United Nations Educational , Scientific And Cultural Organization Research Articles

Mediterranean Diet, a Sustainable Cultural Asset

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern and associated lifestyle that adopts mainly plant foods. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2013, a candidacy involving seven countries in the area, including Portugal, aiming to safeguard the MD in its multiple dimensions. The corresponding food system is recognized as healthy and sustainable by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and by the World Health Organization (WHO), inspiring dietary guidelines around the world. The current entry examines the sustainability and resilience of the Mediterranean dietary food pattern, using the Portuguese as a case study to examine the feasibility of prospective composite indicators in assessing the sustainability of diets and food systems. Information extracted from reports and official statistics was used to assess a set of proposed metrics. Although information to fulfil most metrics was found, some data gaps were identified, highlighting the need to improve existing metrics. The current work highlights the role of science and policy in transforming four key areas of human–nature interaction: use of natural resources, food systems, production and consumption, and cities’ sustainability. Since sustainable production and consumption (SGD 12) is key to the UN’s 2030 agenda, it is important to analyze to what extent the dissemination of the Mediterranean diet among the population can be a way to achieve this goal.

Influence of Ion Pairs and Activity on the Index of Irrigation Water Quality Relying on Some Modern Terms in Erbil Governorate. *

Influence of Ion Pairs and Activity on the Index of Irrigation Water Quality Relying on Some Modern Terms in Erbil Governorate. *

The study of innovation and absorptive capacity of BRICS countries by using multiple regression analysis

Objective of the study: This research aims to explore the diverse impacts of national innovation systems of BRICS countries by indicating the key elements and systems aspect, how these aspects have committed to the running of the whole systems and interpreted inside the economic development of these nations.Methodology/approach: Data were collected from the World Bank (WDI), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United State Patent and Trade office (USPTO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. Data used for following research are time series, annual data from 1999-2014. The multi-regression analysis was completed with utilizing the Statistical package for the Social Science (SPSS).Originality/Relevance: We intend at devoting to the research literature and policy by producing quantitative based proof of the framework that connects the comprehensive element of innovation system to economic system for a longtime.Main results: The findings showed the degree to which components of the National innovation system (NIS), depend on one another for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) , in this regard, any changes in one indicator can effect on other indicators in the system.Theoretical/methodological contributions: Our research is based on the conceptual analyses which draw from the existing literature. It is based on a model to evaluate the dynamics of innovation capacity, absorptive capacity impact and robustness of the economic development.Social /management contributions: Our results have significant implication for policy makers.

Impact of Government Expenditure on Public Primary Schools Teachers’ Welfare in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of Government expenditure on public primary school teachers’ welfare in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. One research question was answered to achieve the objective of the study. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population of the study consisted of 36 supervisors and 139 teachers in public primary schools in the study area. The sample size was made up of 27 supervisors and 91 teachers. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample. The instruments for data collection were self-structured questionnaires titled Government Expenditure and Primary Education Development Questionnaire for Teachers (GEPEDQT) and Government Expenditure and Primary Education Development Questionnaire for Supervisors (GEPEDQS). The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach alpha method which yielded 0.89 and 0.87 respectively, it was found to be reliable. The study employed the use of mean and standard deviation in analysing the data. Findings from the research question indicated that government expenditure for teachers’ welfare in public primary schools in the study area was inadequate. Based on this finding, it was recommended among others that government should increase the expenditure of the educational sector in line with the recommendations of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is 26 percent for developing countries.

Legal Implications of Inscribing the Oromo Gadaa System (OGS) in United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) List of Intangible Heritage

Abstract Gadaa, an indigenous governance system of the Oromo, has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to assess the inherent legal implications within the inscription. A qualitative approach was used to generate data from interviews and literatures. The findings have shown that the designations given by the Federal Proclamation are too broad to be applicable – and are alien – to the peculiarities of the OGS. No lifelike efforts are being witnessed for putting in place legal grounds following the inscription. There is a need for reinvigorating the values and principles inherent within the OGS-guaranteeing authentic peaceful and stable political, administrative, economic, social and cultural (co)existence of the Oromo in the Continent. The Oromo people, headed by Abbaa Gadaa and the Oromia National Regional State, also should request UNESCO to rename the OGS instituting both intangible and tangible World Heritage of Humanity.

