bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational R2P? Civilian-Led Prevention and Protection against Atrocity Crimes
Authors: Gray Felicity
Published: May 2022

The protection of civilians in the context of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is often understood as a practice of ‘saving strangers’. In this article, I argue that such an understanding overlooks the ways that close relational webs can be used as a form of prevention of, and protection from, atrocity crimes. Through an examination of unarmed protection practices in the context of the civil war in South Sudan, I highlight how practices of unarmed, civilian-led protection – performed both by non-governmental organisations (ngo s), and by communities themselves – hinge on the creation and sustaining of close relational webs. Rather than ‘saving strangers’, this ‘relational R2P’ hinges on familiarity as a means of protecting one’s friends, families, and neighbours. Through a lens of relational connectivity, fresh perspectives and opportunities for re-imagining ‘intervention’ in the face of atrocity crimes arise. The article explores potential opportunities, challenges, and limitations for the implementation of unarmed, civilian-based approaches in the context of atrocity crimes.
‘May God Shield us from the Plague.’ Vernacular Remedies for the Plague from Moyshe Kalish’s Yiddish Self-help Medical Book Seyfer Yerum Moyshe (Amsterdam 1679)
Authors: Zaidman-Mauer Daniella
Published: May 2022

Between the years 1650 and 1800, Amsterdam became the center of Yiddish printing. Vernacular medical writings were among the variety of Yiddish books published in Amsterdam. The Yiddish remedies book Seyfer Yerum Moyshe, published in 1679, was written by Moyshe Rofe mi-Kalish. In this article I intend to examine the paratexts of this book and present as a case study the doctor’s recommendations to confront the plague. He explains his remedies are credible and have been tried by many doctors. His book would not only save its readers from having to call a doctor and pay him a lot of money, but also give them remedies they can prepare in their homes or find in their pharmacies. Whether rich or poor, everyone should have access to remedies. Kalish stresses the fact that ultimately leading a pious life, together with these remedies, will promise health and longevity, with G-d’s help.
Kabbalistic Lurianic Myth as a Field of Transformation
Authors: De Armond Isabelle M.
Published: May 2022

According to the Kabbalistic Lurianic mysticism, the divine light fell into the world because of the rupture of the vessels. The sparks of light became alienated from their transcendent origin and have to be reunified. Likewise, for Jung, individuation is a process of wholeness and reclaiming to consciousness splits of the psyche. The Lurianic myth may be an archetypal motif of the psyche. It may also be viewed as an imaginal field where transformation occurs, with an activation of the archetype of the Self, the birth of a new relationship to the Self, and a new attitude towards the world.
Austin’s Way with Skepticism Revisited
Authors: Kaplan Mark
Published: May 2022

In “Other Minds,” Austin maintained that, unless there is a special reason to suspect the bird he saw is stuffed, he does not need to do enough to show it is not stuffed in order to be credited with knowing what he has just claimed to know: that the bird he saw is a goldfinch. But suppose Austin were presented with the following argument:

You don’t know the bird is not a stuffed goldfinch.

If you don’t know the bird is not a stuffed goldfinch, you don’t know the bird is a goldfinch.

Therefore, you don’t know the bird is a goldfinch.

Which of the premises of this argument would Austin have rejected? My brief is that the answer is, “Neither”: Austin would have dismissed the very idea that he needed to choose a premise to reject. The burden of this essay is to explain why.
Evolutionary characteristics of biological soil crusts in grassland restoration in the Source Zone of the Yellow River
Authors: Sun Huafang , Li Xilai , Jin Liqun , Zhang Jing , Lin Chunying , Liu Kai
Published: May 2022

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) play an important ecological role in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. So far, most studies on BSCs have focused on deserts, while rarely examining the successional process of BSCs in artificial/restored grassland. This study aimed to explore the natural succession and characteristics of BSCs during the recovery process of an artificial grassland in the Source Zone of the Yellow River. Six sites in two grassland types, i.e. one healthy alpine meadow and five artificial grasslands, were selected in Maqin county, Qinghai Province. These artificial grasslands have been established for varying growth periods ranging from 1 to 18 years. We examined vegetation characteristics in relation to BSC types, BSC coverage and thickness at these six sites. Mosses appeared at the early stage of the natural succession of the grassland, and lichens and visible algal crusts followed. The dominant moss species was Barbula unguiculate. BSC coverage increased significantly with recovery period. BSC thickness increased initially in the early stage of recovery but decreased after 14 years of recovery. At an appropriate level (0~30%), an increase in litter coverage can increase BSCs thickness, but excessive litter (> 30%) can reduce BSCs coverage (P < 0.05). Therefore, an increase in the total coverage of vegetation and maintenance of a suitable litter coverage (< 30%) are important to promote the establishment and succession of BSCs in recovered grasslands.
Science with an Ethical Face
Authors: Kitchener Richard F.
Published: May 2022

