Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Batwa Indigenous People of Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda: Does “Place” Matter?

Introduction: Malaria is an important disease, causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring malaria prevalence using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), particularly among a vulnerable population sub-group, is a vital public health step in discovering effective methods of prevention and control. This study set out to examine the association between “place” and other risk factors with malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People (IP). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was implemented. Two surveys January 2014 (n = 572) and April 2014 (n = 541) involving interviews and testing for malaria using mRDTs were conducted in 10 Batwa settlements where a total of 1113 Batwa of all ages were surveyed and tested. The data were first compiled in MS Excel and then imported and analyzed using STATA ver.14. Descriptive statistics, were generated, followed by bivariable and multivariable regression model analysis to establish associations between the predictor and outcome variables with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence was 13.94% (n = 146). There is a significant relationship between settlement (place) and malaria prevalence AOR 11.7, 95% CI (1.38 - 98.93), p-value = 0.02. More males 16.97% (n = 84) tested positive compared to females 11.23% (n = 62) but there was no statistically significant association between gender and mRDT (p-value > 0.005). Children less than 5 years registered high prevalence and there was a significant relationship between age and mRDT (p-value ≤ 0.005). Wealth proxy indicators showed no association with prevalence p-value = 0.390. Season had no association with prevalence (p-value = 0.80). However, the proportion of the day spent in the forest/woodlands was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 12.83, 95% CI (1.14 - 143.73) p-value = 0.04. Low elevation was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 2.42, 95% CI (1.32 - 4.41), p = 0.004 but sleeping under a net and level of education did not show any association with malaria prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of place in predicting malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People a marginalized and remortely located sub-population. This study has shown that place matters in determining malaria prevalence. However, other factors like age, elevation and gender also contribute to malaria prevalence. Batwa have higher prevalence than the national and even non-indigenous populations in the same district. We recommend targeting hotspots intervention approach since it has proven reasonable impact on reducing malaria prevalence.

Indigenous Breeding Practices in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) as Influenced by Plumage Features in Northern Cameroon

The objective of this work was to draw up an inventory of environmental and anthropogenic factors linked to indigenous breeding practices of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) influenced by plumage characteristics. The information was collected using the snowball technique and using a formal questionnaire developed (AU-IBAR, 2015). The dominant plumage is pearl gray with a frequency of 38.89% followed by black (13.85%). In total, 154 adult animals were lost by operators with a frequency of 22.95%. According to plumage, white comes first with a frequency of 51.61% followed by Lavender plumage (36.58%). Predation is the major constraint with a frequency of 35.72%. The guinea fowl most targeted by predators are the white guinea fowl with a frequency of 56.25%, while predation is low for black plumage (25%), royal purple (33.34) and pearl gray (34.69). The pearl gray guinea fowl and the royal purple guinea fowl appear to have a more developed wild instinct, which explains the frequency of recorded escapes. White plumage is perceived as being more docile during breeding and tends to exhibit better resistance to heat stress compared to other phenotypes, making it more valued for traditional rituals. Dark plumage seems more sought after in breeding for its supposed prolificacy, its resistance to infections and its weight. According to breeders, the dominance relationship mainly depends on the number of individuals of the same plumage. Dark plumage in significant numbers in most flocks seems to have dominance in terms of food and choice of sexual partners, which would explain their large numbers.

Perception of Local Populations of Bouba-Ndjidda National Park on Indigenous Knowledge and the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Conservation

This study deals with the perceptions of indigenous knowledge in the field of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the peripheral villages of the Bouba-Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), Department of Mayo-Rey, Cameroon. To this end, 23 out of 70 villages in the study area were selected, for a sample of 368 households surveyed through a questionnaire addressed to the heads of households. Data collection took place from August 27 to December 22, 2022. The results reveal that 70.7% of the population living near the PNBN practice agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock (23.3%) and trade (6%). Knowledge in the field of the conservation of natural resources is rooted in occultism through rituals and sacrifices (99.50%) offered to the geniuses of nature and prohibitions on the felling of trees and sacred animals (13.00%). The populations perceive climate change through the variation of the seasons (97.60%), the increase in temperature (84.80%), the reduction in the duration of the rainy seasons (54.60%), the drop in agricultural yield (84.80%) and floods (74.70%). The consequence of these changes on wildlife is the disappearance of animal species such as the Rhinoceros, the Wild Dog, the Cheetah and the Ostrich. In order to cope with climate change, the natives have developed strategies such as the adoption of early crop varieties (maize, millet, soybeans, etc.), the reorganization of the agricultural calendar, the practice of reforestation, extension of field surfaces, the cessation of excessive deforestation and uncontrolled bush fires, the construction of fired brick houses, the practice of irrigation, seasonal migration and occultism. This indigenous knowledge is a perfect adaptation to climate change and makes it possible to better take into account the vision of local populations in the conservation of biodiversity.

