bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the democratic promise of the city
Authors: Frick Verena
Published: January 2023

Looking at current theoretical approaches to democracy and the city, this article deepens our understanding of the democratic relevance of cities. It suggests four ideals of the democratic city which are labelled the city as a school of democracy, the urban cosmopolis, the city as a commons and the sustainable city. Tracing commonalities between the ideals, while avoiding their pitfalls, the article develops an argument for understanding the democratic promise of the city by linking John Dewey’s concept of democratic action as experimental problem-solving to the spatiality of the city. Building on Dewey, the article introduces the concept of urban experimentalism and points out prospects for a spatialized understanding of democracy and pathways for democratizing urban space.
Short-term Clinical Outcome of Previously Untreated and Treated Schizophrenia and Impact of Duration of Untreated Psychosis
Authors: Bansal Priyanka , Saini Bhavneesh , Sharma Arvind , Bansal Pir Dutt , Moria Kavita , Saini Sumit , Singh Baltej
Published: January 2023

Background:

Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is an important modifiable factor affecting schizophrenia outcomes. A dearth of research in India on untreated versus treated schizophrenia warrants further research.

Methods:

This was a longitudinal study in a tertiary hospital over 2 years. Inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia ( N = 116), aged 18–45, were divided into untreated and treated groups. Diagnostic confirmation, severity assessment, and clinical outcome were done using ICD-10 criteria, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. Follow-up was done at 12 and 24 weeks. DUP was measured, and its association with the outcome was assessed.

Results:

Final analysis included 100 patients, 50 each of previously untreated and treated. Untreated patients had lower age and duration of illness (DOI), but higher DUP ( p < .001). Treated patients showed much improvement on CGI-I at 12 weeks ( p = .029), with no difference at 24 weeks. PANSS severity comparison showed no difference, and both groups followed a declining trend. In untreated patients, age of onset (AoO) was negatively correlated with severity (except general symptoms at baseline) at all follow-ups (‘ r’ range = −0.32 to –0.49, p < .05), while DOI showed a positive correlation with negative and general symptoms at 12 weeks ( r ~ 0.3, p < .05). Treated patients showed inconsistent and lower negative correlation between AoO and PANSS, with no correlation between severity and DOI. The mean sample DUP was 17.9 ± 31.6 weeks; it negatively correlated with education ( r = –0.25, p = .01) and positively with PANSS severity (‘ r’ range = 0.22 to 0.30, p < .05) at all follow-ups, especially negative symptoms. Patients with no or minimal improvement on CGI at 24 weeks had higher DUP (Quade’s ANOVA F[1,98] = 6.24, p = .014).

Conclusion:

Illness variables in untreated schizophrenia affect severity, which has delayed improvement than treated schizophrenia. Higher DUP is associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Decolonising the Gateway of India
Authors: Kumaramkandath Rajeev
Published: January 2023

This article interrogates how a colonial monument, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, former Bombay, continues to carry and be endowed with a title that is a misplaced embodiment of Indian social histories. Built in the 1920s, this monument, definitely a work of architectural grandeur, continues to carry its erroneous rendition and confines India’s vast social histories to the colonial moment, with an anglo-centric focus. As the monument symbolises the memory of the colonial regime, it also signifies its oppression as well as its exit from the subcontinent, rather than witnessing anyone coming to India, except King George in 1911, as the monument’s title seems to suggest. A mnemonic device of colonialism, this misleading label needs to be seriously revisited, for it not only romanticises the colonial past but also fails to lead our memories back to certain crucial episodes in earlier social histories, from which the monument and its specific place, Mumbai, are more or less fully absent.
Nautch, Thuggee and Criminality in Nineteenth-Century Colonial India
Authors: Kuiry Nibedita , Rath Akshaya K.
Published: January 2023

Nineteenth-century colonial India witnessed the much-hyped anti-thuggee campaign, instrumental in creating an elaborate archive of frequent commentaries, opinions on banditry, prisoners and their trials, approvers’ accounts, administrative studies as well as fictional narratives. Re-reading such archival sources, this article explores how nautch, a hybrid form of dance, once glorified and later criminalised by the colonial powers, became a point of intersection between the Europeans in India and local thugs, who often benefitted from such dancers. The article shows the precarious position of the nautch performers as instrumental in collaborating with the colonial rulers and the outlawed thugs for controlling perceived ‘crime’ in the Indian subcontinent, while ending up as victims, too.
Multi-factor analysis of failure for modified single-session Angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy in treatment of acute iliofemoral venous thrombosis from iliac vein compression syndrome
Authors: Huang Tianan , Ding Wenbin , Jin Yonghai , Jin Jie , Deng Xiaowen , Liang Li , Chen Zhuo , Hong Xin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To explore the risk factors of failure for modified single-session Angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy combined with directed iliac vein stenting, directed filter retrieval in the treatment of iliac vein compression with iliofemoral vein thrombosis.

