bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizen Social Science for Improved Quality of Life: Research, Interventions, Evaluations
Authors: Mintchev Nikolay , Daher Mariam , Jallad Mayssa , Zaher Rahaf , Pietrostefani Elisabetta , Ghamrawi Ghadir , Al Harrache Assia , Majed Amanie , Moore Henrietta L.
Published: May 2024

This article argues for a new methodological approach to research and impact in the social sciences—one based on sustained investment in people and projects at the community level, with the explicit aim of creating citizen-led solutions. The article draws on five years of experience in developing a citizen science methodology in Beirut, Lebanon, in which collaboration between academic researchers and citizen scientists has generated citizen-led interventions for numerous local challenges. We contend that long-term collaborative research and action enable the accumulation of knowledge within research teams, and strengthen trust and the duty of care towards others in the team and the community. We then present data from evaluation interviews with intervention users, showing how trust and the duty of care in research translate into intervention designs that are responsive to local needs, and forms of sociality that enhance the value of interventions for users’ quality of life.
Unlocking the enigma of online learning: How learning styles shape adoption intention?
Authors: Dmello Venisha Jenifer , Frank Daniel , Bidi Shilpa Badrinath , Rajendran Ambigai
Published: May 2024

Considerable research has analyzed the drivers influencing the adoption behavior of online learning systems. However, learners with different learning styles approach learning differently. With the escalation in online learning systems, assessing the impact of learning style on the intention to use online learning systems has become the need of the hour. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, the study examined the factors influencing learners' intention to use online learning platforms based on their learning styles (Convergent, Divergent, Accommodator, and Assimilator). For the quantitative research, data was collected by administrating an online questionnaire with a sample of 448 learners. Partial least squares structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis based on Smart PLS version 4 was used to conduct path and multi-group analyses. The study’s results reveal that behavioral intention toward adopting online learning platforms was impacted by effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and learner self-efficacy. However, the association between social influence and behavioral intention was not supported for the learners regardless of the learning style. Henseler’s based multi-group PLS analysis study results revealed that there is no significant variance between the learning style comparisons; nevertheless, it is still crucial to consider the learning styles of the learners as there are definite group variances in the order in which each construct for online learning adoption intention is ranked within each subpopulation. Further, insight into the various indicators that drive learners' intention to use online learning platforms with diverse learning styles will aid educators and online marketers in using online learning platforms for learning more efficiently.
Who benefits from state investment? Interrogating distribution under (urban) state venturism
Authors: Cohen Dan , Rosenman Emily
Published: May 2024

This commentary traces the longer history of what Su and Lim refer to as urban state venturism as a means of posing questions about the distribution of benefits and risks which result from this model of state investment. Drawing upon the history of the Hudson Bay Company's role in both securing profits and building the British settler colonial empire, we ask how these state projects shape political economic processes beyond regional economic competitiveness. Specifically, we focus on how political projects of stigmatization and marginalization may interact with the geographies unleashed by urban state venturism and how they articulate with other priorities of the state. Through this generative critique we hope to build upon the potential of Su and Lim's work to contribute to debates in economic geography over state capitalism, the blurred lines between public/private finance, and questions of who benefits from these arrangements.
Metformin co-commencement at time of antipsychotic initiation for attenuation of weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Ou , Lu Mengyao , Lai Terence K. Y. , Hahn Margaret , Agarwal Sri Mahavir , O’Donoghue Brian , Ebdrup Bjørn H. , Siskind Dan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Antipsychotic medications are associated with weight gain and metabolic derangement. However, comprehensive evidence for the efficacy of co-commenced pharmacological treatments to mitigate initial weight gain is limited. Metformin has been shown to be effective in reducing weight among people on antipsychotic medications who are already overweight, but the potential benefits of metformin co-commencement in mitigating antipsychotic-induced weight gain has not been systematically reviewed.

Method:

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, the Cochrane database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to 18 November 2023. We undertook a meta-analysis of concomitant commencement of metformin versus placebo for attenuation of weight gain and metabolic syndrome for people with schizophrenia commencing a new antipsychotic.

Results:

Fourteen studies from Australia, United States, Venezuela, and China with 1126 participants were included. We found that metformin was superior to placebo in terms of attenuating weight gain (−3.12 kg, 95% CI −4.22 to −2.01 kg). Metformin also significantly attenuated derangement of fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels. Sensitivity analysis on study quality, duration, and antipsychotic agent did not impact the results. Meta-analysis was also conducted on adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported in each study which showed no significant difference in ADR incidence between metformin and placebo groups. Subgroup analysis on antipsychotic-naïve participants and participants switching to new antipsychotic did not impact the results.

