Ongoing Inquiry Research Articles

"I Needed to be That Voice": A Multi-Party Study of the Healthcare and Social Service Experiences and Needs of Transgender and Gender-diverse Older Adults in Canada.

The social contexts of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) older adults remain under-examined. In this qualitative study, which involved six virtual focus groups with a total of 21 participants inclusive of TGD adults ages 50+, service providers, and community advocates, we sought to examine the healthcare and social service experiences and needs of TGD older adults in Canada. Drawing theoretically on critical gerontology and intersectionality, and methodologically on interpretive description, we examined the perspectives of different participant groups to develop insight into TGD older adults' issues and priorities in the context of their engagements with systems of care. Our findings revealed the role of histories of marginalization, precarity, contemporary sources of intersectional oppression, and resistance in shaping the experiences of this population, while also highlighting community-driven ground-up activities to address evolving needs. Drawing on this conceptualization, we explored the implications of our research for ongoing inquiry, policy, and practice.

The Capability to Aspire: An Agentive Model

ABSTRACT Drawing on Sen’s conceptual refinements of agency, in particular the distinction between agency freedom and agency achievement, this article highlights the existence of a feedback loop between agency and the capability to aspire. To explore this loop, the author uses John Dewey’s praxeological approach, bringing institutions into the “Capability Approach” along with situated agency. Against this background, she develops an agentive model of the capability to aspire, where the latter is nurtured by the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of experience. While the longitudinal dimension involves temporal processes driven by creative continuity (between past, present and future), the lateral dimension involves relational processes driven by social interactions (between a person and her environment). Institutions are an important part of that environment. By propagating social norms that define roles and behaviours in society, they provide a matrix for individual and collective aspirations, especially for people with fewer individual resources. But as Sen has pointed out, the moral ideals pursued by institutions do not necessarily translate into concrete achievements. This is why Dewey invites us to subject them to an ongoing critical inquiry that confronts their goals to their effective role in people’s lived experience, with the aim to transform them if necessary. The article concludes by discussing the implications of such a transformative inquiry and its potentially empowering effect in voicing aspirations and articulating new ones.

THE PHENOMENON OF RESENTMENT IN CULTURE: NIETZSCHE, SCHELER, FUKUYAMA

The article delves into the concept of ressentiment within the context of phenomenology and its profound impact on the formation of moral values and socio-cultural dynamics. Drawing on the ideas of Max Scheler, which are partially rooted in Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy and extended through Francis Fukuyama’s works, the paper explores how ressentiment serves as a critical factor in transforming various spheres of human social activity. The article identifies ressentiment as a driving force behind the crisis of humanistic ideals and examineі its pervasive effect on contemporary values. It emphasizes the importance of understanding this phenomenon in shaping socio-cultural dynamics, particularly in relation to moral-legal perceptions and the collective shifts in society’s values. By examining the internal conflict experienced by individuals influenced by ressentiment, the article sheds light on its role in moral conflicts and social tensions. Furthermore, the work underscores the relevance of Scheler’s phenomenology and Fukuyama’s exploration of identity politics in addressing the challenges posed by ressentiment. It highlights the need to grasp ressentiment not merely as a sociological phenomenon but as a complex psychological experience with deep social implications. The study also opens avenues for future research into how ressentiment influences modern political ideologies and cultural narratives, impacting both individual identities and collective consciousness. Additionally, the article discusses the implications of ressentiment in the digital age, where social media amplifies these sentiments, further polarizing societies and intensifying identity-based conflicts. By providing a focused and nuanced analysis of ressentiment, the article emphasizes its significance in the evolution and transformation of cultural and moral values in the modern world, making it a crucial topic for ongoing philosophical inquiry. This exploration is essential for understanding the roots of contemporary societal divisions and offers insights into potential pathways for addressing these deep-seated issues.

Haptic Resources in Pain Communication: New Amputees Redirecting Doctors’ Professional Touch at the Prosthetic Clinic

ABSTRACT Pain assessment is key in deciding whether amputee patients are fit to receive a prosthesis, but its interactional accomplishment is still underexplored. This study adopts multimodal conversation analysis to investigate how pain assessment is carried out during medical visits at an Italian prosthetic clinic involving 77 patients and 24 health professionals. In the analyzed data, doctors carry out pain assessment by asking patients whether they feel pain during palpation of the stump, and patients respond by elaborating on their sensations and using touch in turn. The analysis focuses on a collection of 10 cases in which patients use response expansions and self-touch to reorient doctors’ ongoing inquiry by specifying the type of sensation they experience and its location or to correct doctors’ previous inquiry. The analysis illuminates how the patient’s body becomes a resource for tactile practices that are shared between doctors and patients in the service of a common understanding of patients’ pain. This analysis provides new knowledge of a practice patients use to redirect doctors’ attention and understandings.

