Life Conditions Research Articles

Well-being effects of the digital platform economy: the case of temporary and self-employment

The surge in non-traditional employment, including self-employment and temporary jobs, driven by the digital platform economy (commonly known as the gig economy), has thrust this form of work into the centre of social and political discussions. Among the European Union countries, Spain stands out with the highest volume of digital platform work. To explore the well-being effects of various gig economy employment arrangements, this study utilizes microdata from the Spanish Living Conditions Survey for 2018 and Google Trends data related to platforms like Deliveroo, Airbnb, Just Eat, Uber, and Freelance as a proxy for digital platform economy demand. Employing an econometric approach based on instrumental variables, the study reveals that the most detrimental well-being effects are observed among self-employed workers. Specifically, in terms of self-reported health, self-employed individuals (own-account workers) exhibit 125.8% lower average health levels compared to permanent workers. These findings suggest that the heightened job insecurity and precariousness associated with self-employment outweigh the potential benefits arising from greater flexibility and autonomy in this type of work.

Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of the Species Paliurus spina-christi

In plants and all living beings, the fundamental influence comes from ecological factors that operate simultaneously and in a complex manner. The influence of these factors is expressed in the morphological and anatomical features of the vegetative organs of plants, especially the leaves, which are among the most delicate organs where a series of adaptations occur. Although biological science today recognizes approximately 500,000 plant species, they differ from each other morphologically, anatomically, and genetically because they live in different life conditions and circumstances. Understanding the morphological‒anatomical characteristics of plants is highly important for determining their taxonomic and ecological adaptability. This connection between the morphological-anatomical structure of vegetative organs, especially leaves, and external factors has been addressed by many authors: Lakusiç (1962), Greb (1957), Pavlov (1965), Hoxha (1995), Mustafa (1995), and others. To obtain a clearer picture of the impact of ecological factors on the morphological and anatomical characteristics of vegetative organs of plants, we conducted research on the anatomical structure of leaves from different insertions: upper (E) and middle (M) of the plant species Pailurus spina Christi.

Floating photovoltaic systems: photovoltaic cable submersion testing and potential impacts.

Floating photovoltaics (FPV) is an emerging technology that is gaining attention worldwide. However, little information is still available on its possible impacts in the aquatic ecosystems, as well as on the durability of its components. Therefore, this work intends to provide a contribution to this field, analysing possible obstacles that can compromise the performance of this technology, adding to an increase of its reliability and assessing possible impacts.The problem under study is related to the potential submersion of photovoltaic cables, that can lead to a degradation of its electrical insulation capabilities and, consequently, higher energy production losses and water contamination. In the present study, the submersion of photovoltaic cables (with two different insulation materials) in freshwater and artificial seawater was tested, in order to replicate real life conditions, when FPV systems are located in reservoirs or in the marine environment. Electrical insulation tests were carried out weekly to assess possible cable degradation, the physical-chemical characteristics of the water were also periodically monitored, complemented by analysis to detect traces of copper and microplastics in the water. The results showed that the submersion of photovoltaic cables with rubber sheath in saltwater can lead to a cable accelerated degradation, with reduction of its electrical insulation and, consequently, copper release into the aquatic environment. The test results pointed a probable relationship between submersion of cables with rubber outer shell and water freezing temperatures and the occurrence of accelerated degradation of the cable insulation layer. Reduced insulation resistance values were measured in this cable type after the occurrence of such temperatures, both in salt and freshwater, the cable presented visible exterior degradation signs. For this case copper residues were detected in the water.

