bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-Cultural Imperatives of Entrepreneurship Development a Study from Manipur
Authors: Singh M. Kennedy
Published: May 2022

The present paper is an attempt to explore the entrepreneurship movement in North Eastern Region of India based on the primary data collected from the remote areas of Manipur. It also tries to highlight the importance and role played by the socio-cultural factors and its dimension in the process of motivating the rural people in region, the origin of market, origin and concept of currency and use of money, myth associated with the concept of earning and hospitality given to the customers, etc. The paper reflects the ground realities of how the cultural sentiment of the region are related with the spirit of entrepreneurship in developing their entrepreneurial activities as an option or an alternative way to eke out from poverty and various economic problems for sustaining their livelihood.
Demographic Profile of the Kom Tribe of Manipur
Authors: Singh L. Romeo , Singh H. Vokendro
Published: May 2022

The Kom tribe of Manipur with a population of 15,988 (2001, census) are concentrated in Churachandpur and Senapati districts of Manipur. The sex ratio is 1021.24; General Fertility rate is 81.56. Though having a high literacy rate (73.24%), their accessibility to health facilities is very low which is reflected in their causes of death - unknown (55.74%), followed by diarrhea, T.B. and birth related deaths. An attempt has also been made to review different views of their genesis and identity.
Stature Estimation from Lower and Upper Extremity Dimensions among Male Manipuri Muslims of Manipur
Authors: Singh S. Dilipkumar , Singh S. Jibonkumar
Published: May 2022

Forensic anthropology, a sub-discipline of physical anthropology aims at determining the major biological characteristics of mankind for the purpose of medico-legal expertise. The present study attempts to estimate the stature of male Manipuri Muslims by using purcutaneous Lower and Upper extremity measurements. Data reveals that there is a significant co-relation between stature and the two extremity measurements. It is also evident that the multiplication factors are found to be different from other populations of India. Simple regression equations for all the parameters under study are also formulated.
Reducing Mortality Rate of Traditional Male Circumcision through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in South Africa
Authors: Coleman Alfred
Published: May 2022

This paper investigated the causes of youth mortality during traditional male circumcision practices by Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) in South Africa. A case study approach was used. Six participants were drawn from an entire population of Traditional Medicine Practitioners and young men who have been circumcised by TMPs in less than three years. Data was collected using semi-structured open- ended interview questions to inquire about the rationale for using traditional male circumcision, how the circumcision procedures are carried out and what causes death among the young men (initiates). The findings revealed that traditional male circumcision is a cultural and religious practice of many South Africans. The circumcision process is done by the removal of the foreskin of the penis and this cause excessive bleeding, sometimes leading to death of some initiates. Other causes of death revealed by the study included unskilled TMPs, usage of unsterilized equipment leading to infections and ultimately death. Undisclosed isolated and remote venues where the circumcision practices are undertaken also emerged as a contributing factor to the death among initiates.

The results led to the proposal of Traditional Male Circumcision ICT Framework (TMC-ICT Framework) to integrate the services rendered by TMPs during traditional male circumcision practices with services from healthcare professionals in government hospitals to reduce the mortality rate of young initiates.
Women behind Bars a Sociological exploration in Orissa
Authors: Adhikary C D , Mohanty Munmun , Joshi A K
Published: May 2022

The present paper attempts an understanding of women criminals and their situation. The study is based on women prisoners in Orissa. The State of Orissa has 68 prisons that consist of 4 circle jails, 9 district jails, 46 central, special and subsidiary jails, and one Nari Bandi Niketan. A total of 277 women prisoners were selected from among these jails through census method which included convicts as well as under trials. The study is directed along the following four lines, namely social and demographic background, level of security and privacy for women in prisons, prison facilities and problems for women prisoners, and extent of human right awareness among the women prisoners. The study findings reveal that most of the women prisoners come from mariginalised socio-economic background. They are invariably poor and illiterate. Prison environment is severely gender insensitive. There is widespread sense of insecurity among women prisoners and they are not entitled to any kind of privacy. There is abysmal lack of awareness about human rights among women prisoners. It is very striking to note that 70% women prisoners even do not know the consequences of their criminal activities, e.g., a jail sentence. The study has relevance for understanding women criminals and has important policy implications.
Free and Compulsory Education Does it Includes the Marginalized People of India?
Authors: Pramanik Rashmi , Bag Minaketan
Published: May 2022

The Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act has come into force from April 1, 2010 in order to bring the marginalized groups into the mainstream. From this day, the age groups of 6–14 years are provided 8 years of free and compulsory elementary education. The Prime Minister Shri Mannwhan Singh has emphasized that if the children are given right education, India's future will be strong and prosperous. Does the Free and Compulsory education Policy include the marginalized children? Inclusive education means the education of all children, in spite of differences, difficulties and problems, and to maintain a vision of common school for all. Such a school accepts all children, understands their individuality and responds to their individual needs: a school for all is a place where every child can develop according to his/her abilities, skills and talents. Unless and until the common school system is not given emphasis, the policy will fail to achieve the objective. The standard of education offered in government run school is too low in comparison to private run school. The processes of privatization make education more accessible to the higher caste and economically sound people, whereas the marginalized, disadvantaged, and isolated groups are left behind. Critics of privatization claim those conflicts with the right to free and reasonably priced education for all, as well as threatening the integrity and independence of educational curricula. Against these backdrops, the paper will analyze how privatization of education is huddle to inclusive education policy.
Family Planning Practices among Baiga of Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Jhariya Jyoti , Sharma Awadhesh N. , Gautam Rajesh K.
Published: May 2022

Tribes belong to earliest form of society at the same time they are keen to using modern techniques in their day to day life. They willingly come forward to adopt some of techniques, whereas some of the techniques are imposed on them. The present investigation was carried out among a primitive tribe of Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh known as Baiga. Findings are based on a sample of 300 women and WO male (husbands). Samples were drawn randomly so that proper representation of population and area could be ensured. It was found thai the Baiga women are quite aware regarding modern technique of contraception and sterilization. 46 per cent of the couples were found users and 54 per cent were non-users. Further, among current users 92.8 per cent adopted Tubectomy, only 4.6 per cent couples underwent vasectomy. The finding of present study shows that they hardly use spacing methods (2.8 percent). Among spacing methods only condom and oral pills are being used in equal proportion. There is insignificant difference in age of users and non-users of family planning methods, although the users are younger in age. Almost similar trend was observed in case with surviving children, the proportion of user is highest with two and three surviving child.
Gender Perception of Crime and its Reduction amongst White South Africans in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Balgobind-Singh Shanta , Khan Sultan
Published: May 2022

Perceptions of crime is constructed on the basis of an individuals’ personal estimation of the nature andincidence of crime in their environment; the perceived risk of becoming a victim of crime and on the basis of perceptions of significant others around them. The likelihood of a person becoming a victim of crime is strongly influenced by, among other things, gender, age, income, place of residence and race. Although the latest crime statistics in South Africa reveal that levels for certain categories of crime have decreased, rising levels of in security have become a key concern in society, posing a threat not only to social order and the economic well-being ofthe country, but also to the quality of life for people. Public perceptions about the risk of criminal victimization and the fear of crime are influential in shaping policy and the priorities of state expenditure on law and order initiatives. If public concern about crime is driven buy an exaggerated assessment ofthe risks of victimization then strategies need to be put in place to address the situation. This paper explores attitudes and public perceptions of crime which were obtainedfrom interview surveys conducted with the White populace in three different localities within the Province of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, viz; Central Durban, the Natal Midlands (Dundee), andthe North Coast (Empangeni). All three localities translate into urban, peri-urban and deep rural forms.
Anthropology in India from Colonial Legacy to Post Colonial Identity
Authors: Mondal Sekh Rahim
Published: May 2022

This paper is a humble attempt to make a brief survey on growth and development of Anthropology in India and to find out the research trends of this discipline in this country, with particular reference to social and cultural Anthropology. A Special emphasis shall be given in this paper to highlight the problems as well as prospects of Anthropology in India as it has been facing both external and internal challenges of contemporary times, as like as other parts of the globe. The paper is entirely based on review of relevant literatures supported by authors own research and teaching experience on this disciple for about 35 years.
Determinants and Effects of Child Labor in Agriculture Sector of Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Rajwanul , Mostofa Md. Golam , Mondal Md. Nazrul Islam
Published: May 2022

