bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF GALLBLADDER VOLUME AND ITS RELATION WITH AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS OF JHARKHAND
Authors: Shekhar Himanshu , Pradhan Vimukta
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder of humans characterized by metabolic abnormalities leading to long term complications. Neuropathy is one of the common complications of diabetes. Despite being a well-known consequence, autonomic neuropathy has received less attention than other microvascular sequelae. The involvement of both parasympathetic and sympathetic chains in autonomic neuropathy results in a variety of manifestations affecting various body organs. Gallbladder involvement in diabetic autonomic neuropathy is in the form of high incidence of gallstones and a signicant increase in gallbladder volume with lack of symptoms of gallbladder disease. The study was conducted on 150 Materials & Methods: known diabetic patients and 150 age and sex matched controls. After detailed history, cardiac autonomic function is assessed by simple bedside tests and CAN score was assigned as per Ewing and Clarke's criteria. Ultrasound is used to assess the fasting gallbladder volume after 8 hours of fasting and postprandial gallbladder volume after xed standard fatty meal. The results are analysed using MS-EXCEL, SPSS and MedCalc software. p value<0.05 was taken as statistically signicant. The fasting gallbladder volume in s Results: tudy group was 33.96 ± 15.19 as compared to 24.79 ± 9.96 in controls. Postprandial volume in study group was 24.01 ± 14.41 as compared to 16.28 ± 9.01 in controls. The difference was statistically signicant. 120 patients in cases show some degree of autonomic neuropathy as compared to 65 patients in control group. Correlation of GBV with different parameters like HbA1c had Pearson's correlational coefcient (r) = 0.430, correlation with duration of diabetes had r = 0.391, correlation with CAN scoring had r = 0.757, correlation with microalbuminuria had r = 0.299. All results were statistically signicant with pvalue<0.05. However, correlation of GBV with age had (r) =0.0033, Correlation with BMI shows r=0.152 both results were statistically insignicant. Autonomic neuropathy was more prevalent in hypertensive subjects but result was statistically insignicant. The Conclusion: fasting and PP-gallbladder volume was higher in study subjects due to autonomic neuropathy. Correlation of GBV with glycemic control, duration of diabetes, Cardiac autonomic neuropathy shows a positive correlation, whereas correlation of autonomic neuropathy with Age, BMI and hypertension was statistically insignicant.
A CLINICAL STUDY TO KNOW THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACTORS OF RHINOSPORIDIOSIS IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE AT CIMS HOSPITAL BILASPUR, CHHATTISGARH
Authors: Sahu Vidyabhushan , Lahari Chanchal , Pandey Arti , Mittal Shweta
Published: July 2023

Background: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi which was once believed to be a sporozoan now it is included in phycomycetes. Clinically, the disease presented as slow growing mass in nasal passage leads to nasal obstruction. Rhinosporidiosis has been reported from different parts of India such as south India, western India, and Central India. To study the epidemiological factors of rhinosporidiosis in tertiary c Objective: are centre at CIMS Hospital Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. This clinical study is conducted in the department of ENT, Chhatt Methods: isgarh institute of medical sciences, CIMS Bilaspur (C.G.) from 01/01/2016 to 31/08/2021. Sample size consists of 90 patients of both sexes and all age groups selected from ENT OPD. The frequency, predisposing factors, common symptoms and response to treatment was observed and recorded. 90 patients were registered Results: diagnosis of Rhinosporidiosis. 40 out of 90 patients (44.4%) belonged to <18 year age group, 8.8% were in >45 year age group whereas 46.6% belonged to 18-45 yr age group. 59 out of 90 (65.5%) patients were male whereas female patients were 31(34.4%), Nasal mass, Nasal Discharge and Epistaxis was present in all patients. All patients had history of pond water bath as the predisposing factor. 67 out of 90(74.4%) were belonged to rural residence, 80 out of 90 (88.8%) patients had nasal cavity involvement, Right side was involved in 48 patients whereas left side was seen affected in 30 patients and bilateral involvement was seen in 2 patients. We concluded in our study that young middle- Conclusion: aged males belonged to low socioeconomic class were predominantly affected by rhinosporidiosis, nasal cavity was found to be most commonly site involved with chief clinical features of Nasal mass, Nasal Discharge and Epistaxis. All patients had history of pond water bath as the predisposing factor.
POLYEMBOLOKOILAMANIA IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
Authors: Baviskar Ajit , Mushtaque Mona , Sinha Komal
Published: July 2023

