bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Xhosa women providing Kangaroo mother care in a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Mpongwana-Ncetani Sibongile , Roomaney Rizwana , Lachman Anusha
Published: August 2023

Kangaroo mother care has been recognized as a credible intervention to improve preterm birth outcomes by the World Health Organization. Kangaroo mother care requires high user engagement and consists of continuous skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant and exclusive breastfeeding. We conducted a qualitative study of Xhosa women ( n = 10) practicing Kangaroo mother care in a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. All interviews were conducted in isiXhosa, audio-recorded, and transcribed. The transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Kangaroo mother care, a beneficial but foreign concept; (2) distress in the Kangaroo mother care ward; (3) the missing umbilical cord: cultural experiences of mothers in the Kangaroo mother care ward; and (4) the Kangaroo mother care village: interpersonal relations in the ward. Our study showed that cultural practices still pose a challenge to fully accepting Kangaroo mother care. We suggest more studies on cultural sensitivity to encourage acceptance of interventions that affect culturally diverse groups.
Tribute to Charles Van Engen
Authors: Bevans Stephen
Published: August 2023

This short essay is a tribute to missionary and scholar Charles van Engen on the occasion of the conferral of ASM’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Annual ASM Meeting.
Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform
Authors: Jia Genliang
Published: August 2023

Although the current economics education system in universities in China differs from developed Western countries, China has been deliberately emulating the economics education system in the West over the past two decades, a system that has been repeatedly criticized by international movements such as the “post-autistic economics movement” and the “International Student Initiative for Pluralism in Economics.” This article argues that the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in Chinese higher education contradicts the scientific principles of pluralism and does not align with China’s national conditions and the necessity for the development of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Based on the proposals put forward by faculty and students involved in the international movement for the reform of economics education over the past twenty-two years, this article recommends reforms to address the major weaknesses of economics education in China. The reforms address ten areas for improvement, including the overall goals of pluralism in economics education, curriculum design, teaching methods, an independent academic evaluation system, faculty development, and the evaluation of academic disciplines. The purpose of these reforms is to destabilize the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in higher education in China and gradually establish a new economics education system with a curriculum based on a plurality of approaches, a variety of critical pedagogies, and a methodology of problem-based learning.
Whither Economics in China? A Comment on Professor Jia Genliang’s “Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform”
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: August 2023

In socialist China today, neoliberal economics has actually come to wield institutionalized hegemonic power in academic evaluations of economic studies, while in neoliberal America, there is ironically considerably more pluralism in the practice of academic evaluations of economic studies. The origins of this state of affairs lie not in just a simple matter of ideology or policy choices, but rather in different tendencies in the operative practices of two different systems of governance. While China leans strongly toward centralized bureaucratism, along with scientism and numericism, the United States leans more toward multicentered pluralistic practices. Regardless, what scholarship needs is pluralistic contention for sustained long-term development.
Prediction Method of Residual Subsidence of Strip Goaf Located in Suburb for Safely Constructing Viaduct
Authors: Tang Chao , Li Huaizhan , Guo Guangli , Gong Yaqiang , Zhang Xuewei , Huang Cheng , Zhou Huaan , Yuan Yafei , Huo Wenqi , Dai Guangli , Liu Chao
Published: August 2023

Resource-based cities often face land scarcity during their developmental and expansionary phases. However, repurposing the goaf sites of suburban coal mines has been recognized as an effective strategy for alleviating this issue, particularly pertinent for suburban coal mines using strip mining techniques to protect ground-level structures. Old strip mining goaf is easily influenced by disturbance and leads to secondary surface deformation, which will threaten the construction above old strip mining goaf. Therefore, it is essential to provide a basis and reference for decision-makers regarding surface residual subsidence for strip mining. In the paper, based on the morphology and structure of the old strip mining goaf before the surface residual subsidence, the reason and mechanism of the residual subsidence of old strip mining goaf are studied. The results show that the main reasons for the “activation” of old strip mining goaf are the re-compaction of the under-compacted part of the fractured rock mass in the caving zone, the stripping and yielding of coal pillar under the action of groundwater erosion, weathering, and the collapse of residual voids. Based on the above analysis, a prediction model of the surface residual subsidence of the old strip mining goaf is proposed, which takes into account the compaction of the under-compacted area, the collapse of the residual voids, and the stripping and yielding of the coal pillar. The proposed method is implemented to evaluate the stability of a city viaduct goaf. Our research outcomes bear valuable theoretical and practical implications for site stability assessments of old strip mining goafs and the sustainable repurposing of land resources in suburban resource-based cities.
Post-Operative Endonasal Debridement May Improve Outcomes of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Homer Natalie A. , Watson Alison H. , Nakra Tanuj
Published: August 2023

