Culture and exopolysaccharide production from sugarcane molasses by Gordonia polyisoprenivorans CCT 7137, isolated from contaminated groundwater in Brazil

Gordonia polyisoprenivorans CCT 7137 was isolated from groundwater contaminated with leachate in an old controlled landfill (Sauo Paulo, Brazil), and cultured in GYM medium at different concentrations of sugarcane molasses (2%, 6%, and 10%). The strain growth was analyzed by monitoring the viable cell counts (c.f.u. mL(-1)) and optical density and EPS production was evaluated at the end of the exponential phase and 24 h after it. The analysis of the viable cell counts showed that the medium that most favored bacterial growth was not the one that favored EPS production. The control medium (GYM) was the one that most favored the strain growth, at the maximum specific growth rate of 0.232 h(-1). Differences in bacterial growth when cultured at three different concentrations of molasses were not observed. Production of EPS, in all culture media used, began during the exponential phase and continued during the growth stationary phase. The highest total EPS production, after 24 h of stationary phase, was observed in 6% molasses medium (172.86 g L(-1)) and 10% (139.47 g L(-1)) and the specific total EPS production was higher in 10% molasses medium (39.03 x10(-11)g c.f.u.(-1)). After the exponential phase, in 2%, 6%, and 10% molasses media, a higher percentage of free exopolysaccharides (EPS) was observed, representing 88.4%, 62.4%, and 64.2% of the total, respectively. A different result was observed in pattern medium, which presented EPS made up of higher percentage of capsular EPS (66.4% of the total). This work is the first study on EPS production by G. polyisoprenivorans strain in GYM medium and in medium utilizing sugarcane molasses as the sole nutrient source and suggests its potential use for EPS production by G. polyisoprenivorans CCT 7137 aiming at application in biotechnological processes.

Multiculturalism and Policymaking : A comparative study of Danish and Swedish cultural policies since 1969

This master���s thesis deals with the cultural diversity policies of Denmark and Sweden within the cultural sector. It attempts at explaining why these two ���most-similar��� scandinavian countries having in common the same cultural model, ���the architect model���, opted for different policies when it came to cultural diversity: Assimilationism for Denmark and multiculturalism for Sweden. I show that though institutional and power-interest factors had an impact, ideas as ���programmatic beliefs��� (Sheri E. Berman 2001) or ���frames��� (Erik Bleich 2003) played the ultimate role. I evaluate their relative importance by analyzing the anthropological dimension of the countries cultural policies since 1969. The study confirms that at least in the cultural sector, Danish policies have been assimilationist and Swedish ones multiculturalist and proposes a new classification of terms.By investigating immigrants cultures, it fills a gap left by previous researchers working on a common Nordic cultural model.

Childbirth self-efficacy inventory in Tanzania : a pilot study

Background. To give birth can be a stressful experience and women cope with thisstress in many different ways and have different personal outcomes. Self-efficacy orconfidence in ability to cope with labour can be considered as an important factoraffecting pregnant women���s motivation of normal childbirth and their interpretation ofthe childbirth event.The aim. The purpose of this study was to test the Chinese short form of theinstrument Childbirth self-efficacy instrument (CBSEI) in Tanzania, that measurepregnant women���s self-confidence and coping abilities during childbirth.Method. The Chinese short form of the CBSEI was used to pilot test the pregnantwomen���s confidence of childbirth to see if the questions were understood in theTanzanian culture. Besides this instrument socio-demographic data was collectedtogether with two open questions asking about attitudes and experiences of childbirth.The instrument was translated into Kiswahili. A sample of 60 pregnant women whowere visiting antenatal clinic (ANC) regularly were asked to participate and with helpfrom midwifes at two ANC places the questionnaires were filled out.Result. The result shows that the validity and reliability of the two subscales OE-16and EE-16 were established. The internal consistency reliability of the two subscaleswere high, suggesting that each of the subscale mean score provides a good overviewof self- reported belief in coping ability for childbirth.The results further show that the instrument, CBSEI in this pilot study is not able toidentify women who need extra support during childbirth.Conclusion. The reliability and validity of information presented in this pilot studysupport the use of the Chinese short form of the CBSEI as a research instrument in theTanzania culture. Further studies are recommended to get a wider understandingabout women���s coping abilities in a culture like Tanzania.

