bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and Validation of the Questionnaire on Acceptance to Telemedicine from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for Use in Malaysia
Authors: Husin Masliyana , Rahman Norazida Ab , Bujang Mohamad Adam , Ng Sock Wen , Juval Kawselyah , Hwong Wen Yea , Sivasampu Sheamini
Published: April 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated implementation of telemedicine in healthcare facilities for delivery of care. Healthcare providers’ acceptance of the telemedicine services is important for successful implementation of this new system. A questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been used to measure user acceptance of telemedicine service. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the English version of the questionnaire into Malay, to extend the availability and utilization of this questionnaire in Malaysia. A forward and backward translation of the questionnaire was conducted to produce the TAM in the Malay version (Malay‐TAM). Panel experts assessed content validity. Internal consistency reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modelling was performed to validate the factor structure. The questionnaire was then tested on and completed by 149 healthcare workers from several public health clinics across Malaysia. The Malay‐TAM demonstrated good reliability with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.823 to 0.912. Factor analysis showed good convergent validity but relatively poor discriminant validity. All five constructs were retained to preserve content validity. The findings suggest that the Malay‐TAM can serve as a reliable and valid instrument to measure acceptance to telemedicine.
Construction of Incentive Mechanism for College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Shen Tong , Yao Yao , Liu Lihua , Guo Wei
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the current problem of low willingness of college students to innovate and start a business, this paper puts forward the method of college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship incentive mechanism based on analytic hierarchy process, improves the innovation and entrepreneurship incentive system for college students, optimizes the evaluation index of innovation and entrepreneurship of college students through the analytic hierarchy process, combines the triangular fuzzy number to express the weight evaluation value of the enterprise environmental behavior index, uses the binary semantics to express the evaluation value of the evaluation subcriteria to the enterprise environmental behavior, optimizes the evaluation algorithm, and selects a reasonable college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship incentive scheme. The experimental verification results show that the data of innovation and entrepreneurship activities of the proposed method based on analytic hierarchy process for the construction of incentive mechanism for innovation and entrepreneurship of college students are more than 70%, and the highest is 84.5%. The rationality of the method is more than 90%, and the highest is 96.1%. It has high practicability in practical application process and can better encourage college students to participate in innovation and entrepreneurship activities.
The Structural Features and Translation Skills of English in the Era of Radio Communication Networks
Authors: Wu Tiantian
Published: April 2022

A wireless communication network using an embedded microprocessor is a communication network method that uses radio waves to transmit the sound, text, pictures, data, and other information that the sender needs to transmit to the receiver through space and ground. With the rapid development of world science and technology, the application of radio communication network technology and international exchanges and cooperation have become increasingly active. In the era of radio communication networks, through radio communication English and radio communication English translation, we can receive real-time information about the development of radio communication technology. It can be seen that radio communication English plays an important role in promoting international radio technology exchanges and cooperation. Therefore, more and more researches on the structural features and translation skills of radio communication English have appeared in the academic circles. This article is aimed at studying the structural features and translation skills of English in the era of radio communication networks. The article first briefly introduces radio communication and then introduces the structural features of radio communication English, including lexical features and syntactic features. It also introduced two common radio communication spectrum detection algorithms. Finally, it explores the translation skills of radio communication English based on case analysis and provides some method reference for radio communication English translation.
Nintedanib bei SSc-ILD
Authors: Xanthouli Panagiota
Published: April 2022

