bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Research on Recognition Effect of DSCN Network Structure in Hand‐Drawn Sketch
Authors: Ji Qunjing
Published: November 2021

With the rapid development of image recognition technology, freehand sketch recognition has attracted more and more attention. How to achieve good recognition effect in the absence of color and texture information is the key to the development of freehand sketch recognition. Traditional nonlearning classical models are highly dependent on manual selection features. To solve this problem, a neural network sketch recognition method based on DSCN structure is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the stroke sequence of the sketch is drawn; then, the feature is extracted according to the stroke sequence combined with neural network, and the extracted image features are used as the input of the model to construct the time relationship between different image features. Through the control experiment on TU‐Berlin dataset, the results show that, compared with the traditional nonlearning methods, HOG‐SVM, SIFT‐Fisher Vector, MKL‐SVM, and FV‐SP, the recognition accuracy of DSCN network is improved by 15.8%, 10.3%, 6.0%, and 2.9%, respectively. Compared with the classical deep learning model, Alex‐Net, the recognition accuracy is improved by 5.6%. The above results show that the DSCN network proposed in this paper has strong ability of feature extraction and nonlinear expression and can effectively improve the recognition accuracy of hand‐painted sketches after introducing the stroke order.
An Empirical Study on the Influence of the Mobile Information System on Sports and Fitness on the Choice of Tourist Destinations
Authors: Weng Yan
Published: November 2021

Based on the popularity of mobile information and the important role of mobile information in marketing, the use of mobile information to publish travel information and travel advertisements has become a new choice for operators, which can also attract sports and fitness people. This article studies the influence of official microblog of tourist destination on tourists’ choice of tourist destination. In this study, five factors, such as the usefulness of official microblog, are taken as independent variables, tourist destination selection as dependent variables, and the mediating role of use attitude is taken into account. A research model is established to explore the impact of these variables on tourist destination selection. The results show that usefulness, ease of use, interactivity, and entertainment have direct effects on tourists’ willingness to choose tourist destinations; ease of use and interactivity can indirectly affect tourists’ choice of tourist destinations using attitudes; perceived trust needs to have a positive effect on tourists’ willingness to choose tourist destinations using attitudes.
Interpolating Stabilized Element Free Galerkin Method for Neutral Delay Fractional Damped Diffusion-Wave Equation
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Dehghan Mehdi , Zaky Mahmoud A. , Hendy Ahmed S.
Published: November 2021

A numerical solution for neutral delay fractional order partial differential equations involving the Caputo fractional derivative is constructed. In line with this goal, the drift term and the time Caputo fractional derivative are discretized by a finite difference approximation. The energy method is used to investigate the rate of convergence and unconditional stability of the temporal discretization. The interpolation of moving Kriging technique is then used to approximate the space derivative, yielding a meshless numerical formulation. We conclude with some numerical experiments that validate the theoretical findings.
A Case of Multiple Posterior Intercostal Artery Common Trunks in Conjunction with Additional Arterial Variations
Authors: Fanselow Nicholas R. , Wallace Nolan , Sehi Daniel , Coomar Lokesh , Martin John , Tan Yun , Daly Daniel T.
Published: November 2021

Several thoracic vasculature variations were observed in an 81-year-old male cadaver during routine dissection. These included 5 common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries, a descending branch of the right vertebral artery, and atypical neurovascular relationships within intercostal spaces. On the right side, two common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries were observed supplying the 4th-7th intercostal spaces and 9th-11th intercostal spaces, respectively. There was also a small accessary branch supplying the 9th intercostal space. The first three posterior intercostal spaces on the right were supplied by a descending branch of the vertebral artery. On the left side, three common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries were encountered, supplying intercostal spaces 3-5, 6-7, and 11 plus the subcostal space. An atypical neurovascular relationship was observed in the right 6th intercostal space, as well as the left 2nd, 3rd, and 6th intercostal spaces. This is the first case report that presents 5 common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries, as well as common trunks in conjunction with other arterial variation in the posterior thoracic wall. These variations carry a high level of clinical significance and may be helpful in guiding decision-making related to surgical procedures related to the posterior thoracic cavity and spine.
The Necessity of CT Hip Scans in the Investigation of Occult Hip Fractures and Their Effect on Patient Management
Authors: Gatt Thomas , Cutajar Daniel , Borg Lara , Giordmaina Ryan
Published: November 2021