Child labour remains a widespread problem in the world today. Although, child labour can have positive effects in some situations, it has negative effects on health and development of the children. Thus, the purpose of the study is to identify the determinants of child labour in agriculture sector and its socio-economic correlates. The data have been collected using purposive sampling process from two districts of Rajshahi division, Bangladesh by schedule questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis has been used to measure the individual impact on the determinants of child labour and socio-economic correlates. In the study areas, male children (90.20%) are more visible than that of female (9.80%) and those children are working more times in agriculture sector violating working laws and regulations due to poverty and family requirements. Empirical results show that if the fathers are employed in agriculture, it raises the probability that a child would work on that sector. The presence of very young child labour, parents’ willingness to invest them for their financial security and payment of loan, and three-fourth child labour had been enforced by the poverty; they did not get enough food and regular payment coupled with low labour cost. Since these children are a part of the young adults who constitute the major sector of Bangladeshi population, it follows that their health status should be a major concern for the community, policy makers and development planners.
Exclusion of Tribal Community and Assertion of their Identity with Reference to North East India
Authors: Padhi Soubhagya Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Asserting tribal identity is constitutive and extant power relations. This is widely deployed for reconstruction of social reality, especially to combat exclusion, engross political rights and to control natural resources. There is a need to map the changed meaning and usage of the term within the contemporary sociological practice. The argument being made through this exposition is that the concept gets reconfigured in a curious conundrum, where the manifestation of ethnicity has taken the center stage and has overshadowed the hegemonic tradition of caste and religion.
Potential and Possibility of Developing Guwahati as a Primate City in North East India
Authors: Sahay Avijit , Roy Nikhil , Kumar Abhimanyu
Published: May 2022

Despite being well endowed with natural resources, north eastern frontier of India is considered to be one of economically laggard regions. Absence of adequate infrastructure, coupled with a lack of any economically vibrant urban centre, has impeded the economic growth and development of the North East India. The paper is an attempt to deliberate on the need of establishing a Primate city in the region which can attract investments and industries. Such a city, it is argued, will create jobs, increase economic growth, and stem the flow of ever increasing out migration from the region to major urban centres of the rest of India. Demographic, industrial and migration data of major cities of North East India will be evaluated to ascertain the suitability of Guwahati as such a future mega city of the region.
Skills Transfer in the Context of Migration: A Case for a Redefinition through the South African Landscape
Authors: Singh Anand
Published: May 2022

This paper is about the notion of skills transfer in South Africa and the influences that emanate from outside the country. It takes the position that while the concept is recent, skills transfers actually predate its introduction into academic discourse. This is because the skills that slaves and indentured labourers carried with them across continents were not ascribed with the recognition it deserved. The discussion here emphasizes that slavery and indentured labour were characteristically imbued with skills that were requisite to build the infrastructures for which colonial empires became so famous, but they were denied the recognition. Most often concepts such as “unskilled labour” serve as a justification for exploitative conditions under which workers are employed. But beyond the history of these issues is the transference of skills that are also not given due recognition if they are not classified as “certified expertise” through theoretical and sometimes practical training from recognized institutions. In recognizing this contemporary feature among migrants and the skills that they carry with them, this paper highlights the relevant legislative devices that are meant to guide recruitment in South Africa, and suggests that much can be learnt from the technical and entrepreneurial skills that foreigners carry with them into South Africa as instructive lessons for employment among the masses of the unemployed.
Migrants, Drugs and Xenophobia: The Case of Whoonga Park in Durban
Authors: Vahed Goolam
Published: May 2022

Whoonga, also known as “nyaope” in Cauteng and sugars in Chatsworth, is a street drug that has been widely used in South Africa from around 2010. It is most prevalent in the townships around Durban where rates of poverty and unemployment are very high. Whoonga is a highly lethal and addictive concoction that leads to anxiousness, aggression, and stomach cramps. Whoonga Park was an area in the Durban inner city which included a network of storm water and cable tunnels which, according to police, were used by criminals, allegedly foreign migrants addicted to whoonga, to carry out crime in surrounding suburbs such as Glenwood, Umbilo, and Glenmore. This article, based on qualitative research, examines the prevalence of the drug, its effects on users, and the reaction of residents, civic organisations and the Ethekweni Municipality to Whoonga Park and its residents, and how this reflects xenophobic attitudes among locals who associate foreign migrants and refugees with being drug lords and with being responsible for destroying local communities.
International Migration in South Asia: Notes on the “Illegal Migration” from Bangladesh to India
Authors: de la Vega Lia Rodriguez
Published: May 2022

