Month: January 2025

Abstract

Big Data has been widely used on the internet to understand the relationship between people and biodiversity, giving rise to a new area of knowledge: Conservation culturomics. In this study, we applied this approach to assess interest in medicinal plants from the Caatinga. Our results revealed that factors such as endemism and the pharmaceutical industry’s use of medicinal plants do not increase public interest in these species. However, the number of medicinal uses attributed to plants positively influences interest in the species. This result is pioneering as it reveals factors that can influence interest in useful plants in digital media. Considering that this is the first study to integrate theoretical frameworks and evidence from ethnobotanical research to understand people’s behavior towards biodiversity on the internet, our findings provide important insights for guiding future studies. In an increasingly globalized and hyperconnected world, it is crucial to understand interactions with the natural environment from a multifaceted perspective.

Abstract

Macau, once a Portuguese colony, is now the Las Vegas of the Far East. As an economic decolonisation strategy, the central government of China legitimised the gaming industry in Macau. Many students and teachers were absorbed by casino work, resulting in a low higher education entry rate and sabotaging the city’s sustainable development. While few studies on the Macau student voice exist, the research has mostly adopted either an academician view or top-down surveys. This study explores how Macau university students voice their subjectivities in higher education. Using a combined theoretical framework of Foucauldian homo economicus and the postcolonial theory, this study interviews 17 Macau students from six local tertiary institutions triangulated by four teachers. The findings reveal that, under the influence of neoliberalism, Macau university students voiced their subjectivities as homo economicus, using the mentality of cost-profit to guide their educational practices. They were, however, simultaneously restrained by the performativity of the knowledge economy. Meanwhile, the Macau students’ subjectivities are sealed in a complex discursive matrix of coloniality and (neo)coloniality, not capable of thinking ‘outside the box’ and living a life distinct from Macau’s planned destiny as a casino destination. In conclusion, although we interviewed Macau students and amplified their voices, their perspectives remained confined to the defaults of neoliberal and (neo)colonial discourses.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families with children who had complex special needs faced many obstacles and had less resources available to them. Little published research has described post-lockdown family functioning in clinical samples. The current study investigated caregiver well-being, family functioning, and child/youth symptomatology in three Canadian samples of families with children/youth who had pre-existing, complex, emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs pre-pandemic (clinic intake within 1 year prior to March 2020), COVID pandemic (clinic intake 1 year during societal lockdowns), and post-restrictions (clinic intake between summer 2022 and summer 2023). Cross-sectional archival data (n > 300 in each cohort) were compared from assessments completed by families as standard of care at a tertiary children’s service agency. As predicted, the pandemic intake sample reported significantly more parental mental health challenges, stress, conflicts, and went on fewer recreational outings than the pre-pandemic sample. While parent stress levels and family outing rates in the post-restriction sample resembled the pre-pandemic sample, post-lockdown parental mental health symptoms, family conflict, and family respite levels indicate that families are still recovering. Child symptom levels were high in all three samples, likely a result of intake criteria at this tertiary mental health agency. Research recommendations are offered. Clinical agencies should be mindful that some families of children with complex needs may still be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic changes and consider using a family oriented, trauma-informed care approach to assess the effect of the pandemic.

Abstract

This paper mainly focuses on differentiating between novice and experienced teachers in indigenous science teaching practices in a multicultural classroom in Nepal. I have connected this study with my journey of multicultural science teaching with theoretical assumptions. For this study, two basic level science teachers (grades 1–8) were purposefully selected, representing both the Gorkha district's rural and urban secondary schools. One of the participants was a novice and non-science background teacher, while the other was experienced and from a science background. Classroom observation and interviews were used as the tools in this study. I observed both the teachers' science teaching praxis three times, and interviews were conducted to unpack their experiences with science teaching. During the observation, it was noted that the urban, experienced Nepali language users and qualified and trained teachers can teach any subject more effectively than a novice. Novice teachers could see a significant change in their teaching strategies after they received pedagogical support in teaching methods and language use. The findings depict that contextual pedagogical support (CPS), implementation of the new pedagogical teaching ICAP model, and using students' mother (home) language as the medium of instruction played key roles in decolonizing the current context of multicultural science teaching.