The diagnostic challenge of negative plain radiography in the context of a previously ambulatory patient is increasing with the rise in geriatric trauma. These patients are often diagnosed with small undisplaced fractures of the pelvis and femur which may not alter management. This study aims to assess the frequency at which computed tomography (CT) hip scans altered patient management and whether two X-ray projections of the hip affected fracture detection rate. All CT hip scans performed over a three-year period were identified retrospectively. Only CT hips pertaining to the identification of occult fractures were included in the study. A total of 447 (63.6%) CT hips were performed to exclude an occult fracture, which was only detected in 108 (24.1%) of the scans requested. The majority were subcapital (n = 58, 53.7%) or intertrochanteric (n = 39, 36.1%). There was no significant difference between fracture detection rates when comparing one and two views of the pelvis. 82.4% (n = 89) of occult hip fractures were managed operatively. CT imaging led to a change in patient management in 20% of cases. The frequency at which CT scan detects and alters management in occult hip fractures confirms the justification for its use. Increasing the number of X-ray projection views does not decrease the reliance on CT. Pelvic ring fractures are common in nonambulatory patients following trauma, and if confirmed on initial imaging, subsequent imaging to exclude a concurrent occult hip is unnecessary. The focus of further research should be towards the development of investigation algorithms which decrease the reliance on CT and defining the optimal surgical criteria for occult hip fractures.
The Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization plus Apatinib or Sorafenib in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lei , Sun Tao , Wu Linxia , Zhang Weihua , Ren Yanqiao , Xiang Dongqiao , Liang Bin , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: November 2021

Background. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib (TACE-S) or apatinib (TACE-A) is used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, to date, no study has compared the efficacy and safety of both treatments. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of patients with advanced HCC who received either TACE-S or TACE-A. Methods. 193 patients with advanced HCC were included in the study between June 2015 and December 2019. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used in the study to reduce selection bias. Results. Before PSM, the median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) of patients treated with TACE-S were not significantly longer than in patients treated with TACE-A (

P
=
0.703

,

P
=
0.514

). TACE-A did not increase the mortality risk compared with TACE-S in the first 12 months (HR: 1.255, 95%CI: 0.796–1.978,

P
=
0.329

) or after the 12-month mark (HR: 0.832, 95%CI: 0.482–1.436,

p
=
0.508

). Similarly, TACE-A did not increase the tumor recurrence risk relative to TACE-S in the first 12 months (HR: 1.054, 95%CI: 0.744–1.493,

P
=
0.767

) or after the 12-month mark (HR: 1.730, 95%CI: 0.592–5.049,

P
=
0.316

). The subgroups analysis showed that TACE-A did not increase mortality risk or tumor recurrence risk relative to TACE-S. After PSM, similar results were presented. The III and IV stage adverse events in the TACE-A group were similar to those in the TACE-S group before PSM. Conclusions. Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma could get similar survival benefits from treatment with either transarterial chemoembolization plus apatinib or transarterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Management of General Practitioners of the Hospital Districts of Ouagadougou about Migraine (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Dabilgou A. A. , Dravé A. , Kyelem J. M. A. , Zoma A. , Napon C. , Millogo A. , Karfo K. , Kaboré J.
Published: November 2021

Background. Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by severe headache attacks that may be debilitating. The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners in the hospital districts of the city of Ouagadougou on migraine. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in hospital districts of Ouagadougou. The data were collected during three months from February 1 to April 30, 2020. Results. The study included 116 general practitioners. Thirteen percent of them were suffering from migraine. All participants had previous experience with migraine diagnosis before the survey. Eighty percent of general practitioners had a good level of knowledge of ICDH-3 criteria (knowing 6-7 criteria). The most widely recognized IHS criteria were pulsatility quality (93.1%), photophobia or sonophobia (80.2%), and mild-to-moderate intensity (80%). Ninety-five (81.9%) general practitioners rarely ordered brain imaging. The most common acute treatments were nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (39.47%), paracetamol (44.74%), and derivate of ergot (3.95%). The most common preventive treatments were amitriptyline (27.8%), derivate of ergot (18.9%), and NSAID (16.7%). The majority of general practitioners (56.9%) have referred headache patients to a colleague or specialist. Conclusions. Our study found that diagnostic criteria and acute treatment of migraine were well known by the majority of general practitioners, in contrast of preventive treatment.
Research on Aerobics Training and Evaluation Method Based on Artificial Intelligence-Aided Modeling
Authors: Chen Chen
Published: November 2021

Traditional aerobics training methods have the problems of lack of auxiliary teaching conditions and low-training efficiency. With the in-depth application of artificial intelligence and computer-aided training methods in the field of aerobics teaching and practice, this paper proposes a local space-time preserving Fisher vector (FV) coding method and monocular motion video automatic scoring technology. Firstly, the gradient direction histogram and optical flow histogram are extracted to describe the motion posture and motion characteristics of the human body in motion video. After normalization and data dimensionality reduction based on the principal component analysis, the human motion feature vector with discrimination ability is obtained. Then, the spatiotemporal pyramid method is used to embed spatiotemporal features in FV coding to improve the ability to identify the correctness and coordination of human behavior. Finally, the linear model of different action classifications is established to determine the action score. In the key frame extraction experiment of the aerobics action video, the ST-FMP model improves the recognition accuracy of uncertain human parts in the flexible hybrid joint human model by about 15 percentage points, and the key frame extraction accuracy reaches 81%, which is better than the traditional algorithm. This algorithm is not only sensitive to human motion characteristics and human posture but also suitable for sports video annotation evaluation, which has a certain reference significance for improving the level of aerobics training.
Relationships between Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitor TIMP-2, and Renal Function in Patients with Myocarditis
Authors: Kobusiak-Prokopowicz Małgorzata , Kaaz Konrad , Marciniak Dominik , Karolko Bożena , Mysiak Andrzej
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Under physiological conditions, the myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is maintained by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). However, changes in the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can lead to pathological remodeling of the ECM, which contributes to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The aim of our study was to assess levels of MMPs and TIMP-2 in patients with myocarditis and their relationship to renal function. Materials and Methods: Forty five patients with myocarditis who underwent CMR were included, comprising 11 with concurrent chronic kidney disease (CKD). Blood samples were obtained to assess serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-2. Results: Serum MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 levels negatively correlated with the ejection fraction in patients with myocarditis, while MMP-3 levels correlated with longitudinal deformation (p < 0.05). Serum MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 levels also negatively correlated with renal function, as assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p < 0.05). Patients with myocarditis and concurrent CKD had higher levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 than those without kidney damage. Conclusions: (1) We demonstrated that MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 concentrations were related to left-ventricular ejection fraction, and MMP-3 levels correlated with longitudinal deformation, indicating MMPs play an important role in the post-inflammatory remodeling of the myocardium. (2) A negative correlation between the eGFR and MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 and a positive correlation between creatinine and MMP-3 levels indicate the role of MMPs and TIMP-2 in renal dysfunction.
A 6-Month Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Application, UControlDrink, in Aiding Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Farren Conor , Farrell Aoife , Hagerty Aisling , McHugh Cliodhna
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting. Methods: A total of 111 participants with AUD were recruited into this randomized controlled trial, following completion of a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (n = 54) used the smartphone app “UControlDrink” (UCD) over 6 months with treatment as usual (TAU), and the control group (n = 57) received TAU. All subjects suffered from AUD as the primary disorder, with other major psychiatric disorders excluded. All intervention subjects used the UCD smartphone app in the treatment trial, and all subjects underwent TAU consisting of outpatient weekly support groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Additional measurements were made to assess mood, anxiety, craving, and motivation. Results were analysed using intention-to-treat analyses. Results: Retention in the study was 72% at 3 months and 52% at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in heavy drinking days in the intervention group relative to TAU over the 6 months, p < 0.02. Conclusions: The UCD smartphone app demonstrates a significant benefit to reducing heavy drinking days over a 6-month post-rehabilitation period in AUD.
Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Yarza Shaked , Peleg Roni
Published: November 2021

Background: There is no clear-cut evidence in the existing medical literature of an association between iron deficiency and nonscarring alopecia. Objective: The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the medical literature on the prevalence of iron deficiency in women with nonscarring alopecia and compare their ferritin levels with those of women without this condition. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched between June 15, 2019, and July 24, 2019. Studies that evaluated the prevalence of iron deficiency in women with nonscarring alopecia and/or compared ferritin levels in women with and without this condition were entered into the meta-analysis. Thirty-six of 928 identified studies entered the systematic meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects method. Results: The overall number of participants was 10,029. The prevalence of ferritin levels from 10 to 15 ng/dL and below was 21% (12; 29). Women with nonscarring alopecia had lower ferritin values at MD = −18.51 ng/dL (−25.85; −11.16, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Women with hair loss can benefit from higher ferritin levels.
Pankreaskarzinom: Multimodale Therapie verbessert Resektabilität
Authors: Homayounfar Kia
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy is the standard in patients with initially nonmetastatic unresectable pancreatic cancer. Additional surgery is in discussion. The CONKO-007 multicenter randomized trial examines the value of radiotherapy. Our interim analysis showed a significant effect of surgery, which may be relevant to clinical practice. Methods: One hundred eighty patients received induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX). Patients without tumor progression were randomized to either chemotherapy alone or to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. At the end of therapy, a panel of five independent pancreatic surgeons judged the resectability of the tumor. Results: Following induction chemotherapy, 126/180 patients (70.0%) were randomized to further treatment. Following study treatment, 36/126 patients (28.5%) underwent surgery; (R0: 25/126 [19.8%]; R1/R2/Rx [n = 11/126; 6.1%]). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly better for patients with R0 resected tumors (median DFS and OS: 16.6 months and 26.5 months, respectively) than for nonoperated patients (median DFS and OS: 11.9 months and 16.5 months, respectively; p = 0.003). In the 25 patients with R0 resected tumors before treatment, only 6/113 (5.3%) of the recommendations of the panel surgeons recommended R0 resectability, compared with 17/48 (35.4%) after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Tumor resectability of pancreatic cancer staged as unresectable at primary diagnosis should be reassessed after neoadjuvant treatment. The patient should undergo surgery if a resectability is reached, as this significantly improves their prognosis.
Determination of Chestnut Honey Consumption Characteristics as a Traditional Treatment Method and Its Effect on Protection from COVID-19
Authors: Yılmaz Kübra , Ceylan Erdal , Derelioğlu Gülşen
Published: November 2021