India is known for its huge diaspora of over 20 million people outside of the country, (MEA: 2002), whose growing importance has stimulated the development of a specific governmental structure to relate with it. At the same time India is known for receiving several migrants from different South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, that is associated with “illegal immigration” and human trafficking. In turn, illegal immigration has been a burning issue in the North East of India associated with serious socio-political implications. Though India and Bangladesh depict different positions on the subject, they have put into practice a joint Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), ned in July 2011, besides managing a ‘Task Force of Bangladesh and India for Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration of Trafficked victims/survivors’. The subject has precipitated questions on security in terms of, both, the states as well as the human beings involved/affected. Considering the above mentioned, this paper aims at analyzing the characteristic of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India by means of the analysis of documents and the review of literature on the subject. Taking up the dynamics of the contemporary positions of both the countires this research offers a critical analysis of the politically sensitive issue. Having signed an agreement on the enclaves issue and the renewal of the bilateral commerce, the two contiguous neihbours also highlight the need to monitor the border in a more effective way, and disable the policy of ‘vote bank’ amidst their other concerns. It seems worthy of attention therefore, that India and Bangladesh work for a more comprehensive approach to the question of security. It would be interesting to see if such an approach between them could also include on board, the issues connected with the development and empowerment of subjects and regions, both as a strategy and as a response to the subject.
Viewpoints of Korean Senior High School Students on School-Based Sex Education
Authors: Seung-Duk Ko , Eun-Joo Kim , Hye-Kyung Suh , Aeree Sohn
Published: May 2022

The percentage of sexually experienced young persons in South Korea has increased and the age of first intercourse has lowered significantly. However, these marked changes in the sexual behavior of young people have been taking place when schools in the country still generally lack a realistic sex education program. Given this situation, the aim of this study is to gather student opinions on current school-based sex education in Korea. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in Seoul, Incheon, and Kyunggi Province to assess the status and needs of high school sexuality education. Survey data was obtained from 1,160 senior high school students. In this study 68.8% of boys and 94.4% of girls had some school-based sex or sexuality education. The mean hours of sex education instruction of boys and girls were 2.29 and 3.39 hours respectively. There are several reasons for not being satisfied with sex education in schools. Lack of information was the first reason in all categories. About seventy-four percent of respondents felt that the sex education taught in schools did not cover the information that they want. The second reason was that there was no trained sex education teacher. Lack of materials, interactive teaching method, and time were the other reasons given. They advocated starting sex education in elementary school and covering all topics by the age-appropriate level. More than half supported that sex education should be made compulsory in schools.
Implementation Processes, Structures, and Barriers to High School Restructuring: A Case Study
Authors: Whitaker Kathryn S.
Published: May 2022

In this article, the results of a case study of high school restructuring are presented. The high school studied was a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools and a state Re: Learning Project. The intent of the study was to examine how the implementation of the Coalition's nine principles affected school structures and processes, how staff interpreted the changes, the roles played by school and district leadership, and the barriers associated with the changes. The results of the study showed that the nine common principles were implemented primarily by the school-within-a-school program. In addition, several barriers prevented the full implementation of the Coalition principles. Barriers to change included staff jealousy of the school-within-a-school, political controversy within the school district, decreased staff development opportunities, and lack of communication and buy-in. The article also points to the important role of leadership in implementing change at the high school level.
Association of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with the Risk of Fatal Stroke Occurrence in Older Chinese
Authors: Hu Zhi-bing , Zhong Qiong-qiong , Lu Ze-xiong , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2022

Background

Associations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its longitudinal change with risk of fatal strokes are unclear in older populations.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, a total of 27,799 participants were included and followed up for a mean of 14.3 years (standard deviation = 3.2). 838 stroke deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess associations of NLR with fatal strokes.

Results

Compared to those in the first quartile and after adjustment for a series of factors, the participants in the highest neutrophil quartile had an increased risk of fatal all stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–1.79) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.17–2.12). Restricted cubic splines showed an increased trend of relationship between the NLR and fatal all stroke. The participants with the highest NLR quartile had an increased risk of fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.23–1.88) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR = 1.59, 95% CI, 1.13–2.26), respectively; Similar associations repeated after further C-reactive protein adjustment; a 21% and a 32% increased risk of fatal all stroke and fatal ischaemic stroke showed in a continuous variable model. Those in NLR change with 5% increase had a 70% increased risk of fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.70, 95%CI, 1.13–2.57), compared to those in stable (−5%∼5%).