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is a rare disease with a progressive nature, eventually leading to lung fibrosis. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a widely accepted drug for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease that shares some similarities with SSc-ILD regarding pathological disease processes. In this review, we aim to discuss the pathogenesis of SSc-ILD and the overall role of nintedanib in the management of SSc-ILD. SSc-ILD involves multiple pathological mediators contributing to various pathways that ultimately cause lung fibrosis. The pathogenesis of SSc-ILD is a complex phenomenon and still needs further study. Nintedanib has demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of SSc-ILD by reducing the progression of the pathological process. It has also proven its clinical significance in the management of SSc-ILD. However, the currently available literature does not have any evidence to compare the effectiveness of nintedanib with the already available treatment modalities such as cyclophosphamide (CYC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and azathioprine (AZT). The current literature also lacks information about nintedanib’s long-term consequences on patients with SSc-ILD. Therefore, to create better evidence-based treatment guidelines, we recommend that researchers conduct randomized clinical trials comparing nintedanib to MMF, CYC, AZT, etc., and continue surveillance to explore the long-term consequences of nintedanib.
Correction of the Estimated Hearing Level of NB Chirp ABR in Normal Hearing Population
Authors: Li Zhicheng , Lai Xiaofen , Lai Jinmei , Qi Min , Yuan Lianxiong , Zeng Xiangli , Ji Fei
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The narrowband chirp (NB Chirp), a frequency-specific sound stimulus signal obtained by limiting the frequency bandwidth based on chirp, is applied to the frequency specified auditory brainstem response (fsABR) increasingly. Although some studies demonstrated that NB Chirp-evoked auditory brainstem response (NB Chirp ABR) causes a better neural response than tone burst-evoked auditory brainstem response and is preferred for fsABR, there is little known about how to better estimate an individual’s hearing level through the threshold of NB Chirp ABR. The present study intended to compare the accuracy and deviation of NB Chirp ABR corrected by different approaches in estimating the hearing level of people with normal hearing. Methods: A total of 66 volunteers with normal hearing were randomly divided into a model group (n = 26), test group 1 (n = 20), and test group 2 (n = 20). The model group was used to calculate the threshold difference between NB Chirp ABR and pure-tone audiometry at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz, as well as the regression equation, providing a reference for the correction of estimated hearing level of NB Chirp ABR. Test group 1 was used to observe the accuracy and deviation of the “noncorrection (N),” “threshold difference (A1),” and “regression equation (A2)” methods in correcting the estimated hearing level of NB Chirp ABR. Test group 2 was used to replicate the analysis of test group 1 to verify the repeatability of the experimental results. All data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results: Test group 1 and test group 2 had similar results. First, the accuracy of the estimated hearing level of N was significantly higher than that of A1 or A2. Second, compared with “0,” the deviation of the estimated hearing level of N was bigger than that of A1 or A2 at 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz, while similar at 2,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz. Finally, there was no significant difference in the deviation of the estimated hearing level between A1 and A2 at 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz. Conclusion: Among people with normal hearing, it was necessary to correct NB Chirp ABR at 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz for lower deviation of the estimated hearing level. Both correction approaches based on threshold difference and regression equation can be used.
Modified Playfair cryptosystem for improved data security
Authors: Oladipupo Esau Taiwo , Abikoye Oluwakemi Christiana
Published: April 2022

Playfair is the earliest known classical block cipher which is capable of taking two characters as a unit in the process of encryption and decryption. However, the cipher is suffering from vulnerability to many cryptanalysis attacks due to a lack of confusion and diffusion properties, an inability to handle numbers and special characters in the process of encryption and decryption, and a host of other deficiencies. Although several modifications and improvements had been done by different researchers, the emphasis has been on the modification of the key matrix to accommodate more characters to increase the keyspace. No attention has been given to increment in the size of the block that the Playfair cipher can handle at a time. In this paper, a modified Playfair (MPF) cryptosystem that is capable of handling different block sizes with high diffusion and confusion properties is developed. cryptanalysis of the developed cryptosystem was carried out and the results show that the MPF cryptosystem is resistant to Known plaintext attack, chosen-plaintext attack, chosen ciphertext attack, frequency analysis attack, autocorrelation attack, differential cryptanalysis attacks, entropy attacks, brute force attack, and can handle variable block sizes.
Tradition and Innovation in Ancient Greek Oratory of the Roman Empire: History of the Problem
Authors: Mezheritskaya Svetlana I.
Published: April 2022