Background: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR) has proven to be an effective minimally invasive surgical procedure for treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Post-surgical endonasal debridement has not yet been independently assessed for its impact on functional success. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent endoDCR by an experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon over 7 years (2012-2019). Post-operative intranasal debridement was not routinely performed from March 2012 to February 2016. From March 2016 to June 2019, all patients underwent routine ipsilateral intranasal debridement at post-operative week 2. Surgical success was determined based upon subjective assessment of epiphora resolution at the patient’s final post-operative visit. Results: A total of 69 patients (88 surgeries) were included. Thirty-five patients had standard post-operative follow-up without debridement, whereas 34 underwent endonasal debridement at post-operative week 2. Demographics and follow-up were similar between the 2 groups. Functional success was achieved in 84.1% of patients without debridement, and in 97.7% with debridement ( P = .058). Conclusion: This review demonstrates a trend toward improvement in the rate of surgical success of endoDCR when routine endonasal debridement was instituted 2 weeks following surgery. We believe that removal of nasal crusts, clots, and residual absorbable gelatin sponge at the osteotomy site improves tear outflow and reduces cicatricial healing enhancing patency of the surgically derived lacrimal-nasal fistula. We advocate for postoperative debridement in the perioperative management of endoDCR patients to optimize successful outcomes.
Telling Stories for Healing and Resilience: A Trauma-informed Reading of Psalms 105 and 106
Authors: Hays Rebecca W. Poe
Published: August 2023

The poetic telling of stories—especially stories of ancestral failings and ongoing relationship to those failings—is a key aspect of how the book of Psalms moves audiences from trauma to healing and resilience. Trauma blocks the ability of survivors to narrate a coherent story of their experiences. Learning to tell traumatic stories—and integrate them into life moving forward—is a significant factor in healing from past traumas and building the resilience necessary to survive and sustain well-being through future ones. The “twin” Psalms 105 and 106 are an example of how the book of Psalms equips audiences for this work of processing trauma, moving toward healing, and building resilience through its poetic language, narrative structures, and community context. In particular, these psalms narrate a shared history, acknowledge the good and the bad within that history, and demand participation and response.
Uncovering Hidden Anger in the Psalms Using Psychological Models of Anger
Authors: Schweers Katherine
Published: August 2023

This article sets out to create a methodology for identifying anger in a biblical text using psychological models of anger rather than relying on explicit anger vocabulary. To do this, the article uses modern psychological research to define seven clear anger markers and show how these appear in a text like the Psalms. These markers are blocked goals, attribution of blame, approach motivation, vision of a way forward, entitlement, unmet expectations, and life stress. A selection of psalms, Pss. 60-80, are examined through the lens of these criteria to identify those psalms that contain subtle anger and those that do not.
“Hoi angeloi auton” in Matthew 18:10 and the Pristine Individual “chi” of Igbo Society
Authors: Peters Prince Emma , Ngele Omaka Kalu
Published: August 2023

Individual guardian angel belief is one aspect of Second-Temple Jewish angelology that infiltrated early Christianity. In Mtt. 18:10, these angels were referred to as guards to people, especially those whom Jesus referred to as ‘the little ones.’ Jesus’ mention of this second temple angelology explains the popularity of this angelic belief within Jesus’ time. Meanwhile, in Africa-Igbo mythology there is a belief in individual destiny spirit (chi) who is also a guardian spirit. This destiny or guardian spirit is possessed individually by each Igbo person. The chi-spirit personality is seen to display certain characteristics which make it possible that the Igbo philosophy on individual chi and the individual angel of Mtt. 18:10 refer to the same spirit beings. The study aims to verify the nexus between these two spirit phenomena..
Book review: Sekhar Bandyopadhyay and Tanika Sarkar (Eds), Caste in Bengal: Histories of Hierarchy, Exclusion and Resistance
Authors: Ansary Mustakim
Published: August 2023

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay and Tanika Sarkar (Eds), Caste in Bengal: Histories of Hierarchy, Exclusion and Resistance (India: Permanent Black, 2022), x + 605 pp.
Book review: Anna Johansson and Stellan Vinthagen, Conceptualizing ‘Everyday Resistance’: A Transdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Kalyani K.
Published: August 2023

Anna Johansson and Stellan Vinthagen, Conceptualizing ‘Everyday Resistance’: A Transdisciplinary Approach (New York: Routledge, 2020), xiv + 212 pp.
Ideology, organisation, and path dependency: The use of violence among Egyptian Islamist movements
Authors: Schmidt-Feuerheerd Bruno
Published: August 2023