Sex, a one mans show : Perceptions and experience of sexuality, contraceptives, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion among young people in Kisumu, Kenya ��� A qualitative study

This study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences concerning sexuality, contraceptives, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion among young people in Kisumu, Kenya. The design of the study was inductive with a qualitative approach using personal in-depth interviews. Eight participants (four female and four male) were asked to describe their perceptions and experience concerning sexuality, contraceptives, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion. The result showed that culture and norms, misconceptions and gender based power in sexuality are factors that impact Sexual Reproductive Health among young people in Kisumu today. Unwanted pregnancy was described as a shame, a burden and a destroyed life which lead to many unsafely induced abortions. The findings indicate that youth interventions are important, such as engaging young men in unwanted pregnancy and thus unsafe abortions and to empower young women.

Representation and interpretation : textbooks, teachers, and historical culture

This article presents a study of how contemporary Swedish lower secondary school textbooks present the emergence of the Cold War and how 10 active lower secondary school history teachers interpreted a quotation that was ambiguous in relation to the general narrative in the studied Swedish textbooks, seeking to analyse textbooks both from the perspectives of content and reception. Applying a theoretical framework of uses of history, the study finds that the narratives presented in the studied textbooks are what could be called traditional in the sense that they do not acknowledge perspective and representation in history. While the interviewed teachers generally acknowledged that textbook narratives are representations of history and contingent on perspective, few teachers extended this to include how their own views affect their interpretations, suggesting an intermediary appreciation of the contextual contingency of historical narratives.

What Culture? : Cultural representations in English as a foreign language textbooks

Teaching the cultural aspect of foreign language education is a complex and sometimes difficult task, especially since English has become an international language used in different settings and contexts throughout the world. Building on the idea that the spread of the English language and its international status in the world has made English an important school subject to develop students��� cross-cultural and intercultural awareness, this paper has studied what research reveals about the influence this has had on cultural representations in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks. Findings from a systematic literature review that analyzed four different international studies on the topic are presented. The study showed that EFL textbooks often present stereotypical and overgeneralized representations of culture and that the cultural aspect of EFL education is not adequately addressed since focus tends to lean towards language proficiency. Results also indicated that though steps are made to include cultural representations from different international contexts, the target culture of countries where English is the first language remains dominant in EFL textbooks. The findings are discussed in correlation with the Swedish national curriculum and syllabus.

Enhancing Intercultural Communication in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language : An Action Research Study

Enhancing Intercultural Communication in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language ��� An Action Research Study Over the past few decades, the rapid development of information communication technology, internationalization and globalization worldwide have required a shift in the focus of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) towards competence in intercultural communication in which the role of culture in the acquisition of CFL and in the pragmatic use of the language is emphasized and promoted. However, most of the current research in this academic area remains only on a theoretical level. Practical examples, particularly with regard to distance learning/teaching of the Chinese language, are very limited. This motivated the implementation of an action research study which aimed at exploring the possibilities and limitations of integrating Chinese culture and applying intercultural communication theory into a contemporary distance CFL course for beginners. By observing and comparing the performance of subjects in the control and experimental groups, this action research study focuses on exploring three basic areas. Firstly, it discloses the cultural elements which underlie effective daily communication. Secondly, it investigates how students acquire cultural knowledge and develop their ability to competently communicate in the target course. And thirdly, it evaluates how the modified course syllabus could enhance students��� intercultural communicative competence. The findings of the research aim to serve as both a resource and reference for educators and researchers who are interested in carrying out reforms and research in this academic domain.