Conclusion:

Metformin led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful attenuation of weight gain as well as attenuation of several other metabolic parameters when commenced concomitantly with antipsychotic medications. Co-commencement of metformin with antipsychotic medications, where tolerated, should be considered in the clinical setting with aim to improve long-term cardiometabolic outcomes for patients with long-term need of antipsychotic treatments.
Good news about good news? The limited impacts of informing Americans about recent success in climate change mitigation
Authors: Chiancone Olivia , Chugh Tara , De Leon-Duarte Brayant , Eggers Andrew C. , Fica Benjamin , Goel Ishaan , Konow Stacia , Lundsgaard Annika , Margie Julia , Miller Zane , Pinheiro Manuela , Semka Panteleymon , Stokes John , Tantawy Leena , Triamkitsawat Panthita , Waldspurger Gus
Published: May 2024

Slowing the process of global warming will require sustained reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over decades, which in turn depends on public support for decarbonization. We are beginning to see evidence of success in cutting emissions. Will wider recognition of this “good news” strengthen or soften support for further action? In contrast to previous research showing a demotivating effect of good news about climate mitigation, our pre-registered survey experiment finds no average impact of factual reports of climate progress on Americans’ worries about climate change, perception of efficacy in fighting climate change, willingness to pay additional taxes, support for green industrial policy, or willingness to donate to a climate NGO, and no evidence of heterogeneous effects across relevant subgroups. Given the importance of sustained public support for decarbonization, these null results can be seen as good news for mitigation policy, but more research is needed to assess the impact of the perceived tractability of climate mitigation on support for mitigation efforts.
Association Between the Dialysate Bicarbonate and the Pre-dialysis Serum Bicarbonate Concentration in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Molnar Amber O. , Killin Lauren , Bota Sarah , McArthur Eric , Dixon Stephanie N. , Garg Amit X. , Harris Claire , Thompson Stephanie , Tennankore Karthik , Blake Peter G. , Bohm Clara , MacRae Jennifer , Silver Samuel A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

It is unclear whether the use of higher dialysate bicarbonate concentrations is associated with clinically relevant changes in the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration.

Objective:

The objective is to examine the association between the dialysate bicarbonate prescription and the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

The study was performed using linked administrative health care databases in Ontario, Canada.

Patients:

Prevalent adults receiving maintenance in-center hemodialysis as of April 1, 2020 (n = 5414) were included.

Measurements:

Patients were grouped into the following dialysate bicarbonate categories at the dialysis center-level: individualized (adjustment based on pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration) or standardized (>90% of patients received the same dialysate bicarbonate concentration). The standardized category was stratified by concentration: 35, 36 to 37, and ≥38 mmol/L. The primary outcome was the mean outpatient pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration at the patient level.

Methods:

We examined the association between dialysate bicarbonate category and pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate using an adjusted linear mixed model.

Results:

All dialysate bicarbonate categories had a mean pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration within the normal range. In the individualized category, 91% achieved a pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate ≥22 mmol/L, compared to 87% in the standardized category. Patients in the standardized category tended to have a serum bicarbonate that was 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.93, 0.43) mmol/L lower than patients in the individualized category. Relative to patients in the 35 mmol/L category, patients in the 36 to 37 and ≥38 mmol/L categories tended to have a serum bicarbonate that was 0.70 (95% CI = −0.30, 1.70) mmol/L and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.14, 1.60) mmol/L higher, respectively. There was no effect modification by age, sex, or history of chronic lung disease.

Limitations:

We could not directly confirm that all laboratory measurements were pre-dialysis. Data on prescribed dialysate bicarbonate concentrations for individual dialysis sessions were not available, which may have led to some misclassification, and adherence to a practice of individualization could not be measured. Residual confounding is possible.

Conclusions:

We found no significant difference in the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration irrespective of whether an individualized or standardized dialysate bicarbonate was used. Dialysate bicarbonate concentrations ≥38 mmol/L (vs 35 mmol/L) may increase the pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate concentration by 0.9 mmol/L.
Developmental lung disease in a cat associated with high probability of severe pulmonary hypertension: natural history, histopathology and genetic analysis
Authors: Nebel Yari , Williams Kurt , Lyons Leslie A , Reinero Carol , Ferriani Riccardo , Toschi Corneliani Roberto , Spalla Ilaria
Published: May 2024

Case summary

This report describes the diagnostic findings, natural history and genetic analysis of the candidate gene Forkhead Box F1 ( FOXF1) in a young cat with developmental lung disease and high probability of pulmonary hypertension. A 1-year-old male entire Chartreux cat was referred for cardiac murmur investigation and exercise intolerance. Echocardiography identified a high-velocity tricuspid regurgitant jet with right-sided cardiac changes, supporting a high probability of pulmonary hypertension. No congenital cardiac shunts or left-sided cardiac changes were found to support a primary cardiac cause of pulmonary hypertension. Extensive laboratory work, thoracic radiographs and CT were performed. Histopathological characterisation (lung biopsy and later post mortem) was necessary to reach the final diagnosis. Eight months after diagnosis, the cat developed right-sided congestive heart failure, eventually leading to euthanasia. Survival from diagnosis to death was 12 months.