Does ideology prevent social movements from resorting to violence? Structuralist, organisational, or political economy theories are widely agnostic on the relationship between ideology and the use of violence. In contrast, this article argues that founding ideologies indirectly shape social movements’ long-run decisions regarding the use violence, primarily by influencing the kind of individuals who join the movement to begin with. A path dependency develops as new members reinforce the initial ideology, as individuals who might tip the ideological-organisational equilibrium towards utilising new tactics join other organisations instead. Over time, ideology morphes from being initially an endogenous factor into an exogenous constraint how the group can behave. The article compares the mainstream Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood (MB), al-Jama‘a al-Islamiyya (IG) and the Jihad Organisation (JO), studying individual biographies, the groups’ recruitment patterns and their corresponding ideologies. The article thereby explains why the MB, with some minor exceptions, remained committed to non-violent activism, in contrast with the JO that resorted to violent means only and the IG that applied both violent and non-violent means. In the conclusion, the article addresses cases in Algeria and Madagascar to indicate the relevance of this argument beyond Egyptian Islamist movements to future comparative work.
Efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation therapy versus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for refractory macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Feng Xiaoxiao , Li Yunqin , Wu Min , Dan Aihua , Yang Wenzhi , Peng Yali , Xiao Libo
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation (SMLP) therapy versus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with refractory macular edema (ME) secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

This single-center, prospective, nonrandomized, case-control trial involved patients with refractory ME that responded poorly to three or more initial anti-VEGF injections. The patients were examined and divided into two groups according to their chosen treatment: the intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) group and the SMLP group. Both groups were followed up monthly for 12 months. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were assessed throughout the follow-up period.

Results

The IVR group comprised 49 eyes, and the SMLP group comprised 45 eyes. The improvements in the optical coherence tomography findings and visual acuity were comparable between the two groups at the final follow-up. The total number of injections was significantly lower in the SMLP than IVR group. No serious adverse events occurred during the study period.

Conclusions

SMLP therapy is better for patients with central macular thickness (CMT) of ≤400 μm. For patients with CMT of >400 μm, we advise continuation of anti-VEGF agents to reduce ME followed by application of SMLP therapy when CMT has decreased to ≤400 μm.
The Most High God vs. Nabû: A God of Letters, Wisdom, and Fate Who Can(not) Read, Understand, or Foretell
Authors: Lee Sanghwan
Published: August 2023

A natural reading of Daniel 5 clearly depicts the Jewish deity as humbling an arrogant pagan king, Belshazzar, through the Judahite sage, Daniel. This article suggests that a second but not mutually exclusive interpretation is possible in light of the story’s Mesopotamian background. According to this reading, the author of Daniel 5 used the traits of Nabû to subvert the well-known Babylonian belief that Nabû was the tutelary deity for the Babylonian kings. By rendering Nabû completely powerless before the Jewish deity, the author exalts the Jewish deity as the Most High God (עליא אלהא‎) who effectively displaces Nabû. It is in this capacity that the Most High God weighs the arrogant pagan king’s deeds and then determines the length of his life. Such a theological message would serve to comfort the intended audience of the pericope, the Jewish diaspora community under pagan rule, and encourage them to faithfully obey their God.
Pathways of Intergenerational Support between Parents and Children throughout Adulthood
Authors: Lee Bo-Hyeong Jane , Manzoni Anna
Published: August 2023

This paper examines varying patterns of exchanges in financial and residential support between parents and children. We apply a life course perspective to explore how patterns of intergenerational support unfold throughout adulthood. Using Waves 3 to 5 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we conduct a repeated measure latent class analysis and identify six pathways of intergenerational exchange. About one-third of individuals have minimal intergenerational exchange while the majority share some form of residential and financial assistance with their parents between their late teens and early forties. Upward and downward intergenerational exchanges are most common among Blacks, Hispanics, and families with less formal educational backgrounds, whereas pathways of complete independence are most common among White families. This paper challenges the notion of complete independence as a necessary marker of adulthood and maps out the diverse patterns of intergenerational exchange along multiple dimensions over the life course.
Towards a Hermeneutics of Computational Thinking in Wing’s Approximations
Authors: Peracaula-Bosch Marta , González-Martínez Juan
Published: August 2023

