Power Relations Research Articles

DELirium treatment with Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (DELTES): study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

Delirium, a clinical manifestation of acute encephalopathy, is associated with extended hospitalisation, long-term cognitive dysfunction, increased mortality and high healthcare costs. Despite intensive research, there is still no targeted treatment. Delirium is characterised by electroencephalography (EEG) slowing, increased relative delta power and decreased functional connectivity. Recent studies suggest that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can entrain EEG activity, strengthen connectivity and improve cognitive functioning. Hence, tACS offers a potential treatment for augmenting EEG activity and reducing the duration of delirium. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and assess the efficacy of tACS in reducing relative delta power. A randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will be conducted across three medical centres in the Netherlands. The study comprises two phases: a pilot phase (n=30) and a main study phase (n=129). Participants are patients aged 50 years and older who are diagnosed with delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision criteria (DSM-5-TR), that persists despite treatment of underlying causes. During the pilot phase, participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive either standardised (10 Hz) tACS or sham tACS. In the main study phase, participants will be randomised to standardised tACS, sham tACS or personalised tACS, in which tACS settings are tailored to the participant. All participants will undergo daily 30 min of (sham) stimulation for up to 14 days or until delirium resolution or hospital discharge. Sixty-four-channel resting-state EEG will be recorded pre- and post the first tACS session, and following the final tACS session. Daily delirium assessments will be acquired using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and Delirium Observation Screening Scale. The pilot phase will assess the percentage of completed tACS sessions and increased care requirements post-tACS. The primary outcome variable is change in relative delta EEG power. Secondary outcomes include (1) delirium duration and severity, (2) quantitative EEG measurements, (3) length of hospital stay, (4) cognitive functioning at 3 months post-tACS and (5) tACS treatment burden. Study recruitment started in April 2024 and is ongoing. The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Utrecht University Medical Center and the Institutional Review Boards of all participating centres. Trial results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. NCT06285721.

Large-Scale Group Decision Making with Dual Feedback from Community Residents Based on the Organizational Invisible Field

In China, communities function as grassroots self-governing bodies, and the enhancement of public participation in community governance has remained a central focus of study. This paper applies the Large-Scale Group Decision-Making (LSGDM) method to the process of community self-governance and proposes a dual feedback group consensus decision-making model that takes into account the unique social relations among residents. Firstly, the concept of the Organizational Invisible Field—formed in communities by intangible social capital such as positional power and interpersonal relationships within the organization—is introduced. The definition of Invisible Field Force is utilized to measure the influence of these forms of capital on social relationships. Subsequently, drawing on field dynamic theory, the process by which residents’ preferences within the organization are shaped by the action of Invisible Field Force is explored. Secondly, acknowledging that invisible relationships can be affected by dynamic interactions during the decision-making process, the Invisible Field Force change model is constructed. Building on this, a dual feedback consensus coordination mechanism—encompassing both in-organization members and all residents—is designed. Finally, the validity and utility of the model are verified through case studies and sensitivity analyses.

Photodamage prediction model and optimal lighting system for polychrome artworks in museum

When lighting polychrome artworks in museum, the light sources are required not only to provide high-quality visual performance, but also to minimize the photodamage. Currently, though there are mature methods to calculate visual performance, how to predict the degree of photodamage remains a challenge, which leads to a lack of light sources satisfying both visual and protection requirements. Our study conducted a series of 294 accelerated aging experiments spanning over 11 years for materials commonly used in Chinese polychrome artworks, using isoenergetic white-light D55 and 10 different wavelengths of narrow-band light as experimental light sources. The mathematical model predicting the photodamage degree caused by intensity (I), exposure time (t), the relative spectral power distribution of the light source (S(λ)), and the irradiated material's relative spectral responsivity (P(λ)) to polychrome artworks was established, and the mean absolute percentage error of the model, as verified by experiments, was 11.63 %. Combined with the existing visual performance calculation methods, an optimal lighting algorithm that simultaneously meets high-quality visual performance and minimum photodamage was developed, followed by developing a new Spectrally Tunable White LEDs (STWLEDs) lighting system with 10 LED chips. It is found that the STWLEDs can adjust and output the optimal spectra and recommended illuminance according to the characteristics of polychrome artworks, thus realizing lighting with minimum photodamage, meanwhile, satisfying high-quality visual performance. After testing, as well as satisfying the requirements of visual performance, the average photodamage is reduced by 40.95 % with STWLEDs compared with the traditional WLEDs.

