Socio-Cultural Representations and Therapeutic Itineraries of Parents of Autistic Children Followed in the INSP’s Children’s Mental Health Services

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) remain little known to populations in developing countries. In black Africa their social representations remain strongly influenced by local belief systems. The general objective of this study was to understand the perceptions and representations of Ivorian parents vis-à-vis PDD. This was a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim that involved a sample of 49 parents. The sampling was of the qualitative type by multiple cases with reasoned choice by saturation. Our results showed that male parents were mostly aged between 40 - 49 years (48.98%) with a higher level of education (67.34%) while mothers were mostly aged between 30 - 39 (61.22%) and a higher level (30.61%). Autistic children were negatively perceived by their parents: either as a source of psychological suffering (82.85%), or as mysterious children who sacrificed their parents (44.66%), or as “bobo” children (mute children in common Ivorian language) (16.66%) or like rude children (13.34%). The supposed origin of the disorder according to the parents was mystical-religious (60.94%);natural (25%);hereditary (6.25%). In 6.25% of cases, PDD were assumed to be of unknown or iatrogenic origin attributable to vaccination (1.56%). 75.51% of parents said that in addition to conventional medical therapies, they also used traditional therapies. The use of this therapeutic alternative would be linked to the perceptions and beliefs that feed the socio-cultural representations of our respondents.

Major Problems in American Education: From a Socio-Cultural Perspective

American intellectuals of different generations and in various eras,with a strong sense of social responsibility and a critical mind,have dedicated themselves in revealing some major problems existing in American education,namely educational inequality,declining academic performance,inadequate funding,and school violence.By describing and probing into these problems from a socio-cultural perspective,they offer a solution of eliminating the socio-economic inequality in America,which is fundamental and essential.

Using Mixed Methods to Investigate the Relationship Between Student Motivation and Academic Achievement From Socio-Cultural Perspective

Language learning is a complex process for many reasons. First, it is closely related to linguistics. Second, language is social as it occurs within certain social contexts. And finally, it is individual. Personal characteristics such as experience, gender and age, attitude and aptitude, motivation, beliefs, self-confidence, and anxiety greatly influence language learning. Among these variables, motivation is considered to be one of the most important factors affecting the success of second or foreign language learning. However, the relationship between motivation and educational achievement is not quite clear. In the current literature, motivation is regarded as socially constructed, therefore as dynamic rather than static. Little research has been conducted on the motivation of Vietnamese students studying English as a compulsory curriculum component rather than as a major from a socio-cultural perspective. Understanding the relationship between student motivation and academic achievement as well as the socio-cultural factors that affect students＇ motivation will be an important contribution to motivation theory. Therefore, the situation requires longitudinal and in-depth research into student motivation, the factors affecting it during the learning process, and the relationship between student motivation and academic achievement. A mixed method approach has been chosen to meet the needs of the study. It is believed that insights in these areas will help address the issue of motivation at the Police University.

Socio-cultural Embeddedness of Spatial Agglomeration of Creative Industries in Shanghai

Rapidly emerged creative industries receive increasing attention from a variety of disciplines. However, the space features of creative industries and its association with local socio-cultural contexts have not been fully understood, especially at a micro-city level. This study attempts to understand the agglomeration of creative industries in Shanghai from the sociology perspective. For this study, this paper utilizes primarily a questionnaire survey to explain the space features of creative industries in Shanghai. The results indicate an extensive socio-cultural embeddedness of the agglomeration of creative industries in Shanghai. First, strong emphasis on face-to-face contacts by creative professionals makes geographical agglomeration necessary for creative industries. Second, the reason why inner city of Shanghai is popular among creative professionals and enterprises lies in the diversity of cultures and special environment of the former colonial zones of Shanghai. Additionally, highly concentrated dining and entertainment facilities in the central city of Shanghai offer creative workers social networking places and nightlife venues. Third, as the educational attainment of local citizens and the protection of intellectual property are highly stressed by creative professionals, research and design specialized creative industries are more likely located near universities and research institutes.