Relevance and novel information

Developmental lung disease belongs to a group of diffuse lung diseases in humans associated with pulmonary hypertension. The veterinary literature describing lung growth disorders in cats is sparse, and the present report provides information on clinical presentation and progression alongside a thorough diagnostic workup, which may aid clinicians in identifying this condition. Lung biopsy was pivotal in reaching the final diagnosis. No causal variants in FOXF1 were identified.
Are the Values of Family Members Consistent With the Organizational Culture of Their Business?
Authors: Mikušová Marie , Friedrich Václav , Poláková Gabriela , Linhart Ondřej
Published: May 2024

In family businesses, as in other organizations, an informal organizational culture is formed. The purpose of the research was to determine if there is a relationship between intra-family relationship and the type of organizational culture. Quantitative research has been conducted. The OCAI questionnaire was used as well as a set of questions from the authors who called it the Family Involvement Model. Data were obtained from 860 respondents, family business owners. Key findings that the values of family members are not consistent with the organizational culture in their business have been statistically confirmed. Only the hypothesis of the consistency of family values and clan organizational culture was confirmed. The study contributes to the study of family involvement in family business. Practical implications for family business owners can be seen in the building of positive influence on the creation of the organizational culture in their business. The study addresses the nature of organizational culture and the values of the family what is the originality of the research.
Place Attachment or Novel Experience? Enablers of Recreationists’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Scenic Spots
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhao Jing , Wang Jinghao
Published: May 2024

Given the importance of recreationists’ environmentally responsible behavior (RERB) to the sustainability of the scenic spots, this study uses person-environment fit as the theoretical basis and place attachment and novel experience as mediating variables to explore the mechanism of recreationist-environment fit (RE-fit) on RERB. This study’s main objective is to investigate RERB enablers in scenic spots; therefore, data from 588 recreationists of Mount Huang scenic spot were collected using a questionnaire. The results of this study, through structural equation modeling, showed that both place attachment and novel experience had a significant positive effect on RERB; however, novel experience had a greater effect on RERB compared to place attachment. Moreover, the analysis also found that RE-fit mediated the effect of RERB through place attachment and novel experience. This study examined the antecedents that influenced RERB in scenic spots and provided theoretical implications for the environmental management of scenic spots from the perspective of RERB. This study provided practical implications for the construction of recreationists’ place attachment and novel experience in scenic spots. This research recommends that recreational site providers should offer their recreationists sustainable and environmentally friendly experiences, activities, and interpretations to enhance their attitudes and recreational environmentally responsible behavior. This will reduce the ecological impacts produced by recreationists at various recreational locations, hence, promoting sustainable tourism.
Systems Thinking Interplay Between Project Complexities, Stakeholder Engagement, and Social Dynamics Roles in Influencing Construction Project Outcomes
Authors: Omotayo Temitope Seun , Ross Jonathan , Oyetunji Abiodun , Udeaja Chika
Published: May 2024

Construction projects are fraught with the challenges of cost overruns, schedule deviations, and not meeting expectations. Underlying these failures are factors related to complexity, stakeholder management, and external social dynamics. The literature review highlighted research gaps, leading to conceptualizing the research aim. The study explored the roles of project complexity, stakeholder engagement, and social dynamics in the UK construction project management sector. A survey research strategy combining qualitative interview questions was employed to extract data from project professionals across the UK. Convenience sampling resulted in a high response rate from seventy-three (73) participants across the UK. Four main themes emerged: project complexity and lessons learned; stakeholder engagement and social climate; project failures and conflicts; and project success. System thinking causal loop diagramming was applied in amalgamating implications drawn from the findings. The implications noted that challenges in governance, regulation, and legislation, coupled with stringent cost and schedule targets, added to project complexity, effective stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and understanding of social contexts were crucial for project success where complexities of stakeholders and social dynamics proved difficult.
Emotional Intelligence, Adjustment, Media and Technology Usage, and Gender as Predictors of Psychological Well-being Amongst Undergraduate University Students
Authors: Lomberg Emma Nicole , Jordaan Jacques
Published: May 2024

