bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) and Electioneering Process in Nigeria (2015–2019)
Authors: Sule Babayo , Sambo Usman , Ahmed Abdulkadir , Yusuf Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Civil society organizations have played a pivotal role in democratization process in Nigeria since the advent of the Fourth Republic. They have greatly helped in the success of the 2015 and 2019 General Elections through pre-election, during election, and in post-election monitoring and advocacy. This article, therefore, examined the role of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) in improving the election in Nigeria during the 2015 and 2019 General Elections. While many civil societies flourished recently in Nigeria, their role toward democratization and facilitating credible election remain insignificant until in the 2015 and 2019 General Elections where their activities helped immensely the process of a credible election. A Civil Society as the Third Tier of Government framework was adopted as a theoretical explanation of the context of the work. The research used a qualitative case study method of data collection where informants consisting of members of NCSSR, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and academicians were selected for the interview and Focus Group Discussion. The total number selected was 16 from the three identified categories. The research discovered that the NCSSR aided the process and fairness of the 2015 and 2019 General Elections through proper monitoring, civic voter education, active collaboration with electoral body (INEC), and collaboration with international donor agencies through what they called “Civil Society Situation Room” which consist of more than 60 registered civil societies. The research recommends that civil societies should be empowered with constitutional backing and independent funding to enable them carry out their responsibilities adequately. Also, the article recommends that the electoral body (INEC) should liaise more and cooperate with civil societies to enable them conduct good and credible elections in future.
University Accounting Curriculum, IT, and Job Market Demands: Evidence From Yemen
Authors: Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed
Published: April 2021

University education in different countries, including Yemen, has the burden of providing the proper supply that meets the job market demands, including information technology (IT). In the accounting education context, the qualification of students to the job market regarding IT is still one of the notable issues that seem to have been overlooked in many of the curricula of most universities. This study utilizes the Yemeni context to identify and evaluate the current status of accounting education at Yemeni universities. It mainly focuses on (a) whether the current accounting curriculum meets the job market demands regarding IT and (b) whether the inclusion of relevant IT in the accounting curriculum meets the job market demands. To achieve this, the current accounting curriculum of Yemeni universities was analyzed, and a questionnaire survey was administrated to a large sample of practitioners and newly graduated students. The study provides evidence that the current university accounting curriculum is not in line with market expectations regarding IT due to the full focus on theoretical aspects. The study further confirms that the inclusion of relevant IT in the accounting curriculum could meet the job market demands of IT. The questions related to relevant IT subjects desired in practitioners and newly graduated students showed that general computer skills (e.g., Windows, internet, spreadsheets) were the most desired followed by accounting software, Excel software applications in accounting, E-commerce, and communications software (e.g., Outlook), respectively. The study findings have implications for Yemeni professional accounting bodies, accounting instructors and students, and researchers.
Syria’s Sect-coded Conflict: From Hezbollah’s Top-down Instrumentalization of Sectarian Identity to Its Candid Geopolitical Confrontation
Authors: Wahab Hadi
Published: April 2021

This article surveys Hezbollah’s sectarian mobilization to justify its early engagement in Syria’s civil war for what was an intervention in a geopolitical confrontation to implement its agenda in coordination with its regional allies. Generally speaking, sectarian relations can be driven from both above as well as below. The article first argues that Hezbollah is a sectarian party whose timing of emergence paralleled with the rise of the Shia in Lebanon and the adjoining region. It contends that Hezbollah instrumentalized its sectarian identity and adopted a sectarian mobilization policy ahead of its engagement in Syria’s conflict. However, as its fighters were expanding across the country, Hezbollah’s sectarian discourse altered to a more politics-centric discourse. Therefore, this article concludes that the falsely framed sectarian conflict in Syria is sect-coded, Hezbollah adopted a top-down politicization of sectarian identity, and its primary aim was to prevent the regime’s collapse, which would have tilted the regional balance of power in favor of its rivals rather than seeking religious truths on Syria’s soil.
Social Trust Formation in the Workplace: Applying the Job Strain Model to Explain Variations in Social Trust Levels Among Employed Individuals
Authors: Tamilina Larysa , Tamilina Natalya
Published: April 2021

This study applies the job strain model (JDC-S) to social trust to analyse how workplace characteristics influence social trust formation patterns. By defining the ‘workplace’ as consisting of (a) workload, (b) control and (c) social support, the JDC-S model predicts job demands to inversely relate to social trust, whereas job control and social support to positively affect trust among the employed. We utilise the sample of 60,250 respondents from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to operationalise the three components and link them to social trust scores. Our analysis provides strong empirical evidence that the three factors are not only associated with trust among employed individuals, but that their impact is also contingent on the respondents’ sex and age.
Prediction of 11-year incidence of psychophysically dependent status or death among community-dwelling younger elderlies: from an age-specified community-based cohort study (the NISSIN project)
Authors: Okabayashi Satoe , Kawamura Takashi , Noma Hisashi , Wakai Kenji , Ando Masahiko , Tsushita Kazuyo , Ohira Hideki , Ukawa Shigekazu , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: April 2021

Background

Predicting adverse health events and implementing preventative measures are a necessary challenge. It is important for healthcare planners and policymakers to allocate the limited resource to high-risk persons. Prediction is also important for older individuals, their family members, and clinicians to prepare mentally and financially. The aim of this study is to develop a prediction model for within 11-year dependent status requiring long-term nursing care or death in older adults for each sex.