Methods

During September 2017 to September 2021, 278 patients with DVT were retrospectively analyzed and 203 were eligible for inclusion. All patients were tried to take modified single-session Angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy combined with directed iliac vein stenting, directed filter retrieval treatment. The perioperative factors were analyzed between groups: group 1—modified single-session therapy succeed, and group 2—modified single-session therapy failed. The high risk factors of failure group were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.

Results

48 patients failed in modified single-session therapy, up to 23.64%. Single factor analysis indicated that there were five independent risk factors related with the failure ( p < 0.05), including course of disease longer than 7 days, lumbar degeneration-related iliac vein compression syndrome (dIVCS), antegrade vein access, balloon-assisted cracking thrombus, and suction time. Logistic regression analysis indicated that course of disease longer than 7 days (OR = 19.642.95%CI:6.776∼56.933), dIVCS (OR = 11.586.95%CI:4.016∼33.427) were high risk factors for modified single-session therapy failed, antegrade vein access (OR = 0.171.95%CI:0.047∼0.614) and balloon-assisted cracking thrombus (OR = 0.157.95%CI:0.045∼0.542) were protective factors for therapy failure ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Long course of disease and dIVCS are the high risk factors for failure of modified single-session Angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy combined with directed iliac vein stenting, directed filter retrieval in the treatment of iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS). But, antegrade vein access and balloon-assisted cracking thrombus intraoperatively may improve the success rate of modified single-session treatment.
Varicose veins as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism in arthroplasty patients: Meta-analysis
Authors: Westby Daniel , Ghoneim Baker M , Nolan Fiona , Elsharkawi Mohamed , Maguire Sean , Walsh Stewart R
Published: January 2023

Objective

A meta-analysis to determine if patients with varicose veins are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when undergoing major lower limb arthroplasty.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using appropriate terms for studies that reported post-operative VTE in patients who had lower limb arthroplasty with any history of varicose veins. Methodological quality of included studies was quantified using the Risk of Bias (ROB) assessment tools. Findings were reported using the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) checklist.

Results

A total of 129 studies were identified with 11 observational studies being eligible for inclusion. This consisted of 265,194 patients who underwent lower limb arthroplasty, 2188 of which had pre-existing varicose veins. Overall, VTE occurred in 1845 patients, and 122 cases had varicose veins present at time of arthroplasty. Meta-analysis indicates that patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty with varicose veins are at increased risk of having a VTE, OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.54–3.63, ( p < 0.001). One study evaluated if previous varicose veins surgery influenced the risk of VTE in arthroplasty patients, OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.7–1.28), p = 0.429.

Conclusions

Varicose veins and lower limb arthroplasty are known independent risk factors for VTE. There is a paucity of data regarding the risk of VTE in patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty who have co-existing varicose veins. This meta-analysis shows that patients with varicose veins are at an increased risk of VTE when undergoing major lower limb arthroplasty. Further studies are required in order to determine if such patients should undergo varicose vein surgery before undertaking major lower limb joint replacement.
The ICaRAS randomised controlled trial: Intravenous iron to treat anaemia in people with advanced cancer – feasibility of recruitment, intervention and delivery
Authors: Dickson Edward A , Ng Oliver , Keeler Barrie D , Wilcock Andrew , Brookes Matthew J , Acheson Austin G
Published: January 2023

Background:

Anaemia is highly prevalent in people with advanced, palliative cancer yet sufficiently effective and safe treatments are lacking. Oral iron is poorly tolerated, and blood transfusion offers only transient benefits. Intravenous iron has shown promise as an effective treatment for anaemia but its use for people with advanced, palliative cancer lacks evidence.

Aims:

To assess feasibility of the trial design according to screening, recruitment, and attrition rates. To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron to treat anaemia in people with solid tumours, receiving palliative care.

Design:

A multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous iron (ferric derisomaltose, Monofer®). Outcomes included trial feasibility, change in blood indices, and change in quality of life via three validated questionnaires (EQ5D5L, QLQC30, and the FACIT-F) over 8 weeks. (ISRCTN; 13370767).

Setting/Participants:

People with anaemia and advanced solid tumours who were fatigued with a performance status ⩽2 receiving support from a specialist palliative care service.