South African undergraduate university students face many unique challenges that put them at risk of developing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, psychological well-being has been found to play an essential role when it comes to effectively coping with and adjusting to university life. This study aimed to identify the predictor variable(s) or combination(s) of predictor variables that explained a significant percentage of the variance in psychological well-being amongst undergraduate university students. A total of 1,191 students between the ages of 18 and 30 participated in the study. This was a non-experimental study using a cross-sectional correlational research design. The results from the hierarchical regression analyses indicated that adjustment to university life statistically and practically significantly contributed to the explanation of the variance of the following dimensions of psychological well-being: Positive Relations, Self-acceptance, and Purpose in Life. These findings suggest that interventions that target adjustment could be used to improve the psychological well-being of undergraduate university students.
Qualitative Evaluation of a Novel Security Role to Reduce Occupational Violence in Inpatient Hospital Settings
Authors: Duff Jed , Jeffries Lita , Griffiths Joanna , Woollett Kaylene , Carter Andy , Xu Hui (Grace)
Published: May 2024

Background: Occupational violence (OV) is a priority issue that significantly affects the safety of nurses, leading to staff burnout and poor retention issues. Security personnel are common in inpatient settings, yet there is limited research on their role, function, and impacts. The study aims to qualitatively evaluate a novel security role to reduce OV in inpatient settings. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. A novel security role (Ambassador) was piloted in three inpatient wards over 6 months in 2020 to mitigate OV risk. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. All interviews were audio recorded. Interview transcripts were transcribed. Deductive analysis based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to identify the experiences and perceptions of the participants. Findings: 17 participants were interviewed. Five themes were identified including program characteristics, internal drivers, external drivers, individual experience, and implementation process. An Ambassador proactively engages with patients and visitors and employs behavioral strategies to de-escalate or redirect persons of concern. Participants considered Ambassadors to be important members of the health care team who supported the provision of patient and family-centered care. Successful implementation was said to require collaboration between clinical and security services and a small agile project team with authority and autonomy. Conclusion/Application to practice: This study provides many insights into the successful implementation of a novel security role in acute hospital settings. More research is needed on the effectiveness, appropriateness, feasibility, and cost of different security models.
Dynamics of Tenancy Relations Among the Small- and Medium-Scale Farmers of Telangana State
Authors: Sama Arun Kumar Reddy
Published: May 2024

Historically, agricultural tenancy relations are understood from an economic perspective considering the ‘land’ as a fundamental unit in determining the nature of contracts and overall agrarian structure. However, the current study focuses on all agricultural resources such as land, water, labour, livestock and other inputs, which are shared/exchanged between two contracting partners in agricultural production. The current study predominantly relied on the qualitative data collected using anthropological tools of data collection to understand the dynamics of resource-sharing relations between small- and medium-scale farmers of Nizamsagar Mandal, Telangana State. Emphasis is laid on understanding the dynamic nature of tenancy relations by conducting a detailed study on the terms and conditions of oral/informal resource-sharing contracts among farmers in the study area. The study reveals that especially among the small- and medium-scale farmers, the significance attached to the land as a determining factor in tenancy relations is found losing its relevance as other agricultural inputs are gaining importance in overall agricultural production. Further, diversity in contexts under which each farmer shares/exchanges agricultural resources is found to determine the terms and conditions of contracts, thereby reflecting the dynamic nature of tenancy relations in this region.
Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties of Silver-doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Orthodontic Composite
Authors: Rajan KV Ranjeth , Nagesh Shweta , SP Mani
Published: May 2024

Aim:

The incorporation of nanoparticles in orthodontic materials like composites and primers can be used to combat white spot lesions (WSLs), which is a common complication of orthodontic treatment. Silver-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (AgHANps) have the potential to produce antibacterial effects against caries-causing bacteria in the oral cavity and can be applied for combating WSL when incorporated in orthodontic composites. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to characterize and assess the antibacterial properties of orthodontic composites containing AgHANps.

Materials and Methods:

The structure of the synthesized AgHANps was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Commercially available orthodontic composite was incorporated with the prepared AgHANps. The agar-well diffusion method was used to investigate the AgHANps-incorporated composite’s antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans), and Escherichia coli ( E. coli). ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to assess the differences in zones of inhibition (ZOI) between the groups with the p value set at .05.