Methods

We carried out age-specified cohort study of community dwellers in Nisshin City, Japan. The older adults aged 64 years who underwent medical check-up between 1996 and 2005 were included in the study. The primary outcome was the incidence of the psychophysically dependent status or death or by the end of the year of age 75 years. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between candidate predictors and the outcome. Using the variables withp-values less than 0.1, multivariable logistic regression analyses were then performed with backward stepwise elimination to determine the final predictors for the model.

Results

Of the 1525 female participants at baseline, 105 had an incidence of the study outcome. The final prediction model consisted of 15 variables, and thec-statistics for predicting the outcome was 0.763 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.714–0.813). Of the 1548 male participants at baseline, 211 had incidence of the study outcome. The final prediction model consisted of 16 variables, and thec-statistics for predicting the outcome was 0.735 (95% CI 0.699–0.771).

Conclusions

We developed a prediction model for older adults to forecast 11-year incidence of dependent status requiring nursing care or death in each sex. The predictability was fair, but we could not evaluate the external validity of this model. It could be of some help for healthcare planners, policy makers, clinicians, older individuals, and their family members to weigh the priority of support.
Retraction Note: In-hospital cerebrovascular complications following orthotopic liver transplantation: A retrospective study
Authors: Ling Li , He Xiaoshun , Zeng Jinsheng , Liang Zhijian
Published: April 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02175-y
Effect of Shuangdan Mingmu capsule, a Chinese herbal formula, on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes through PARP/GAPDH pathway
Authors: Nie Fujiao , Yan Jiazhao , Ling Yanjun , Liu Zhengrong , Fu Chaojun , Li Xiang , Qin Yuhui
Published: April 2021

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has become a worldwide concern because of the rising prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite much energy has been committed to DR research, it remains a difficulty for diabetic patients all over the world. Since apoptosis of retinal microvascular pericytes (RMPs) is the early characteristic of DR, this study aimed to reveal the mechanism ofShuangdan Mingmu(SDMM) capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes implicated with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) / glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) pathway.

Methods

Network pharmacology approach was performed to predict biofunction of components of SDMM capsule dissolved in plasma on DR. Both PARP1 and GAPDH were found involved in the hub network of protein-protein interaction (PPI) of potential targets and were found to take part in many bioprocesses, including responding to the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic process, apoptotic signaling pathway, and response to oxygen levels through enrichment analysis. Therefore, in vitro research was carried out to validate the prediction. Human RMPs cultured with media containing 0.5 mM hydrogen oxide (H2O2) for 4 h was performed as an oxidative-damage model. Different concentrations of SDMM capsule, PARP1 inhibitor, PARP1 activation, and GAPDH inhibitor were used to intervene the oxidative-damage model with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as a contrast. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis rate of cells and the expression of ROS. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was used to determine the activity of pericytes. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) concentration of cells supernatant and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin 1 (ET1), PARP1, and GAPDH were tested through RT-qPCR, western blot (WB), or immunocytochemistry (ICC).

Results

Overproduction of ROS, high apoptotic rate, and attenuated activity of pericytes were observed after cells were incubated with media containing 0.5 mM H2O2. Moreover, downregulation of SOD, NO, BCL2, and GAPDH, and upregulation of VEGFA, ET1, and PARP1 were discovered after cells were exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2in this study, which could be improved by PARP1 inhibitor and SDMM capsule in a dose-dependent way, whereas worsened by PARP1 activation and GAPDH inhibitor.

Conclusions

SDMM capsule may attenuate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes through downregulating PARP expression and upregulating GAPDH expression.
The role of artificial intelligence in healthcare: a structured literature review
Authors: Secinaro Silvana , Calandra Davide , Secinaro Aurelio , Muthurangu Vivek , Biancone Paolo
Published: April 2021

Background/Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector is receiving attention from researchers and health professionals. Few previous studies have investigated this topic from a multi-disciplinary perspective, including accounting, business and management, decision sciences and health professions.