In Science and Ethics, Bernard Rollin argues that ethics and values are relevant to science, that scientists have ignored these because of their “ideology,” that science is value-free, concluding that science should abandon this ideology. Value-free science rests on the fact-value distinction, defended by several philosophers. But scientists do make value judgments, something which should fall outside of science. This is reinforced by the naturalism of science. All of this leads to the question: How is it possible for ethics to find a place in science?
Between Miasmas and Microbes: French Military Doctors in Dahomey (1889–1904)
Authors: Adjaho Dario
Published: May 2022

This article focuses on the work of French Army doctors deployed in Dahomey, a region that corresponds to present-day Benin. The chronological boundaries of this article begin with the conquest of the territory (1890–1894) and end in 1904 with its integration into the federal government of French West Africa. At that time, the microbial paradigm (germ theory) was ascendant and leading to important discoveries, notably that of the role played by mosquitoes in the spread of malaria. Nevertheless, the influence of miasma theories still persisted in medical circles. These considerations lead us to examine the contribution of medical knowledge during the colonization of Dahomey, just as the richness of intercultural exchanges prompts us to consider the dynamics of sharing with regard to medical knowledge. It is therefore mainly from this perspective that this article aims to study hospital structures, medical staff, sanitary equipment, theoretical representations of African diseases, and experimentation with therapeutic practices.
Laparoscopic Versus Laparotomy Surgical Interventions for Trauma Patients With Single Upper Left Quadrant Penetrating Injuries: Analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Dataset
Authors: Elkbuli Adel , Newsome Kevin , Fanfan Dino , Sutherland Mason , Bilski Tracy , Liu Huazhi , Ang Darwin
Published: May 2022

Background

We aim to identify patient cohorts where laparoscopy can be safely utilized with comparable or better outcomes to laparotomy among patients with single penetrating LUQ injuries with a hypothesis that compared to laparotomy, laparoscopy may be associated with equal or improved outcomes of low injury severity patients.

Methods

Retrospective review of the ACS-TQP-Participant Use File 2016-2019 dataset. Patients with single LUQ penetrating injuries were included. Primary outcome was risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included: risk-adjusted complication rates, hospital length-of-stay (H-LOS), and ICU-LOS. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression with reliability adjustments to account for variations in practice were performed.

Results

Of 4149 patients analyzed, 3571 (86.1%) underwent laparotomy, 489 (11.8%) underwent laparoscopy, and 89 (2.1%) underwent laparoscopy-to-laparotomy conversion. Adjusted mortality rates were not significantly different among all study cohorts (P > .05). Compared to laparoscopy, adjusted odds of complications were 4.3-fold higher for all patients who underwent laparotomy and 4-fold higher for laparoscopy-to-laparotomy (LtL) patients (P < .05). Diaphragmatic injuries were associated with significantly increased odds of undergoing LtL, whereas sustaining a colonic injury, gastric injury, hepatic injury, or requiring PRBC transfusions were associated with significantly increased odds of undergoing laparotomy (P < .05). H-LOS (days) was significantly longer for patients who underwent laparotomy compared to laparoscopy (3.9 ± 4.0 vs. 10.8 ± 13.4, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Laparoscopy may be considered a viable alternative to laparotomy for hemodynamically stable adult patients with single penetrating LUQ injuries of low injury burden validating our hypothesis. Laparoscopy may be less safe for patients with associated diaphragmatic, colonic, or hepatic injuries.
Outcomes of Highest Grade (IV and V) Liver Injuries in Blunt and Penetrating Trauma
Authors: Braschi Caitlyn , Keeley Jessica A. , Balan Naveen , Perez Laura C. , Neville Angela
Published: May 2022

Background

High-grade hepatic trauma can be devastating, with complications being common if patients survive. Studies comparing outcome differences between blunt and penetrating mechanism are lacking. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the association of traumatic mechanism with complications in patients sustaining grades IV and V liver injuries.

Methods

A retrospective review of all adults who suffered grades IV and V liver injury from 2015-2020 was performed at a level I trauma center in an urban area. Outcomes in patients with blunt and penetrating mechanisms were compared.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included, of which 44 (43%) were penetrating and the remainder blunt. Patients with penetrating injuries were younger, more often male, and more likely to undergo initial operative management (82% vs 40%, P < .001). Regardless of mechanism, high grade liver injuries had similar rates of complications, including bile leak (17% vs 23%, P = .559) and intrabdominal abscess (7% vs 16%, P = .239), and similar need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (12% vs 19%, P = .379). Penetrating injuries required more re-interventions (42% vs 19%, P = .033), specifically more percutaneous drainage procedures (36% vs 12%, P = .016). Overall mortality was 29% and did not differ by mechanism.