This article presents a review of research literature on the so-called Second Sophistic (late first–early third centuries CE), that marked the flowering of ancient Greek oratory and had a powerful influence on the beginning of the Christian eloquence. The scholars’ interest in this topic increased in the second half of the 19th century due to insufficient study of the material against the background of the well-researched classical literature of Ancient Greece (fifth to fourth centuries BCE). A comparative study of the two periods in the history of the development of ancient Greek eloquence led researchers to disappointing conclusions. The sophists’ increased attention to the form to the detriment of content, addiction to stylistic delights, imitation of the language and style of classical orators and the monotonous themes of speeches gave many researchers a reason to characterize this literature as secondary and unoriginal, devoid of strength and depth of thought. However, in recent decades, a different point of view has prevailed in science, according to which the literature of the Second Sophistic is fundamentally not reducible to the sum of clichéd speeches with a standard set of rhetorical techniques, as it might seem. A detailed analysis of the works of Dio Chrysostom and Aelius Aristides from whom voluminous corpora have been preserved showed that the sophists generally enjoyed fairly unconstrained creative freedom despite the rigid stylistic and linguistic framework. This freedom concerns content of speeches, choice and arrangement of material, overcoming genre boundaries, varying language, and combining rhetorical techniques. All these factors allow us to conclude that a certain innovation coexisted with classical tradition in sophists’ texts. Furthermore, the abundant literature of the sophists influenced the development of both the rhetorical theory and the oratory of Late Antiquity. The outstanding Christian writers such as Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom studied eloquence from the famous teachers of their time – Himerius and Libanius, who followed the traditions of the oratory of the Second Sophistic.
Playing Second Fiddle to the Aarhus Convention: Why the ECtHR Can and Should Go Further
Authors: Braig Katharina Franziska , Kutepova Nadezhda , Vouleli Vicky
Published: April 2022

The European Convention of Human Rights (echr) does not contain any provisions oriented towards environmental rights. Yet, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has a tradition of steering that instrument towards more substantial environmental protections. Often inspired by the Aarhus Convention (ac), Strasbourg seems intent on infusing the echr with environmental concerns, but appears to view its role as secondary. Through an analysis of the Court’s case-law, we argue that the ECtHR can and should stop playing second fiddle to Aarhus; it is time for it to embrace its crucial role in implementing the procedural rights enshrined in the ac. This article also outlines the different ways that the jurisprudence of the ECtHR already goes, in some respects, far beyond the ac. We will discuss whether the ECtHR is living up to its potential when it comes to promoting environmental rights – particularly the potential to establish substantive rights, e.g. in the field of clean air.
The Greenland Self-Government Act: The Pitfall for the Inuit in Greenland to Remain an Indigenous People?
Authors: Mortensen Bent Ole Gram , Barten Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Are the Inuit in Greenland an indigenous people under international law? And what are the consequences of that categorization? This article focuses on the right to self-determination as the Inuit are recognized as an indigenous people; however, the Greenlanders have the explicit right to independence. The article concludes that the Self-Government Act can be regarded as the pitfall for the Inuit as an indigenous people. So far, nobody has fallen in; however, independence may mean an end to the status as an indigenous people. While the law might be considered relatively clear on this, the self-identification as an indigenous people will most likely not stop overnight.
The Nordic Welfare State and the Development of Northern Finland
Authors: Niemivuo Matti , Viikari Lotta
Published: April 2022

This article provides an overview of the legal regulation involved in building – and dismantling – the Nordic welfare state in Finland. Within this context this article details how legislative reforms have been reflected in the development of Northern Finland, as well as the effects on the Sami population and a comparison between Nordic countries.

The Nordic welfare state was implemented in Finland primarily through parliamentary legislation. Human and fundamental rights played no role in the process of building the welfare state. The beginning of the 1990s marked the end of what had been massive build-up of the public sector. Over the last 20 years or so we have seen cutbacks in municipal services such as schools, healthcare centres, and social services.