Abstract

The seven sister states of northeast India are renowned for their diverse landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. From the Himalayas in the north to the plateau plains in the south, the region offers lush rainforests and rich biodiversity, making it ideal for ecotourism. This study aimed to map and analyze the ecotourism potential across Northeast India's seven sister states through state-wise geospatial analysis. Geographic information system (GIS) and the full consistency method (FUCOM) multi-criteria decision analysis model were used for this purpose. While many multi-criteria decision making (MCDA) models have been used to identify ecotourism potential, FUCOM-based geospatial analysis is new to this area and ecotourism potential identification. Utilizing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the study assessed the effectiveness of each state and region in identifying suitable tourism zones. It highlighted the rich natural resources and cultural diversity of the seven sister states, which offer an ideal environment for ecotourism development. Through comparative analyses, we identified areas with the highest ecotourism potential and emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism initiatives to benefit both the environment and local communities. The potential zones in the Northeast States were categorized into five groups: Very High (23.34%), High (25.76%), Moderate (20.15%), Low (22.39%) and Least Potential (8.36%). The results suggest that improving infrastructure, engaging communities, enhancing marketing, advancing research, and fostering strong collaboration are significant ways to unlock its ecotourism potential.

Abstract

Background

Active transportation is a form of physical activity that enables mobility in one’s community. Current data indicate that the most frequent users of active transportation in high-income countries are predominantly white men of higher socioeconomic status.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to active transportation among adults from three equity-deserving groups – people of color, people with disabilities, and people from the queer community.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted using five databases: Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL, EBSCOHost Sport Discus, ProQuest Sociological Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and SCOPUS. Only studies conducted in Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK were included given the distinct environment and culture of active transportation compared to other countries and continents.

Results

After removing duplicates, 704 articles were identified. Of these, seven met our inclusion criteria. Three papers focused on people of color and four papers focused on people with disabilities; no papers focused on the queer community. In people of color, a unique barrier to active transportation that was identified was English language proficiency. Among people with disabilities, a unique barrier to engaging in active transportation related to navigating shared zones in intersections.

Conclusion

This review found that walkability, density, points of interest, and English proficiency are important factors that influence active transportation among people of color, while the physical environment and safety are important factors that affect active transportation among people with disabilities.

Abstract

Background

Stigma significantly impacts individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers, exacerbating social isolation, psychological distress, and reducing quality of life (QoL). Although considerable research has been conducted on PD’s clinical aspects, the social and emotional challenges, like stigma, remain underexplored. Addressing stigma is crucial for enhancing well-being, fostering inclusivity and improving access to care and support. The review aims to fill this knowledge gap by synthesising existing literature on PD stigma, examining its effects on individuals and families affected, and identifying areas where interventions could reduce stigma’s impact.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Studies were identified through searches in six databases, relevant websites, and reference lists. Covidence was used for duplicate removal, screening, and data extraction. Thematic analysis identified key themes from qualitative data, while narrative synthesis integrated findings from qualitative and quantitative studies. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023399343).

Results

This review included 22 studies published between 2002 and 2024, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Five key themes emerged. The first highlighted stereotypes in PD, such as misconceptions about symptoms, age stereotyping, and supernatural beliefs. The second explored drivers and facilitators of stigma, identifying factors like duration since diagnosis, disease severity, lack of public education, and media representation. The third theme revealed stigma’s impact on mental health and well-being, exacerbating feelings of shame, embarrassment, and social isolation. The fourth, responses and consequences of stigma, detailed strategies employed by individuals with PD to manage stigma, including seeking social support and adopting coping mechanisms. The fifth theme, beyond stigma, explored positive aspects of living with PD, highlighting resilience, positive interactions, and advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

This systematic review underscores the significant impact of stigma on individuals with PD and their caregivers, manifesting as social isolation, diminished QoL, and psychological distress. Key drivers include public misconceptions, cultural biases, and limited awareness and addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions. Recommendations include education to dispel myths, public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts to reduce stigma, enhance support, and improve QoL.