The perception of UNESCO World Heritage Sites' managers about concepts and elements of cultural sustainability in tourism

PurposeThe research aims to identify the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site (WHS) managers' perception of cultural sustainability concepts and elements in tourism.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was carried out to identify the main speeches and characteristic elements of cultural sustainability present in the academic field, and then a quantitative survey was carried out with 60 managers of UNESCO WHSs to evaluate their perception of the theme.FindingsThe results show that managers believe that the concept of cultural sustainability is much more closely linked to the social dimension of sustainability than to the economic and environmental dimensions. Thus, elements such as the preservation of tangible and intangible assets, the participation of society in the management of heritage, the democratization of access, the guarantee of the appreciation of culture and its preservation for future generations are basic elements for cultural sustainability. Finally, although they believe that understanding the concept of cultural sustainability is fundamental to their activities, they still lack knowledge of how to measure cultural sustainability in their spaces.Originality/valueAlthough the theme of sustainability has several published studies, most of the work focuses only on studies of its social, economic and environmental dimensions. The debates on the role of culture in sustainability are still incipient, and understanding the managers' perception of the topic enables the creation of more effective strategies that guarantee cultural sustainability in heritage by tourism.

Whoever Controls the Past, Controls the Future: Archives and Records Management Practitioners’ Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in 2020. Most countries around the world, including South Africa, have imposed national lockdowns. COVID-19 was declared a national disaster in South Africa in March 2020, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2002. The Act, among other things, recognises the importance of having access to reliable disaster information, as well as information management and communication systems for storing, disseminating, and exchanging information. Additionally, in April 2020, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) issued a declaration calling for shared responsibility in preserving the documentary heritage that provides a historical perspective on how pandemics have been addressed in the past for future research. The declaration was supported by heritage organisations such as the International Council on Archives. This quantitative study used The UNESCO 2015 Recommendation Concerning the Preservation of, and Access to, Documentary Heritage Including in Digital Form to investigate how members of the South African Society of Archivists responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of preserving and providing access to documentary heritage. A structured web questionnaire was used to collect data. The study revealed that while some archives and records management practitioners’ institutions had preservation, access, and disaster preparedness measures in place, others did not. From the findings, policy directions and a framework for records and archives management are proposed.

Translation Strategies Applied in English-Arabic Translation: A Case of a Website Article

The current study investigates some distinctive translation strategies applied in the translation of an article about the World Arabic Language Day from English into Arabic. By reviewing literature in that field, the number of studies searching the application of such strategies in translating website articles are few. The applicability of such strategies in the translation of website articles is an important point that is answered in the current study. The analysed document is an article issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 18th December 2021 for the celebration of the Arabic Language Day internationally. The current website article is a sample of articles issued by international organisations in various official languages where English and Arabic are two of them. The researcher investigates the application of Baker's strategies for translation during the translation process. The current research proves that distinctive strategies for translation are applied during the translation process from English into Arabic in website articles genre to enhance comprehensibility. The study also indicates that applied strategies for translation do not change the meaning of the translated text in comparison to the source text. On the contrary, translation strategies enhance explicitness in translated texts.

Regional Education Organizations in the Arab World: A Case Study of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO)

Abstract: While there are innumerable studies about global international organizations (IOs) in education, the role of regional organizations seems overshadowed by more powerful actors in the field, the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), the World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Although they are important in their regions, little is known about them and their interactions with global IOs. This research reveals new insight regarding the role that regional organizations play in the design of education policy in the Arab world, including all 22 Arab-speaking states of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region that is defined by a common language, culture and religion, and how these policies are shaped by the interaction between regional and global IOs. Using a postcolonial framework, a qualitative case study was conducted of a regional IO focusing on the Arab world and an important actor in education policy: the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). The analysis reveals how the ALECSO is unmoored between two trends that pull it in different directions: its spoken aim to counter Western hegemony in the region, and the dominance of certain IOs that necessarily define other organizations’ work.