The future of municipal government in Finland looks very different than it did when the welfare state was being created. We may well be facing a bleak future with weaker municipalities, fewer public services, less state funding for municipalities, less manoeuvring space in relation to the state, and more privatisations. Wise structural reforms might be the way ahead if we want to create functional regional and local governance and thus to guarantee the future of the Nordic welfare state in Finland.
A new calopterygid damselfly (Odonata, Zygoptera) from the Oligocene Ningming Basin, Guangxi, South China
Authors: HUANG DI-YING , LIU QI , LIAN XIN-NENG , FU YAN-ZHE , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: April 2022

A new calopterygid genus and species, Guangxicalopteryx huashanensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Oligocene of the Ningming Formation in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. It probably belongs to the subfamily Calopteryginae, ‘in-between’ Caliphaea + Noguchiphaea and the other Calopteryginae. This new fossil strongly supports the current hypothesis of a humid subtropical climate for the area at this time.
A review of the genus Orthotylus Fieber (Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae) in Korea, with a discussion on geographical variation and distributional records of O. salicis and O. riparius
Authors: OH MINSUK , KIM WONWOONG , LEE SEUNGHWAN
Published: April 2022

The plant but genus Orthotylus Fieber, 1858 in Korea is reviewed. One species, O. riparius Kulik is newly recorded from the Korean peninsula. Diagnostic characters of each species are discussed, with the images of adult specimen and genitalic structures. Additionally, a key to the Korean Orthotylus species is presented. Chinese record of O. riparius is excluded based on critical literature reviews. Observed variant of O. riparius Kulik and O. salicis Jakovlev are discussed.
From Empowerment to Community Power in Participatory Budgeting
Authors: Evans Scotney D. , Fernandez-Burgos Margo
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the issue of empowerment in participatory budgeting (PB). We position empowerment as part of the generally agreed theory of change in PB yet acknowledge the limits of an individual construction of empowerment that neglect sufficient attention to dynamic relations of power in participatory spaces and surrounding social contexts. Using the three forms of power theorized by Lukes (1974) and Gaventa (1980), we examine the ways in which these forms of power constrain individual and collective agency and transformative outcomes in participatory projects. We shift the gaze from empowerment to the concept of community power to suggest that getting beyond small adjustments to local services and resource allocations to substantive changes in relations of power may depend on ordinary citizens coming together in sites of radical possibility to define themselves, deliberate, and then act.
Investigating the effects of endogenous lipaemia on the measurement of sodium by indirect ion specific electrode potentiometry
Authors: McCarron Eamon P , Murray Emma , McKeeman Gareth C , Coward Stephen M , Hamilton Paul , Connolly Grainne , Roberts Brona V
Published: April 2022

Background

The widely automated method using indirect ion specific electrodes (ISE) potentiometry for determination of sodium concentration is prone to interference from lipaemia. Manufacturer-specified lipaemic (L)-index cut offs may underestimate the effects of endogenous lipaemia.

Methods

We assessed the interference on sodium concentration caused by endogenous lipaemia in 32 residual samples (from 13 patients) using indirect ISE (Cobas® 8000 modular analyser with c702 module, Roche diagnostics) and direct ISE (GEM 4000 premier, Werfen) potentiometric methods. Regression analysis (linear and non-linear) was used to determine a reliable (L)-index cut off for reporting sodium concentration.

Results

There was a poor correlation observed between triglyceride concentration and (L)-index. There was significant negative interference caused by endogenous lipaemia within analysed samples. Non-linear regression demonstrated a negative interference of approximately 5% at an (L)-index of 250.

Conclusion

At present, the manufacturer advises not to report sodium concentration by indirect ISE on the Cobas® 8000 modular analyser if the (L)-index is >2000. However, this has been determined by the addition of exogenous lipids (Intralipid®) and it is clear that this is not comparable to endogenous lipaemia. To ensure patient safety, clinical laboratories should consider lowering the cut off for (L)-index that they use for reporting sodium concentration.
Congregation of Tablighi Jama’at During the Pandemic COVID-19 and Its Agenda in India and Indonesia
Authors: Jha Gautam Kumar
Published: April 2022