Results:

The AgHANPs was prepared and characterized using EDAX and FTIR, which revealed the successful formation of the nanoparticles without any contaminants. After the integration of the AgHANps into the orthodontic composite, antimicrobial assessment showed statistically significant ZOI against S. aureus ( p = .003), S. mutans (0.001), and E. coli (0.003). The high concentration of the AgHANPS (40 μL) showed the largest ZOI against all the bacteria followed the control group and the low concentration (20 μL) group.

Conclusion:

The study shows the AgHANps incorporated orthodontic adhesive possess antimicrobial effect against S. aureus, S. mutans, and E. coli and the effect increases with the concentration of the nanoparticle.
Association Between Knee Flexor Strength and Preservation of the Tibial Attachment of the Sartorial Fascia During Hamstring Tendon Harvest
Authors: Catma Mehmet Faruk , Dulgeroglu Deniz , Guroz Ali Nazmican , Kuzucu Yakup
Published: May 2024

Background:

During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there are various autograft options. Donor-site morbidity is an important consideration while deciding the type of the autograft. Gracilis and semitendinosus autografts are commonly used in ACL reconstruction, resulting in weakness of the hamstring muscle.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that if we preserved the tibial insertion site of the sartorial fascia (SF) during hamstring tendon harvest, there would be better recovery of knee flexor strength.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 34 patients (aged 20-59 years) underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft with 2 different incision techniques on the SF. The tibial attachment site of the SF was preserved in 17 patients. The insertion site of the muscle was incised transversely in 17 patients. The follow-up duration was ≥2 years. Patients were recalled to the institute for examination and muscle strength assessment. The results were compared between the groups in terms of flexor and extensor knee isokinetic muscle strength at 60 and 180 deg/s.

Results:

There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, or body mass index. When compared with patients whose SF attachment site was incised, patients with a preserved SF tibial insertion were found to have a higher flexion peak torque at the angular speed of 180 deg/s ( P < 002). No statistically significant difference was noted at 60 deg/s.

Conclusion:

During collection of gracilis and semitendinosus autografts, preserving the SF tibial attachment site was associated with better knee flexion peak torque.
New Voice Channel and Voice Endorsement: How the Information Displayed on Online Idea Management Platforms Influences Voice Endorsement?
Authors: Liang Liang , Tian Guyang , Zhang Xue , Tian Yezhuang
Published: May 2024

This study aims to provide an integrative understanding of the antecedents of voice endorsement from the digital voice context. This paper focuses on the distinctive information displayed on online idea management platforms and employs the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to examine how peripheral cues (the number of readings, likes, comments, voicer status, and voicer identity) and central cues (voice persuasiveness and voice sidedness) influence voice endorsement. We empirically tested our research model with the archival database of 201 employee voice posts on the online idea management platform from a large Chinese enterprise. The results of archival analysis showed that several factors were significantly related to voice endorsement. Specifically, the number of comments, voicer status, and voice persuasiveness were positively related to voice endorsement. Voicer identity and voice sidedness were negatively related to voice endorsement. However, the number of readings and the number of likes were not significantly related to voice endorsement. Moreover, issue involvement significantly moderated the relationship between the number of comments and voice endorsement, as well as the relationship between voice persuasiveness and voice endorsement, and between voice sidedness and voice endorsement. Theoretical and practical implications for voice endorsement are discussed.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in the Age of ChatGPT: Experiential-Bibliotherapy-Blogging Project
Authors: Sharma Daneshwar
Published: May 2024

Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills in management education. ChatGPT and other AI-assisted writing tools might disrupt conventional tools like essay writing and case-study analysis. The project incorporates bibliotherapy-inspired usage of ChatGPT and critical thinking and problem-solving frameworks to make students identify and solve real-life problems like social media addiction or time-management skills. ChatGPT is used as an assistant, coach, and/or motivator in the project. Students’ experiences are shared as blog posts. The impact of the project on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills is measured by a post-and-then-pre survey questionnaire.
Informational and Practical Needs of Expectant Mothers with Chronic Hepatitis B in Ghana
Authors: Lanyo Theresa Norpeli , Adjei Charles Ampong , Ani-Amponsah Mary
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem with disproportionately high endemicity in Africa and Ghana. The current national prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Ghana stands at 7.44%, highlighting the considerable threat of chronic hepatitis B on pregnant women and their general well-being. The study explored the informational and practical needs of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B in Ghana. Fourteen pregnant women were selected purposefully using the exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B lacked knowledge about the infection and were in great need of hepatitis B-related information. The study also revealed significant financial implications for treating the infection, necessitating policy reforms and stakeholder actions. To achieve effective coping, better health-seeking, and health-promoting behaviors for better health outcomes, it is crucial to provide targeted care that comprehensively covers the specific needs of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B. It is also essential to consider including hepatitis B management in the National Health Insurance package to improve care quality.
Sexual Politics in Select DNT Autobiographies: A Study
Authors: Acharya Indranil , Roy Souparna
Published: May 2024

