Contemporary Practice Research Articles

‘It really freed me up … to work’: Australian mothers’ experiences of living with fathers who work part-time

ABSTRACT The literature about mothers and engaged fatherhood is expanding; however, current research focuses on breadwinner mothers living with stay-at-home fathers. Knowledge about the experiences of mothers who live with part-time working fathers is scarce. The current study focuses on Australian breadwinner mothers' experiences within such a family arrangement. Interviews with 15 mothers were analysed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Two themes emerged: (1) a recurrent contrast by mothers of their experiences at work and at home (the arrangement was described as contributing to their career, but as disrupting traditional mothering) and (2) a repeated comparison by mothers between themselves and their partners in relation to work and parenting (career was suggested as more important for participants, and fathers were suggested as being better suited for child-rearing). Both themes commonly and positively presented the family arrangement as well balanced. In their talk, participants balanced the family arrangement's flaws with its benefits. Furthermore, participants' positioning suggested an identification to an in-group which aligned to traditional motherhood while deviating from traditional feminine norms. As societal norms shift towards greater gender equality, this study helps increase awareness of the variety of contemporary mothering practices, by reporting experiences of mothers who adopt non-traditional mothering practices.

Exploring Research Trends on Digital Health in Nursing Science in Korea: A Topic Modeling Approach.

Digital health technology is utilized in contemporary nursing practice and education. This review explored the scope of digital health applications and major trends in nursing research involving digital health in Korea using topic modeling. Our analysis of data using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model identified four distinct research topics: nursing education using digital technologies (35.17%), hospital-based nursing practice using digital technologies (19.88%), digital technologies for health education (25.75%), and development of digital technologies to support self-management of chronic conditions (19.20%). Our findings reveal trends, current issues, and gaps in digital health nursing research.

Spectral ruins: Empathy with inanimate material movements

Simulations are interactive, lively models of material events. Working with simulations that require the consideration of mass, gravity, and texture becomes an embodied experience. Much like video games, simulations imitate the physics of the material world and, as such, engage us corporeally. This dynamic between interactive model and user is particularly generative when the content of a simulation is inanimate, or inorganic materials. Digital models of static matter in motion offer the user a unique opportunity to relate to things that are typically understood as inert or nonliving. While empathy with the nonliving is a complex relationship to authentically construct, the ecological implications of this interaction are significant. This paper uses critical tools from video game studies and media theory to study simulations in experimental architecture and contemporary fine art practice. The essay posits a thesis informed by ecocriticism that users can build a tactile, bodily understanding of material behaviors by designing and interacting with tools built into animation, gaming, and visual coding platforms. A series of case-studies in art and design are examined with particular emphasis on their use of digital physics engines and code libraries that imitate natural behaviors.

Pediatric Dental Care and Antibiotics: A Comprehensive Update

Abstract Antimicrobial agents, a foundational component of contemporary medical practice, have significantly transformed the management of microbial infections, effectively protecting human well-being and prolonging life expectancy. Nevertheless, this extraordinary advancement faces a mounting challenge in the form of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The ongoing evolution of microorganisms to withstand the impact of these substances has led to a decline in the efficacy of formerly dependable treatments, thereby presenting a critical menace to medical progress and prompting an exigent need for action. This paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the utilisation and correct application of antimicrobials within the context of paediatric dental healthcare. By meticulously examining the intricate interplay between therapeutic efficacy and the emergence of AMR, the overview delves into the pivotal function these agents fulfil in both preventing and treating dental infections in young patients. In addition, this update sheds light on the potential repercussions stemming from improper prescription practices, unwarranted overutilisation and insufficient adherence to established guidelines.

Design and Improvement of Bone Adhesive in response to Clinical Needs.

