Narrative Form Research Articles

Examining suicidality in relation to the menopause: A systematic review

Suicide is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 100 deaths being attributable to suicide. Whilst rates of suicide are higher in men, evidence suggests that suicide attempts are more frequent in women. Suicidality data indicates that deaths by suicide in women are highest in those in midlife, warranting investigation into the relationship between the menopause and suicidality. The current study aimed to review the existing literature examining the relationship between suicidality and the menopause using a systematic review approach. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase databases was conducted in October 2023. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles against the eligibility criteria. Any inconsistencies were discussed and resolved. This process was subsequently repeated with the articles’ full-text. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Relevant data were extracted and summarised in both a tabulated and narrative form. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria, with the findings revealing a complex relationship between the menopause and suicidality. Several studies highlighted that the perimenopause period shows a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts compared to pre-menopausal and post-menopausal stages. Conversely, some studies indicated increased suicidality during the post-menopausal phase, while others noted elevated suicidality in pre-menopausal individuals and those with primary ovarian insufficiency. Critically, several studies found no link between hormonal status and suicidality. The quality of the studies also varied, with a lack of involvement from individuals with relevant lived experience being a consistent methodological flaw across all the included studies. Overall, the current evidence on menopause and suicidality is mixed. Further research is needed to unravel the relationship between menopause and suicidality.

Aware and In Denial: Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet as Climate Fiction

With each of its four books named after a season, Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet (2016–20) is structured according to life’s cyclical time patterns. As with all of Smith’s fiction, these novels are characterised by metamorphosis and transition. The Seasonal Quartet, however, also registers a sense of loss, as when one of the characters in Autumn laments the time “[w]hen we still had seasons, not just the monoseason we have now.” In this paper, I take up these and other references strewn through the novels and propose to read these four novels as climate fiction. Rather than representing grand-scale destruction and dislocation, however, the Seasonal Quartet registers the minute disruptions of and changes in our everyday lives due to anthropogenic climate change. The narrative form of Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer shows how the conditions of life in the present are affected and altered by climate change, whether it concerns changing weather patterns, migration patterns, and so on. The novels house both characters who are acutely aware of the current crisis, as well as those who remain in denial; as novels, however, they do make visible the effects of humanity having entered the Anthropocene. The Seasonal Quartet, therefore, shows how the radically other of our planet’s ecological and meteorological systems has entered and started to shape human lives. If these novels disclose the loss of the world as we have known it, they also find a more hospitable home in the world of art. In art, there is connection and the potentiality of a new world.

Interrogating Impediments to Women Participation in Political Leadership among the Abagusii in Post-Colonial Kenya

The trend on elective political positions in the Gusii region shows that, women have not been getting equal opportunities as their male counterparts in elective seats of members of parliament, the seats of the governor, senator and members of county assembly in the counties in Gusii region. The objective of the study was to establish challenges to women participation in political leadership among the Abagusii Community from 1963 up to 2015. The study was guided by the feminist theory. According to this theory, the discrepancies in the decision-making in societies emerge from a social framework that espouses inequality. This study was based on qualitative approach and phenomenological design. The target population was made up of 682,481 women participants from the 8 Sub-Counties and 29 wards in Kisii County from where a sample size of 422 respondents was sampled purposively. The research instruments were interviews and focused group discussions from key informants. Archival sources were used as well as secondary data from books, articles published in journals and periodicals, unpublished articles and newspapers. Piloting was carried out in Kisii County on 10% of the sample size to test dependability and credibility. The data was analyzed thematically and presented qualitatively in the narrative form. The findings of this study are that cultural factors, stereotyping of women, economic factors, political barriers, lack of husband support, stigmatization, and gender-based violence are among the factors that have contributed to low participation of women in political leadership among the Abagusii community. The recommendations of the study were change in cultural perception towards women, gender equality awareness, emphasis on women empowerment and amendment of political party policies this will bring gender equality in leadership among the Abagusii

Systematic review of child maltreatment screening tools used by different occupational groups: a study protocol

BackgroundChild maltreatment (CM) encompasses physical, emotional or sexual abuse, physical or emotional/psychological neglect or intimate partner (or domestic) violence and is associated with adverse cognitive, behavioural, physical and social outcomes...