Development of a Tumor Growth-responsive Robust Planning Method for Head and Neck Cancer in Carbon-ion Radiotherapy.

The current study aimed to evaluate a treatment planning method that is robust against tumor growth and to assess its effectiveness in particle therapy for head and neck cancer. The proposed method optimizes dose distribution by replacing the relative stopping power ratio (rSPR) of the clinical target volume (CTV) cavity region with a tumor-equivalent rSPR (Condition 1). The optimized initial treatment plan template was then recalculated using in-room CT images acquired in the same treatment position, and the doses to the tumor and organs at risk were compared with those in the initial treatment plan. We evaluated this method in 10 patients with head and neck cancer treated with carbon ion radiotherapy. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we compared it to the initial treatment plan without the replacement (Condition 2). CTV V95% reduction relative to that of the initial treatment plan at the end of treatment was 1.3%±2.9% and 2.6%±3.7% for Condition 1 and Condition 2, respectively, with Condition 1 (Replacement condition) providing better CTV coverage. Subgroup analysis showed a higher change in target coverage in the mucosal melanoma than in the adenoid cystic carcinoma, suggesting that this was influenced by the rate of tumor growth. The proposed treatment planning method, which adjusts for tumor growth by modifying the rSPR in the cavity region, improved robustness in carbon ion radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Condition 1 (with replacement) achieved better CTV coverage than Condition 2 (without replacement), particularly in fast-growing tumors like mucosal melanoma. This method ensures consistent dose delivery to tumors while maintaining safe doses to organs at risk, offering potential for improved treatment outcomes.

Racing Demands for Winning a Grand Tour: Differences and Similarities Between a Female and a Male Winner.

To describe and compare the race characteristics, demands, and durability profile of a male and a female Grand Tour winner. Overall and stage-type-specific (ie,time trials, flat, semimountainous, and mountain) demands and race characteristics during 2 Grand Tours were determined and compared between the female and male cyclists. In addition, relative power output distribution and pacing, percentage of functional threshold power (FTP), and changes in maximal mean power outputs (MMPs) with increasing levels of kilojoules burned were determined. Although many differences were found between course and absolute racing demands between the male (FTP: 413W; critical power: 417W) and female (FTP: 297W; critical power: 297W) cyclists, similar power distributions and pacing strategies were found if data were expressed relatively. However, the female cyclist rode a higher percentage of her FTP during the first 2 quarters of flat stages (14.7%-15.1%) and the last quarter of mountain stages (9.8%) than the male cyclist. Decrements in MMPs were only observed after burning 30kJ·kg-1 in the female and 45kJ·kg-1 in the male Grand Tour winner. Both the male and female Grand Tour winners produced very high 20- to 60-minute MMPs, whereas decrements in MMPs were only observed after having burned 75% (female) and 80% (male) of total kilojoules burned during a stage. These are the latest and lowest in MMPs reported in the scientific literature and highlight the importance of durability in combination with excellent climbing and time-trial skills, which are needed to be able to win a Grand Tour.

Unveiling power dynamics in Latin American economic education: A Foucauldian analysis of development economics discourses

This study explores Latin American perspectives on heterodox economic development by analyzing 23 development economics syllabi and conducting 37 semi-structured interviews with educators and students. Using a Foucauldian framework and an Archaeology of Knowledge approach, this research uncovers regional viewpoints and variations in course content. Results highlight the dominance of the neoclassical paradigm in syllabi and diverse opinions on development. This study provides nuanced insights into the coexistence of orthodox and heterodox paradigms in Latin America, revealing complex dynamics and power relations within economic education and the broader discourse on development in the region.