Challenges Overcome in Drilling and Testing a Deep, Deviated HP/HT Offshore Gas Well

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 207506, “Deepest Deviated HP/HT Gas Well Drilling and Testing Challenges on an Offshore Island: Case Study,” by Mubashir Ahmad, SPE, Ayman El Shahat, and M. Osama El-Meguid, ADNOC, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. A deep deviated appraisal well in the Upper Khuff reservoir on a small artificial island approximately 100 km offshore Abu Dhabi was drilled and tested successfully. The project was driven by the goal of maximizing ultimate value and benefit for the operator, its partners, the community, and the UAE. The field is in a highly sensitive and ecologically important area and is designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. The complete paper presents the challenges faced and overcome while drilling and testing the high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) sour offshore well. Background The operator has pursued the appraisal and delineation of the Arab, Khuff, and Pre-Khuff gas reservoirs in the huge offshore shallow-water field west of Abu Dhabi. During the early 1980s, in order to evaluate the field’s capability, an evaluative program was launched that involved dredging a channel and creating an artificial island, from which a test well was drilled and capped. Many wells have been drilled in the structure since, all in the northwest part of the field. Testing results have indicated impurities [including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2)] ranging from 14 to 33% in some reservoirs.

A conceptual framework for monitoring socially responsible research and innovation (RRI) aligned to the UNESCO-led Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers

This paper sets out a high-level conceptual framework for monitoring the development of socially responsible research and innovation systems linked to the global policy instrument called ‘the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers’ (RSSR). This global science policy initiative was ratified by 195 United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Member States in 2017, updating an earlier version of the instrument. This UNESCO-led initiative offers a globally inclusive and agreed structure for advancing socially responsible research and innovation (RRI). A key feature of the RSSR initiative is its permanent structure of quadrennial monitoring to assess implementation of its principles. Here, a conceptual framework is presented to clarify the specific dimensions of RRI embedded in the 10 key priority areas for this quadrennial monitoring process. The paper explicates these dimensions and the underpinning policy language from the 2017 recommendation with the aim of supporting UNESCO Member States and research stakeholders globally to design appropriate evaluation methods. This conceptual framework is intended to support development of globally aligned measurement of RRI policy and practice that allows research and policy stakeholders from each world region to learn from each other. Fostering mutual learning on a global scale will help to enable evidence-based practice in the context of RRI to improve outcomes and mitigate the limitations of well-meaning but ineffective policies and practices.

Spatial distribution of natural hazards and their proximity to heritage sites: Case of the United Arab Emirates

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) investigated World Heritage sites and listed some in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Heritage sites in any country have important cultural and economic value. However, many of the sites are subjected to potential impact by natural hazards, considering their age and the effects of climate. In the interest of reducing these impacts, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and the World Heritage Committee called for a detailed hazard assessment. This research falls within this assessment scope by applying remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods to assess the spatial distribution of natural hazards and their proximity to heritage sites in the UAE. Results show that heritage sites in the northeastern UAE are more vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, and sea-level rise. Still, risk varies depending on elevation and the proximity to fault lines and the coastline. In the western UAE, the majority of heritage sites are prone to the effects of desertification and sand encroachment. This study is large-scale in nature, and specific vulnerability assessments for each heritage site are beyond the scope of this paper. The database, methodology, and output from this research could be useful for many organizations, such as those working in the fields of culture and heritage, tourism, disaster management, and urban planning. Compilation of a GIS database centering upon the heritage sites in the UAE is considered a major step forward for future studies related to the sites. The GIS database is available for interested users upon request.

David Livingstone, UNESCO, and Nation-Building in 19th-21st-Century Scotland and East and Central Africa


 This article assesses the role of David Livingstone (1813-73), a Scottish missionary, in nation-building efforts in Scotland and parts of the western Indian Ocean World. It begins by establishing the ways in which he became central to Scottish national, British imperial, Christian missionary, and abolitionist movements in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. It then examines why, despite these ‘colonialist’ associations, he remains central to some aspects of nation-building in present-day Tanzania and Malawi. The key focus in this context are these two nations’ respective applications to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to have museums and landmarks that centre Livingstone in their histories recognised as World Heritage sites. In so doing, it draws on regional concerns within the nations themselves, the prerogatives behind UNESCO’s activities on the African continent, and ongoing relationships between Scotland and (especially) Malawi. Despite current social movements that are increasingly vocal and critical of figures associated with colonialism, Livingstone remains revered and central to the nation among many in Scotland and East and Central Africa.

