Traditional Practices Research Articles

A conceptual framework for characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.FindingsThe study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.Social implicationsRecognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

The Environmental History of the Navazo Agroecosystem in Late Holocene Sand Bodies Along the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia, Spain

ABSTRACT Since the late Spanish Enlightenment, the agroecosystem of the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, through which coastal dune systems are cultivated via sunken gardens between sand berms, have attracted scholarly attention. The environmental history of these systems, known as Navazo, is the focus of this article. Through analysis of historical aerial photographs, we identify eight areas in which traditional Navazo land use was practiced. By studying landscape diversity and historical documentation we identify key aspects of the emergence and evolution of this agroecosystem. The results of this study indicate that Navazos originated through a combination of the natural properties offered by the region's coastal dune geomorphology, which was cultivated as vineyards since ancient times, as well as external cultural influences. Coinciding with the popularisation of potato consumption in the eighteenth century, earlier vineyards were, in some cases, completely replaced by Navazos. Due to transformations in traditional land use practices, created a contemporary version of the Navazo. The location and physical configuration of the Navazos, meanwhile, display strong similarities with archaeological remains of Plot-and-Berm agroecosystems from the southeastern Mediterranean dating from the Early Islamic period. This study presents evidence to better understand the function, cropping practices and irrigation of these systems. .

Women’s Experiences in the Childbirth Care Process: An Integrative Review

Introduction: Childbirth is recognized as a physiological process essential to procreation and societal development. Nevertheless, it often lacks adequate discussion on humanized care practices. Therefore, it is necessary to identify women’s experiences during vaginal birth care to create practices that ensure better quality care. Objective: To characterize scientific evidence related to women’s experiences during vaginal birth care. Materials and Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Cooper’s methodology; six databases were reviewed: Cochrane, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Scopus, and Cinahl, using the descriptors: Normal Birth; Humanized Birth; Humanization of Care; Obstetric Violence; Qualitative Research, in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, limited to the 2010-2023 period, with the following inclusion/exclusion criteria: Qualitative full-text articles on vaginal births with a score of 8 or higher according to CASPe. Results: Six thematic units emerged: microaggressions and macro-impacts: childbirth: between pain and fear; acting with respect: childbirth as a natural process; silencing, enduring, and bearing; my birth, my choice; making the invisible visible: normalizing violence during childbirth; and the ritual of childbirth: women’s dignity. Conclusions: Women’s childbirth experiences are influenced by the cultural contexts in which they live; the biomedical model and traditional practices clash and impact women’s lives. Women must know their reproductive rights to contribute to a humanized childbirth.

Conservation of Threatened Grassland Birds in the Mediterranean Region: Going up or Giving Up?

Grassland bird populations in the Mediterranean lowlands have declined dramatically over the past few decades. This decline is due to a combination of factors, including changes in land use and farming practices as well as the impacts of climate change. In particular, more intensive agricultural methods have played a significant role in this reduction. However, in the higher-altitude uplands of the region, traditional practices like pastoralism and rotational low-intensity farming are still common, and these areas continue to support substantial populations of several threatened grassland bird species. In this viewpoint, we discuss the challenges that the uplands are facing and suggest rethinking regional development to better balance the needs of people and nature.

Transitioning Livelihood Strategies Among the Garo Community: A Case Study in Netrakona, Bangladesh

Garo community is one of the greatest neglected instinctive communities of Bangladesh. The Garo people are neglected from their basic needs and it is significant to detect the situation and attitude to draw the real picture of them. This research work predominantly favors on the Garos livelihood pattern from past to present and to ascertain the alter of their livelihood. This study has conducted on the endemic community named Garo living within Durgapur and Kolmakanda upazila area of Netrakona district in Bangladesh. In doing so both historical and explorative data was applied; historical data was mostly procured from secondary sources such as revealed books, journals, articles, reports, census and souvenir. Qualitative research method was adopted for this study and 30 Garo people were chosen by using purposive sampling method for the study. The study uncovers that Garo’s traditional life practices are under the intimidation of the cancellation and over the motion of time they are acquiring completely a new life. In this research, the researchers have found several interior and exterior factors which are mainly accountable for Garo’s livelihood change. Ultimately, while the Garo community is switching then they are rejecting many of their characterized criterion and accommodating to some other livelihood criterion which are directly influenced by Christianity, NGOs, globalization and social development. As a result, many of Garos traditional cultures including language, food habits, dress pattern and even religion are under challenges. They need better communication and transportation system, more educational facilities, more government and non-government assistance including material and financial.