Knowledge translation in Uganda : a qualitative study of Ugandan midwives' and managers' perceived relevance of the sub-elements of the context cornerstone in the PARIHS framework

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the annual 3.3 million neonatal deaths could be averted if there was a high uptake of basic evidence-based practices. In order to overcome this 'know-do' gap, there is an urgent need for in-depth understanding of knowledge translation (KT). A major factor to consider in the successful translation of knowledge into practice is the influence of organizational context. A theoretical framework highlighting this process is Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS). However, research linked to this framework has almost exclusively been conducted in high-income countries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the perceived relevance of the subelements of the organizational context cornerstone of the PARIHS framework, and also whether other factors in the organizational context were perceived to influence KT in a specific low-income setting. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in a district of Uganda, where focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with midwives (n = 18) and managers (n = 5) within the catchment area of the general hospital. The interview guide was developed based on the context sub-elements in the PARIHS framework (receptive context, culture, leadership, and evaluation). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, followed by directed content analysis of the data. RESULTS: The sub-elements of organizational context in the PARIHS framework--i.e., receptive context, culture, leadership, and evaluation--also appear to be relevant in a low-income setting like Uganda, but there are additional factors to consider. Access to resources, commitment and informal payment, and community involvement were all perceived to play important roles for successful KT. CONCLUSIONS: In further development of the context assessment tool, assessing factors for successful implementation of evidence in low-income settings--resources, community involvement, and commitment and informal payment--should be considered for inclusion. For low-income settings, resources are of significant importance, and might be considered as a separate subelement of the PARIHS framework as a whole.

The transformation of workplace culture

A theoretical perspective is developed for the critical examination of organisation culture. A structurationist approach is taken to link interpretive and radical structuralist paradigms in this examination. The perspective is applied to investigate a change program in the New Zealand division of a multi-national Bank. The focus is on the use of culture by management to control and change employee performance, in particular to shift the branch culture from a credit and process orientation toward a sales and customer focus. Findings of research conducted at the senior management and branch workplace levels are reported. The goal of the paper is to encourage critical reflection on the beliefs, values, and understandings of organisational life that are sometimes represented as universal, but which advance particular interests. The study&rsquo;s findings illustrate a range of techniques used by management to transform a workplace culture, and the various reactions of employees to these efforts, manifest in forms of acceptance, appropriation, and resistance. <br />

Intercultural service encounters : an exploratory study of customer experiences

Intercultural contact occurs on a daily basis across all facets of life, and is reflective of Australia&rsquo;s multicultural society. This trend is observed in many Western industrialised nations and has contributed to a growing body of research and literature in the field of managing cultural diversity. While much of this research is focused on the internal context of the workplace, relatively little attention has been given to the impact of culture on the service provider and customer interface. In an effort to shed some light on the service experiences of culturally diverse customers, a series of exploratory interviews were conducted. The findings suggest that on the basis of service provider behaviors (both verbal and nonverbal), culturally diverse customers perceive they are the recipients of inequitable service and consequently experience low levels of satisfaction. <br />

The development of eating pathology in Chinese-Australian women: acculturation versus culture clash

<b>Objective</b><br />Recent research suggests there has been an increase in the incidence of eating pathology among Asian women residing in the West. Two alternate explanations for the development of this eating pathology have been proposed; acculturation versus culture clash. The current study was designed to further examine the influence of acculturation versus culture clash on the development of eating pathology in Chinese-Australian women.<br /><br /><b>Method</b><br />Eighty-one Chinese-Australian women completed a questionnaire investigating their level of eating pathology, perceived sociocultural influences to lose weight, parental overprotection and care, self-perceptions of physical appearance, sociability and global self-worth, and the strength of their ethnic identity.<br /><br /><b>Results</b><br />It was found that, overall, low levels of satisfaction with physical appearance, high levels of parental overprotection, and high levels of perceived pressure from best female friends to lose weight predicted greater eating pathology in both acculturated and traditional women. However, acculturated women who perceived higher levels of pressure from their fathers and best male friends to lose weight and traditional women who experienced higher levels of parental care reported the greatest eating pathology.<br /><br /><b>Discussion</b><br />The findings suggest that there are both similarities and differences between the risk factors that correlate with eating pathology between acculturated and traditional women. &copy; 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 579-588, 2004.<br />