What AI Knows: Shaping Work and Pushing Ideas on Changing Organizations

The rise of generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations as they navigate unprecedented societal, political, and technological transformations. AI's growing influence brings fundamental questions about work, expertise, decision-making, and organizational behavior. This Special Forum on “What AI Knows: Shaping Work and Pushing Ideas on Changing Organizations”, explores the transformative influence of AI on the organization of change and organizations that change. Through a collection of thought-provoking contributions, it explores how organizations can navigate these challenges, balancing the risks and opportunities presented by AI. Ultimately, the forum aims to push the boundaries of understanding how AI will shape the future of work, organizational change, and leadership practices, and urges ongoing inquiry into AI's future impact on organizations, pushing boundaries for innovation and strategic thinking.

A Review of "Philosophy of Language: The Basics" by Ethan Nowak

This research project will concentrate on analyzing "Philosophy of Language: The Basics," a contemporary and prominent book on the subject of language philosophy. The study of linguistic philosophy is very significant. The book serves as the primary reservoir of knowledge for the ongoing inquiry. The analysis included several aspects of the book, including its organization, its substance, its merits, and potential areas for improvement. Although the research offers an initial exploration of the subject of language philosophy, it ultimately concludes that the book is realistic in that it only appeals to a small group of highly esteemed scholars who can relate to its content. This is the research's conclusion.

Revolutionizing urogynecology: Machine learning application with patient-centric technology: Promise, challenges, and future directions

In an epoch where digital innovation is redefining the medical landscape, electronic health records (EHRs) stand out as a pivotal transformative force. Urogynecology, a discipline anchored in intricate patient histories and meticulous follow-ups, is on the brink of profound transformation due to these digital strides. While EHRs have unified patient data, challenges related to data privacy, interoperability, and access persist. In response, we present Pelvic Health Place (PHPlace) – a multilingual, patient-centric application. Purposefully designed to bolster patient engagement, PHPlace provides clinicians with essential pre-consultation insights, streamlines the consent process, vividly delineates surgical pathways, and assures comprehensive long-term monitoring. This platform also establishes a foundation for global data amalgamation, promising to invigorate research and potentially harness artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. With AI integration, we anticipate a more tailored treatment approach and enriched patient education, signaling a pivotal shift in urogynecology and emphasizing the imperative for ongoing academic inquiry.

Google, ChatGPT, questions of omniscience and wisdom

ABSTRACT The article explores how platforms like Google and ChatGPT, which claim omniscience and wisdom-like attributes, prompt philosophical questions. It revisits religious perspectives on omniscience and their influence on the pursuit of wisdom. The article suggests that while Google may offer compartmentalized omniscience based on user preferences, ChatGPT’s factual accuracy challenges its characterization as omniscient. Nonetheless, ChatGPT can still help humans progress toward wisdom, by integrating the co-creation of knowledge between humans and the unfolding of divine knowledge from Process Thought and Buddhist epistemology insights. Notably, instead of offering definitive answers, the paper is written with a sense of deep humility to encourage ongoing inquiry and investigation.

The Role of Fungi in Food Production and Processing

Fungi play an important and multifaceted role in the production and processing of food, influencing various stages from cultivation to consumption. This paper explores the complex relationship between fungi and food systems, highlighting their diverse contributions. Firstly, fungi serve as essential agents in food cultivation, aiding in the breakdown of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients, and promoting plant growth through symbiotic relationships. Moreover, fungi such as yeasts and molds are integral to fermentation processes, yielding a wide array of fermented foods and beverages with unique flavors and textures. Additionally, fungi are indispensable in the creation of enzymes and bioactive compounds utilized in food processing, enhancing the nutritional value, shelf life, and safety. However, certain fungal species pose significant challenges as food spoilage agents and mycotoxin producers, necessitating stringent quality control measures. Understanding the intricate interplay between fungi and food systems is essential for optimizing food production, ensuring food security, and mitigating the risks associated with fungal contamination. This paper synthesizes current research to elucidate the important role that fungus play in shaping the modern food industry and underscores the importance of ongoing scientific inquiry in harnessing their potential for sustainable and safe food production.

