Search Results (69)

Given the lack of integrated, cross-cutting approaches in urban Quality of Life measures, a new framework is proposed here that draws upon a city-level index co-created under the Quality of Life Initiative implemented by UN-Habitat. Using a conceptual narrative review with a systematic structure, themes relevant to the urban context were clustered into three areas or ‘lenses’ through which decision-making in development and policy might be viewed, namely: Structural (i.e., adequacy, affordability, objective safety), Fairness (i.e., equity, inclusion, opportunity), and Perception (i.e., belonging, perceived safety, meaning and purpose). In support of creating sustainable communities, structural foundations and needs, such as housing, transport, food, and infrastructure, typically need to be addressed first. These structural realities are then filtered through a fairness lens—who benefits, who participates, and who is left behind? Finally, the filtered urban experience culminates in perception-level outcomes in terms of how people feel, connect, and find meaning in their urban experience. While presented sequentially in the framework, this is not prescriptive. Cities may start with any one lens dependent upon the context of the sustainable development challenge they are seeking to address while still recognizing the dynamic tensions among the lenses. The power of the framework lies in moving beyond siloed thinking to examine interconnections and intersectionality. To explore the potential practical application of the framework it was applied to three key urban Quality of Life challenges, namely, informality, migration, and sustainability. The framework is offered as an adaptable tool for policymakers and practitioners to support the design of more equitable, inclusive, and meaningful urban development interventions that support delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and the global agenda to leave no one behind. Full article

This study aims to systematically evaluate the dynamic effects of rural–urban migration experiences during compulsory education on human capital accumulation in China from a life-course perspective, with a focus on both the short-term and long-term outcomes for migrant children and the spillover effects on left-behind children. From a life-course perspective, this study examines the nonlinear temporal effects of rural–urban migration experiences during compulsory education on the human capital accumulation of migrant children in China. Using a cohort of rural children recorded in the 2012 wave of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and their follow-up information in the 2020 wave, an endogenous switching model is constructed for empirical analysis. The results show that: (1) Rural–urban migration during compulsory schooling has a negative short-term impact on the human capital accumulation of migrant children, while its long-term effects remain positive. (2) Social integration difficulties, reflected in declines in self-efficacy and social trust, constitute the negative mechanism, although this influence weakens as migration duration increases. In contrast, improvements in public education quality, enhanced family educational processes such as increased parental time investment, and gains in non-cognitive abilities including higher self-educational expectations and better mental health serve as the positive mechanisms. (3) Rural migrant children cause negative spillover effects concerning the human capital accumulation of left-behind children because the outflow of students reduces the educational accessibility of left-behind children through distance effects and lowers the quality of rural primary and secondary schools through scale effects. Full article

This study explores the relationship model among the dark triad traits, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior in adolescents, negative life events, and depression. A moderated mediation model was tested among 224 middle school students with left-behind experience in Inner Monolgia. These students were surveyed using the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad Measure, the Adolescent Self-Harm scale, the Adolescent Self—Rating Life Events Checklist, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The dark triad traits had a significant positive predictive effect on NSSI behavior among adolescents with left-behind experience and indirectly influenced NSSI behavior through negative life events. The second half of the mediation path of “the dark triad traits → negative life events → NSSI behavior” was moderated by depression. The influence of the dark triad traits on NSSI behavior is exerted through negative life events, and the relationship between negative life events and NSSI behavior is moderated by depression. Full article

The convergence of youth migration and the nuclearization of families has altered conventional living arrangements in India, indicating a sharp rise in the number of families in which older adults live alone due to the outmigration of their adult children. This study aims to explore the perceptions of left-behind older adults regarding long-distance care practices by their adult children and to describe the practical and functional care deficits that lead to vulnerability and unmet mental health care in migrant households. Twenty older adults above 65 years of age living alone or with a spouse for at least one year due to the out-migration of their adult children were selected purposively. The analysis revealed that distance from migrant children makes older adults feel anxious, miss their family togetherness, and experience increased loneliness and care gaps in later years, contributing to a multifaceted causality of vulnerability while aging alone. Narratives of distance care are often shaped by the bidirectional flow of care across generations through virtual and in-person means, where emotional and functional deprivations continue to challenge the quality of informal distant care among left-behind older adults. Mental health promotion among community-dwelling older adults is crucial for sustaining their functional capacity, thereby delaying psychological morbidities during aging. Full article

