1993 research outputs found
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The scars of enslavement and remembering as a journey towards healing: African-derived religions in America as sites of memory
Get PDFThe ongoing impact of the dehumanising transatlantic slave trade, which took place from the 16th to the 19th century, can be still felt today. Karen McCarthy Brown reflected on the powerful experience of how the Vodou priestess Mama Lola began to sob when visiting the Door of No Return monument in Ouidah, Benin. Arriving at the beach memorial, she experienced flashback memories of an ancestor passing through the site on the way to the slave ship. By “heating up” the memories of her ancestors, the priestess pulled them from “their place beneath the waters of forgetting” and restored them. This moment illustrates the significance of Vodou and the other African-derived religions across the Americas as “sites of memory”, which have helped to challenge the dominating paradigm of “victimization”. But how can these memories be overcome? Is healing really possible? Focusing on African-derived religions such as Haitian Vodou and Brazilian Candomblé, this chapter discusses how religious sites of memory can provide a way of dealing with the dehumanization of enslavement in a post-colonial world. It follows Aleida Assmann’s argument that locations such as monuments and memorials are not sufficient if they are not supported by rituals, personal memories and narratives. Based on anthropological research conducted among Caribbean communities and in Brazil, the author argues that these religions with their ceremonies and oral traditions helped to maintain cultural memory
Weaving lost traditions: a comparative transdisciplinary reconstruction of a Welsh cleft hazel basket
Get PDFThis study explored the reconstruction of traditional Welsh cleft hazel basketry through a
transdisciplinary methodology that combines descriptive and thematic analysis with
ethnographic methods. It aimed to document the reconstruction process in detail and
compare the outcomes of a volunteer-led initiative with the practices of traditional makers.
The descriptive element of the project recorded the sequence of actions and technical
decisions made by volunteers, revealing the challenges and adaptations involved. In contrast,
its comparative aspect examined how material selection, preparation, and construction
techniques difered between experimental reconstruction and the place-based, embodied
expertise of traditional craftspeople. Traditional makers drew on generational knowledge,
aligning material selection with seasonal rhythms and integrating biophilic design principles
that enhanced structural resilience and cultural resonance. Volunteers, lacking this ecological
literacy and tacit skill, often struggled with sourcing and technique, leading to compromises in
durability and visual coherence. While the reconstruction process offered valuable insights, it
could not fully replicate the depth of practice sustained by traditional makers. Rather than
serving as a controlled experimental model, the study embraced an experiential and
ethnographic lens to explore lost traditions, emphasising the value of heritage crafts as living,
situated practices
An Analysis of Filial Relations in the Teachings of Jesus and Muhammad from the Perspective of Comparative Ethics and Scriptural Reasoning
No full textThis thesis offers a comparative-ethical analysis of textual tensions in the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad about filial relations as well as their reception in contemporary Christian-Muslim relations. While the issue of textual tension has been widely used, and abused, in the context of religious polemics, it is virtually ignored in the practice of interreligious dialogue. One reason for the absence of effective Christian-Muslim dialogue on textual tension is the absence of a clear hermeneutical approach that facilitates and promotes mutual understanding between the two religious traditions.
The problem of textual tension can be addressed if the strengths of, and opportunities presented by, interreligious dialogue and comparative ethics are brought together. Interreligious dialogue, on the one hand, has the clear purpose of promoting mutual understanding but it lacks a clear approach to the practice of dialogue. The academic study of comparative ethics, on the other hand, offers well-established methods for interpreting and comparing religious texts, but it is less clear when it comes to defining the purpose of comparison.
The aim of this thesis is to build on the strengths of interreligious dialogue and comparative ethics by providing a hermeneutical-dialogical analysis of textual tensions in the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad about filial relations. Drawing on Ruben Zimmermann’s approach to ‘implicit ethics’, the study will examine the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament and of Muhammad in the Qurᵓān and the Ḥadīth before investigating the reception of both teachings by the Egyptian scholars Mattā Al-Miskīn and Muhammad Al-Shaᶜrāwī, respectively. The thesis argues that interpreting sacred texts comparatively from the perspective of ‘implicit ethics’ can be effectively applied to the practice of Scriptural Reasoning, which, in turn, promotes a text-centred form of interreligious dialogue
Dadansoddiad cymharol o bolisi gweithlu'r blynyddoedd cynnar ym mhedair gwlad y DU: Adroddiad interim
No full textLearning Health Systems provide a glide path to safe landing for AI in health.
