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Background: Outdoor environmental education (OEE) is an effective learning approach that helps prepare students to address the complex problems currently facing our world. Integral theory (IT) is a comprehensive framework that acknowledges the interconnectedness between self, society, and the environment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of four categories derived of IT – subjective, objective, intersubjective, interobjective – within OEE and to investigate the extent to which outdoor environmental educators consider learning experiences as a contribution to integral development. Methodology: Using discourse analysis, we analyzed 23 interviews from twelve outdoor environmental educators. We employed a deductive approach as we looked for evidence of IT categories and then adopted an inductive approach while analyzing participants' discourse for general patterns related to IT and integral human development. Findings: The four categories of IT are illustrated within OEE experiences to varying degrees of representation. Outdoor environmental educators consider learning experiences as a contribution to integral development, regularly employing systems thinking, and mindfulness, among others. Implications: The findings from our study indicate a connection between OEE, teacher sensemaking, and integral education. Furthermore, OEE can be a way to facilitate integral human development, contributing to future understandings within education fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The vagina has an important role in transmission of 3 opposite striated pelvic muscle forces acting against pelvic ligaments to close urethra distally and at bladder neck. The same muscle forces stretch vagina to support the urothelial stretch receptors to prevent them activating the micturition reflex at low bladder volumes, and to open the urethra prior to micturition. Striated muscles have a limited contractile force. The hypothesis the weight of the intraabdominal contents on the vaginal membrane adds additional weight for the striated pelvic muscles to move when they tension the vagina to close the urethra for continence, open it for evacuation and prevent urothelial stretch receptors from activating micturition prematurely (interpreted as urgency). Materials and Methods: To test if a binary musculo-elastic model of bladder control can explain significant cure/improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms following weight loss after bariatric surgery. Results: The results for improvement of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and mixed symptoms were consistent with the concept of an extra intraabdominal intestinal load on the vagina membrane which prevented the 3 opposite striated muscle forces stretching the vagina sufficiently to close the urethra (SUI) and/or prevent excessive afferent impulses from the urothelial stretch receptors activating micturition prematurely (OAB). Conclusion: Removing the burden of intestinal contents on the vagina restored several different areas of incontinence, SUI, mixed incontinence, urgency (OAB) seemingly validates the hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To critically analyse the relationship of bladder pain syndrome (BPS/IC), as defined, to the posterior fornix syndrome, “PFS” predictably co-occurring bladder urgency, frequency, nocturia, chronic pelvic pain, emptying symptoms/retention, caused by uterosacral ligament (USL) laxity and cured by USL repair. The starting and end points of this paper are the questions, “Are there arguments that BPS/IC can, in some cases, be linked to PFS?” And if so, “To what extent?” We used the criteria required by Ueda for proper diagnosis: “understanding symptoms, detecting abnormal findings and verifying them as a cause of the symptoms.” Literature, diagnostic and surgical, indicate that chronic pelvic pain “of unknown origin” can be caused by unsupported visceral pelvic plexuses because of weak USLs; these cause fire of afferent impulses, which the brain mistakenly interprets as coming from the end-organ itself (i.e., genitourinary pain, lower urinary tract symptoms). The same lax USLs can also weaken the pelvic muscles which contract to stretch the vagina to support the urothelial stretch receptors from below: these may prematurely fire off afferent impulses to activate micturition at lower bladder volumes, interpreted as urgency. A speculum placed in the vagina can relieve pain and urgency by mechanically supporting the vaginal wall and USLs, thus predicting an eventual cure by USL repair. There is need to evaluate what percentage of women with known BPS/IC also pass the criteria for PFS. Identifying a significant percentage of BPS/IC women with the causative relation between PFS pathogenesis and BPS/ IC may open a new way of diagnosing and treating BPS/IC in some women.