In this article, we delve into a hermeneutic process that analyzes the term Computational Thinking as it was constructed through Wing’s series of iterations in conceptualization attempts (2006, 2008, 2011 and 2014). On the one hand, this brings us to analyze the relations and intersections between different process of thought (analytical, logical, mathematical, system, engineering, algorithmic) and the role of search for simplicity, generalization, and scalability in the layers of abstraction in Computational Thinking. On the other hand, we explore the roots and the discursive environment of authors that could contribute to this conceptualizing process in the years around its popularization following Jeannette Wing’s founding article in 2006. We have also included in our analysis the points of convergence with Seymour Papert’s work related to the computer-machine seen as an “object-to-think-with” helping to the construction of knowledge from an epistemological perspective to the computing-human. Even though a consensus on the definition of the concept has not yet ben encountered, the analysis helps to highlight the solid reference points that address what is at the core of Computational thinking and what should be the framework of educational interventions and research that revolve around it.
Effectiveness of a Bystander Intervention Program to Increase Bystander Behaviors Across Latent Risk Groups of High Schoolers
Authors: Mennicke Annelise , Bush Heather M. , Brancato Candace J. , Haley Gabrielle , Meehan Erin , Coker Ann L.
Published: August 2023

Bystander intervention programs have established efficacy to increase bystander behaviors to prevent interpersonal violence (IPV). Little research has investigated intervention efficacy among latent risk classes among high school students. Data from a five-year randomized control trial were used to conduct multigroup path analyses to assess the association between type of training received and bystander outcomes moderated by risk groups identified via latent profile analysis (LPA). LPA was used to identify risk based on six indicators related to violence exposure, association with aggressive friends, and alcohol use. Bystander training received was the primary independent variable characterized as: no training, overview speech alone, or skills training. Outcomes included (a) observed bystander behaviors; (b) reactive bystander behaviors; or (c) proactive bystander behaviors. Three risk groups were identified via LPA: low risk, moderate risk witnesses of IPV, and highest risk victims and perpetrators. Of the bystander trainings received, overview speeches only increased reactive bystander behaviors among low risk students. The skills training was effective at increasing most bystander outcomes among all risk groups, with the largest effect sizes observed among the highest risk victims and perpetrators profile. Findings suggest that tailoring or modifying bystander training based on the risk profiles of youth may lead to greater potential to increase bystander behaviors to reduce risk of violence. Specifically, overview speech trainings should be targeted to low risk youth, while skills training primarily delivered to higher risk youth. These skills trainings could incorporate content related to trauma-informed care as well as associations with alcohol use, which may enhance their effectiveness further.
Alcohol Use, Discrimination, and Psychological Partner Abuse Among LGBQ+ College Students: Results From a Daily Diary Study
Authors: Brem Meagan J. , Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin , Garner Alisa R. , Edwards Katie M. , Shorey Ryan C.
Published: August 2023

Alcohol use correlates with psychological partner abuse (PA) perpetration among lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and other nonheterosexual (LGBQ+) young adults. However, less is known about the proximal association between alcohol use and psychological PA within this population, which would provide valuable information for intervention development. Informed by minority stress and alcohol-related PA theories, we evaluated whether (a) psychological PA perpetration odds increased as the number of drinks consumed prior to psychological PA on a given day increased, (b) psychological PA perpetration odds were greater following heavy episodic drinking (HED) relative to non-HED, and (c) experiencing LGBQ+-specific discrimination (i.e., heterosexist harassment, incivility, and hostility) strengthened the association between daily alcohol use (number of drinks, HED) and subsequent psychological PA perpetration. LGBQ+ college students ( N = 41; 75.6% women, 22.0% men, and 2.4% transgender/non-binary) completed a baseline survey of past-year discrimination before completing daily reports of their alcohol use and psychological PA for 60 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling revealed that drinking more than one usually does on a given day is positively associated with subsequent psychological PA odds ( OR = 1.31, p < .001). Psychological PA was more likely following HED relative to non-HED ( OR = 3.23, p < .001). Unexpectedly, experiencing discrimination was negatively associated with psychological PA odds across models ( OR = .26 p = .01). No alcohol × discrimination interactions emerged. Results support alcohol use as a proximal risk factor for psychological PA among LGBQ+ college students and underscore the need for more nuanced examination of discrimination and other contextual variables in alcohol-related PA.
Crosslinked polyimides with bulky side-group polyhedral silsesquioxanes: Towards lower dielectric constant and better mechanical property
Authors: Wang Mengqiu , Song Qianyu , Zheng Lishuai , Hou Linxi
Published: August 2023

The synthesis of a low dielectric constant polyimide (PI) with a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cross-linked structure is presented. A non-planar conjugated diamine monomer (FSNH2) with two -CH=CH2 reactive groups was first synthesised in a two-step process, and then two polyimides were synthesized by PSS-Octavinyl (OVPOSS) substituted, FSNH2 and dianhydride. OVPOSS cross-linked polyimides have good thermal stability and low dielectric constant. 6FDA-FSNH2-OVPOSS(6FPI-3) can reach a minimum dielectric constant of 2.08 (108 Hz) and a dielectric loss of 0.008 (108 Hz). In addition, the cross-linked structure of the OVPOSS and polyimide chains prevents the agglomeration of OVPOSS to a certain extent and improves the tensile strength and elongation at break of the polyimides, which has great application potential in large-scale integrated circuits.
Learning-Induced Plasticity Enhances the Capacity of Visual Working Memory
Authors: Conci Markus , Busch Nuno , Rozek Robert P. , Müller Hermann J.
Published: August 2023