Evaluating social media in architecture, engineering, construction and operation industry: a Nigerian perspective on applications and benefits

PurposeIn several developing contexts, the delivery of Architecture, Engineering Construction and Operation (AECO) projects continually grapples with issues such as fragmented communication, a lack of transparency, safety and risk management concerns. These problems result from the use of traditional construction practices and insufficient technology integration. Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance communication, transparency and collaboration within construction projects in these countries through the improved utilization of innovative tools. Consequently, this study empirically assesses both the application areas and the benefits associated with the adoption of social media within the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative research approach that utilized a structured questionnaire to collect responses from construction professionals. The respondents were selected using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques, resulting in a 75% response rate. Data analysis included mean score value (MSV), standard deviations and normality testing (Shapiro-Wilk) to assess data characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis H-test was used for further analysis due to the ordinal nature of the data.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that social media can be effectively used in project management, communication, safety management, as well as marketing and branding of AECO projects. The most significant benefits of using social media in construction activities include building trust and credibility, enhancing crisis communication and improving project collaboration.Originality/valueThis study introduces a fresh perspective by showcasing the transformative potential of social media, traditionally viewed as a communication tool, in addressing complex issues in construction project delivery. Consequently, the findings of this study can offer a paradigm shift in the way construction professionals, policymakers and industry stakeholders perceive and harness the capabilities of social media.

PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES OF SECULAR PROGRAMS OF COMPASSION TRAINING

The article discusses key meditation-based programs aimed at nurturing and training the ability to empathize. Historically, these programs have been drawn to Buddhist teachings and traditional meditation practices, but in the process of adapting to global world and a secular context, they separate themselves from religion. In the process of research, I try to demonstrate the importance of these methods for philosophy, ethics and education, since the cultivation of compassion helps to better and more deeply understand the nature of a person, motivation and improve social interaction. Important for the modern world can be not only the therapeutic effect of the mentioned methods, but also their application in the field of philosophy. Although the vectors of Buddhism as religion and humanistic ethics may differ, they seek to improve the quality of human life, develop compassion, respect, trust to the world, and complement each other in conditions of environmental, social, and psychological crisis. For Ukraine, methods of compassion training are very important in the context of war and post-war healing of society. Education in general, and philosophical education in particular, will need a wide range of tools for healing collective trauma, returning to oneself, finding the home of being.

Equitable Grading Practices in Physical Therapist Education: A Case Report.

To optimize learning in physical therapist education, learners need opportunities to grow from their unique starting points. Traditional grading practices like A to F grades, zero grades, and grading on timeliness and professionalism hinder content mastery and accurate competency assessment. Grading should focus on mastery of skill and content, using summative assessments for final grades, a no-zero policy, and actionable feedback. Equitable grading supports learners from all backgrounds and identities and promotes academic success. This case study provides guidance and recommendations for implementing equitable grading practices in academic physical therapy programs. Over a 2-year period, a DPT program began implementing 5 strategies to create more equitable grading practices: (1) eliminating zero grades, (2) allowing late assignment submissions without penalty, (3) using low-stakes formative assessments throughout the semester, (4) weighing end-of-course assessments more heavily than initial ones, and (5) offering a no-stakes anatomy prep course before matriculation. Outcomes from implementing equitable grading practices varied. Some learners felt increased stress from fewer points opportunities, while others appreciated the reduced anxiety from low-stakes assessments. Some saw multiple attempts for peers as unfair.Faculty faced higher workloads due to detailed feedback and remediation but believed it benefited learners. Median final grades improved in some courses, remained stable in others, and slightly decreased in one. Overall, the changes had minimal impact on most learners' grades but significantly improved outcomes and retention for struggling learners. This case report documents the implementation of equitable grading practices in a DPT program, offering valuable insights and recommendations for other institutions aiming to adopt similar practices. Inequity in assessment widens the gap between learners entering professional programs. Equitable assessment practices level the playing field, enabling learners from diverse backgrounds and identities to succeed. Increased diversity benefits everyone, especially patients, by reducing health disparities for historically marginalized groups.