Conclusions

Higher NLR was associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke and fatal ischaemic stroke, and its longitudinal change increase of ≥ 5% was associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke in a relatively healthy older population.
The clinical journey and healthcare resources required for dialysis access of end-stage kidney disease patients during their first year of hemodialysis
Authors: Ho Pei , Binte Taufiq Chong Ah Hoo Nur Nabila Farhana , Cheng Yi Xin , Meng Lingyan , Chai Min Shen Darryl , Teo Boon Wee , Ma Valerie , Hargreaves Carol Anne
Published: May 2022

Background:

Creation and maintenance of dialysis vascular access (VA) is a major component of healthcare resource utilization and cost for patients newly started on hemodialysis (HD). Different VA format arises due to patient acceptance of anticipatory care versus late preparation, and clinical characteristics. This study reviews the clinical journey and resource utilization required for different VA formats in the first year of HD.

Method:

Data of patients newly commenced on HD between July 2015 and June 2016 were reviewed. Patients were grouped by their VA format: (A) pre-emptive surgically created VA (SCVA), (B) tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) followed by SCVA creation, (C) long-term tunneled CVC only. Clinical events, number of investigations and procedures, hospital admissions, and incurred costs of the three groups were compared.

Results:

In the multivariable analysis, the cost incurred by the group A patients had no significant difference to that incurred in the group B patients ( p = 0.08), while the cost of group C is significantly lower ( p < 0.001). Both the 62.7% of group A with successful SCVA who avoided tunneled CVC usage, and those with a functionally matured SCVA in group B (66.1%), used fewer healthcare resources and incurred less cost for their access compared to those did not ( p = 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively) during the first year of HD.

Conclusion:

With comparable cost, a pre-emptive approach enables avoidance of tunneled CVC. Tunneled CVC only access format incurred lower cost and is suitable for carefully selected patients. Successful maturation of SCVA greatly affects patients’ clinical journey and healthcare cost.
Multiscale analysis of material flow and computational fluid dynamics for predicting individual diethyl-hexyl phthalate exposure concentration in indoors
Authors: Muta Ryota , Yoo Sung-Jun , Kim Hyuntae , Matsumoto Toru , Ito Kazuhide
Published: May 2022

The establishment of a healthy indoor environment requires the accurate evaluation of an individual’s exposure to pollutants. The concentration of indoor chemical pollutants is a representative indicator for such evaluation and is generally measured on-site. Moreover, material flow analysis (MFA), using macroscopic statistical data, is a reasonable method for objectively evaluating pollution on a wide scale; however, no effective strategy exists for the prediction of indoor air pollution, nor for the assessment of an individual’s exposure from social stock data. Accordingly, we developed a novel integration method comprising MFA and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with a computer-simulated person (CSP) to establish a framework for evaluating indoor pollutant concentration and individual exposure of residents. We focused on diethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP) and first estimated the amount of DEHP-containing product accumulation in Japan by MFA. Second, we conducted a thorough survey and measurement of DEHP emission rates. Using these results as boundary conditions for indoor CFD with CSP, the individual exposure of a resident, in a standard residential house, was quantitatively evaluated. The total daily exposure per unit of body weight was estimated to be more than 100 (μg/kg/d) in the worst-case scenario which was considered the upper limit for exposure in this analysis.
Hierarchy and inequality in research: Practices, ethics and experiences
Authors: Frers Lars , Meier Lars
Published: May 2022

Research as a social practice enacts social hierarchies in the relation between researcher and the researched. Taking up the critique of the consequences of such hierarchies in the production of knowledge, participatory methods aim to decolonize this power relation. This article contributes to this topic by discussing limits of participation, highlighting the often unexpected reemergence of power and hierarchies in a leveled research field. We take a closer look at how inequalities are emerging and negotiated in the research process. Troublings of hierarchies during the research process are considered as eminently productive for the analysis of social inequalities and for maintaining a precarious ethics of care in the research process. Other articles that also contribute to the special issue opened by this contribution analyze sources and expressions of hierarchy and power troubles during qualitative research by putting a specific focus on unforeseen challenges, inversions, and obstacles that arise during research processes. The contributions demonstrate what specific insights into social inequalities can be gained through an analytical focus on such troubles. It is demonstrated that a critical reflection of inequalities in research relations can also be a contribution to research on social inequalities in general.
Adventure in the social world: Georg Simmel’s appeal to a theory of creative action
Authors: Lafontaine Simon
Published: May 2022