Polyembolokoilamania in the Emergency Department
Polyembolokoilamania is a rare but serious medical condition that
involves the presence of multiple foreign bodies in the patient's body
[1]. This condition can be challenging to diagnose and manage in the
emergency department. In this chapter, we will discuss the
presentation, diagnosis, and management of polyembolokoilamania in
the emergency department.
EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY CARE TUTORING ON QUALITY OF LIFE, LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AND BIO PHYSIOLOGICAL OUTCOME AMONG OBESE ADOLESCENTS AND KNOWLEDGE ON OBESITY MANAGEMENT AMONG MOTHERS AT SELECTED SCHOOLS IN CHENNAI.
Authors: Velu Geetha , Celina D. , Hemavathy J.
Published: July 2023

Background: The rising prevalence of adolescent obesity is associated with an increase in co-morbidities and Up to 4 three-fourth of children with overweight/obesity remain so in adulthood. Objectives: 1.To assess and compare the level of Quality Of Life, Life Style Behaviors and Biophysiological Outcome among obese adolescents between experimental and control group. 2. To assess and compare the level of knowledge among obese adolescent's mothers between experimental and control group. 3. To assess the Effectiveness of Early Care Tutoring on Quality Of Life, Life Style Behaviors and Biophysiological Outcome among obese adolescents between experimental and control group. 4. To assess the Effectiveness of Early Care Tutoring on the level of knowledge among obese adolescent's mothers between experimental and control group. 5. To correlate the Mean differed score of Quality Of Life, Life Style Behaviors and Biophysiological Outcome among obese adolescents in experimental and control group. Methodology: A quasi experimental research design was adopted. After screening a total 20 elderly people, 10 for each experimental and control group were selected were selected by using non probability purposive sampling technique in a selected Schools. The pre test data was collected through the structured and modied tools for Quality of Life (QOL), Lifestyle behavoirs and Biophysiological out comes was given for a period of 4 weeks and post test was conducted. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the Results: adolsecents aged 14,female,rst child of the family. Socioeconomical staus was upper class. All of them were residing in urban . distance from school was <1kn and using either bi-cycle or bike.The present study showed that there was an improvement between pre test and post test 2 and 3 in QOL and Lifestyle behaviors. Only BMI showed signicance in post test 2 and 3, other anthropometrics were not signicant. There was a correlation between QOL and LSB & QOL and BMI. Early care tutoring packages had a strong impact on adolescents' QOL, LSB and Biophysiologicaloutcomes. The overall statistically signicant difference Conclusion: in the level Early Care Tutoring was effective and found to be signicant in modifying the Quality of Life, Life style Behavior and biophysiological outcome among Obese Adolescents
TO IDENTIFY THE PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT AND THE EARLY INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Kailasia Anamika , Kela Gunjan
Published: July 2023

Background: Early essential newborn care has been implemented in countries regardless high or low neonatal mortality. This study aims to investigate the current practice of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and its effect on exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay. This is a cross-sectional study composed of 150 pregnant Material & Method: women who delivered at SAIMS hospital, Indore. Data were collected via forms containing socio demographic variables, obstetric history and data on the delivery and birth of newborn. The variables were on women's data (age, parity, ANC visit and type of delivery); and neonatal data (gender of the child, Apgar score at 1, 2 and 5 minutes, SSC with breastfeeding in the rst hour of life, birth weight, exclusive breast feeding in the rst and third month of life). Results: Among the 150 pregnant women, skin- to- skin contact occurred in 62% and early initiation of breastfeeding in 69.3%. Full term, birth weight ≥ 2500 gm, Apgar score >7 in the rst minute, vaginal delivery, 6 or more prenatal consultations, maternal age were the factors associated with the practice of skin-to- skin contact. In the skin-to-skin contact group, the median interscapular temperature of infant increased from 35.5ºC (range 34.6-37.0ºC) at 5 minutes observation to 36.4º (range 35.7-37.2ºC) at 60 minutes observations. The median temperature of mother's breast increased from 36.5ºC (range 35.6-37.6ºC) at 5 minutes observation to 37.2º (range 36.6-37.4ºC) at 60 minutes observations. Correlation between skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breast feeding found to be by Pearson correlation coefcient: .044 and by spearman correlation: 0.46. Our results demonstrate a strong dose–response relationship betwee Conclusion: n duration of SSC and exclusive breastfeeding in hospital. Interventions that support exclusive breastfeeding during hospital stay, especially achieving prolonged uninterrupted SSC, could improve the duration of breastfeeding.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF RETROGRADE PERIIMPLANTITIS WITH THE ADJUNCTIVE USE OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Jose Anisha , Katti Sandeep , Hattarki Sanjeevini
Published: July 2023