Background: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a disabling bladder condition. ESSIC, the IC/BPS society defines two types of IC/BPS: with Hunner's lesion (HL) and without. Pathogenesis is stated as unknown, with no cure possible. Scheffler in 2021 reported cystoscopically validated cure of HL IC/BPS by repair of uterosacral ligaments (USLs) and in 2022, Goeschen reported non-HL IC/BPS cure in 198 women following USL repair. Both Scheffler and Goeschen hypothesized IC/BPS may be a phenotype of the Integral Theory's Posterior Fornix Syndrome "PFS" (chronic pelvic pain, OAB, and emptying dysfunctions) and therefore potentially curable. Summary: The hypothesis explores whether visceral plexuses (VPs), due to weakened USLs support, serve as a primary source of pelvic pain impulses, leading to development of an inflammatory condition – for example, IC/BPS, a chronic inflammatory condition, which shares similarities with vulvodynia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). According to our hypothesis, such conditions involve axon reflexes. Stimuli such as gravity applied to unsupported nerve branches within the visceral pelvic plexus, trigger centrally propagating impulses, which then progress antidromally to influence innervated tissues through cytokine release and nociceptor stimulation, perpetuating inflammatory processes at the end organs, and pain perception. Key Messages: The hypothesis raises the question, "are IC/BPS, vulvodynia, other pain sites, even nonbacterial "chronic prostatitis" in the male, different phenotypes of the chronic pelvic pain syndrome which includes PFS. If so, the hypothesis opens several new research directions and would predict inflammatory findings in tender end organ pain sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To critically analyse the relationship of bladder pain syndrome (BPS/IC), as defined, to the posterior fornix syndrome, "PFS" predictably co-occurring bladder urgency, frequency, nocturia, chronic pelvic pain, emptying symptoms/retention, caused by uterosacral ligament (USL) laxity and cured by USL repair. The starting and end points of this paper are the questions, "Are there arguments that BPS/IC can, in some cases, be linked to PFS?" And if so, "To what extent?" We used the criteria required by Ueda for proper diagnosis: "understanding symptoms, detecting abnormal findings and verifying them as a cause of the symptoms." Literature, diagnostic and surgical, indicate that chronic pelvic pain "of unknown origin" can be caused by unsupported visceral pelvic plexuses because of weak USLs; these cause fire of afferent impulses, which the brain mistakenly interprets as coming from the end-organ itself (i.e., genitourinary pain, lower urinary tract symptoms). The same lax USLs can also weaken the pelvic muscles which contract to stretch the vagina to support the urothelial stretch receptors from below: these may prematurely fire off afferent impulses to activate micturition at lower bladder volumes, interpreted as urgency. A speculum placed in the vagina can relieve pain and urgency by mechanically supporting the vaginal wall and USLs, thus predicting an eventual cure by USL repair. There is need to evaluate what percentage of women with known BPS/IC also pass the criteria for PFS. Identifying a significant percentage of BPS/IC women with the causative relation between PFS pathogenesis and BPS/ IC may open a new way of diagnosing and treating BPS/IC in some women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering (17264073) is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The author outlines a spiritually oriented model of cosmic education inspired by Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The description of the general principles of this Nondual Vedantic Cosmic Education (NVCE) will be preceded by a brief review of the writings of two Indian authors, Vivekananda and Aurobindo, who led the revitalisation of nondual vedantic philosophy. In order to utilize the nondual vedantic spiritual wisdom as a curriculum substrate for teaching/learning processes in classrooms, the NVCE model uses some core ideas from Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, which can serve as an interface theory between nondual vedantic philosophy and this new conception of cosmic education. NVCE will be organized around three main curriculum realms: a) “Purifying the mind”, b) “Controlling the Mind” and c) “Expanding the Mind”. These three curriculum realms are shown to respectively correspond with three processes in Wilber’s Integral Theory, such as a) Show Up, b) Wake Up and c) Grow Up), and also with the four classical yogas mentioned in the wisdom traditions of Hinduism: a) Bakhti Yoga and Karma Yoga, b) Raja Yoga and c) Jnana Yoga. The author holds that this world has no future unless spirituality becomes the substrate of educational processes. In NVCE, which is a proposal to raise the educational building from spiritual pillars, to educate is to guide others and ourselves on the path that leads to the nondual experience. From the nondual vedantic perspective, cosmic education is the path through which human beings progressively dissolve their limited individualities into the nature of God.

This work investigates individual and social concerns regarding the integral sustainability of an alternative low-carbon cement. The framework of Integral Philosophy was used for the investigation. Social surveys were conducted in Australian, American, and Sri Lankan contexts. The data was collected through both closed-ended and open-ended questions in a questionnaire. Analysis of responses was carried out using fuzzy techniques and grounded theory techniques. Results indicate that individuals and societies in all three countries are more concerned about market price, quality standards, sustainability issues, and recommendations from professionals when selecting a new cement. In all three contexts, they also indicate that there is generally high support among individuals and societies for accepting low-carbon cement as an integrally sustainable cement. Combining the top-down Integral Theory approach with the bottom-up Grounded Theory is a valuable tool for social science research.