Recently, the national and international media have cast Tablighi Jama’at (TJ)’s image and its members as the potential vectors for spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus globally. The media coverage also became significant as the TJ cast off the government’s advice to adjourn the congregation organized during the initial stage of spreading the virus in India, Indonesia and Malaysia and instead decried the government for interfering in its religious meetings and practices. The article discusses its ideological roots in various Islamic revivalist movements and activities inspired by pan-Islamic trends. TJ and its dogmatic ideological base are responsible for re-Islamizing a large section of lower and lower-middle-class Muslims. TJ calls for fellow Muslims to follow the puritanical form of Islamic practices to establish an Islamic state based on Sharia. The article also highlights that TJ’s conscious racial ghettoization efforts have resulted in an anomalous society, jeopardizing social harmony.
Death Obsession, COVID-19–Related Fear and Religiosity in People Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Enea Violeta , Candel Octav Sorin , Zancu Simona Alexandra , Maftei Alexandra , Bîrlădeanu Livia , Timofte Daniel
Published: April 2022

Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were included among high-risk groups for more severe manifestations in case of COVID-19 infection and higher risk of mortality. The current study aims to (1) examine the relationship between death obsession, religiosity, and fear of COVID-19 among type 2 diabetes patients, and (2) assess if religiosity moderates the relationship between death obsession and fear of COVID-19. This cross-sectional online survey involved 306 type 2 diabetes patients. We found that 35.6 % of the participants were overweight and 14.6 % were suffering from obesity. Results showed that death obsession was positively associated with fear of COVID-19 and more religious individuals experience higher levels of fear. The overall level of religiosity did not moderate the relationship between death obsession and fear of COVID-19 but only the preoccupation with God dimension of the religiosity scale. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
How Untidiness Moves the Motor System
Authors: Fiori Francesca , Ciricugno Andrea , Rusconi Maria Luisa , Slaby Ryan J. , Cattaneo Zaira
Published: April 2022

Humans tend to prefer order to disorder. Orderly environments may provide individuals with comfort due to predictability, allowing a more efficient interaction with objects. Accordingly, a disorderly environment may elicit a tendency to restore order. This order restoration tendency may be observed physiologically as modulation within corticospinal excitability; the latter has been previously associated with motor preparation. To test these hypothesized physiological indices of order restoration, we measured possible changes in corticospinal excitability, as reflected by the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex while participants viewed ordered and disordered rooms. We found that images depicting disorderly environments suppressed excitability within the corticospinal tract, in line with prior findings that motor preparation is typically associated with decreased corticospinal excitability. Interestingly, this pattern was particularly evident in individuals that displayed subclinical levels of obsessive-compulsive traits. Thus, a disorderly environment may move the motor system to restore a disorderly environment into a more orderly and predictable environment, and preparation for “order” may be observed on a sensorimotor basis.
Well-being of police personnel: Role of perceived social support and perceived control of internal states
Authors: Padhy Meera , Ralte Lalnuntluangi , Padiri Ruth A , Chelli Kavya
Published: April 2022

The cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between the domains of perceived social support (PSS), perceived control of internal states (PCOIS) and well-being (WB) among police personnel. One hundred twenty two police officers (106 males and 16 females) from the state of Odisha, India were selected using purposive sampling method and were required to fill up the perceived social support, perceived control of internal states and well-being questionnaires. The relationships among these variables were examined using Pearson product moment correlation. The impact of social support and perceived control of internal states on well-being was analysed by multiple hierarchical regression analysis. Significant positive relationships among all these variables were noted. The relationship between the social support from friends’ domain and well-being was not significant. In addition, well-being was predicted by both perceived social support and perceived control of internal states. The findings of this study can help in developing interventions which can enhance the well-being of police personnel by targeting their perceived social support and perceived control of internal states.
External Debt Accumulation and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa: Analysing the Interaction Effects of Selected Macroeconomic Factors
Authors: Azolibe Chukwuebuka Bernard
Published: April 2022