Discussion

Morbidity and mortality are high for grades IV and V liver injuries. Penetrating high-grade hepatic injuries are more likely to be managed operatively, but mortality and overall complications are similar to blunt mechanisms. This may allow for uniform algorithms to define management strategies regardless of mechanism.
New Graduates’ Experiences in Paediatric Private Practice: Learning to Make Intervention Decisions
Authors: Moir Elizabeth M A , Turpin Merrill J , Copley Jodie A
Published: May 2022

Background. Challenges with clinical decision-making are common among new graduate occupational therapists. There is limited research exploring their experiences of learning to make intervention decisions. Purpose. To explore new graduates’ experiences of learning to make intervention decisions in pediatric private practice. Method. A case study approach, involving a range of data sources, explored the experiences of 11 new graduates and three experienced occupational therapists working in Australian private practices. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings. Themes pervading new graduates’ decision-making experiences were: “being seen as capable and competent,” “similar and familiar,” and “specialist versus generalist positions.” Contextual influences contributed to new graduates utilizing their support networks and personal experiences in addition to workplace supports. Implications. It is vital to balance private practice business demands with opportunities for new graduates to engage with experienced occupational therapists and professional communities of practice to assist their learning to make intervention decisions.
Omadacycline for a Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae-Associated Wound Infection
Authors: VanDuyn Dylan C. , Chadha Saloni , Paul Lauren A. , Dressler Andrea R. , Beccari Mario V. , Bajwa Rajinder P.S.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are problematic pathogens because infections caused by these organisms are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These organisms often harbor multiple resistance mechanisms, which makes it difficult to treat their associated infections. Treatment typically consists of intravenous antibiotics that are selected based on the specific susceptibility pattern for the pathogen. Data on the use of oral antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by CRE are sparse. Case Presentation: In this case, a 62-year-old female presented with a chronic left leg wound infection. She previously underwent surgical debridement and skin grafting, which were unsuccessful. She was initially prescribed minocycline for the infection, but the wound got re-infected. At this time, the wound had significant surrounding erythema, drainage, and slough. A wound culture was obtained and demonstrated growth of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was initiated on oral omadacycline, and she responded with resolution of the cellulitis and wound drainage. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that omadacycline may be beneficial as an oral medication for the treatment of complicated acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae.
The Impact of Modern-System Training on Battlefield Participation by Kurdish Soldiers
Authors: Cancian Matthew
Published: May 2022

What drives soldiers to risk death on the battlefield? Scholars have suggested that battlefield participation is driven by ideology, coercion, and cohesion while overlooking the importance of confidence in tactical success. On contemporary battlefields, training in effective, modern-system tactics will increase initial confidence and create a positive feedback loop of battlefield participation and combat effectiveness. I test this theory through the as-if random assignment of Peshmerga (Kurdish soldiers) to modern-system training by Western countries. One third of the Peshmerga had no formal training, one third had non–modern-system training from other Peshmerga, and one third had been trained in the modern-system. While non–modern-system training slightly increased unit confidence, it did not impact battlefield participation; coalition training in modern-system tactics dramatically increased confidence and, more importantly, led to higher levels of self-reported battlefield participation
Pathways between Social Capital and Oral Health from Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: Knorst J.K. , Brondani B. , Vettore M.V. , Hesse D. , Mendes F.M. , Ardenghi T.M.
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the theoretical pathways by which social capital can influence dental caries and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children over time. This 10-y prospective cohort started in 2010 with a sample of 639 preschoolers aged 1 to 5 y from the southern Brazil. Community and individual social capital were assessed at baseline through the presence of formal institutions in the neighborhood and social networks, respectively. In the 10-y follow-up, the individual social capital was evaluated by social trust and social networks. Dental caries was measured by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), and the short version of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) was used to assess OHRQoL. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral (frequency of toothbrushing and use of dental services), and psychosocial (sense of coherence) characteristics were also assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the associations between variables over time. About 429 children were reassessed at 10-y follow-up (67.1% cohort retention rate). High community social capital at baseline directly predicted lower occurrence of dental caries and better OHRQoL after 10 y. Social capital at community level also indirectly predicted lower occurrence of dental caries through sense of coherence, frequency of toothbrushing, and use of dental services. Individual social capital at follow-up was indirectly linked to OHRQoL via the psychosocial pathway (sense of coherence). Community-level social capital was associated with dental caries and OHRQoL over time. The relationship between individual social capital and oral health was mediated through the psychosocial pathway.
Desire to Die: How Does the Patients’ Chorus Sound?
Authors: Kremeike Kerstin , Boström Kathleen , Preiser Christine , Dojan Thomas , Voltz Raymond
Published: May 2022