Dental implants have become one of the most popular treatment options for the replacement of a missing tooth due to their
high aesthetics and close resemblance to a natural tooth. Although dental implants have a high success rate, they can be
complicated by infections. Retrograde peri-implantitis is a clinically symptomatic periapical lesion that is diagnosed as a radiolucency that
develops shortly after implant insertion, in which the coronal portion of the implant achieves a normal bone-implant interface. Many treatment
options have been proposed over the year as a treatment modality including conservative approaches such as systemic antibiotics to surgical
approach such as implant resection. This is one such case report where we try to surgically treat a case of peri-implantitis with the adjunctive use of
a Diode Laser.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PREOPERATIVE ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN PREVENTION OF POST OPERATIVE SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN ELECTIVE GENERAL SURGICAL CASES
Authors: RK Prajwal , HV Ravikiran , Channegowda Chethan , Channegowda Chiranjeevi
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Surgical site infection is considered as a very dreadful complication of surgery and is one
of the most frequently noted nosocomial infections. It is associated with increased duration of hospital stay and increased
effective cost of treatment. The main objective of study was to analyse role of preoperative antibiotics in prevention of post-operative surgical site
infection. The material was collected from 70 inpatients by systemic ra Methodology: ndom sampling. Included patients were divided into two
groups of 35 each, Group A included those patients who received prophylactic antibiotic pre-operatively and Group B included those who didn't
receive any pre-operative prophylactic antibiotic. Emergency cases were excluded from this study. Surgical site infection after 3days of Results:
surgery was observed among 8.6% of study subjects in the Group A as compared to 34.3% of study subjects in the Group B. This difference was
statistically signicant. Incidence of surgical site infection ca Conclusion: n be reduced with a single dose of prophylactic antibiotic usage in the
patients undergoing surgery
CHARACTERIZATION OF MLS PHENOTYPES B AMONG STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES : A SIMPLE TWO DISK TEST THAT WORKS
Authors: Vyas Anamika , S Sheethal , Biswas Neetu
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is among the most common pathogens causing a wide array of infections in humans. Macrolides, streptogramins and licosamide B are part of the primary choices for the treatment of S. aureus infections and they are used as alternate drugs in treatment of MRSA as well. But resistance to these agents may hamper in vivo therapy. Objective: To identify MLSB resistance phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from various clinical samples and to identify an association between MRSA and ICR positivity. Material and methods: Over a period of 6 months, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from various clinical samples using conventional microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion; MRSA was detected using cefoxitin (30 μg); and, the D-zone was detected by approximating erythromycin (15 μg) and clindamycin (2 μg) disks. All the 3 tests were performed and inter preted as per CLS Iguidelines. Results: Atotalof80S.aureus strains were isolated from multiple clinical specimens. MRSA were 21.25%; iMLSB, cMLSB and MS phenotypes were identified in 18.75%, 21.25% and 26.25% of S. aureus respectively; a significant(p<0.049) association was found between MRSA and ICR positivity. Conclusion: A simple disc diffusion test with erythromycin and clindamycin which can easily identify MLSB phenotypic resistance patterns in Staphylococcus aureus is useful and accurate even today. The correct utilization of macrolides, licosamindes and strep to gram in B in clinical practice, especially in MRSA strains can be aided byt his modest test.
The Origin of Gravitation
Authors: Zheng shengming Physicist
Published: July 2023

More than three hundred years ago: Newton thought that the reason of apple falling was due to gravity, although he discovered the gravity in the earth, he did not know what how produce gravitation; he said that God is the first driving force. From then on, more than three centuries have passed many people had been exploring the origin of gravitation, until today people have no notion on the origin of gravitation. In order to find the origin of gravitation, I did some experiments and discovered that moving photons generate gravitation. This discovery come to light the origin of gravitation: applying this discovery to others particles show the same effects; in the same time these discoveries have been applied in macro world to calculate the acceleration of gravity, first time display the more accurately formula than Universal law of gravitation to describe the gravity field of earth. These works indicate that moving elementary particles bring on interaction force which appearing behavior of gravitation in the macro world. This show that these discoveries reveal the essence of Universal law of gravitation from micro world to macro world, and reveal the origin of gravitation: namely, tell us where gravitation come from, and solve the enigmas what Universal law of gravitation cannot solve until today.
A Statistical Analysis Model of Wind Power Generation Forecasting for the Western Region of India
Authors: Mahata Sulagna , Harsh Piyush , Shekher Vineet , Rai Pankaj
Published: July 2023