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant promise for healthcare but often struggles to transition from development to clinical integration. This paper argues that Learning Health Systems (LHS)-socio-technical ecosystems designed for continuous data-driven improvement-provide a potential "glide path" for safe, sustainable AI deployment. Just as modern aviation depends on instrument landing systems, the safe and effective integration of AI into healthcare requires the socio-technical infrastructure of LHSs, that enable iterative development and monitoring of AI tools, integrating clinical, technical, and ethical considerations through stakeholder collaboration. They address key challenges in AI implementation, including model generalizability, workflow integration, and transparency, by embedding co-creation, real-world evaluation, and continuous learning into care processes. Unlike static deployments, LHSs support the dynamic evolution of AI systems, incorporating feedback and recalibration to mitigate performance drift and bias. Moreover, they embed governance and regulatory functions-clarifying accountability, supporting data and model provenance, and upholding FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. LHSs also promote "human-in-the-loop" safety through structured studies of human-AI interaction and shared decision-making. The paper outlines practical steps to align AI with LHS frameworks, including investment in data infrastructure, continuous model monitoring, and fostering a learning culture. Embedding AI in LHSs transforms implementation from a one-time event into a sustained, evidence-based learning process that aligns innovation with clinical realities, ultimately advancing patient care, health equity, and system resilience. The arguments build on insights from an international workshop hosted in 2025, offering a strategic vision for the future of AI in healthcare. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Child Development in London and Islamabad
Get PDFThis dissertation examined how food insecurity impacts child development in two contrasting urban areas: London, a high-income area with robust welfare infrastructure, and Islamabad, a low-to middle-income area characterised by structural poverty and a weak institutional framework. A critical appraisal and synthesis of 20 studies published between 2018 and 2025 was conducted using a systematic review methodology. The results indicated that food insecurity presents in various ways in different settings, but the outcomes are consistently adverse, affecting the nutritional, educational, and psychosocial well-being of children. Food insecurity in Islamabad was closely linked to stunting, wasting, undernutrition, child labour, and low school attendance, with maternal empowerment being a key determinant. By comparison, in London, food insecurity was associated with the obesity paradox, food bank dependency, welfare disjunctures, and holiday hunger, which are attributable to institutional and policy failures.
The research also pointed out the shortcomings of existing institutional responses. The Free School Meals and Welfare provisions in London mitigate risk but create serious gaps, whereas the BISP and Ehsaas programmes in Pakistan offer partial support but are undermined by poor urban targeting and governance issues. Thematic analysis, informed by the Social Determinants of Health, Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, and Sen's Capability Approach, revealed that food insecurity not only denies children access to proper nutrition but also to fundamental abilities, such as education, social engagement, and psychological well-being. The dissertation concludes with policy suggestions tailored to each context, as well as crosscutting global lessons aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 and SDG 3), emphasising the need for systemic change to safeguard the rights and development of children
Examining the Factors or Aspects Associated with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant Women.
Get PDFBackground
15–25% of pregnant and postpartum women have perinatal depression and anxiety, which is a serious public health issue with substantial effects on the health of both the mother and the unborn child. The perinatal period is a period of significant psychophysiological change that makes people more susceptible to mental health issues. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine the variables related to pregnancy, psychosocial influences, and sociodemographic traits that are linked to perinatal depression and anxiety in pregnant women.
Methods
Following PRISMA criteria, a systematic literature review was carried out, looking for papers published between 2014 and 2024 in a number of databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David resources. The PEO framework (Population: pregnant women; Exposure: associated risks and variables; Outcome: perinatal depression and anxiety) was employed in the search method. Studies that employed quantitative and qualitative, methods, were published in English, and looked at variables linked to perinatal depression and/or anxiety in expectant mothers were all included. 28 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria after analysing 2,105 records were subjected to data extraction and thorough assessment utilising pre-existing frameworks. The findings were synthesised using thematic analysis in accordance with Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach.
Results
The research revealed five main themes: (4) external stressors, such as work-related stress, pandemic-related distress, and traumatic life events; (5) pregnancy-related factors, such as unintended pregnancy, obstetric complications, and trimester specific symptom variations; (3) psychosocial variables, including partner relationship dynamics, mental health history, and social support quality; (5) sociodemographic determinants, such as lower educational attainment, joblessness, socioeconomic deprivation, and rural-urban disparities; and (5) predictive patterns demonstrating continuity between antenatal and postpartum symptoms. Throughout all trials, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were the most widely used screening instrument.