Patients receiving palliative care often express a desire to die. Forms and backgrounds of these expressions can be diverse. To contribute to a better understanding of this phenomenon, we analyzed patients’ desire to die expressions reported by palliative care providers participating in 11 communication trainings on desire to die. The 102 participants were asked to reproduce related patients’ statements from their everyday practice. The 165 reported statements could be assigned to the four topics: “Putting an end to life by …,” “Social death,” “Death images,” as well as “Specific and unspecific references to life, death and dying.” Across these topics, phrasing differs particularly regarding sentence type (interrogative, declarative, propositional, exclamatory), explicitness and (the way of) referencing others (e.g. attribution of power). The compilation of statements reflects a chorus of expressions, which the palliative care providers might hear throughout their professional career as well as during a patient’s process(ing) of disease.
Classification of the loosening zones and estimation of the loosening pressures of tunnels in layered jointed rock strata
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Ma Weibin
Published: May 2022

Due to the complexity of tunnels, accurate prediction of their loosening pressures in layered jointed rock strata is a very difficult engineering task. To recognize loosening patterns and estimate loosening pressures, numerical tests were employed in areas where tunnels were excavated in layered jointed rock strata. A total of 12 influential factors, including joints, tunnel depth, and strata, were considered in each of the numerical models. Three loosening patterns were found in the numerical testing: a ringent trumpet-shaped boundary, an arch-shaped boundary, and a closing-trend trumpet-shaped loosening zone. Empirical expressions for the loosening zone boundaries were further established and, in the form of the 12 influential factors, considered in the simulation. Given the boundary function, the loosening pressures were further deduced, which were categorized according to loosening pattern, i.e., ringent trumpet shape or arch shape, and the excavation condition of whether or not the embedded depth was deeper than the soft layer. Two case studies were used to test this method. The newly-proposed method was found to perform better than existing methods, with loosening pressure values that were slightly larger than, but very close to, actual measured field data.
Walking and resting blood pressure: An inter-individual response difference meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kelley George A , Kelley Kristi S , Stauffer Brian L
Published: May 2022

Whether true inter-individual response differences (IIRD) exist with respect to walking training and chronic changes in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults is not known. To address this gap, data from a meta-analysis representing up to 5060 normotensive and high normal/hypertensive (SBP ≥ 130 and/or DBP ≥ 85 mmHg) participants 16 to 84 years of age (2881 walking, 2179 control) nested in 73 randomized controlled trials were included. Walking and control group change outcome standard deviations treated as point estimates for both resting SBP and DBP were used to calculate true IIRD from each study. The inverse variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model was used to pool IIRD as well as traditional pairwise results. Both 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PI) were calculated. While statistically significant reductions in resting SBP ([Formula: see text], −3.9 mmHg, 95% CI, −5.4 to −2.3 mmHg) and DBP ([Formula: see text], −1.4 mmHg, 95% CI, −2.5 to −0.3 mmHg) were found, true IIRD were neither statistically significant nor clinically important for both SBP ([Formula: see text], −1.4 mmHg, 95% CI, −2.0 to 2.8 mmHg) and DBP ([Formula: see text], 0.9 mmHg, 95% CI, −2.5 to 2.8 mmHg). The 95% prediction interval for true IIRD was −2.1 to 2.8 mmHg for SBP and −3.2 to 3.4 mmHg for DBP.

Conclusions

While walking is associated with reductions in resting SBP and DBP, a lack of true IIRD exists, suggesting that factors other than training response variation (random variation, physiological responses associated with behavioral changes that are not the result of walking) are responsible for the observed variation in resting SBP and DBP.
Mechanism and experimental simulation of non-isothermal melt formation induced by voltage change under auxiliary heating
Authors: Liu Kai , Zheng Yuansheng , Ge Cheng , Xin Binjie , Mu Xiaoqi
Published: May 2022

Over the past few decades, it has been universally acknowledged that melt-electrospinning is an attractive solvent-free production process with the aim of alleviating the solvent-related problems generated by traditional electrospinning techniques. Up to now, the temperature and applied voltage have been considered as the two most important factors affecting the melt-electrospinning process and electrospun fibers. In this paper, an auxiliary heating setup was applied to the melt electrospinning system to deeply understand the effect of heat distribution on the melt-electrospun fibers. Jet motions, morphologies, mechanical properties and inner structures of the fibers obtained under different applied voltage conditions with and without auxiliary heating were investigated. The temperature distribution in melt-electrospinning system was simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics software. The experimental results showed that a higher applied voltage results in a smaller fiber diameter, more disordered fiber mat and lower degree of strength with auxiliary heating. The simulation results of the temperature distribution in the spinneret-collector region are in good agreement with the measured values of the infrared images, which proves the feasibility and accuracy of the model.
The Regulation Backyard: Home Growing Cannabis in Uruguay
Authors: Aguiar Sebastián , Musto Clara
Published: May 2022

Background:

Uruguay was the first country in the world to explicitly authorize the personal cultivation of cannabis in 2013 within a comprehensive market regulation model. This policy development provides a unique opportunity to gauge the first impact of cannabis regulation on domestic cannabis growing and to have a more accurate picture of the characteristics of cannabis growers, a topic largely neglected by previous research in the country.

Method:

The Survey on Regulated Cannabis in Uruguay was conducted between October and December of 2017 to a random sample of the population between 15 and 65 years of age ( n = 2,181). Using face-to-face interviews, the survey asked about the use of cannabis (forms, amounts, access, motivations, etc.) and other drugs, included a sociodemographic module, and a specific section on domestic cultivation ( n = 213). The questions were formulated to ensure comparability with previous international surveys (ICCQ-GCCRC) conducted in 13 industrialized countries.

Results:

After regulation, the type of product consumed in Uruguay changed completely, with a significant increase in the preference for domestically grown cannabis. Most growers are experienced and frequent cannabis users. In the comparison with other countries, important similarities appear, as the quantity produced or the ages of growers, as well as relevant differences. While there is a predominance of men, a higher number of women got involved in growing after the law was adopted. Most cannabis is produced outdoors and with low costs per harvest.

Conclusions:

In a context of scarcity of legally sold cannabis, both registered and unregistered cannabis personal growing increased in Uruguay, though mostly through “experimental” attempts and motivations.
Bayesian Item Response Theory Models With Flexible Generalized Logit Links
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Zhang Ying-Ying , Tao Jian , Chen Ming-Hui
Published: May 2022

In educational and psychological research, the logit and probit links are often used to fit the binary item response data. The appropriateness and importance of the choice of links within the item response theory (IRT) framework has not been investigated yet. In this paper, we present a family of IRT models with generalized logit links, which include the traditional logistic and normal ogive models as special cases. This family of models are flexible enough not only to adjust the item characteristic curve tail probability by two shape parameters but also to allow us to fit the same link or different links to different items within the IRT model framework. In addition, the proposed models are implemented in the Stan software to sample from the posterior distributions. Using readily available Stan outputs, the four Bayesian model selection criteria are computed for guiding the choice of the links within the IRT model framework. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to examine the empirical performance of the proposed models and the model fittings in terms of “in-sample” and “out-of-sample” predictions based on the deviance. Finally, a detailed analysis of the real reading assessment data is carried out to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Job Quality in the Late Career in Sweden, Japan and the United States
Authors: Platts Loretta G. , Sacco Lawrence B. , Hiyoshi Ayako , Westerlund Hugo , Cahill Kevin E. , König Stefanie
Published: May 2022

Increasing numbers of older workers continue to work after being eligible to claim a state pension, yet little is known about the quality of these jobs. We examine how psychosocial and physical job quality as well as job satisfaction vary over the late career in three contrasting national settings: Sweden, Japan and the United States. Analyses using random effects modelling drew on data from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health ( n = 13,936–15,520), Japanese Study of Ageing and Retirement ( n = 3704) and the Health and Retirement Study ( n = 6239 and 8002). Age was modelled with spline functions in which two knots were placed at ages indicating eligibility for pensions claiming or mandatory retirement. In each country, post-pensionable-age jobs were generally less stressful, freer and more satisfying than jobs held by younger workers, results that held irrespective of gender or education level.
Barriers and potential facilitators to implement nutrition care program in athletes’ training centers in Indonesia
Authors: Dewinta Mustika Cahya Nirmala , Penggalih Mirza Hapsari Sakti Titis , Purwaningrum Digna Niken
Published: May 2022

Background: In order to improve national sport achievement in Indonesia, a new policy of nutritionist placement in every training center in Indonesia was proposed. The understanding of barriers and potential facilitators was needed to identify problems and arrange policy implementation strategies. Aim: This study aims to determine the barriers in nutrition intervention practices for athletes and opportunities in implementing the proposed policy of sport nutritionist placement in athlete training centers. Methods: The study was conducted using Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) as the guideline for data collection and analysis. In-Depth Interview (IDI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted on 9 participants from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, the Republic of Indonesia. Results: This study indicates that there are several potential barriers, which are influential on the implementation of nutrition support for athletes. These include the lack of facilitation of athletes’ nutritional needs, lack of supervision for food catering service, lack of communication, and limited funding. In contrast, the potential facilitators are strong relationship with sport-related stakeholders, compatibility with the existing policy, relative advantages, and trialability of the proposed policy. Conclusions: The Indonesia Ministry of Youth and Sports should utilize these facilitators as opportunities to design, develop, and implement a policy that requires nutrition support available for all athletes at every PPLP in Indonesia.
Sibling Relationships in Adolescence and Young Adulthood in Multiple Contexts: A Critical Review
Authors: Jensen Alexander C. , Killoren Sarah E. , Campione-Barr Nicole , Padilla Jenny , Chen Bin-Bin
Published: May 2022