Wind energy has witnessed an upswing, with the improvement in current technology and cost-effective electricity production but due to uncertain wind behaviour and weather trends, it is essential to forecast wind energy. The paper presents the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model, a statistical analysis model, to forecast future power generation values, for the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. The historical wind power generation data and weather parameters have been taken into consideration for the predictive analysis of future trends in power generation. Wind power generation is dependent on various weather factors like wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, air density, etc. The historical data obtained from Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India, and weather data collected from regional weather stations have been made into use for the forecast. A summary of the results is shown using the performance metrics for model evaluation, indicating that the model can forecast wind power generation with higher accuracy. 
Examining the Runtime of NLTK and TensorFlow Algorithms for Chatbot Based on intents.json Length
Authors: Hariharaprasad Rishi
Published: July 2023

This research paper investigates the relationship between the length of the intents.json file and the runtime of NLTK (Natural Language Toolkit) and TensorFlow algorithms for chatbot development in Python. By examining the runtime efficiency based on different intents.json file sizes, the study aims to determine the impact of file length on algorithm performance. Experimental analysis reveals a linear relationship between intents.json length and training runtime, indicating an O(N) runtime complexity. This research provides valuable implications for developers seeking to enhance the runtime performance of chatbot systems by providing them with a baseline of runtime for chatbot dynamic creation - giving organizations the opportunity to properly allocate resources towards chatbot development.
Iterative Data Compression with Calculated Codes
Authors: Dey Swapan
Published: July 2023

This paper focuses on enhancing the compression ratio of any existing dictionary-based Lempel-Ziv compression methods (LZW compression and its variants like LZMW, LZWL etc.) by introducing a couple of novel features rather than introducing a new data compression technique. The proposed enhancements are intended to provide better compression ratio on the existing techniques, thus enabling more efficient data storage. By providing a comprehensive description of the constraints inherent in the current dictionary-based compression methods, this paper analytically elaborates the intricacies of the proposed features, along with a logical explication of how their implementation will lead to an enhanced compression ratio. 
Can back exosuits simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce musculoskeletal disorder risk?
Authors: Rodzak Katherine , Slaughter Paul , Wolf Derek , Ice Chad , Fine Shimra , Zelik Karl
Published: July 2023

Back exosuits are wearable technologies designed to make lifting easier and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks by relieving low back strain. The study objective was to test whether an elastic back exosuit could increase a wearer’s endurance when lifting heavy objects, and if so, to assess whether lifting more cancels out the exosuit’s risk reduction benefits. We performed two case series studies with field artillery Soldiers from the U.S. Army who frequently lift heavy objects. These participants repeatedly lifted 45-55 kg until failure. We counted the number of lifting repetitions to evaluate their lifting endurance with vs. without the exosuit. We found that seven of eight participants increased their lifting repetitions while wearing the exosuit, with endurance increases ranging from 28-75%. We then used these empirical data with an ergonomics assessment tool to model the effects on low back disorder risk when an exosuit is worn and more lifts are performed. Participants exhibited 34-89% lower cumulative back damage (an indicator of low back disorder risk) when wearing the exosuit. These results confirmed that participants wearing the exosuit increased their physical capacity to perform lifting work without canceling out the injury risk reduction benefits. Ergonomic models indicate that to achieve dual benefits—performance enhancement and risk reduction—it is better to increase lifting repetitions, not the weight of objects being lifted. These results have important implications for workers in civilian and defense sectors, suggesting that back exosuits may make it possible to simultaneously boost productivity and reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks.
Higher education attainment does not improve the adult employment outcomes of adolescents with ill health
Authors: Callander Emily , Schofield Deborah J. , Shrestha Rupendra N.
Published: July 2023

This paper assesses whether attaining a higher education improves the chances of employment in adulthood amongst those who had a chronic health condition in adolescence. Using longitudinal analysis of twelve waves of the nationally representative Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, conducted between 2001 and 2012, a cohort of adolescents aged 15 to 21 in Wave 1 were followed through to age 24 (n=624). The results show that those who did have a chronic health condition during adolescence were2.4 times more likely to not be employed at age 24 compared to those who did not have a chronic health condition (95% CI: 1.4 – 4.4, p=0.0024). The results were adjusted for age, sex, education attainment at age 24, health status at age 24 and household income poverty status at age 24. Amongst those who did have a chronic health condition during adolescence there was no significant difference in the likelihood of being employed for those with a Year 12 and below (p=0.1087) level of education attainment or those with a Diploma, Certificate III or IV (p=0.6366) compared to those with a university degree. Education attainment was not shown to mitigate the impact of having a chronic health condition during adolescence on adult employment outcomes.
Making participation accessible for vulnerable clients
Authors: Iaquinto Louis
Published: July 2023