Nano Biochar: Properties, Preparation, Key Features and its Impact on Soil and Crop Ecosystem

Nano biochar, a carbon-rich material, is increasingly recognized for its pivotal role in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. It is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass under controlled conditions, converting organic matter into a stable form of carbon. This process effectively sequesters carbon and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions while yielding a valuable soil amendment. In agriculture, biochar offers multifaceted benefits. Its porous structure enhances soil fertility and water retention, fostering optimal conditions for plant growth. By serving as a reservoir for nutrients, biochar promotes their slow release, reducing the risk of leaching and nutrient runoff. Moreover, its neutral pH and high organic carbon content contribute to soil health and microbial activity. Some key features of nano biochar are enhancing surface area and porosity, improved soil fertility, nutrient retention and recycling, slow-release fertilizer, enhanced microbial population, carbon sequestration etc. Furthermore, biochar aids in waste management by utilizing agricultural residues as feedstock. However, despite its promising advantages, biochar application requires careful consideration. Variations in feedstock and production methods can influence its efficacy and environmental impact. Moreover, its long-term effects on soil health and crop productivity warrant further research and field trials. It presents a sustainable solution for enhancing agricultural productivity, mitigating climate change, and managing organic waste. However, its optimal utilization necessitates comprehensive understanding, integrated management practices, and ongoing scientific inquiry.

Magneto-Hydrodynamic Stagnation Point Flow of Casson Williamson Hybrid Nanofluid Incorporating Viscous Dissipation and Suction/Injection Effect Past an Exponentially Stretching Cylinder

The ongoing inquiry aims to analyze stagnation point flow characteristics of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) Cason-Williamson hybrid nanofluids over an exponentially stretched cylinder, incorporating phenomena like viscous dissipation and suction/injection effects, as no prior investigation has been conducted on it, which represents the distinctiveness of the flow model. To facilitate analysis, the original partial differential equation (PDE) formulation of the flow model is transformed into non-dimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs) employing dimensionless quantities, a process facilitated by the MATLAB bvp4c approach. Various non-dimensional variables are examined for their impacts on velocity profiles, temperature distribution, shearing stress, and Nusselt number. Results conveyed through graphs and detailed tables show thermal profile enhancement with escalating Weissenberg, Eckert, and Biot numbers for Casson Williamson hybrid nanofluid. Increasing copper nanoparticle volume in this fluid raises friction drag compared to the Casson hybrid nanofluid, with a 9% enhancement in shear stress. Conversely, the heat transport rate is reduced by about 1.5% for Casson Williamson hybrid nanofluid compared to Casson hybrid nanofluid. These findings significantly advance fluid dynamics and nanofluid exploration, offering opportunities for improved heat and mass transmission in various industries.

What’s the difference between measures of wellbeing, quality of life, resilience, and coping? An umbrella review and concept map of 155 measures of positive mental health

The multitude of definitions, models, and measures of positive mental health has hindered academic precision and therefore the ongoing scientific evolution of this important area. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the theoretical landscape of positive mental health, by reviewing measures that were designed to capture overarching, multi-dimensional concepts of positive and adaptive states of mental health (i.e., wellbeing, quality of life, and resilience/coping), and interrogating their underlying dimensions (e.g., vitality, autonomy) and design features (e.g., response scales, item valence). Our search identified 155 measures of positive mental health with a total of 410 constituent dimensions. Using thematic analysis, we consolidated these 410 original dimensions into a set of 21 themes. These themes were transformed into a concept map to illustrate their inter-relationship with the overarching concepts of positive mental health as identified in this review. Our results point to a lack of consensus on the underlying dimensions and measurement approaches for investigating positive mental health, with singular measures failing to capture its breadth, resulting in an unwieldy situation for ongoing scientific inquiry.