Visual working memory (VWM) is limited in capacity, though memorizing meaningful objects may refine this limitation. However, meaningful and meaningless stimuli typically differ perceptually, and objects’ associations with meaning are usually already established outside the laboratory, potentially confounding experimental findings. Here, in two experiments with young adults ( N = 45 and N = 20), we controlled for these influences by having observers actively learn associations of (for them) initially meaningless stimuli: Chinese characters, half of which were consistently paired with pictures of animals or everyday objects in a learning phase. This phase was preceded and followed by a (pre- and postlearning) change-detection task to assess VWM performance. The results revealed that short-term retention was enhanced after learning, particularly for meaning-associated characters, although participants did not quite reach the accuracy level attained by native Chinese observers (young adults, N = 20). These results thus provide direct experimental evidence that participants’ VWM of objects is boosted by them having acquired a long-term-memory association with meaning.
Promoting Cashless Economy: The Use of Online Electricity Payment Channels in the Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Omotayo Funmilola O. , Tony-Olorondu Josephine N.
Published: August 2023

The study was designed to investigate the level of usage of online electricity payment channels (OEPC), as well as the influential factors determining the use of the channels. The correlation type of survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of all electricity consumers in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Out of the 236 responses, about two-thirds (65.3%) were users of OEPC, while 34.7% were not. A significant relationship, strong and positive correlation was found between usefulness, ease of use, convenience ( r = 0.710, 0.704, 0.623, respectively) and use of OEPC. The relationship between security and computer self-efficacy and the use of OEPC is also positive and significant but the correlation coefficients are low ( r = 0.279, 0.252, respectively), indicating a weak relationship. All the variables jointly predicted the use of OEPC, while a 24.0% variation in use was influenced by the variables. The study concluded that the use of OEPC by consumers in the Ibadan metropolis was moderate and that the usefulness of OEPC, ease of use, convenience of using, security of the channels and the computer self-efficacy of the users influenced the use of the channels. The implication is that these factors could be leveraged to promote an increase in awareness, adoption and use of OEPC in Nigeria.
Individual communications: Can they provide effective redress for human rights violations?
Authors: Swannie Bill
Published: August 2023

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), together with its Optional Protocol, enables individuals to allege a violation of their rights by submitting a ‘communication’ to a committee of independent experts nominated to monitor compliance with the ICCPR. This procedure may result in a finding that the State Party has violated the ICCPR, and consequent changes to law and policy which can benefit individuals and groups. However, the procedure has serious flaws, including long delays in making findings, and difficulties concerning enforcement.
Recruiting Nurse Participants in Ambulatory Care Nursing Research
Authors: Brzozowski Sarah L. , Fritz Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Patient care needs in ambulatory care (AC) settings continue to grow and evolve in the United States, with commensurate growth of nursing responsibilities in AC. Conducting research on the nursing workforce and nursing practice is essential to understanding and meeting the needs of nurses and patients in this setting. However, the structures and characteristics of AC settings pose challenges for conducting research on AC nursing practice. This article explains unique barriers to participation in research for nurses in AC, describes recruitment challenges for nurse researchers in AC, and provides strategies to increase recruitment of nurses for AC research. Researchers in AC must find ways to recruit representative participant samples, be clear and precise in defining terms, and report robust demographic information about participants and their practice settings.
Oteseconazole for the Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Drug Review
Authors: Lanier Cameron , Melton Tyler C.
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study is to describe and analyze the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oteseconazole as well as the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of oteseconazole in treating recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (2015-June 2023). Search terms included “oteseconazole” OR “VT-1161” or “VIVJOA” AND “RVVC” or “recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis” or “vulvovaginal candidiasis.” Conference abstracts, bibliographies, clinical trials, and drug monographs were included for review.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant studies in English and clinical trials conducted in humans were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Oteseconazole is approved for the treatment of RVVC. In 2 identical phase III studies, oteseconazole was superior to placebo through 48 weeks for preventing recurrence of RVVC (6.7% vs 42.8%, P < 0.001 and 3.9% vs 39.4%, P < 0.001). In the only phase III trial comparing oteseconazole against active drug, oteseconazole was well tolerated and exhibited noninferiority to fluconazole in acute treatment and superiority to placebo for prevention maintenance through 50 weeks (5.1% vs 42.2%, P < 0.001).