Towards Inclusive Development: Situating the Socio-Economic Wellbeing and Environmental Issues of an Indigenous Cultural Community in the Philippines

The Municipality of Carranglan is a rural community where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The Kalanguya Ancestral Domain (KAD) is also located in the area, and it provides a home for the Kalanguya indigenous cultural community. They have fled to the area for a variety of reasons. Despite its rural setting, Carranglan is regarded as a first-class municipality and the largest municipality in Nueva Ecija. This study described and documented the socio-economic profile, and existing issues and problems the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples (IPs) experienced in their milieu, especially in terms of environmental protection. Recognizing and valuing their perspectives is vital for inclusive development. This study also situated the current status and conditions of the IPs, who generally live below the poverty line and face a range of plights and challenges. As part of safeguarding indigenous rights and interests, this study was undertaken after series of consultations with community elders and leaders. Key informant interviews, household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focused-group discussion (FGD), and direct observations were used to elicit information. Many of the respondents are elementary undergraduates which show that the community had lacked access to education. The following are the primary socioeconomic issues confronting IPs: insufficient access to potable water, suboptimal agricultural productivity, meager monthly income, and a dearth of supplementary and alternative livelihood opportunities. Forest fires, landslides, encroachment of illegal loggers, and concerns about wildlife resources are some of the current environmental issues they have encountered. The local population was supportive of plans and actions targeted at improving the environment. This reveals that the IPs possess unique indigenous forest expertise that enables them to properly manage natural resources.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

论国际法中的indigenous peoples

自20世纪初以来,在涉及到各国家和地区人们共同体的权利关系问题的讨论中,首先在国际性文件里出现了"indigenous peoples"这一概念,并对其内涵与外延进行了界定。同时,伴随着先住民运动在世界各地的风起云涌以及世界各国家和地区政治、经济、文化等的发展,"indigenous peoples"的内涵与外延也处于不断的变化过程中。然而,由于英文的"indigenous peoples"在汉语中并无直接对应词汇,再加上学术传统的差异等各种原因,造成中西方对其内涵与外延的理解上产生歧义,进而影响到所涉及对象的基本权利以及相互关系的构建。因此,从人类学的视角出发,厘清国际法语境中"indigenous peoples"在中西方文化中内涵与外延的异同,有助于多民族国家各人们共同体权利的维护以及和谐关系的建设。

cDNA Cloning of Heat Shock Protein Genes and Their Expression in an Indigenous Cryptic Species of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Complex from China

Thermal adaptation plays a fundamental role in shaping the distribution and abundance of insects,and heat shock proteins（Hsps）play important roles in the temperature adaptation of various organisms.To better understand the temperature tolerance of the indigenous ZHJ2-biotype of whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex,we obtained complete cDNA sequences for hsp90,hsp70,and hsp20 and analyzed their expression profiles under different high temperature treatments by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The high temperature tolerance of B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype was determined by survival rate after exposure to different high temperatures for 1 h.The results showed that after 41°C heat-shock treatment for 1 h,the survival rates of ZHJ2 adults declined significantly and the estimated temperature required to cause 50% mortality（LT50）is 42.85°C for 1 h.Temperatures for onset（Ton）or maximal（Tmax）induction of hsps expression in B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype were 35 and 39°C（or 41°C）.Compared with previous studies,indigenous ZHJ2-biotype exhibits lower heat temperature stress tolerance and Ton（or Tmax）than the invasive B-biotype.