The implementation of the Criminal Tribes Act by the British Government in 1871 branded certain nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes in India as born criminals who lived by thieving. Despite the official denotification of such tribes in 1952, the stigma associated with their names still remains and they still continue to face various discriminations and violations of human rights in the society. The sufferings of these communities remain mostly ignored by the government. They also hardly find any place in the books of historical, sociological and literary studies. However, the autobiographical narratives produced by writers themselves belonging to such tribes act as authentic documentation of the historical injustices and various casteist segregations faced by their people. But there is hardly any female writer from the nomadic tribes. As a result, the specific concerns of the women of such marginalized communities are even less known than those of their male counterparts. The predicament of the denotified and nomadic tribes (DNT) women is known only so far as it is represented by the male DNT writers. The present study is an attempt to understand the sexual politics and vulnerabilities of the DNT women as represented in the autobiographies of Laxman Gaikwad and Laxman Mane.
‘Those who make no effort deserve no consideration’: Ecofascism in David Ireland's The World Repair Video Game
Authors: Heino Brett
Published: May 2024

Ecofascism is an ideology that attempts to ground the fascist political project on a strongly ‘natural’ basis. Whilst still inchoate and not yet a mainstream political movement, it is an increasingly influential ideology in far-right circles, motivating a number of acts of political violence. This article uses Australian author David Ireland's last novel The World Repair Video Game to explore the structure and constituent elements of ecofascist ideology, and how this is manifested spatially in the literary world of the novel. Using a structural Marxist understanding of literature as a fashioning of ideology, the article argues that, through aesthetic means, Ireland is able to project an ecofascist future that runs ahead of its material reality. In so doing, Ireland plots how a future ecofascism might synergise an essentialist link between the natural and social worlds, hatred towards those who resist the neoliberal link between labour and human worth, extreme violence and a deep, genuine nature worship.
Inclusivity in Fashion: Perceptions in India
Authors: Suradkar Neha , Chanana Bhawana
Published: May 2024

The definition of beauty has undergone a profound transformation, breaking free from established conventional standards and embracing a broader spectrum of attributes. Historically, societal beauty ideals have been defined by cultural, historical, and geographic influences, perpetuating prejudice and discrimination. In recent years, there has been a shift in the fashion industry as inclusivity and diversity have become buzzwords. Diversity encompasses age, skin tone, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and body size. Achieving inclusivity requires thoughtful consideration of fabrics, styles, and silhouettes suitable for India’s distinct diversity. This study delves into the perceptions of inclusivity within the Indian fashion landscape. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study explores how inclusivity is comprehended, embraced, and practiced in Indian fashion. The literature review highlights topics such as size inclusivity, promotion of body positivity, social media’s transformative effects, and influencers’ role in reshaping the fashion industry. It also discusses how brands embrace inclusive approaches in their marketing and the overall shopping experience. The survey among the Indian population revealed that respondents were aware of inclusivity in fashion, linking it to the idea of ‘Fashion for All.’ They highlight that inclusive brands consider factors such as different body sizes, economic backgrounds, physical abilities, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Brands such as H&M and Zara were often mentioned when discussing the inclusivity of the Indian fashion industry. Respondents indicated a readiness to support and potentially pay more for inclusive brands. The industry embraces diversity, challenges existing norms, and supports inclusivity. Despite some progress, significant gaps exist in creating authentic, inclusive fashion experiences that cater to a diverse spectrum of individuals. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity, challenging conventions, and promoting inclusivity will continue to shape the future of fashion, rendering it a more accessible and empowering space for all.
Voices of unpaid carers: problems and prospects in accessing palliative care and self-care information, resources and services
Authors: Van Dinther Kristine , Javanparast Sara
Published: May 2024

Background:

Unpaid carers make a substantial contribution to the health economy and carers of palliative patients are particularly vulnerable due to special patient needs and excessive carer burden. The Australian Government recently implemented the Integrated Carer Support Service Model to provide a range of free services to carers in the community. However, it is unclear whether such initiatives are effective and, more importantly, how carers of palliative patients gain access to information, support and services for the patient and themselves.

Objectives:

We sought to investigate unpaid carers’ experiences in accessing information and resources for support with patient care with a specific focus on palliative care resources and to determine carers’ access to information and support for self-care. We also aimed to identify what opportunities and challenges remain for these particular carers according to their experiences.