What is the role that religion (or its inner discourse known as "theology") can play in modern secular societies that are characterized by pluralism and diversity? Does it still have a legitimate presence that could be a force for good, especially to further peace and harmony in our globalized world? This essay endeavors to respond to these urgent questions by proposing a concrete discernment tool, something that would act like a conceptual map of what is proposed as the ideal, most holistic kind of religion-spirituality that could make a valuable contribution even to pluralistic societies, one that is envisioned to be more comprehensive, inclusive, and complete; one that can be described as truly "ecumenical" and "without walls"; one that is able to include and embrace the whole world with all its diversity. The discernment tool/conceptual map recommended here is the "Integral Theory." This essay suggests that the Integral Theory as a whole and its key components carry a promising potential to discern forms of religion, theology, and spirituality as to their holistic and integral character. It also provides key insights on how a particular religious tradition or spirituality could move toward a greater wholeness and ecumenical capability and thus be a true force for good in today's pluralistic and diverse world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a contribution to the discussion concerning the methodological and theoretical orientation of the Polish political science community. It aims to answer the question posed in the title by analysing representative texts by Polish political theorists. The scholarly output of four well-known political scientists – Filip Pierzchalski, Kamil Minkner, Artur Laska and Łukasz Młyńczyk – was examined. The interpretation of selected texts by these authors made it possible to show the applications of the category of “understanding” in the concepts of interpretationism, narrativism, understanding naturalism and integral approach. The conducted study indicates that understanding is perceived as the main, albeit multi-variant, task of political science, determined by ontological and axiological perspectives. The analysis proper is preceded by a presentation of the main problems of the subject under discussion, including the meaning of the key terms such as understanding, interpretation, communication, and knowled [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers an omissive critique of integral theory. To this objective, the article draws upon dialectical logic to investigate the affinities between integral theory and critical realism. Section 1 identifies new possibilities regarding the role of metatheory in practice by unpacking the metatheoretical coordinates of critical realism and integral theory. After providing a brief history of the origins of critical realism and integral theory, I review the ontological, epistemological, and methodological metatheorems of dialectical critical realism, and I put them to work to provide an omissive critique of integral theory. Then I introduce the notion of strictly non-dialectic because it functions to explain formally how integral theory relates to critical realism. Section 2 isolates the inadequacies at every moment in the passage from the MELD dialectic. Section 3 concludes the article with a discussion of the implications of foregrounding a critical realist ontology for integral theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camosun College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation includes Indigenization. At the College, Indigenization means the world views of Indigenous students are reflected in curriculum practices and non-Indigenous students are prepared to build better relationships with Indigenous peoples. The College uses a number of models to support Indigenization including an Indigenized Quadrant Model based on Wilber’s (1997) Integral theory. This Model is used in this research study to inventory the Indigenization interventions and activities internal and external to the College and examine participation rates by non-Indigenous faculty. At the time of the study, respondents viewed the College as midway on its progress of Indigenization. The results suggest that developing a few activities across the four quadrants of the Model and leveraging relevant activities in the larger community may be sufficient to build an Indigenization program within a post-secondary institute. We also identified a need for more advanced training to support non-Indigenous faculty to fully Indigenize their teaching practices. The focus of this advanced training includes developing skills to address racism and confront privilege not only in their students but also their professions. For administrators wanting to actualize Indigenization, we recommend the continued alignment, monitoring, and measurement of the impacts of Indigenization activities and programs.

Aims and Methods: To find a simpler cure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) without tapes. Proposed is a paraurethral operation with incisions in both sulci to plicate pubourethral ligaments (PUL) with thick polyester sutures. Results: VIDEO and ultrasound experiments showed the main cause of SUI was weak PULs extending on effort, allowing the posterior pelvic muscles to open out posterior urethral wall, so urine was lost on effort. Midurethral sling (MUS) tapes prevent PUL extension and SUI. The research question: "Would PUL plication by 0.5 or 0.25 mm polyester tapes create sufficient new collagen to cure SUI in the longer term?" Instron‐testing of collagen from a rejected polyester aortic graft indicated sufficient potential collagen strength. Five surgeons unrelated to the authors who tested the new operation, reported negative cough tests on 30/31 women before patient discharge; these data were encouraging, but not conclusive. Conclusions: PUL ligament repair by large polyester sutures, like the MUS, appears to prevent PUL elongation and cure SUI in the very short term, thereby validating the predictions of the Integral Theory as regards the role of ligaments in continence. If successful long term, this operation could avoid many problems associated with MUS operations. 