The heading face is one of the zones most severely affected by dust pollution in underground coal mines, and dust control becomes even more challenging during roadway excavation with continuous miners. To improve dust mitigation in environments characterized by intense dust generation, high ventilation demand, and large cross-sectional areas, this study integrates numerical simulations, laboratory experiments, and field tests to investigate the physicochemical properties of dust, airflow distribution, dust migration behavior, and a comprehensive dust control strategy combining airflow regulation, foam suppression, and dust extraction fan systems. The results show that dust dispersion patterns differ markedly between the left-side advancement and right-side advancement of the roadway; however, the wind return side of the continuous miner consistently exhibits the highest dust concentrations. The most effective purification of dust-laden airflow is achieved when the dust extraction fan delivers an airflow rate of 500 m³/min and is positioned behind the continuous miner on the return side. After optimization of foam flow rate and coverage based on the cutting head structure of the continuous miner, the dust suppression efficiency reached 78%. With coordinated optimization and on-site implementation of wall-mounted ducted airflow control, foam suppression, and dust extraction fan systems, the total dust reduction rate at the heading face reached 95.2%. These measures substantially enhance dust control effectiveness, improving mine safety and protecting worker health. The resulting reduction in dust concentration also improves visibility for underground intelligent equipment and provides practical guidance for industrial application. Full article

The communities that develop in prison are often small, insular, and central to the experience of incarceration. In these carceral communities, the deaths of individuals—especially those integral to these groups—can echo heavily within a housing unit, and even an entire institution, resulting in a collective experience of grief. While grief is experienced universally, it manifests in unique ways in the carceral context. The shared sorrow, loss, and sadness characterizing the experiences of those left behind are central to this form of mourning, and among imprisoned communities, grief is experienced uniquely. This paper draws on semi-structured interviews with 58 men imprisoned during the COVID-19 pandemic in an institution where over a dozen men died in a relatively short time. Their experiences suggest that, while grieving in prison is often complicated and may be repressed by both the individual and the carceral institution, bereavement may take a different form when experienced collectively and broadly within the carceral context. We develop the concept of mass carceral grief to explain this phenomenon. While unique in many ways, the lessons on carceral grief from this public health crisis can inform our broader understanding of how loss impacts those incarcerated. Full article

This study employs social network analysis to illuminate the intricate relationships within Daoist exorcism rituals from the Southern Song to the Yuan dynasty, as documented in two pivotal compilations: Pearls Left Behind from the Sea of Ritual (Fahai Yizhu 法海遺珠) and Collected Essentials of Daoist Methods (Daofa Huiyuan 道法會元). While previous scholarship focused on individual rituals or generals using traditional document analysis, this article introduces a novel digital humanities methodology. By treating the Daoist generals summoned in these rituals as network nodes, we map and analyze their co-occurrence patterns, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving ritual landscape. Our analysis reveals a significant expansion in the scale of exorcism rituals from Fahai Yizhu to Daofa Huiyuan, indicating a shift from concise manuals to more systematic frameworks with clearer factional organization. Specifically, the Great Demon-Subjugating Ritual of Shangqing Tianpeng (Shangqing Tianpeng Fumu Dafa 上清天蓬伏魔大法) and various Marshal Zhao exorcism rituals exhibit the largest scales, reflecting the widespread popularity of Heavenly Commander Tianpeng (Tianpeng 天蓬) beliefs and Marshal Zhao’s capacity to integrate diverse pantheons, including local deities, plague gods, thunder generals, and “rampant soldiers” (changing 猖兵). Key figures like Yin Jiao (殷郊), Zhao Gongming (趙公明), Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯), Ma Sheng (馬勝), Deng Bowen (鄧伯溫), and Guan Yu (關羽) demonstrate high centrality. Notably, Ma Sheng, Zhao Gongming (趙公明), and Guan Yu (關羽) play increasingly pivotal roles in Daofa Huiyuan, while Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯) and Song Wuji (宋無忌) experience hierarchical reversals, suggesting an augmented importance of local deities after the Southern Song. This pioneering SNA application offers a robust framework for understanding these complex interconnections. Full article

This research developed a complex physical and mathematical model of the flat rolling theory problem. This model takes into account the influence of many parameters affecting the roll’s gripping capacity and the overall stability of the entire rolling process. It is important to emphasize that the method of the argument of functions of a complex variable does not rely on simplifying assumptions commonly associated with: the linearized theory of plasticity; or the decoupled solution of stress and strain fields. Furthermore, it does not utilize the rigid-plastic material model. Within this method, solutions are developed based on the complete formulation of the system of equations in terms of stresses and strains, incorporating constitutive relations, thermal effects, and boundary conditions that define a well-posed problem in the theory of plasticity. The presented applied problem is closed in nature, yet it accounts for the effects of mechanical loading and satisfies the system of equation. For this purpose, such factors as roll geometry, physical and mechanical properties of the rolled metal (including its fluidity, hardness, plasticity, and structure heterogeneity), rolling speed, metal temperature, roll lubrication, and many other parameters that can influence the process have been taken into account. Based on the developed mathematical model, a new, previously undescribed force factor significantly affecting the capture of metal by rolls and the stability of the rolling process was identified and investigated in detail. This factor is associated with force stretching of metal in the lagging zone—the area behind the rolls, where the metal has already left the deformation zone, but continues to experience residual stress. It was shown that this stretching, depending on the process parameters, can both contribute to the rolling stability and, on the contrary, destabilize it, causing oscillations and non-uniformity of deformation. The qualitative indicators of transient regime stability have been determined for various values of the parameter α. Specifically, for α = 0.077, the ratio f/α ranges from 1.10 to 1.95; for α = 0.129, the ratio f/α ranges from 1.19 to 1.95; and for α = 0.168, the ratio f/α ranges from 1.28 to 1.95. Full article