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Agents:

This review describes the use of oteseconazole for the treatment of RVVC as compared with fluconazole. Oteseconazole is an effective treatment option for common pathogens causing vulvovaginal candidiasis, including Candida and fluconazole-resistant Candida.

Conclusions:

Oteseconazole is an effective and safe treatment option for the management of RVVC though current research lacks comparison with established maintenance regimens. Additional research is needed to ascertain the placement of oteseconazole in the treatment of RVVC.
Stress and Perceived Partnership Quality of Parents to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Approach
Authors: Sartor Teresa , Lange Sarah , Kuhn Jörg-Tobias , Tröster Heinrich
Published: August 2023

Parents to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience increased levels of stress compared to other parents. However, it has been difficult to clarify how this parental stress affects the quality of parent partnership, and how stress and partnership quality predict each other longitudinally. Stress and perceived partnership quality of 160 parents to children with ASD who started therapy in an autism therapy center were surveyed at three measurement points. To find out about within-person effects, a random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. The results showed that a decrease in stress level over the course of therapy led to a decrease in partnership quality. The theory of the parenting alliance can be used to explain these results: coping with demands in parenthood during stressful times seems to tie parents together and strengthen their relationship. Implications for therapeutic practice, such as the use of marriage and family counselors to support the parents’ partnership during their child's autism therapy are presented.
Academic Writing Otherwise: A Rumination
Authors: Francis Badley Graham
Published: August 2023

In this rumination on academic writing otherwise, after Taylor and Benozzo, I address a number of important issues they raise. These include notions such as the academic-writing-machine, authorship, writership, and postauthorship. Throughout the article, I compare and contrast their views with examples from a variety of sources including some of my own articles. I especially comment on the fitness of autoethnography, bricolage, postacademic, and quasi-posthumous writing as well as academic ranting as examples of writing otherwise.
Telerehabilitation for the treatment in chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Villatoro-Luque Francisco Jesús , Rodríguez-Almagro Daniel , Aibar-Almazán Agustín , Fernández-Carnero Samuel , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , Castro-Martín Eduardo , Achalandabaso-Ochoa Alexander
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Although there is growth in the approach to telerehabilitation (TLRH) in different pathologies, research on TLRH for the management of low back pain is scarce and controversial. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether a TLRH program is as effective as a clinical exercise program in improving pain and different functional variables in patients with nonspecific low back pain (NLBP).

Method

A single-blind, two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out with 68 individuals with chronic NLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to either the TLRH group (TG) ( n = 34) or the clinic group (CG) ( n = 34). The TG received an exercise-based TLRH video and an educational program on the neurophysiology of pain. The CG received the same pain education and exercise program at the clinic facility supervised by a clinician. Both groups performed 2 weekly sessions for 8 weeks. Active movements of the lumbar spine, pain and range of motion, and kinesiophobia were assessed at baseline, at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, and at 3 months.

Results

Statistically significant differences for time-by-group interaction were identified in range of motion of right ( F = 11.668; p = 0.001) and left ( F = 4.219; p = 0.042) legs when knee extended test is performed; as well as in pain intensity when the same test ( F = 5.176; p = 0.043). Moreover, higher pain level during flexion ( F = 5.133; p = 0.009) and extension movements ( F = 6.335; p = 0.003) in patients with bilateral pain location than those with unilateral or central pain location has been appreciated.

Conclusion

A TLRH rehabilitation program via mobile app is as effective as the same exercise program supervised in a clinic.
The intimacy triple bind: Structural inequalities and relational labour in the influencer industry
Authors: Glatt Zoë
Published: August 2023

The careers of social media content creators, or influencers, live or die by their ability to cultivate and maintain an invested audience-community. To this end, they are encouraged to practise what has been framed as ‘emotional labour’ (Hochschild, 2002 [1983]) and ‘relational labour’ (Baym, 2018), commodifying their personalities, lives and tastes in order to build ‘authentic’ self-brands and intimacy with audiences. Drawing on an ethnographic study of the London influencer industry (2017–2023), this article examines emotional/relational labour through an intersectional feminist lens, foregrounding the ways in which structural inequalities shape relationships between creators and their audiences. The tolls of managing audience relationships are higher for marginalised creators – especially those making stigmatised and less brandable content genres – who find themselves on an uneven playing field in the challenges they face as well as the coping strategies at their disposal. These creators are in an intimacy triple bind, already at higher risk of trolling and harassment, yet under increased pressure to perform relational labour, adversely opening them up to further harms in the form of weaponised intimacy. This article explores four key tactics that creators employ in response to such conditions, as they navigate relational labour and boundaries with audiences: (1) leaning into making rather than being content; (2) (dis)engaging with anti-fans through silence; (3) retreating into private community spaces, away from the exposure of public platforms; and, in parallel, (4) turning off public comments. The adverse experiences of marginalised creators who speak about their identities and experiences online raise serious concerns about the viability of content creation as a career for these groups, as well as the lack of accountability and responsibility that platforms show towards the creators who generate profit for them.
Crafting innovation hubs: Future cities and global challenges
Authors: Chou Meng-Hsuan , Erkkilä Tero , Mölsä Juho
Published: August 2023