Influence of Teaching and Learning Resources Provided by BOM on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools of Kisii Central Sub County, Kenya

Despite interventions by policymakers and implementers in instituting BOM so as to ensure the delivery of quality education in Kenya, performance in some schools has remained poor. According to the Sub County director of education, Kisii has witnessed very poor performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination over the years. To address the situation, the Kisii Central County Education office conducted workshops to capacity-build the BOM members from the entire County in relation to their roles in schools. It was for this reason that the study was to establish the influence of board of management practices on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools of Kisii Sub County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population consisted of 53 public secondary schools in Kisii Central Sub County with 53 principals, 391 teachers, 689 members of the Board of Management, and 14,776 students. The sample size comprised 44 secondary school principals, 44 assistant teachers, 42 students and 248 members of the Board of Management. This constituted a total sample size of 378 respondents. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires as well as through interview schedules for the BOM members. A pre-test of the instruments was conducted in three schools using 38 respondents constituting 10% of the study sample. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, the mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation) by employing SPSS version 21.0 and excel computer packages. Qualitative data was organized into themes, and categories as they emerged from the field and presented in narrative form. The analysis of results revealed that teaching and learning resources, staff recruitment and incentives positively and significantly influence the academic performance of students in secondary school. The study recommended that in order to improve the academic performance of students in secondary schools, the BOM should ensure that they provide enough teaching and learning materials to schools to guarantee the performance of students in their academics, recruit competent teachers to improve the teacher-student ratio which is a necessary measure in improving the performance of students in academics, establish the most appropriate method of appreciating teachers and students so as to motivate them to work positively toward improving the academic performance of students

Opportunities and challenges to human flourishing – biographical learning experiences of ITE graduates in Singapore

ABSTRACT In the performative meritocracy of Singapore where academic achievement is seen as the key to success in the society, vocational education is seen as inferior in the education system. This paper examines the educational experiences of vocational youths who went through the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), an institution that is often not seen as a school of choice. We investigate the life and educational experiences of ITE graduates examining interview data collected through the Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM), which elicit lived experiences in narrative form. Through studying the graduates’ biographical learning narratives, we explore the opportunities and challenges to human flourishing. This study has implications for enhancing the ecology of learning as well as VET standing in Singapore and beyond.

Existencia y representación política en el maestro

The document seeks to introduce the problematization of political representation, placing elements of existential order in the lives of teachers. In the section, titled: Searching for the memory of the political representation of teachers, the idea of ​​memory is developed with some references to the teaching of the Catholic Church in statements about the work of teachers and education. The following section entitled Educational everyday life and soteriological meanings aims to give continuity to the problem of memory and the political and existential representation of the teacher from a patristic anchor evocatively inspired by the work of the doctor of the church, Saint Maximus the Confessor. The last part and the conclusions situate the problem and the purpose of the necessary inclusion of narrative forms that truly allow man to emancipate himself from the yoke of Leviathan. The work ventures into the realms of exploration through symbols that have been eroded by modernity. It outlines an archeology of knowledge about elements of educational knowledge from a Christian conception that today is foreign to many modern spirits given the metaphysical crisis and catastrophe that marks our post-modern and neoliberal educational experience, very foreign even to the libertarian mentality of our school teachers. like Fernando González, and whose epigraph captured in the year 1941 in his book The School Teacher has served us to introduce this document.