Background: Chestnut honey plays a positive role in strengthening the immune system as it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It, moreover, has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. Objectives: This study aimed to examine how people consume chestnut honey as a form of traditional medicine and how it might protect them from COVID-19. Methods: This study was carried out on 177 people (who had been snowball sampled) from a province in Turkey where chestnut honey is widely produced. The data was collected using a 20-open/closed-question online questionnaire form that asked the participants to report their sociodemographic details, how they consume chestnut honey, and about COVID-19. Results: 41.8% of the participants reported that they used chestnut honey to protect themselves against COVID-19, 40.7% believed that chestnut honey helped to make them immune against COVID-19, and 37.3% felt that chestnut honey could treat COVID-19. However, there was no significant relationship between the participants consuming chestnut honey and their either being tested for COVID-19 (p > 0.05, χ2 = 1.080) or testing positive for COVID-19 (p > 0.05, χ2 = 0.793). Conclusions: This study revealed that chestnut honey is a widely used remedy in Turkey for treating different health problems and for maintaining health. In contrast, it also demonstrated that consuming chestnut honey has no effect on protecting the participants from COVID-19.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide and Stroke Recurrence Depends on Ischemic Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Xu Jie , Cheng Aichun , Song Bo , Zhao Mingming , Xue Jing , Wang Anxin , Dai Liye , Jing Jing , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Zheng Lemin , Wang Yongjun
Published: November 2021

Background:

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the role of TMAO in ischemic stroke remains unclear. As we know, ischemic stroke is a heterogeneous disease with variable pathogenesis. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between TMAO and stroke recurrence according to etiology subtypes.

Methods:

A total of 10 756 ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack patients from the Third China National Stroke Registry were enrolled, and 1-year follow-up data for stroke recurrence were analyzed. TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria was used to classify the etiology subtypes. Plasma TMAO levels were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The association between TMAO and stroke outcomes was analyzed using Cox regression models. We also conducted a meta-analysis on the association of TMAO levels and stroke risk.

Results:

Elevated TMAO level was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence (Q4 versus Q1: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.15–1.64]) in multivariate Cox regression model. After stratification by TOAST subtypes, there was a significant association between TMAO and stroke recurrence in small artery occlusion subtype (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.03–2.00]) but not in the others subtype (large-artery atherosclerosis, 1.19 [0.95–1.48]; cardioembolism, 1.54 [0.95–2.48]; others, 1.19 [0.98–1.44]). The meta-analysis reported on stroke recurrence for the highest versus lowest TMAO levels with a pooled hazard ratio of 1.66 (95% CI, 0.91–3.01) and similarly found an increased risk of stroke recurrence.

Conclusions:

Elevated TMAO level is associated with increased risk of stroke recurrence in patients with small artery occlusion subtype, but this association seems to be attenuated in large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, and others subtypes.
Test-retest reliability of regression dynamic causal modeling
Authors: Frässle Stefan , Stephan Klaas E.
Published: November 2021

