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The Approaches and Implications of English Medium of Instruction in Nepal’s Private Schools
Full text linkIn this report, I discuss how English Medium of Instruction (EMI) is approached by private schools in Nepal and its implications on larger society. Nepal’s increasing demand for EMI, and thus private schools, has contributed to a variety of social issues including inaccessibility and a dying culture. By situating EMI in Nepal’s education system, I explore how the privatization of schools and the wide implementation of EMI is both a result of neoliberalism and a contributing factor to such ideologies. Observations of EMI classes and non-academic spaces on school grounds, in addition to interviews and focus groups with students and teachers were conducted at two private secondary schools in Kathmandu V alley. My discussion includes an analysis of how different school environments can affect student’s acquisition of a second language, students’ defaulting to their native language in general conversation versus academic settings, perception of English as a superior and essential language, changing language practices across generations, and the inequities that the privatization of education produces
HEALING OR HARMING? EVALUATING PERSPECTIVES AND IMPACT OF SHORT-TERM MEDICAL CAMPS IN NEPALI COMMUNITIES
Full text linkMedical volunteering, or “voluntourism, ” via short-term health camps is an increasingly popular way for doctors and paramedical staff to see a new region while still offering services to nearby under-serviced communities. In particular, these health camps are often propagated by the global north in largely low- and middle-income countries of the global south. Skeptics in literature point out that medical volunteers often lack cultural competence or knowledge of local health options in the community. Furthermore, ephemeral care is often too short to address chronic issues and prevents meaningful development of sustainable local healthcare. However, this literature often lacks the voices, perspectives, and first-hand lived experience of the communities intended to benefit from these health camps. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine different perspectives on short-term medical health camps in Nepal. By asking volunteers, organizers, existing health professionals, community members, and those receiving care, this research aims to uncover how medical camps affect, benefit and/or harm communities. Who organizes, volunteers, and engages in them––whether as a patient or medical profession––and why? What does existing literature say about short-term medical camps, and how the does lived experience of Nepali communities support or oppose these representations? This research follows two health camps: one in the remote Himalayas of the Gorkha district, and a second in the urban-rural hills of Kavre. Observations were conducted over the course of two weeks of trekking into the Nubri valley and over the course of five days in Panchkhal, Kavre. It examines the physical and historical context in which these health camps are conducted, the scholarship, reports, and articles that support and oppose the camps, and first-hand experience of patients, villagers, organizers, and medical staff
Faith in the Floodplain Environmental and Religious Change in the Bön Village of Lubra, Mustang
Full text linkIn the Nepali Himalayas, the village of Lubra, Mustang is contending with how to adapt to intensifying flash floods. Lubra is a religiously and culturally unique village, as it is the only village in Mustang entirely practicing the Tibetan indigenous religion of Bön and contains multiple well-preserved old Bön monasteries. The people of Lubra have a strong historical and spiritual connection to their village and this connection is increasingly being strained by the effects of climate change, development of infrastructure, and outmigration. Residents are looking for ways to adapt to change, and wondering how they will keep their culture and religion alive while protecting their livelihoods. Many are relocating homes and crops to higher land, but are at a loss for what to do when the flooding begins to affect their monastery. Additionally, elder religious leaders do not know to whom they will pass the torch of their teachings, creating concern that the highly localized religious knowledge will disappear when village religious leaders pass. This paper focuses on the effect of climate change on religious practice and thought in Lubra, as well as how religion shapes residents’ stories of climate change
Fa’a(-)vae Model of Restoration: Comparative Perspectives on Peace Making in Sāmoan Socio-legislative Structures and Communities
Full text linkThe role of justice is integral to the maintenance and moral condition of a society. In Sāmoa, the role of Fa’asāmoa and indigenous epistemologies in shaping village and national justice systems is of paramount importance to maintaining cultural identity and holistic peace- through the employment of customary practices like fa’ate’a ma le nu’u and ifoga. European contact that led to the adoption of Christianity in the whole of Sāmoa, which modified the structure of justice and customary practices. Additionally, the role of village and national authority in the broader systems of justice in Sāmoa are reflective of social norms and their respective evolutions. The translation of ifoga and fa’ate’a ma le nu’u into contemporary socio-legislative structures exemplifies the pragmatism of these peace-building mechanisms in social restoration. The relational factors and systems that contribute to peace-building mechanisms are foundational to social restoration
Dive Behavior and Feeding Habits of Two Penguin Species in the Beagle Channel Utilization of Video Cameras to Analyze Behavior and Feeding Habits of Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) and Gentoo (Pygoscelis papúa) Penguins in the Beagle Channel
Full text linkAbstracto Castellano: Los pingüinos magallánicos y papúa son dos especies que viven en el Canal Beagle, Argentina, con nicho superpuesto con respecto a su alimentación. Este estudio trata de analizar los hábitos de alimentación y comportamiento de buceo usando cámaras de video en la espalda de individuos de las dos especies. Usamos la teoría de alimentación óptima para crear modelos de alimentación óptima para diferentes tipos de presas para las dos especies de pingüinos. Nosotras hipotetizamos que nuestros resultados van a coincidir con la teoría de alimentación óptima, que los pingüinos van a maximizar la ingesta de energía y minimizar el gasto de energía. Aunque muchos de los resultados apoyaron esta hipótesis, como tiempo más largo de precaptura en buceos posteriores, fue difícil de hacer conclusiones definitivas, debido a una falta de significancia estadística.
