the challenges posed by wary mayors and government ministries. The recognized success of these clusters, as evidenced in policy documents, could signify a shift from Israel's traditional centralist political culture to a more decentralized power structure.

Research on an innovative design and evaluation method of Chinese tea sets based on GT-AHP-FCE.

In order to explore new consumer demands for Chinese tea set products, propose an innovative tea set product design and evaluation method to improve the user experience and satisfaction of the produced tea sets, thereby promoting the development of the tea set market and the promotion of tea culture. Firstly, grounded theory (GT) was used to analyze interview data to extract consumer demand indicators and construct a design evaluation hierarchical model. Secondly, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weights of the indicators, determine their priority of importance, and obtain several indicators that have a greater impact on the tea set design to guide innovative design practice. Lastly, the tea set design schemes were evaluated using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to select the optimal design scheme and also to act as a guideline for further design optimization. This study explores the innovative design and evaluation method for tea set products based on GT-AHP-FCE and validates the feasibility of this approach through a practical example of tea set design inspired by "The Classic of Mountains and Seas.". It provides innovative theoretical and practical guidance for designers of subsequent tea set products and also provides a new path for the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING LACTATION IN NIGERIA AND THE USA

This paper seeks to undertake a comparative analysis of the nutritional strategies utilized in Nigeria and the United States to enhance lactation, with a specific focus on dietary approaches and supplements. Through an exploration encompassing cultural relevance, regulatory approval, effectiveness, and safety of these strategies in both nations, this study endeavors to shed light on the multifaceted landscape of lactation support. In Nigeria, where cultural traditions intertwine with dietary practices, conventional approaches to lactation enhancement often revolve around the consumption of specific foods believed to stimulate milk production. Fenugreek seeds, moringa leaves, and papaya are commonly incorporated into maternal diets, reflecting longstanding cultural beliefs aimed at bolstering lactation. Additionally, traditional soups and stews rich in nutrients derived from fish, meats, and green leafy vegetables play a pivotal role in replenishing maternal health postpartum. In contrast, the United States exhibits a diverse array of dietary approaches and supplements utilized to support lactation, influenced by cultural diversity and healthcare practices. While there is no prescribed "lactation diet," breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to maintain a well-balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Conversely, in the United States, a myriad of lactation supplements, including herbal formulations and galactagogues, are subject to regulatory oversight by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring safety and efficacy. By examining the cultural relevance, regulatory frameworks, effectiveness, and safety of nutritional strategies in Nigeria and the United States, this paper aims to elucidate the nuanced nuances and commonalities underlying lactation support practices. Understanding these disparities and similarities holds immense potential in informing global initiatives aimed at enhancing lactation support systems and addressing the diverse needs of mothers and infants worldwide.&#x0D; Keywords: Lactation, Nutrition, Dietary Approaches, Supplements, Cultural Relevance, Safety.

Ethno-medicinal uses and cultural importance of stingless bees and their hive products in several ethnic communities of Bhutan

BackgroundIndigenous and non-indigenous people in subtropical and temperate areas of Bhutan share an intricate relationship with stingless bees for diverse purposes including ethno-medicinal uses. Stingless bees hold significant importance in the realms of social, economic, cultural, and spiritual aspects. Bhutan's cultural traditions demonstrate a strong bond with the environment, exemplified by the regular use of honey from stingless bees for remedies such as treating the common cold, cough, and sore throat.MethodsEthnographic research was conducted to document the ethno-medicinal uses and cultural importance of stingless in Bhutan. We deployed semi-structured interviews with stingless beekeepers and honey collectors including traditional healers who perform religious rituals for curing and preventing physical and mental illness.ResultsWe documented 22 different uses of stingless bee honey in food, medicine, veterinary medicine, crafts, beliefs, and religious purposes. The relative cultural importance (RCI) of stingless bees among Bhutan's ethnic communities was assessed through our calculations. It was determined that these bees hold notably greater significance for the Lhotshampa communities compared to other ethnic groups in Bhutan. This finding demonstrates the dependence of Hindu ethnic communities on natural resources in their everyday life. All participant communities largely exploit these bees through destructive extraction practices. They often find the natural nests in nearby forests, transfer them as a log hive to their backyards, and practice traditional meliponiculture.ConclusionThe ethnic communities of Bhutan use stingless bees for various purposes and the local knowledge are persistent. However, significant efforts should be made to address the ethno-medicinal, ecological, biological, and commercial perspectives of meliponiculture in Bhutan.