Socio-Cultural and Economic Role and Importance of Biodiversity and Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo:Case of the Upper-Katanga Province

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in the life of the Congolese population in general and in that of the population of Upper-Katanga province in particular.The current study deals with the socio-cultural and economic role and importance of biological diversity and forest in the life of the population of Upper-Katanga province.The utilized methodology was based on observation,field investigation and bibliographic research.Investigations were concerned more particularly with wood and animal species which are significantly utilized in the province.The results reflect the use of wood and animals which are part of the province biological diversity.They are compiled under two segments,namely the socio-cultural importance of biodiversity with some species forbidden to the queen,those that are utilized to split couples,to give strength to children,to provide the king with authority power,etc.The second segment deals with the results which emphasize the socio-economic importance of biodiversity concerned with hunting,fishing,cutting of some wood species for sale,building houses,cooking food,producing heat during cold weather,making furniture and other finished products,and for personal use.

Socio-Cultural, Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Gene Banking in Oman

Establishment of genetic databases has socio-cultural, ethical and legal implications particularly in developing countries. However, there are no available data in Oman about the community knowledge and understanding of genetic database and gene banking. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating Omani public awareness on socio-cultural, ethical and legal aspects of gene studies （with consideration to regional variations） and to assess the public acceptance of initiating gene banking. This study was conducted using self-completed questionnaires by a sample of adult Omani population invited to participate in the study, from 14 health centers, a school and a university. For illiterate subjects, structured interviews were conducted. There were a total of 1,702 participants with nearly equal numbers of males and females. The mean age of respondents was 31 （＋ 12） years for males and 28 （＋ 10） years for females. In general, 9% of the studied population were illiterate and a total of 29% were preparatory school level and below, classified as the uneducated. While, 60% of the respondents were unemployed. The awareness on the genetic disposition of some common diseases was generally higher than 80% with the highest on sickle cell anemia. Only 17% of the participants had knowledge of genetic databases, 95% of whom were from the educated group. Public opinion on acceptance of gene banking, participation in genetic research and setting protection laws in those aware and non-aware, achieved good scores, indicating public acceptance of the above.

Socio-Cultural Barriers Influencing Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Information and Services among Adolescents and Youth 10 - 24 Years in Pastoral Communities in Kenya

Background: As in other developing countries, sexual and reproductive ill-health continues to mostly affect adolescents and youths. Samburu and Turkana counties in Kenya have some of the highest levels of total fertility rates (TFR) at 6.3 and 6.9 respectively placing them well above the national TFR of 3.9. Establishing factors that influence utilization of SRH services among adolescent and youth aged 10 - 24 years is critical in developing an effective program. Method: We used primary data from qualitative and purposeful study design. Data collection used Focus group discussions (FGD), In-depth interviews (IDIs) and Key informant interviews (IDIs). The target groups were adolescents and youth aged 10 - 24 years, health care providers, community health volunteers (CHVs), chemist assistants, parents of adolescents and youth, teachers, spiritual leaders and traditional activists. Findings and Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors were found to influence utilization of SRH services and information. Early marriage, being youth, male only decisions on sexuality matters and fear of family contribute to unprotected sex while myths and misconceptions on contraceptives affected utilization. The findings revealed that youth needs to know sources, how contraceptives work and how to use them. The findings suggest capacity building of health care providers, CHVs, teachers, parents and community leaders on adolescence, sexuality needs of adolescents and disadvantages of female genital mutilation (FGM) including early marriage.

Personal, Situational and Socio-Cultural Factors as Correlates of Intimate Partner Abuse in Nigeria

This study established the relationships between personal, situational and socio-cultural factors and intimate partner abuse among couples in Nigeria. A multiple regression statistical procedure was employed in analyzing the data collected from 200 participants randomly selected from five ministries in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Results obtained indicated that the three variables when combined effectively predicted intimate partner abuse (F-ratio of 5.756 significant at 0.05 alpha level). Taken separately, situational and socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the prediction (t = 2.146, p t = 2.284, p (t = 1.705, p > 0.05). On the basis of these findings it was suggested that counselling psychologists should design intervention strategies to promote life-skills training in schools and out-of-schools settings. These include age-appropriate content on sexuality, conflict resolution, building healthy relationships and personal safety. Also, it was suggested that couples should be informed on the long-term health and social consequences of physical and sexual abuse.

