Research communication

In this paper we review briefly histories and ideologies underlying multiculturalism in Nordic countries, highlighting tensions between integrationist and inclusive approaches. We propose a cultural ecological framework through which we discuss the possibility of a transculturalism based on Fourth World engagement with the environment. Cultural ecology is about the reciprocal interactions and transactions between people and their environments. The Fourth World is a circum-global, pan-arctic region which includes the northern parts of some Nordic countries. We argue that whether or not there is a distinctively Nordic version of multiculturalism, Nordic countries have access to Fourth World ways of engaging with the environment which transcend notions of inter- and multiculturalism and the ideological tensions associated with them

Dimensions of Erewhon: The Modern Orpheus in Guy Davenport\u27s The Dawn in Erewhon

In The Dawn in Erewhon , the concluding novella of Tatlin!, Guy Davenport explores the myth of Orpheus in the context of two storylines: Adriaan van Hovendaal, a thinly veiled version of Ludwig Wittgenstein, and an updated retelling of Samuel Butler\u27s utopian novel Erewhon. Davenport tells the story in a disjunctive style and uses the Orpheus myth as a symbol to refer to a creative sensibility that has been lost in modern technological civilization but is recoverable through art

Probing X-ray Absorption and Optical Extinction in the Interstellar Medium Using Chandra Observations of Supernova Remnants

We present a comprehensive study of interstellar X-ray extinction using the extensive Chandra supernova remnant archive and use our results to refine the empirical relation between the hydrogen column density and optical extinction. In our analysis, we make use of the large, uniform data sample to assess various systematic uncertainties in the measurement of the interstellar X-ray absorption. Specifically, we address systematic uncertainties that originate from (i) the emission models used to fit supernova remnant spectra, (ii) the spatial variations within individual remnants, (iii) the physical conditions of the remnant such as composition, temperature, and non-equilibrium regions, and (iv) the model used for the absorption of X-rays in the interstellar medium. Using a Bayesian framework to quantify these systematic uncertainties, and combining the resulting hydrogen column density measurements with the measurements of optical extinction toward the same remnants, we find the empirical relation NH = (2.87+/-0.12) x 10^21 AV cm^(-2), which is significantly higher than the previous measurements

A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF FALLS IN OLD AGE

The problem of falls in old age is enormously costly and disruptive for the older individual, others, and society, and its severity is likely to intensify as our population ages. This dissertation takes a systems-oriented approach toward the falls problem and is presented in two parts. The first part critically develops a new approach to the problem of falls. The second part describes an empirical study that applies this new approach in a pragmatic manner. Conventional fall prevention strategies employ a reductionist approach to the problem of falls. This approach is questioned because it corresponds poorly to the holistic nature of postural control. A systems-oriented conceptual framework explains postural instability in old age as the gradual decline of a postural control system’s ability to adapt. Realizing that falls arise from a complex system of interacting components of various levels and domains makes it imperative to investigate interventions aimed toward systemically fostering robust postural control. A dynamic systems theoretical framework is outlined that views postural control to be the result of synergies which function to control myriad inherent degrees of freedom. Complexity-based measures of postural sway are suggested as indicators of postural control system robustness. This new approach to the problem of falls is applied in an empirical study in which Tai Chi serves as a systems-oriented intervention. Using a dynamic systems perspective, motor imagery, along with other Tai Chi principles, are hypothesized to provide interacting physical and cognitive constraints on motor behavior that form synergies which enable robust postural stability into old age. This hypothesis was tested in a quasi-experiment comparing effects of Tai Chi motor imagery in Tai Chi experts and non-experts. The expected significant effects on postural sway complexity were not found, but significant main effects and interactions on sway variability and ease of imagery were discovered with respect to expertise and imagery type. Findings, results, innovations, implications and future directions are presented, and discussed as they pertain to four specific aims, and to ameliorating the problem of falls in old age

Key Operational Challenges to Ensuring the Long term Success of the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court requires a solid foundation on which to build its future success, investigating the most heinous international crimes and prosecuting the alleged perpetrators. This thesis examines some remaining challenges to ensure the long term success of the Court. It begins by requiring the ICC to establish a culture that adheres to the values of the organization and a legal system capable of fairly and expeditiously carrying out its mission. This requires an ethical approach and effective management. It is necessary for the Office of the Prosecutor to understand the burden of proof requirements at the confirmation of charges stage, which in turn requires the Pre-Trial Chambers to be consistent in their decisions. The OTP appear to have accepted the direction from the Pre-Trial Chamber, that its investigations should be largely completed by the time of the confirmation of charges hearing. This is, in the author’s view, a mistake and should be challenged again at an opportune moment. The Office of the Prosecutor, learning from its experience, is adhering to good governance by creating and publishing its strategic goals. One of the strategic goals is to have largely completed its investigations by the time of the confirmation of charges hearing, a reaction to a critical decision by the Pre-trial Chamber in the Gbagbo case