Methods

The structured literature review with its reliable and replicable research protocol allowed the researchers to extract 288 peer-reviewed papers from Scopus. The authors used qualitative and quantitative variables to analyse authors, journals, keywords, and collaboration networks among researchers. Additionally, the paper benefited from the Bibliometrix R software package.

Results

The investigation showed that the literature in this field is emerging. It focuses on health services management, predictive medicine, patient data and diagnostics, and clinical decision-making. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom contributed the highest number of studies. Keyword analysis revealed that AI can support physicians in making a diagnosis, predicting the spread of diseases and customising treatment paths.

Conclusions

The literature reveals several AI applications for health services and a stream of research that has not fully been covered. For instance, AI projects require skills and data quality awareness for data-intensive analysis and knowledge-based management. Insights can help researchers and health professionals understand and address future research on AI in the healthcare field.
Argininosuccinate synthase 1 suppresses tumor progression through activation of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Sanghwa , Lee Minji , Song Yeonhwa , Lee Su-Yeon , Choi Inhee , Park I-Seul , Kim Jiho , Kim Jin-sun , Kim Kang mo , Seo Haeng Ran
Published: April 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide, and liver cancer has increased in mortality due to liver cancer because it was detected at an advanced stages in patients with liver dysfunction, making HCC a lethal cancer. Accordingly, we aim to new targets for HCC drug discovery using HCC tumor spheroids.

Methods

Our comparative proteomic analysis of HCC cells grown in culture as monolayers (2D) and spheroids (3D) revealed that argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) expression was higher in 3D cells than in 2D cells due to upregulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. We investigated the clinical value of ASS1 in Korean patients with HCC. The mechanism underlying ASS1-mediated tumor suppression was investigated in HCC spheroids. ASS1-mediated improvement of chemotherapy efficiency was observed using high content screening in an HCC xenograft mouse model.

Results

Studies of tumor tissue from Korean HCC patients showed that, although ASS1 expression was low in most samples, high levels of ASS1 were associated with favorable overall survival of patients. Here, we found that bidirectional interactions between ASS1 ER stress responses in HCC-derived multicellular tumor spheroids can limit HCC progression. ASS1 overexpression effectively inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of in vitro and in vivo anti-HCC combination chemotherapy via activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP axis, but was not dependent on the status of p53 and arginine metabolism.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the critical functional roles for the arginine metabolism–independent tumor suppressor activity of ASS1 in HCC and suggest that upregulating ASS1 in these tumors is a potential strategy in HCC cells with low ASS1 expression.
Evaluation of the relationship between NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) and optic nerve sheath diameter measurement in children with increased intracranial pressure: a pilot study
Authors: Arslan Didar , Yıldızdaş Dinçer , Horoz Özden Özgür , Aslan Nagehan , İncecik Faruk
Published: April 2021

Background

The increased intracranial pressure (ICP) syndrome may emerge depending on many different neurological factors and the early diagnosis and treatment are important for the prevention of neurologic damage and related mortality. In recent years, the follow-up of increased ICP with non-invasive methods has been rising. In this study, our objective was to determine the significance and any possible correlation between Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in children with increased ICP.

Methods

Patients who were hospitalized in our pediatric ICU at Çukurova University Medical Faculty between June 2018 and June 2019 due to the suspicion of increased ICP were included in this study. The demographic characteristics of patients, diagnosis at admission, results of the cranial CT and MRI examinations, and results of the simultaneous ONSD and NIRS measurements were recorded.

Results

A total of 36 patients were included in our study. With respect to the diagnosis, non-traumatic causes were at the forefront in 30 patients (83.3%), and the most common causes were meningoencephalitis (n = 9; 25%) and non-traumatic bleeding (n = 7; 19.4%). Six of the patients were under the age of one year (16.7%), and the mean values of ONSD and NIRS were 4.8 ± 0.7 mm and 71.1 ± 12.4% respectively in this group. Fourteen patients were in the one to ten year age group and the mean values of ONSD and NIRS were 6.1 ± 0.6 mm and 72.7 ± 9.3% respectively. Sixteen patients were over ten years of age (44.4%), and the mean values of ONSD and NIRS were 5.6 ± 0.7 mm and 74.2 ± 16% respectively. There was no correlation between the ONSD and NIRS values (r:0.307; p = 0.068).

Conclusion

Our study showed that ONSD measurements were helpful in children with increased ICP and reflected the increase in ICP. However, our study also demonstrated that ONSD was not in correlation with the NIRS monitoring. We believe that there is a need for further studies focused on the use of ONSD and NIRS in the monitoring of increased ICP.
Structural equation modelling of perception for sustainable agriculture as climate change mitigation strategy in Ghana
Authors: Ankamah Jacob , Kodua Theophilus Tweneboah , Addae Mary
Published: April 2021

Background

Ghana’s agriculture sector has contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past decades even though there has been persistent decline of about 12.8% in the last 7 years. It decreased from 31.8% in 2009 to merely 19% as of September 2015, a period of 7 years. In spite of these trends, sustainable agriculture has been observed to be a game changer in agricultural development and growth globally. Sustainable agriculture is partly dependent on the attitude of the present agriculture students who represent the potential officers to impart sustainable agriculture knowledge to farmers. It is therefore relevant to assess the perception of students toward the concept of sustainable agriculture on climate change to inform policy decisions and interventions.

Methods

To assess the perception of students’ toward sustainable agriculture, this study sampled 120 final year undergraduate students’ in the School of Agriculture at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon. The study used a well-structured questionnaire to solicit students’ perception for sustainable agriculture, its’ adoption barriers and perceived strategies to address the barriers in Ghana.

Results

Findings indicated that students’ perception for sustainable agriculture is positive. Majority of the students (78.00%) were of the view that sustainable agricultural practices would help protect the environment and our natural resources, therefore could mitigate adverse effects of climate change on agricultural activities.

Conclusions

Students ranked perceived barriers to sustainable agriculture adoption as; economic costs, lack of knowledge and land tenure constraints. Strategic ways to address the barriers were identified as farmer-to-farmer education, provision of financial incentives, developing training and partnership programs, and participatory learning.
Reamed intramedullary nailing versus circular frame external fixation for segmental tibial fractures (STIFF-F): a mixed methods feasibility study
Authors: Hing Caroline B. , Tutton Elizabeth , Smith Toby O. , Glaze Molly , Stokes Jamie R. , Cook Jonathan , Dritsaki Melina , Phelps Emma , Cooper Cushla , Trompeter Alex , Pearse Michael , Law Michael , Costa Matthew L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Segmental tibial fractures are fractures in two or more areas of the tibial diaphysis resulting in a separate intercalary segment of the bone. Surgical fixation is recommended for patients with segmental tibial fractures as non-operative treatment outcomes are poor. The most common surgical interventions are intramedullary nailing (IMN) and circular frame external fixation (CFEF), but evidence about which is better is of poor quality. An adequately powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine optimum treatment is required. STIFF-F aimed to assess the feasibility of a multicentre RCT comparing IMN with CFEF for segmental tibial fracture.

Methods

STIFF-F was a mixed-methods feasibility study comprising a pilot RCT conducted at six UK Major Trauma Centres, qualitative interviews drawing on Phenomenology and an online survey of rehabilitation. The primary outcome was recruitment rate. Patients, 16 years and over, with a segmental tibial fracture (open or closed) deemed suitable for IMN or CFEF were eligible to participate. Randomisation was stratified by site using random permuted blocks of varying sizes. Participant or assessor blinding was not possible. Interviews were undertaken with patients about their experience of injury, treatment, recovery and participation. Staff were interviewed to identify contextual factors affecting trial processes, their experience of recruitment and the treatment pathway. An online survey was developed to understand the rehabilitation context of the treatments.

Results

Eleven patients were screened and three recruited to the pilot RCT. Nineteen staff and four patients participated in interviews, and 11 physiotherapists responded to the survey. This study found the following: (i) segmental tibial fractures were rarer than anticipated, (ii) the complexity of the injury, study setup times and surgeon treatment preferences impeded recruitment, (iii) recovery from a segmental tibial fracture is challenging, and rehabilitation protocols are inconsistent and (iv) despite the difficulty recruiting, staff valued this research question and strived to find a way forward.

Conclusion

The proposed multicentre RCT comparing IMN with CFEF is not feasible. This study highlighted the difficulty of recruiting patients to an RCT of a complex rare injury over a short time period.

Trial registration

The study was registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number Registry: ISRCTN11229660
Bioactive and nutritional characterization of modeled and optimized consumer-ready flakes from pseudocereal (Amaranthus viridis), high-protein soymeal and modified corn starch
Authors: Fasuan Temitope Omolayo , Asadu Kenneth Chigozie , Anyiam Cynthia Chioma , Ojokoh Linda Obianuju , Olagunju Titilope Modupe , Chima Judith Uchenna , Okpara Kingsley Osita
Published: April 2021

Flake is consumed in many parts of the world. Flakes are majorly prepared from cereals. However, most flakes are deficient in protein and some other healthful substances. High-protein soymeal is rich in protein, mineral, amino acids, antioxidants, and other healthful substances. Formulating flakes with high-protein soymeal would improve the health status of consumers. This work investigated consumer-ready flake from amaranth, high-protein soymeal, and modified corn starch produced under the optimized condition and characterized with the aim to develop models that would give a healthful consumer-ready flake. Amaranthus viridis, corn, and soybean grains were sorted, wet-cleaned, and dried. Soybean grains were processed into high-protein soymeal, starch was extracted from corn grains while A. viridis grains were processed into flour. Formulated flour mixtures were developed into flakes using three-level factorial categoric factor design of response surface methodology. The flakes were analyzed using standard procedures. Optimal flour mixtures of high-protein soymeal (34.78 g/100 g), amaranth (56.52 g/100 g), and modified corn starch (8.70 g/100 g) were established. Results showed the optimized flakes contained per 100 g: 29.05 g protein, 6.00 g fat, 4.10 g fibre, 3.84 g ash, 8.96 g moisture, 249.74 mg calcium, 272.35 mg magnesium, 12.08 mg iron, 618.42 mg phosphorus, 6.41 mg niacin, 4.85 mg pyridoxine, 0.21 g tannin, 1.85 mg phytate, 2.96 mg alkaloids, 908.24GAE total phenolics and 12.75mgRE flavonoids with good quality characteristics in amino acids. The study illustrated the feasibility of formulating quality consumer-ready flakes from amaranth, high-protein soymeal, and modified corn starch. The production process is scalable and could be employed for both domestic and industrial purposes.

Graphical abstract
Stochastic discrete fracture network modeling in shale reservoirs via integration of seismic attributes and petrophysical data
Authors: Cho Yongchae
Published: April 2021

The prediction of natural fracture networks and their geomechanical properties remains a challenge for unconventional reservoir characterization. Because natural fractures are highly heterogeneous and of subseismic scale, integrating petrophysical data (i.e., cores and well logs) with seismic data is important for building a reliable natural fracture model. Therefore, I have developed an integrated and stochastic approach for discrete fracture network modeling with field data experimentation. In the method, I first perform a seismic attribute analysis to highlight the discontinuity in the seismic data. Then, I extrapolate the well-log data that include localized but high-confidence information. By using the fracture intensity model including seismic and well logs, I build the final natural fracture model that can be used as a background model for the subsequent geomechanical analysis such as simulation of hydraulic fractures propagation. As a result, our workflow combining multiscale data in a stochastic approach constructs a reliable natural fracture model. I validate the constructed fracture distribution by its good agreement with the well-log data.
A case study of vertical hydraulic fracture growth, stress variations with depth and shear stimulation in the Niobrara Shale and Codell Sand, Denver-Julesburg Basin, Colorado
Authors: McCormack Kevin L. , Zoback Mark D. , Kuang Wenhuan
Published: April 2021

We have carried out a geomechanical study of three wells, one each in the Niobrara A, Niobrara C, and Codell Sandstone to investigate how the state of stress and stress variations with depth affect vertical hydraulic fracture growth and shear stimulation of preexisting fractures. We determine that the higher magnitudes of measured least principal stress values in the Niobrara A and C shales are the result of viscoplastic stress relaxation. Using a density log and a vertical transverse isotropy velocity model developed to accurately locate the microseismic events, we theoretically calculated a continuous profile of the magnitude of the least principal stress with depth. This stress profile explains the apparent vertical hydraulic fracture growth as inferred from the well-constrained depths of the associated microseismic events. Finally, we determine that because of the upward propagation of hydraulic fractures from the Niobrara C to the Niobrara A, the latter formation experienced considerably more shear stimulation, which may contribute to the greater production of oil and gas from that formation.
Réseaux épistolaires et amitiés infra-politiques entre Révolution et Restauration
Authors: Rance Karine
Published: April 2021

Précis

Le comte de Montlosier a laissé 386 lettres adressées à Claude-Ignace de Barante et à son fils Prosper entre son retour d’émigration en 1801 et sa mort en 1838. Cette correspondance, qui excède la communication épistolaire duelle pour étendre ses ramifications jusqu’à Coppet, Rome, Londres et Berlin, est pour l’épistolier un instrument d'intégration dans la France postrévolutionnaire, et pour l'historien un observatoire privilégié des mécanismes à l’œuvre dans ce processus. Les réseaux amicaux épistolaires tissés créent des espaces de communication hybrides, mêlant intimité, promotion sociale, et information. Entre Ancien Régime et modernité postrévolutionnaire, les lettres sont ainsi destinées à lutter contre la fragmentation du temps.

The Comte de Montlosier left 386 letters addressed to Claude-Ignace de Barante and his son Prosper between his return from emigration in 1801 and his death in 1838. The two-way exchange extended Montlosier's networks in multiple directions—to Coppet, Rome, London, and Berlin—and it became for its author an instrument of integration into postrevolutionary France. For the historian it is a vantage point from which to observe the mechanisms at work in the transition from Revolution to Restoration. These networks created spaces of hybrid communication mixing intimacy, social promotion, and news. Between Old Regime and postrevolutionary modernity, Montlosier's letters fought against the fragmentation of time.
Predicting Resting Metabolic Rate with Easily Obtained Measures: The Influence of Body Circumference
Authors: Chase Kristi L. , Patek Kyle T. , Walker John L. , Mettler Joni A.
Published: April 2021

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) prediction models have traditionally focused on inclusion of several body size and composition variables to estimate RMR; however, little is known regarding the inclusion of circumference measurements for estimating RMR.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of circumference measures and other easily obtainable measures to develop a generalizable RMR model.