Regression dynamic causal modeling (rDCM) is a novel and computationally highly efficient method for inferring effective connectivity at the whole-brain level. While face and construct validity of rDCM have already been demonstrated, here we assessed its test-retest reliability—a test-theoretical property of particular importance for clinical applications—together with group-level consistency of connection-specific estimates and consistency of whole-brain connectivity patterns over sessions. Using the Human Connectome Project dataset for eight different paradigms (tasks and rest) and two different parcellation schemes, we found that rDCM provided highly consistent connectivity estimates at the group level across sessions. Second, while test-retest reliability was limited when averaging over all connections (range of mean intraclass correlation coefficient 0.24–0.42 over tasks), reliability increased with connection strength, with stronger connections showing good to excellent test-retest reliability. Third, whole-brain connectivity patterns by rDCM allowed for identifying individual participants with high (and in some cases perfect) accuracy. Comparing the test-retest reliability of rDCM connectivity estimates with measures of functional connectivity, rDCM performed favorably—particularly when focusing on strong connections. Generally, for all methods and metrics, task-based connectivity estimates showed greater reliability than those from the resting state. Our results underscore the potential of rDCM for human connectomics and clinical applications.
Giant otter behaviour in a mega-hydroelectric reservoir, Central Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Ramalheira Claudiane S. , Cabral Márcia M.M. , da Silva Vera M.F. , Rosas Fernando C.W.
Published: November 2021

We tracked thirteen giant otters from three different groups in the Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir. One of them was a transient animal, while the others were living in groups of five and seven individuals. Travelling was the most frequent behaviour, both for the transient otter (>40%) and group otters (46%). Diurnal resting was the longest-lasting behaviour. Most giant otter behaviour in the reservoir showed little difference when compared with the behaviour of giant otters living in nondammed areas, indicating a significant degree of resilience of this species. However, otters in the reservoir spent more time travelling, probably because their territory sizes were much greater than the territories of giant otters in nondammed areas. The frequency of fishing was similar to what has been recorded elsewhere, suggesting that current fish density and availability in the reservoir is similar to what is observed in nondammed areas. Nevertheless, otters in Balbina spent more time fishing than those in nondammed areas, which alternatively could suggest that fish density in the reservoir was low and could be compensated by increasing the time spent fishing. The high frequency of intraspecific kleptoparasitism observed in this study (62%) is noteworthy, although virtually undocumented for this species. This is the first study of giant otter behaviour in a hydroelectric reservoir that can be used for the conservation of this endangered species in man-made lakes.
Cultivating STEAM Literacy: Emphasizing the Implementation of the Arts through Reading Practices Supporting the Asian Diaspora
Authors: Park Jennifer C.
Published: November 2021

This paper explores the cultivation of STEAM literacy through the employment of practices derived from traditional reading strategies. This teaching and learning framework focuses on utilizing multimodal texts to increase exposure and opportunities for students to creatively explore diverse realms of STEM through the arts. Featuring student-centered endeavors through self-selected texts and in-class reading practices followed by tiered scaffolded discourse engagements, this framework initiates greater interest, autonomy, and culturally and linguistically authentic practices enhancing STEAM literacy. Embedded in the implications is the deconstruction of frequently aggregated STEM data that “overrepresents” the Asian demographic. Using the lens of the model minority myth, this paper attempts to disaggregate the Asian category, illuminating the actual diaspora that makes up the Asian and Asian American communities, many of which are not represented in STEM fields. Through more reading opportunities and fostering discourse practices, the arts contribute greater inclusion, cultivating STEAM literacy for all students.
The Politics of Protest Processes: A Portrayal
Authors: Whitehead Laurence
Published: November 2021

This integrated overview of a dynamic field of study covers two main areas. The first half concerns the main internal dimensions of protest movements- their scope and variability, their ideational foundations, and their dynamics, including leadership and resource base. The second half places these movements in the context of their interactions with public authorities, and introduces certain key literatures, including “contentious” politics and the “exit, voice and loyalty” framework.
The Green Movement in Iran: Reformist Roots and Objective
Authors: Akbar Ali
Published: November 2021

The protests that rocked the streets of Tehran and some other major Iranian cities in 2009, gradually coming to be known collectively as the Green Movement, were triggered after the official announcement of that year’s presidential election result. This article will demonstrate how key features of the Green Movement – including the mass participation of youth, women and university students – were rooted in sociopolitical changes that occurred in Iran in the late 1990s and 2000s. The article argues that the Green Movement should be viewed as a reformist movement which sought to implement certain reforms in Iranian society – an agenda also pursued by its leaders – rather than a revolutionary movement seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
Taking Back Civic Space: Nonviolent Protests and Pushbacks against Autocratic Restrictions in Thailand
Authors: Sombatpoonsiri Janjira , Kri-aksorn Thammachat
Published: November 2021

The year of 2020 witnessed the eruption of Thailand’s largest and longest-lasting mass demonstrations since the 2014 military putsch. Despite threats of crackdown, protesters leveraged a host of innovative nonviolent actions to reclaim political space that the regime had previously squeezed. This article sheds light on key mechanisms that underpin nonviolent actions’ ability to push back against a trend of shrinking space. We argue that the logic of nonviolent action, tactical and digital creativity, and counteracting repression operates in tandem. First, specific forms of nonviolent action carved out space for popular protest and increased public participation in it despite regime hindrances. Second, particularly tactical and digital creativity sustained this mass participation by reversing some effects of repression. Third, nonviolent responses to this repression encouraged further anti-regime mobilization. We conclude our analysis with some caveats. The Thai case shows that keeping regained space can be difficult.
The Complexity of Associative Diffusion: Reassessing the Relationship between Network Structure and Cultural Variation
Authors: DellaPosta Daniel , Davoodi Marjan
Published: November 2021