Reconstructing the logic of everyday action between reproduction and invention of forms is a growing concern in contemporary debates on the praxeological foundation of sociology. This article argues for a renewed understanding of action in its contingency and creativity. Building on current developments on the role of projectivity and imagination in the emergence of the new and unexpected in action, it turns to Simmel’s undervalued essay “The Adventure” to examine a style of conduct characterized by deviation from predicable patterns and background assumptions in everyday life. To understand the emergent properties and intrinsic complexity of creative action, one must consider the philosophical discoveries of Simmel concerning the form of adventure in the subjective flow of time. The adventure is elaborated as an action involving curiosity, unfamiliar detours, and a sense of presentness as striking features that benefit insights from his later work on life’s transcendence.
The Process of Democratisation, the Political Parties and the Electoral Systems in the Western Balkans (1990–2020)
Authors: Passarelli Gianluca
Published: May 2022

At the end of the twentieth century, the transition from non-democratic regimes has been the most important political event in the Western Balkans. The fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 paved the way to the sudden collapse and breakdown of the communist regimes in Eastern Europe and in the Western Balkans, albeit some of them did already show a growing decline. Despite the variation in terms of institutional framework and electoral systems, the Western Balkan countries do present difference in some aspects of the political system but not for all the variables considered. The different scenarios that involved the Western Balkan countries during the armed conflicts have generated often negative outcomes in terms of democratic performances, or better have exacerbated persistent resistances to the democratic strengthening from the political actors. The factors beyond these different patterns can be indicated in three main areas: (1) the type of democratic transition and the role of the different actors in the process, (2) the influence of the political parties and their genetic features and (3) finally, considering the context, the impact of the war in the country
Impact of insulin therapy on outcomes of diabetic patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jingxing , Hu Xinhua
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To compare clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with heart failure managed by insulin with those managed by non-insulin (oral hypoglycemic agents and/or lifestyle modification) based therapy.

Methods:

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies conducted on diabetic patients with heart failure. Studies were to compare outcomes of patients managed by insulin versus non-insulin therapies.

Results:

15 studies were included. Compared to those who were managed using non-insulin therapy, insulin-treated patients had increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.88) and cardiovascular specific mortality (RR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.96). Those managed using insulin also had increased risk of hospitalization (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.93) and readmission (RR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.67). There was no additional risk for stroke (RR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.27) or myocardial infarction (MI) (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.27) between the two groups of patients.

Conclusions:

Receipt of insulin among diabetic patients with heart failure was associated with an increased risk of mortality, hospitalization and readmission compared to management using oral hypoglycemic agents and/or lifestyle modification. Such patients should be closely monitored for any adverse events.
Breaking the Cycle of Family Violence: A Critique of Family Violence Interventions
Authors: Livings Michelle S. , Hsiao Victor , Withers Mellissa
Published: May 2022

As the intergenerational transmission of family violence is associated with numerous negative outcomes, interventions are needed to interrupt this cycle. Our aim is to review the family violence intervention literature and to assess whether and how interventions interrupt the intergenerational transmission of family violence. Papers about interventions were identified through database searches (PubMed, JSTOR, CINAHL, PsycINFO), supplemented by review of references and relevant review papers. Eligibility criteria included: empirical studies detailing interventions to interrupt or prevent child abuse/maltreatment and/or intimate partner violence, published between January 2000 and August 2020, and written in English. Of the 14 papers included in this narrative review, only 3 explicitly stated that they aimed to break the cycle of family violence; 12 papers came from high-income countries, and 10 focused on individuals, with half focusing on mothers. We identify effective intervention approaches, including long-term one-on-one coaching and home visits to improve parenting. Results demonstrate a dose–response relationship, suggesting the lasting value of increased intervention frequency and duration. We highlight gaps in the literature, including the need for interventions in low-income countries, and those geared toward fathers and neighborhoods/communities. We also examine the many methodological challenges of this work, such as possible biases related to the use of retrospective data, lack of objective outcome measures, and absence of long-term follow-up. Our recommendations for future research include incorporating trauma-informed frameworks, developing standardized definitions and measures to facilitate the comparison of intervention results, and designing more interventions specifically for fathers/husbands and for the prevention of intimate partner violence.
Social-Ecological Correlates of Loneliness Among Young Adult U.S. Males
Authors: Rovito Kathy E. , Herring R. Patti , Beeson W. Lawrence , Gamboa-Maldonado Thelma , Lee Jerry W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Social disconnection, such as loneliness, is recognized as a significant public health concern in the United States, and young adult males may carry the greater burden of this issue when compared with their female peers. Little is known about the correlates of loneliness for this population. This study examines the social-ecological correlates of loneliness in young adult males.