1.Simplicity: less surgical skill is required; the local anesthetic methodology makes the operation widely scalable especially in poor countries with few health facilities.2.Built‐in safety: there is no tape to compress urethra, no applicators to damage bladder, nerves, blood vessels, bowel.3.Cost: a polyester suture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary incontinence (UI) as one of the manifestations of pelvic floor disorder (PFD) or pelvic floor dysfunction has been surgically managed for decades with reconstruction of weakened pelvic floor support based on integral theory (IT). This paper provides the holistic understanding of pelvic floor support system based on the concept of defecatory perineal disorder (DFD) that may pose challenges to IT which believe weakened “ligaments” is the main cause in PFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning is the property of Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This essay criticises prevalent current sustainable architecture and proposes a conceptual framework for sustainable design practice. It argues that sustainable building standards, have failed to capture a more multi-dimensional and inclusive worldview, and therefore many influential architects have neglected implementing such principles. An analysis of literature shows that a large body of research published in the field of sustainable architecture takes a positivistic perspective and that few published articles have looked at sustainable architecture from the standpoint of the critical humanities, allowing non-positivistic viewpoints. The proposed conceptual framework, adapted from Ken Wilber's integral theory and substantiated through the lens of Gumbrecht's identification of a culture of meaning and a culture of presence, provides an opportunity to oscillate between positivistic and non-positivistic ideologies and between subjective and objective values. The framework's usefulness is demonstrated through case studies of Glenn Murcutt's work. Architects are invited to practise sustainability through this integral framework: to entangle subjective and objective, individual and collective approaches, and to exercise the physics and metaphysics of sustainable design through consideration of the culture of meaning and the culture of presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nachdem in Teil 1 des Beitrags im vorigen Heft ein deutlicher Bedarf für einen kohärenten, interprofessionellen und metakonzeptionellen Rahmen für die osteopathische Versorgung nachgewiesen wurde, wird im 2. Teil des Hypothesenpapiers die Integrale Theorie (IT) als ein ganzheitlicher, evidenzbasierter, multimodaler, selbstreflexiver klinischer Argumentationsprozess vorgeschlagen und aufgezeigt, wie die verschiedenen osteopathischen Versorgungsmodelle in das Vier-Quadranten-Modell der IT eingefügt werden können. Die Integrale Theorie findet beispielsweise im Rahmen der psychosomatischen Osteopathie ihre Anwendung, bei der auch die spirituelle Komponente des Seins beleuchtet wird, um Patient*innen innerhalb ihres gesamten Lebenskontexts zu behandeln. So können beim Menschen in jedem dieser – von der Befruchtung bis zum Tod reichenden – Entwicklungsschritte und Morphodynamiken mögliche schädliche oder belastende externe oder interne Einflüsse auftreten, die zu Befindensstörungen, Symptomen und zu somatisch-energetisch-psychischen Dysfunktionsmustern führen können. Having demonstrated a clear need for a coherent, interprofessional, and metaconceptual framework for osteopathic care in part 1 in the previous issue, part 2 of this hypothesis paper proposes Integral Theory (IT) as a holistic, evidence-based, multimodal, self-reflexive clinical reasoning process and shows how the different osteopathic models of care can be integrated into the 4-quadrant model of IT. This is used, for example, in the context of psychosomatic osteopathy, where the spiritual component of being is also taken into account in order to treat patients within their whole life context. Thus, in humans, in each of these developmental steps and morphodynamics – from conception to death – possibly harmful or stressful external or internal influences may occur, which can lead to disorders of well-being, symptoms and to somatic-energetic-psychic dysfunctional patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A firm pubourethral ligament (PUL) is required to prevent the reflex posterior pelvic muscle forces forcibly opening out the posterior urethral wall on effort. A weak or loose PUL elongates on effort and this allows the posterior pelvic muscles to stretch open the posterior urethral wall causing urine loss, "stress urinary incontinence." Such forcible opening out of the urethra exponentially reduces the urethral resistance to flow inversely by the fourth power of the radius (i.e., 16 times). For example, if the radius doubles in size, the bladder pressure required for urine to flow out decreases by a factor of 16, from say, 160 to 10 cm H2O. A midurethral sling reinforces PUL to prevent the urethra opening out, thereby restoring both the distal urethral and bladder neck closure mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-dimensional perspective emerged from this qualitative investigation of coaching presence pertaining to a coach's focus and behaviors during a coaching session. The qualitative methodology was informed by grounded theory and employed sensitising concepts derived from Wilber's quadrant framework. Data came from semi-structured interviews with 16 ICF certified coaches. Findings suggested six themes: (1) Mindful Awareness, (2) Authentic Connection, (3) Conscious Attunement, (4) Embodied Way, (5) Holding Outcomes, and (6) Structural Alignment. These themes appeared to reflect Wilber's observations about subjective, objective, intersubjective, and inter-objective ways of being and perceiving.