Lessons from Founding a College: A Personal Perspective

“Higher education is in a critical period with a potential for rebalancing of internal and external relations of authority, power and responsibility in higher education governance. An important element in this transition has been a growing policy focus on the contributions of higher education institutions are expected to make to economic growth, job creation and innovation.”‐ Peter Maassen, “A New Social Contract for Higher Education?”

Visuelle Beeinträchtigung in der Kontaktlinsenpraxis

Purpose. The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment of myopic eyes with pathological reduced vision. A contact lens and a spectacle lens build a telescope and the associated magnification helps to increase vision acuity. Material and Methods. The myopic not presbyopic eyes (−3.00 D) were overcorrected by −7 D with bitoric, spherical, rigid contact lenses, base curve = 8.00/7.65 mm, back-vertex-power = −10.00/−12.00 D, over-all diameter = 10.4 mm. The refractive compensation with the spectacle lens, back-vertex-power = +6.50 D (corneal-vertex-distance 12.0 mm), front-surface-power = +7.50 D, refractive index = 1.50, over-all diameter = 65 mm, centre thickness = 7.10 mm together with contact lens build a Galilean type telescope with a maximum of magnification power. Results. The magnification power of the telescope was Vs = 1.091, the magnification power of the spectacle lens was Ve = 1.037 and the related total magnification power was Vg = 1.131. The telescope increased the binocular distance vision acuity from 0.40− to 0.63 and the binocular near vision acuity from 0.32+ to 0.40+. Conclusion. The Galilei system described is suitable for improving visual acuity in the case of special visual impairments.

Assessing the Effect of Short-Term Interval Training on Acceleration Ability and Anaerobic Power of Novice Sprinters

Background. Acceleration ability and anaerobic power are critical determinants of sprinting performance, particularly for novice sprinters. Objectives. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a four-week interval training program on acceleration ability and anaerobic power among novice sprinters. Materials and methods. A within-subjects quasi-experimental design was used to fulfil the study’s objectives. A total of fifteen participants (age: 20.5 ± 1.4 years) underwent baseline assessments of acceleration ability (50 m dash) and anaerobic power (Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test). The adopted progressive interval training protocol consisted of four weekly sessions conducted over a four-week period, focusing on striding, high knees, single-leg hops, curve sprints and double-leg jumps to enhance acceleration ability and anaerobic power. Results. Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in acceleration ability over a distance of 10 m (pre: 2.14 ± 0.16 s, post: 2.02 ± 0.14 s, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.02) and 20 m segments (pre: 3.47 ± 0.23 s, post: 3.32 ± 0.20 s, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.78), indicating moderate to large effect sizes. However, no considerable enhancements were found in anaerobic power parameters (average power, maximum power, minimum power, fatigue index, relative peak power, and anaerobic capacity) at the post-intervention stage (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The study highlights the effectiveness of the interval training protocol in enhancing initial acceleration among novice sprinters, although it suggests a limited impact on anaerobic power within the study period. Further research should investigate the longer-term effects and tailored training approaches to optimize comprehensive sprint performance strategies.

Public Spaces are Failing Girls and Women

Public spaces are often failing girls and women, with male dominance and a lack of representation being prevalent issues. The 2030 Agenda emphasises the need for safe and accessible public spaces for women, children and other disadvantaged or marginalised groups. Nevertheless, women and girls tend to be neglected in the development of urban areas, and their specific needs and risks are not fully considered. Hence, there is a need for feminist urban planning. Feminist planning aims to understand, challenge, and change power relations in public spaces, by involving the experiences, needs, and desires of marginalised groups in the planning process in order to create more equal cities. This approach recognises the individual and collective power that women and other disadvantaged groups already possess. Social innovation is an innovative practice for meeting social needs and shares a common goal with feminist planning of promoting social change and increasing power for disadvantaged groups. However, whereas feminist urban planning – and urban planning in general – tend to end when a project has been planned and executed, social innovation has a stronger and more explicit focus on results or impact of the process or project. This is an aspect where feminist planning can learn from social innovation. By addressing the specific needs of marginalised groups and focusing on results and actual change, feminist planning can contribute to positive social change and empower women and girls in urban development processes. This viewpoint argues that feminist planning can learn from the focus of social innovation on results (i.e. output, outcome and impact of the planning), which has the potential to change planning practices and challenge gendered social norms in order to create more equal, just and socially sustainable public spaces and cities.