Methods

Subjects included 140 men and women aged 19–65 yr. RMR was measured through indirect calorimetry. Predictor variables investigated included the following: waist (WC) and hip circumference, percent body fat by air displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance, body weight, height, body mass index, age, sex, race, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and fat mass and fat-free mass calculated from percent body fat. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop a generalized model for predicting RMR, and cross-validation was used to confirm the accuracy of the model and compare to previously published models.

Results

This study showed WC and WHtR to be significant predictors of RMR; however, they did not account for as much variance in RMR as other more easily obtained measures. Variables included as predictors in the final RMR model were weight (r = 0.61), sex (r = 0.43), age (r = −0.37), and race (r = 0.19). The final derived model for estimating RMR is as follows: RMR (kcal·d−1) = 878.59 + (204.81 × sex, men = 1, women = 0) + (8.75 × weight) − (5.97 × age) + (72.48 × race, Caucasian = 1, non-Caucasian = 0).

Conclusions

Although this study supports a contribution of WC and WHtR in the prediction of RMR, the data suggest that physicians and fitness professionals can use the final RMR model derived with routinely collected information (weight, sex, age, and race) to quickly and easily provide patients and clients with a superior estimation of RMR for immediate translation to evidence-based clinical practice.
Self-Regulation and its Relationship to Social Intelligence among College of Education Female Students at Prince Sattam University
Authors: Hashem Ebtsam Saad Amin
Published: April 2021

The current study aimed to identify the level of self-regulation and social intelligence among students of the College of Education at Prince Sattam University in Wadi Al-Dawasir, and to reveal the relationship between self-regulation and social intelligence, as well as the possibility of predicting social intelligence through self-regulation. A sample consisting of (204) female students at the College of Education, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Wadi Ad-Dawasir participated in this study. The measurement instruments included two researcher-made scales of self-regulation and social intelligence, and the SPSS program was used for statistical treatments. Results revealed that female students of the College of Education in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Prince Sattam University, have a high level of self-regulation as well as social intelligence, and that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between the scores of self-regulation and social intelligence among the study sample. In addition, it was found that social intelligence can be predicted through self-regulation. It is possible to benefit from the results of this study in directing university planning officials to the importance of transforming the self-regulation and social intelligence of students into a culture and systematic practice through courses, symposiums and workshops, or integrating them into academic courses.
Turkish Adaptation of Preschool Children’s Science Motivation Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: Yilmaz Melek Merve , Dikici-Sigirtmac Ayperi
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study is to adapt Preschool Children’s Science Motivation Scale (PCSMS) developed by Oppermann et al. into Turkish and conduct the validity and reliability analyses. This scale is considered important in terms of evaluating the science motivation of preschool children through the science concepts they are familiar with, based on their daily life experiences. The research data were obtained from 303 children attending preschool education in central districts of Adana. The findings of exploratory factor analysis, a two-factor structure named self-confidence and enjoyment consist of 28 items was determined in accordance with the original structure of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that this two-factor structure showed good fit. Subsequently, the study proceeded to reliability analyses and Cronbach’s α and Composite Reliability values were calculated. In consequence of the study, it was seen that the original form of the scale and the goodness of fit and internal consistency values obtained within the scope of the adaptation form coincided. The findings of the study indicate that the Turkish version of the PCSMS is valid and reliable for Turkish preschoolers.
Project-Based Assessment in Teaching Intercultural Communication Competence for Foreign Language Students in Higher Education: A Case Study
Authors: Nguyen Hong-Thu Thi
Published: April 2021

As a part of learning process, project-based assessment (PBA) is determined to be a potential approach in higher education evaluation that focuses on developing the important objectives related to critical thinking, team working and problems solving skills. The aim of the paper is to find out students’ reflection and teachers’ beliefs towards using this project-based assessment method in teaching Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC). To collect the data, a project-based assessment design was applied for 124 English major students at B University in the 9 weeks ICC course. This project was implemented from the beginning of the course, and at the end of the course, learners’ products were performed with specific activities regarding culture knowledge competition, online cultural community activities, talent performance, situational judgment ability, and eloquence skills. In addition, a set of questionnaires were delivered to the participants, plus the interviews with 36 teachers who have taught culture-related subjects from the universities in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. The findings revealed that although there were certain challenges, using project-based assessment in teaching culture had satisfactory effects on students’ intercultural competence, problem- solving skills, critical thinking, and learning motivation.
Ignoring evidence, producing inequities: public policies, disability and the case of Kaiowá and Guarani Indigenous children with disabilities in Brazil
Authors: de Sales Lima Rayanne , Jacinto Andréa Borghi Moreira , Faria Rodrigo Arthuso Arantes
Published: April 2021

Backround:

An inter-institutional task force was brought together in 2018 to evaluate the irregular institutionalisation of Guarani and Kaiowá Indigenous children with disabilities in Dourados, in central-western Brazil.

