8411 research outputs found
Sort by
The Embrace of Religion and Spirituality in Indonesia
Full text linkThis thesis offers a contemporary investigation of the extent to which historical contexts contribute to Indonesian people’s reservations towards political conversations and social movements, such as protests and demonstrations. The historical contexts in question are focused on the Soeharto dictatorship from 1966-1999 and its long reign of censorship, citizen violence, and general human rights violations. The research employs a mixed-methods approach focused on cultural and participant observation, social media analysis, and interviews. Social media analyses offer insights into activism, particularly that of students and the youth, that are not generally available in scholarly sources. Interviews with Indonesian citizens and local political leaders share the diverse perspectives on electoral fairness, protest efficacy, and overall political awareness. The findings highlight the wide ranging beliefs toward the state of the Indonesian government, its political figures, and whether citizens should feel fear in their quotidian lives or not. A brief explanation of the Pancasila’s ideals and how they shape Indonesian society elucidates a sociopolitical factor that may promote the reservations present in citizens’ outlooks on their political sphere. Despite limitations in access to reliable archives and language proficiency, this research contributes valuable insights into the psychological standpoints of Indonesian citizens regarding their own expressive freedom and safety
Unrealized Potential: South Africa’s Bill of Inaccessible Rights: What three Cape Town human rights activist have to say about the adequacy of three clauses in South Africa’s Bill of Rights
Full text linkThe South African Constitution is often referred to as the most progressive constitution in the world by both locals and international academics. Its establishment would come after decades of racial abuse and discrimination which called for political and social rights for a population that had been neglected for years. Although, this sentiment quickly comes into question as soon as an individual travels more than ten kilometers outside of the Cape Town city center. This is where informal settlements and their lack of basic necessities such as clean water, proper housing structures, and consistent education become visible. The South African Bill of Rights claims to provide a level of adequacy in each of these areas, but a discrepancy between what is promised and what is realized clearly exist. The extent of this gap, what has caused it, and its potential implications is what the rest of this paper has explored through contributions made by local South African human rights activists. By interviewing three people who work at human rights organizations, sections of the Bill of Rights as it is written within the South African Constitution will be compared to the realistic accessibility of these rights, specifically in relation to vulnerable populations which lack access to these rights the most. Their words shaped a rewritten version of three clauses within the South African Bill of Rights to adequately represent what protections South African citizens can realistically expect from their Constitution. The areas of focus within this research include Section 26: Housing; Section 27: Health care, food, water, and social security; and Section 29: Education. Activists were quick to point out the inadequacies in the South African Bill of Rights which exists to many as a paper of poetic promises and nothing more. This research was based on these inadequacies, but interviews would further highlight the consistency in inconsistencies that protected the insufficiencies of the Bill of Rights as a whole. Themes between the impact of “progressive realisation”, citizen awareness, and the inexplicable relationship between different rights are explored in the research portion of this paper. This study has used the well-recognized fact of human rights shortcomings within South Africa to creatively express the realities of human rights protections and the threads that have and continue to replicate a present which cannot escape its past
Exploring Sustainable Strategies for Businesses in Byron Bay
Full text linkThe presence of sustainability within business is a rapidly growing concept. As public awareness of sustainability grows, businesses need to adapt to fulfill the wants of their customers. However, the implementation of sustainability is accompanied by many hardships. This research paper aims to understand the presence of sustainability within the businesses of the Byron Bay area, analyze how sustainable efforts may be working or failing within these businesses, and theorize how sustainability may be better implemented in the businesses in ways that can not only make the business more environmentally friendly but also generate revenue. To properly accomplish this task, intensive in-person interviews were conducted with Businesses and Locals in the Byron Bay area. A content analysis of the four separate newspapers in the local area was also performed. It was discovered that there are significant sustainable initiatives practiced