Fakes, literary identity and public culture

The fake presupposes the genuine. The fake author implies the real author, and fake literature presupposes real literature. But literature itself is often about&mdash; perhaps fundamentally about&mdash;successfully faking it. However, the concern and hostility with which literary public culture has responded to fake authors and what is deemed to be their &ldquo;fake&rdquo; literature suggests that the notions of real authors and literature remain centrally important.<br />

Travelling drum with different beats: experiencing African music and culture in Australian teacher education

This article reports on a study that examined the effectiveness of introducing African music and culture to Australian non-specialist primary teacher education students at Deakin University in Melbourne (Australia). The study demonstrates that African music enhanced the generic musical experiences, learning, motivation, interest, confidence and competence of students in their fourth year of teacher education. The research also addressed the significance and contribution of African music and culture as a cross-cultural experience for these beginning teachers who in turn could provide similar experiences for their own students. This study highlighted the author's role and cultural identity as a South African music educator in transmitting the music and culture represented in 'the travelling drum' to a cohort of students with a predominantly Eurocentric orientation. By extension, this curriculum initiative broadened students' understanding and application of indigenous methods of teaching and learning as part of a global experience. Such a curriculum represents a pathway to many other forms of non-Western indigenous knowledge of music, culture and pedagogy that can be mapped out as a journey along a multicultural route towards 'internationalising the curriculum'.<br />

`A bit of a chameleon act`: a case study of one teacher`s understandings of diversity

While for political, economic and social justice reasons, there is now an emphasis on ensuring that all children achieve educationally, including those whose ethnicity, 'race' or socio-economic status are different from the dominant culture, multiple and often contradictory discourses operate concerning how teachers should work with diversity. Within post-structural theories, 'race', socio-economic status, gender and ethnicity are theorised as fluid, dynamic and interconnected categories of identity. In this article, working with post-structuralist concepts including notions of 'discourse', 'subjectivities', and 'investments', I briefly review a number of discourses around identities and difference that play out within education, particularly in Australia, but with reference to research in North America, and the United Kingdom as well. I then draw on research data to present a case study of one teacher's perspective on diversity. Using his childhood experiences of being both an 'insider' and 'outsider' in mainstream culture, I speculate on how his subjectivities shape and are shaped by his professional identity and relations with students. I discuss his understanding of diversity and of socially just pedagogies in light of current discourses and consider some implications for how teacher education might develop richer, more complex understandings of diversity. <br />

Post-migration food habits of sub-Saharan migrants in Victoria: a cross-sectional study

<b>Objective: (i)</b> To describe sub-Saharan African (SSA) post-migration food habits and eating patterns; and <b>(ii)</b> to examine how the food habits of SSA households in Victoria reflect post-migration acculturation.<br /><b>Design:</b> A cross-sectional survey using a snowball sampling technique. Data on food habits and eating patterns were obtained using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews from November 2001 to April 2002.<br /><b>Subjects:</b> A total of 139 households of demographically diverse recent migrants from across sub-Saharan Africa.<br /><b>Setting: </b>Melbourne metropolitan and Melbourne fringes.<br /><b>Analysis:</b> Data were summarised using descriptive statistics.<br /><b>Results: </b>SSA migrants and refugees indicated dietary acculturation characterised by three processes: substitution, supplementation and modification of recipes. They experienced difficulty locating their traditional foods, in particular, African vegetables (34.2%), unprocessed maize meal (29.1%), camel milk (23.1%) and maize grain (13.7%). The new foods adopted since arrival were pizza, breakfast cereals and fast foods, but also included new fruits and vegetables. Takeaway food such as Pizza Hut or McDonalds featured prominently in the SSA post-migration diet. Reasons for eating out were favourite food (48.3%), routine family outing (38.3%), special occasion (33.3%) and no time to cook (25%). A significant change in meal pattern was the inclusion of breakfast, although 21% reported skipping breakfast.<br /><b>Conclusion:</b> Many of the observed dietary changes were not consistent with good health and may predispose this population to rapid weight gain and chronic disease. Rapid modernisation and the Anglo-Australian culture interact in a complex way with traditional eating and socialisation practices of SSA migrants. Understanding these forces can allow effective health promotion and community development strategies to be developed for the future health of SSA migrants and their communities.<br />