Small‐ and medium‐sized mammals of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia

AbstractThe Kafa Biosphere Reserve (KBR) is the largest montane forest reserve in Ethiopia and was declared officially a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserve in 2010. Only recently, however, has the reserve been surveyed in terms of its small‐ and medium‐sized mammal inhabitant species. The KBR supports a diverse variety of habitat types, which are increasingly under pressure from anthropogenic degradation. During the 2014 dry season and 2019 wet season, we used traps, mist‐nets, acoustic signals, photography and roadkill surveys to assess the small‐ and medium‐sized mammals of the reserve. We recorded 17 small‐ and five medium‐sized mammal species, almost half (45.5%) being endemic to Ethiopia. The grayish‐brown shaggy rat (Dasymys griseifrons) and two fruit bats (Epomophorus gambianus and Hypsignathus monstrosus) were recorded in the reserve for the first time. As a next step, a large‐scale, detailed inventory of the mammals in a wider area of southwestern Ethiopian forests and wetlands, including prevailing anthropogenic threats, is required. Notwithstanding, immediate conservation action by regional and national authorities to prevent further habitat loss to reduce the risk of local extinction is needed, particularly for endemic species or those exhibiting limited range distributions in southwestern Ethiopia.

Global Value Chain Analysis on PT Batik Keris Surakarta

Batik is an Indonesian cultural heritage that has been recognized by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In addition to cultural heritage, many Indonesian people live through Batik crafts. Batik Keris is one of the Lead Firms in the Batik industries in Surakarta, even in Indonesia, where it plays an important role in the Batik industry and also in preserving Batik itself. This study examines the global value chain of PT. Batik Keris and their role as Lead Firm in the Batik industry and their relationship with the Surakarta City Government program. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method by applying the Global Value Chain Concept introduced by Gerry Gereffi (2016). Meanwhile, the data was obtained through interviews with related sources and literature studies. The results show that Batik Keris has implemented an upgrade strategy ranging from design, use of technology, to carry out various activities such as fashion shows and Batik Carnival.
 Keywords: Batik Industry, Batik Keris, Global Value Chain, Local Economic Development

High prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in a desert population: results from an exploratory study around the Ounianga lakes in Chad

BackgroundResearching a water-borne disease in the middle of the Sahara desert might not seem the most relevant concern. However, nomadic Sahelian pastoralists health concerns regarding their livestock and anecdotal reports about trematode infections of Fasciola spp. and Schistosoma spp. in desert-raised animals justified an exploratory study focusing on the lakes of Ounianga in Northern Chad. The aim was to test whether trematode parasites such as Schistosoma spp. occur in human populations living around the Sahara desert lakes of Ounianga Kebir and Ounianga Serir in northern Chad.MethodsThe study was carried out in January 2019 and comprised of three components. First, a cross sectional survey based on a random sample drawn from the population to detect infections with S. haematobium and S. mansoni; second, focus group discussions exploring disease priorities, access to health and health seeking behaviour; and third, surveying water contact sites for intermediate host snails. Samples of trematode parasites and snails were confirmed on species level by molecular genetic methods. For parasitological and malacological surveys descriptive statistics were performed. Qualitative data analysis included the full review of all transcripts, followed by a descriptive and explorative thematic analysis.ResultsAmong 258 participants, the overall S. haematobium prevalence using urine filtration was 39.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 33.5–45.1%], with 51.5% of the infected suffering from heavy infection. The intermediate host snail of S. haematobium (Bulinus truncatus) occurred at water contact sites near both study villages, revealing the potential for local transmission. Although a positive S. mansoni point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test result was obtained from 8.6% (95% CI 5.7–12.8%) of the samples, no intermediate host snails of S. mansoni were found, and the relevance of S. mansoni remains uncertain. Qualitative findings underline the importance of morbidity caused by urinary schistosomiasis, and the lack of access to diagnostics and treatment as a major health concern.ConclusionsThis research revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the population living around the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site in Chad. Despite the high public health importance of the associated morbidity expressed by the population, there is no access to diagnostics and treatment. Further work is needed to develop and test a context-adapted intervention.Graphical

„My sword is science, my shield is work.” : Messages of the legacy of Vilma Hugonnai, the first Hungarian female physician in 2022