Towards a Paradigm Shift with Neuro-Entrepreneurship Education: a Lesson for the Developing Asian Nations

The field of neuro-entrepreneurship explores the specific characteristics that drive entrepreneurs' decisions and contribute to their success. Recent advancements in neuroscience offer a new way to understand how entrepreneurs think and behave. This understanding has led to a shift in entrepreneurial education, with a focus on integrating neuroscientific techniques. However, research in neuro-entrepreneurship is still fragmented, and there is a lack of comprehensive literature reviews. We are presenting a thorough review to address this gap and emphasize the urgent need for developing countries in South and South East Asia to incorporate neuroscientific techniques into entrepreneurial education, starting from the school level. The current entrepreneurial education in Sri Lanka suppresses the innovation and creativity of aspiring entrepreneurs, leading to a high demand for traditional practices. Integrating neuroscientific techniques into entrepreneurial education at all levels can help foster successful and productive entrepreneurs. This also emphasizes how experiments and neuroscientific techniques can improve entrepreneurial theories. This calls for a significant change in entrepreneurship education, aiming to cultivate a comprehensive entrepreneurial mindset in developing Asian nations.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced patient evaluation: bridging art and science.

The advent of digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) has promised to revolutionize clinical care, but real-world patient evaluation has yet to witness transformative changes. As history taking and physical examination continue to rely on long-established practices, a growing pipeline of AI-enhanced digital tools may soon augment the traditional clinical encounter into a data-driven process. This article presents an evidence-backed vision of how promising AI applications may enhance traditional practices, streamlining tedious tasks while elevating diverse data sources, including AI-enabled stethoscopes, cameras, and wearable sensors, to platforms for personalized medicine and efficient care delivery. Through the lens of traditional patient evaluation, we illustrate how digital technologies may soon be interwoven into routine clinical workflows, introducing a novel paradigm of longitudinal monitoring. Finally, we provide a skeptic's view on the practical, ethical, and regulatory challenges that limit the uptake of such technologies.

Genetic fingerprinting reveals how traditional farming practices aided to preserve ancient table grape varieties in Almería (southeastern Spain)

Societal Impact StatementTable grape production is a traditional practice in southeastern Spain, where locals have produced fresh grapes and raisins for centuries. Many of these vines are now centenary, and they represent a useful source of diversity for developing future table grape varieties with improved traits. Genetic analysis showed that many of the local varieties identified in this study were traditional varieties from Western Mediterranean countries. Others were not identified, and they might be old grape varieties of previous importance in the region. The conservation and characterization of these varieties could be key to ensuring current and future vineyard sustainability.Summary Current worldwide table grape production focuses on a reduced number of Vitis vinifera L. varieties. However, traditional farmers have grown many table grape varieties for centuries, as they provided a steady source of fresh fruit and raisins. These ancient living genotypes potentially store a genetic diversity that can be used now to ensure future grape production. Here we focused on the study of grapevines found across Almería, one of the Spanish regions with longer tradition in table grape production. After an exhaustive inspection, we located 220 old (some centenary) vines producing grapes consumed by owners or in abandoned areas no longer devoted to agriculture. Some of these vines were identified by comparing their simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profiles with available data from international databases. We found that, while grape growers' efforts focused on the cultivation of traditional grape varieties from Western Mediterranean regions, they also cultivated few exogenous varieties if they provided additional fruit features. Other vines were found to have genetic profiles that did not match reference datasets. Interestingly, some of them were found in multiple locations, suggesting they are endangered varieties with some previous relevance in the region. Besides, first‐degree relationships support the autochthonous origin of many of these unidentified genotypes. Locals kept a high number of different grapevine varieties, now considered reservoirs of genetic diversity. Traditional farming practices have been useful to prevent the loss of this diversity, which now needs to be preserved and further studied to contribute to the sustainability of viticultural systems.

