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Biocoenosis of macrobenthic communities in relation to environmental and mangrove flora was studied in mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters during 2010–2012 period. A total of 48 species in 45 genera belonging to 38 families of macrobenthos were collected with a mean numerical density of 1628 ± 2283 ind m−2. Malacostraca was the dominant taxa in terms of benthic density (55%) and diversity with 17 spp., then polychaeta (11 spp.), mollusca (9 spp.) and others (9 spp.). The dominant species were amphipods Idunellasp. (40,170 ind m−2), Cheiriphotis geniculata(34,169 ind m−2), polychaete Dendronereis aestuarina(38,808 ind m−2), tanaid Ctenapseudes chilkensis(29,419 ind m−2), bivalve Indosphenia kayalum(23,835 ind m−2) and oligochaete Tubificoides psuedogaster(16,946 ind m−2). The PCA and redundancy analysis revealed that the nature of the substratum determined by sediment texture, organic matter, total organic carbon, sediment nutrients were found to be an influencing factor in the differential distribution and community structure of macrobenthic organisms in mangroves of Cochin. Mangrove plant density also exhibited significant correlation with the density of macrofauna. This study has noted a decline in species composition as well as diversity and richness of macrobenthic fauna compared to the previous study notably polychaetes reported in 1993 in Cochin mangroves. Moreover, community structure exhibited significant change with newer associations of species especially opportunistic oligochaetes, corophiids and tanaids that are tolerant of various anthropogenic stressors. This change in community assemblage and biodiversity, thus demanding efficient management strategies for mangrove ecosystem through integrated planning, rehabilitation and periodic benthic faunal surveillance coupled with mangrove floral assessment.

ABSTRACTThe profession of social work emphasizes social justice in its service delivery, yet there is a paucity of literature on how to teach clinical practice from a social justice perspective. This qualitative study with Canadian social work educators (n=12) suggests the following ways in which educators taught clinical social work from a social justice perspective: (1) integrating critical social theories in conceptualizing clinical practice, (2) engaging in transformative pedagogies, and (3) navigating professional commitments. While addressing various forms of social injustices is a mandate for all social workers, enactment of social justice within clinical practice remains an area of concern. Results suggest concrete ways in which social work educators can engage students in developing their commitment to social justice.

Social justice education is an interdisciplinary field that joins research with practice and application, linking social and cultural diversity with an analysis of inequality in social systems. The published writing of 2003 in social justice education, which gives service to the readers and an impetus for discussion both among the readers and between the readers and the editorial staff, is presented.

This article contributes to the diversity and stand structure of the mangroves in Kerala, India, using multivariate methods. Floristic diversity of mangroves comprised 18 species of true mangroves, of which Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba,and Ceriops tagalwere found to be rare, whereas Bruguiera parviflorawas extinct in the state. Structural analyses revealed the importance of Avicennia officinalisand the domination of Acanthus ilicifolius. The mean stem density ranged from 10 to 13846 no/ha, whereas the mean basal area ranged from 0.02 to 20.19 m2/ha. Multivariate analysis of true mangroves could be classified into five floristic groups based on stem density. Group 1 comprised Rhizophora mucronata, R. apiculata, Ceriops tagal, Kandelia candel, Sonneratia alba, and S. caseolaris,which were seen in the fringing zone. A combination of Group 2 and Group 3 comprised Avicennia marina, A. alba, Lumnitzera racemosa, Acrostichum aureum, Excoecaria agallocha, E. indica, Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Aegiceras corniculatum,found in the intermediate zone, whereas Bruguiera sexangulaand B. cylindricaoccurred in the landward regions which constituted Group 4. Acanthus ilicifolius,having a widespread distribution, was found in all the three zones represented by Group 5. Tidal elevation was found to be important in shaping the observed zonation.

ABSTRACTFaculty members are key stakeholders to support social work students’ learning about race and racism in practice and to promote the professional standards established by the field. This qualitative study examines how 15 clinical social work faculty members teaching advanced practice in the Northeast conceptualize and incorporate their understanding of race and racism in their teaching. An analysis of participants’ responses to a case vignette suggests clinical social work faculty members view race primarily as an individual ethnic or cultural identity and lack conceptual, historical, and sociological knowledge about racism and its links to other forms of oppression. This study suggests that additional faculty development opportunities and institutional support are needed to encourage faculty efforts to address race and racism.