Conclusion
Because perinatal depression and anxiety are complex disorders, they call for all encompassing, culturally aware treatments that consider social, psychological, and biological factors. The results lend support to the implementation of integrated care pathways, trimester-specific monitoring, and universal screening programs using validated instruments. Socioeconomic disparities must be addressed, social support systems must be reinforced, and crisis-resilient services must be developed by healthcare systems. In order to influence evidence-driven practice and policy improvements, future research should concentrate on longitudinal studies, culturally tailored interventions, and economic assessments of screening programs
Impact of Transformational Leadership Development for Business Sustainability with Gender Balance as a Mediator For Nestlé in Malaysia
Get PDFIn the present era, leadership transformation is imperative for business sustainability. However, there remain challenges in transforming managers into leaders, particularly among leaders in Nestle Malaysia. Limited exposure to the right behavioral and skillsets attributes has hindered their transformational journey. This study investigates the correlation between behavioral and skillsets attributes among leaders in Nestle Malaysia, a pivotal factor in the leadership transformation. The study aims to achieve five sub-objectives: (i) to systematically identify and analyze the transformational leadership development initiatives implemented at Nestlé Malaysia from 2015 to 2021, (ii) to evaluate the impact of transformational leadership development initiatives on the business sustainability outcomes of Nestlé Malaysia, (iii) to elucidate the unique challenges and opportunities posed by the Malaysian socio-economic, cultural, and environmental context for the practice of transformational leadership, (iv) to conduct a comparative analysis of the transformational leadership practices and sustainability outcomes of Nestlé Malaysia with those of other MNC subsidiaries in similar markets, and (v) to develop actionable recommendations for MNC subsidiaries on optimizing transformational leadership development for enhanced business sustainability. Conducted quantitatively, the study distributed survey questionnaires to 140 leaders in Nestle Malaysia via digital platforms such as WhatsApp, email, and Telegram. Respondents were selected using non-probability sampling, and the data was analyzed through descriptive, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analyses. Among the factors, behaviors exhibited the highest mean and standard deviation, followed by skillsets. The correlation coefficients revealed significant positive relationships between gender balance and leadership transformation (r = 0.495, p < 0.01), between gender balance and leader’s attributes (r = 0.577, p < 0.01), and between leader’s attributes and leadership transformation (r = 0.488, p < 0.01). Leader’s attributes showed significant positive associations with both leadership transformation and gender balance. Multiple regression analyses indicated that after considering the mediating variable of gender balance, the β weight for leader’s attributes remained significant. Thus, gender balance serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between leader’s attributes and leadership transformation. The hypothesis H3, suggesting that gender balance mediates the relationship between leader’s attributes and leadership transformation, was supported. This study contributes to theoretical advancement by illustrating the mediating role of gender balance between leader’s attributes and leadership transformation. Additionally, the study proposes intervention programs aimed at enhancing leader’s attributes and the leadership transformation, thereby improving business sustainability through strategic business planning, and strengthened leadership development programs
AI, Ethics and Women in Employment: The Impact upon Existing Biases
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence is vastly changing our lives and environment with unprecedented speed (BBC, 2018; Elliott, 2019; Roser, 2022). The traditional workplace landscape is also being driven and shaped by this technology, with a focus on tools promising efficiency and objectivity (O’Connor and Liu, 2024; Feeney and Fusi, 2021). This study examines the connection between AI, discrimination against women, and, more importantly, the inequalities they face in the working environment shaped by this phenomenon. The dissertation also aims to understand the ethical implications of AI and how historical and systemic biases in data and algorithms can perpetuate discrimination against women. A narrative literature review was conducted using secondary sources as a critical reflection of the current state of AI and its impact on women in employment. The findings revealed AI’s ability to present both challenges and opportunities. While historical biases in datasets and algorithms pose risks of reproducing workplace inequalities, the inclusion of women in AI development and policymaking is crucial to overcoming gender discrimination. The study highlights that a dual approach, considering both ethical and real-life experiences, is necessary to address the impact of AI, alongside the implementation of strategies to raise awareness of AI’s bias and upskill women in its design. At the same time, government bodies and policymakers must work in collaboration to establish a connection between gender-related matters and actively integrate AI ethics into present policy
A Culture in Denial: The Roman Cultural Relationship with Human Sacrifice
Get PDFThe Romans denied practicing human sacrifice, and claimed that almost every civilisation around them practised it, with it being an integral part in differentiating the Romans with everyone else; this self perception is deeply flawed. This work endeavours to grapple with the concept of human sacrifice, apply a pancultural defining framework for what counts as sacrifice, and engage with examples primarily from the Mid-Late Roman Republic and Early Principate period. Furthermore this work sets out to grasp the cultural importance of the term “human sacrifice” within the Roman mindset of the aforementioned period, to do so examples of allegations or genuine practice of human sacrifice within a select few other cultures with which Rome interacted with will be examined; not only will the claims themselves be interrogated, but the Roman attitude, racism and imperialistic actions against those cultures/groups be taken into consideration in regards to their fates. Examples of Roman human sacrifice to be examined include the ritual immurement not only of the Greeks and the Gauls of the 3rd & 2nd Centuries BCE but also the living entombment of the Vestal Virgins; the military self-sacrificial ritual of devotio; the drowning of hermaphroditic children; the allegations of human sacrifice that permeated the Late Republic; and the examination of assassinations as to whether human sacrifice under the guise of defending the Republic was occurring
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