Mitigation of Vibrio-Induced Metabolic Perturbations in Argopecten purpuratus Scallop Larvae via Probiotic Pretreatment

Background: The decrease in the production of Argopecten purpuratus scallops in Chile is linked to extensive larval deaths in hatcheries caused by bacterial pathogens, particularly Vibrio genus, threatening sustainability. Traditional antibiotic practices raise concerns, urging research on eco-friendly strategies like bacterial probiotics. This study explores the metabolic responses of scallop larvae to Vibrio bivalvicida and evaluates the impact of the Psychrobacter sp. R10_7 probiotic on larval metabolism pre- and post-infection. Materials and Methods: Analysis detected 183 metabolite features, revealing significant changes in larval metabolites during Vibrio infection. Larvae pretreated with probiotics showed a metabolic profile comparable to non-infected larvae, indicating low impact on larval metabolome, likely due to probiotics antagonistic effect on pathogens. Results: Arachidonic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were significantly higher in non-pretreated/infected larvae compared to both pretreated/infected and non-pretreated/non-infected larvae, potentially supporting the activation of immune response in non-pretreated larvae to Vibrio infection. Identification of 76 metabolites provided insights into scallop larvae metabolome, highlighting the enriched metabolic pathways associated with energy provision and immune response. Conclusions: Probiotic pretreatment may mitigate metabolic disruptions in scallop larvae caused by Vibrio infection, suggesting a promising strategy for sustainable scallop production.

Culture-centered reflexivity as critical assessment

ABSTRACT In this short piece, we argue that, in light of issues with traditional grading practices, critical assessment activities, particularly through guided reflexivity, can support equitable and social justice–oriented education in communication and beyond. The article posits that a culture-centered critically reflexive self-assessment empowers learners to use communication as an inquiry into and as a challenge to taken-for-granted dominant ideologies. We present prism visualizations as an assessment practice of critical reflexivity informed by the culture-centered approach (Dutta, M. J., Moana-Johnson, G., & Elers, C. 2020. COVID 19 and the pedagogy of culture-centered community radical democracy: A response from aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of Communication Pedagogy, 3, 11–19. https://doi.org/10.31446/JCP.2020.03) and consider lessons from the implementation of this practice in an interdisciplinary graduate course on relationship-centered teaching.

Therapeutic itineraries of snakebite victims and antivenom access in southern Mexico.

Access to antivenoms in cases of snakebite continues to be an important public health issue around the world, especially in rural areas with poorly developed health care systems. This study aims to evaluate therapeutic itineraries and antivenom accessibility following snakebites in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico. Employing an intercultural health approach that seeks to understand and bridge allopathic and traditional medical perceptions and practices, we conducted field interviews with 47 snakebite victims, documenting the therapeutic itineraries of 54 separate snakebite incidents that occurred between 1977 and 2023. Most victims used traditional remedies as a first line of treatment, often to withstand the rigors of a long journey to find antivenoms. The main obstacles to antivenom access were distance, poor antivenom availability, and cost. Standard antivenom treatment is highly valued and sought after, even as traditional beliefs and practices persist within a cultural framework known as the "hot-cold" system. The findings are crucial for informing future enhancements to antivenom distribution systems, health education initiatives, and other interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of snakebites in the region.

Exploring the shift in newborn care practices among mothers and grandmothers in rural Odisha, India — a qualitative study

BackgroundThis study delves into newborn care and infant-feeding practices in rural Odisha, specifically focusing on the rural KBK + region of Odisha (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput region), inhabited predominantly by Schedule Tribes and Schedule Castes individuals. There has been an improvement in the health indicators in these areas in recent times. In the background of improved health indicators in these areas, this research explores the current and changing newborn care practices and attempts to gain insight into people’s perceptions of the factors that brought about the changes.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted between February and July 2023 at Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack in Odisha. The methodology involved focused group discussions with mothers and grandmothers.ResultsAnalysis revealed healthy practices like exclusive breastfeeding till six months of age, appropriate timing of the first bath, and prompt healthcare-seeking behavior for minor illnesses among the mothers. The use of cow ghee or breast milk in a baby’s eyes, the application of ash on the umbilical cord, and the use of herbal medicines for minor illnesses were practiced more by the grandmothers in the past and were not as popular among the mothers. It is noteworthy that the cultural practices to ward off the ‘evil eye’ were practiced by both mothers and grandmothers alike. Despite the influence of traditional cultural practices on the beliefs and norms of the community, the study identified a shift in health-seeking behavior, with increased reliance on healthcare providers and safe healthcare practices. The study identifies the pivotal role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as a bridge between the rural communities and the healthcare system.ConclusionsThis research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers aiming to enhance community-centric safe newborn care practices in rural settings. The emphasis is on the importance of understanding the current and changing local practices. This would help the healthcare providers to encourage healthy practices while eliminating the harmful practices related to newborn care through community workers like ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