By pooling a sample of 25 countries spanning from 1990–2017, this study analyzed the relationship between external debt accumulation and foreign direct investment inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study employed Panel fixed effects and the Generalized Method of Moments estimation technique in order to address the potential issue of endogeneity. The results of the fixed effects and GMM analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between external debt accumulation and FDI inflows in SSA region. However, when external debt was interacted with macroeconomic variables such as corporate tax, infrastructure development, economic growth and military expenditure, the result shows a positive interaction effect between external debt and infrastructure development on FDI suggesting that external debt can positively influence FDI if channeled into the provision of critical infrastructures. On the other hand, the interaction effect of corporate tax showed a negative relationship between external debt and FDI and provided strong support for the debt overhang theory by Krugman which holds true in SSA region. Finally, economic growth and military expenditure also showed a negative interaction effect.
Morpho-Anatomical Study And Botanical Identification of Pogostemon auricularius (L.) Hassk. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Thi Tran Linh Thuy , Nguyen Tan Khanh , Nguyen Hoai Thi , Nguyen Phu Phong , Thi Dang Nhi Yen , Tran Manh Hung , Tran Pham Vinh Phu , Le Anh Tuan
Published: April 2022

Pogostemon Desf . includes a wide range of taxa found in subtropical and tropical areas. Few works, however, have studied microanatomical characteristics of Pogostemon species and as yet identified features of Pogostemon auricularius (L.) Hassk. Thus, in this paper, we examined the taxonomic implications of root, stem and leaf morphology for species P. auricularius collected from Quang Tri Province. Light microscopy was mainly used in our study. Qualitative characters like stem quadrangular, hirsute; leaves opposite, ovate, margin serrulate; calyx campanulate; corolla small with separate equal lobes have been found in P. auricularius. Epidermal anatomy on the aerial parts of the species like epidermal cell shape, anticlinal walls, trichomes types, stomata types and calcium oxalate crystals types were examined as well. Quantitative characters like the length and width of leaf blade and inflorescence; the size of oil droplet, stomata and calcium oxalate crystals measured provided taxonomic significance. Based on identifying morphological characteristics of P. auricularius, we aimed to contribute to the taxonomic investigation into the genus Pogostemon and give relative morphological and microanatomical features compared with other taxa.
Psychological Determinants of Tourist Satisfaction and Destination Loyalty: The Influence of Perceived Overcrowding and Overtourism
Authors: Papadopoulou Nikoleta Maria , Ribeiro Manuel Alector , Prayag Girish
Published: April 2022

This study develops and tests an integrative model of destination loyalty to tourist hotspot destinations. The study highlights the role of perceived destination adaptation and psychological reactive behaviors in determining tourist satisfaction and loyalty. The model was tested using data collected from 582 respondents who had recently visited one of the “overcrowded” Mediterranean coastal tourism destinations. Findings suggest that perceived destination adaptation negatively influences tourist satisfaction and positively influences reactive behaviors of approach, avoidance, and tolerance. Approach and avoidance behaviors predict assessed crowding levels and tourist satisfaction. Tourists’ tolerance levels on assessed crowding was insignificant. Assessed crowding levels negatively affect tourist satisfaction and intentions to revisit and recommend the destination while positively influencing objections to revisit and recommend the destination. Concomitantly, overtourism awareness moderated the effect of assessed crowding levels on tourist satisfaction and intentions to revisit and recommend the destination. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Cavitary lung disease in hospitalized patients: Differences between melioidosis and tuberculosis
Authors: Lam Nguyen-Ho , Huyen Duong-Thanh , Hoa Le , Nhat-Thinh Le-Phu , Vu Le-Thuong , Ngoc Tran-Van
Published: April 2022

To differentiate cavitary lung lesions caused by melioidosis and tuberculosis is challenging, especially in endemic countries. A study with a matched-sampling method (16 cavitary pulmonary melioidosis vs. 16 cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis) showed characteristics of bacterial infection more obvious and severe in the melioidosis patients, which were useful to distinguish two conditions.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified
Authors: Mazher Sania , Masood Sobia , Simourd David J.
Published: April 2022

