With increasing diversity and multiculturalism, there is a greater need to understand ways to foster positive intergroup interactions. In this study, youth ages 14 to 18 from three different regions in the United States (N = 21) were given camera phones and instructed to take pictures of what multiculturalism meant to them and how it played a role in their life. Interviews and focus groups were conducted and transcribed, followed by thematic coding. Generally, youth had ideal views and attitudes about multiculturalism, but they also expressed, to varying degrees, a lack of institutional support (i.e., educational opportunities) that encouraged acquiring knowledge about diversity and multiculturalism. Youth suggested that schools should formally incorporate dialogue about multiculturalism in the school curriculum, as a way to reduce misunderstandings among different groups which in turn may facilitate greater empathy and positive intergroup relationships.

School multiculturalism is an important protective factor against youth violence by facilitating positive peer relationships and community engagement among youth. Teachers, administrators, and health officials need to consider the ways in which they can facilitate and encourage greater understanding, openness, and respect for diversity, and promote harmonious interactions among different groups at schools. Greater institutional support for school multiculturalism through implementation of tolerance curriculum and activities, for example, could in turn facilitate favorable youth outcomes.

Objectives Many studies have examined the beneficial effects of watermelon flesh on metabolic diseases, yet fewer studies have investigated the effects of watermelon rind. While normally discarded, rind consumption not only reduces food waste but contains fiber (pectin) and healthful bioactive compounds such as citrulline. This study examined the effects of watermelon rind consumption on postprandial glucose, satiety and bowel movements. It was hypothesized that consumption of blenderized watermelon juice with rind would lower postprandial glucose, increase satiety and improve bowel movement habits. Methods In a double-blind randomized crossover study, 21 participants (age 26.3 ± 5.7 y, BMI 22.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2) consumed one cup (8 fl. oz) of blenderized watermelon juice with or without rind. A visual analogue scale was used to measure satiety at baseline, immediately after, 20, 40, 60 and 90 minutes post juice consumption. Blood glucose was measured at baseline, 20, 40, 60 and 90 minutes post juice consumption. Bowel movement questionnaires were administered two days before and after each trial. Results Both blenderized watermelon juices (with and without rind) increased satiety with more fullness in watermelon juice with rind (P < 0.05). Watermelon juice with rind also stabilized blood glucose levels in comparison to watermelon juice (P < 0.001). No significant differences between the two trials for bowel movements were found, but no evidence of constipation or discomfort was presented among the participants. Conclusions These results suggest that watermelon juice with rind has favorable effects on postprandial glucose and satiety levels but no effect on bowel movements. Therefore, further research into the benefits of watermelon rind is important and could offer potential clinical applications and disease prevention. Funding Sources NUTR 302L Advanced Nutrition Laboratory San Diego State University and National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB 19–20).

From a youth developmental perspective, multiculturalism entails the development of empathetic understanding, intercultural sensitivity, intercultural competence and civic mindfulness (Endicott, Bock & Narvaez, 2003; Bennett, 1993; Cushner, 2008). While studies have examined multiculturalism with respect to academics (Chushner, 2008; Straffon 2003), few studies to date have explored the relation between perceived school multiculturalism and depression and delinquency. This study explores the relation between perceived school multiculturalism and two important youth outcomes, depression and delinquency. Potential mediators including civic engagement, ethno-cultural empathy, ethnic identity and positive peers were also explored as potential explanatory processes of this link. Results Results revealed support for a full mediation model in which perceived school multiculturalism was positively associated with civic engagement, positive peers and ethnic identity; civic engagement and positive peers, in turn, were signifi cantly negatively associated with delinquency but not depression. As recommended by Preacher and Hayes (2008), bootstrapping analyses were conducted to assess the effects of mediators by constructing confi dence intervals around the estimates. The results portray that only civic engagement was a signifi cant mediator between multiculturalism and delinquency. Conclusions The results of this study reveal that there are potentially different pathways and mechanisms by which multiculturalism operates with respect to different youth outcomes. For delinquency, peer factors and sense of belonging seem to be more infl uential factors than the ability to tune in to the feelings and experiences of others, whereas such ability is more salient for the positive side of emotional health.