Methods

Males, aged 18 to 25 years, in the United States were recruited to take part in a cross-sectional electronic survey. Loneliness was assessed as a composite measure. The social-ecological correlates consisted of intrapersonal-level (e.g., social-demographic characteristics), interpersonal-level (e.g., adverse childhood experiences), community-level (e.g., life expectancy at the county level), and societal-level (e.g., idealized masculine gender) variables. A four-block hierarchical regression was performed with each block representing the respective social-ecological level.

Results

Among the study sample ( n = 495), the intra- and interpersonal variables significantly shared 10% and an incremental 3%, respectively, of the explained variance in loneliness. Mental health diagnosis (β = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.54, 1.59]), childhood physical and emotional abuse (β = 0.21, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.39]), and childhood sexual abuse (β = 0.30, 95% CI: [0.01, 0.60]) were significantly associated with greater loneliness.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that the micro-level (intra- and interpersonal) correlates may be most important in predicting loneliness in young adult males. Specifically, young males with a mental health diagnosis and those with greater experiences of childhood adversity are at potentially greater risk for loneliness. Implications for research, programming, and policy are highlighted.
The Role of Autoflorescence Imaging Device in the Evaluation of Bacteria Burden Control
Authors: Janowska Agata , Davini Giulia , Iannone Michela , Fidanzi Cristian , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: May 2022

MolecuLight i:X is a autofluorescence, portable device that allows an assessment of wound area, perimeter, width and length and an evaluation in real time of wound surface bacteria (>104 CFU/g). Primary objective of our study was to evaluate the reduction of bacterial load associated to 3 different therapeutic approaches: dressings and multicomponent bandages (Group1), sharp debridement, dressings and multicomponent bandages (Group 2), and 10 patients treated with zinc oxide bandage (Group 3). Secondary objective was NRS pain scale, Wound Bed Score (WBS) and Quality of Life (QoL) assessment. Despite the improvement of bacterial load, WBS, Qol and NRS was evident in all 3 groups, the analysis of our results demonstrates that the application of zinc oxide bandage, directly in contact with the wound bed and/or the perilesional skin, resulted in a higher improvement and a significant reduction of WBS and bacterial load. Fluorescence imaging can help the specialist in a more targeted assessment and management of infection. Sharp debridement and antiseptic dressings are classically used to reduced bacteria burden. Zinc oxide directly on the wound is an interesting cost-effective option to control different types of bacteria.
Neuroimaging and Electroencephalographic Correlation in Patients with Transient Global Amnesia: Clinical Case Series
Authors: Theodorou Georgios-Theofilos , Psoma Elisavet , Terzoudi Aikaterini , Mavropoulou Xanthipi , Roilidis Ioannis , Vadikolias Konstantinos , Spilioti Martha
Published: May 2022

Objective. To determine if there is any correlation between the electroencephalographic and neuroimaging findings in patients with Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed files of the First Department of Neurology of AHEPA University Hospital, including patients with a clinical diagnosis of TGA. Only patients who had the characteristic high signal in the temporal lobes in the DWI MRI and those who underwent electroencephalographic recording (EEG) were selected. Results: Out of 28 patients, 8 were selected. We found that 6 out of 8 patients (75%) who had imaging findings in DWI, in at least one medial temporal lobe, also had had intermittent slow theta waves on the electroencephalographic recording. Of these 6 patients, 3 (50%) had bilateral EEG findings, 2 patients (33,3%) only had findings on the left hemisphere and 1 (17%) had on the right hemisphere. 3 out of 6 patients (50%) had electroencephalographic dominance on the left, while 2 out of the 6 (33%) had on the right. In 2 patients with imaging findings in DWI no anomalies were demonstrated on EEG. In 3 out of 8 patients, both MRI and EEG findings correlated on the same side, while 1 patient had opposite findings, depending on which hemisphere the EEG anomalies dominated. Conclusions: There is no absolute matching between the DWI MRI and EEG findings in patients with the clinical diagnosis of TGA. However, there is some degree of correlation, when we focus on the focal dominance of the EEG anomalies, although not statistically significant.
Quality of life of Brazilian families who have children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Pereira Rafaela Catelan Martins , Apis Aline , dos Santos Thamires Rosa , de Avó Lucimar Retto da Silva , Pilotto Rui Fernando , Germano Carla Maria Ramos , Melo Débora Gusmão
Published: May 2022