Results:

34 participants were randomised over 16 months (17 iron, 17 placebo). Among those eligible 47% of people agreed to participate and total study attrition was 26%. Blinding was successful in all participants. There were no serious adverse reactions. Results indicated that intravenous iron may be efficacious at improving participant haemoglobin, iron stores and select fatigue specific quality of life measures compared to placebo.

Conclusion:

The trial was feasible according to recruitment and attrition rates. Intravenous iron increased haemoglobin and may improve fatigue specific quality of life measures compared to placebo. A definitive trial is required for confirmation.
The viability and appropriateness of using visual methods in end of life research to foreground the experiences of people affected by financial hardship and deprivation
Authors: Richards Naomi , Quinn Sam , Mitchell Margaret , Carduff Emma , Gott Merryn
Published: January 2023

Background:

Visual methods have been used extensively in social research to explore people’s experiences of structural disadvantage. This indicates that they may provide a useful research approach to understanding equity-related concerns within palliative care. However, little has been published regarding the use of visual methods with people at the end of life.

Purpose of the paper:

In this article we draw on our experiences of using visual methods to illuminate the end of life experiences of people experiencing financial hardship and deprivation in Scotland’s largest city.

Evidence used to support the information presented:

We present evidence from the published literature, as well as our own experiences of using visual methods to explore dying at home for people experiencing financial hardship and deprivation. Our analysis draws on two specific visual methods: photovoice and professional photography. Photovoice is a participatory visual method which involves enabling participants to take and discuss their own images and present them to different audiences to try to enact social change. We report our experiences as researchers, as well as those of our participants and recruitment partners.

Key learning points:

To successfully use visual methods, researchers need to invest significant time and resource in building a strong rapport with participants. There are also key ethical, practical and representational challenges to consider. A participatory framework should be adopted which ensures agency for participants in terms of image creation and public dissemination. Participants reported value in using visual methods in terms of legacy building and self-representation. Using photovoice (insider’s view) and professional photography (outsider’s view) together offered complementary perspectives, enabling a rich layering of stories and meaning. Our findings indicate visual methods can illuminate aspects of the end of life experience not captured by other research methods.
Prescribing pattern of anticoagulants in patients with cancer associated thrombosis: Results of a survey among MITO group and AIOM society
Authors: Milani Andrea , Tuninetti Valentina , Pignata Sandro , Lorusso Domenica , Castaldo Daniele , De Giorgi Ugo , Savarese Antonella , Biglia Nicoletta , Scandurra Giuseppa , Mangili Giorgia , Di Maio Massimo , Turinetto Margherita , Bellero Marco , Mammoliti Serafina , Testa Silvia , Scotto Giulia , Purro Andrea , Artioli Grazia , Valabrega Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been the backbone of the treatment of cancer associated thrombosis (CAT). Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown efficacy and safety not inferior to LMWH and guidelines included DOACs as an option for CAT treatment. Nevertheless, DOACs are still poorly prescribed in patients with cancer. The aim of this survey was to better understand prescription patterns of anticoagulants, in particular of DOACs, especially in gynecological cancers (GCs).

Methods:

Our survey was made up of 21 questions, the last four questions addressed to medical doctors (MDs) involved in GCs. An invitation to complete the survey was sent by e-mail to 691 MITO (Multicentre Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer and gynaecologic malignancies) and 2093 AIOM (Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica) members.

Results:

Overall, 113 MDs completed the questionnaire, 69 involved in GCs. Most respondents (46, 41%) were aged 30-40 years old, worked in public hospitals (59, 52.2%), were medical oncologists (86, 76.1%). LMWH was the preferred choice for the treatment of CAT (104, 92%). However, 89 respondents (78.8%) prescribed or asked to prescribe a DOAC for CAT. The major concern about DOACs was the difficulty in verifying the therapeutic effect and the absence of antidotes in case of bleeding (37.9%). In patients with GCs, DOACs were used with niraparib, olaparib, rucaparib and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in less than 10 patients by 23%, 20%, 9% and 10.2% of respondents, respectively.