Fracture represents one of the most common diagnoses in contemporary medical practice, with the majority of cases traditionally addressed through metallic device fixation. However, this approach is marred by several drawbacks, including prolonged operative durations, considerable expenses, suboptimal applicability to comminuted fractures, increased infection risks, and the inevitable requirement for secondary surgery. The inherent advantages of bone adhesives in these fields have garnered the attention of orthopedic surgeons, who have commenced utilizing biocompatible and biodegradable bone adhesives to bond and stabilize bone fragments. Regrettably, the current bone adhesives generally exhibit insufficient adhesive strength in vivo environments, and it is desirable for them to possess effective osteogenesis to facilitate fracture healing. Consequently, aligning bone adhesives with practical clinical demands remains a significant hurdle, which has catalyzed a surge in research endeavors. Within this review, the conceptual framework, characteristics, and design ideas of bone adhesives based on clinical needs are delineated. Recent advancements in this domain, specifically focusing on the enhancement of two pivotal characteristics-adhesive strength and osteogenic potential are also reviewed. Finally, a prospective analysis of the future advancements in bone adhesives, offering new insights into solutions for diverse clinical problems is presented.

Performance of Superstitious Practice: Resistance of Gender and Class Roles in Deuki

This paper examines the treatment of gender and class roles in the Nepali cultural film Deuki, which highlights the contemporary practices and rituals prevalent in Far-Western Province of Nepal. The primary objective is to analyze the performance of superstitious beliefs and practices associated with the 'Deuki'[1] system, focusing on the injustices faced by girls who are auctioned under the guise of 'Deuki Pratha[2].' This research reveals that these girls experience severe oppression and mistreatment, often being denied agency and basic rights. However, it posits that through empowerment, even the most marginalized individuals can resist such injustices. The study employs theoretical frameworks from performance studies and feminist theory to explore these issues. The findings underscore a critical need for continued discourse on the socio-cultural implications of the ‘Deuki’ system, emphasizing that while awareness and advocacy have led to some decline in this practice, significant challenges remain. The conclusion advocates for further research and policy recommendations to address the evil cultural and ritual practices in Nepal.

The Evolution of Indian Sculptural Traditions: Interweaving Art, Culture, and Contemporary Practices

Indian sculptural art has historically been intertwined with various artistic forms, such as music, dance, and painting, creating a distinct narrative that has shaped the country's cultural identity. Among these, religious idol-making holds a significant role in reflecting societal values, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expression. Over centuries, idol-making techniques have evolved while adhering to traditional aesthetic and religious principles. This paper explores the evolving traditions of Indian sculpture, with a particular focus on Rajasthani stone sculptures, and examines how modern Indian sculptors are adapting ancient practices to contemporary sensibilities. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing historical analysis and interpretative methods. Archival materials, such as ancient texts and scholarly commentaries, are used to trace the continuity and transformation of traditional sculptural practices. Fieldwork conducted in Rajasthan, specifically in Jaipur and Alwar, documents the current state of traditional sculpture workshops. Interviews with contemporary sculptors provide insights into the adaptation of traditional techniques to modern artistic trends, while secondary literature on art history situates these changes within a broader cultural and religious context. Results indicate that religious idol-making continues to be a central form of artistic expression in Indian culture, with Rajasthani sculptors preserving traditional methods while incorporating modern materials and techniques. Proportions, aesthetic purity, and spiritual symbolism remain key components of traditional idol-making, influencing contemporary works. However, modern sculptors are expanding their themes to include social, political, and philosophical concepts, reflecting the changing socio-political landscape of India. In conclusion, Indian sculptural traditions have shown resilience and adaptability, balancing cultural heritage with modern innovation. This study highlights the evolving nature of Indian sculpture, particularly in Rajasthan, as artists continue to redefine their craft in response to contemporary cultural shifts.

Effect of Kshoudradi Aschyotana in Arjuna w.s.r to Sub-Conjunctival Haemorrhage: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Subconjunctival haemorrhage (SCH) is a frequent eye condition marked by bleeding beneath the conjunctiva, which causes noticeable discoloration and generally disturbs the affected person. There is currently no specific treatment for SCH in contemporary medical practices. According to Ayurveda, it correlates with Arjuna. It is a rakta pradoshaj vikara (disease caused by vitiated blood) and primarily a pitta-predominant disease manifesting in the Shukla mandala of netra. Objectives: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of Kshoudradi Aschyotana with Flurbiprofen Eye Drops in Arjuna with special reference to sub-conjunctival haemorrhage. Materials and Methods: After securing ethical clearance and registering the trial with the CTRI, twenty patients satisfying the inclusion criteria and diagnosed with arjuna were randomised into two groups(10 in each group). The trial group and the control group received Kshoudradi Aschyotana and Flurbiprofen eye drops for 5 days respectively. Objective parameters were assessed using Slit-Lamp photography and the area of the lesions was recorded on the baseline, 5th, and 7th days. The statistical analysis of the area of haemorrhage was conducted using independent and paired t-test for between and within-group analysis respectively. Results: Kshaudraadi Aschyotana has exhibited better results in reducing the area of subconjunctival haemorrhage as compared with flurbiprofen eye drops within five days(P <0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that Kshaudraadi Aschyotana has beneficial effects in the management of Arjuna as compared with the flurbiprofen eyedrops.

Telling the untold: First Nations people’s perceptions of policing in Broken Hill and Wilcannia

ABSTRACT This article examines the ways First Nations people perceive targeted policing practices in Broken Hill and Wilcannia, New South Wales. It focuses on First Nations viewpoints and perspectives to unveil the colonial legacies of the region, their infusion into contemporary policing practice, and the pressures those legacies exert on the community. The empirical material was generated through interviews with 19 First Nations community members, in collaboration with a First Nations advisory panel. By centring First Nations perceptions of policing, it contributes to critical colonial critiques and decolonising expertise of policing, focusing on subtle and perverse acts of policing in Broken Hill and Wilcannia, and how these are perceived by First Nations people on different structural, social and personal levels. The main argument is that instances of targeted policing are perpetrated against the collective community through methods of pressure and surveillance. This collective pressure specifically targets and alienates the First Nations community while maintaining a non-Indigenous social order. In doing so, police present a legitimate form of targeted policing that impacts community wellbeing in perverse and ongoing ways. This argument and approach enrich place-specific understandings of First Nations experiences of policing and unmask the dynamic aspects of policing that the community endures.

Juristic Differences on Salat Within the Maliki School and Its Relevance to Nigerian Muslims

Salat, or Islamic prayers, is central to Muslim devotion globally. However, different schools of Islamic jurisprudence interpret and apply Salat uniquely. The Maliki school stands out for its distinct approach, influencing how Salat is performed. In Nigeria, where Maliki jurisprudence predominates among Muslims, these differences are especially relevant. Nigeria's diverse Muslim population offers an ideal setting to explore how Maliki jurisprudence impacts Salat practice and religious identity. This study examines the unique interpretations and rulings of the Maliki school regarding Salat, focusing on prayer methodology such as mode of Iqᾱmah, Adhᾱn, recitations, Al-Qunũt, Qabd and Sadl, and evaluates their relevance to Nigerian Muslims. The research employs textual analysis and comparative jurisprudence to uncover doctrinal differences and practical implications of Maliki rulings on Salat. Empirical data from Nigerian Muslim communities shed light on how these differences affect contemporary Salat practices and perceptions. Findings revealed that Maliki jurisprudence remains influential among Nigerian Muslims, providing a foundational framework for religious guidance. Despite divergence, the core principles of Shari’ah and its sources remain intact. Conclusively, the paper emphasisesthe importance of fostering dialogue and understanding among scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders to enhance spiritual experiences and communal cohesion in Nigerian Muslim society.

The Ancient Tantric in Balinese Contemporary Art

In recent years, artists from various cultures have increasingly drawn on the spiritual and philosophical principles of ancient tantra. This article explores the influence of ancient tantric traditions on contemporary Balinese arts. It employed an innovative art-based research methodology utilizing qualitative, interpretive, and practice-based research methods. These included observation, interviews, and document analysis while integrating theoretical frameworks, symbolic perspectives, and theo-aesthetic considerations. The research reveals how artists transform and reinterpret tantric themes in their work, highlighting the complex relationship between modern expressions and ancient inspirations. Balinese art, as the study shows, achieves beauty by blending opposites, such as masculine and feminine qualities, through the concept of lanang-wadon. By examining this topic, the research provides valuable insights into the evolving relationship between spirituality, creativity, and cultural exchange in Bali and the interconnected world. This study underscores the dynamic interplay between ancient traditions and contemporary artistic practices, showcasing a unique fusion that enriches both the art and its cultural context.

Association Between Neurological Status and Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Patients Undergoing PCI in Contemporary Practice: Insights From BMC2.