Unleashing the voice within: managerial insights for empowering open upward communication

Purpose This study aims to provide prescriptions through a practitioner lens to managers and leaders wishing to cultivate an organizational environment characterized by employees’ voluntary open upward communication. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a two-step progression to fostering successful voluntary upward communication, framing manager’s feedback inquiry as a precursor to enabling employee voice. Rationale is provided for each step based on an extensive review of the management literature. At times, the reviewed research reveals counterintuitive findings that serve to underscore the importance of this article. Findings Hallmarks of effective organizations include managers who are open to feedback and employees who are comfortable providing it. Specific, actionable and feasible advice is provided for managers to seek feedback more actively and to inculcate a culture of open upward communication. Originality/value This paper offers guidance that goes beyond the traditional practices adopted by organizations to encourage upward communication, feedback and employee voice. Yet, this guidance is no more difficult to enact than these more common approaches and it is supported by a growing body of research that has yet to be fully translated into lay terms.

Prevalence of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment in Gurage Zone, Rural Ethiopia

IntroductionTraditional medicines are commonly used worldwide, especially in Africa—however, there is limited information on the prevalence and types of traditional eye medicine utilization in Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, the type and nature of traditional eye medicine use and practices related to self-medication for ophthalmic diseases in a rural Ethiopian population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected primary health centers in rural Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Health-seeking behavior, use of self-medication, and traditional eye medicine were assessed in the population using a semi-structured questionnaire.Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to determine associated factors for using self-medication and traditional eye medicine.ResultOf the 814 participants interviewed, 487 (59.8%) reported using traditional eye medicine, mainly for combinations of symptoms of ocular redness, irritation, and eye discharge (95.5%). Besides, 604 (74.2%) participants reported self-treatment with tetracycline 1% eye ointment. Older age, females, low income, no formal education, and lack of access to media were risks for utilizing traditional eye medicine.ConclusionThe use of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment are common in this population. Regulatory legislation, public awareness, and making eye care are vital activities required to monitor such practices.

Platforms and trust as two columns of sharing economy

In the past two decades, economic models based on platform-based sharing, driven by the IT revolution, have caused a fundamental shift in traditional business practice, global capitalism, and societal values. The platform, along with all its features, has taken over the role of the organizational form since they have brought together strangers with under-utilized capacities and belongings, with those who need them without looking for ownership. The entire economic ecosystem - marketing techniques, business practices, supply chains, and consumption habits - has undergone a significant transformation. Consumer behavior is changing rapidly, and consumers are looking for appropriate and efficient access to goods and services through the Internet, without the financial, emotional, and logistical burdens of ownership. The radius of trust which was initially confined to family, friends, and local communities; now encompasses strangers who do not speak a common language and who are in different countries. Trust driven by Digital Identity (DI) and Trust and Reputation Information (TRI) have enabled what was considered unbelievable or even impossible some years ago. Further expansion and deepening of trust, based on new technologies combined with the international legal framework, has the potential to rewrite modern capitalism and societal values. This paper introduces the role of platforms in the evolution of the sharing economy, the role of trust in promoting such platforms, and the role of well-designed platforms in fostering and nurturing trust which is essential for promoting and sustaining sharing economy models.

Leveraging emotional intelligence to foster proactive climate change adaptation: A study of engineering decision-making

The impacts of climate change and development present significant challenges and complexities that require new solutions, wise choices, and multi-disciplinary integration. In this context, emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role. However, traditional engineering education and practice overlook the importance of understanding and managing emotions. This research aims to determine the impact of EI as a tool to enhance proactive decision-making and implement sustainable measures within the engineering profession.The study makes three main research contributions. First, it confirms a positive relationship between EI and proactive sustainable decision-making among engineers. This means that engineers with high EI are more likely to consider the impacts of their decisions on various stakeholders and dimensions of sustainability. Second, it suggests that EI can enhance creativity and innovative thinking in engineering, helping engineers to develop effective solutions for challenges related to climate change. Third, the study advocates for incorporating EI training and assessment into engineering curriculums to foster a sustainable and ethical engineering culture. By improving EI, engineers can enhance their interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and emotional management, which in turn can significantly improve teamwork in addressing challenges related to climate change.