English Abstract: Magellanic and gentoo penguins are two species that coexist in the Argentine Beagle Channel with niche overlap in their food source. This study aims to analyze the feeding habits and diving behavior of these two species using video cameras mounted on the back feathers of individuals of both species. We used optimal foraging theory (OFT) to create optimal foraging models for different prey types for both species of penguin. We hypothesized that our findings will align with the optimal foraging theory, that the penguins will maximize energy intake while minimizing energy expenditure. While many of the results supported this hypothesis, such as longer pre-capture time in later dives, it was difficult to draw definite conclusions due to lack of statistical significance for many of the results
Configuraciones de Redes Eléctricas Híbridas Eólico-Nuclear en Tierra del Fuego: Evaluación de la Viabilidad Técnica y las Principales Barreras para el Despliegue Remoto de Reactores Nucleares Modulares Pequeños y Micro Modulares
No full text Resumen
Este papel evalúa la viabilidad técnica de desplegar reactores modulares remotos para complementar un proyecto de parque eólico existente en la red eléctrica aislada de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Una transición rápida hacia tecnologías de energía limpia es crucial para mitigar las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero causadas por humanos, siendo la producción y el consumo de energía los principales contribuyentes al cambio climático. Dentro de estas tecnologías, la energía nuclear ofrece una solución confiable, escalable y de bajas emisiones de carbono. En el campo de la energía nuclear, este estudio se enfoca en los reactores modulares pequeños y los microreactores, tecnologías nucleares innovadoras conocidas por su modularidad y características de seguridad mejoradas, y su posible implementación en regiones geográficamente aisladas con infraestructura energética limitada, como Tierra del Fuego. Utilizando la aplicación web Engage , por el Laboratorio de Energía Renovable de Estados Unidos, se modelan dos escenarios de implementación: un único SMR y una red distribuida que consta de dos SMR y un microreactor para complementar un parque eólico. Estas configuraciones se analizan en función de su capacidad para satisfacer la demanda energética proyectada para la provincia, utilizando un algoritmo con modelos de regresión y funciones sinusoidales.
Los resultados indican que un sistema energético híbrido que combine energías renovables con energía nuclear podría proporcionar un suministro de energía estable y de bajas emisiones de carbono, además podría proporcionar los picos de demanda estacionales. Sin embargo, las entrevistas con los profesionales locales revelan desafíos importantes, incluidos problemas de compatibilidad de la red, limitaciones de escalabilidad, preocupaciones regulatorias y de seguridad, así como las complejidades económicas y logísticas de desplegar tecnologías nucleares avanzadas en áreas remotas. Al identificar estas barreras, este estudio comienza un análisis exhaustivo de las oportunidades y limitaciones asociadas con la implementación de energía nuclear en Tierra del Fuego, ofreciendo perspectivas aplicables a otros sistemas energéticos aislados a nivel mundial.