Subjective Poverty, Family Support and Health-Related Well-Being of School-Aged Children in Single-Parent Households in Ghana: The Role of Health Literacy and Duration of Parental Separation

This study expands ongoing inquiry and debates on the influence of single-parent households on child health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the phenomenon is rapidly increasing. It examines how conventional (i.e., access to money for children—conceived as experience of poverty—, family support, and experience of social isolation) and contemporary (i.e., health literacy) factors shape the health-related well-being of children in single-parent homes in Ghana in the short-, medium- (five years or less) and long-term (6 years +). It also investigates the extent to which health literacy explains how other factors influence their health-related well-being. Data was gathered through a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana (n = 337). Based on binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling analysis, health literacy (Odds Ratio, OR, = 1.086, p < 0.05) and social isolation (OR, = 0.584, p < 0.05) were associated with the health-related well-being of children who had been separated from a parent for five years or less while family support (OR = 1.592, p < 0.05) was associated with the health-related well-being of children separated from a parent for more than five years. Health literacy explained the association of experience of poverty (β = -0.012, p < 0.05) and experience of social isolation (β = -0.010, p < 0.10) with their health-related well-being. However, these significant relationships did not differ according to the duration of separation. The results underscore the need to invest in policies and programmes that can reduce exposure to health risks and empower children in single-parent households to contribute to protecting their health-related well-being.

An end to the patchwork quilt? The guarded potential of the PJCHR’s inquiry into Australia’s human rights framework

ABSTRACT Australia’s Human Rights Framework is over a decade old, and the patchwork quilt of protections is fraying at the seams, unable to deliver the human rights protection needed. Yet, the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s referral of an Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR) offers an opportunity for ambitious reform. This commentary provides an overview of the work of the ongoing Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework to date and an analysis of the guarded potential for ambitious human rights reform through the long-overdue enactment of a Federal Human Rights Act.

Unveiling Anxiety Factors in Orthorexia Nervosa: A Qualitative Exploration of Fears and Coping Strategies.

Orthorexia nervosa represents a controversial phenomenon in the realm of eating practices, characterized by an obsessive fixation on consuming only foods deemed 'healthy', and a preoccupation with food purity. While the existing literature has identified the presence of stressful behaviors among individuals with orthorexia, the precise factors and circumstances eliciting these stress-inducing emotions remain the subject of ongoing inquiry. This study aims to explore the triggers and situations that precipitate stressful beliefs and emotions among individuals who self-identify as preoccupied with healthy eating, as well as the coping mechanisms developed to manage these feelings. Through conducting one-to-one interviews with thirteen individuals, thematic analysis was employed to elucidate the nuances of their experiences. Participants articulated concerns regarding the contamination of foods available in supermarkets and restaurants, thereby prompting the meticulous selection of food sources and aversion to dining out. The prospect of trying new foods and engaging in social gatherings involving food emerged as anxiety-inducing scenarios, prompting individuals to adhere to monotonous dietary patterns and impose self-isolation. Additionally, medical appointments were perceived as stressful, driven by health concerns underpinning the adoption of stringent dietary practices. These findings underscore the spectrum of fears and coping mechanisms exhibited by individuals with orthorexia nervosa, which hold profound implications for their overall well-being.

Multimodal Autoethnographic Sincerity

ABSTRACT Critically departing from theories of autoethnography, diaspora, and multimodality, this article introduces “multimodal autoethnographic sincerity,” which I define as a critical communication method that puts the researcher’s affective feelings in conversation with their mediated productions of culture. I use multimodal autoethnographic sincerity to further produce knowledge on an ethnographic film, which I filmed in my father’s provincial hometown Kalibo, Philippines. The new autoethnographic cultural critique I contribute to my film’s diasporic inquiries is a mapping of the festival’s transnational analysis against my affective feelings within my own Filipinx evolving body. I demonstrate the heuristic and generative capacities of a multimodal autoethnographic sincerity that makes multiple communication modes (diasporic body, homeland, cultural critique, filmmaking, and writing) in my knowledge production an ongoing intersubjective inquiry into the Philippines, colonialism, and the legacies of U.S. Empire. Ultimately, multimodal autoethnographic sincerity allows researchers to conceive of and methodologically examine diasporic identity as a relational process versus a racial and ethnic essentialism in today’s mobile condition of diasporic peoples.