Das Konzept der fünf osteopathischen Modelle (biomechanisch, neurologisch, zirkulatorisch-respiratorisch, metabolisch und psychisch) wurde auf der Grundlage der Prinzipien der Osteopathie entwickelt und wird gegenwärtig von vielen Osteo-path*innen als Basis für die klinische Anwendung der osteopathischen Prinzipien genutzt. Dennoch wird innerhalb der osteopathischen Gemeinschaft nach einem Konsens über einen theoretischen Metarahmen für die osteopathische Versorgung gesucht. Innerhalb dieser Debatte werden biopsychosoziale und biomechanisch-strukturelle Ansätze postuliert, welche häufig als gegensätzlich und nicht komplementär verstanden werden. Daraus zeichnet sich ein deutlicher Bedarf für einen kohärenten, interprofessionellen und metakonzeptionellen Rahmen für die osteopathische Versorgung ab. Im 2. Teil im kommenden Heft wird die Inte-grale Theorie (IT) als ein ganzheitlicher, evidenz-basierter, multimodaler, selbstreflexiver klinischer Argumentationsprozess vorgestellt und diskutiert. The concept of the five osteopathic models was developed on the basis of the principles of osteopathy and is currently used by many osteopaths as a basis for the clinical application of osteopathic principles. However, a consensus on a theoretical meta-framework for osteopathic care is being sought within the osteopathic community. Within this debate, biopsychosocial and biomechanical-structural approaches are postulated, which are often understood as opposing and not complementary. From this, a clear need for a coherent, interprofessional and metaconceptual framework for osteopathic care emerges. In part 2 in the upcoming issue, Integral Theory (IT) will be presented and discussed as a holistic, evidence-based, multimodal, self-reflexive clinical reasoning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhorning's pressure transmission theory (PTT), though mortally wounded by multiple invalidations from the 1990 Integral Theory of female urinary incontinence (IT), like Rasputin, continues to survive as a theory for continence and incontinence. Aim: To examine the questions: How has the PTT survived? What is its contribution to knowledge? Methods: Eleven different invalidations are presented based on images, pressure readings, clinical examples, experiments by the author, and others, for example, flow mechanics, finite element models, and surgical operations. Results: Each of the 11 invalidations prima facie invalidate the PTTs of enhorning and others. Conclusions: "How has the PTT survived?" Having provided a plausible explanation for all abdominal stress urinary incontinence operations since 100 years, PTT, unsurprisingly, like climate change today, had become an entrenched convention which abdicated the need for midurethral sling (MUS) surgeons to learn the very different functional surgical anatomy underlying the MUS. "Has the PTT progressed knowledge, or retarded it?" This lack of knowledge by the surgeons of how and why the MUS works could be held responsible for the large number of major complications reported by the TVT: including, transected urethras, obturator nerve damage, perforation of external iliac vessels, more than 20 deaths. The role of the sling is to strengthen the pubourethral neoligament to prevent the urethra opening out under stress, not to elevate it. Elevating the sling remains the major cause of the most frequent complication of the MUS today, postoperative urinary retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parallel with the demographic ageing crisis, is a disabling overactive bladder (OAB) crisis (urgency/frequency/nocturia), 30% prevalence in older women, pathogenesis stated as unknown and, according to some learned societies, incurable. Hypothesis/Aims: To review International Continence Society and Integral System paradigms to test our thesis that OAB per se is not a pathological condition, rather, a prematurely activated uncontrolled micturition; pathogenesis being anatomical damage in a nonlinear feedback control system comprising cortical and peripheral (muscle/ligament) components. Methods: We examined studies from basic science, anatomy, urodynamics, ultrasonic and video xrays, ligament repairs, from which we created a nonlinear binary model of bladder function. We applied a Chaos Theory feedback equation, Xnext = Xc(1 − X) to test our hypothesis against existing concepts and hypotheses for OAB pathogenesis. Results: The bladder has ONLY two modes, EITHER closed OR open (micturition). Closure is reflexly controlled cortically and peripherally: muscles contracting against ligaments stretch the vagina to suppress afferent signals to micturate from urothelial stretch receptors. "OAB" can be caused by anatomical damage anywhere in the model, by childbirth or age‐weakened ligaments, which can be repaired to cure all three OAB symptoms. Urodynamic "DO" graphs are interpreted anatomically and by the feedback equation. Conclusion: OAB is in crisis. Our thesis of OAB as an uncontrolled micturition from anatomical defects in the bladder control system provides fresh directions for further development of new treatments, nonsurgical and surgical, to help break the crisis and bring hope and cure to 600 million women sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subject of the Debate: "Urethral failure is a critical factor in female urinary incontinence Now what?" The CASE FOR by Hokanson, DeLancey pinpointed inadequacy of bladder causation for urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and poor urethral support for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as responsible for long‐standing lack of progress in incontinence science. They proposed "Urethral failure" as causation for SUI and UUI. The CASE AGAINST, by Peter Petros agrees "abnormal detrusor function as cause for (UUI) is a failed concept, and SUI surgery results are sometimes suboptimal, but rejects "urethral failure" as cause for UUI and SUI. In answer to, "Now what?," Petros presents the Integral Theory System. SUI and UUI are dysfunctions of the bladder's binary