Abstract

Background

The Afro-Peruvian population is one of the ethnic minorities most affected by cultural, socioeconomic, and health barriers; however, there is little evidence on health inequalities in this ethnic group. Therefore, We aimed to determine health inequalities among the Peruvian Afro-descendant population in comparison with non-Afro-descendants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey 2022. Twenty indicators related to the health, nutrition, and well-being of the Peruvian Afro-descendant population were included. Individuals identifying as native, as well as those who did not know or did not respond to the ethnicity question, were excluded from the analysis. To assess inequalities in these indicators, the difference in percentages between Afro-descendants and non-Afro-descendants was calculated, and the percentages of these indicators across the tertiles of wealth index and the slope index of inequality (SII) were analysed for each ethnic group.

Results

Of a total of 16,875 adults and 23,206 women included in the study, 16.9% and 17.3% were of African descent, respectively. Afro-descendant population had a lower proportion of self-reported diabetes (− 1.5 percetange points (pp); 95% confidence interval (CI), − 2.7 to − 0.3); alcohol consumption in the last 30 days (− 4.5 pp; 95% CI, − 7.2 to − 1.8); higher education (− 20.6 pp, 95% CI, − 23.2 to − 18.0); access to improved water (− 3.4 pp; 95% CI, − 4.6 to − 2.1) and sanitation (− 12.1 pp; 95% CI, − 14.2 to − 10.0); cesarean section (− 9.5 pp; 95% CI, − 12.6 to − 6.4); institutional delivery (− 6.3 pp; 95% CI, − 8.4 to − 4.1); early initiation of prenatal care (− 3.3 pp; 95% CI, − 5.8 to − 0.9); birth registration (− 1.8 pp; 95% CI, − 3.4 to − 0.2) and higher proportion of stunting (+ 4.8 pp; 95% CI, 3.0 to 6.6) and adolescent maternity (+ 5.0 pp; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.6) compared to their non-Afro-descendant counterparts. In addition, a similar wealth gap between Afro-descendant and non-Afro-descendant populations was observed in various indicators.

Conclusions

In Peru, some indicators reflect the worse living conditions faced by the Afro-descendant population compared to their non-Afro-descendant counterparts in terms of health, nutrition, and well-being.

Abstract

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) from plants are an important source of livelihoods and well-being for rural populations in developing countries. This study determined the contribution of NTFPs to the income diversification of rural populations in the south-west and center-south regions of Burkina Faso. Market surveys were conducted with 285 participants in nine rural and five urban markets to collect information on NTFP products sold, sales units, procurement methods, and selling prices over the dry and rainy seasons. Data were collected for 13 NTFPs. NTFP sellers were mainly women (97%). NTFPs were most abundant during the rainy season. The results focus on the two most abundant NTFPs with the highest sale values per kilogram in the study area: the fermented seed condiment named soumbala (25% of participants) from seeds of Parkia biglobosa, and shea butter (21% of participants) from Vitellaria paradoxa nuts. The procurement method had a significant effect on the price of shea butter and soumbala. Shea butter and soumbala collectors-processors had the highest total profit margin within the value-added chain during both seasons. NTFP processing actively contributes to the diversification of rural people’s income sources. Local domestication of NTFP-producing species is needed to sustain the diversification of rural people’s incomes.

Abstract

Rapid growth in bio-logging—the use of animal-borne electronic tags to document the movements, behaviour, physiology and environments of wildlife—offers opportunities to mitigate biodiversity threats and expand digital natural history archives. Here we present a vision to achieve such benefits by accounting for the heterogeneity inherent to bio-logging data and the concerns of those who collect and use them. First, we can enable data integration through standard vocabularies, transfer protocols and aggregation protocols, and drive their wide adoption. Second, we need to develop integrated data collections on standardized data platforms that support data preservation through public archiving and strategies that ensure long-term access. We outline pathways to reach these goals, highlighting the need for resources to govern community data standards and guide data mobilization efforts. We propose the launch of a community-led coordinating body and provide recommendations for how stakeholders—including government data centres, museums and those who fund, permit and publish bio-logging work—can support these efforts.