Socio-Cultural Identities, Perceptions of Sexuality/Sexual Behavior and Cultural Contexts as Determinants of HIV and AIDS Prevalence in Southern Africa

This paper attempts to examine the connection between one’s socio cultural setting and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Often, local communities form the contexts within which people negotiate their social and sexual lives and identities. These communities also play a key role in enabling or restraining people from taking control over their health. The paper will try to demonstrate through specific examples that in African societies, sexual behavior is a product of one’s socio-cultural environment and structural contexts and not the cognitive properties of the individual. The article draws from the qualitative study (Focus group sessions, individual interviews) conducted in three high schools in the Boland area of the Western Cape with about 18 learners, 3 Life skills teachers, 3 Performer-Educators on the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS intervention by The Centre for HIV/AIDS Management theatre group based at the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of the study was to ascertain the cultural content of their campaign model as well as their knowledge of the determinants of sex and sexuality of their target areas. Based on the findings of this study, I argue that theatre will achieve greater success in its campaign against HIV/AIDS in South Africa if the designers of the campaign models adopt a more participatory approach, make indigenous culture central to the design of their intervention model and pay closer attention to what Campbell refers to as “community level of analysis” which simply put implies a greater understanding of the target audiences local communities and its determinants of sex and sexuality.

Embodied Cognition From the Perspective of Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural Theory

Embodied cognition is an approach to cognition that departs from traditional Descartes’ mind-body dualism for its emphasis on bodily interactions with the environment. The paper firstly describes three distinctive features of embodied cognition. Furthermore, from the perspective of philosophical methodology, the paper outlines Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and his contributions to the development of cognitive science. Three basic themes of Vygotsky’s writings are specifically described： genetic forces as a foundation of the study of mind, social origin of higher mental functioning, and mediation of sign systems in inter-mental and intra-mental functioning. Against the background of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, we further discuss the interface between embodied cognition and Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory. It is claimed that bodily states and body-environment interactions are closely connected to sense-making. Embodied cognition should emphasize on the unity of body, mind, and cultural environment. Finally, the paper concludes with the influence of sociocultural theory on the study of embodied cognition.

The Model of Open and Distance Learning for Teaching Indonesian Through Socio-Cultural Approach and Psychological Aspects to Students of Indonesian for Foreign

This study aims to find out the effect of the model of ODL （Open and Distance Learning） for teaching Indonesian for foreign and whether this model of ODL implements socio-cultural and psychological approaches. The students＇ learning of Indonesian for foreign is in so many aspects that it must be considered from both psychological aspects of students＇ language and cultural aspects. The research was carried out on foreign students＇ studying Indonesian language. The research method used action research. ODL model developed this concerning how the students are anxious in foreign language learning and language use in accordance with Indonesian culture. The model of ODL for teaching foreign Indonesian uses the Internet facilities such as email, Skype, VolP, Google Talk, circulating document with comments, chat, forum, CD, audio-video, stream media player, and e-learning system. Based on the results of this study which is that students study the model ODL for teaching Indonesian through socio-cultural approach and psychological aspects and students of Indonesian for foreign improve their ability to use the Indonesian language, students are able to converse fluently in Indonesian in accordance with Indonesian culture

Socio-Cultural Challenges of Small and Medium-Scale Batik and Tie-Dye Industry in Ghana

This paper investigates the socio-cultural challenges of the small-scale batik and tie-dye production and retailing industry in Ghana. The research is based on a qualitative research approach that employs interviews and observation for data collection. In all, sixteen (16) participants were sampled through purposive techniques. Data collected were transcribed, classified and analysed through thematic and descriptive analysis. The study found that family roles contradict the business role, pressure from family members, poor support from society members, some religious teachings, age, ethnicity and lifestyle of certain people among others. The study concludes that socio-cultural challenges have led to the collapse of most batik and tie-dye production and retailing sectors leaving thousands of Ghanaians jobless. It recommends among others that producers and retailers of batik and tie-dye must separate family roles from work responsibilities to enable them to perform effectively. Again, family members, parents and peers must desist from putting pressure on the entrepreneurs for freebies and the government must resource NBSSI, GEPA and GSB to have regular in-service training to batik and tie-dye producers and retailers to address poor financial management and technical challenges and also on product quality on the international market.