control mechanism, mainly ligament laxity because of defective collagen/elastin. The urethra is an emptying tube. Pelvic muscle forces reflexly contract against ligaments to close urethra, open it (micturition) and stretch the vagina underlying urethelial stretch receptors to mechanically support them, preventing premature activation of micturition (UUI). High validated cure rates for SUI and UUI by repair of weakened ligaments question viability of the "urethral failure" concept. Conclusions: The major achievement of this debate (both sides) is not what causes UUI or SUI, or what doesn't, though clearly, this is important. It is calling out a 50‐year ossification of the whole construct of UUI, ranging from flawed definitions to systematic denial of known cures, all of which have stalled treatment of the one billion women who suffer with incontinence. The time has come for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relief of chronic pelvic pain and urgency by a speculum test is a standard part of the Integral Theory protocol for validating the pictorial algorithm’s predictions for ligament causation. Supporting the posterior vaginal fornix with a ping-pong ball relieved a 51-year-old woman’s deep pelvic pain and also improved her symptoms of frequent urination and night urination. A posterior fornix ping-pong ball would more directly support the uterosacral ligaments to relieve the tension on the visceral plexuses. As such it would appear to be a more direct test than the speculum test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRITICAL THEORY AS A TOOL FOR CREATING POLITICAL ACTION ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE PODEMOS PARTY The main objective of the article is to analyze the theoretical basis of the creation of political activity based on the case of the Spanish party Podemos, which can be treated as a theoretical construct transferred to political reality by means of tools derived from the research experience of its creators, especially Pablo Iglesias Turrión and Íñigo Errejón Galván. By interpreting reality on the basis of theories derived from the post-Marxist paradigm, an entity has been created with nationwide influence that affected the nature and direction of political activity taken by both politicians and citizens. The study aims to demonstrate the validity, feasibility, and conditions of applying solutions based on theoretical aspects.

Understanding what motivates farmers to adopt "climate-smart" regenerative practices is critical for developing the right policies, incentives, outreach, and support mechanisms. This article explores factors that motivated farmers in NSW Australia to transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture (RA), focusing on the role that their perceptions of agrochemicals and the microbiome played. Drawing on integral theory, the article takes a holistic approach to analyzing how farmer interiorities in personal and collective realms interacted with external behavior and the larger social-ecological system in which food and fiber is produced. A key finding is that negative experiences with agrochemicals associated with increasing costs and declining results were an important driver of change. Conversely, positive experiences learning about the microbiome and practicing ecological approaches to fertilization and pest control engendered enthusiasm and commitment to a transition away from high-input agriculture and a transformation in mindset. Further, conviviality associated with communities of practice, e.g. microscope groups, played an important role in the transition process, as farmers solidified new identities and participated in ongoing social learning. Based on these results, I argue that farmers' feelings of kinship with nature (animals, plants, microbes) resulting from learning about and working with soil are underappreciated drivers of behavioral change and powerful leverage points for larger-scale social-ecological transformation. The integral model facilitates recognition of the connections between soil condition, farmers' perceptions of and feelings about its condition, ensuing behavior including participation in new networks, and the creation of new norms, all of which create space for the emergence of institutional and systemic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the article is to analyze the theoretical basis of the creation of political activity based on the case of the Spanish party Podemos, which can be treated as a theoretical construct transferred to political reality by means of tools derived from the research experience of its creators, especially Pablo Iglesias Turrión and Íñigo Errejón Galván. By interpreting reality on the basis of theories derived from the post-Marxist paradigm, an entity has been created with nationwide influence that affected the nature and direction of political activity taken by both politicians and citizens. The study aims to demonstrate the validity, feasibility, and conditions of applying solutions based on theoretical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the implementation of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in educational contexts appear to have demonstrated some benefits for students and teachers in research studies conducted over the last two decades, there are also those who criticize MBI's for their instrumental focus. Exploring this debate, this article offers a case for the implementation of a more holistic and integral approach to mindfulness in educational settings. It will draw upon the philosophical legacy of Martin Heidegger and other critical theorists, who contest the dominant framing of neoliberalism and encourage engagement with more systemic perspectives. During this exploration, we examine two polemics: (1) whether mindfulness should be implemented technically or holistically and, (2) whether the focus should be individual and/or collective. The article concludes that although mindfulness may be an efficient 'self-technology' to improve certain aspects of individual well-being, it is necessary to challenge this perspective as it promotes a type of 'iatrogenic effect'. Specifically, it is argued that systemic failure is reframed as individual fallibility via a simplistic focus on well-being that may contradictorily foster appeasement to exploitative conditions. As an alternative, we offer a more integrative version, drawing in particular on the work of Ken Wilber, which proposes systemic as well as individual transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przegląd Pedagogiczny is the property of Kazimierza Wielki University in Bydgoszcz and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Researchers have employed Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in a variety of methodological contexts, in a variety of settings, and toward a variety of outcomes. For practitioners seeking to both identity and amplify the best of what is, AI has been a sort of multi-functional toolset, improving outcomes both small and grand. Amidst this successful history of the application of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), little attention has been given to some of the limitations or even risks of applying its practices to whatever extent and toward whichever outcomes. The models supplied by AI may prove problematic in several ways, among them: ontological realism, epistemological objectivism, the potential for axiological denial and ethical deception, the potential for methodological discord, a posture rooted in problems, blind spotting, and a neglect of the integral nature of things. This paper brings together the theoretical premises of Appreciative Inquiry methodologies, emerging considerations from transdisciplinarity and consciousness studies, and practical applications from a recent AI project, so as to construct considerations and recommendations for AI practitioners for resolving some of the methodological and paradigmatic conflicts that may arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pelvic floor functions as a holistic entity. The organs, bladder, bowel, smooth and striated muscles, nerves, ligaments and other connective tissues are directed cortically and reflexly from various levels of the nervous system. Such holistic integration is essential for the system's multiple functions, for example, pelvic girdle stability, continence, voiding/defecation, and sexuality. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is related to a variety of pelvic pain syndromes and organ problems of continence and evacuation. Prior to treatment, it is necessary to understand which part(s) of the system may be causing the dysfunction (s) of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), pelvic girdle pain, sexual problems, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), dysfunctional voiding, constipation, prolapse and incontinence. The interpretation of pelvic floor biomechanics is complex and involves multiple theories. Non-surgical treatment of PFD requires correct diagnosis and correctly supervised pelvic floor training. The aims of this review are to analyze pelvic function and dysfunction. Because it is a holistic and entirely anatomically based system, we have accorded significant weight to the Integral Theory's explanations of function and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The broadening of the Interstitial Cystitis (IC) definition from the traditional Hunner's ulcer to Chronic pain of unknown origin plus one bladder symptom. Objective: This study aims to test the hypothesis that IC as now defined and posterior fornix syndrome (PFS) (symptoms of urge, frequency, nocturia, abnormal emptying) are similar conditions, both potentially curable by strengthening uterosacral ligaments by squatting-based exercises. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of two separate groups comprising 138 women in total who performed squatting-based exercises for SUI (stress urinary incontinence), OAB, pain and emptying symptoms. All patients had validated pelvic questionnaires, pad tests, diaries, ultrasound and urodynamics. Results: Across both groups of mainly premenopausal women, 61%-80% of the women had >50% improvement in symptoms of SUI, urge, frequency, nocturia, abnormal emptying, and post-void residual urine at a 3-month review. Thirty-seven out of 138 women from the 1st and 2nd studies fulfilled the ICS definition of Interstitial Cystitis (IC), chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and co-occurrence of one bladder symptom, which are the same or similar symptoms, in fact, as those characterizing PFS. The anatomic rationale for the cure was that the squatting-based exercises strengthen the 3 reflex muscles controlling bladder functions and the uterosacral ligaments these muscles contract against. Conclusion: Whether the conditions IC and PFS are one and the same or different, their component symptoms can, in the main, be >50% improved by a squatting-based exercise regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The aim of this article was to study the effect of native tissue cardinal/uterosacral ligament repair on overactive bladder (OAB) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Material and methods Inclusion criteria included decrease of urge symptoms following insertion of a gauze tampon in the posterior fornix of vagina ('simulated operation'). Exclusion criteria included SUI, POP grades 3-4. The surgery consisted of plication of cardinal/uterosacral ligaments. Post-operative assessment was performed at3, 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery and included evaluation by stage of prolapse, Urinary Distress Inventory Short Form 6 (UDI-6), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaires and voiding diary. Results At 3 months, cure rates for frequency, urgency, nocturia and prolapse were comparable. By the 6-month review, catastrophic failure commenced in the postmenopausal group, parallel for all pa-rameters, starkly contrasting with premenopausal group. At 18 months, % cure rates for pre-menopausal (post-menopausal in brackets) were 79.6 (15.4) for POP, 67.3 (20.5) for urgency, 87.7 (20.5) for nocturia and 59.2 (15.4) for frequency. Conclusions We hypothesize the stepwise parallel recurrence of POP and symptoms in the menopausal group was a consequence of collagen deficiency in the plicated ligaments. Nevertheless, plication of uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex is simple, inexpensive, effective, especially applicable premenopausally for POP and as an alternative treatment option in that difficult group of pre-menopausal women who have major OAB/nocturia symptoms but only minimal prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this paper is to attempt to determine an objective definition of social justice as a category in political science. The author draws attention to the fact that since the times of ancient Greece, this has been a central concept accompanying in-depth analyses of politics. Making references to classical approaches, the author tries to determine the main formal elements common in publicly postulated interpretations. The concept proposed by the author relies on differentiation between two perspectives on the idea as part of a discursive understanding of politics. Within this framework, solely integration of distribution and recognition allows for capturing the phenomenon of overlapping economic inequalities and hierarchical status orders in societies. Both mechanisms are united by the fact that the starting point for implementing the principles of social justice is the sanctioning of equal moral significance to every member of a political community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with the power of the situation in the sexual abuse of children in religious institutions, particularly in the Catholic Church. While I primarily write from an Australian Catholic theological-ecclesiological lens, this article can have much relevance for other religious institutions in other countries, trying to make sense of abuse in their own institutions. This article begins with the context of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the Australian Roman Catholic Church. The context is broadened to show that CSA is part of a wider practice in the world, as shown in integral theories of sexual violence and abuse. Within these integral theories of violence are the factors of the "opportunity" and the "conducive situation" which together enable circumstances of abuse of power by Church clergy. This article then explores other research showing the power of opportunity and the conducive situation. As a theologian specializing on the study of the Church, the rest of this article focuses on the theologies that lead to the opportunities and conducive situation for the sexual perpetration by clerics in the Catholic Church. This article briefly concludes with a practical suggestion, a way forward that can help religious institutions create a culture of safety, in turn, minimizing the "opportunity" and the "conducive situation" that lead to abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences can have devastating consequences on students' learning and wellbeing. Pairing this alongside the negative and vicarious impacts of secondary traumatic stress on teachers and school leaders, efforts towards whole school change are complex endeavours. The extant literature from trauma-informed practice for school leadership provides useful frameworks for leaders to understand their guiding roles within traumaaffected communities. However, trauma-informed practices require further enquiry and better integration with systems-aware perspectives. A systems-aware approach to school leadership positions leaders within the dynamic systems in which their schools are embedded. It helps leaders to navigate the networked patterns of relationships within their communities. Given impacts of intergenerational poverty, racism, childhood trauma and long-standing educational inequity, community devastation from natural events such as droughts and bushfires, plus the world-wide uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many complex factors that now require systemsaware perspectives to address compounding systemic concerns. In order to contribute to the advancement of both trauma-informed leadership and systems-aware leadership, this paper makes the case for integrating these fields within school contexts. Predicated on a systematic literature review and novel theorising, this paper explores how a new practice framework for a trauma-informed integral response to bolster school leaders can be used to benefit whole communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to attempt to demonstrate the role of Integral Theory in explaining the upcoming managerial processes in Society 5.0. Design/methodology/approach: The explanatory procedure includes both a deterministic and indeterministic approach. The authors of this paper analyze currently conducted empirical research on the functioning of organizational structures in Poland and abroad in production, services and public organizations, including the so-called third sector. Findings: Research clearly indicates the slow, but systematic evolution of the organizational structures and the principles of their functioning. The so-called self-managing employee teams are increasingly being formed. Research limitations/implications: Research seems to purposefully monitor the functioning of the organizations systems. Practical implications: By constructing and anticipating social and economic processes we have attempted to identify managerial tools that are helpful in improving managerial activities to meet the requirement of the organization due to changing external conditions. Social implications: Such a test is the concept of a teal organization as a new type of organization, appropriate for the emerging age of Society 5.0. Originality/value: The research results indicate relatively fast changes in the functioning of enterprises in the field of inter-organizational cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]