Despite forty years of research, community sector service providers still find operationalising participation in their practice confusing and difficult. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study that begins to question why this is so and what can be done about it? The study examines the meaning and importance of participation determined by a review of the academic literature, by soliciting feedback from a range of stakeholders in community sector organisations, including service users with complex barriers to participation, staff, and board members. The participants’ perspectives, views and experience of participation were obtained through the use of semi-structured interviews. The data generated a number of telling examples of the impact organisational culture has on service delivery and how the values of the leadership shape the organization, as well as illustrations of the principles that underpin participation expressed from the standpoints of the three participant groups. Study findings underscore the critical importance for service providers to consider their culture and its influences.
Students’ Attitudes to Universal Design in Architecture Education
Authors: Larkin Helen , Dell Kelsey , Hitch Danielle
Published: July 2023

It is widely recognised that the built environment can dramatically impact on the participation and engagement of people with disability and diverse needs. It has therefore become necessary for architects and designers to consider these needs when working within their profession. The implementation of universal design teaching into architecture and design curriculum has been recognised as an important step in facilitating and enhancing the uptake of universal design during the design process. Using a quantitative approach, this study aimed to compare, contrast and explore the attitudes of two groups of architecture students to the universal design of built environments. One group had received education relating to diversity and universal design as part of a prior project while the other group had not received this content. Findings from this study demonstrated that while there were no significant differences between the two groups, interesting insights and perspectives emerged regarding student attitudes to universal design and the potential influencers of these attitudes.
Social connection and exclusion of Australian women with no children during midlife
Authors: Turnbull Beth , Graham Melissa L. , Taket Ann R.
Published: July 2023

Evidence indicates women with no children can experience pronatalism-driven stereotyping, stigmatisation and exclusion. This exploratory cross-sectional study described the social connection and exclusion of Australian women with no children during midlife (defined as aged 45 to 64 years). A total of 294 Australian midlife women with no children completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were collected on indicators of exclusion in the social, civic, service and economic domains of life, and participants’ self-reported perceptions of being stereotyped, stigmatised and excluded because they have no children. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and, for differences between involuntarily childless, circumstantially childless and voluntarily childless women: One Way ANOVAs for normally distributed continuous data, and Kruskal Wallis Analyses of Ranks and Chi Square Tests for Independence for categorical data and non-normally distributed continuous data. The findings indicate midlife women feel negatively stereotyped because they have no children. The extent and quality of midlife women’s resources and participation vary between and within the domains of life. However, midlife women reported feeling more excluded because they have no children in the social and civic domains than the service and economic domains. There are few differences between typologies of women with no children. Given that social exclusion is a key social determinant of health and wellbeing, it is essential to ensure all women have opportunities for connection in all domains of life in Australian society regardless of their motherhood status, by challenging pronatalism at all levels of society.
Community-based interventions for building social inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Mahoney Di , Siyambalapitiya Samantha
Published: July 2023

As refugee and asylum seeker numbers increase in Australia, their effective integration into society is facilitated by inclusion in social, economic and community life. This systematic review of the literature explored community-based programs that contribute to inclusion and social participation of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. Four scholarly databases were searched for articles published between 2007 and 2017 resulting in five articles which met inclusion criteria. Although the studies identified were of variable quality, the findings suggest a number of factors that facilitate program effectiveness. These included where: (a) English language and communications skills were considered; (b) programs built on refugees’ own skills and experience prior to resettlement; (c) volunteers and mentors were involved; and (d) participants engaged in diverse projects that enabled new connections. The review highlights the paucity of well-researched interventions that build social inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. Emerging evidence suggests that community-based programs can positively increase social inclusion and connectedness amongst refugees and asylum seekers. Additional well-designed programs and evaluation of such programs are needed to better understand and identify effective interventions targeting social inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers.
Preparing for inclusive consultation, research and policy development: insights from the field of Deafblindness
Authors: Roy Alana , McVilly Keith R. , Crisp Beth R.
Published: July 2023