In many contexts worldwide, most people grow up with one or more siblings. The current paper reviews research on sibling relationship quality (closeness, communication, and conflict) in adolescence and young adulthood in four different contexts: primarily White North American and European samples (132 articles reviewed); ethnic minority families (26 articles reviewed); China (6 articles reviewed); and when one sibling has a disability (21 articles reviewed). Where the literature was available, within each context we addressed five questions: how does sibling relationship quality change from adolescence through young adulthood, how are demographic and structural characteristics linked to sibling relationship quality, how is sibling relationship quality linked to adjustment and behavior, how are familial relationships and processes linked to sibling relationship quality, and how is sibling relationship quality linked to non-familial relationships. Included articles were published between 2001 and 2021 and included aspects of sibling closeness, communication, or conflict in adolescence or young adulthood. Across all contexts, individual (e.g., gender) and dyadic characteristics (e.g., gender composition, birth order) play a role in siblings’ relationship qualities. In several contexts, the current literature suggests that sibling closeness and communication are linked to positive development, well-being, and healthy relationships with other social partners. In multiple contexts, sibling conflict is linked to poorer well-being and negative relationships with other social partners. These broad patterns, however, are qualified by each context and often multiple moderators.
Mobilizing ‘communities of practice’ for local development and accleration of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Annan-Aggrey Eunice , Arku Godwin , Atuoye Kilian , Kyeremeh Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out to achieve the ambitious goal of addressing all forms of poverty, fighting inequality, tackling climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. Five years into the implementation of the SDGs, though progress has been recorded in some places, significant challenges persist globally. In 2019, the UN Secretary-General declared a “Decade of Action” commencing in 2020 until 2030. In the light of this campaign, it is important that all effort is garnered to accelerate action towards achieving the goals. The local government level is increasingly being recognized as the key locus of development effort, particularly because the SDGs are relevant to local jurisdictions and change can be tangibly measured at smaller scales. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on how best to localize the global goals. Reflecting on the Ghanaian context, the paper discusses guiding principles for effective communities of practice at the local government level. Overall, the paper underlines the advantages of coordination among stakeholders, which constitute essential ingredients for accelerating action towards the SDGs especially as we commence the “Decade of Action.”
The evaluation of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients with spectral computed tomography
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Liang , Cheng Sai ming , Li Bo , Shen Jialin
Published: May 2022

Background

Iodine concentrations measured using dual-energy spectral CT (DESCT) have been recently proposed as providing good performance for examining tissues hemodynamics.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of DESCT-derived parameters in evaluating portal venous pressure in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Material and Methods

A total of 71 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal vein puncture procedures were included in this study. All participants underwent DESCT and gastrointestinal endoscopy within one month before the operation. The direct portal venous pressure of each participant was measured preoperatively.

Results

Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the iodine concentrations in the portal vein and hepatic parenchyma during the portal venous phase and the platelet count were independently correlated with the direct portal venous pressure ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.030, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the normalized iodine concentration of the hepatic parenchyma had the best performance for identifying clinically significant portal hypertension (≥10 mmHg), esophageal varices, and high-risk esophageal varices (the area under the curve values were 0.951, 0.932, and 0.960, respectively).

Conclusion

The normalized iodine concentration of the hepatic parenchyma is a reliable parameter to non-invasively assess portal venous pressure in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Digital archives and recombinant historical geographies
Authors: Hodder Jake , Beckingham David
Published: May 2022

This article considers how digitisation is reshaping archival research in geography. Digitisation is more than a technical convenience, something that simply speeds up existing ways of working. Through novel practices of recombination, digital archive platforms enable researchers to extract and recombine fragments of historical information, drawn across multiple periods, places, collections and contexts. This represents a fundamental change in how we research the past. In this paper, we conceptualise recombination as an uneven geographical phenomenon, we situate it within the shifting political and economic infrastructures of archives, and pose a series of ethical questions for geographers to consider.
The continental and regional synoptic background favorable for hailstorms occurrence in North-Eastern Romania
Authors: Sfîcă Lucian , Istrate Vasilică , Hrițac Robert , Machidon Ovidiu
Published: May 2022