Methods:

We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews and 3 focus groups with unpaid family or friend carers of palliative patients in South Australia from metropolitan, regional and rural communities. Grounded in a descriptive phenomenological paradigm, we conducted a hybrid approach to thematic analysis combining deductive and inductive coding following Fereday and Muir-Cochrane’s method.

Results:

The government’s web-based initiative provided little impact in supporting carers from our cohort. There remains a substantial gap between the formal recognition of the importance of carers and their lived reality. This recognition by health professionals is vital, as carer self-identification is not common and affects help-seeking behaviour. Carers seek and respond to more grassroots, personalized forms of support and sharing of information.

Conclusion:

The lack of self-identification affects carers’ help-seeking behaviours. Carer identification and recognition need to be initiated by health professionals in a proactive manner to ensure carers are prepared for their role and are emotionally supported to sustain it. Carers seek face-to-face guidance and sources of information.
The Mesocortical System Encodes the Strength of Subsequent Force Generation
Authors: Sugawara Sho K , Nishimura Yukio
Published: May 2024

Our minds impact motor outputs. Such mind–motor interactions are critical for understanding motor control mechanisms and optimizing motor performance. In particular, incentive motivation strongly enhances motor performance. Dopaminergic neurons located in the ventral midbrain (VM) are believed to be the center of incentive motivation. Direct projections from the VM to the primary motor cortex constitute a mesocortical pathway. However, the functional role of this pathway in humans remains unclear. Recently, we demonstrated the functional role of the mesocortical pathway in human motor control in the context of incentive motivation by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Incentive motivation remarkably improved not only reaction times but also the peak grip force in subsequent grip responses. Although the reaction time has been used as a proxy for incentive motivation mediated by dopaminergic midbrain activity, the premovement activity of the mesocortical pathway is involved in controlling the force strength rather than the initiation of subsequent force generation. In this commentary, we review our recent findings and discuss remaining questions regarding the functional role of the mesocortical pathway in mind–motor interactions.
From ground to cloud: Navigating research in digital geographies
Authors: Faxon Hilary Oliva
Published: May 2024

The proliferation of screens, satellites, and sensors presents new methodological challenges and possibilities for geography. This article provides a heuristic to guide empirical research that engages combinations of digital and material topics and tools. Analytically separating objects of analysis and methods of inquiry and locating them “on the ground” and “in the cloud” enables researchers to chart a pathway through complex digital geographies and research processes. Drawing on my own research in Myanmar farmers’ fields and Facebook groups, I demonstrate how iteratively combining in situ and digital ethnography, social media analysis, and interviews enabled me to understand agrarian and technological change, formulate new research questions, and adapt to acute constraints. As a strategy within growing methodologies for digital geography, moving from ground to cloud and back is a device for navigating empirical research that relies on an ethos of experimentation and an ethic of care.
Health Planning in Times of COVID-19 in Burkina Faso: The Role of Its National Strategic Pandemic Management Committee
Authors: Druetz Thomas , Bicaba Frank , Zainabou Cissé , Bicaba Abel
Published: May 2024

Context

Presenting the COVID-19 crisis as a pandemic misleadingly implies a certain homogeneity between the regions of the Globe in terms of their burden and reactions. However, from the outset of the crisis, countries presented different epidemiological realities and sometimes adopted divergent, even opposing measures. Curiously, the heterogeneity of responses persisted as scientific evidence accumulated about COVID-19 and the strategies for dealing with it.

Case study

This commentary aims to recount the specific experience of Burkina Faso, and how it reoriented its initial biomedical response into a multisectoral strategy. Burkina Faso set up a committee specifically to examine the effects not only of the pandemic, but also of the control measures. This committee was mandated to decompartmentalize the lens through which the COVID-19 was dealt with. It entered into dialogue with a level of stakeholders often overlooked during national health crisis: communities. As a member of this “National Committee for Crisis Management of the Pandemic”, one of the co-authors contributed to its orientations and has witnessed first-hand some of the challenges it faced.