Craft as cultural ecologically located practice. Comparative case studies of textile crafts in Cyprus, Estonia and Peru

This paper reports comparative case studies in three countries, Estonia, Cyprus and Peru. Through these, the cultural ecologies of six textile craft practitioners, two in each country, were investigated using interview-based situational analysis. Cultural ecology is concerned with transactional relationships between people and the environments they inhabit. It provides a lens on the processes of continuity and change that shape cultural patterns and cultural traditions. Interviews were conducted in open format around questions about biographical and professional practice. Relationships between practitioners’ personal histories and their craft practices were explored. Outcomes suggest that the cultural ecologies are profoundly shaped by the transmission of customs, beliefs and values from generation to generation which, in turn, are located within a place of social interaction conferring a sense of belonging and an environment for the formation of social identities. These attachments powerfully influence continuity in the craft traditions. The interrelated processes of globalisation and technological development are the dominant agents of change. Responses to these pressures vary with the practitioners in the three countries and are linked to factors associated with cultural resilience. Keywords: craft practice, cultural ecology, textiles, case studies, Cyprus, Estonia, Per

Real contexts for design and technology: an evaluation of the six counties technology flexible learning project

School projects in design and technology, through work on grain storage and processing, technology through archaeology and leathercraft, supported by materials developed as part of the Six Counties Flexible Learning Project, are described. An evaluation of the projects is reported and the links between real contexts, flexible approaches to teaching and learning and quality outcomes in design and technology are emphasised

Technology and the humanities: opportunities for educating about value issues

In this paper a case is made for developing a curriculum framework for educating about value issues. The case is made in general terms for the interface between technological education and the humanities in the context of the National Curriculum in England and Wales. A provisional agenda for such a framework is set out together with a rationale for the multidisciplinary, cross-curricular approach necessary for its success

Customary Laws and Nomadic Cosmologies of Art and the Environment

This paper offers a brief overview of some connections between art, environment and nomadic cosmologies, and relates these to matters concerned with customary laws. The connections are made in a cultural ecological framework which emphasises the transactional basis of how people engage with their environments. Whereas art has always been an integral part of nomadic cosmologies, it now has additional roles in recording customs and traditions and in political and ecological critique.publishedVersio

Wearable Activity Tracker Use and Physical Activity Among Informal Caregivers in the United States: Quantitative Study

Background: With an increase in aging population and chronic medical conditions in the United States, the role of informal caregivers has become paramount as they engage in the care of their loved ones. Mounting evidence suggests that such responsibilities place substantial burden on informal caregivers and can negatively impact their health. New wearable health and activity trackers (wearables) are increasingly being used to facilitate and monitor healthy behaviors and to improve health outcomes. Although prior studies have examined the efficacy of wearables in improving health and well-being in the general population, little is known about their benefits among informal caregivers. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between use of wearables and levels of physical activity (PA) among informal caregivers in the United States. Methods: We used data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (cycle 3, 2019 and cycle 4, 2020) for a nationally representative sample of 1273 community-dwelling informal caregivers—aged ≥18 years, 60% (757/1273) female, 75.7% (990/1273) had some college or more in education, and 67.3% (885/1273) had ≥1 chronic medical condition—in the United States. Using jackknife replicate weights, a multivariable logistic regression was fit to assess an independent association between the use of wearables and a binary outcome: meeting or not meeting the current World Health Organization’s recommendation of PA for adults (≥150 minutes of at least moderate-intensity PA per week). Results: More than one-third (466/1273, 37.8%) of the informal caregivers met the recommendations for adult PA. However, those who reported using wearables (390/1273, 31.7%) had slightly higher odds of meeting PA recommendations (adjusted odds ratios 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.77; P=.04) compared with those who did not use wearables. Conclusions: The results demonstrated a positive association between the use of wearables and levels of PA among informal caregivers in the United States. Therefore, efforts to incorporate wearable technology into the development of health-promoting programs or interventions for informal caregivers could potentially improve their health and well-being. However, any such effort should address the disparities in access to innovative digital technologies, including wearables, to promote health equity. Future longitudinal studies are required to further support the current findings of this study