within the businesses interviewed that are often matched with equally significant hardships, all of which are dependent on the industry. Results cemented that there is an equal distribution of interest in sustainability between the businesses of Byron Bay and the locals. Still, an unequal amount of effort was put forth to be sustainable. While Businesses were highly focused on sustainability and persevered through challenges to make their products sustainable, many locals longed for sustainable products but were forced to buy non-sustainable products due to higher prices, aesthetics, and inconvenience. Through outside research of peer-reviewed articles, studies, and papers, theoretical ideas will be provided to combat these hardships faced by both businesses and customers to help the businesses within Byron Bay be sustainable and profitable
Stories from Nepal: Internship with the Kathmandu Post
Full text linkThis report examines the role of print media in Nepal and recounts my experience working as an intern reporter for a month with the Kathmandu Post. I worked roughly 40 hours each week developing my own story pitches, identifying sources, conducting interviews, and writing stories relevant to the themes of Gender, Development, and Social Change. Throughout this month, I published 11 stories online and in print with the Kathmandu Post. This report discusses the history of print media in Nepal, the role of the Kathmandu Post within the Nepali media landscape, and my experience working as a part of the organization
Care Here-and-There: How Transnational Family Networks are Created and Endure Between Tunisia and Italy
Full text linkMigration continues to be a highly relevant topic in Tunisia, the Maghreb, and Mediterranean regions in general. Tunisia and Italy are two countries with a specific, historical relationship of circular migration. With more and more Tunisian families living across borders, transnationalism and family networks are subjects that require more research. At their intersection is my research on how economic and social remittances come together to form the basis of transnational care networks. How do families and individuals navigate living both here and there? Using survey data and ethnographic interviews with individuals in both Tunisia and Italy, I explored questions of care, proximity, multilocality, and borders with an aspirations-capabilities framework
Exploring variations in coral reef composition and fish community structure across coral extraction-affected sites in Western Guna Yala: a multi-method approach
Full text linkCoral extraction in the Guna Yala comarca of Panama is a practice driven by the need for land expansion in response to rising sea levels and growing population pressures. This study investigates the reef fish community structure and benthic composition of coral reef areas that were previously extracted while also exploring the Guna community\u27s perspectives on the practice. The research involved visual censuses of reef fish and benthic substrate surveys at two undisturbed and two extracted sites, along with interviews from 10 community members. Significant differences in live and dead coral cover (p\u3c 0.05) were found between extracted and undisturbed sites. Reef fish communities also varied, with differences in species abundances, diversity, and trophic structure across sites. However, inconsistencies in the data across sites hindered definitive conclusions about the direct impacts of coral extraction. Interviews revealed that while the community acknowledges coral extraction, opinions about its ongoing practice and impacts are mixed. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive research, including greater site replication and better documentation of coral extraction activities, to fully understand the environmental impact of coral extraction and the Guna community’s perspective on the practice
SLM Impact Finance SA: Financial Analysis, the Man and the Machine
Full text linkThis paper details the insights and learning outcomes from my internship at SLM Impact Finance SA (SLM), where I gained hands-on experience in applying AI and machine learning to investment research. Throughout the internship, I worked on projects involving sentiment natural language processing (NLP) analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) model development, and data processing, directly contributing to SLM\u27s innovative approach to market analysis and investment strategy. The experience allowed me to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, particularly in the areas of applying computer science to my financial knowledge.
One of the key lessons was overcoming cognitive biases related to the perceived exclusivity of quantitative finance, as I learned to approach complex problems with an open mind and a focus on collaboration. Additionally, I observed the importance of work-life balance in a multicultural work environment, where diverse approaches to time management and productivity were integrated into daily operations. The internship also provided valuable insights into the intersection of technology and finance, highlighting how AI-driven tools and data analysis can significantly enhance decision-making processes.