There is a paucity of research and guidance on good practice for engaging with people who are Deafblind in policy development and the co-design of services and service systems. Although there are a range of inclusive research methodologies, such as the World Café, Deafblind people are yet to be engaged authentically and effectively in these conversations. To address this issue, and as part of a program of research to investigate and test good practice in this field, we analysed data from semi-structured interviews with eight Deafblindness professionals using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the interview data. These were: (1) acknowledging the unique Deafblind world view; (2) the interplay of vulnerability and trusting relationships; (3) the importance of specialist knowledge, skills, and cultural sensitivities; (4) power to the people - addressing power imbalances inherent in consultation processes; (5) same but different – the Deafblind experience of being a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community, and; (6) a challenge that must be met – the imperative to involve people who are Deafblind in research and policy development. If people who are Deafblind are to be engaged in research and policy development, there are a number of guiding principles that need to be considered and practical actions to be taken. These principles include employing a culturally sensitive and trusted research team to spend time working with Deafblind people to help prepare and educate them for research and consultation processes. In so doing, people with lived experiences and professionals in the field can build the trust, knowledge and skills needed to enable authentic co-design and co-production of policy and practice.
Integrated systems approaches: Creative applications for working with disengaged youth
Authors: Gatfield Emma , Winter-Simat Nikolas
Published: July 2023

This article proposes a salient model of practice, Integrated Systems Approaches (ISA), which emerges from secondary education work with disengaged male youths, and has utility across similar settings. The site hosts students with a range of challenges to engagement, focussing on relationship development, personal accountability, self-reflection and broad education that engages students through transformative learning experiences. Using ISA, practitioners support students’ resilience through: revitalising family connections, fostering positive peer associations, and capitalising on staff guidance; concurrently, connecting students with relevant support services, and generating constructive industry-placement mentoring. Through design-led transformative learning experiences students engage in critical reflection and experimentation. While this model has not undergone statistical analysis to determine efficacy, this article outlines the structure, logic and processes of ISA.
Mother of a problem! Are the Needs of Mothers with Intellectual Disability Being Addressed in the NDIS Era?
Authors: Wedgwood Nikki , Collings Susan , Spencer Margaret , Hindmarsh Gabrielle
Published: July 2023

The National Disability Insurance Scheme was introduced to provide a rights-based entitlement to support for Australians with disability, replacing the previous welfare-based policy framework. However, there are indications this rights-based support has not eventuated for mothers with intellectual disability, with growing reports of their reduced access to the parenting support to which they are entitled under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. Despite the NDIS promise of an equitable disability care system that would seamlessly complement State-funded services, reports from mothers with intellectual disability and their advocates suggest that cost-shifting between the Commonwealth and State Governments has reinforced service silos and opened up service gaps for a group of women who need support from both the disability and family support systems. Moreover, a concerning absence of reliable, transparent data makes it difficult to monitor the wellbeing of families headed by mothers with intellectual disability and also suggests these families are no longer a priority for Australian Governments. In this commentary, we advocate for: i) publicly available data on how the NDIS identifies and addresses the support needs of mothers with intellectual disability; ii) the integration of State and Commonwealth funding mechanisms to enable mothers with intellectual disability to access a parenting supplement linked to their NDIS funding and; iii) the rebuilding of national capacity in evidence-based parenting education and support to mothers with intellectual disability across all Australian service systems.
The Sickening Truth of the Digital Divide
Authors: Stephens Madison , Mankee-Williams Anna
Published: July 2023

The use of digital technology has become increasingly commonplace within the United Kingdom, with many public services, including healthcare, becoming ‘digital by default’ in response to COVID-19 pandemic and pledged government objectives. Digital healthcare delivery has shown to be a beneficial mode of delivery, yet it is unclear whether the benefits of digital healthcare are experienced evenly throughout society. Individuals from lower income households, individuals residing in areas with poor digital infrastructure, and individuals without adequate digital skills are at risk of being excluded from digital healthcare. It is imperative that the determinants of digital inequality are addressed to ensure that vulnerable members of society can assess healthcare that is increasingly being delivered digitally. To achieve this, stakeholders spanning many sectors should collaborate to understand and address the impact that digital inequality has upon health inequality.
Story sovereignty - Safe spaces for performers of colour
Authors: Enari Dion
Published: July 2023

Performers of colour have had to endure racism, both on and off stage. Sadly, many performers of colour have had personal (in)direct experiences of racism. Sadder yet, there are those who have been discouraged to pursue careers in the performing arts, because of the racism they have experienced. This article analyses a production by women of colour called Hot Brown Honey. Through this show, notions of racism are called to question and safe spaces for performers of colour are created. As two Pacific Island authors, one being the Director/Co-writer/Performer and the other an activist academic, we provide insider access into the Hot Brown Honey family. Through our insider voices, we are able to share our experiences of how this show disrupts racist perceptions, and privileges people of colour and our narratives. It is our humble prayer that both this show and article empowers people of colour in the performing arts, and builds a better industry for the next generation.
Supporting part-time learners in higher education: Equalities and inequalitiesi
Authors: Jackson Sue
Published: July 2023