Mixed evidence concerning the effects of the hopeful mindset among mother and child in low-income families in Singapore

Having a hopeful mindset is believed to enable adaptation but much of the pertinent research was cross-sectional, focused on convenient samples, and examined normal circumstances. It is unclear whether hope can predict beneficial outcomes over time among people living in challenging life conditions, such as those in low-income families with protracted financial insecurity. We report a longitudinal study where hope and several psychological outcomes – reported health, self-esteem, and emotional distress – were measured three times across 12 months in mothers and their children in families on financial assistance in Singapore. The results were mixed as to hope’s adaptation effectiveness. Hope positively predicted reported health and self-esteem but not emotional distress over time among the children. It did not predict any outcome among the mothers. Hence, hope can be a resource that could enable children in these families to thrive, but its longer-term benefits for mothers appear less straightforward.

Impact of Toceranib Phosphate and Carprofen on Survival and Quality of Life in Dogs with Inflammatory Mammary Carcinomas.

Canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is an aggressive and rare type of mammary gland cancer in dogs where vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxigenase-2 overexpression usually occur, which contribute to its invasive and angiogenic nature. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment regimen of toceranib phosphate and carprofen in dogs with measurable IMC. Fifteen female dogs with histopathologically confirmed IMC were included, undergoing a regimen of toceranib (2.4-2.75 mg/kg PO, three times weekly) and carprofen (4.4 mg/kg/24 h PO). Initial evaluations included physical exams, tumor measurements, complete blood count, biochemistry, urinalysis, three view thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound. Follow-up assessments of physical condition and quality of life (QOL) were conducted bi-weekly, with tumor response evaluations monthly, using RECIST v1.0 criteria. While no complete or partial responses were observed, 60% of the dogs maintained stable disease, with a median progression-free survival of 76 days and an overall survival of 90 days. Notably, 60% of the dogs showed clinical benefit through improved QOL and disease stabilization. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only grade I/II toxicities reported. Despite limited biological activity against the cancer, this protocol may enhance QOL in dogs with IMC, offering a valuable palliative option.

Interpersonal Violence Against Indigenous Sámi and Non-Sámi Populations in Arctic Sweden and the Mediating Effect of Historical Losses and Discrimination.

The prevalence of interpersonal violence has been reported at higher levels among Indigenous than non-Indigenous populations worldwide, but has not been thoroughly investigated among the Sámi population in Sweden. The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence and violence by intimate partners, family members, acquaintances, and strangers among participants identifying as Sámi or Swedish, (2) whether reporting experiences of historical losses and discrimination mediated the anticipated association between identifying as Sámi and reporting experiences of violence, and (3) whether background characteristics were associated with reporting experiences of violence. Cross-sectional questionnaire data collected in 2021 for the "Health and Living conditions in Sápmi" study were used. All adults in an arctic region in Sweden were invited to participate (response rate: 41%). Respondents self-identifying as Sámi (n = 375; 24.7%) or Swedish (n = 1,144; 75.3%) were included in this study. Sámi respondents of both sexes more often reported violence by an acquaintance or stranger. Likewise, more Sámi than Swedish women reported family violence (16.4% vs. 9.2%), but there was no difference concerning intimate partner violence (13.3% vs. 15.4%). Mediation analyses revealed strong positive indirect effects of historical losses and discrimination on the different types of violence. Being female was the strongest predictor of reporting intimate partner violence, and younger age was associated with violence by all perpetrators except family members. In conclusion, interpersonal violence was more often reported by Sámi respondents, but the association was explained in full by experiences of historical losses and discrimination. The results underline the importance of a life-course and even intergenerational and historical perspectives when investigating interpersonal violence.

Actual Conditions of Children's Life and Play in Suburban Detached Residential Areas

Actual Conditions of Children's Life and Play in Suburban Detached Residential Areas

Contemporary Outcomes of Infrainguinal Vein Bypass Surgery for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischaemia: A Two-Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is a significant life and limb-threatening condition. Two recent seminal trials, BEST-CLI and BASIL-2, have provided seemingly conflicting results concerning the optimal treatment modality for patients with CLTI. We sought to investigate the outcomes of patient undergoing infrainguinal bypass at two centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective review of all patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass grafting for CLTI at Auckland City Hospital and Waikato Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021 was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of death, above-ankle amputation, and major limb reintervention. The secondary outcome was minor limb reintervention. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine time to the primary and secondary endpoints. Demographic factors were examined using the log-rank test to examine the effect on the outcome. Results: One hundred and nineteen patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass for CLTI in the study period were identified. Of these, 93 patients had a bypass with ipsilateral or contralateral GSV. The median follow-up time was 1.85 years. The most common indication for surgery was tissue loss (69%, n = 63), with the most common distal bypass target being the below-knee popliteal artery (45%, n = 41). The primary composite outcome occurred in 42.8% of the cohort (n = 39). Death was the most common component of the primary outcome (26%, n = 24). Male sex (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.88, p = 0.018) and statin use (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24-0.98, p = 0.044) were independent predictors of protection from the composite outcome on multivariate analysis. Dialysis dependence (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.23-8.99, p = 0.018) was an independent predictor for patients meeting the composite outcome. Conclusions: This study's results are consistent with the published outcomes of BEST-CLI. The patient cohorts examined, anatomical disease patterns, and conduit use may explain some of the differences observed between this study, BEST-CLI and BASIL-2. Further work is required to define the specific patient populations who will benefit most from an open surgical or endovascular first approach to the management of CLTI.

Apolipoprotein E4 and Alzheimer's disease causality under adverse environments and potential intervention by senolytic nutrients

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has a pivotal role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathophysiology. APOE4 has been recognized as a risk factor for developing late-onset AD. Recently, APOE4 homozygosity was regarded as a new familial genetic trait of AD. In this opinion paper, we summarized the potential pleiotropic antagonism role of APOE4 in children living under early life adversity and afflicted with enteric infection/malnutrition-related pathogenic exposome. APOE4 was found to be neuroprotective early in life despite its increasing risk for AD with aging. We call for awareness of the potential burden this can bring to the public health system when APOE4 carriers, raised under adverse environmental conditions in early life and then aging with unhealthy lifestyles in later life may be at special risk for cognitive impairments and acquired AD. We postulate the importance of anti-senescence therapies to protect these individuals and remediate aging-related chronic illnesses.

Assessment of the economic value of physiotherapy treatment for economically effective results

The purpose of the study was to compare the pricing of physiotherapy treatment in various countries of the world. A comparative analysis of the cost of physiotherapy was conducted in the United Kingdom, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Australia. The cost of physiotherapy was calculated considering 10 sessions per course of treatment in each clinic. The study determined that the cost of physiotherapy and massage varied substantially depending on the region and the medical institution. In the London clinic, the cost of 10 sessions of physiotherapy ranges from USD 721.62 to USD 1,818.49, depending on the duration of the procedures, and 10 massage sessions – from USD 787.23 to USD 1,115.24. In Switzerland, the same 45-minute course of physiotherapy costs USD 1,150, and an hour-long massage – USD 1,100. Financial costs for these procedures are substantially lower in Slovenia and Indonesia. In a Slovenian clinic, a course of 10 sessions of physiotherapy costs from USD 331.1 to USD 551.83, and massage – from USD 364.21 to USD 540.79. In Indonesia, the same course of physiotherapy is offered for USD 590.21-780.95, and massage – for USD 394.75-592.12. The cost of physiotherapy and massage procedures was directly related to the level of life and economic conditions in the country. In the United Kingdom and Switzerland, high health costs are explained by a high level of life and a developed medical infrastructure, while in Slovenia and Indonesia, services are more accessible to the public. Based on this, the most economically profitable solution for physiotherapy and massage is the introduction of batch sessions, which reduces the cost per session overall. In addition, financial costs are reduced due to reduced time for the procedure and the use of telemedicine during the rehabilitation session. This study helps to assess the pricing of physiotherapy procedures and further optimise national schemes with the formation of the most financially effective programmes

For the anniversary of Likhovskiy technical school of railway transport

Likhovskoy Technical School of Railway Transport was opened on September 1, 1994. For more than a quarter of a century of history, the educational institution has experienced a lot, but has never changed its purpose: the educational institution has always trained and continues to train qualified workers and mid-level specialists for the railway. In 2024, Likhovsky College of Railway Transport — branch of Rostov State Transport University celebrates its anniversary, the technical school turns 30 years old. Over these years, the educational institution has trained 4,259 mid-level specialists who have managed to find themselves in life, who successfully work at the enterprises of JSC Russian Railways. In many ways, it depends on the teachers whether a graduate of LiTZhT will succeed as an individual, and how his future will develop. The laws of market relations determine the need to train such specialists who are able to skillfully apply the acquired knowledge to solve emerging problems, and quickly adapt to life conditions, think critically, make the necessary generalizations and conclusions, be able to work in a team and independently.

In the Bowels of the Volcano. Lethal violence in the dissemination of AMAZIGH groups to the Canary islands

The island of Lanzarote is marked by a scarce preservation of skeletal remains of the Libyan-Berber populations that inhabited there between the beginnings of the Common Era and the Norman Conquest in the 15th century. This is an anomalous situation for people that lived uninterruptedly on the island for about 1400 years. The recent study of the few available human bones is providing transcendental data for the knowledge of the ways and conditions of life and, especially, of conflicts involving physical violence. The aim of this paper is to analyse the evidence of bone trauma in two individuals, male and female respectively, and to discuss the cause of their deaths. The results indicate the male was repeatedly stabbed, with a kind of dagger that could not be manufactured in the Canary Islands due to the absence of metal ores. This suggests a form of deadly violence unknown among the indigenous population. In contrast, the traces observed in the female individual, consisting of several energetic blows to the skull, are in line with the lethal violence practices of the Canarian indigenous populations, albeit executed to an extreme degree. Both cases display patterns of lesions revealing different forms of violence of significant interest for the comprehension of the conflicts and historical contexts in which they occurred. Apart from the lethal injuries themselves, the early chronology of the remains and the type of weapons used provide new data to explore the initial stages of the island's stable colonisation. For this same reason, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the expressions of violence among mainland Amazigh populations, scarcely known from an archaeological perspective, based on the behavioural models they bring to the islands.

Complex housing in adulthood state-dependently affects the excitation-inhibition balance in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of male C57Bl/6 mice

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an important role in social behavior and is sensitive to stressful circumstances. Challenging life conditions might change PFC function and put individuals at risk for maladaptive social behavior. The excitation-inhibition (EI) balance of prefrontal neurons appears to play a crucial role in this process. Here, we examined how a challenging life condition in C57BL/6JolaHsd mice, i.e. group-housing 6 mice in a complex environment for 10 days in adulthood, changes the EI-balance of infralimbic prefrontal neurons in layer 2/3, compared to standard pair-housing. Slices were prepared from “undisturbed” mice, i.e. the first mouse taken from the cage, or mice taken ∼15 min later, who were mildly aroused after removal of the first mouse. We observed a housing-condition by arousal-state interaction, with in the complex housing group an elevated EI-balance in undisturbed and reduced EI-balance in mildly aroused animals, while no differences were observed in standard housed animals. The change was explained by a shift in mIPSC and mEPSC frequency, while amplitudes remained unaffected. Female mice showed no housing-by-state interaction, but a main effect of housing was found for mIPSCs, with a higher frequency in complex- versus standard-housed females. No effects were observed in males who were complex-housed from a young age onwards. Explorative investigations support a potential mediating role of corticosterone in housing effects on the EI-balance of males. We argue that taking the arousal state of individuals into account is necessary to better understand the consequences of exposure to challenging life conditions for prefrontal function.

Grading facial aging: Comparing the clinical assessments made by three dermatologists with those obtained by an AI-based scoring system that analyses selfie pictures. Afocus on Chinese subjects of both genders.