Plant Growth,Yield Components,Economic Responses,and Soil Indigenous K Uptake of Two Cotton Genotypes with Different K-Efficiencies

HG103,a high K-efficiency cotton cultivar with high-yield potential,and LG122,a low K-efficiency cotton cultivar with low-yield potential were used to study the genotypic variation on yield,economic responses,and soil indigenous K exploitation for cotton in pot and field conditions in 2006 and 2007.Results indicated that both the cultivars differed significantly in the rate of translocation of dry matter into reproductive organs and the time of running into reproductive stage.Cotton yield and economic parameters of HG103 were much better than LG122.Potassium content in cotton shells reached the highest level at maturity stage for both genotypes.Results also showed that the K content in each plant part of HG103 was lower than that of LG122.The two genotypes showed different efficiencies and abilities on absorbing soil rapidly available K and slowly available K.LG122 showed higher absorption of K rate than HG103 after K fertilization,but on the contrary,HG103 uptake more soil indigenous K than LG122 in no K fertilization treatment.This result indicated that HG103 could tolerant and absorb more soil indigenous K than LG122,under condition of soil K stress.LG122 could grow well and absorb more K nutrient when soil K supply is sufficient.Our results demonstrated that higher K content in plant tissues and higher K uptake by plant may not an exclusive condition for high yield planting with K fertilization.Earlier translocation of more dry matters into reproductive organs is one of the key mechanisms of high K use efficiency in cotton.

Comparative Study on Growth and Developmental Model of Indigenous Chicken Breeds in China

The growth and development regularity and genetic parameters were described in three types of indigenous chicken in China, Shaobo, Huaixiang and Youxi Chicken, by 3 nonlinear mathematics models, Logistics, Gompertz and Bertalanfy, according to the data of Body Weight from 1 week to 10 weeks. The results showed that the growth process of the three breeds could be illustrated well by three models, and the indices of fitness were very high (more than 0.99). Among the 3 models, Gompertz model was the best for its less bias from practice. The inflexions of growth were 5.98, 5.11 and 6.16 weeks of age, and body weights were 2115.77 g, 1499.08 g and 1409.62 g, respectively in Shaobo Chicken, Huaixiang Chicken and Youxi Chicken.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy

AIM: To perform a systematic review of reported neonatal and pregnancy outcomes of Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy(DIP).METHODS: Electronic searches of Pub Med and Web of Science were carried out. Articles were selected if they contained original data on DIP outcomes in Indigenous Australians. There were no specific exclusion criteria.RESULTS: A total of eight articles, predominantly from Queensland and Western Australia were identified once inclusion criteria were applied. Birth data from midwifery registries or paper charts encompassing years 1985-2008 were used. A total of 465591 pregnant women with and without DIP were included in the eight studies, with 1363 being Indigenous women with DIP. Indigenous Australians experienced increased rates of many known adverse outcomes of DIP including: macrosomia, caesarean section, congenital deformities, low birth weight, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal trauma. There were regional differences among Indigenous Australians, particularly regional/remote vs metropolitan populations where the regional/remote data showed worse outcomes. Two of the articles did not note a difference between Aboriginals and Caucasians in the rates of measured adverse outcome. Studies varied significantly in size, measured outcomes, and subsequent analysis.CONCLUSION: The health disparities between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are further evidenced by poorer outcomes in DIP. This has broader implications for Indigenous health in general.

Effect of Indigenous Nitrogen Supply of Soil on the Grain Yield and Fertilizer-N Use Efficiency in Rice

The effects of application of N fertilizer on wheat on the grain yield and N use efficiency （FNUE） of rice in the wheat-rice rotation system, as well as on the soil fertility were studies. N-fertilizer application on wheat significantly increased total N, arnrnoniurn-N and nitrate-N contents in paddy field, resulting in high indigenous N supply of soil （INS）. Compared with low INS, the effect of N rate on the grain yield of rice was reduced significantly, and FNUE was decreased under high INS. These results indicated that high INS was one of the main reasons for the low FNUE in rice.

Effect of adding Lactobacillus plantarum and soluble carbohydrates to swine manure on odorous compounds, chemical composition and indigenous flora

Manure odor, which results in the increasing complaints and lawsuits, has increased the tension among swine producers and surrounding residents. The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and different rates of soluble carbohydrates additions to swine manure on odorous compounds, chemical compounds and indigenous flora were evaluated. Additions were calculated on dried manure weight basis. Variables monitored included ammonia （NH3）, hydrogen sulfide （H2S）, odor offensiveness, pH, ammonium nitrogen（NH4^＋-N）, volatile fatty acids （VFAs）, urease and indigenous flora. The results indicated that the combination of L. plantarum and soluble carbohydrates dramatically reduced manure pH. Lower pH resulted in the reduction of NH3 volatilization （34.6%-92.4%, P〈0.01）, the increases of H2S （P〈 0.05） and NH4^＋-N （5.3%-17.5%, P〈0.05）. In addition, L. plantarum and soluble carbohydrates additions significantly reduced odor offensiveness, those VFAs related to malodor indicators（valeric acids, 12.3%-47.7%, P〈 0.05; iso-valeric, 3.5%-23.8%） and the main microorganisms responsible for odor production, with the number of Eubacteria in swine manure reducing by 4.9%, 11.6%, 17.4%, 34.1% and 32.2% respectively.