The current study aims to portray the specific weather patterns associated with hail falls in north-eastern Romania. This was done using multiple hail records data covering a long period of time (1981–2020). COST733 software enabled us to assess objectively the atmospheric circulation classification types for the middle troposphere (500 hPa) and also for the ground level (sea level pressure) over the study region. Based on these, we have identified 5 major weather patterns (MPs) which explain up to 85% of the recorded hail events over the region. In terms of wind vector direction and speed, driving the hailstorm cells, these MPs are represented by two main groups of synoptic patterns. The first one is characterized by weak advective patterns (cut-off lows, north-easterly anticyclonic flow), while the second one is characterized by strong advective patterns (westerly, south-westerly, and north-westerly atmospheric flows). Further, these major patterns are split into 16 combined circulation types (CCTs), as indicated by the atmospheric circulation at the ground level. Our analysis showed that in May and June hailstorms are determined especially by weak advective patterns over north-eastern Romania, while from June to August the strong advective patterns are more common for these extreme weather events. The atmospheric environment associated with these synoptic conditions, as indicated by instability parameters, is also described using a series of atmospheric parameters: sea pressure level, 500 hPa geopotential field, 700 hPa wind vector, and precipitation amount at the continental scale. This analysis indicates that hail occurs in a regional atmospheric environment characterized by a MUCAPE >500 J/kg and high wind shear in the lower troposphere. The results obtained are meant to become a useful tool in regional hail forecast.
Elevated serum cholesterol levels are associated with proteinuria over 0.5 g/day in premenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Haijun , Li Qianhua , Wei Xiuning , Ma Jianda , Long KangXia , Ouyang Xia , Liu Nemin , Li Yongsheng , He Liping , Dai Lie , Cai Xiaoyan
Published: May 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly occurs in premenopausal women and is associated with elevated estrogen levels. Patients with SLE may have abnormal serum triglyceride (TG) levels, and lipid reportedly promotes kidney damage in patients with nephrosis. Since estrogen regulates lipid levels, we investigated the serum lipid levels of premenopausal women with SLE and their relationship with proteinuria. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 123 premenopausal women with SLE (SLE group), who were classified into 24-h urine protein exceeding 0.5 g (24 h-UPRO > 0.5 g, n = 22) and 24 h-UPRO ≤ 0.5 g ( n = 101) subgroups, and 100 similarly aged healthy women (control group). Clinical characteristics and biomarker levels were compared between these groups. The associated factors of proteinuria over 0.5 g/day were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the cholesterol (CH) cut-off associated with increased development of proteinuria over 0.5 g/day. Results: The SLE group had significantly higher serum TG levels than that of control group. 24 h-UPRO were significantly correlated with serum creatinine, CH, TG, and uric acid levels. Serum CH level was the greatest associated factor for proteinuria over 0.5 g/day. The area under the ROC curve was 0.843, with a CH cut-off of 4.58 mmol/L. Patients with serum CH above 4.58 mmol/L had a higher proportion of type IV LN, but with no statistical difference. Conclusions: In premenopausal SLE patients, serum TG levels were higher than in healthy women, and serum CH levels were the primary associated factor for proteinuria over 0.5 g/day. Proteinura over 0.5 g/day may occur in women with SLE with serum CH levels >4.58 mmol/L. CH levels may be useful for predicting proteinuria.
Comparative moral economies of crisis
Authors: Manning Benjamin , Browne Craig
Published: May 2022

At times of crisis, existing institutional arrangements of societies are thrown into question. Crises that occur in multiple societies simultaneously present rare opportunities for comparative empirical analysis. Social theory can reveal the framing conditions of the responses to crises and the sources of variations between them. This paper compares the immediate responses of the Australian, UK and US governments to the global COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with regard to financing lockdowns, and points out significant differences between the three approaches. Drawing on Polanyi’s method of institutional analysis, we compare the responses of these same national groups to an earlier crisis, the Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War, to show similar patterns of integration recurring eight decades apart. This analysis shows that aspects of moral economies that are not usually apparent can become pronounced during crises, and points to the importance of enduring social imaginaries.
Unmet Caregiving Needs Among Sepsis Survivors Receiving Home Health Care: The Need for Caregiver Training
Authors: Burgdorf Julia G. , Chase Jo-Ana D. , Whitehouse Christina , Bowles Kathryn H.
Published: May 2022

Unmet needs for family caregiver assistance threaten patient outcomes during Medicare home health care (HHC). Sepsis survivors represent a growing proportion of the HHC patient population, but little is known regarding their risk for unmet caregiving needs. We describe prevalence and underlying cause of unmet caregiving needs for sepsis survivors receiving HHC, using HHC patient assessment data for 85,851 older sepsis survivors receiving post-acute HHC in 2013–2014. Unmet caregiving needs were most common for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (28%) and medication administration (27%). Caregivers’ need for training accounted for more than three-fourths of all unmet caregiving needs. Those who experienced decline/no improvement in cognitive function were more likely to experience unmet caregiving needs. Findings highlight the potential value of expanding family caregiver training to improve HHC outcomes for sepsis survivors and indicate that caregivers of sepsis survivors with poor cognitive function may benefit most.
Approaches to Serving Rural Older Adults in State Plans on Aging: A Policy Content Evaluation
Authors: Henning-Smith Carrie , Powell Mary Anne , Lahr Megan
Published: May 2022

Every state is required to submit a State Plan on Aging describing how it will use resources from the Older Americans Act (OAA), including a section specific to serving rural older adults. This paper describes a policy content evaluation of all 50 State Plans on Aging, focusing on Section 307(a)(10), which describes how states will serve rural older adults. We identified the most common and innovative approaches to using OAA funds to serve rural older adults across states. The most common information included about using OAA funds to serve rural older adults was describing the funding formula used to allocate resources. However, states varied in their definition of rural and in the details of their funding formulas. A minority of states also described additional approaches to serving rural older adults, including prioritizing Black, Indigenous, or rural residents of color; outreach; and targeted service delivery.
Acute Stress in Parents of Patients Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Two-Center Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Kaplan Daniel , Nesfield Mekela Whyte , Eldridge Peter S , Cuddy WIlliam , Ansari Nadia , Siller Pamela , Li Simon
Published: May 2022

Objective

To examine medical and psychosocial risk factors associated with the development of acute stress in parents of patients unexpectedly admitted to the PICU.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

Two tertiary care children's hospitals with mixed medical/surgical/cardiac PICU.