The objective of this study is to assess the correspondence, in live conditions, between clinical gradings of facial aging signs by three dermatologists and those afforded by an automatic AI-based algorithm that analyses smartphones' selfie images of Chinese subjects. In total, 125 Chinese subjects of both genders, aged 18-62y, took a selfie using their own smartphones and were immediately viewed by three dermatologists. The latter graded the severity of 15 facial signs in women and 9 in men, using the standardized values afforded by a Skin Aging Atlas referential dedicated to Asian skin. The data issued by both methodologies were then statistically compared. The absolute gradings of the automatic system were found highly correlated with clinical assessments, with lower values in most cases. In women, large differences in absolute values were found on the gradings for size of isolated spot, cheek fold, spread macules, and texture of mouth contour women. Analysis of the Mean Absolute Errors (M.A.E) revealed that these rarely exceed 0.6 grading units in women and to a lesser extent in men. The present study confirmed the value of the automatic system towards an extended use towards large human cohorts as a surrogate of clinical evaluations and allowed to detect the points where improvements must be brought to the system.

How Did Bengal Become a Society?

AbstractStarting in the nineteenth century, ‘society’ emerged as a new object of contemplation, a new conception of historicity, and a new framework of norms in Bengal. This article asks what kind of epistemological project this turn to the social represented, and what its emergence suggests about the historical circumstances that underwrote its conditions of possibility. I suggest that, beyond the narrower framework of colonial knowledge, the social emerged as a reflexive inquiry into the ways in which the conditions of collective and individual life were being transformed by practices of interdependence that defied containment to regional geographies.

We Must Abolish the Conditions of the Unbearable: A Conversation with Marquis Bey

Abstract: This article is structured as a conversation between scholars Jess A. Goldberg and Marquis Bey, grounded in the arguments of Bey’s recent book Black Trans Feminism , published in 2022 by Duke University Press. Rather than an overview or summary of Bey’s book, the conversation digs into particular dimensions of Bey’s arguments and analyses. It begins by situating Black Trans Feminism in relation to the topic of the special issue of WSQ in which the article appears, with Goldberg asking Bey to explain their thinking around “the unbearable” or the abject as they relate to the framework of black trans feminism. From there, the conversation turns to the roles of affect, desire, and disagreement in feminist theorization and argument as well as an extended consideration of metaphors of “holding” in Bey’s work and beyond. The conversation closes with a critical and loving exchange over questions of violence in abolitionist politics and movements and the risks we take on in trying to abolish the conditions of unbearable life at various levels.

Capitalism, coronavirus, and war in the digital age: Interview with Radhika Desai

In Spring 2024, I met Radhika Desai for the first time at the London School of Economics and Political Science when we both held visiting positions at the Department of International Development as invited scholarly visitors. Although I had not expected her presence, I immediately recognized her after having been a reader of her works on geopolitical economy when developing my own ideas about the political economy of Chinese media and communications. I introduced myself and started talking with her, first at a coffee shop, then in a small office inside LSE’s Connaught House, and later at the Marx Memorial Library in London for a book launch party. Prompted by my questions rooted in the field of media and communication, Radhika Desai shared ideas from her newly published book, Capitalism, Coronavirus, and War: A Geopolitical Economy (Routledge, 2023), which is being translated into Chinese, her critiques about imperialism, globalization and essentially the world order after decades of neoliberalism, and, furthermore, her hopes for China, BRICS, and, ultimately, for the political left. Now, these conversations are turned into a dialogue piece, and with it I hope Communication and the Public readers will sense my gains from Radhika Desai, that is, to paraphrase from the famous line from the Communist Manifesto, in the digital age when all that is solid melts into ostensibly immaterial communication, man/woman is at last compelled to face with sober senses the real conditions of life and his or her relations with their kind.