By engaging with industry professionals and collaborating across teams, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern finance, including the role of emerging technologies in shaping investment strategies. Overall, the internship significantly enhanced my technical skills, broadened my professional perspective, and underscored the importance of adaptability and effective communication in the global financial landscape
We are not only Filipin(x) at home : A qualitative case study centering a Filipinx/Filipinx American parent-organized learning collective
No full textThis qualitative case study centers on a Filipinx/Filipinx American parent-organized learning collective that emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic providing virtual story times centering Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) characters and authors. The research shares the experiences and perspectives of the founding members and organizers and the early evolution of the learning collective for children and families who want to be connected to the Philippines – through Tagalog language, arts, and cultural practices. Through critical race and decolonial theoretical lenses, the author, a Filipina American motherscholar and practitioner, explores the intersections of learning about race, ethnicity, and identity at home, school, and a third space of learning within the collective. Findings indicate the importance of parent/caregiver involvement, Filipinx American history and stories in the curriculum, and affinity spaces
The Impact of Neurological Diseases in Kisumu, Kenya: Case Studies at JOOTRH and KCRH
Full text linkIntroduction: The burden that neurological diseases put on health systems is high, and growing across the globe, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Kenya. For this reason, our study sought out to study the burden and impact of neurological diseases at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH), which are in Western Kenya.
Methods: Utilizing data from handwritten patient records spanning 23 months, our study collected said data and analyzed the prevalence, incidence, distribution, and outcomes of different neurological diseases as they impact the Kisumu community.
Results/Discussion: Comparing common neurological diagnoses at JOOTRH and KCRH, stroke was the most prevalent, followed by meningitis, encephalitis/encephalopathy, epilepsy/seizure, respectively. From these results, we quantified the morbidity, mortality, disability, and quality of life due to multifaceted neurological diseases. Particularly, stroke and meningitis presented a very high percentage of cases that resulted in death, a pointer to the dire need for targeted interventions. In addition, demographic analyses showed gender bias in disease incidences: more cases of stroke were reported in women compared to men, and other diagnoses topped in men. Also, age also turned out to be a significant risk factor for neurological diseases, with most stroke patients aged above 40 years. Finally, our findings help highlight the different impacts that neurological diseases have on rural and urban areas as compared to previous studies done in rural settings.
Conclusion: In summary, this study helps to understand the epidemiological trends and impacts of neurological diseases in Western Kenya and, hence, provide useful insights for health policymakers, practice, and future research initiatives toward enhancing neurological care and patient outcomes in LMIC settings. In the future, studies should include data from private healthcare facilities and integrate patient perspectives by using qualitative methods like interviews. From those insights, researchers would be able to unearth critical insights into socio-cultural, economic, and structural factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior and mediators of treatment outcomes relevant for more targeted, patient-centered interventions for the conditions highlighted in our study
Short-term larval surveys reveal rainy season breeding site preferences of malaria vector Anopheles spp. in Zanzibar City
Full text linkMalaria is a serious illness that causes over 500,000 deaths annually worldwide, with Tanzania alone contributing to approximately 4% of those deaths. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites, and it is vectored by mosquitoes in the Anopheles genus. In Zanzibar City, the incidence of malaria has decreased over the past few decades due to standardized treatment protocols and public health interventions targeting adult mosquitoes. However, the incidence remains between 1-2%, with an increasing trend observed over the past few years likely stemming from continued exchange of Plasmodium spp. from other malaria-endemic areas. Because larvicidal strategies can be useful in lowering the population of adult Anopheles spp. mosquitoes, and no larval surveys had been done in Zanzibar City, I aimed to characterize Anopheles spp. breeding sites in Zanzibar City during the rainy season. Using systematic larval surveys across 16 semipermanent/permanent water bodies and 30 temporary water bodies, I show that Anopheles spp. prefer concrete, semipermanent breeding sites with high levels of dissolved oxygen saturation, but are able to utilize natural sites after heavy rains. These data, therefore, suggest that Anopheles spp. have not yet expanded to using more polluted breeding sites in Zanzibar City. Additionally, we present a model incorporating rainfall that can be used to predict Anopheles larvae presence. Taken together, the data from my study support the current targetability of Anopheles larvae with environmentally-friendly larvicides in Zanzibar City