Addressing the Anthropocene from the Global South: integrating paleoecology, archaeology and traditional knowledge for COP engagement

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss necessitates more holistic, comprehensive, and integrated public policy approaches. Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, this crisis highlights significant conflicts over forms of knowledge and conceptualization, affecting how international policies are formed. Indigenous knowledge systems have become increasingly acknowledged for their vital role in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene. Conferences of the Parties institutions like the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change emphasize the critical, although not always recognized, importance of Indigenous territories, which contain eighty percent of the world’s biodiversity. Here, we show that research in paleoecology, archaeology and history demonstrates the long-term significance of traditional knowledge and Indigenous land management practices for contemporary ecosystem dynamics. Drawing from these varied studies and perspectives also reveal the socio-economic inequalities resulting from centuries of European colonialism. We showcase three case studies on; (i) pastoralism in eastern Africa, (ii) natural resource management in southeast Asia and (iii) adaptation to sea level rise in the Caribbean, which touch upon highly diverse human resilience strategies across space and time. Despite efforts at the COP28 to accelerate climate action and incorporate diverse knowledge systems, significant challenges remain. The need for a pluralistic knowledge, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, blending scientific language with artistic and narrative forms, is proposed as critical for fostering effective communication and developing more effective and equitable solutions for global environmental governance.

The Correlation Between Dental Caries And Nutritional Status In Children Between The Ages Of Three And Five

Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health in 2018 indicate that only 7% of children in Indonesia are cavity-free, while a staggering 93% of children under the age of three experience dental caries. The pathological process known as tooth decay is characterized by damage restricted to the hard tissues of the tooth, starting with the enamel and progressing to the dentin. Nutritional status, which can be classified as adequate, inadequate, poor, or stunted, plays a crucial role in the overall health of children, including their oral health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dental caries levels and nutritional status among preschool children at Aisyiyah Kindergarten/RA Kemantren Tulangan, Sidoarjo. The study employs a cross-sectional methodology and adopts an analytical survey approach. The sample used in this research consists of a total sampling of sixty individuals. The def-t index is utilized as the measuring tool to evaluate the presence of cavities, while the PB/U or TB/U index is used to determine the short nutritional status based on the WHO Anthro 2005 reference standards. Data analysis is conducted using SPSS, where a Chi-square test is performed to ascertain the association between the degree of dental caries in preschool-aged children and their nutritional status. The results of the study are presented in both tabular and narrative forms to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationships identified. This research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of proper dental care and nutrition in promoting the health of young children

The Effect of Audio Visual Media on the Skills of Translating Negotiation Text from Dialogue Form to Narrative Form of Phase E Students of UN P Laboratory Development High School

This research aims to elucidate the impact of audiovisual media on the skills of Phase E students at the UNP Laboratory Development High School in converting negotiation texts from dialogue to narrative form. The study adopts a one-group pretest-posttest design, with a sample consisting of 31 students from Phase E1. Data collected include the students' scores in converting negotiation texts from dialogue to narrative form, assessed both before and after the implementation of audiovisual media. The findings indicate the following: First, prior to the use of audiovisual media, the students' average skill score was 70.16, placing it within the 66-75% range, which is classified as more than adequate (LdC). Second, following the use of audiovisual media, the average score increased to 80.38, within the 76-85% range, corresponding to a good qualification (B). Third, the use of audiovisual media was found to have a significant effect on the students' skills in converting negotiation texts, as evidenced by a tvalue that exceeds the critical ttable value (4.19 > 1.70). This research contributes valuable insights into the application of audiovisual media in educational contexts and underscores the importance of technology in enhancing the quality of Indonesian language instruction. The results provide a foundation for educators to develop more effective and interactive pedagogical strategies in the future.

Use of dipyrone during pregnancy and risk of congenital anomalies: a systematic review.