Conclusion:

The responders are aware of the Direct-acting oral anticoagulants option and would like to use them
Simple stitch-assisted carbon fiber-aluminum laminates via out-of-autoclave process
Authors: Kim Yongtak , Na Wonjin , Kim Minkook , Lee Min Wook
Published: January 2023

Fiber–metal laminates (FMLs) are hybrid materials that provide the advantages of both metal and fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRP) such as improved damage tolerance and impact strength, particularly in aerospace and automotive applications. However, the production of FMLs remains expensive because the manufacturing process is performed in an autoclave. In addition, delamination failure due to low interfacial adhesive strength between the metal and fiber layer is a problem that must be solved to improve the mechanical properties of FMLs. In this study, simple stitch-assisted carbon fiber-aluminum laminates were developed using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The FMLs produced through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding were stitched with aramid fibers through holes on Al sheets for the resin flow associated with the VARTM. The mechanical properties of the FMLs were investigated by impact and compression after impact tests as well as double cantilever beam and flexural tests. The stitching effectively improved the interfacial strength and toughness owing to the anchoring between the aluminum and carbon fiber layers, thus preventing delamination crack propagation. As a result, the stitched FML with significantly improved interfacial adhesive and toughness was developed by the VARTM process, which will accelerate the application of FML to various lightweight structures.
Perceptions of Water Safety and Tap Water Taste and Their Associations With Beverage Intake Among U.S. Adults
Authors: Park Sohyun , Onufrak Stephen J. , Cradock Angie L. , Patel Anisha , Hecht Christina , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Examine differences in perceptions of tap water (TW) and bottled water (BW) safety and TW taste and their associations with plain water (PW) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake.

Design

Quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Setting

United States.

Subjects

4,041 U.S. adults (≥18 years) in the 2018 SummerStyles survey data.

Measures

Outcomes were intake of TW, BW, PW (tap and bottled water), and SSB. Exposures were perceptions of TW and BW safety and TW taste (disagree, neutral, or agree). Covariates included sociodemographics.

Analysis

We used chi-square analysis to examine sociodemographic differences in perceptions and multivariable logistic regressions to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for consuming TW ≤ 1 cup/day, BW > 1 cup/day, PW ≤ 3 cups/day, and SSB ≥ 1 time/day by water perceptions.

Results

One in 7 (15.1%) of adults did not think their home TW was safe to drink, 39.0% thought BW was safer than TW, and 25.9% did not think their local TW tasted good. Adults who did not think local TW was safe to drink had higher odds of drinking TW ≤ 1 cup/day (AOR = 3.12) and BW >1 cup/day (AOR = 2.69). Adults who thought BW was safer than TW had higher odds of drinking TW ≤1 cup/day (AOR = 2.38), BW > 1 cup/day (AOR = 5.80), and SSB ≥ 1 time/day (AOR = 1.39). Adults who did not think TW tasted good had higher odds of drinking TW ≤ 1 cup/day (AOR = 4.39) and BW > 1 cup/day (AOR = 2.91).

Conclusions

Negative perceptions of TW safety and taste and a belief BW is safer than TW were common and associated with low TW intake. Perceiving BW is safer than TW increased the likelihood of daily SSB intake. These findings can guide programs and services to support water quality to improve perceptions of TW safety and taste, which might increase TW intake and decrease SSB intake.
Dynamic characteristics of helical gear with root crack and friction
Authors: Mo Shuai , Wang Dongdong , Hu Xiaosong , Bao Heyun , Cen Guojian , Huang Yunsheng
Published: January 2023

Helical gear transmission is smooth and has many advantages. However, long-term operation will cause root cracks, which will reduce the time-varying meshing stiffness (TVMS) of the gears, increase the transmission error (LSTE), and reduce the load distribution ratio (Lsr). According to the slice method and the energy method, a TVMS calculation model for a helical gear pair with cracks was established, and the effects of the crack initiation width, termination width, effective contact length and crack propagation angle on the gear were studied. Then, the changes of TVMS, LSTE, and Lsr under the time-varying friction and crack are considered. Build failure dynamics model, and fourth-order Runge-Kutta solution for vibration and amplitude-frequency characteristics. And wavelet transform and variational mode decomposition (VMD) are used to analyze the vibration signal, and statistical indicators are used to analyze the sensitivity of vibration. The results show that the TVMS with tooth root cracks will gradually decrease, LSTE will increase, the Lsr will decrease, and the vibration displacement (VD) will increase. When the two faults are combined, due to the damping characteristics of friction, the TVMS will increase, the LSTE and the VD will decrease. This offers a theoretical foundation for studying the dynamic characteristics of the coupling of gear cracks and friction faults, as well as vibration and noise reduction.
Modelling and optimization of surface roughness in chemical mechanical polishing based on DNN-GA
Authors: Pan Bo , He Zengxu , Guo Jiang , Cheung Benny , Wang Dongzhou
Published: January 2023