Coronary artery disease remains the largest contributor to cardiac arrests worldwide; yet, long-term outcomes are often driven by neurological status after resuscitation. We examined the association between pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) level of consciousness (LOC) and outcomes among patients with cardiac arrest who underwent PCI. The study cohort included patients undergoing PCI after cardiac arrest between April 2018 and March 2022 at 48 hospitals in the state of Michigan. Pre-PCI LOC was categorized as mentally alert, partially responsive, unresponsive, and unable to assess. In-hospital outcomes included mortality, bleeding, and acute kidney injury. Among 3021 patients who underwent PCI after cardiac arrest, 1394 (49%) were mentally alert, 132 (5%) were partially responsive, 698 (24%) were unresponsive, and 631 (22%) were unable to assess. The mentally alert cohort had lower mortality (4.59%) compared with the partially responsive (17.42%), unresponsive (50.14%), and unable to assess cohorts (38.03%; P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline differences, compared with mentally alert patients, the odds of mortality were markedly elevated in patients who were partially responsive (adjusted odds ratio, 4.63 [95% CI, 2.67-8.04]; P<0.001), unable to assess (adjusted odds ratio, 13.95 [95% CI, 9.97-19.51]; P<0.001), and unresponsive (adjusted odds ratio, 24.36 [17.34-34.23]; P<0.001). After adjustment, patients with impaired LOC also had higher risks of acute kidney injury and bleeding compared with mentally alert patients. Pre-PCI LOC is a strong predictor of in-hospital outcomes after PCI among cardiac arrest patients. A patient's pre-PCI LOC should be considered an important factor when weighing treatment options, designing clinical trials, and counseling patients and their families regarding prognosis after PCI.

The Religiosity of the Banyumasan Lengger Dance: Tradition, Transformation, and Contemporary Practices

Lengger Banyumasan dance is a traditional performing art that has been practiced in the Banyumas region, Central Java, for centuries. This dance is known for its distinctive style characterized by graceful and sensual movements of female dancers called "Lengger". Originating from the pre-Islamic era, this dance was originally closely related to the spiritual and religious beliefs of the Banyumas people. This study aims to explore the religious and traditional aspects of the Lengger Banyumasan dance, as well as the transformations that have occurred in its form and function over time. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with a focus on analyzing the religious and traditional aspects of the Lengger Banyumasan dance. This study involved a literature review covering a variety of academic sources, reports, and cultural resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious context of the Lengger dance. The results of this study indicate that the Lengger Banyumasan dance has strong roots in the religious and cultural traditions of the Banyumas people. This dance was originally performed as part of rituals and ceremonies aimed at promoting fertility, prosperity, and community well-being. Although the dance has undergone significant transformation, from being initially ritual-based to being more entertainment-oriented, it still maintains a strong connection to the religious beliefs of the Banyumas people. The conclusion of this study is that the Lengger Banyumasan dance is a rich and multifaceted performing art, rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of the Banyumas region. Despite changes over time, the dance remains an important part of the social and cultural fabric of the region and is increasingly recognized for its significance as a unique and valuable form of cultural expression. Conservation and promotion efforts for this dance are ongoing to ensure its sustainability as a valuable cultural heritage.

Los voladores de Papantla: persistencias coloniales y resistencias comunitarias en dos prácticas en México

The ritual ceremony of the Papantla flyers is a pre-Hispanic cultural practice performed since 600 B. C. by various indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America. This intricate ceremony comprises multiple stages, with the most notable being “the flight,” where a group of five individuals ascend a tall mast, known as the flying pole, to perform songs and dances from the top. Tied by their feet with ropes, the flyers then descend in concentric circles until they reach the ground. This article focuses on two contemporary practices in Mexico: one at the Xcaret Tourist Park in Quintana Roo, and the other in the municipality of Papantla, Veracruz. The aim is to compare these practices to highlight the tensions between colonial legacies and community resistance. Using the method of montage, we analyze two dialectical images across different dimensions: spaces, times, technical-material contents, participating social subjects, and the objectivity of the practice itself. The results reveal the tension between the colonial persistence of capitalist modernity—manifested in the commodification and patrimonialization of the practice—and community resistance, demonstrated through the revival of memories and traditions. While this research focuses on two specific practices, the methodological and analytical approach can be applied to other activities within the ritual flyers ceremony, or to other cultural practices recognized as intangible cultural heritage. This study contributes to the field of critical heritage studies.