This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the teratogenic effects of dipyrone used during pregnancy. Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Lilacs, SciELO, SCOPUS, OasisBR, and OpenGray) were reviewed until September 2023. We included studies that compared pregnant women who used dipyrone during any gestational period with those who used other analgesics or did not use any analgesics during the same gestational period. The outcome assessed was the presence of any congenital anomaly. Two reviewers independently conducted the review process, and a third reviewer resolved any disagreements. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for observational studies. The reviewed data synthesis is presented in narrative form. The search retrieved 2045 results, of which seven studies were included in the review, four were case‒control studies, and three were cohort studies involving 153,562 participants. The congenital anomalies evaluated varied across studies, with unspecified congenital anomalies predominating. Five of seven studies found no association between dipyrone and congenital anomalies. In a case‒control study, a positive association was found between dipyrone use and isolated congenital cataracts compared to two control groups; in another study, a positive association for unspecified congenital anomalies was observed in only one of the two control groups analyzed. In all studies, a high risk of bias was identified, especially regarding measuring the exposure, outcome, and assessment of confounding factors. There is not enough evidence to define the risk of congenital anomalies associated with dipyrone use during pregnancy. CRD 42022333041.

Systematic review of variables that moderate and/or mediate the relationship between child maltreatment and adverse outcomes: a study protocol

IntroductionChild maltreatment (CM) is associated with adverse cognitive, behavioural, physical and social outcomes that often continue until adulthood. Systematic reviews on mediators and moderators of this relationship mostly investigate childhood...

Uncovering Holistic Contemporary Paradigms and Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana to Realise Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This research aims to: (1) understand the historical development of Holistic Contemporary Worldview (CHW) and Kejawen Philosophy (Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana/HHB); (2) explore the correlation between CHW and HHB; (3) compare the axiology of HHB and CHW to better understand the path to achieving sustainable development goals; and (4) identify opportunities for maintaining sustainability through the perspectives of CHW and HHB. Theoretical Framework: The Earth is currently facing unsustainable changes, which are evident in climate change and the increasing frequency of disasters. These problems are believed to stem from reductionist-mechanist thinking, which fosters an anthropocentric attitude. In contrast, holistic thinking offers a new perspective on nature, seeing it as an interconnected whole where each component supports the others to maintain prosperity and balance. This idea is in line with the Javanese philosophy of life, HHB, which emphasizes harmony between humans and nature to enhance the beauty of life. Both concepts highlight the need for fundamental changes in the way humans interact with each other and nature to support the achievement of Sustainability especially the implementation of the Sustainable Development Golas (SDGs). Method: This descriptive qualitative research uses a literature study technique that is conducted in three stages. First, a literature study on the historical development of human views on nature, both from the Western view (CHW) and the Eastern view, especially Java (Kejawen-HHB). These historical developments are presented in the form of narratives to provide a clear picture of events and context, thus helping in understanding each philosophy. The second stage reviews these narratives to identify the core similarities and differences between the two approaches. Finally, the third stage analyses these comparisons to find clues about new approaches to sustainability, especially attitudinal changes to support the achievement of sustainable development goals Results and Discussion: This research shows that the concepts of CHW and HHB are two concepts that emerged from two different regions and times but have the same philosophical line. Both understand that all components of nature need to coexist and respect each other psychologically and even spiritually. This change in attitude is necessary to avoid the evil nature of humans (greed and arrogance) in fulfilling their needs in the form of development. The goal of sustainable development should be utilized for the benefit of the many and the broad (inclusive), which is the core concept of deep ecological understanding (Ecosophy of CHW) and needs to be supported by the concept of roso (spiritual culture of HHB). Both approaches have significant similarities and differences in some aspects but share the common goal of maintaining a dynamic balance to sustain living systems. Research Implications: The findings of this research are expected to contribute to a new perspective on how to achieve sustainability. The old approach based on classical mechanics is still relevant and useful to support the achievement of the SGDs, but the complexity of the world demands a change in behaviour in treating the universe and development. CHW and HHB provide new clues on how to achieve this. Originality/Value: This study compares and correlates two approaches from distinct origins: one rooted in the logic-driven Western culture and the other in the spiritual-based Eastern tradition. These approaches also emerged in different eras: one in the modern, complex age, and the other in the mythology-based ancient kingdom. By examining this correlation, the study underscores the importance of regulating thoughts and behaviors to ensure the continuity of life, particularly within the complexities of modern civilization.

