Sanitation and Human Development

human development, water, sanitation

Incidence of bullying and victimisation among adolescents in New Zealand

Bullying and victimisation are highly prevalent among young people, and both bullies and victims exhibit negative outcomes (Stassen Berger, 2007). Adolescents are greatly involved in bullying and experience particularly adverse outcomes in comparison with children (Kim & Leventhal, 2008; Simon-Davies, 2011). Furthermore bullying phenomena are under-researched in New Zealand samples. This paper aims to describe the nature of bullying and victimisation in a large sample of New Zealand adolescents and compare the findings to results from international samples. Four types of bullying will be assessed: traditional bullying inside the school, traditional bullying outside the school, cyber bullying via text message and cyber bullying via the internet. The same four types of victimisation will also be assessed

Corporate social responsibility and academic integrity : a path to global citizenship

The mission of our higher education institutions is to produce global citizens with the skills to contribute to a diverse and complex world in the 21st century. The objective, from a governance perspective, is to reconcile the priorities of the institutions with the social and economic objectives of society. This article examines the central elements of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for academic institutions, whether public or private, articulating in concrete terms what CSR means in practice for the higher education system. As academic dishonesty and corporate corruption continue to rise to record levels around the world, the nature of CSR needs to be considered in this context. A global commitment to academic honesty in the service of public integrity is essential in this regard. Some of the best practices in CSR are discussed with the aim of creating and maintaining a system of academic institutions that are sustainable, responsive to external demands and accountable for the results they produce

Potential Economic Consequences of Local Nonconformity to Regional Land Use and Transportation Plans Using a Spatial Economic Model

To achieve the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets that are required by California’s global warming legislation (AB32), the state of California has determined that recent growth trends in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) must be curtailed. In recognition of this, Senate Bill 375 (SB375) requires regional governments to develop land use and transportation plans or Sustainable Community Strategies (SCSs) that will achieve regional GHG targets largely though reduced VMT. Although the bill requires such a plan, it does not require local governments to adopt general plans that conform to this plan. In California, it is local, not regional, governments that have authority over land development decisions. Instead, SB375 relies on democratic participatory processes and relatively modest financial and regulatory incentives for SCS implementation. As a result, it is quite possible that some local governments within a region may decide not to conform to their SCS. In this study, a spatial economic model (PECAS) is applied in the Sacramento region (California, U.S.) to understand what the economic and equity consequences might be to jurisdictions that do and do not implement SCS land use plans in a region. An understanding of these consequences provides insight into jurisdictions’ motivations for compliance and thus, strategies for more effective implementation of SB375

Considerations for Clinicians When Working Cross-Culturally: A Review

Communication between cultural groups, termed intercultural communication, is often difficult or not successful within a mental health setting. It is important to gain a greater understanding of intercultural communication, in order to provide appropriate treatment and care. This literature review first defines what is meant by intercultural communication, before examining the literature on the intercultural dynamics that must be considered when working cross-culturally within a mental health setting. Particular focus is given to the clinical interview, as it is the key mode of communication within therapeutic practice. Intercultural communication is a dynamic process, and to be effective many socio-cultural factors must be considered. Theoretical models of effective intercultural communication within a health context highlight the need for clinicians to possess cultural knowledge and communication skills; however, the utility of such models is yet to be assessed. The research suggests that cultural competency training is one method to promote more effective intercultural communication within a mental health setting, with cultural adaptations to therapies and assessment tools shown to increase communication effectiveness

A Systematic Review of Effective Intercultural Communication in Mental Health

Purpose of the Research: Effective intercultural communication between patients and clinicians is essential for the delivery of high quality health care. To date, there has been no systematic assessment of empirical literature on effective communication within a mental health context, despite theoretical models purporting certain criteria make health communications more effective. The current research aims to determine factors which aid or hinder communication effectiveness in such a context, and to see whether the literature supports Teal and Street’s (2009) theoretical model specifically. Additionally, the review considered the role of language disparity between patients and clinicians within the mental health context. Method: Electronic databases Medline, Psych Info and Web of Science were searched using an optomised search strategy in June 2014. Studies were considered where intercultural communication between a clinician and patient was a primary focus. To meet inclusion the papers needed to be empirical in nature, written in English, peer-reviewed and of sound quality. Data relating to the study type and analysis used, characteristics of participants (both patients and clinicians), cultural and communication information were extracted.Results: Eight papers were included in the final review. The results largely support Teal and Street’s model and highlight that nonverbal and verbal behaviour skill, recognition of cultural differences, incorporating cultural knowledge, alongside negotiation and collaboration with patients and family members, all aid in effective communication. Additionally, language barriers were found to pose a significant barrier to communication. The quantity of current literature investigating the effectiveness of intercultural communication specifically within a mental health setting is limited, highlighting the need for further investigation.

St. John Valley Creative Economy Project

A team of researchers from the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine conducted an in-depth assessment of the St. John Valley’s creative economy in collaboration with the University of Maine at Fort Kent and regional community leaders. This report provides a summary of the activities, the output of research, and recommendations and conclusions based on project efforts

Snapshots of Maine’s Arts & Cultural Sector

The report has three main sections: (a) what we learned about artists; (b) what we learned about nonprofit arts and cultural organizations; and (c) what we learned about small businesses in the sector. The report ends with conclusions and recommendations

Nature Connections 2016 conference report: Implications for research and practice

Natural England, The Wildlife Trusts, The National Trust, Historic England, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds