bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techniques and Ideas. Zigzag Motif, Barbed Line, and Shaded Band in the Meso-Neolithic Bone Assemblage at Zamostje 2, Volga-Oka Region (Russia)
Authors: Lozovskaya Olga V.
Published: April 2022

Mesolithic geometric ornamentation is a part of the complex worldview of the latest hunter-gatherer societies. Questions about the functional role of the ornament in utilitarian objects – knives, daggers, arrowheads, etc. – do not have an unambiguous answer. Despite a variability of ornamental motives used, there are some stable connections between certain types of ornaments with some categories of bone tools. On the materials of the Late and Final Mesolithic layers of the wetland site Zamostje 2 (Volga-Oka region), we will consider some examples with the zigzag motif, the most numerous and heterogeneous type of ornament, as well as rarely presented motives of “ladders” and “lines with dots or eyelashes.” The number of samples (120) is sufficient to draw some preliminary conclusions about the context of their application. So, the zigzag is observed on different types of tools, but its connection with sharp-piercing objects is most clearly manifested. The type of relief zigzag is inextricably related to slotted sickle-shaped tools. Zigzag is often the only decorative element on an item and is expressed by a simple or double line; less often it is included in complex compositions. Both types of zigzags and methods of application (fine engraving, scraping, relief carving, etc.) were not regulated and obviously performed different functions depending on the compositional characteristics and the raw material’s type. Compositions of “ladders” located at an angle to each other are also associated with projectile weapons. Lines “with eyelashes” appear to have been a part of the standard dagger decoration.
Socratic and Cartesian Personae: Undismembering and Liquidation
Authors: Polt Richard
Published: April 2022

The essay investigates two personae: Socrates as depicted by Plato and Descartes as narrator of theDiscourse on MethodandMeditations. Socrates is aware of his ignorance and insists on remembering to care for the self; Descartes claims to have overcome ignorance through a method that breaks problems into simple and certain elements, establishing a self-certain yet impersonal subject that comprehends and controls objects. The Cartesian approach has led to the modern process of “liquidation” that reduces beings, property, and truth to resources, wealth, and information – initiating the dangerous and unprecedented epoch known as the Anthropocene. The Socratic approach offers some promise of reintegration and resistance to liquidation by urging us to care for wholeness and recognizing that being exceeds what we comprehend.
Influence of plutonium oxidation state on the formation of molecular hydrogen, nitrous acid and nitrous oxide from alpha radiolysis of nitric acid solution
Authors: Perrin Brandon , Venault Laurent , Broussard Emilie , Vandenborre Johan , Blain Guillaume , Fattahi Massoud , Nikitenko Sergey
Published: April 2022

The study of the formation of radiolytic products, such as molecular hydrogen and nitrous acid, is of primary importance in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and the storage of aqueous solutions containing radioactive materials. The radiolytic yields of molecular hydrogen, nitrous acid and nitrous oxide from alpha radiolysis of nitric acid solutions containing plutonium have been experimentally investigated. The results have shown that the yields of radiolytic products depends on the nitric acid concentration as well as the oxidation state of plutonium. However, the influence of plutonium oxidation state on radiolytic yields is less notable as the nitric acid concentration increases. Molecular hydrogen production decreases with increasing nitric acid concentration while nitrous acid and nitrous oxide productions increase. While radiolytic yields from plutonium(IV) nitric acid solutions have been previously investigated, this study provides radiolytic yields from alpha radiolysis of plutonium(III) and plutonium(VI) nitric acid solutions for molecular hydrogen, nitrous acid and nitrous oxide. These information provide insight into the role played by plutonium redox behaviour on the formation of radiolytic products.
A new approach for the pleiotropic effect of metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Atici Yasemin , Baskol Gulden , Bayram Fahri
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Metformin is the first choice for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment in the guidelines and is used in combination with many drugs. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6)/Axl signaling plays a role in many metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin and metformin-insulin combination used in patients with T2DM on Gas6, Axl, and soluble Axl (sAxl) levels.

Methods

A total of 71 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 21 healthy subjects were divided into 4 groups control, diet and exercises recommended (DER), metformin, and metformin + insulin. Diabetic patients were treated with metformin only or with a metformin-insulin combination and monitored for six months. Gas6, Axl, and sAxl levels of subjects’ sera obtained from their baseline and post-therapeutic sixth month blood samples were measured by ELISA methods.

Results

Compared to baseline, the sixth month Gas6 and Axl levels of metformin and metformin + insulin groups significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in sAxl values for these two groups of patients.

Conclusions

The use of metformin in diabetic patients may be beneficial for inhibiting the Gas6/Axl pathway. This study presents a new aspect of the pleiotropic effects of metformin. This study will be clinically useful for designing therapeutic approaches targeting Gas6/Axl.
Das Solidaritätsprinzip im Fokus einer GKV-Reform
Authors: Pimpertz Jochen
Published: April 2022

Almost 9 out of 10 Germans are covered by the pay-as-you-go solidarity-based health insurance. However, including the remaining population would hardly expend the solidarity redistribution in the cross-section. It is true that in the pay-as-you-go system a solidary balance between young and old can be achieved at any time. But in an ageing population, this can only succeed in the long term at the expense of the young. To preserve intergenerational solidarity, expenditure financed by contribution must be limited. A funded second pillar should be set up to provide for future increase in expenditure above and beyond this.
22 Years after: The ECB at the crossroads of its monetary policy
Authors: Sell Friedrich L. , Stiefl Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Die EZB hat bereits zum 1. Januar 1999 ihre Arbeit aufgenommen. Sie ist daher ihren Kinderschuhen längst entwachsen. In diesem Aufsatz diskutieren wir das neue, symmetrische „2 %-Inflationsziel“, das Ausmaß an früheren Zielverletzungen, aber auch das zweite, nie wirklich explizit formulierte Ziel der EZB, das den Zusammenhalt der Eurozone zum Gegenstand hat. Die Theorie optimaler Währungsräume hält mit Roland Vaubel’s Kriterium der Variabilität der Inflationsraten ein überzeugendes Instrument bereit, um den Grad des monetären Zusammenhalts in der Eurozone zu messen. Danach hat sich der Europäische Währungsraum zwischen 1999 und 2020 in manchen Teilperioden ziemlich, in anderen weniger gut dargestellt. Unsere eigenen empirischen Untersuchungen deuten allerdings nicht auf die Existenz kleinerer Ländergruppen innerhalb der Eurozone hin, die einen signifikant besseren Währungsraum als die heutige Eurozone abgeben würden. Die Kernziele der EZB, nämlich der Erhalt der Eurozone einerseits und die Sicherung von Preisniveaustabilität andererseits, stehen künftig nicht mehr länger (wie zwischen 2008 und 2020) komplementär zueinander, sondern befinden sich in Zeiten steigender Inflationsraten in einem direkten Zielkonflikt.
Der Digital Markets Act als Regelwerk für fairen Wettbewerb im Netz
Authors: Käseberg Thorsten
Published: April 2022

The author, who is responsible for competition policy in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, analyses the objectives, the regulatory approach, the substantive obligations and the strengths and potential shortcomings of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The contribution attempts to answer the question to which extent the DMA will deliver on its twin promise to increase contestability and fairness on digital markets.
Der DMA kurz vor dem Kompromiss: Effektive und effiziente Digitalregulierung sicherstellen
Authors: Kühling Jürgen , Stühmeier Torben
Published: April 2022

After the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council presented their positions on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) last year, negotiations between the three institutions in the so-called triologue negotiations have been ongoing since the beginning of this year. There is probably agreement on the goal: The DMA should break up entrenched market positions of gatekeeper platforms and protect competition in the digital markets for the benefit of consumers. However, there still seems to be a need for discussion in detail, e. g., as regards the definition of addressees and the scope of conduct obligations (esp. the self-preferencing prohibition). The Monopolies Commission recently made some suggestions in this regard in a Special Report.
Storying Autobiographical Experiences with Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Moriarty Jess , Parks Mel
Published: April 2022

In earlier work1 collaborative autoethnography was identified as a viable methodology for researching stories that drew on lived experiences with domestic abuse. Collaborative autoethnography offers a method of working with women outside of academia who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and including them as co-researchers whose writings can and should be valued as academic research. In this article, also a collaborative autoethnography, the authors explore methods for storying autobiographical experiences of GBV as a potential way of reclaiming stories whilst navigating the legal, ethical, and moral dilemmas sometimes associated with autobiographical writing that might help to make these stories less difficult to write, and also read, avoiding stereotypes that have led to critique around battle-weary narratives of GBV2 and bad romance tropes.3 The authors argue that evocative texts drawing on lived experiences but layering the real with the imaginary, the remembered with the fictitious, can be more accessible to read and write. Cook and Fonow4 argue that feminist work is often creative and spontaneous, and this article will detail writing methods that were shared by the authors in creative workshops with survivors of GBV as part of a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).5 They also share examples of their own stories that have been inspired by this approach as well as the challenges and motivations of working in this way.
Parent Advocacy for Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth
Authors: Stark Cortny
Published: April 2022

Transgender and gender-expansive youth face a multitude of challenges when presenting as their authentic selves. Navigating their families, schools, and communities can be harrowing. Parents play a crucial role in supporting these youth during their gender journey. As the parent of a gender-expansive child, I learned that supporting this population requires a willingness to advocate for change, as simply affirming my child’s identity was not enough to ensure her safety at school and in other environments. This analytic autoethnographic inquiry articulates my experience and personal and professional growth as a parent and advocate for transgender and gender-expansive youth. In alignment with analytic autoethnographic methodology, data include artifacts (i.e., images, field journal entries and personal notes, and other documents), and interview transcripts with persons who are part of my, and my daughter’s, journey. Per the autoethnographic tradition, the results of this study are shared in a storied format. The aim of this piece is to normalize the experience of families of transgender and gender-expansive youth and encourage caregivers and loved ones to pursue positive social change for this population.
Desi Butch (Where the ’Twain Shall Meet)
Authors: Minai Naveen
Published: April 2022

The terms “desi” and “butch” are difficult to define separately but open up new possibilities for thinking sexuality and borders when located next to each other on the page. “Desi” can mean people from South Asia, and gestures toward land as home. “Butch” can mean queer masculinity, female masculinity, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual women’s subcultures. This article uses autoethnography to experiment with desi and butch next to one another to think about what desi queer and trans masculine genealogies and experiences might tell us about transnational logics of sexuality, space, home, and body. The article thinks through desi, butch, and desi butch as potential analytics of sexuality, movement, masculinity, intimacy, and desire, and attends to the work of the risks and costs of these shared terms. What does desi butch do to spatial modes of intimacy, alienation, care, fragmentation, and genealogy, in multiple vocabularies of land and home? The author asks after the complicated affects, temporalities, and desires signaled by desi butch as a category that troubles and has trouble with heteronormative border regimes and futurities across geohistories of North America and South Asia. This includes questions of translation, embodiment, and citizenship. Attending to their own desires, orientations, and experiences, the author asks what forms, spaces, and practices of care and collectivity are made possible through desi butch as negotiations of borders, and experiences of melancholy and alienation produced by different lines.
Cardiac Metastasis of Cervical Cancer: A Case Report and Review of The Literature
Authors: Meng Haiyan , Miao Sihan , Teng Peng
Published: April 2022

Background: Cervical cancer cardiac metastasis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. It has been reported that the disease often is more detected at autopsy and has no standardized treatment options.
Case presentation: Here, we report a patient with cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer who initially suffered nonspecific symptoms, such as chest tightness.
Conclusion: A review of cases of cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer in over a decade was performed. Pretreatment data were provided for such matters, which may be helpful for diagnosis and treatment in the future.
The Impact of Serum Uric Acid on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wei Yangyan , Huang Siyang , Tang Jiwen , Chang Qing
Published: April 2022

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is a common complication. We aimed to investigate the impact of serum uric acid level (UA) on the POAF of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CABG at the Hospital between January 2019 and December 2019 was performed. Hyperuricemia (HUA) was defined as serum UA levels >420 µmol/l in men and>360 µmol/l in women. The included patients were divided into the HUA group (103) and the normal UA group (306) based on serum uric acid levels before surgery. POAF was defined as atrial fibrillation that occurred within 7 days of cardiac surgery. We use COX regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank test) for statistical analysis.
Results: The incidence of HUA was 25.2% (103/409). The rate of POAF was 28.61%. Univariate COX regression analysis showed the risk of POAF occurrence. It was revealed that UA was an independent predictor of POAF (HR=1.493, 95% CI1.007-2.212, P = 0.046). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that high serum UA was associated with the occurrence of POAF (P = 0.034). Moreover, age (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.024-1.076, P < 0.001), AD (HR=1.567, 95%CI .015-2.42, P = 0.043), and CCB (HR=0.647, 95%CI 0.424-0.988, P = 0.044) also were independent predictors of POAF.
Conclusions: Preoperative UA level was significantly associated with POAF. Higher serum UA was an independent risk factor for POAF.
Challenging Surgery of a Large Chest Wall Chondrosarcoma - A Case Report
Authors: TAOUFIQ Rachid , Sabur Safa , Elaamadi Wafae , Sbiki Labiba , Lefqih Imane , Taleb  Elmine Hachem , Achir Abdellah , Bouchikh Mohammed
Published: April 2022

Chondrosarcoma of a rib is a very rare malignant tumor of the bone. Most patients are present with an enlarging painful anterior chest wall tumor. We present a case of 32-years old female with a thoracoabdominal tumor size of 20 cm × 16cm involving the left 9th rib. Since chondrosarcoma is less sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgical treatment with extensive resection with a sufficient margin is considered first-line treatment. Sufficient soft-tissue reconstruction of the thoracic wall after extensive resection represents a formidable challenge. This article aims to illustrate the possibility of resection of the six last ribs with no complicated reconstruction technique.
Dynamic Analysis and Modeling Movement Transmission of Soil Construction Interaction
Authors: Hamidatou Mouloud , Lebdioui Saad , Hallal Nassim , Matos José Campos , Tinoco Joaquim
Published: April 2022

This paper defines the dynamic analysis and geometric demonstration of movement transmission and the dynamic soil-structure interaction using two different approaches: the finite component process and the limit component approach (EM). This mathematical process is an influential geometric approach right for dynamic tasks. In this item, we used very advanced and effective computer geometric converter approaches to study multifaceted difficulties. The fractional difference equation leading the motion is outcoming and resolved by EM. The influence of 3 dimensions on the movement transmission imitation (1D and 2D) has a conversed captivating effect, dependent on the different finite components kinds (triangles, rectangles, tall degree components). Geometric modeling of stifling is too discussed (Rayleigh checking). The finite component technique then treats a model of movement transmission owing to the vibration of a foundation. The limit component technique's capacities are remembered, and outcomes found through 2D and 3D mockups are planned. Numerous cases of dynamic soil-structure interaction (building, tunnel) are formerly pickled. The outcomes of these properties are discussed here.
Performance of Management Interventions to the Impacts of Prosopis juliflora in Arid and Semiarid Regions of the Middle Awash Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Degefu Mekonnen Adnew , Assen Mohammed , Few Roger , Tebboth Mark
Published: April 2022

The objective of this paper is to provide up-to-date empirical information on the expansion of P. juliflora, its environmental and livelihood impacts, and the performance of past and current management strategies in the Middle Awash Valley (MAV), Ethiopia. This study was based on data collected using focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and field observation. The results show that P. juliflora has expanded rapidly and invaded valuable grazing and croplands, and settlement areas. The rapid expansion of P. juliflora in the study area is attributed to climate change (increased temperature and declined rainfall), its ecological competition, spreading of seeds by wild animals and pastoral (mobile livestock) livelihood system, and recent occurrences of flood and drought-induced pasture scarcity that has forced livestock to eat more P. juliflora seed pods. Also, delays in the use of land cleared for farming activity have created good opportunities for Prosopis expansion. The perception and views of people on the benefits of P. juliflora and management options vary according to livelihood systems and stakeholder types (e.g., environmental managers and pastoralists). The attempted management strategies to eradicate P. juliflora (cutting, burning, and bulldozering or converting into economic utilization by making charcoal, fodder, and furniture) failed to achieve the intended outcomes. These management interventions failed due to many reasons. Some of these were the rapid rate of P. juliflora expansion triggered by the recurrent drought, severe scarcity of pasture that forced livestock to eat P. juliflora’s seed pods and travel into new areas, inadequate technologies to aid utilization and eradication, inability to collect sufficient quantity of pods to produce fodder for livestock, and absence of sufficient and satisfactory markets for the end-product (fodder). The results generally imply the need for urgent policy and management interventions. This study also highlights important issues that should be considered in introducing and implementing management strategies in the future.
Molecular Characterization of Mutations in Anticarsia gemmatalis Cadherin Gene and their Relation to Bacillus thurigiensis Resistance
Authors: Dias Felipe Cordeiro , Dionísio Jaqueline Fernanda , Sosa-Gómez Daniel Ricardo , Da Rosa Renata
Published: April 2022

Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, 1818 is the main soybean defoliating pest in Brazil. The biological control of the species is done with products based on toxins produced by Bacillus thurigiensis (Bt), as bioinsecticides, or in transgenic plants. After activation by intestinal proteases, these toxins interact with receptors, especially cadherin, leading to death due to the formation of cellular pores. In recent years resistant populations have been identified in the laboratory, which can be a problem if the same patterns are found in crops, reducing their control effect. In this paper, we performed a comparative structural analysis of a mutation region for the gene of this receptor in A. gemmatalis, among resistant and susceptible strains treated with a toxin produced by Bt (Cry1Ac). The HaCad fragment of the cadherin gene was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The PCR results were positive for resistant specimens but not for susceptible strains, suggesting the presence of a mutation in the resistant strain. In the sequenced fragments of the resistant insects, six haplotypes were found, and the originated amino acid sequences demonstrated the modification in four sites, which did not interfere with the three-dimensional shape of the protein. These data showed considerable variation taking into account the size of the fragment, even if they do not affect the final structure of the protein. The results allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to Cry1Ac in the species, mainly in the involvement of cadherin in this process.
2D PET Image Reconstruction Using Robust L1 Estimation of the Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Tafro Azra , Seršić Damir , Sović Kržić Ana
Published: May 2022

An image or volume of interest in positron emission tomography (PET) is reconstructed from gamma rays emitted from a radioactive tracer, which are then captured and used to estimate the tracer’s location. The image or volume of interest is reconstructed by estimating the pixel or voxel values on a grid determined by the scanner. Such an approach is usually associated with limited resolution of the reconstruction, high computational complexity due to slow convergence and noisy results.
This paper presents a novel method of PET image reconstruction using the underlying assumption that the originals of interest can be modelled using Gaussian mixture models. Parameters are estimated from one-dimensional projections using an iterative algorithm resembling the expectation-maximization algorithm. This presents a complex computational problem which is resolved by a novel approach that utilizes ${L_{1}}$ minimization.
Relating groundwater to geology in Sokoto basin, north-western Nigeria using multivariate and regression analysis: implications for groundwater availability
Authors: Wali Saadu Umar , Gada Murtala Abubakar , Dankani Ibrahim Mustapha , Hamisu Isah
Published: April 2022

Background: Geological formation's variability is responsible for spatial distribution and volume of groundwater stored in the aquifer. Groundwater availability is also determined by topography, geology, and climate, accountable for numerous natural surface indicators and groundwater availability. Objective: This paper evaluates the empirical relations between geology and sporadic groundwater levels over three geographical locations in the Sokoto basin by assessing the variability of static water level, pumping test, pumping water level and estimated yields from boreholes. Method: Hydrogeological data comprising of standing water level (Swl), pumping water level (Pwl), pumping test (Pt), and estimated yield (Ey) were derived from 612 boreholes in the Basement complex section (n=103), central Sokoto basin (n=113) and western Sokoto basin (n=396). The result shows that the Swl, Pt, and Ey were higher in the central Sokoto basin, whereas, Pwl was higher in the western Sokoto basin. Multivariate statistical analysis (Factor Analysis) was further applied to analyse the data. Results: Factor analysis indicates that most of the variability in groundwater availability in the western Sokoto basin is explained by Swl and Pwl as contained in Factor 1. Factor 2 revealed that Pt and Ey are responsible for groundwater variability in the central Sokoto basin. Factor 3, connected to the basement complex, explained 12.57%, had no high positive loadings on any hydrogeological variable. It suggests that most groundwater variability in the Sokoto basin is influenced by the Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed three types of aquifers: those aquifers with high Swl and Pwl in western Sokoto basin; those aquifers with high pumping test in the central Sokoto basin, and those aquifers having high yields comparable to the aquifers in both western and central Sokoto basin. Lastly, the general regression model shows that Swl is the significant hydrogeological parameter influencing groundwater levels. Conclusion: Even with the variability in groundwater conditions, the Sokoto basin sits on very rich aquifers to sustain different water supply programs. However, this study presents only a spatial assessment. Therefore, studies comparing groundwater conditions with geology over broader spatial and temporal scales are recommended.
Intramyocardial injections of erythropoietin-analogue C.E.R.A. in ischemic cardiomyopathy: the ALSTER C.E.R.A. trial
Authors: Paitazoglou Christina , Bergmann Martin W. , Losik Denis , Pokushalov Evgeny , Shabanov Vitaly , Romanov Alexander
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Erythropoietin (EPO) improved cardiac regeneration in experimental models of ischemic heart disease. A pilot trial found subcutaneously administered EPO to improve surrogate markers of left ventricular (LV) function in ischemic cardiomyopathy. This clinical study tests the feasibility and safety of the intramyocardial delivery route of a long-acting EPO-analogue (C.E.R.A.) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods: The ALSTER C.E.R.A. trial was a Phase II, open label, 1:1 randomized, single-center study testing intramyocardial injections of long-acting EPO analogue C.E.R.A. (C.E.R.A. NOGA: once 180 µg) using the NOGA XP system versus the subcutaneous application (C.E.R.A. SC: 30µg s.c./month for 6 months) in 59 symptomatic chronic heart failure (HF) patients with impaired LV function (ejection fraction (EF) £ 45%). Results: Follow-up up to three years with both clinical and imaging endpoints found intramyocardial delivery of C.E.R.A. to be feasible, safe and to possibly attenuate LV remodeling. Patients in the C.E.R.A. NOGA group showed stable parameter for LV end-diastolic diameter and volume (LVEDD and LVEDV), while C.E.R.A. SC patients had significant dilation of the LV (C.E.R.A. NOGA vs. SC, mean ± standard error of the mean: DLVEDD 0.02±0.1mm, p=0.8 vs. 0.3±0.09mm, p=0.0026; DLVEDV 10±15.9ml, p=0.5 vs. 34.8±11.3ml, p=0.0081; ∆EF 2.4±1.2%, p=0.045 vs. -1.6±1.1, p=0.1 respectively). NYHA class significantly improved and the hospitalization rate was numerically reduced in the C.E.R.A. NOGA group, while three-year mortality was identical. Conclusions: Intramyocardial injection of C.E.R.A. is feasible, safe and possibly attenuates LV remodeling in ischemic HF patients with LV dysfunction compared to the systemic application.
Exploring the Relationship Between Pornography Addiction and Religiosity
Authors: Prabowo Dito Aryo
Published: April 2022

Indonesia has recorded reports of complaints in 2020 regarding pornography and cybercrimes that continued to increase from 2011 to 2018. Despite the prevalence, objective approaches to construct, assess, and treat problematic pornography consumption are still unclear due to highly different concepts. This study aims to explore the relationship between pornography addiction and religiosity. Religiosity might be used as a buffer to pornography addiction. However, individuals who engage in pornography consumption with high religious beliefs and religious experiences may perceive their behavior as addictive, hence facilitating them to be more vulnerable to pornography addiction. 1500 online responses from Indonesian citizens to the newly developed Pornography Addiction Scale Indonesia (PASI) and the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS) were obtained using the non-probability sampling technique. There is no significant correlation found between both variables, albeit significant correlations were found in their aspects, namely salience and religious experience; mood modification and religious experience; internal conflict and intellectual; and internal conflict and ideology. Significant mean differences also found between religiosity score and pornography consumption demographic data. The results were discussed using comparison with other findings in other studies.
Student and School Factor’s Influencing the Mathematics Achievement: An HLM Analysis of Indonesian Data in TIMSS 2015
Authors: Dewi Mulia Sari
Published: April 2022

Indonesia continues to participate in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS) to increase understanding of academic performance in mathematics and science. This study aims to examine the determinants of the mathematics achievement of fourth-grade students in Indonesia from student-level variables and school-level variables. Two-level hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze data of 4025 students from 230 schools in Indonesia who had participated in the TIMSS 2015 study. The result indicated schools resource shortage has a negative direct effect on mathematics performance, while literacy and numeracy skill when the student enters the school has a positive direct effect. In student level, home resources, parents' education, self-efficacy and students' interest in mathematics have a positive direct effect. The model also revealed a cross-level interaction between school level and student level. It is the economic background of student in one school that had a moderating effect on home resource toward mathematics performance. Variance explained from students and school levels were 17% and 44%, whereas total variance explained were 28%. The results were sizeable to make some recommendation for policy consideration which social economic background and affective characteristics of students are the main determinants of mathematics performance among Indonesian Students.
The Family is the Patient: Promoting Early Childhood Mental Health in Pediatric Care
Authors: Buka Stephen L. , Beers Lee S. , Biel Matthew G. , Counts Nathaniel Z. , Hudziak James , Parade Stephanie H. , Paris Ruth , Seifer Ronald , Drury Stacy S.
Published: May 2022

Advances in developmental psychology, child psychiatry, and allied disciplines have pointed to events and experiences in the early years as the origin of many adult mental health challenges. Yet, children’s mental health services still largely lack a developmental or prevention-focused orientation, with most referrals to mental health professionals occurring late, once problems are well established. An early childhood mental health system rooted in the principles of life-course health development would take a very different approach to designing, testing, and implementing prevention and intervention strategies directed toward early child mental health. Priorities for such a system include supporting healthy family environments, parent–child and family relationships, parents’ emotional/behavioral health, and family routines as a means of providing the best possible neurobiological foundation for mental health across the life span. The system would include proactive, trauma-informed, multidisciplinary care, with integrated mental health and social services support embedded in pediatric primary care settings. Novel intervention approaches in need of further research include 2-generational dyadic interventions designed to improve the mental health of parents and children, mental health-oriented telemedicine, and contingency management (CM) strategies. Integral to this Life Course Health Development reformulation is a commitment by all organizations supporting children to primordial and primary prevention strategies to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities in all settings. We contend that it is the family, not the individual child, that ought to be the identified target of these redesigned approaches, delivered through a transformed pediatric system with anticipated benefits for multiple health outcomes across the life course.
Turning Vicious Cycles Into Virtuous Ones: the Potential for Schools to Improve the Life Course
Authors: Wong Mitchell D. , Quartz Karen Hunter , Saunders Marisa , Meza Ben P.L. , Childress Saltanat , Seeman Teresa E. , Dudovitz Rebecca N.
Published: May 2022

Adolescence is a critical transition period that sets the stage for adulthood and future health outcomes. Marked by key developmental milestones in brain maturation, increasing independence from parents, and greater connections to peers, adolescence is also a time of heightened risk for behavioral health problems, including substance use, violence, delinquency, and mental health issues. High school completion is a significant life course event and a powerful social determinant of health and health disparities. Jessor’s Theory of Problem Behavior suggests that adolescent health behaviors and mental health problems are closely tied to poor educational outcomes and peer network formation in a reinforcing feedback loop, or vicious cycle, often leading to school failure, school disengagement, and drop-out. Schools are a novel platform through which vicious cycles can be disrupted and replaced with virtuous ones, simultaneously improving education and health. This article describes the potential for schools to transform health trajectories through interventions creating positive and supportive school climates. In addition, new models such as the Whole School Whole Community Whole Child Model promote whole child well-being, including cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and physical development. Full-service community schools can serve as a hub coordinating and integrating all available resources to better respond to the needs of children and families. Present in every neighborhood, schools are a way to reach every school-age child and improve their health trajectories, providing an important platform for life course intervention research.
Preventing Unintentional Injuries in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bou-Karroum Lama , El-Jardali Fadi , Jabbour Mathilda , Harb Aya , Fadlallah Racha , Hemadi Nour , Al-Hajj Samar
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Unintentional injuries constitute the leading causes of death and long-term disabilities among children aged 5 to 15 years. We aimed to systematically review published literature on interventions designed to prevent unintentional injuries among school-aged children.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO and screened the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. We included randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series studies. The focus of included studies was on primary prevention measures. Two reviewers collected data on type of study design, setting, population, intervention, types of injuries, outcomes assessed, and statistical results.

RESULTS

Of 30 179 identified studies, 117 were included in this review. Most of these studies were conducted in high-income countries and addressed traffic-related injuries. Evidence from included studies reveals that multicomponent educational interventions may be effective in improving safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in school-aged children mainly when coupled with other approaches. Laws/legislation were shown to be effective in increasing cycle helmet use and reducing traffic-related injury rates. Findings reveal the relevance of infrastructure modification in reducing falls and improving pedestrian safety among children.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of unintentional injury prevention interventions on injury, hospitalizations, and mortality rates and the impact of laws and legislation and infrastructure modification on preventing unintentional injuries among school-aged children.
Determining university students' cognitive structures and alternative concepts on striated muscle by word association test
Authors: Akatan Abdulkadir , Kılıç Mehmet , Baştürk Zeliha , Embiyaoğlu Nuri M.
Published: April 2022

Background and Study Aim. Muscles are a set of topics for physical education and sports. Cognitive structure and alternative concepts of students should be diagnosed about striated muscles, which are very rich in terms of abstract concepts. The aim of this research is to determine the cognitive structures, alternative concepts and conceptual change process of university students on striated muscle with the word association test.
Material and Methods. 50 students who took physiology course in Selcuk University physical education and sports teaching 2nd year participated in the research. The research was designed with a single group pretest posttest weak experimental design. The students were given a pre-test Word Association Test (WAT), then the subject of striated muscles in the training information curriculum was explained, and then WAT was re-applied as a post-test. As a result of the tests applied, the frequencies of the answer words given by the students to 11 key concepts were calculated and the cut-off points were determined and concept networks were created. In addition, the sentences formed by the students about these concepts were examined in terms of misconceptions.
Results. We found that the students produced 44 answer words in the pre-test and 64 in the post-test, and the frequency of many concepts increased in the post-test compared to the pre-test. However, an increase in the knowledge level and concept associations of the students at the desired level was not observed. In addition, we determined that although the students' misconceptions about striated muscle decreased in the post-test compared to the pre-test, they still continued, and the students generally had unscientific or superficial knowledge in both tests.
Conclusions. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a significant change in the cognitive structure of the students about the skeletal muscle, although it was not at a sufficient level, and their misconceptions were reduced. It has been concluded that the WAT is an important alternative assessment tool to determine the conceptual development in preliminary and post-knowledge, as well as a strategy that can be used to ensure meaningful learning and conceptual change.
The impact of physical activity on students' happiness in the context of positive and negative motivation
Authors: Blonska Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

Background and Study Aim. This study investigated whether the physical activity and the type of motivation among students inactive in professional sport can enhance their life satisfaction.Material and Methods. An experimental study was conducted with the participation of 164 students (not athletes) aged 24,52±4.  In the experimental groups participants engaged in physical activity which they performed at their leisure 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes for 6 weeks. Additionally, the students were motivated to be active in a positive way (focus on benefits), in a negative way (focus on avoiding losses) or were not motivated at all. The experiment was based on a mixed group plan - with the initial and final measurement of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). 

Results. The results confirm that involvement in regular sport brings benefits in terms of improving psychological well-being. The type of motivation proved to determine the influence of the practiced sport on life satisfaction. Students who were negatively motivated achieved a positive change but in terms of the level of negative affect it was lower than in the other groups. On the other hand, positively motivated students achieved the greatest change in terms of positive and negative emotions. However, there was no increase in the level of subjective well-being in these subjects. The greatest psychological benefits of sports activity were achieved by the subjects who were focused only on being active without additional motivation. There were no changes in the analyzed variables in the control group.Conclusions. This data may contribute to promoting undertaking leisure activities that will actually increase life satisfaction of young adults.
Evaluation and comparative analysis of the results of a vertical jump between young basketball and handball players
Authors: Aksović Nikola , Bjelica Bojan , Milanović Filip , Cicović Borislav , Bubanj Saša , Nikolić Dejan , Skrypchenko Iryna , Rozhechenko Victor , Zelenović Milan
Published: April 2022

Background and Study Aim. Team sports, basketball and handball, as well as their competitions, are very popular throughout the world. The aim of this research was evaluation and comparative analysis of the results of a vertical jump between young basketball and handball players.

Material and Methods. A  group  of  37  participants  took  part  in  the  research: 21 basketball players from the basketball club OKK ''Novi Pazar'' (age: 15.5 ± 0.5) from Novi Pazar formed the first subgroup and 16 handball players from the handball club RK ''Železničar 1949'' (age: 25.4 ± 5.8; body height = 193.5 ± 7.5 cm; body weight = 94.0 ± 7.4 kg; body mass index = 25.03 ± 2.38 kg/m2) from Niš formed the second subgroup. Explosive power of the vertical jumps was assessed by the following tests: countermovement jump, countermovement jump/arm swing, squat jump. Participants had at least 5 years of  training experience and held similar acute training histories prior to study commencement, completing 4 weeks of baseline conditioning during the general preparatory phase. Participants were free of injury, illness and disease as determined by a team physician prior to study participation.

Results. The results of the independent samples t-test show that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between basketball and handball players in all vertical jump tests.

Conclusions. This article contains new information about vertical jumps of young male basketball and elite male handball players that could be extremely useful for coaches. Also, these findings suggest that basketball coaches may benefit from talents’ identification in young basketball players.
Effects of macromolecular crowding on folding of small globular proteins
Authors: Nguyen Nhung T. T. , Bui Phuong Thuy , Hoang Trinh Xuan
Published: April 2022

The effects of inert spherical crowders on the melting temperature and the folding stability of small globular proteins are investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations with a Gō-like model for the proteins. The energy parameter in the Gō-like model is obtained individually for each protein by matching the model’s melting temperature to the experimental meltingtemperature in the absence of crowders. It is shown that both the melting temperature and the folding stability of protein increase in the presence of the crowders. Specifically, as the crowders’ volume fraction φc increases from 0 to 0.4 the melting temperature increases by more than 20 Kelvins, whereas the folding stability is enhanced by up to ∼3.6 kcal/mol depending on the protein and the temperature. At room temperature (300 K), the stability enhancement is 1.2–1.4 kcal/mol, which is close to prior experimental data. It is also shown that the dependence of the folding free energy change on φc can be fitted well to the scaled particle theory by assuming a linear dependence of the effective size of the unfolded state on φc .
Cycling in a Variance Exchange Algorithm: Its Influence and Remedy
Authors: Ikpan Okim Inyang , Nwobi Felix Noyanim
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces cycling in a variance exchange algorithm, a sequential search procedure for the construction of exact $D-$optimal designs done over a list of \(\tilde{X}\) candidate points and involves the iterative improvement of an initial $N-$trial design. Cycling occurs in this sequence at a certain step of the exchange when a point that was earlier removed from the design at the k-th step qualifies to return to the design at the (k+1)-th point with determinant of the information matrix equal to that of the k-th step or even that of the (k-1)-th step and therefore not guaranteeing the N-point exact D-optimal design. A method to overcome cycling is finally proposed
Using Datix Electronic Incident Reporting System to Develop a Palliative and End-of-Life Care Patient-Centered Auditing, Quality Assessment and Reporting System
Authors:   The London Clinic, London, England, UK, Ubogagu-Israel Edith , Kolandaisamy Anita ,   The London Clinic, London, England, UK, Abubaker Maryam ,   The London Clinic, London, England, UK
Published: April 2022

The need for specialist palliative care services has never been higher as the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic has highlighted. Yet even in the absence of the pandemic, specialist palliative care services in hospitals, hospices and within communities were already stretched beyond their capacity. The current fiscal climate within which most healthcare systems operate are undergoing global economic constraints making it a necessity that healthcare systems explore new ways of working to develop efficient high-quality services, maximising resources whilst maintaining good clinical governance. We describe how a hospital palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) specialist team, can harness an existing electronic incident reporting system Datix, adapting it to automatically track the longitudinal performance of the patient-centred, end-of-life care (EoLC) services that they deliver, along national standards in keeping with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE) guidelines for end-of-life care in the UK. Such automated systems can inform the quality of PEoLC services, improve the use of time and resource within specialist palliative care teams, support the delivery of evidence-based clinical governance standards, whilst supporting benchmarking across organisations, strategy development, insight into local/regional variations, and the establishment of standardisations of care.