Goldberg and Stein (2018) present an innovative agent-based computational model that shows how cultural associations can diffuse through superficial interpersonal interactions. They counterintuitively argue that segmented networks—for example, those resembling “small worlds” with dense local clustering—inhibit rather than promote cultural diffusion. This finding is notable because it breaks with a long line of influential research showing that local clustering is crucial to diffusion in cases where behaviors and practices—including cultural beliefs—require multiple reinforcements in order to spread. Replicating Goldberg and Stein’s model, we find this result only holds consistently in settings approximating small-group interactions. In models with larger populations, and where cultural associations require repeated reinforcement through social observation, locally clustered small-world networks can promote global cultural variation as well as globally-connected networks, and sometimes do so better. The complex interactions among parameters that lead to this reversal in Goldberg and Stein’s model are instructive for theoretical models of interpersonal influence.
MILLER Banding Procedure for Treatment of Dialysis Access–Related Steal Syndrome, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Heart Failure
Authors: Alqassieh Ahmad , Dennis Patrick B. , Mehta Veena , Shi June , Lin Angello , Taber Dave , Rohan Vinayak
Published: November 2021

A Minimally Invasive Limited Ligation Endoluminal-assisted Revision (MILLER) banding procedure has been used for treating patients with dialysis access–related steal syndrome (DASS) and high-flow vascular access–related pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and heart failure (HF).

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing the MILLER procedure performed for DASS, HF, and PHT from our Vascular Access Database from September 2017 to October 2019. Outcomes included primary patency of banding, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency, using time-to-event analyses with Kaplan-Meier curves and life tables to estimate 6- and 12-month rates.

A total of 13 patients (6 men and 7 women, mean age 60 ± 14 years) underwent the MILLER procedure, 6 patients for DASS and 7 patients for pulmonary hypertension and heart failure (PHT/HF). Technical success was achieved in all patients. The longest duration of follow-up was 28 months (median 12 months [IQR 7, 19]). One patient died at 1 month after the intervention due to stroke. One patient developed access thrombosis of the graft 3 days after the procedure. Repeat banding was required in 1 patient 8 months after the first procedure. The 6-month primary patency rate of banding following this procedure was 83% while the 12-month rate was 66%. The 6- and 12-month secondary patency rates were 87% and 75%, respectively.

The MILLER procedure can be performed for DASS and PHT/HF with improvement of symptoms and good long-term patency rates. Additional interventions to maintain patency and efficacy are required on long-term follow-up.
Factors Favoring the Development of Chronic Subdural Hematoma After Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly
Authors: Wasfie Tarik , Fitzpatrick Nicholas , Niasan Mursal , Hille Jennifer L. , Yapchai Raquel , Hella Jennifer , Barber Kimberly , Brimmier Alexis , Shapiro Brian
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Traumatic acute subdural hematoma (TASDH) is by far the most common traumatic brain injury in elderly patients presented to the emergency department, and a number of those treated conservatively will develop chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The factors contributing to chronicity were not well studied in the elderly; therefore, we retrospectively analyzed our elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas to identify the risk factors which might contribute to the development of subsequent CSDH.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 254 patients with TASDH admitted between 2012 and 2016 to our level 2 trauma department in a community hospital was collected. Data include age, sex, comorbid conditions, CT findings, anticoagulant therapy, surgical interventions, disposition after discharge, and mortality. Data on those readmitted within the first 2 months with the diagnosis of CSDH were also studied (group A), and compared to those not readmitted (group B). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors associated with readmission at P ≤ .05. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study.

Results

There were 254 patients who were admitted with TASDH, 144 male (56.7%) and 110 female (43.3%), with the mean age of 71.4 (SD ± 19.38) years. Only 37 patients (14.6%) went for surgery in their initial admission. A total of 14 patients (5.6%) were readmitted subsequently with the diagnosis of CSDH within two months of initial discharge (group A). Only four patients (28.5%) were on anticoagulant therapy and these patients went for emergency craniotomy for evacuation of hematoma. All 14 patients had a history of coronary artery disease and hypertension and only 5 (35.7%) were diabetic. Review of head CT on initial admission of those patients revealed 4 patients (28.5%) had multiple lesions and 4 (28.5%) had tentorial/falax bleeding and 4 (28.5%) had a shift. The initial size and thickness of the bleeding was 1.4-5 mm. The adjusted model identified diabetes, race, and initial disposition as significant risk factors ( P < .05).