This cross-sectional and descriptive study examined the family quality of life (FQoL) among 72 Brazilian families who have children with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder in which most individuals have an intellectual disability, usually mild. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical data forms and the Beach Center FQoL Scale. The overall FQoL score was 3.90 ± 0.45, below the limit of four points considered satisfactory. Families felt more satisfied with the family interaction (4.11 ± 0.57), parenting (4.07 ± 0.42), and disability-related support (3.94 ± 0.62) domains, and less satisfied with the family’s emotional (3.49 ± 0.73) and physical/material well-being (3.73 ± 0.74) domains. Paternal education, children’s cardiopathy and autonomy in activities of daily living explained 24.5% of the variance in the overall FQoL. Measures are necessary to improve the emotional and physical/material well-being of families to reduce the family burden. Monitoring the child’s cardiac condition and promoting independence in activities of daily living are also the main procedures.
How do International Olympic Sport Federations innovate? The use of crowdfunding and the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Crespo Miguel , Botella-Carrubi Dolores , Jabaloyes Jose , Martínez-Gallego Rafael
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the understanding of innovation and crowdfunding of International Olympic Sport Federations (IFs), which are the world governing bodies of their respective sports. Three research questions were addressed: the perceptions of the IFs on the implementation of their innovation programmes during the last four years (2016–2020), the impact of COVID-19 on the IFs capability to innovate, and the crowdfunding strategies of the IFs. A mixed method combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. An online semi-structured questionnaire which included an open answer section was completed by IFs executives ( n = 22) and an analysis of the information provided by IFs through various content sources was conducted. Results showed that IFs with less funding had a significantly more innovative approach that their counterparts, that the perception of the impact of COVID-19 on the innovative capability was not unanimous, that they identified sport-specific programmes as the most innovative of all initiatives delivered during the pandemic, and that crowdfunding projects were implemented in their sport but mostly at individual and local levels. From a research perspective, since this is the first study that investigates the innovation and crowdfunding strategies of IFs, future directions include the need for further research with national and regional federations on these topics. Practical implications are suggested for IFs to deliver innovative programmes to satisfy their stakeholder needs and to consider new funding methods such as crowdfunding as part of their strategies.
Histological study of eyelid hidrocystoma: A clinical case
Authors: Karachrysafi Sofia , Fadel Georgios , Kapourani Viktoria , Akritidou Fani , Anastasiadou Pinelopi , Papamitsou Theodora , Sioga Antonia , Fadel Elie
Published: May 2022

Hidrocystomas are benign lesions with frequent localization on the eyelids and common appearance as isolated translucent cystic lesions. The multiple and bilateral localization has been associated with systemic diseases or epidermodysplasia. The histological and ultrastructural study contributes to the distinction in eccrine or apocrine. In this clinical case, multiple bilateral skin lesions of the eyelids were removed surgically from a 55-year-old male patient with free medical history. The lesions were fully removed surgically without rupture of the cysts. The obtained tissues were fixed and prepared for an anatomical pathology study as well as observation under the electron microscope. The histological study revealed cystic lesions with low cuboid epithelium and presence of cells and collagen fibrils, while the ultrastructural study also revealed the presence of apoptotic and secretory cells as well as vacuolization of the cytoplasm. No relapse of the lesions was obtained. In conclusion, the histological and ultrastructural study of multiple hidrocystomas can highlight special features that help to better classify and diagnose eccrine or apocrine hidrocystomas, while surgical removal without rupture of the cyst can prevent reappearance.
Anthropographics in COVID-19 simulations
Authors: Sorapure Madeleine
Published: May 2022

Data visualization researchers and designers have explored a range of approaches to ensure that non-expert audiences understand and derive value from their work. Using anthropomorphized data graphics—or anthropographics—is one strategy that can help create a connection between data and audiences. Anthropographics have been defined as “visualizations that represent data about people in a way that is intended to promote prosocial feelings (e.g. compassion or empathy) or prosocial behavior (e.g. donating or helping).” However, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, anthropographics were used in data visualizations that had an expanded range of rhetorical goals beyond promoting prosocial feelings and behavior—for instance, informing people about the pandemic, persuading them to adopt certain behaviors, or memorializing those killed by the virus. In particular, anthropographics were used in visualized simulations to model possible futures for audiences, showing the spread and impact of the virus in various scenarios. These simulations used anthropomorphizing strategies in text as well as in graphics, along with interactive options that enabled audiences to explore personal connections with the data. As demonstrated through a close reading of several of these COVID-19 simulations, anthropographics can be viewed holistically as a design strategy that incorporates text and interactivity as well as graphical marks in representing data. Findings from this analysis suggest several additions to the design space for anthropographics.