The surface quality of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) has a significant influence on photonics and optoelectronics components. However, the prediction and optimization models of surface roughness were not accurate due to the random parameters. Hence, a prediction model of surface roughness is established based on an improved neural network, and a new method is proposed to optimize the arguments in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. In the model, the structure of the neural network is optimized according to data features rather than choosing networks randomly. To improve the model accuracy, the optimal number of hidden layers is 4 and the corresponding amounts of nodes in each layer are 46, 34, 28, and 33, respectively. ReLU function is chosen as activation function. Subsequently, the relationship between surface roughness and processing parameters is built and the variation process of surface roughness is particularly considered. The accuracy and generalization ability of the model is verified by the experiments with the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 6.42% and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.403. Furthermore, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) method based on the selected model is applied to optimize processing arguments under the target surface roughness value of 0.3 nm. The accuracy of the fusion model is also validated by experiments with an error of 13.3%.
“I don’t want to do time, I want to save it”: Carcerality of time and Black temporal resistance
Authors: Miles Corey J
Published: January 2023

The criminalization of Blackness has led to premature death, high incarceration rates, and psychological stress, all of which impact Black people’s temporal horizons. Working in conversation with scholars who empirically documented how Blackness is criminalized and time is racialized, this work explores the degree in which carceral understandings of time provide a framework to better comprehend Black people’s temporal experiences. Data for this study include in-depth interviews with six students and 16 graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across six universities in the southern United States and 22 months of observations at a HBCU in southeastern United States. The results indicate that the respondents experience temporal traps that restrict the temporal possibilities of Black people and temporal stasis as they feel trapped within an ongoing history of anti-Black violence. They narrate a desire to “take their time” and “save time” to resist the dominant temporal order. The operative “take” signifies the creating of temporal possibility through uncoupling time’s relation to racial structures and “save” signifies freeing time from the structural demands of white supremacy.
Exchange-traded Funds in India Amid COVID-19 Crisis: An Empirical Analysis of the Performance
Authors: Malhotra Priya , Sinha Pankaj
Published: January 2023

Since their inception in 2002, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in India have made significant progress. The lacklustre record of active investing and the dual benefits of low-cost diversification have elevated the asset class’s credibility. During the COVID-19 crisis, equities ETFs have demonstrated greater resilience than other investment options. Our examination of 35 ETFs that mirror broader indices indicates the performance of Indian ETFs amid the economic shock caused by COVID-19. A comprehensive analysis of the daily NAV, trading price, and benchmark price data from 2015 to the present, post-identification of the pandemic period, indicates three significant inferences: First, tracking errors persist, with significant increases in all three tracking measures throughout the COVID-19 period. Second, during the COVID-19 period, the existence of pricing inefficiencies transitions from discount to premium, with an average daily value of 57.485.

Nonetheless, the rate of short-term disequilibrium corrections accelerates dramatically during the COVID-19 phase. Thirdly, it took only eight days during COVID-19 to erase 50% of the disequilibrium between NAV and market price, compared to 170 days before COVID-19. During the COVID-19 era, we also notice a rise in the co-integration between ETF returns and benchmark performance and an increase in the adjustment rate from 18% to 61% per unit of time. The research findings provide portfolio managers and regulators with a comprehensive view of the performance of ETFs before and after an economic shock and offer educational benefits to a growing investor base.
Interglobe Aviation Limited: The Valuation Conundrum
Authors: Sriram M.
Published: January 2023

The case examines the valuation conundrum faced by the largest airline in terms of market share in the civil aviation industry in India. Indigo, a brand owned by Interglobe Aviation Limited, owned 47.2% of the total market share in India in 2019. The airline had done exceedingly well in terms of revenue growth. The share price also saw a meteoric rise from ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 in a short span of 4 years. Determining the intrinsic value of the airline’s share became imperative against the backdrop of the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The global pandemic loomed large and seemed likely to disrupt the economy with a possible nationwide lockdown beginning in the last quarter of 2019–2020. All business activities were expected to come to a standstill. The airline industry was likely to be hit the worst, with economies across the globe restricting air travel (domestic and international). Valuation approaches such as discounted cash flow (DCF) technique and relative valuation multiples were employed to estimate the share’s intrinsic value. The intrinsic value was compared with the current market price to assess whether the airline stock was undervalued or overvalued. Questions on whether the airline could sustain this valuation in the future also came up. Tim Rogers, a recruit with an investment banking firm, was entrusted with the responsibility of analysing and valuing Indigo Airlines and preparing a recommendation report.
How do Panchayats Work? Exploring Clientelistic and Programmatic Transactions in Gram Panchayats of Karnataka
Authors: Kashyap Sham N.
Published: January 2023