Studying Narratives in International Relations

Abstract Many scholars in international relations (IR) share an interest in narratives. With few, notable exceptions, IR scholars seem to lack clear methodological guidelines on how to conceptualize and study narratives in IR. We therefore develop a minimal definition of narratives and introduce a conceptual framework that shows how narrative analysis can be applied to questions and concepts within IR. We introduce narrative analysis as a multi-modal approach, which also draws on methodological insights from visual analysis, discourse analysis, and practice theory. The aim of the article is pedagogical, namely to translate insights from narratology to studies in IR and to show how everyday sources of the political, such as pop culture or social media, can be meaningfully analyzed. We argue that such an interpretive analysis implies adopting a critical and reflective stance to explore how narratives are shaped, how they appeal to specific political audiences, and whose interests are served by dominant political narratives. Such a perspective strongly resonates with current research debates in IR on practices, discourse, visuality, and emotions and puts a strong emphasis on power relations.

The Effect of Post-Exercise Warm Water Immersion on Anaerobic Power Performance in College Students

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a short-term passive post-exercise heat acclimation (HA) protocol on anaerobic performance in college students. Methods: In total, 28 participants (age 22.3 ± 2.1 years, height 168 ± 9.1 cm, mass 71.5 ± 16.6 kg) volunteered and were randomly divided into either an intervention (INT) or control (CON) group. Both groups followed a consecutive two-day protocol, consisting of a 25 min submaximal cycle @ 50–60% heart rate reserve (HRR), followed by a 25 min hot water immersion (INT) or nothing (CON). All participants performed a 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on four separate occasions—familiarization, pre-intervention, acutely post-intervention, and 24 h post intervention. The WAnT measured their peak power (W), relative peak power (W/kg), mean power (W), fatigue index (%), and total work (kJ). Results: From the results of the Factorial ANOVA, it was found that there were no significant differences, with no main effect for group (INT vs. CON) or time (Trials 1–4) and no significant interaction across all measured variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A two-day post-exercise passive HA protocol utilizing hot water immersion had no significant effect on the measurement of anaerobic performance in college students.

Riskscapes: A framework for risk assessment in colonial contexts

Risk assessment is a critical aspect of coping with environmental changes. The identification of values at risk — entities, attributes, and ideas that are important to a community — is a key component of a population's ability to resist or adapt to hazards. In colonial contexts, risk assessment must take into account the distinct relationality to the land of Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups and the historicized power relations. Most risk assessment frameworks ignore or oversimplify the cultural heterogeneity of human–environment relationships by using generalized value concepts. The few context-dependent frameworks that have been proposed do not account for different sociocultural groups living on the same land. We propose a spatial-based risk assessment approach inspired by the concept of riskscape, acknowledging diverse perceptions of risk and landscape among different sociocultural groups. We present a risk assessment method eliciting values for different sociocultural groups in their specific contexts using separate valuation methods, and then aggregating them into a joint geospatial interface to highlight convergent and competing interests. Illustrated with the boreal region of northwestern Quebec (Canada), we discuss how the riskscape framework balances Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives in a non-hierarchical assessment of values at risk.