ELEMENTS OF ANCIENT BELIEFS IN BASHKIR MATERNITY RITUALS

The article deals with some customs and rituals associated with childbirth. The relevance of the conducted research is conditioned by the growing interest in the role of ethno-cultural values in modern society and increasing attention to the previously underexplored phenomena of everyday life. The study of folk customs, rituals and representations related to childbirth will contribute to the understanding of the deep layers of Bashkir spiritual culture. Maternity rituals represent an important aspect of Bashkir cultural tradition. It encompasses prenatal, as well as birth and postnatal rituals, which to this day play an important role in the formation of family and social ties. The aim of the study is to identify elements of ancient beliefs in the Bashkirs' maternity rituals. An integrated approach, involving the analysis of ethnographic, historical, philosophical and folklore scientific works, was applied to achieve this goal. The research was based on a wide range of published and unpublished sources. The research revealed that the Bashkirs' maternity ritual is based on the ancient beliefs and ideas of the Bashkirs about man, nature and the world as a whole. It includes elements of animism, totemism, fetishism and magic. Important aspects of ritualism are connected with the protection of the child and the woman in labor, as well as with the first 40 days and the first year of the child's life. The elements of ancient beliefs revealed in the course of the research are manifested in the belief in the existence of spirits and souls, totem, in the ancestor worship, and are connected with beliefs in the protective properties of certain objects of the material world. The Bashkirs' maternity rituals include components of apotropaic, procreative and sympathetic magic. The study made it possible to study more deeply the mythology, ancient religious beliefs and traditional culture of the Bashkirs, to trace the evolution of the Bashkirs' maternity ritual and their transformation in modern conditions, to reveal the general regularities of the development of ritual culture, as well as the specific features characterizing particular nations. The preserved actions of magical rituals connected with childbirth refers to their stability and ability to adapt to new changing conditions of life.

Case Study: Psychological Dynamics in Women Experiencing Conversion Disorder

Conversion Disorder is classified as a somatoform disorder characterized by symptoms or deficits that are not clearly defined and affect motor or sensory functions related to neurological conditions or other general medical conditions. Hearing impairment in conversion disorder is referred to as non-organic hearing loss. This research aims to understand the dynamics in women with conversion disorder and the causes of the disorder. The approach used in this study is qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection in this study uses interviews, observations, and psychological tests (DAP, HTP, BAUM, SSCT, TAT, and SPM). The credibility test used is the triangulation technique of sources, techniques, and time. The subject in this study is a 36-year-old woman. The results of this study indicate that the individual has hearing problems not caused by a medical condition. The hearing difficulties arise due to conflicts and impulses triggered by stressful conditions in marital life, leading the person to repress to avoid threats to the issue. As a result, unconsciously, the individual transforms it into physical symptoms. This affects both the individual's work and social aspects.

Adjunctive Approach to Therapeutic Laser and Exercise Therapies in Alleviating Pain and Disability in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

Low back pain (LBP), a globally prevalent musculoskeletal condition, affects mobility, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It is generally caused by disc degeneration, muscular strain, ligamentous sprain, or a disease located at the lumbar spine. Owing to this disability, the social and occupational interactions of an individual might get affected. Modern medicine frequently combines exercise therapy with light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) therapy, especially high intensity LASER therapy (HILT) or low level LASER therapy (LLLT), to increase the efficacy of the treatment modalities for LBP. This review aimed to determine the effect of the combined approach of LASER and exercise therapies in managing pain and reducing disability in patients with LBP. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PEDro were searched for full-text research articles published from 2000 to 2023. Overall, 3,913 records were screened from these databases and six high methodological quality studies (PEDro ≥ 5) were included in this review after eligibility assessment. Review manager 5.4.1 was utilized to evaluate the overall quality of the review articles. In conclusion, HILT and LLLT serve as effective adjuncts to exercise therapy in treating LBP, contributing to pain reduction and disability alleviation.