The Role of Leadership in Improving Employee Competence (Case Study at PT. Surya Toto Indonesia, Tbk. Serpong Unit - South Tangerang City)

This study aims to analyze the role of leadership in improving employee competency at PT. Surya Toto Indonesia, Tbk. Serpong Unit, South Tangerang City. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method at PT. Surya Toto Indonesia, Tbk. Serpong Unit to explore the role of leadership in improving employee competency through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies. Data were collected, analyzed with data reduction, and presented in narrative form and a conceptual model to understand the relationship between leadership and employee competency development. Data validity and reliability were guaranteed through triangulation and member checks, ensuring strong and accurate conclusions regarding the contribution of leaders to HR development. The results of this work show that leadership plays an important role in improving employee competency at PT. Surya Toto Indonesia, Tbk., but challenges such as lack of training, non-innovative leadership styles, poor communication, and minimal appreciation are major obstacles. Transactional leadership styles that focus on short-term results hinder employee development as a whole. To remain competitive, companies must adopt transformational leadership and provide full support for employee competency development through ongoing training. Competent employees will be better prepared to face industry changes and drive company growth.

More than “A Matter of Deciding To”: Citizenship, Border Positionality, and Irresolution in Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman

Abstract This article considers Indigenous refusal to state-imposed US citizenship through a reading of Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman (2020). The novel follows the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa’s struggle to remain a federally recognized tribe during the US government’s move toward tribal termination in the 1950s. While the characters’ appeal to the US government could be construed simply as a plea for state recognition, the novel’s insistence on Chippewa kinship structures as a simultaneous and legitimate expression of the characters’ political identities suggests otherwise. Taking up conversations in Indigenous studies pertaining to the limits of state recognition and the possibilities of generative forms of refusal, the article expands upon Mohawk scholar Audra Simpson’s (2014) model of refusal with an emphasis on irresolution. This irresolution is manifested in the novel’s narrative form—which refuses closure. The article uses the term border positionalities to describe the unresolved and unsettled tension between the characters’ Indigenous and settler political identities. It contends that the incommensurability of these social and political identities makes Erdrich’s novel an important text for reading citizenship as an ongoing site of struggle for Indigenous people.

Palimbiosis

How does one begin to talk about the end? Contemporary artistic and literary responses to climate change frequently invoke Romantic traditions, in part because many theorists attribute our current crisis to historical developments in the Romantic period, but also as means of representing how climate change collapses the familiar orderliness of time. This essay is about the narrative forms that emerge when our place of safety is revealed to be as unstable as melting permafrost. It centers on Mary Shelley’s 1825 essay about a frozen Englishman reanimated during that especially warm summer. I read Shelley’s essay anachronistically alongside contemporary climate art in order to explore narrative forms that disrupt the linear progression of time and suggest the possibility of other narratives that might emerge in the plurality of our endings. We are accustomed to thinking of Romanticism as environmentally informed by ice. This essay is about the thaw.

Effects of Armed Conflicts on The National Security of Post Conflicts States, A Case Study of Juba County in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan

This paper assessed the nature of existing armed conflicts and their effect on security management, established the influence of the local and regional dynamics of conflicts on security management and finally examined the effect of the emerging security threats on security management strategies in Juba County, South Sudan. The study was guided by two theories; Conflict Transformation and National Security theories. The study used descriptive survey research design and Purposive sampling technique to enlist 210 respondents for this study. The main method of data collection was the interview. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and reported in narrative form. The study established a dichotomy of existing armed conflicts; external and internal conflicts in Central Equatorial State, South Sudan that had serious implication on both Security Management and National security. The second objective established the influence of local and regional dynamics that affected security management that included; Interlocking political and tribal division aspects of conflict, the influence of insurgents and armed cross border militia groups; greed for livestock by political elites that saw them arm their tribal militia with modern guns and military hardware for ease of livestock theft, amongst others. The third objective established the effect of several emerging security threats on Security Management strategies in Juba County, which included migrant migration for domestic and international child soldiering recruitment in the context of the on-going civil war and also for soldiering elsewhere outside the country. This paper establishes a regional policy concern that South Sudan is largely unsafe, and by implication the whole region is unlikely to be safe. This calls for an immediate action by all security stakeholders, UN agencies, Non State Actors, security pundits and think tanks to brainstorm and chart a way forward for South Sudan and the entire region.

Penggunaan Merek tidak Sesuai Dengan Merek yang Didaftarkan (Studi Kasus Antara PS GLOW Melawan MS GLOW)

It often happens that trademarks are used that are not in accordance with those registered, which can lead to trademark infringement lawsuits. An example of this case is the dispute between PS GLOW and MS GLOW at the Surabaya Commercial Court. The method in this research uses a statutory approach with a duration of 6 months, focusing on the problem of using brands that are not in accordance with those registered, especially in the case of PS GLOW versus MS GLOW. The primary legal material used is Law Number 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Decision Number 2/Pdt.Sus.HKI/Merek/ 2022/PN. Niaga Sby, secondary legal materials include related books and articles. The research was carried out in the literature using data collection techniques through document study and the data analysis was qualitative analysis, which in this research was only in the form of narratives. The result was a case between PS GLOW and MS GLOW related to trademark infringement in accordance with Article 83 Paragraph (1) of Law no. 20 of 2016. The panel of judges decided that MS GLOW illegally used a brand similar to PS GLOW, as stated in Decision Number 2/Pdt.Sus.HKI/Merek/2022/PN.Niaga Sby on 12 July 2022. This decision was based on expert statement stating that the use of unregistered marks is not protected by law so it can lead to infringement lawsuits and reflects bad faith, so clear regulations regarding the use of marks are needed.

HeritageRoots: Developing Interconnected Immersive Experiences for Cultural Preservation and Education

In this paper, we present technical implementation details, describe the virtual world procedural generation pipeline, and discuss potential uses in cultural preservation, museum exhibits, and education of HeritageRoots, an innovative software infrastructure designed for preserving indigenous narratives and oral histories. HeritageRoots consists of two interconnected systems - (1) a web-based knowledge graph (KG) data collection and management system which stores, connects, and presents indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) in the form of narratives, myths, and testimonies from multiple cultures and languages; (2) a virtual environment rendering pipeline which utilizes large language models (LLM), Unity3D, and Meta Quest software development kit (SDK) to procedurally generate virtual worlds from the KG data. Preliminary system evaluation with Ecuadorian Kichwa narratives showed promising results in (1) academic community interest and support, (2) the possibility of developing an infrastructure capable of connecting indigenous narratives with modern scientific knowledge via KGs and (3) procedurally generating virtual worlds from KG.

DETEKSI KEBOHONGAN BERDASARKAN FITUR-FITUR SUPRASEGMENTAL: PENDEKATAN LINGUISTIK FORENSIK

This research was conducted to detect lies based on suprasegmental features from phonetic studies using a forensic linguistic approach. This research uses a qualitative method by applying experimental phonetics described in narrative form. Data collection was obtained from the results of interrogation which were stored in the form of recordings (wav. file). The interrogation was carried out after the determination of the research sample as many as three students (two men and one woman) who became suspects. Data processing used Praat voice analyzer software version 6.3.09 to display the suprasegmental features of speech that indicated lies. Based on the data processing, it was found that rapid intonation changes from rise to fall, or vice versa indicated a person's level of tension in speaking, as well as the presence of pauses in a longer duration and high voice frequency in the initial position of speech characterizes that someone commits lying.