Patients

Parents of patients unexpectedly admitted to the PICU.

Intervention

None.

Measurements and Main Results

265 parents of 188 children were enrolled of whom 49 parents (18%) met ASD qualification and 108 (41%) parents developed ASD symptoms as determined by the ASDS-5 scale. Risk factors making parents likely to meet ASD qualification include parents from area served by Penn State (p < 0.001), prior psychiatric illness (p < 0.01), and female gender (p < 0.05), while graduating college was protective (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, parents from area served by Penn State (OR 3.00 (1.49-6.05) p < 0.01) and parents with prior psychiatric illness (OR 2.16 (1.03-4.52) p < 0.05) were associated with ASD qualification. Parents who graduated college or had prior medical problems were not significant. Risk factors making parents more likely to develop ASD symptoms (significant symptoms that do not meet ASD qualification) include patients with higher PRISM-III scores (p < 0.01), patients receiving cardiovascular support (p < 0.05), parents with a history of prior physical/sexual abuse (p < 0.01), parental involvement in the past with a major disaster/accident (p < 0.01), a family member admitted to an ICU in the past (p < 0.05) and preexisting parental psychiatric/medical disorders (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, prior parental psychiatric disorder (OR 4.11 (1.80-6.42) p < 0.001), history of parental abuse (OR 3.11 (1.14-5.08) p < 0.05), and parental prior medical problem (OR 2.03 (1.01-3.05) p < 0.05) were associated with the development of ASD symptoms. However, PRISM-III score and prior involvement in major disaster were not significant.

Conclusions

A combination of psychosocial parental risk factors and patient factors were associated with acute stress in parents. Further studies evaluating targeted hospital interventions towards parents most at-risk are needed.
Titanium scaffold loaded with strontium and copper double-doped hydroxyapatite can inhibit bacterial growth and enhance osteogenesis
Authors: Li Shihong , He Yang , Li Jian , Sheng Jun , Long Shiwei , Li Zhiqiang , Jiang Bobo , Fu Hong , Weng Jie , Wu Juan , Zheng Wei
Published: May 2022

Co-doping of multiple ions can effectively adjust the biological properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) for various biomedical applications. In this study, we prepared Sr2+ and Cu2+ double-doped hollow HA and characterized them by SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and other methods. We found that Sr2+ and Cu2+ were uniformly distributed in the hollow carbonic acid HA microspheres. As the proportion of metal elements increases, the microspherical appearance and crystallinity properties also change. In addition, we also prepared porous titanium scaffolds through 3D printing technology and constructed composite scaffolds of porous titanium scaffolds, Sr2+ and Cu2+ double-doped HA, and gelatin. In vitro cell experiments and bacterial experiments, the composite scaffolds, especially the 10%Cu-10%Sr- HA/Gel/Ti group scaffolds, have good biocompatibility and integration with bone tissues, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs while having excellent antibacterial properties. These composite scaffolds can simultaneously achieve bone defect filling, osteoblast differentiation, and antibacterial functions, owning broad clinical application prospects.
Identity, Social Character, and the Clash of Social Movements
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: May 2022

At this moment in time, the very future of democracy in America has become a serious question. Many journalists and commentators have raised questions of crisis of White, Christian, male authority that impel an ‘illiberal democracy’, one-party rule, and/or a new civil War. The wave of progressive movements in the 1960s, resurgent in the 21st century, and challenging traditional, essentialist, identities and values were experienced by many as threats and dangers, fostering fears, anxieties, and grievances that elicited backlashes engendering various reactionary movements that are now a powerful force. These ‘authoritarian populisms’, racialized nationalisms, gendered ethnoreligious nationalisms, neo-fascisms, and indeed some clearly fascist movements extolling racial, gender, or Christian supremacy are mobilizing to preserve the culture and country of the ‘real people’ who feel victimized, challenged, and face demise. A basic fault of modern political economies has been the fundamental conflict between political democracy, majority rule, and/or rules of law and the economic anarchy, which privileges a few while many face duress; these conditions lead to the irrationality and scapegoating, especially racism, sexism, and ethnocentrism flourish to foster a variety of authoritarian, reactionary mobilizations across the globe.