The massive heavy oil reserves in the Athabasca region of northern Alberta depend on steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) for their economic exploitation. Even though SAGD has been successful in highly viscous oil recovery, it is still a costly technology because of the large energy input requirement. Large water and natural gas quantities needed for steam generation imply sizable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and extensive post-production water treatment. Several methods to make SAGD more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable have been attempted. Their main goal is to reduce steam consumption whilst maintaining favourable oil production rates and ultimate oil recovery. Oil saturation within the steam chamber plays a critical role in determining both the economic viability and resource efficiency of SAGD operations. However, accurately quantifying the residual oil saturation left behind by SAGD remains a challenge. In this experimental research, sand pack Expanding Solvent SAGD (ES-SAGD) coinjection experiments are reported in which Pentane -C₅H₁₂, and Hexane -C₆H₁₄ were utilised as an additive to steam to produce Long Lake bitumen. Each solvent is assessed at three different constant concentrations through time using experiments simulating SAGD to quantify their impact. The benefits of single-component solvent coinjection gradually diminish as the SAGD process approaches its later stages. ES-SAGD pentane coinjection offers a smaller improvement in recovery factor (RF) (4% approx.) compared to hexane (8% approx.). Between these two single-component solvents, 15 vol% hexane offered the fastest recovery. The obtained data in this research provided compelling evidence that the coinjection of solvent under carefully controlled operating conditions, reduced overall steam requirement, energy consumption, and residual oil saturation allowing proper adjustment of oil and water relative permeability curve endpoints for field pilot reservoir simulations. Full article

Asian American school leaders in K-20 schools and universities remain underrepresented in the field. As such, it is imperative that we study the experience of Asian American women (AAW) leaders to understand the racialized experiences of this specific group, particularly when they enact innovative leadership. We, the authors, argue that behind these racialized experiences are white emotionalities that are imposed upon AAW in uniquely raced and gendered ways. This conceptual paper addresses the following question: “how do white emotionalities thwart the innovative social justice efforts of female Asian American leaders in K-20 education?” To answer, we drew on the “kuwentos” of two AAW school leaders: one from K-12 administration and one from higher education administration. Kuwentos is derived from the Pinay concept of storytelling; thus, it is a befitting methodology to explicate these two women’s particular racial experiences. To critically interpret invisible operations of whiteness, we employed critical race hermeneutics (CRH) to reveal what is often left to the unconscious when examining the impact of whiteness on people of Color. To reveal how these seemingly natural presumptions are not so natural, CRH must be used. In drawing attention to how white emotionalities impact the innovative leadership of AAWs, the authors first use kuwentos to tell our own stories of experiencing white emotionalities. We then analyze these kuwentos through a CRH lens and end with implications and recommendations to positively impact AAW educational leaders. Full article

The complexity of our life experiences and the rapid progress in science and technology clearly necessitate reflections from the humanities. The ever-growing intersection between science and society fosters the emergence of novel interdisciplinary fields of research. During the past decade, Medical Humanities arose to meet the need to unravel hidden information beyond technology-driven and fact-based medicine. In the present paper, we put forward the hypothesis that there is a similar requirement to develop Pharmaceutical Humanities as an academic discipline within pharmacy and pharmaceutical biology. Based on Thomas Kuhn’s epistemological theory on the structure of scientific revolutions, one may argue that a paradigm change for Pharmaceutical Humanities might open new levels of insight. Many complex diseases (e.g., cancer, neurological diseases, and mental disorders) remain uncurable for many patients by current pharmacotherapies, and the old beaten paths in our therapeutic thinking may at least partly have to be left behind. By taking examples from Pharmaceutical Biology, we attempt to illustrate that the transdisciplinary dialogue with the humanities is fertile ground not only for enlarging our understanding of disease-related conditions but also for exploring new ways of combatting diseases. In this context, we discuss aspects related to traditional herbal medicine, fair access and benefit sharing of indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants, post-traumatic stress syndrome, the opioid crisis, stress myocardiopathy (broken heart syndrome), and global environmental pollution with microplastics. We also explore possibilities for a narrative turn in pharmacy. The urgent need for inter- and transdisciplinary solutions to pressing health-related problems in our society may create a scholarly atmosphere for the establishment of Pharmaceutical Humanities as a fruitful terrain to respond to the current demands of both science and society. Full article