Governments around the world have instrumentalised the idea of cities as innovation hubs in the drive for economic competitiveness and governance of anticipated futures. Producers of global indicators have identified cities as key actors in the global competition for talent – a race for human capital taking place against rapid technological changes, and political and social disruptions. In this article, we examine the rise of global cities as innovation hubs and its role in tackling global challenges. Using qualitative content analysis and conceptual analysis of strategies from rival cities in Europe (Amsterdam vs Copenhagen) and Asia (Singapore vs Hong Kong), we unpack how future cities are articulated and constructed in the nexus of migration and knowledge policy. We find that global indicators are actively used to produce more ‘robust futures’ that shape policymaking and strategies of cities while delimiting alternatives and potential ‘creative future visions’ in addressing global challenges.
Nonlinear dynamic behaviors of angular contact ball bearing with waviness based on a synthetical multi-degree-of-freedom mathematical modelling
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Qingshan , Wang Ruihua , Qin Bin , Shao Wen
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a synthetical multi-degree-of-freedom mathematical modelling for analyzing the dynamic characteristics of angular contact ball bearing with waviness subjected to the external load working conditions. The above multi-degree-of-freedom mathematical modelling is established based on nonlinear elastic Hertz contact theory and inner raceway control theory by employing improved Newton–Raphson iteration method; the validation of the established mathematical modelling is verified by comparing the presented results with the existing literature results. The above mathematical modelling has considered raceway waviness, ball waviness, bearing clearance, centrifugal force, gyroscopic moment, external loads, and rotating speed comprehensively. Firstly, the effects of waviness order and waviness amplitude on time-varying contact and stiffness characteristics of angular contact ball bearing are investigated systematically. Then, the influences of bearing clearance, rotating speed, axial force, radial force, and torque on the dynamic contact and stiffness characteristics of angular contact ball bearing with waviness are analyzed thoroughly. The main results show that the solution results of mathematical modelling have converged, respectively, when raceway waviness order increases to 25 and ball waviness order increases to 5; The variation tendencies of time-varying contact angle, contact force, and stiffness of angular contact ball bearing with waviness are aperiodic; The amplitudes of time-varying contact angle, contact force, and stiffness of angular contact ball bearing increase evidently with waviness amplitude increased; The bearing clearance has important influence on the contact angle and contact force of outer raceway and inner raceway, respectively; The effects of radial force and torque on contact and stiffness characteristics are consistent basically in the corresponding direction; The influences of axial force and rotating speed on the contact and stiffness characteristics are more remarkable compared with other factors. The investigations of contact and stiffness characteristics of angular contact ball bearing with waviness are helpful for the designation and manufacture of high precision angular contact ball bearing.
Development of an improved structural integrity assessment correlation for circumferential through-wall cracked 90° shape-distorted pipe bends subjected to in-plane opening bending moment
Authors: Thulasiraj Raghuraman , Arunachalam Veerappan
Published: August 2023

A detailed and systematic assessment of the plastic collapse load of 90° shape imperfect pipe bends subjected to in-plane opening bending was conducted by implementing three-dimensional non-linear finite element analyses. The material considered in the analysis is the elastic-perfectly plastic type with a large change geometry option. Shape distortions in the pipe's cross-section and through-wall circumferential crack at the intrados region were the defects analyzed in this study. Ovality [Formula: see text] and thinning [Formula: see text] were varied from 0% to 20% with a 5% incrementation, and crack angles of 45°, 60°, and 90° were considered at the intrados. The twice-elastic slope method effectively evaluates the plastic collapse moment as mandated by the ASME B&PV code NB-3213.25, section III. The reaction moment and angular rotation curves were generated for all pipe bend models. The outcomes of the analysis revealed that the plastic collapse moment load of pipe bends was affected by through-wall circumferential crack and [Formula: see text], while thinning produced negligible effect, which was subsequently excluded from the analysis. The combined effect of through-wall circumferential crack and [Formula: see text] produces a consequential influence on the pipe bend at 45° angle, which is severe at 60°, and even more critical at 90°. In the analysis, the plastic collapse moment for short bend radius was reduced, while that of thin-walled pipe bends increased with an increase in thickness and bend radius. The plastic collapse moment of the present analysis was validated using experimental data acquired from open literature. An enhanced structural correlation assessment was proposed for through-wall circumferential crack shape-distorted 90° pipe bends.
Combined removal experiment of NOx, SO2 and PM from marine diesel exhaust gas with SCR-DryEGCS system
Authors: Shi Jie , Zhu Yuanqing , Yang Jun , Xia Chong , Feng Yongming , Zhou Song
Published: August 2023

Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SO2), and particulate matter (PM) in ship exhaust have a great impact on human health, environment and climate conditions. Combined selective catalytic reduction technology and dry exhaust gas cleaning technology, a test rig (SCR-DryEGCS system) for WD10C195-15 marine four-stroke high speed diesel engine was established to analyse the removal effect of NOx, SO2, and PM from exhaust gas. The SCR-DryEGCS system removed 89.03%, 99%, and 96% of NOx, SO2, and PM respectively. And also compared with low sulfur oil combined SCR method to verify the feasibility of the SCR-DryEGCS method. It shows that the SCR-DryEGCS system has its own advantages and has a good effect on the removal of NOx, SOx, and PM at the same time.
Boundary-crossing as resilience: the colonisation of the Maya at Lamanai, Belize in the 16th century
Authors: Chen 陈国鹏 Guo Peng
Published: August 2023

During the Colonial Period, Maya communities underwent significant social and religious transformations. This paper investigates how the Maya communities of Lamanai, Belize maintained resilience in the 16th century. By examining ethnohistorical and archaeological evidence at Lamanai, especially zoomorphic effigies at two Christian churches, the study demonstrates that resilience was not solely a product of human agency but also arose from engagement with other species and materials. Drawing influence from process philosophy, this paper redefines resilience as a dynamic and creative process encompassing active adaptation, reorganisation, and transformation. It argues that the ability to cross boundaries is essential to resilience. Maya communities were able to transcend the boundaries of properties, entities, realities, and cultures, which enabled them to re-envision their relationships with others and the world. Boundary-crossing allowed them to navigate complex changes with ease and integrate diverse cultural elements into their identity, ultimately fostering resilience in the face of colonial challenges.
The Multiverse of Taiwan’s Future: Reconsidering the Independence–Unification (Tondu) Attitudes
Authors: Chen Fang-Yu , Wang Austin Horng-En , Wu Charles KS , Yeh Yao-Yuan
Published: August 2023

For decades, scholars have constructed various ways to measure Taiwanese public opinion on the nation’s future, the independence–unification ( Tondu) question. While existing surveys find that Taiwanese people become more likely to support independence, the majority still favors the “status quo” option. Existing measurements have a number of weaknesses. For instance, most do not inform citizens what the “status quo” means, nor do they specify when and how independence and unification will manifest in reality. We propose a new approach to measuring citizens’ preferences of the nation’s future by specifying five mutually exclusive options on the independence–unification spectrum and field a nationwide survey to illustrate the validity of the new typology. Compared with traditional measurements, our method has more substantial explanatory power for several key political issues in Taiwan.
Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence and Abuse in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sheikh Md Mamunur Rashid , Rogers Michaela M.
Published: August 2023

Technology-facilitated sexual violence and abuse (TFSVA) is a pervasive phenomenon and a global problem. TFSVA refers to any form of sexual violence, exploitation, or harassment enacted through the misuse of digital technologies. This includes, but is not limited to, image-based sexual abuse, online sexual exploitation and harassment, sextortion, and the non-consensual sharing of sexual images. It has significant and long-lasting psychological, social, financial, and health impacts. TFSVA is on the rise, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where there has been an explosion in digital technology overall. This scoping review aimed to identify studies on TFSVA in LMICs to examine its types, impacts, victim-survivor coping strategies, and help-seeking. To identify peer-reviewed literature, six databases were searched: Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Star Plus-University of Sheffield library search, and Web of Science. The review included empirical studies published in English between 1996 and 2022, focusing on TFSVA among adults (aged 18+) in LMICs. A total of 14 peer-reviewed studies were included, highlighting that scant empirical research is available on TFSVA in LMICs. This review found several types of TFSVA and their wide-ranging impacts; traditional patriarchal societal norms and values largely shape TFSVA for women in LMICs. It also found more social impacts linked to sociocultural factors. Survivors adopted various coping mechanisms and help-seeking behaviors primarily through informal family support. Studies highlighted the need for effective legislation; pro-victim-survivor policing; strong family support; increasing victim-survivors’ knowledge about reporting; and more research.