Haiti: An Ethnographic Study of the Effects of International Aid on Haitian Life

Haiti has seen an increasing number of non-governmental organisations (NGO) and intergovernmental organisations (IGO), providing structural and emergency aid in times of conflict and weather-related events. This was intensified in 2010 when Haiti regained international attention from a ravaging earthquake that shook its core. This ethnographic study analyses the effects of NGOs and IGOs a decade after this natural disaster. We attempt to venture beyond the statistical evidence grounding most analyses provided by NGOs and IGOs to reveal perspectives from individual Haitians that are impacted by the policies and decisions of these organisations. In doing so, we examine the local standard of living, infrastructure, and social dynamics through four in-person interviews conducted in their respective geographic locations. These interviews set a basis for a discussion and examination of organisations’ allocation, dependency, and sustainability. The voices of local Haitians reveal the profound, yet subtle impacts that go unreported by foreign scholars that are crucial to understanding the day-to-day challenges faced despite foreign aid. We conclude that Haitians face a stasis of social mobility despite the copious work done by aid organisations that is often inconsistent and misaligned with the needs of Haitians.

Investigating the factors behind differences in ‘lay’ and ‘expert’ medical knowledge in the context of fever treatment in Yangon, Myanmar.

How is treatment seeking behaviour influenced by contrasting medical discourses? This paper uses the context of fever patients in Yangon, Myanmar to investigate the factors behind differences between ‘lay’ and ‘expert’ medical knowledge, which consequently guide the treatment seeking behaviour of hospital and clinic patients in Myanmar’s second largest city. By conducting the deductive thematic analysis of secondary qualitative data from both patients and medical doctors using an adapted form of Amartya Sen’s capability approach framework, this cross-sectional study uncovers how: education, socially rooted collective knowledge and unregulated pharmacies drive differences between ‘lay’ and ‘expert’ medical knowledge and therefore dictate treatment seeking behaviour. The results of this paper highlight the interdisciplinary nature of health, meaning health systems should be considered within their sociological, political and economic contexts. The current omission of traditional health discourse within the prevailing Burmese health system may limit the successfulness of biomedical treatment. Appreciating the complexity of how health is understood by populations, specifically how traditional medicine and biomedicine coexist within the Burmese context can allow policymakers to form a stronger health system by creating contextualised policies and health interventions for the general public that cater to the diversity of narratives within health.

Reinvention: Interconnectedness, Interdisciplinarity & Sustainability

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Zombie ant graveyard dynamics in Gunung Mulu National Park

Ophiocordyceps is a genus of pathogenic fungi, which predominantly parasitise insects. This study investigates the spatial dynamics of zombie ant graveyards, and explores the optimal height for Ophiocordyceps unilateralis spore dispersal in a Bornean rainforest. While there is considerable research derived from alternative tropical regions, there is limited documentation of Ophiocordyceps fungi in Borneo. This paper aims to build on the current body of knowledge, focusing on the spatial dynamics of zombie ant graveyards, and in particular the height at which infected ants are found. In the present study, an area of Gunung Mulu National Park was searched for O. unilateralis-infected ants. Once an infected ant was located, the surrounding area was methodically searched to allow for the height and location of all surrounding ants to be recorded. Infected ants were found at variable heights between the four sites (means of 28.9–57.6 cm) above the expected height laid out in similar studies (approximately 25 cm). It is suggested that these heights may correspond to locations at which temperature and humidity are optimal for spore dispersal and fungal growth and that these heights differ depending on unique features of the environment.

Incorporating Sustainability into the Academic Institution

This research examines environmental sustainability in the UK university context. Universities are prioritising sustainability commitments with many declaring a Climate Emergency, as well as recognising the importance of educating students about climate change. This research used a case-study approach in which semi-structured interviews were coupled with secondary data analysis, and suggests universities are pivotal for greater environmental sustainability. The results reiterate the urgent need to significantly improve environmental performance and educate people in the field of sustainability, whilst presenting the challenges and realities faced in doing so. It is recommended that in order to achieve optimum sustainability solutions a cohesive approach is required to embed a common sustainability narrative for all.

Commentary: sustainable development as theme and platform for interdisciplinary undergraduate research

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Pandemic Objects: Photographs

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Editorial Issue 13.2

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Knowledge, beliefs and habits of public university students from Southern Serbia regarding usage of antibiotics

Misuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance have become a serious threat to global health. This study aimed to assess knowledge, beliefs and habits of university students regarding antibiotics and compare answers between students coming from rural and urban areas in a location where no similar studies have been conducted to date. Data was gathered using an online survey and tested for statistically significant difference using Chi-squared test. The study followed the Helsinki Declaration principles. A total of 360 students participated. A large number (84.4%) has correctly identified antibiotics as effective against bacteria and have distinguished well between antibiotics and other types of medicines. Only 12.5% believe therapy can be interrupted when the symptoms fade, but 31.4% believe antibiotics help with most diseases. As much as 59.7% have bought antibiotics without a prescription, and 45.8% have admitted to premature treatment interruption. Many take antibiotics on travels for emergencies (62.5%). There was no statistically significant difference related to the domicile of the students (p>0.05). In conclusion, students demonstrated relatively acceptable knowledge and beliefs on antibiotics, which are not reflected in practice. The domicile of students does not influence their knowledge nor habits. Campaigns are needed to promote awareness on antimicrobial resistance as students’ habits are not satisfactory.