Assessment of Variation in Morpho-Physiological Traits and Genetic Diversity in Relation to Submergence Tolerance of Five Indigenous Lowland Rice Landraces

The present study evaluated submergence responses in 88 lowland indigenous rice(Oryza sativa L.) landraces from Koraput, India, to identify submergence-tolerant rice genotypes. In pot experiments, variations in survival rate, shoot elongation, relative growth index, dry matter, chlorophyll, soluble sugar and starch contents were evaluated in two consecutive years under well-drained and completely submerged conditions. Principal component analysis showed that the first three axes contributed 96.820% of the total variation among the landraces, indicating wide variation between genotypes. Major traits such as survival rate, relative growth index, soluble sugar and starch contents appeared to be important determinants of phenotypic diversity among the landraces. Phenotypic coefficient of variance was higher than genotypic coefficient of variance for all the traits and all showed high heritability(90.38%–99.54%). Five rice landraces(Samudrabali, Basnamundi, Gadaba, Surudaka and Dokarakuji) were the most tolerant to submergence. When submerged for up to 14d, Samudrabali, Basnamundi and Godoba were notable for having greater survival rates than a standard submergence tolerant variety FR13 A, and also notable for elongating more vigorously and accumulating more biomass. These three landraces may therefore be especially useful in lowland rice growing areas that are affected by both moderate stagnant water and flash flooding. Molecular genotyping revealed that the submergence tolerance of Samudrabali, Basnamundi and Godoba is linked to the presence of one or more different Sub1 loci and it may well prove useful for breeding improved submergence tolerant rice varieties, thereby assising to improve yield stability in the rainfed lowland agro-ecosystem.

Ethnobotanical inventory and folk uses of indigenous plants from Pir Nasoora National Park,Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Objective:To document the medicinal and other folk uses of native plants of the area with a view to preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with this area.Methods:The fieldwork was conducted during a period of one year.Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with indigenous tribal people and traditional health practitioners residing in the study area.Results:The present study documented ethnobotanical uses of 104 plant species belonged to93 genera and 51 families.Results revealed that most of the documented species were used medicinally(78 spp..44.07%).Leaves were found to be the most frequently used part(69 spp..42.86%) for the preparation of indigenous recipes and for fodder.Conclusions:The current research contributes significantly to the ethnobotanical knowledge.and depicts a strong human-plant interaction.There is an urgent need to further document indigenous uses of plants for future domestication.

Indigenous Purple Vegetable Extracts Protect against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced DNA Damage in Human Lymphocytes

The objectives of this study were to identify the antioxidants in acid hydrolysates of six of Taiwan’s indigenous purple-leaved vegetables (IPLV), including purple-leaved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lamark), purple-leaved gynura line 1 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved gynura line 2 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved perilla line 1 (Perilla frutescents L. Britton), bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 (Perilla frutescens L. Britton), and heartleaf houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata Thumb.). Their antioxidant activity and ability to protect DNA from oxidative damage was also evaluated. The antioxidants identified included flavonoids, anthocyanidins and flavonols. Both purple-leaved perilla line 1 and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 were found to be abundant in cynidin, malvidin, and myricetin. Moreover, purple-leaved sweet potato and heartleaf houttuynia were found to be abundant in quercetin. Purple-leaved sweet potato and purple-leaved perilla line 1 contained significantly higher inhibition percentages of conjugated diene formation than other vegetables. Purple-leaved sweet potato, heartleaf houttuynia, purple-leaved perilla line 1, and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 had better inhibition percentages of tail DNA% and tail moment in the study. In conclusion, the abovementioned four indigenous purple-leaved vegetables abounded in antioxidants had strong antioxidant activity for protecting DNA in lymphocytes from oxidative damages.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in an indigenous infant with Down’s syndrome: A case report

Rationale: Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania and transmitted by sandflies, is endemic to the tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases in the world. Patient concerns: A 20-month-old indigenous infant with severe malnutrition and Down’s syndrome presented with a facial ulcer for 5 months. Diagnosis: Giemsa staining of scraped ulcer tissues indicated the presence of the amastigote form of Leishmania sp., and positive Montenegro’s intradermal test helped in diagnosing the condition as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Interventions: The child was hospitalized and received intravenous treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis(1 mg/kg/day of amphotericin B). Outcomes: The condition was cured with amphotericin B(1 mg/kg/day for 14 d). Lessons: Because of infanticide practices in indigenous cultures, indigenous infants with Down’s syndrome rarely survive. Thus, no similar case has been reported in the literature.

