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There is a disconnect between academic discourse about urban plannings neglect of cultural diversity and the robust embedding of ethnic cultures in the landscape of North American cities. We assess how planning practice is responding to cul-tural diversity through culturally sensitive policies adopted by municipalities in selected metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. Using an index of multicultural policies as the basis of a questionnaire, we surveyed local planning departments in major immigrant-rich metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. The survey, though limited in scope, yielded revealing findings on planning practice. Planning departments, led by market initiatives and commun-ity demands, are accommodating cultural diversity on a case-by-case basis, par-ticularly in large and medium-sized cities. Canadian cities have gone farther in adopting multicultural polices, but American cities are not far behind. Practice is outpacing theory, which is largely occupied with advocating greater sensitivity to cultural differences and emphasizing measures to involve ethnic minorities. We find that planning processes are already responsive to ethnic minorities, but challenges lie in reconciling competing objectives in land use, development, and the provision of community services. This article not only illustrates the state of multicultural planning, but also points to a strategy of reasonable accommoda-tion of cultural diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study of the Delhi Urban Art Commission – a design review body in the post-colonial city of Delhi – explains its role and responsibilities, its effectiveness, and its impact on the built environment of Delhi. The study questions the effectiveness of the Commission. It asserts that the Commission is invaluable for Delhi as it is the only agency that has the knowledge and understanding of urban design, development, and the complexities of the post-colonial city as well as the statutory power to make a difference to Delhi’s built environment. An analysis of the Commission’s major recent decisions suggests three key reasons for its ineffectiveness: both public and private agencies regularly violate the Commission’s recommendations; it approves projects without sufficient scrutiny; and it fails to effectively use its suo motu studies. The study proposes measures to make it more accountable and transparent, and to free it from political interference to harness its full potential and restore its image and power as envisioned at its inception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates if and how immigrants modify their domestic space to suit their ethno-cultural needs. Findings are based on an empirical study of the exterior and interior of Asian-Indian immigrant homes in Toronto. The study determines that Asian-Indian homeowners do not aspire to more adaptations than their mainstream counterparts. The majority of respondents in the sample made structural changes; however, the changes were made predominately to their homes' interiors. Physical manifestations of Asian-Indian ethnic expressions on the outside of homes were minimal. Internal changes were made to accommodate large social and religious gatherings and, in some cases, to house extended family. Except for the need for a prayer room, additional storage space, and adequate ventilation in the kitchen, the changes appear typical of the changes "mainstream Canadians" would make. The study recommends flexible house design that would allow easier adaptations to daily domestic needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ischemic brain is highly vulnerable to free radicals mediated secondary neuronal damage especially mitochondrial dysfunctions. Present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of S-allyl L-cysteine (SAC), a water soluble compound from garlic, against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions in hippocampus (HIP). We used transient rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of brain ischemia. SAC (300 mg/kg) was given twice intraperitoneally: 15 min pre-occlusion and 2 h post-occlusion at the time of reperfusion. SAC significantly restored ATP content and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes in SAC treated group which were severely altered in MCAO group. A marked decrease in calcium swelling was observed as a result of SAC treatment. Western blot analysis showed a marked decrease in cytochrome c release as a result of SAC treatment. The status of mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) was restored by SAC treatment with a significant decrease in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC) and H2O2 content. SAC significantly improved neurological deficits assessed by different scoring methods as compared to MCAO group. Also, the brain edema was significantly reduced. The findings of this study suggest the ability of SAC in functional preservation of ischemic neurovascular units and its therapeutic relevance in the treatment of ischemic stroke. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]