Palabras Claves: Reactores Modulares Pequeños (SMR), Despliegue remoto, Parque eólico, Tecnologías de energía limpias, Emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero
Abstract
This paper evaluates the technical feasibility of deploying remote modular reactors to complement an existing wind farm project within the isolated electric grid of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. A rapid transition to clean energy technologies is vital to mitigate human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, with energy production and consumption being the primary contributors to climate change. Among these technologies, nuclear energy provides a reliable, scalable, and low-carbon solution. Within the nuclear field, this study focuses on small modular reactors and microreactors—innovative nuclear technologies noted for their modularity and enhanced safety features—and their potential deployment in geographically isolated regions with limited energy infrastructure, such as Tierra del Fuego. Using the Engage web application 1 developed by the United States Renewable Energy Laboratory, two deployment scenarios are modeled: a single SMR and a distributed network comprising two SMRs and one microreactor to complement a wind farm. These configurations are analyzed for their capacity to meet projected provincial energy demands, using an algorithm developed through regression and sinusoidal function modeling. The results indicate that a hybrid energy system integrating renewables with nuclear power could deliver a stable, low-carbon energy supply while addressing seasonal demand peaks. However, interviews with local stakeholders reveal significant challenges, including grid compatibility issues, scalability constraints, regulatory and safety concerns, and the economic and logistical complexities of deploying advanced nuclear technologies in remote areas. By identifying these barriers, this study begins a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and limitations associated with nuclear energy deployment in Tierra del Fuego, offering insights applicable to other isolated energy systems globally.
Key words: modular reactors, remote deployment, wind farm, clean energy technologies, greenhouse gas emissions
Autonomía Femenina en la Gestación y Parto: Explorando un Sistema de Salud Medicalizado en Chile
No full textThis research explored the impact of Chile\u27s medicalized healthcare model on reproductive rights and autonomy during childbirth, particularly in the context of Arica, Chile. Since the transition from dictatorship in 1990, Chile’s healthcare system has evolved into a mixed public-private model, with public services (FONASA) covering 78% of the population and private providers (ISAPRES) disproportionately benefiting higher-income groups, especially men (Nuñez et al., 2020).The normalization of interventions such as cesarean sections, induced labor, and oxytocin administration highlights a trend prioritizing efficiency and profit over respecting natural birthing processes, posing risks to women\u27s dignity and a respectful birth. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with six participants, including one midwife and five women who were pregnant or recently gave birth. The research analyzed five themes: personal background, healthcare experiences, decision-making autonomy, medicalization, and recommendations for improvement. Findings revealed systemic challenges, including highly medicalized practices undermining women’s autonomy, insufficient culturally appropriate care for indigenous and non-indigenous populations, long wait times for brief prenatal check-ups, and rigid medical protocols. Participants emphasized the need for respectful, individualized, and culturally sensitive care, advocating for reduced medical interventions and greater support for women to regain control and dignity during childbirth. The study concludes that Chile’s biomedical model prioritizes efficiency at the expense of women’s autonomy and reproductive rights, emphasizing the necessity of compassionate, informed, and culturally respectful maternal care. Future research should address patient education, medicalization impacts, obstetric violence, and access barriers while promoting systemic reforms to humanize maternal healthcare and uphold reproductive rights.
Esta investigación exploró el impacto del modelo de atención medicalizada de Chile en los derechos reproductivos y la autonomía durante el parto, particularmente en el contexto de Arica, Chile. Desde la transición de la dictadura en 1990, el sistema de salud de Chile ha evolucionado hacia un modelo mixto público-privado, con servicios públicos (FONASA) cubriendo al 78% de la población y proveedores privados (ISAPRES) beneficiando desproporcionadamente a los grupos de mayores ingresos, especialmente los hombres (Nuñez et al., 2020). La normalización de intervenciones como cesáreas, partos inducidos y administración de oxitocina resalta una tendencia a priorizar la eficiencia y las ganancias sobre el respeto a los procesos de parto natural, lo que plantea riesgos para la dignidad de las mujeres y un parto respetuoso. Utilizando un enfoque cualitativo, el estudio realizó entrevistas semiestructuradas con seis participantes, incluida una partera y cinco mujeres que estaban embarazadas o dieron a luz recientemente. La investigación analizó cinco temas: antecedentes personales, experiencias de atención médica, autonomía en la toma de decisiones, medicalización y recomendaciones para mejorar. Los hallazgos revelaron desafíos sistémicos, incluidas prácticas altamente medicalizadas que socavan la autonomía de las mujeres, atención insuficiente y culturalmente apropiada para las poblaciones indígenas y no indígenas, largos tiempos de espera para controles prenatales breves y protocolos médicos rígidos. Los participantes enfatizaron la necesidad de una atención respetuosa, individualizada y culturalmente sensible, abogando por la reducción de las intervenciones médicas y un mayor apoyo para que las mujeres recuperen el control y la dignidad durante el parto. El estudio concluye que el modelo biomédico de Chile prioriza la eficiencia a expensas de la autonomía y los derechos reproductivos de las mujeres, enfatizando la necesidad de una atención materna compasiva, informada y culturalmente respetuosa. Las investigaciones futuras deben abordar la educación de las pacientes, los impactos de la medicalización, la violencia obstétrica y las barreras de acceso, al tiempo que promueven reformas sistémicas para humanizar la atención de la salud materna y defender los derechos reproductivos.