Assessing the socio-cultural impact of urban revitalisation using Relative Positive Impact Index(RPII)

Urban heritage is a vital resource that connects communities to their local identity.Unplanned developments and rapid urbanisation often harm the authenticity of historic areas,disrupting the cultural fabric and altering their character.This study introduces the Relative Positive Impact Index(RPll),a novel technique for assessing the socio-cultural impacts of urban revitalisation.The significance of RPII lies in its ability to quantitatively evaluate the impacts on the cultural fabric and integrity of historic urban areas,which is crucial for sustainable urban development.The study's objective is to apply RPII in evaluating qualitative socio-cultural characteristics in historic urban areas,with a focus on four main criteria and 16 sub-criteria,in the case of the Kuttichira precinct.The methodology integrates the analysis of published literature,a quantitative survey mapping the stakeholders'perception,and qualitative insights.This approach facilitates an in-depth understanding of how urban revitalisation affects local socio-cultural dynamics,preserving the authenticity and character of historic areas.The study reveals that the revitalisation project in Kuttichira positively impacts the socio-cultural fabric of the area,maintaining cultural integrity and addressing social challenges.These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable urban development and policymaking in historic areas.The study recommends the application of RPll in other urban precincts for comparative analysis and further development of urban development practices,contributing to informed urban policy and planning decisions.

Socio-cultural features and help-seeking preferences for leprosy and tuberculosis: a cultural epidemiological study in a tribal district of Maharashtra, India

Background:India is a major contributor to the global burden of leprosy and tuberculosis(TB),which adversely affects the poorest tribal communities.Despite prioritisation by disease control programmes,programme performance for leprosy and TB in tribal communities continues to be a challenge.In addition to access to services and infrastructural limitations,socio-cultural concepts of illness causation and related help seeking(HS)rooted in distinct features of tribal culture need to be addressed to improve programme outcomes.Methods:A cultural epidemiological survey of leprosy and TB patients was carried out using a locally adapted,semi-structured explanatory model interviews.A total of 100 leprosy and 50 TB patients registered for treatment at government health facilities were selected randomly from tribal dominant blocks of the Thane district,Maharashtra state.The perceived causes(PCs)of leprosy and TB in patients were compared based on prominence categories.The relationship between PCs as predictors,and disease conditions and HS preferences as outcome variables were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.Results:In the multivariate logistic regression model with disease conditions as outcome variables,TB patients were significantly more likely to report PCs in the categories of ingestion;health,illness and injury;and traditional,cultural and supernatural.Tuberculosis patients more frequently first sought help from private facilities as compared to leprosy patients who preferred government health facilities.In a combined analysis of leprosy and TB patients employing multivariate logistic regression,it was found that patients who reported PCs in the environmental and contact-related categories were more likely to visit traditional rather than non-traditional practitioners.In another multivariate combined model,it was found that patients who reported PCs in the traditional,cultural and supernatural category were significantly more likely to visit private rather than public health facilities.Conclusion:Cultural concepts about illness causation and associated HS behaviours should be considered as priorities for action,which in turn would provide the necessary impetus to ensure that tribal patients seek help in a timely and appropriate manner,and could facilitate improvement in programme performance in general.

A typological,environmental and socio-cultural study of semi-open spaces in the Eastern Mediterranean vernacular architecture:The case of Cyprus

Semi-open spaces-largely incorporated in vernacular dwellings in Cyprus during the 19th and 20th centuries-formed diachronically significant socio-cultural, functional and environmental features of the vernacular architecture of the area. The climate of the Eastern Mediterranean region, i.e., hot summers and mild winters, encouraged the use of open weather protected spaces, thus leading to the widespread incorporation of such spaces in the vernacular architecture of the region. This paper focuses on the interconnections between architectural forms and human comfort, convenience or pleasure in relation to the semiopen spaces found in the vernacular architecture of Cyprus-an island in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For the purpose of this research, characteristic traditional settlements found in the coastal, lowland and mountainous areas-which represent three different climatic regions and topographies of the island-were selected for an in-depth investigation. The findings confirm a high frequency of semi-open spaces, as well as the existence of a remarkable richness of typologies. Although semi-open spaces constitute a fundamental part of the structure of these vernacular dwellings in all climatic regions examined, they dominate in the lowland regions due to the particularly hot climate, as well as the specific activities of the inhabitants of these areas. The prevailing architectural forms and constructions of these spaces in each climatic region under investigation was found to be closely adapted to the local resources, terrain and climate, while also being related to the social, household and agricultural needs of the inhabitants, thus underlining their sustainable and locus-specific conception. Research findings can contribute towards critically re-thinking semi-open spaces and their inherent value in rehabilitation projects, as well as in contemporary residential architecture.