The Hungarian National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has proposed the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Vilma Hugonnai, the first Hungarian female physician, in 2021, in a joint commemoration with UNESCO. After the positive decision of the General Assembly in November 2021, the Pre- sident of the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO proposed to the Union of Hungarian Women the coordination of a joint commemoration of the “100th Anniversary of the Death of Vil- ma Hugonnai (1847-1922), the first Hungarian doctor”. With this commemoration, Vilma Hugon- nai’s work as a healer for families, her intellectual achievements, her enduring spiritual strength, her courage, her innovative and proactive approach and her spirit of sustaining women’s role in society as a value are to be presented as examples for present and future generations. The event is co-organised by the Hungarian Association of Midwives, the Semmelweis Museum and Archives of Medical History and the Professional Association of Hungarian Health Visitors. “She did not have an easy life, she had plenty of work besides her professional duties, she was a child minder, an advocate for children and women, and furthermore, she managed to publish a book. She translated the Anna Fischer-Dückelmann’s book from German, a family medicine book for women, and wrote the foreword to it – a copy of which I keep in the family heritage”, said András Lászlóné Radványi, great-niece of Vilma Hugonnai, at the inauguration ceremony of the Vilma Hugonnai Square in 2020 in Józsefváros (the square next to the External Clinical Block of Semmelweis University, is named after the first Hungarian female doctor). In this article, the life of Vilma Hugonnai will be analysed based on interviews with organisers, the objective being the exploration of the message and example of Doctor Hugonnai to the organisers 100 years later.

Gender Disparity in Access to Higher Education: A Review of the Literature with Special Reference to the Omani Context

‘Education for All’ is the call of UN and its sub-organisation the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that emphasises that education is a human right for all. However, access to education has been challenged with many obstacles, especially in higher education. One of these challenges is gender inequality, a significant factor that educational providers and policymakers must consider. This paper reviews pertinent literature to discuss higher education access and equality globally, and then sheds light on gender equality, with a special reference to the Omani context. The Omani experience with regard to access reflects gender disparity although statistics show that more female students are admitted to higher education institutions than males. This article questions the 50:50 admission policy that has resulted in admitting males with lower scores while depriving many eligible females of the very same opportunity. The article suggests investigating the causes behind this policy further and making amendments to ensure quality and good achievement in education by both genders and equality for access to HE. Keywords: Higher Education, gender, disparity, Oman, access

SYLLABLE STRUCTURE IN BISHNUPRIYA MANIPUR

The key purpose of this paper is to investigate the phonological aspect of syllable structure in Bishnupriya Manipuri. The language is spoken in the North-East Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, as well as in the neighbouring country Bangladesh. It is a member of the Eastern form of Indo-Aryan language family. According to India’s 2011 census report, the total population of Bishnupriya speakers is 79,646. The research area focuses on Bishnupriya speakers in the state of Assam. When it comes to nomenclature, the language is surrounded by a lot of controversy. Some people refer to it as Bishnupuriya, while others refer to it as Bishnupriya Manipuri or just Bishnupriya. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently published a list of endangered languages, and Bishnupriya is listed as vulnerable on that list. The language doesn’t have a script of its own, so it uses the Bengali script. Bishnupriya's syllabic structure is V, VV, VC, VCV, VVC, CVC, CV, CVV, and so on. The different types of Bishnupriya syllables are: (i) Mono-Syllabic, (ii) DiSyllabic, (iii) Tri-Syllabic, (iv) Tetra-Syllabic, (v) Penta-Syllabic and (vi) HexaSyllabic.

ОХОРОНА КУЛЬТУРНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ В УКРАЇНІ: ЗАКОНОДАВСТВО ТА ПРАКТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ

The article discusses the legal basis in the field of cultural heritage protection in Ukraine, the powers of cultural heritage protection bodies and the central executive body - the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine on cultural heritage protection, general issues regarding the evacuation of cultural values. The author analyses the international legislation in the field of cultural heritage protection and international aid and support to Ukraine in wartime, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The article determines the efforts of state authorities, entrepreneurs, the public, and activists to preserve cultural heritage, in particular regarding the protection of immovable monuments and monuments in the largest Ukrainian cities (Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa). The author characterises the destruction of objects of cultural heritage and the documentation of war crimes against humanity and objects of cultural heritage committed by the Russian occupying forces on the territory of Ukraine. Brief statistics of episodes of Russian war crimes against Ukrainian cultural heritage (by regions, types of cultural heritage objects, etc.) are provided. It discloses the aspects of de-Russification, decommunization in the field of cultural heritage protection in Ukraine since the beginning of the war and the powers of state authorities regarding the dismantling of monuments that do not have the status of objects of cultural heritage or are not registered, removal, de-registration and relocation of objects of cultural heritage. The author raises the need of updating the information on the library collections in connection with the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It indicates the peculiarities of the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Ukraine and its role during armed conflicts and emergency situations. The author also shows the further measures for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the preparation of a plan for the restoration of Ukraine.