Conclusion

Risk associated with the transformation of TASDH to CSDH is difficult to assess in those group of elderly patients because of the small number; however, diabetes, race, and initial disposition to home pointed toward a risk for future development of CSDH and those patients should be followed clinically and radiographically over the next few months after discharge, particularly those on anticoagulant therapy.
Comparison and Evaluation of China’s Urban Social Security Financing System Before and After the Reform
Authors: Huang Guan , Wang Jingmiao
Published: November 2021

The sustainability of China’s urban social security financing system has recently been seriously questioned. This article divides the financing system’s development into two periods (before and after reform). It compares the capital collection and the distribution and circulation structures and reviews the financing system before and after reform. In this study, we also discuss and explain the ‘empty account’ phenomenon, which severely undermines the financing system’s sustainability. We allege that the money accumulation system adopted after reform, which correlates personal accounts with the social pool, is not running as designed but as a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system. After evaluating the efficiency and cost performance of both periods, testing the financing system’s sustainability and correlating the system during both time periods with economic and social development, we find that the financing systems’ operation after reform corresponds with theories proved by case studies in other advanced states.
Africans Had No Business Fighting in Either the 1914–1918 War or the 1939–1945 War
Authors: Ekwe-Ekwe Herbert
Published: November 2021

The wars of 1914–1918 and 1939–1945 are without parallel in the expansive stretch of decades of the pan-European conquest and occupation of Africa in creating such profound opportunity to study the very entrenched desire by the European conqueror-states in Africa to perpetuate their control on the continent and its peoples indefinitely. The two principal protagonists in each conflict, Britain and Germany, were the lead powers of these conqueror-states that had formally occupied Africa since 1885. Against this cataclysmic background of history, Africans found themselves conscripted by both sides of the confrontation line in 1914–1918 to at once fight wars for and against their aggressors during which 1 million Africans were killed. Clearly, this was a case of double-jeopardy of conquered and occupied peoples fighting for their enemy-occupiers. In the follow-up 1939–1945 war, when Germany indeed no longer occupied any African land (having been defeated in the 1914–1918 encounter), Britain and allies France and Belgium (all continuing occupying powers in Africa) conscripted Africans, yet again, to fight for these powers in their new confrontation against Germany, and Japan, a country that was in no way an aggressor force in Africa. Hundreds of thousands of Africans were killed in this second war. In neither of these conflicts, as this study demonstrates, do the leaders of these warring countries who occupied (or hitherto occupied) Africa ever view their enforced presence in Africa as precisely the scenario or outcome they wished their own homeland was not subjected to by their enemies. On the contrary, just as it was their position in the aftermath of the 1914–1918 war, Britain, France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal in 1945 each envisaged the continuing occupation of the states and peoples of Africa they had seized by force prior to these conflicts. Winston Churchill, the British prime minster at the time, was adamant: ‘I had not become the king’s first minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire’. Charles de Gaulle, leader of the anti-German ‘free French forces’, was no less categorical on this score: ‘Self-government [in French-occupied Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, the Pacific and elsewhere in the world] must be rejected – even in the more distant future’.
RGS12 Drives Macrophage Activation and Osteoclastogenesis in Periodontitis
Authors: Yuan G. , Fu C. , Yang S.T. , Yuh D.Y. , Hajishengallis G. , Yang S.
Published: November 2021

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth and is associated with systemic inflammatory disorders. Regulator of G-protein signaling 12 (RGS12), the largest protein in the RGS protein family, plays a crucial role in the development of inflammation and bone remodeling. However, the role and mechanism(s) by which RGS12 may regulate periodontitis have not been elucidated. Here, we showed that ablation of RGS12 in Mx1+ hematopoietic cells blocked bone loss in the ligature-induced periodontitis model, as evidenced morphometrically and by micro–computed tomography analysis of the alveolar bone. Moreover, hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of RGS12 inhibited osteoclast formation and activity as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, IL6, and TNFα in the diseased periodontal tissue. In the in vitro experiments, we found that the overexpression of RGS12 promoted the reprogramming of macrophages to the proinflammatory M1 type, but not the anti-inflammatory M2 type, and enhanced the ability of macrophages for migration. Conversely, knockdown of RGS12 in macrophages inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines and migration of macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Our results demonstrate for the first time that inhibition of RGS12 in macrophages is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontitis.
Complaints against health care professionals providing police custodial and forensic medical/health care services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – what do we know?
Authors: Kennedy Kieran M. , Payne-James Grace J. , Payne-James J. Jason , Green Peter G.
Published: November 2021