Recommendations

This experience suggests that the project of extricating the field of public health from medicine is advancing in Burkina Faso. In order to manage future crises more effectively and across different sectors, there is an urgent need to establish state structures and to strengthen public health systems. States need coordination units that have the legitimacy, authority and resources required to mobilize a variety of actors at the community, national and international levels.
Proactive inhibitory control as a cognitive contributor to social difficulties in adolescents with ADHD traits
Authors: McKay Erin , Kirk Hannah , Cornish Kim
Published: May 2024

Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represent a significantly heterogenous group in terms of cognitive and social ability. Given the high co-occurrence of ADHD and autism, it is unclear whether the social difficulties seen in ADHD may be attributed to the same underlying factors which contribute to social difficulties in autism, or are a unique feature of ADHD. This study explores differences in cognition in adolescents with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms with and without social difficulties, and adolescents with ADHD symptoms and autism. Thirty-nine adolescents completed objective measures of cognition (attention, working memory, inhibition) and social cognition (affect recognition, theory of mind [ToM]). Adolescents with ADHD symptoms and social difficulties had poorer proactive inhibition than both those without social difficulties, and those with autism. Lower cognitive performance was only significantly related to social functioning for adolescents with ADHD who experienced social difficulties. ToM was weakest in those with autism. Social difficulties in adolescents with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms are associated with poor proactive inhibition, working memory and affect recognition. This highlights the potential benefit of cognitive strategies for remediating social difficulties in ADHD, and the need for ADHD specific interventions.

Lay abstract

Around half of teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience significant difficulties forming and maintaining friendships. This in turn often has negative effects on schooling and mental health. There is a large body of research that suggests the social difficulties commonly seen in ADHD may be due to weaknesses in skills such as impulse control, working memory, recognising emotions, and perspective taking. Given teenagers with autism often present with similar weaknesses and social difficulties, it is not known whether the social difficulties experienced by teenagers with ADHD have the same underlying causes. If so, this may suggest that social difficulties in ADHD represent undiagnosed autism, or low-level autism traits. This study compared these key skills in teenagers with clinical ADHD symptoms who experience social difficulties, with those who don’t experience social difficulties, and those with co-occurring autism. The results showed that social difficulties in ADHD and autism appear to have different underlying causes, suggesting that the social difficulties seen in teenagers with ADHD are unique to this disorder, and are not due to underlying autism, or autism traits. This highlights the need for social skills interventions, particularly those that target impulse control, emotion recognition and working memory, that are specifically tailored to the needs and weaknesses of teenagers with ADHD, rather than using existing interventions designed for teenagers with autism.
Working Conditions, Worker Rights, and Managerial Domination During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessing Their Toll on Precariously Employed Workers and Family Well-Being
Authors: O’Campo Patricia , Gunn Virginia , Perri Melissa , Buhariwala Pearl , Rasoulain Elham , Daneshvardfard Maryam , Ma Rachel W , Lewchuck Wayne , Baron Sherry , Bodin Theo , Muntaner Carles
Published: May 2024

Precarious Employment (PE) is characterized by job, income, and benefit insecurities. Studies surrounding PE and well-being have been predominantly quantitative, leaving a gap in rich descriptions of employment experiences. We recruited a sample of 40 adults aged 25-55 who were involved in PE during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic or lost employment due to the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were administered. Employment and income insecurities were common and had negative impacts on the well-being of participants and their families. Uncertainty about future employment prospects and job and income loss resulted in chronic distress. Other insecurities—access to benefits, violation of worker rights, worker safety—was also reported as impacting well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened insecurities, hardships, and distress among workers with PE conditions. Given the myriad insecurities experienced by those engaged in PE, the focus of precarious work research should also include working conditions, violation of worker rights, and managerial domination.
Coating of micropolar fluid during non-isothermal reverse roll coating phenomena
Authors: Hanif A , Khaliq S , Abbas Z
Published: May 2024

Reverse roll coating is a high-speed coating process used in many applications. The single largest application for reverse roll coating is applying architectural paint to coils of sheet metal; however, in the converting industry reverse roll coating is used for some thermal coatings, adhesives, color laser paper receivers, wax coatings, magnetic coatings, vinyl dispersions for wallcovering, some specialty light sensitive applications, and many specialty products that require a high precision application process. This work presents a mathematical model for the steady flow of non-isothermal, incompressible, micropolar fluid in the metering nip of a reverse roll coater with velocity slip applied at both roll’s surfaces. Lubrication approximation theory (LAT) is utilized to reduce the complexity of the non-dimensional equations. Exact solutions for pressure gradient, velocity, and temperature are achieved. At the same time, numerical techniques (Simpson’s 3/8 rule with Newton Raphson method) are used to compute the pressure distribution, coating thickness, flow rate, and separation points. Effects of coupling number, slip parameter, microrotation, and velocity ratio on velocity, pressure, temperature, and pressure gradient are presented in graphs. It is observed from the current analysis that the intrinsic rotations of the fluid particles prove to be the controlling parameter of the pressure gradient, which significantly varies the coating thickness. Also, as a result of velocity slip, the flow rate declines and the coating thickness reduces as the fluid moves faster along the boundary walls.