TCT-55 Safety of Image-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Contemporary Practice: Insights From BMC2

TCT-55 Safety of Image-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Contemporary Practice: Insights From BMC2

Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS): A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Strategies and Management Approaches.

Bladder pain Syndrome presents a multifaceted challenge in contemporary urological practice, marked by LUTS, negative behavioural, sexual, or emotional experiences, and the potential for sexual dysfunction. We meticulously explored the existing literature of conservative, non-invasive and invasive interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of available options for comprehensive BPS management. We delve into the effectiveness and safety profiles from behavioural approaches through lifestyle changes and physical therapy, to oral or intravesical medications, until the definitive surgical treatment. The best option evaluated is the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, urotherapists, gynaecologists, pain specialists, primary care physicians and psychologists, educating those patients regarding the condition and its chronic course and tailoring the perfect treatment for each person. Despite this, BPS remains a challenge for urologists. Indeed, our objective is to contribute to the evolving landscape of BPS management, fostering informed decision-making and personalized care for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

Research prACTivisms – a methodology for a-more-than-educational-academic knowledge production

ABSTRACT This article aims to problematize knowledge production as merely an academic researcher endeavour by investigating how research can invite preschool-aged children to activate knowledge in situ. Informed by Isabelle Stengers’ theoretical framework, we developed the research methodology of Research prACTivisms through three propositions: activating an ecology of practices, engaging a direct democracy, and emerging situation ethics and values as means for change and transformations in continuous processes and activations. We argue that Research prACTivisms may produce and activate marginalized actors and knowledge in order to produce contemporary and situated political research practices and approaches.

Empathy, compassion, and connection should be central in suicide assessment with youth of color: Commentary on Molock et al. (2023).

Molock et al. (2023) offered an excellent scholarly review and critique of suicide assessment tools with youth of color. Although providing useful information, their article neglected essential relational components of suicide assessment, implied that contemporary suicide assessment practices are effective with White youth, and did not acknowledge the racist origins of acculturation. To improve the suicide assessment process, psychologists and other mental health providers should emphasize respect and empathy, show cultural humility, and seek to establish trust before expecting openness and honesty from youth of color. Additionally, the fact that suicide assessment with youth who identify as White is also generally unhelpful, makes emphasizing relationship and development of a working alliance with all youth even more important. Finally, acculturation has racist origins and is a one-directional concept based on prevailing cultural standards; relying on acculturation during assessments with youth of color should be avoided. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Solidarity is not a dirty word: exploring and locating solidarity as a theory and model for a radical community social work practice

Within this article we highlight that social work is both a political as well as a professional practice. Despite years of technical specialisation and a policy context that has focused social work on risk management and resource allocation, there remains a deep commitment to care, compassion, and solidarity within contemporary social work practice. The article and its analysis make the case for a more politically informed social work practice, one that is based on solidarity; in opposition to a system that isolates individuals and internalises complex social problems. We posit that the application of solidarity within social work delivers a practice that promotes social inclusion and is based on the provision of practical social support. It is from this perspective that we will present evidence from ethnographic research, drawn from community social work practice, to highlight the importance of social solidarity and provide an insight into different ways of working.

Boundary obsessions

Boundaries in contemporary art practice and education contexts are often conceived as distinctions between disciplines, inscribed through material conventions and discursive traditions. In art, a field that continually touts trans-disciplinarity and post-medium approaches, it is considered productive to occupy multiple disciplinary positions and effectively enlarge or re-draw the territory of possible creative action. This obsession with disciplinary limits reveals a language of spatial metaphors (fields, frontiers and domains) and breaching actions (breaking boundaries, expansion). In this article we highlight how the language of disciplinarity today is spatialized, and premised on notions of imperialist territoriality which are at odds with efforts to decolonize art. We speculate on other ways to approach disciplinarity without theorizing boundaries and their rupture, and re-consider discipline through: ecologies of teaching and learning, an imaginative burrowing under the surface, and working with discipline as an agential material.