ASSÉDIO MORAL E A VIOLÊNCIA PSICOLÓGICA NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA

The phenomenon of moral harassment in public management is a matter of growingconcern, affecting the mental health of civil servants and the quality of services provided to society. The general objective of this study is to understand the dynamicsof moral harassment in the context of public administration, identifying its causes andconsequences, as well as the management practices that can contribute to itsprevention. The research is qualitative and descriptive in nature, using an approachthat allows an in-depth analysis of interactions and power relations in the public workenvironment. The methodology employed includes a comprehensive literaturereview, which examines relevant academic studies and institutional documents,complemented by a case study that provides a detailed analysis of a specific publicmanagement context. This approach aims to identify patterns and particularities inthe occurrence of moral harassment, as well as institutional responses to thisphenomenon. The results indicate that moral harassment is rooted in rigidhierarchical structures and in an organizational culture that often minimizes thesuffering of workers. It was found that the implementation of policies to prevent andcombat moral harassment is still incipient and lacks effectiveness, since many civilservants hesitate to report it for fear of retaliation. Therefore, this study highlights theurgent need for cultural transformation in public institutions, promoting respectful andinclusive work environments. It is concluded that combating moral harassment inpublic management is a fundamental ethical issue, which demands the commitmentof all actors involved. The research not only broadens the understanding of thedynamics of moral harassment, but also suggests ways to create more effectivepublic policies aimed at protecting the dignity of civil servants, benefiting not onlyworkers, but society as a whole.

EXPRESS: Sponsored Content as an Epistemic Market Object: How Platformization of Brand-Creator Partnerships Disrupts Valuation, Co-production, and the Relationship between Market Actors

Sponsored content allows brands to partner with creators to reach creators’ audiences on digital platforms. However, both creators’ and brands’ incomplete understanding of this object generates two critical ambiguities: how to determine the value of sponsored content and how to effectively co-produce it. To better understand these ambiguities, we theorize sponsored content as an epistemic market object: an object that facilitates marketing functions but is only partially understood by the actors who use it . We analyze a data set of interviews, podcasts, media articles, and third-party platform reviews about—and by—content creators, brands, and intermediaries. Our findings show that brands, creators, and intermediaries create and apply knowledge to address valuation and co-production ambiguities. However, this knowledge work is incomplete, creating asymmetries in value outcomes and power relationships in a brand-creator partnership. Our paper contributes to marketing literature and practice by highlighting the role of epistemic market objects in transformative market disruptions that alter the roles of, and the relationships between, market actors. Our findings are transferable to other substantive areas such as Generative AI, Metaverse, NFTs, online news, and the sharing economy.

Quantitative EEG biomarkers for STXBP1-related disorders.

EEG patterns and quantitative EEG (qEEG) features have been poorly explored in monogenic epilepsies. Herein, we investigate regional differences in EEG frequency composition in patients with STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (STXBP1-DEE). We conducted a retrospective study collecting electroclinical data of patients with STXBP1-DEE and two control groups of patients with DEEs of different etiologies and typically developing individuals matched for age and sex. We performed a (1) visual EEG assessment, (b) qEEG analysis, and (c) electrical source imaging (ESI). We quantified the relative power (RP) of four frequency bands (α β, θ, δ), in two electrode groups (anterior/posterior), and compared their averages and dynamics (standard deviation [SD] over time). The ESI was performed by applying the standard Distributed Source Modeling algorithm. We analyzed 42 EEG studies in 19 patients with STXBP1-DEE (10 female), with a median age at recordings of 9.6 years (range 9 months to 29 years). The δRP was higher in recordings of STXBP1-DEE (p < .001) compared to both control groups, suggesting the pathogenicity and STXBP1-specificity of these findings. In STXBP1-DEE, the δRP was significantly higher in the anterior electrode group compared to the posterior one (p = .003). There was no correlation between the anterior δRP and the epilepsy focus, age at recordings, and concomitant medications The ESI modeling of this activity showed a widespread involvement of the dorsomesial frontal cortex, suggesting a large corticosubcortical pathologic network. Finally, we identified two groups of recordings: cluster.1 with higher anterior δRP and low dynamics and cluster.2 with lower δRP and higher dynamics. Patients in cluster.1 had a more severe epilepsy and neurological phenotype compared to patients in cluster 2. The qEEG analysis showed a predominant frontal slow activity as a specific STXBP1 feature that correlates with the severity of the phenotype and may represent a biomarker for prospective longitudinal studies of STXBP1-DEE.