Higher education institutions are working in times of change, including a changing student body, changing demographics, and the challenges of globalization. In the UK and many Western countries, part-time enrolments in universities are expected to rise at a much faster rate than full-time, with the mix between part-time and full-time shifting substantially. Whilst policies and practices have often denied opportunities to part-time learners, the changing landscape of UK higher education – with many similarities to the landscapes in much of the developed world – are opening more flexible opportunities to participate in higher education. However, those possibilities are too often marginal, with full-time and younger learners dominating the discourses and practices of higher education institutions. This paper will discuss ways of supporting academic learning for diverse groups of part-time learners, showing how pedagogic approaches can be developed that enhance and support more flexible and effective learning. Institutions face particular challenges in ensuring that the voices of diverse groups of students are heard. This article will argue that to enhance social inclusion, institutions need to ‘speak’ to mature students and part-time students – and many currently do not. However, it will conclude that there are pedagogic approaches which enable more inclusive practices in higher education to be mainstreamed.
Getting it right in the mix: Teaching social work practice skills inclusively to diverse student groups
Authors: Goldingay Sophie
Published: July 2023

Social work has traditionally attracted a diverse mix of students with varying levels of academic preparedness and practice skill experience. Current trends in higher education indicate the possibility of further challenges for academic staff in social work as universities seek to both widen participation from university graduates and, at the same time, prioritise practice and academic excellence among students. Drawing on reflective journal entries by the author, this paper examines the challenges that social work academics might face in teaching social work practice skills effectively to the increasingly diverse student cohorts enrolled across Bachelor and Masters of Social Work (Qualifying) degrees. The reflective process adopted in this study explores the gaps between the author’s intentions and the reality of the classroom experience. Key observations included language barriers impeding engagement with the material and cultural differences in relating to others and conceptualising practice. These problems were apparent in both the process of delivery (pedagogy) and content (curriculum). The reflective process highlighted the need for further research in order to optimally respond to the diversity in social work education.
Keeping the door open: Exploring experiences of, and responses to, university students who disclose mental illness
Authors: McAuliffe Donna , Boddy Jennifer , McLennan Vanette , Stewart Victoria
Published: July 2023

University educators increasingly manage situations where students disclose serious mental health issues. This is a significant issue, particularly for health and human service professions, as the importance of valuing the lived experience of mental illness lies alongside concerns for professional practice standards. Thus the responsibilities of students to disclose their mental health status and the responsibilities of Universities to provide appropriate support within established disability frameworks must be clear. However, students often do not know who they should disclose to, what will happen to disclosed information, and who has access to this information. Student's often fear embarrassment, stigma, and shame about disclosing mental illness, which is compounded by the diverse attitudes, experiences, and beliefs of educators. Consequently, this paper will review existing literature on university responses to, and students’ experiences of, mental illness in order to set a research agenda for this topic. The authors argue that such research must be undertaken urgently, in a context of inclusivity in higher education that gives voice to the experiences of students, their families and carers, university staff, and practitioners in the field.
The rise of the ‘silver surfer’: Online social networking and social inclusion for older adults
Authors: Doyle Christina , Goldingay Sophie
Published: July 2023

As the proportion of older adults continues to grow in many Western countries, there are increasing concerns about how to meet their needs. Ensuring social connectedness and inclusion is one way to support older adults’ wellbeing. Online social networking has become common place amongst younger age groups, suggesting its possible usefulness for older adults, in order to combat isolation and loneliness. Some quantitative studies have already explored the amount and degree of online social networking amongst older adults. To add further understanding of how older adults experience social inclusion via the internet, the current qualitative study aimed to explore older adults’ subjective experience of online social networking. Findings demonstrated a number of supports and barriers to social inclusion which reflect barriers to social inclusion of older adults in the non-virtual world. Recommendations to support social inclusion of isolated older adults via online social networking are suggested.
Older persons’ perspectives on satisfaction with a mental health service and its impact on their recovery
Authors: Ojala Sonya , Wheeler Amanda
Published: July 2023