Using a quantitative method, this paper examined the role of physical activity well-being before physical activity participation and gentrification architecture pursuit in 481 respondents (including 377 with childhood left-behind experiences) in Xi’an City, China, and tested the effect of the metacognition level of the group with childhood left-behind experiences on this pathway. The results showed that (1) physical activity participation of the group with childhood left-behind experiences had a significant positive predictive effect on gentrification architecture pursuit; (2) the level of physical activity participation of the group with childhood left-behind experiences could exert an indirect effect on gentrification architecture pursuit through physical activity well-being; (3) metacognition played a negative role in the pathway of physical activity participation predicting gentrification architecture pursuit of the group with childhood left-behind experiences; (4) the level of metacognition played a negative role in the pathway of physical activity participation and gentrification architecture pursuit of the group with childhood left-behind experiences; (5) metacognition also played a negative role in the path of physical activity well-being in predicting gentrification architecture pursuit in groups with childhood left-behind experiences. This paper is important in analyzing the complex effects of childhood left-behind experiences on individual consumption perceptions and develop a deeper understanding. Full article

The 2017 Edgecumbe flood in New Zealand necessitated the rescue of over 1000 animals, making it the largest companion animal rescue operation in the nation’s history at the time. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of six first responders from various agencies involved in the animal rescue efforts. Through semi-structured interviews, this study identified several key themes, including challenges during the rescue phase, post-rescue issues, the impact on the human–animal relationship and wellbeing, and the health and safety of responders. The rescue phase was characterised by difficulties in evacuating and rescuing animals, the influence of the socio-zoological scale on rescue prioritisation, issues with feeding animals in place, and the diversity of species requiring rescue. Post-rescue challenges included animal identification and tracking, decontamination, management of deceased animals, and long-term impacts on animals and owners. This study also highlighted the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare during the disaster, as well as the health and safety risks faced by responders. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive collaborative emergency response planning that addresses the needs of both humans and animals, as well as the importance of ongoing efforts to build resilience and preparedness in communities. Lessons learned from the Edgecumbe flood can inform future policy, planning, and practice to enhance the effectiveness and compassion of animal-inclusive emergency management. Full article

Parental labour migration, of either one or both parents, has been associated with various challenges among left-behind children (LBC). However, there is a limited understanding of the LBC’s own views and experiences of social and mental well-being and how the new daily life circumstances they encounter following their parents’ migration impact them. This study aimed to understand the influence of parental migration and its aftermath on the social and mental well-being of adolescents (referred to as LBC) in two rural districts in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with LBC (n = 24) aged 14 to 18 years, recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were thematically analysed, guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that parental migration negatively impacted the social well-being of LBC. This impact was reflected in negative labelling from friends and changes in familial roles which influenced their social interactions and activities with peers. Parental migration was also associated with challenges to the mental well-being of LBC. These manifested in the LBC experiencing fractured emotional bonds, leading to negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, frustration, loss of motivation, and self-imposed isolation, which were associated with their parents’ migration and abrupt disruptions in parent–child communication. The transition to new life situations with caregivers after parental migration and the dynamics within the caregivers’ households were additional factors that detrimentally affected their mental well-being. Unmet basic needs and educational needs due to financial hardships faced by mothers and caregivers further exacerbated mental health challenges for the children. The findings indicate the importance and improvement of policies and interventions in Indonesia (e.g., counselling services, non-cash food assistance, family hope program, direct cash assistance) that cover and address the diverse needs of mothers or caregivers and the LBC. Full article

Marine–continental transitional shale has become a new field for shale gas exploration and development in recent years. Its reservoir characteristics analysis lags significantly behind that of marine shale, which restricts the theoretical research on the accumulation of marine–continental transitional shale and the progress of exploration and development. The shale pore system is complex and has strong heterogeneity, which restricts the fine evaluation and optimization of the reservoir. Based on nitrogen adsorption–desorption experiments, the morphology and structural characteristics of coal-bearing shale pores were analyzed, and then the micro-pore structure heterogeneity was quantitatively characterized based on fractal theory and nitrogen adsorption–desorption data, and the relationship between pore structure parameters and their influence on fractal characteristics were discussed. The hysteresis loop of nitrogen desorption isotherm mainly belongs to type B, indicating ink bottle, flat plate, and slit are the main pore shapes. The pore size distribution curves are left unimodal or multimodal, with the main peak around 4 nm and 20–60 nm. Smaller pores develop a larger specific surface area, resulting in a high value of fractal dimension (2.564 to 2.677). The rougher the pore surface and the larger the specific surface area provide an adequate adsorption site for shale gas adsorption and aggregation. Thus, fractal characteristics conduced to understand the pore structure, heterogeneity, and gas-bearing property of coal-bearing shale. Full article