People in rural India routinely experience a vast difference between what is promised by the state and what is realised on the ground. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) enable a broad spectrum of actors to be involved in planning the activities of the local state and holding the bureaucracy accountable for their actions at this level. While literature shows that clientelism is pervasive and affects the performance of PRIs adversely, there are pockets of evidence where programmatic transactions regularly occur. I use programmatic and clientelistic transactions as ideal types of outcomes and exploring how these transactions are engendered through a comparative study of two Gram Panchayats with similar institutional settings using ethnographic materials. Together with institutional design and economic factors, differences in local political dynamics affect development outcomes. Individualistic and loyalty-driven leadership prompts symbiotic relationships with bureaucrats, whereas cadre-based leadership prefers control and scrutiny. The expectations of villagers from their panchayat are also shaped by these political traits. In the first scenario, bureaucracy uses procedural compliance to hide clientelist decisions from scrutiny, whereas in the second, it is used to demonstrate neutrality in decision making.
Underrepresentation of Marginalised Groups in India’s Higher Education Institutions: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Behera Minaketan , Mathew Nikhil Varghese
Published: January 2023

The attainment of education is a recognised parameter for social change and social justice. Foregrounding recent data on the status of reservations—for students and teaching faculty alike—in some of India’s prominent Higher Educational Institutions, this article attempts to highlight the inaccessibility of Higher Education for those from marginalised castes.
Revisiting Financial Inclusion with Human Development in India
Authors: Saha Debolina , Alam Razdan
Published: January 2023

There have been several interventions by the government to promote financial inclusion in India. This article attempts to measure financial inclusion in India during 2001–2019, segregating states/union territories and using three dimensions: availability, access and usage of banking services. The index value of each dimension is calculated with the help of the method ‘Max–Min procedure to convert indicators into indices’, and overall index value of financial inclusion is obtained by taking the geometric mean of the three index values of the three dimensions. A fluctuating trend of financial inclusion reflects a less satisfactory performance. Financial inclusion is also evaluated following the CRISIL’s (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) criteria of measurement. The lack of a modernised financial system and financial illiteracy of the vulnerable groups, especially in remote areas, often holds back the mission to run efficiently. Finally, the nexus between financial inclusion, human development and the growth and development of India is studied with the expectation that people’s empowerment might help the mission to be successful. The states and regions that need attention are identified and required improvements in banking services are examined through an environmental analysis based on the existing system.
Advancing Social Intervention Research Through Program Theory Reconstruction
Authors: Olsson Tina M. , Kapetanovic Sabina , Hollertz Katarina , Starke Mikaela , Skoog Therése
Published: January 2023

Program theory reconstruction is an often-overlooked aspect of social intervention research. In this paper, we argue that intervention research benefits if the research design is informed by the specific intervention's program theory (i.e., the idea of how the intervention is supposed to lead to the intended outcomes). The purpose of this paper is to offer a comprehensive and accessible guide to program theory reconstruction in research on social interventions and to provide arguments as to how program theory reconstruction can be used to benefit intervention studies. First, we summarize what program theory is and its role in intervention research. Second, we provide a direct “how-to” for researchers, practitioners, and students who may be unfamiliar with the methods of program theory reconstruction but are interested in undertaking a program theory reconstruction. Finally, we conclude with how program theory reconstruction can benefit intervention research.
Stresses of COVID-19 and Expectations for the Future Among Women: A Cross Cultural Analysis According to the Femininity/Masculinity Dimension
Authors: Vollmann Manja , Todorova Irina , Salewski Christel , Neter Efrat
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic created stressors and uncertainty, particularly for women. This international study explored whether the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s stressful experiences and future expectations is associated with Hofstede’s cultural dimension of femininity/masculinity, which refers to the cultural constructions of gender role differences. In total, 1218 women from 15 countries varying in cultural femininity/masculinity provided narrative data by answering open-ended questions via an online survey. Data were analysed using mixed methods, starting with thematic content analysis followed by logistic regression analyses. The findings from the regression analysis indicate that many stresses and expectations that were mentioned in the narratives were unrelated to the cultural femininity/masculinity. However, women from masculine cultures more often expressed disorientation, while women from feminine cultures more often wrote about negative emotions. Additionally, women from masculine cultures had more future expectations regarding daily activities, while women from feminine cultures had more expectations regarding social activities, work and economic revival, and universal social issues. The pandemic seems to confront women in both types of culture with similar challenges. The differences between women from feminine versus masculine cultures indicate that increased societal participation and responsibilities of women in feminine cultures was associated with negative affect during the pandemic, but they also propelled plentiful expectations for the future “after COVID-19”.
Collaborating With ChatGPT: Considering the Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Journalism and Media Education
Authors: Pavlik John V.
Published: January 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in an era of potential transformation of journalism and media content. This essay considers one notable generative AI platform called ChatGPT made available to the public in 2022 for free use. ChatGPT allows users to enter text prompts and rapidly generates text responses drawn from its knowledge acquired via machine learning in engagement with the internet. This essay is coauthored by a human journalism and media professor in collaboration with ChatGPT. The essay demonstrates the capacity and limitations of ChatGPT and offers reflections on the implications of generative AI for journalism and media education.
The Relationship Between Uterine Activity, Oxytocin Dosing, Labor Progress, and Mode of Birth in Nulliparas with Obesity: Minimal Usefulness of Montevideo Unit Measurement
Authors: Kissler Katherine J. , Hernandez Teri L. , Carlson Nicole
Published: January 2023