Sheikh Abdullah Al‐Salem's use of soft power and public relations: Transformation from emirate to state

AbstractThis paper describes the main factors that helped facilitate the transformation of Kuwait from an Emirate ‘Emarah’ (a non‐state) to an internationally recognised state during the rule of Sheikh Abdullah Al‐Salem from 1950 to 1965. It identifies the soft power actions and public relations communication strategies that facilitated the transformation of Kuwait from Sheikhdom to statehood. Sheikh Al‐Salem's strategies set the foundations for Kuwait to become recognised and respected in international affairs, not only in the Middle East but also globally. Data were collected and reviewed from the academic literature, from public records, legal documents, letters, press releases and newspaper and magazine articles as well as songs and TV interviews. The evidence shows that Sheikh Al‐Salem's use of soft power actions and public relations techniques were influential in facilitating the formation of the new state and made Kuwait an important player in the international arena while maintaining Arab nationalism and Islamic values.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Kasus Korupsi Syahrul Yasin Limpo di Kompas.com

Corrupt practices in Indonesia are a major problem that causes financial losses andundermines public trust in government and justice system. This phenomenon has become a widespreadsince pre independence till Reformasi era, and involves various levels of government. The mass mediaplays an important role in publicizing corruption cases, shaping public opinion, and influencing the political agenda. This study aims to analyze the framing of the news coverage of the Syahrul Yasin Limpo corruption case by Kompas.com from February 29 to May 10, 2024. The framing analysis method is used to observe how the media shapes reality and presents news, as well as identify power dynamics and relationships between the parties involved. The results of the study show that Kompas.com focus on certain aspects that affect the public's view of the case. This study provides an understanding of the influence of media framing on public perception of corruption cases in Indonesia.Keywords: Analysis of Framing, Kompas.com, Corruption, Mass Media, Syahrul Yasin Limpo

Big bang in the middle of a storm: Lessons from implementing health system reform in Finland

Abstract Introduction Finland is often defined as a Nordic welfare state, characterised by universal access to healthcare and an emphasis on national and local politics in the governance of the system. In 2023, the Finnish health system was reformed by centralising organisation (purchasing and service delivery) to regional entities, as well as funding and overall governance to the state from 200 local organisations. The aims of the reform were to improve accessibility, decrease inequities, promote population health and curb growing costs. In the Finnish health system, as in other fields of society, we “find a huge number of very small changes, and a very small number of huge changes” (Cairney 2016). This makes the Finnish health system reform a rare opportunity to use a large-scale reform as a context for a study on reform implementation. Methods This research is based on document analysis and interview data collected from top regional managers. The data was analysed using a political determinants of health framework and thematic analysis. Findings The Finnish reforms were introduced by a left-centre government but implemented by a right-wing government with strong opposition to the reforms, which made full implementation challenging. The results highlight the importance of political commitment to implementation, demonstrate that reforms shape power relations at all levels of the health system and highlight how health system reforms are essentially about redistributions of power between different actors. The results also highlight the importance of contextual factors and suggest that large-scale reform should be treated as a system shock for which health systems need to prepare. Conclusions Understanding the political determinants of health and political commitment to reform is essential to implementation, as is the importance of resilience and preparedness to unexpected circumstances either due to reform-related factors or to external and contextual factors.

HOUSE OF DREAMS, OR NOT

In this paper, we will discuss the role of the built environment as storytelling in the context of Oscar winner Parasite, a film by director Bong Joon-Ho (2019). We will look at the potentiality of the built environment in unveiling film narratives, especially regarding immanent forms of class struggle and exploitation in everyday life. We will investigate the troubling power relations between the rich and the poor in contemporary society and the ways that the concepts of alienation/estrangement, objectification/reification and commodity fetishism can be used to bring these relations to the fore when analyzing the movie. Keywords: Parasite; built environment; inequality; class struggle; alienation; everyday life.