Uncomfortable prototypes： Rethinking socio-cultural factors for the design of public housing in Billiri, north east Nigeria

Public housing delivery in developing countries often involves the provision of government- funded housing units. Over time, occupants transform such units to suit their changing needs or to increase and improve housing stock-a practice that has been the focus of several documented studies intended to inform policy makers about changing housing trends. Abandoned units have, however, received comparatively less attention. The present paper reports findings from the documentation and analyses of abandoned and modified prototype units in Billiri, the main town occupied by the Tangale community in north east Nigeria. The methodology involves space syntax methods, as well as the analyses of space use patterns in 45 randomly selected compounds built by the community and in two sets of prototype housing units in the study area. Results suggest that socio-cultural factors related to kinship, security, and basic needs, which form part of the community heritage, are inadequately reflected in the location and design of the units, accounting for their abandonment and modification. These findings have implications for future housing policies in the area.

Go-Ahead Element of Domestic Architecture:Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics of the Residents in Benin

The domestic architecture of a traditional settlement is greatly influenced by the socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of its residents.Benin City which is the focus of the paper is a case of a traditional settlement undergoing domestic architectural evolution with the changing times influenced by factors of growth and development.The paper has examined the effect of socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics as factors that partly determine the design,style,pattern,space use,organization,location and meaning as well as land use of the domestic architecture of Benin.The study employed the use of questionnaire administered to residents across the cross-section of the city.In the end,descriptive frequency tables were used to analyse the data collected from the residential zones in Benin.The research has been able to corroborate the theory that socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are some of the determinants/elements of domestic architecture of a people.

Tracing the Feminine Participation in the Religio-Political Affairs in Kenya Upto 2010

Since the onset of the constitution 2010,the Kenyan community has put more weight on women empowerment.The emphasis is more on the girl child compared to the boy child.There are several steps that have been taken to uplift the status of the girl child;these include the creation of a special position in parliament just to deal with women matters.Apart from these there has been deliberate efforts put in place to bring women at per with their male counterparts by putting in place the one third gender.These efforts though laudable requires political good will.However,there is emerging a new phenomenon that seems to pose a challenge to these political-constitutional efforts.This is,the perception of religion and the equation of human equality.In this paper,I try to trace the female participation in the religious and political engagements in Kenya upto 2010.

The Relationship between the ESL Students' Prior Knowledge and Their Reading Comprehension

This article will firstly review literature about the readers' prior knowledge and its roles in reading comprehension.Secondly,it will explore the kind of prior knowledge which should ESL tertiary students have in their English reading comprehension.Thirdly,the essay will describe a research among the ESL tertiary students from China about their views on the relationship between prior knowledge and reading comprehension.

Predicting menopausal health in a diverse population group through a theoretical linear model——Theoretical model to predict menopausal health

With the increase in longevity and demographic shift, menopause is emerging as one of the major health issues affecting middle aged women in developing countries. In this study our aim was to define & develop useful predictive indicators to assess menopausal health status in women with diverse socio-economic & cultural backgrounds. The model was developed using the data drawn from known published works as well as our own epidemiological & clinical case records. A linear equation was derived and expected results were obtained and analysed. The outcome was measured in terms of menopausal health & wellbeing index. Wide cultural diversity, unequal socio-economic status and gender inequality are some of the sensitive multi factorial determinants that influence the menopausal health. Education and availability of optimal quality health care facilities positively influenced level of awareness and improved the health seeking behavior & health literacy. The menopausal health & wellbeing index can be used as a predictive tool to develop interventional management modalities to improve quality of life.