Background

Maternal obesity and cesarean birth disproportionately affect Black parturients; thus, prevention of cesarean birth is a key modifiable factor to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce disparities. The primary driver of unplanned cesarean birth among people with higher body mass index is prolonged labor duration. However, strategies to optimize outcomes in these situations have not been established. We aimed to evaluate the influence of oxytocin augmentation on uterine activity and labor progression in nulliparas with obesity.

Methods

This secondary analysis involved nulliparas with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) who had spontaneous labor onset followed by oxytocin augmentation and an intrauterine pressure catheter. Using Linear Mixed Models, we evaluated relationships between uterine activity measured in Montevideo units (MVU), oxytocin dose, and rate of cervical dilation normalized by labor duration.

Results

In this diverse sample (35.6% Caucasian, 16.11% African American, 40.2% Hispanic) of nulliparas with obesity ( n = 87; BMI 35.54 ± 4.38 kg/m2), 31% ended labor with cesarean birth. Among those with vaginal birth, only 13% had MVU ≥200 prior to the final 2 hours of labor. MVUs were only minimally responsive to oxytocin dose and were not associated with labor progression nor birth route.

Conclusion

MVU measurements may not be useful to diagnose labor arrest in nulliparas with obesity. Optimizing care for birthing people with obesity is essential for improving perinatal outcomes and for reducing racial health disparities.
A decade of arteriovenous fistula creations in the ⩾75 years population: Equal opportunity or sub-optimal use of resources
Authors: Corr Michael , Pachchigar Astha , O’Neill Michael , Higgins Rebecca , O’Neill Stephen , Hanko Jennifer , Masengu Agnes
Published: January 2023

Background:

The optimal vascular access in the elderly remains contentious in the context of increasingly limited resources and anticipated survival on hemodialysis. Research focus has shifted to include the impact of vascular access on quality of life. This study explored clinical outcomes in individuals aged ⩾75 years who had an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) created in a single center over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods:

Demographic and clinical data concerning AVFs created January 2009–December 2019 were identified from a prospective database for retrospective analysis. Outcome measures were AVF patency and failure to mature rates plus overall patient and vascular access survival. The Vascular Access Specific Quality of life measure (VASQoL) was completed in a contemporary cohort aged ⩾75 years established on HD in October 2021.

Results:

AVF outcomes were available for 272 patients (93%). The failure to mature (FTM) rate was 36% with the significant predictors of AVF FTM being the creation of a radiocephalic AVF (OR 8.13, 95% CI 8.02–8.52, p < 0.01), female gender (OR 4.84, 95% CI 4.70–5.41, p < 0.01), and a history of peripheral vascular disease (OR 5.25, 95% CI 5.22–6.00, p value = 0.02). Functional patency was associated with a median 12-month survival benefit compared to those whose fistula FTM ( p < 0.01). The median patency duration for a functionally patent AVF was 3 years. Elderly patients with a fistula reported a lower quality of life in VASQoL scoring than those with central venous catheters.

Conclusions:

In this cohort, AVF creation in individuals aged ⩾75 years AVFs was associated with comparable AVF patency rates to younger patients. AVF functional patency was associated with superior patient survival compared to those with AVF FTM. A multi-disciplinary surveillance program may help reduce AVF loss. Further work on how vascular access choice impacts quality of life in elderly patients is required.
Pyridine Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Karthick Kamaraj , Swarnalatha Kalaiyar
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a causative agent for the global epidemic disease COVID-19, which has a highest modality rate. Several initiatives have been undertaken to repurpose current antiviral medications and tested the classic pyridine derivatives (PyDev), which have showed substantial therapeutic potential against a variety of illnesses and also have several biological functions such as, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. However, limited reports are available for the treatment of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using PyDev. Hence, the possibilities of the best-described PyDev molecules of powerful Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors have been attempted in this investigation. This study primarily focused on blocking four key targets of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Terpyridine has shown the greatest inhibitory potential (with a binding energy of −8.8 kcal/mol) against all four coronavirus targets. This study results would pave the potential lead medication for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies.
Pandemic nationalisms
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: January 2023