Consumer satisfaction with mental health services plays an important part in recovery from mental illness. Older consumers in particular need access to appropriate care and assistance, due to their often-compromised health status. It has been extensively reported that well-organised care enables a larger number of older consumers to return to the community as active members. To date, however, there has been little research in the area relating to older consumer satisfaction with mental health services in Australia. This small qualitative study reports the personal experiences of five older consumers residing in a rehabilitation-focused older persons' mental health service. The consumer participants revealed that whilst they rated the service quality as satisfactory in general, when more specifically probed they did not find it suitable in meeting their individual recovery goals. Their main areas of concern were: inability to move freely, finances being managed by a public trustee, repetitiveness of meals, and those meals were not cooked on site. This narrative study revealed a need for the mental health service to focus more on individualised and consumer-centred services; in particular a higher degree of flexibility, encouraging independence, increasing freedom of choice and allowing consumers to have a say in their care, recovery planning and social inclusion.
Why are childless women childless? Findings from an exploratory study in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Graham Melissa , Hill Erin , Shelly Julia , Taket Ann
Published: July 2023

Childlessness in Australia is increasing yet there is limited research exploring women’s reasons for childlessness. Previous research has typically examined childlessness within the context of fertility rather than childlessness itself. The limited research that has moved beyond looking at involuntary childlessness has labelled women with a type of childlessness during recruitment rather than exploring women’s reasons for childlessness as a part of the research process. The aim of this mixed methods exploratory study (n = 50) was to describe women’s reasons for childlessness. Findings indicate that almost half of the women did not wish to have children. Reasons for childlessness included: having never wanted to have children; having never been in the ‘right’ relationship; and being in a relationship where the partner did not want to have children. The findings provide insight into women’s reasons for childlessness, how they feel about their decision, circumstance and position as a woman in a pronatalist society.
Towards a renewed understanding of the complex nerves of the digital divide
Authors: Mubarak Farooq
Published: July 2023

Past research has provided ample support for the assertion that advancement in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) accelerates economic growth. Recently, developing countries are witnessing high growth rates in ICT; nevertheless, the pace of research in this sector is relatively lower than the developed world. Although the digital divide globally seems to be diminished over time, the awareness about the issue is on a continuous rise. Despite vast research in the field, the multidimensional aspects of the term ‘digital divide’ are poorly understood. The majority of the published literature on the digital divide suffers from the lack of a multidimensional perspective on the topic. It appears that the conventional knowledge base on the digital divide has caused confusion in academia rather than clarifications. The aim of this paper is to establish an adequate understanding of the enormous complexity that hides in the term ‘digital divide’. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review consisting of peer reviewed scientific articles was systematically conducted to understand and examine the current trends in the topic. Building on the past peer reviewed research; the present study discusses the multifaceted concept of the digital divide in depth and proposes future courses of action for policy makers.
Internet use: Perceptions and experiences of visually impaired older adults
Authors: Okonji Patrick , Lhussier Monique , Bailey Catherine , Cattan Mima
Published: July 2023

Many older people are increasingly using the internet. This study investigated the experiences of visually impaired older people on internet use and explored how it fits into their lives. 20 visually impaired older people aged 60 years and over were recruited from a voluntary organisation for blind people. Qualitative interviews were conducted with all participants to investigate how they perceive the relevance of internet use to their daily lives. Findings suggest that the internet not only has potential to promote their ability to perform daily tasks, cope with vision impairment and feel socially included. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement is feared as a development that could further widen the digital divide if they are not carried along by addressing barriers to their internet.
Emerging Automotive Sector in Hungary: A Comparative Study
Authors: Arie Fitty Valdi , Nagy Adrian Szilard
Published: July 2023

One of the pillars of the economy in Hungary is the automotive industry; despite going through ups and downs due to the pandemic in 2020, the new car market in Hungary shrank by almost a fifth, with a total of 128,000 vehicles purchased at various brand levels. The study focused on a comparative analysis of revenue towards four car brands with a relatively large market share in Hungary both in the provision of production units and spare part units regarding OEMs, namely Audi Hungary, Opel Szentgotthárd, Magyar Suzuki, and Mercedes-Benz. Using the ANOVA model, this research deployed a quantitative approach by analyzing panel revenue data for the four-car brands from 2017-2021. The results of this study place Audy as the car brand that generates the most revenue and Mercedes-Benz the least. Based on Post Host Tests analysis with the Tukey method, it shows that the nominal value of the income relationship between Opel Szentgotthárd and Magyar Suzuki is not significant with a Tukey HSD value greater than 0.05, which means placed second and third in revenue over five years. The increase in revenue growth from the four car brands is undoubtedly the main driving force for the Hungarian economy, which has been growing and developing amidst the current European economic crisis. Therefore, the government can certainly further develop the automotive industry in a more sustainable direction which is also a challenge for the government in overcoming the energy crisis. Even though foreign companies still dominate Hungary's automotive sector, this positively impacts employment.