Palabras Claves: Autonomía, Sistema de salud Aymara, Modelo biomédico, Nacimiento, Gestación, Salud intercultural, Medicalización, Violencia obstétrica, Embaraz
Madre de la Nación: Confianza ciudadana en la democracia y participación política de las mujeres bajo la presidencia de Dina Boluarte
No full textDina Boluarte\u27s presidency marks a tumultuous chapter in Peruvian politics, as she faces the challenges of being the country\u27s first female president against a backdrop of corruption scandals and widespread civil discontent. Her government has been characterized by a marked disconnect between her promises and the realities faced by Peruvians, who continue to struggle with systemic inequalities. Despite her attempt at fostering a “Mother of the Nation” image, Boluarte has struggled to translate her leadership into tangible improvements for marginalized groups and women. This situation has not only affected public perception, but has also raised critical questions about the effectiveness of female leadership in transforming political narratives and fostering real progress. As approval ratings plummet and citizen repression becomes more evident, the broader implications of her presidency on public confidence in democracy deserve close scrutiny. This research analyzes the interaction between Boluarte\u27s presidency and the dynamics of women\u27s political participation in Peru. By situating Boluarte\u27s leadership in the historical and sociological context of Peruvian politics, the analysis reveals how longstanding patterns of exclusion and power imbalances continue to erode citizen trust in democracy. This paper examines the challenges women face in the political landscape using an intersectional approach and aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between the Boluarte administration, women\u27s empowerment and the prospects for democratic renewal in Peru, emphasizing the need for substantive action to address the root causes of disenfranchisement and promote inclusive governance
Health of Quercus spp. in a rare neotropical montane forest determined through a phenotypic health index in Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands, Panama
Full text linkNeotropical Quercus forests play a crucial role in fostering biodiversity, enabling water retention, and carbon sequestration; but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures and climate change. This research characterizes the distribution, health, and oral history of Quercus spp. in a rare neotropical montane forest located in Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands, Panama. Phenotypic health assessments were utilized in conjunction with interviews with local community members to understand the oral history and health of rare neotropical forest. The results produced an average health score of 72.79 for Mamecillo individuals and 75.05 for Roblito individuals. The health data suggests that the species exhibit good overall health, with some areas of concern. The lowest-scoring categories observed in both species were trunk discoloration, fungal severity, cavity formation, and abrasions. The study results present potential environmental and biological susceptibilities for the health of Quercus spp. in neotropical montane forests
IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION IN AKUREYRI, ICELAND: Identifying ways to cultivate a ‘Sense of Belonging,’ From the Perspective of Foreigners
Full text linkIceland has experienced significant demographic changes since the 1990s. As climate change intensifies, raising the global temperature, migration to cooler climates such as Iceland will increase. To minimize ‘othering’ and rhetoric conducive to anti-immigrant environments, Iceland must work on integration issues, especially while opportunities and perceptions of other groups are still manageable. Through a series of interviews and discussions with foreigners in Akureyri and a focus group with employees from the University Centre of the Westfjords, integration was defined as a ‘sense of belonging’ and the ability to communicate with the native majority. To aid integration, this study identified a desire amongst participants for more validation and patience from Icelanders to cultivate this sense of belonging. Additionally, this paper explores a lack of multiculturalist effort from native Icelanders that interferes with foreigners ability to integrate