Awareness of the nature and frequency of complaints against health care professionals working in police custodial health care services could provide opportunities to improve patient safety. To explore this freedom of information requests were sent to police services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to professional regulatory bodies and to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Eighty-seven percent of police services responded but only a minority provided complete responses, with data not being held, or not being held in an easily retrievable format, being provided as reasons. The nature and frequency of complaints were similar to a previous 2017 study, suggesting a failure to learn lessons from the investigation of complaints and implement change in clinical practice. No evidence of an accessible complaints handling and recording procedure was provided across the police services surveyed. Regulatory bodies provided some information on the nature of complaints made against doctors and nurses working in police custodial settings, but that for paramedics was unable to do so. It is recommended that the communication loop between police services, those bodies providing health care and forensic medical services and regulatory bodies needs to be closed. A common reporting system or the application of established complaints handling procedures and reporting structures, which could be achieved by transferring these services to the National Health Service, may enhance patient safety in police custody.
The Pains of Imprisonment and Contemporary Prisoner Culture in Canada
Authors: McKendy Laura , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: November 2021

Drawing on interviews conducted with former federal and provincial prisoners in Ontario, Canada, we consider how the unique social conditions in these two institutional contexts shape interpersonal dynamics and the prisoner experience. Despite notable differences in federal versus provincial prisoner culture, we suggest that prisoners in both contexts lived in environments marked by uncertainties and risk; in response, they tended to adapt to a highly individualistic orientation toward doing time. Based on our analysis, we complicate the conceptualization of prisoner culture as primarily serving an adaptive function, suggesting the prison social climate may actually drive the most salient pains of imprisonment.
HEALTH VULNERABILITY VERSUS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Asongu* Simplice A. , Diop Samba , Nnanna Joseph
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to understand how countries have leveraged on their economic resilience to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is on a global sample of 150 countries. The study develops a health vulnerability index (HVI) and leverages on an existing economic resilience index (ERI) to provide four main scenarios from which to understand the problem statement, namely ‘low HVI-low ERI,’ ‘high HVI-low ERI,’ ‘high HVI-high ERI,’ and ‘low HVI-high ERI’ quadrants. Countries that have robustly fought the pandemic are those in the ‘low HVI-high ERI’ quadrant and, to a lesser extent, countries in the ‘low HVI-low ERI’ quadrant. Most European countries, namely one African country (Rwanda), four Asian countries (e.g., Japan, China, South Korea, and Thailand), and six American countries (e.g., United States, Canada, Uruguay, Panama, Argentina, and Costa Rica) are apparent in the ideal quadrant.
Incorporating Public Values Through Multiple Accountability: A Case Study on Quality Regulation of Emergency Care in the Netherlands by an Independent Regulatory Agency
Authors: van de Sande Jolien , de Graaff Bert , Delnoij Diana , de Bont Antoinette
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we explore how multiple accountability (MA) can enable an independent regulatory agency to deal with multiple conflicting public values in a complex and politically salient decision-making process. We examined the decision-making process of the Dutch National Health Care Institute on quality regulation of emergency care in the Netherlands. Using insights derived from ethnography, document analysis, and interviews, we show that MA resulted from strategic interactions between the Institute’s vertical and horizontal accountability forums. We argue that MA impeded efficiency but also enabled the Institute to deal with multiple conflicting public values.
Steps toward a digital ecology: ecological principles for the study of digital ecosystems
Authors: Márton Attila
Published: November 2021

The notion of digital ecosystems has become a fruitful metaphor for examining the effects of digitalization across boundaries of organization, industry, lifeworld, mind, and body. In business-economic terms, the metaphor has inspired IS research into new business models, while in engineering terms, it has led to important insights into the design and governance of digital platforms. Studying digital ecosystems in these terms, however, makes it difficult to trace and explain those effects of digitalization, which do not materialize predominantly in economic and engineering patterns. Important relationships and their effects may therefore go unnoticed. In response, I draw on the ecological epistemology of Gregory Bateson and others to contribute an ecological approach to digital ecosystems. Such an understanding, I argue, expands the possibilities for tracing and explaining the wide-reaching, boundary-crossing effects of digitalization and the runaway dynamics they may lead to. I suggest to do this based on three principles: (1) part-of-ness—phenomena are to be observed as always part of a larger ecosystem; (2) systemic wisdom—ecosystems have limits, which need to be respected; and (3) information ecology—ecosystems are not mechanical but informed, cognitive systems. As my contribution, I propose six avenues for future IS research into digital ecology.