Relationship Between the First Base of the Donor Splice Site of Waxy Gene Intron 1 and Amylose Content in Yunnan Indigenous Rice Varieties

There exists a single nucleotide polymorphism, G or T, at the first base of the donor splice site of waxy gene intron 1 in rice. In order to study the relationship between the first base of the donor splice site of waxy gene intron 1 and amylose content in rice, the one-step PCR method was used to determine whether it is G or T in 220 Yunnan indigenous rice varieties from 14 districts, 55 towns/counties of Yunnan Province, and 101 varieties of which were validated by the PCR-Acc I method. According to the G/T polymorphism, 164 rice varieties showed GG-genotype, while the other 56 fell into TT- genotype, accounting for 74.5% and 25.5% of all the test varieties, respectively. When all the rice varieties were divided into indica and japonica subspecies, it was found that 80.5% of indica rice and 67.0% of japonica rice belonged to GG-genotype. The rice varieties with GG-genotype had significantly higher amylose content （18.95% on average） than those with TT- genotype （all below 16%）, but 33 rice varieties with GG-genotype still had low amylose content ranging from 3.91% to 15.93%, and most of them came from the Dai minority area in the Southwest of Yunnan Province. However, there was no significant difference in the mean amylose content of the same GG or TT genotypes between indica and japonica rice, suggesting that different genetic backgrounds, indica or japonica, had no effect on amylose content. The coefficient of correlation between the genotype and amylose content was 0.733 （P〈0.01）.

Key Organic Acids in Indigenous Plants in Thailand

Organic acids had various health benefits such as citric acid can inhibit stone formation and break up beginning of small kidney stone. On the other hand, some organic acid showed negative health effects such as oxalic acid acts as anti-nutrients and can cause kidney stone. Most of Thai indigenous plants had sour taste;however general people believed that sour taste of plants could contain high ascorbic acid. In addition, there is limit report of organic acids and ascorbic acid in Thai indigenous plants. This study determined organic acids, ascorbic acid, pH, and total acidity in indigenous plants. Forty samples of 29 types of indigenous plants were analyzed. Results showed that young leaves of Cratoxylum formosum found the highest succinic acid (2454 ± 91 mg/100g fresh weight, FW) and high ascorbic acid (142 ± 35 mg/100g FW). Fruits of Antidesma ghaesembilla had high citric acid levels (5161 ± 109 mg/100g FW) but contained very low ascorbic acid (2 mg/100g FW). The sum of organic acids had significant and inverse correlations with pH (r = -0.680) and positive with total acidity (r = 0.672) but was not significantly correlated for ascorbic acid (r = 0.536). The sour taste of plants could derive from the sum of organic, citric, and formic acids, but not other organic and ascorbic acids. Against traditional belief, plants having a strong sour taste may not contain significantly high amounts of ascorbic acid.

Analysis of Genetic and Biogeography Diversity of Korean Indigenous Wild Rocambole (<i>Allium monanthum</i>Max)

This study was conducted to obtain baseline data describing Allium monanthum Max. for breeding an elite cultivar. A. monanthum has recently become popular vegetable in Korea owing to its unique flavors and nutraceutical effects. The agronomic traits of 271 accessions of A. monanthum collected throughout Korea were evaluated in this study. Leaf width showed the greatest variation (0.1 to 25 mm) among traits evaluated, followed by leaf sheath length and number of cormlets. The average leaf sheath length and diameter, which are commonly used to evaluate quality in the market, were 1.29 cm and 0.3 cm. Some superior accessions had a leaf sheath length of >10 cm and diameter of >1.1 cm. The average weight of the cormlets ranged from 1 to 2 g;however, one accession weighed more than 4 g. The genetic diversity of A. monanthum calculated based on morphology and molecular distance was greater in Jeolla and Gyeoungsang provinces than Gyeonggi and Chungcheong provinces. Finally, seven elite accessions of A. monanthum were selected owing to their potential usefulness in future breeding projects.