Aims and objectives:

We draw on this case study to undertake a ‘situational analysis’ on the existence/absence and the use/non-use of evidence in the evaluation of public policies regarding Indigenous children with disabilities. By critically analysing concrete practices in the context of multilevel intersectoral dialogue and joint action of state bodies and civil society, we aim to highlight the effective and potential gains from using Culturally Appropriate Evidence (CAE) at the intersection of policies on children, Indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

Methods:

We used a case study approach to analyse the precedents, development and ramifications of the task force, examine the legal framework regulating the rights of Indigenous children with disabilities, and describe the process of institutionalisation of Indigenous children in the Dourados region in the first two decades of the 21st century.

Findings:

We identified that inter-institutional and intersectoral collaboration enhances the development of CAE and the instrumentalisation of intersectoral alternatives.

Discussion and conclusions:

Although entrenched institutional bureaucratic culture, and the absence of mechanisms for participation and consultation with Indigenous peoples, can create obstacles to the formulation and use of these kinds of evidence in public policies, the production of evidence through the articulated and collaborative effort of agents can offer, when there are political conditions for it, the necessary conditions to develop culturally appropriate solutions for complex scenarios.
Social origins, track choices and labour-market outcomes: evidence from the French case
Authors: Herbaut Estelle , Barone Carlo , Ichou Mathieu , Vallet Louis-André
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the labour-market returns to different high school tracks in the French context. We use rich nationally representative longitudinal data running from the beginning of secondary education until entrance into the labour market: the Panel d’élèves du second degré, recrutement 1995 combined with the Entrée dans la vie adulte-EVA follow-up survey. Analysing these data, we are able to identify the consequences of track placement in high school on various labour-market outcomes controlling for social and academic selection into tracking. Our results show that academic diplomas offer higher labour-market benefits than vocational diplomas, even when adjusting for selection into tracks based on prior school performance, family background and other socio-demographic characteristics. The advantage of the academic track stays large, both for the whole group of upper secondary graduates and for those who have not achieved a tertiary degree. Our results further indicate that academic qualifications are even more rewarding for service-class graduates. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of our results for processes of intergenerational reproduction.
In vivo measurements of corneal birefringence properties using the one-way reflective Mueller polarimetry
Authors: Sobczak Marcelina , Owczarek Monika , Woźniak Władysław A. , Kurzynowski Piotr
Published: April 2021

This work presents the results of in vivo measurements of human corneal birefringence properties using the one-way reflective polariscope, in which the same module is used to generate and analyze the light polarization state. Data analysis was performed with the use of Mueller polarimetry techniques. The distribution of the azimuth angle and the phase retardation was determined on the paracentral and limbal areas. The results indicate growth of the phase retardation magnitude and the radial orientation of the azimuth angle in the cornea’s peripheral region, which confirms our assumptions and the results presented by other researchers.
Determinants of Health Service Utilization Among Users of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dokolo District: A Community Perspective
Authors: Ojok Francis , Samuel Mukasa Samuel , Omona [PhD] Kizito
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Health services utilization (HSU) is an important health outcome indicator, a surrogate measure of access to healthcare that influences the outcomes of health status and consumer satisfaction. Healthcare is central to community well-being as well as a fundamental aspect of life. Objective: The study sought to assess determinants of health service utilization among users of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dokolo district. Methods: A cross sectional analytical design, which employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was used between January and July, 2020. A total of 396 respondents participated. Data was collected using Semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion guide. Analysis was done using SPSS and qualitative data was analyzed verbatim.Results: Only 26.8% of the users were satisfied with services provided in the health facility. Living environments of respondents was the only socio-demographic factor that determined HSU (p = 0.046). Living in urban area was 1.6 times more likely to be a determinant of HSU than living in rural setting [COR=1.571, 95% CI (0.986-2.504)]. The study found that being a female was 1.14 times more likely to utilize health services (COR=1.135, 95% CI (0.741-1.739)). Similarly, majority of the respondents who were peasants, 174(43.9%), utilized health services from the facility as opposed to their formally employed counterparts. Thus, being formally employed was 0.7 times less likely to utilize health services (COR= 0.655, 95% CI (0.29-1.476)). Satisfaction with services (p=0.000), level of satisfaction (p=0.000) and distance to health facility (p=0.033) were enablers of HSU. Being very satisfied was 16 times more likely for one to utilize health services [COR=16, 95% CI (0.000- 0.001)]. Most of the respondents rated the quality of care as poor.Conclusion: Health service utilization remains quite low in many rural health facilities of Uganda.Â Â
Exploring preservice teacher self-reported and enacted TPACK after participating in a learning activity types short course
Authors: Mourlam Daniel , Chesnut Steven , Bleecker Heather
Published: April 2021