This paper examines how the pandemic emergency as a global challenge – the first of its kind since WWII – has activated what I call a ‘pandemic nationalism’ that was simultaneously both inclusionary and exclusionary. On one hand, the national community was re-defined in relation to their common fate (of facing the pandemic together because residing in the same territory) extending hence the boundaries of membership to temporary residents or those with precarious status. On the other hand, it became increasingly closed towards the exterior enhancing what has been labelled ‘vaccine nationalism’ and a sense of being in competition with other nations on a common, global public good (notably vaccines and cures addressing the virus). Closures and exclusions arose also internally against those minorities that were associated with the ‘external threat’ notably people of east Asian origin. At the face of these contradictory developments, the question arises whether we could consider the Covid-19 pandemic as a turning point that signals a new phase of development of nationalism. Such nationalism is meant to respond to the increasing challenges of globalisation by incorporating those who serve the community while Othering those who are perceived to threaten its well-being.
How existing literary translation fits into film adaptations: the subtitling of neologisms in Harry Potter from a multimodal perspective
Authors: Lu Siwen
Published: January 2023

Existing literature on adaptation studies focuses primarily on analysing film adaptations from an intralingual and monomodal rather than an interlingual and multimodal perspective. To fill this gap, this study addresses the relatively under-researched issue of applying existing literary translation to the subtitles of film adaptations by the film subtitle producers. Concentrating on the Chinese subtitling of neologisms in the Harry Potter films (2001–2011) and by drawing on the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)-informed multimodal framework, the aim is to investigate how subtitles and other multimodal resources interact to make meanings and their potential effects on the subtitled films when the film subtitle producers apply literary translation to subtitles of film adaptations. The results show that the application of literary translation to subtitled films by the film subtitlers may run the risk of downplaying some crucial elements of the original, such as the relationship between the fictional world and the audience. This study highlights the importance of considering more than just the literary elements when analysing film adaptations and points out broader possible areas, such as multimodality and audiovisual translation, which have only been partly recognized in adaptation studies.
Dementia education in a primary school classroom: A pedagogical perspective
Authors: Ritchie Louise , Henderson-Bone Susan , Gregory Angela , Jenkins Nick
Published: January 2023

The World Health Organisation recognises the importance of dementia education across all sectors of the population, including children. Previous research has shown that dementia education in schools has positively changed students’ knowledge about and attitudes to dementia, however little is known about the process of learning about a complex condition, such as dementia. This paper explores how pupils learn about dementia through a pre-planned educational session in the primary classroom to improve our understanding of the pedagogical approaches required for effective dementia education. Using a participatory video approach, 23 primary 6 pupils (aged 10–11) used iPads to film their experiences of a dementia education session using a resource called Understanding Dementia: Class in a Bag. These videos, along with researcher field notes were combined to create analytical vignettes to illustrate the learning processes and interactions that happened within the classroom. Two weeks later, the pupils were invited to a focus group to view footage of the session and reflect on their experiences and explore the understanding of dementia. The findings highlight the importance of embodied learning within the session, particularly in understanding the experience of living with dementia. By understanding the session from the pupil’s perspective, the findings show how pupils developed an empathetic understanding of dementia through play and felt more confident about engaging with and helping people living with dementia in future. This paper provides a new understanding of the process of learning about dementia for primary children, as well as demonstrating the viability of including dementia education within school curriculums internationally.
The lived experiences of adult learners in an individualized program: Empowerment, responsibility, tensions, and anxiety
Authors: Woldeab Daniel , Punti Gemma , Bohannon Richard
Published: January 2023

This study explores the lived experiences of individualized and interdisciplinary students enrolled in a 4-year public university in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Those enrolled in this individualized degree program are working adults with significant family, work, and life obligations. As Brookfield (2006) , Knowles (1980) , and Dewey (1903) indicated, adult learners want to be in charge of their education and find meaning in coursework that relates to their professional or out of school experiences. While this seems to be a common discourse for most of our learners, some also struggle with the complexity and uncertainty of directing one’s own degree. This study, based on focus groups conducted as part of classroom activities, reveal how working adults find their individualized degrees to be student-centered yet constrained by university policies, experience the process as liberating and empowering while also anxiety provoking, and worry about the perception of an “easy” degree while striving for a rigorous and passion-driven one.