Redefining Intelligence: The Deep Learning Revolution in AI

In the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning stands as a beacon of innovation, transforming the essence and trajectory of AI systems. This paper ventures into the heart of deep learning’s transformative power, charting its journey from the early neural network concepts to the advanced architectures that propel today’s technological breakthroughs. We delve into the harmonious interplay between deep learning and the surge in computational prowess, amplified by the vast seas of big data, which have jointly propelled AI to unprecedented levels of functionality and societal integration. Through a tapestry of case studies, we illuminate the tangible applications of deep learning across diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, and autonomous navigation, showcasing how these intelligent algorithms have not only sharpened efficiency and accuracy but also brought forth pressing ethical dilemmas. The conversation on AI’s ethical landscape, with a spotlight on transparency, accountability, and privacy, emerges as an indispensable facet of conscientious AI evolution. Peering into the horizon, we ponder the onward march of deep learning, recognizing the promise it holds for awe-inspiring innovation as well as the hurdles that await. The paper underscores the imperative for ongoing inquiry into algorithmic refinement, data morality, and the ecological footprint of AI technologies. In our closing reflections, this paper celebrates the profound sway of deep learning over AI, with a nod to the indomitable human spirit that fuels technological advancement. It is this fusion of human ingenuity, moral vision, and technical mastery that will chart the course for AI’s future, steering it towards our shared ideals and dreams for a brighter tomorrow

Theories, Principles, and Game Elements that Support Digital Game-Based Language Learning (DGBLL): A Systematic Review

The potential of Digital Game-Based Language Learning (DGBLL) in enhancing language learning outcomes has been demonstrated in previous studies. However, some scholars and educators maintain a skeptical perspective regarding its integration into language classrooms. Thus, this paper presents a systematic review examining the integration of DGBLL and its impact on language learning outcomes. This study examines 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2023 from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and ERIC research databases. The review explores relevant theories, principles, and game elements supporting DGBLL. It also investigates the types of digital games developed by both researchers and game developers that have already been studied, the most popular of which is serious games (83%). While the examined studies did not explicitly focus on digital game elements, they acknowledged the pivotal role of certain aspects, such as narrative, goals, rewards, and feedback, in enhancing language learning experiences. Notably, this paper affirms the positive impact of digital games on contextualized vocabulary acquisition, oral communication skills, and grammar learning, compared to conventional language teaching methods. These findings underscore the benefits of DGBLL in language education. Hence, this systematic review looks to reveal the multifaceted dimensions of DGBLL, emphasizing the theories, principles, and game elements of digital games that support the transformative potential of DGBLL for language instruction. Lastly, this paper advocates for an ongoing inquiry into the diversity of game genres and the continual refinement of frameworks to meet the evolving needs of language learners.

예비보건교사가 학교현장실습에서 겪는 어려움에 대한 질적 탐색

The purpose of this study was to explore the difficulties and challenges student teachers of health education in the process of their teaching practicum for one month. The author interviewed nine student teachers of health education in which they practicum in the middle school and high school. The main results were as follows: First, the prospective health education teachers felt gaps between what they learned in the university and teaching practice in their practicum schools; Second, the prospective health education teachers felt limitations in their role as student teachers, both in conducting lessons of health education and providing student guidance; Third, the participants faced challenges in reconciling different educational philosophies between teachers at their practicum schools and fellow prospective health education teachers; Last, while conducting classes at the practicum schools, the participants were engaged in ongoing reflection and inquiry into the issues that teachers inevitably dealt with. The findings suggested several implications to improve school practicum for the professional development of pre-service teachers of health education.

Remote work, employee productivity and innovation: the moderating roles of knowledge sharing and digital business intensity

PurposeThis study aims to explore the effects of remote work on employee productivity and innovation and how these effects are moderated by knowledge sharing and digital business intensity.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on survey data from a random sample of 231 remote workers across the USA. The analysis and empirical validation of the research model used partial least square.FindingsThe results demonstrate a positive association between remote work and employee productivity. In addition, the findings present empirical support for hitherto anecdotal evidence regarding the impact of remote work on innovation. In particular, the study notes that knowledge sharing and digital business intensity amplified the positive relationship between remote work and employee productivity. The results further revealed that the positive link between remote work and innovation was stronger in the presence of knowledge sharing.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the ongoing inquiry into remote work by drawing on the knowledge-based view as an underlying lens to understand the consequence of remote work. Identifying knowledge sharing and digital business intensity as moderators of the linkage between remote work and employee productivity is an important contribution, especially when researchers and practitioners are trying to understand the business value of working remotely. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to identify knowledge sharing as a key mechanism that strengthens innovation outcomes in a remote work environment.