Research has demonstrated that criminal attitudes are a primary predictor of criminal conduct; hence, measuring attitudes is important. The Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified (CSS-M) is a widely used measure of criminal attitudes; however, its psychometric properties have been established primarily on Western samples and there is a pressing need to translate the scale into other languages. Hence, the objective of this research was to translate CSS-M into the Urdu language and validate it. This objective was achieved in three studies on samples of young adults. In Study I, the scale was translated and its cross-language validation was established. In Study II, the factor structure of the CSS-M was examined through CFA. In Study III, interscale correlations and gender differences were examined. Findings demonstrated that CSS-M is a reliable and valid instrument when assessing attitudes toward crime in the Pakistani sample.
A case of primary histiocytic sarcoma arising from a neck lymph node
Authors: Kubota Akinobu , Ishida Yoshiya , Hashiguchi Junichi , Sato Ryosuke , Wada Tetsuji , Bandoh Nobuyuki , Sato Keisuke , Kobayashi Hiroya , Nishihara Hiroji , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: April 2022

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive and rare hematological malignancy. Its treatment has not been established, and most patients die within 2 years of diagnosis. Resection can provide a favorable prognosis for solitary lesions. We present the case of an 80-year-old Japanese man with HS. He presented a history of a slow-growing painless mass in the lower part of his right jaw. Ultrasonography showed a swollen lymph node in the vicinity of the right submandibular gland. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous, low-contrast mass on the right of the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhanced mass in gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. The fine needle biopsy showed spindle-shaped cells and HS was suspected. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed uptake by the tumor alone. The patient underwent right upper neck dissection and resection of the submandibular salivary glands. No postoperative adjuvant treatment was administered, but 2-year survival was achieved. Histopathological examination showed proliferation of large, pleomorphic atypical cells without differentiation into lymphocytes, which proved their differentiation into histiocytes. A bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of monocytic leukemia. Thus, a diagnosis of HS was made. With local treatment alone, our patient achieved long-term survival, maintaining his quality of life.
Affectionate Touch Promotes Shared Positive Activities
Authors: Jakubiak Brett K. , Fuentes Julian D. , Feeney Brooke C.
Published: April 2022

Shared positive activities, such as engaging conversations and interactive play, enhance relationships and buffer the consequences of negative interactions. The current research tested whether affectionate touch (a prime target for intervention) encourages people to prioritize other shared positive activities and to view shared activities more positively. In a pre-registered dyadic diary study of married couples (Study 1), greater affectionate touch on one day predicted increases in shared positive activities concurrently and prospectively. In a pre-registered dyadic experiment (Study 2), a brief affectionate touch intervention increased self-reported (but not observer-rated) shared positive activities immediately and increased shared positive activities over the following week for people who do not typically engage in such activities. Participants assigned to touch (particularly those low in attachment anxiety) also perceived their partners more positively during shared activities. These results suggest that touch may facilitate positive relationship experiences broadly and supports a theoretical model of affectionate touch.
Mediated forensics and militant evidence: rethinking the camera as weapon
Authors: Smith Patrick Brian , Watson Ryan
Published: April 2022

This article focuses on new media technologies and practices that are reshaping how human rights media activism is practiced, disseminated and received. Through an examination of two works by the research agency Forensic Architecture, we examine how these new technologies and practices aim to reframe and deploy forms of raw media evidence in human rights struggles and broader modes of political activism. We also consider how these nascent forms of activist media practice are indebted to the broader legacies of radical documentary practice, particularly through the theoretical lineage of the “camera as weapon.” The new technological and aesthetic strategies being developed and utilized by these groups are radically reshaping investigatory methodologies and collaborative practices across contemporary human rights, documentary, and new media practice. Ultimately, within these new ecologies of media practice, raw forms of media evidence are reframed and redeployed; entering into larger assemblages and ecologies to examine – and concomitantly resist – formations of political power and state violence. This is a practice that we term “mediated forensics.”
Diameter-reflux relationship of the saphenous vein in the C0–C3 patients of chronic venous disease
Authors: Panpikoon Tanapong , Metheekul Paramee , Treesit Tharintorn , Bua-ngam Chinnarat , Sriprachyakul Apichaya , Pichitpichatkul Kaewpitcha
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between the saphenous vein’s diameter and reflux and determine the cut point of the saphenous vein’s diameter that indicates lack of reflux.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study conducted in 807 limbs underwent the venous ultrasound for 36 months. The saphenous vein’s diameter in the reflux and non-reflux groups was evaluated. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the saphenous vein’s diameter that maximizes the summation of sensitivity and specificity for saphenous vein reflux in C0–C3 patients.