Preparing preservice teachers to teach effectively with digital technologies and media (DTM) is at the heart of initial teacher preparation as digital access continues to increase throughout society. The development of preservice teacher technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) is important in order to create DTM-rich instruction. This study investigated preservice teacher self-reported and enacted TPACK after participating in learning activity types short courses, and the relationship between preservice teacher perceptions and observed practice. Data collection occurred using a pre-post self-report survey and preservice teacher lesson plans collected before and after short course implementation in two educational technology courses. Results from structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis indicated no significant differences in preservice teacher self-reported technological content knowledge (TCK), technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK), and TPACK, significant differences in preservice teacher enacted TCK, TPK, and TPACK, and no significant relationship between preservice teacher self-reported and enacted TPACK.
Abundance of a recently discovered Alaskan rhodolith bed in a shallow, seagrass-dominated lagoon
Authors: Ward David H. , Amundson Courtney L. , Fitzmorris Patrick J. , Menning Damian M. , Markis Joel A. , Sowl Kristine M. , Lindstrom Sandra C.
Published: April 2021

Rhodoliths are important foundation species of the benthic photic zone but are poorly known and rarely studied in Alaska. A bed of Lithothamnion soriferum rhodoliths was discovered in 2008 in Kinzarof Lagoon, Alaska, a shallow-water embayment dominated by eelgrass (Zostera marina). Rhodolith spatial extent and biomass were estimated to assess trends and environmental factors that may influence rhodolith distribution and abundance during four years spread over a 12-year period (2008–2010, and 2019). Presence and biomass of rhodoliths were negatively associated with percent eelgrass cover. Biomass of rhodoliths also decreased with increased water temperature. Rhodoliths occurred in two primary areas of the lagoon, a 182 ha core area in a shallow water (mean tide depth of −0.03 m MLLW) tidal channel with low eelgrass density, and a 22 ha outlying area at shallower water depths (>0.2 m MLLW) with moderate to high eelgrass cover. There was no apparent trend in rhodolith biomass over the study period despite wide variation in mean annual estimates. This study establishes a baseline for continued investigations and monitoring of this important benthic resource in Alaska.
Riddles and Kennings
Authors: Burrows Hannah
Published: April 2021

The skaldic kenning is frequently described as ‘riddling’ or ‘riddle-like’. Valuable work has been done (e. g. Lindow1975) in establishing the structural, linguistic, and cognitive similarities between kennings and riddles, but this has usually been done in terms of the broad modern English sense(s) of the word ‘riddle’ or ‘riddling’. This paper, more specifically, explores the comparison by examining Old Norse riddles, namely items described asgáturin their textual setting, and Old Norse kennings, in the context of each other. In doing so it highlights Old Norse poetic techniques of play and of cognition, how ‘riddling’ strategies work in context, and how both riddles and kennings provide fresh ways of perceiving and understanding the world.
Onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extracts characterization by conventional and modern methods
Authors: Constantin Oana Emilia , Milea Adelina Ștefania , Bolea Carmen , Mihalcea Liliana , Enachi Elena , Copolovici Dana Maria , Copolovici Lucian , Munteanu Florentina , Bahrim Gabriela Elena , Râpeanu Gabriela
Published: April 2021

The impact of different extraction methods on bioactive compounds (total phenols and flavonoids) recovery from onion wastes recovered from the market was investigated. The results revealed a total polyphenol content from 25.19 ± 3.56 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) to 212.56 ± 1.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for supercritical extraction (SFE). The total flavonoid content registered from 108.36 ± 3.62 mg quercetin equivalents/g for EAE to 334.97 ± 19.41 mg quercetin equivalents/g for conventional solvent extraction (CSE). The antioxidant activity (404.93 ± 1.39 mM Trolox/g) for SFE was the highest compared to all the extraction procedures used. The chromatographic profiles were conducted at five primary compound identification (quercetin 7,4-diglycoside, quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, quercetin 4-glucoside, quercetin, and kaempferol) and GC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 26 compounds, manly identified in EAE. The results also revealed that the SFE method, as a non-invasive technique, recorded the highest concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, confirmed by chromatographic profiles.