Results

The reflux group had a significantly greater diameter than a non-reflux group at four great saphenous vein (GSV) levels and two small saphenous vein (SSV) levels ( p-value < 0.001). The venous reflux correlated significantly with GSV diameter at all four GSV levels and two SSV levels ( p-value <0.001). The ROC area of the diameter at four GSV levels ranges from 0.59 to 0.69. The optimal cut-off diameter for GSV reflux is 3.8 mm at the proximal thigh, 2.8 mm at the distal thigh, 3.2 mm at the proximal calf, and 2.5 mm at the distal calf. The ROC area of the diameter at two SSV levels ranges from 0.66 to 0.67. The optimal cut-off diameter for SSV reflux is 2.5 mm at the proximal calf and 2.3 mm at the distal calf.

Conclusion

The saphenous vein’s diameter has been proved to be significantly correlated with the presence of reflux in duplex ultrasound in all lower limbs’ levels. Unfortunately, the study’s cut point diameter is considered poor accuracy and is not an accurate measurement to use as the screening test for the presence of reflux.
Analysis of adverse events with sclerosants reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Nguyen Christopher N , Nguyen Quoc-Bao D , Silapunt Sirunya
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyze adverse events (AEs) related to sclerosants reported through the Federal Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

We queried the FAERS database for all cases associated with sclerosants. Reports were analyzed and stratified based on severity of cases and patient death.

Results

A total of 1215 cases with 3124 reactions were identified among 4 sclerosants. “General disorder and administration site conditions” reaction group was prevalent in all sclerosants. For polidocanol, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were the most common severe reactions while cardiac arrest was frequent in death cases. Anaphylaxis was common in fatalities of sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Ethanolamine oleate was associated with procedural errors, while morrhuate sodium resulted in few cases.

Conclusion

Our analysis supports previous studies concerning common local symptoms, but also reveals serious and death associated reaction profiles specific to individual sclerosants. Practitioners should be knowledgeable on both non-lethal and fatal AEs for each sclerosant. The multitude of reports concerning serious reactions and deaths we report herein provide a cautionary reminder to venous practitioners and patients that sclerotherapy is not a trivial procedure.
Negative correlation between early recovery and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Li Yanzheng , Wang Wei , Yang Hang , Guo Weiheng , Feng Jingyu , Yang Dejiu , Guo Li , Tan Guojun
Published: April 2022

Objective

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is considered a biomarker for systemic inflammation and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. However, little is known about the effect of acute vascular events on marker levels. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential association of early recovery with Lp-PLA2 levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

Methods

Forty-three consecutive AIS patients who had their first stroke and were hospitalized within 5 hours of the onset of stroke were enrolled. All patients were treated with IVT using alteplase or urokinase. Plasma Lp-PLA2 levels were measured within 24 hours after IVT. Variables that showed a significant association with Lp-PLA2 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariate ordered logistic regression model.

Results

Early recovery was associated with Lp-PLA2 levels after IVT, and Lp-PLA2 levels tended to decrease with increased probability of early recovery. This study is the first to report a negative correlation between early recovery and Lp-PLA2 levels after IVT.

Conclusion

Early recovery after IVT was negatively correlated with Lp-PLA2 A2 levels.
Protocol-based anticoagulation management for mechanical circulatory support patients can be safe and efficient
Authors: Birk Sarah E , Ingemi Amanda , Bourassa Patricia , Neumann Karl , Pine Carly , Seigh Mindy , Cassa Hannah , Sullivan Margaret , Baran David A , Herre John M , Yehya Amin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Achieving optimal anticoagulation remains a significant challenge in managing patients on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Maintaining tight control of anticoagulation can be time-consuming but essential in preventing serious complications such as pump thrombosis and bleeding.

Objectives:

The efficacy and safety of a nurse coordinator-driven outpatient protocol (NCDOP) was evaluated for managing anticoagulation for LVAD patients.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed as part of a single-center quality improvement project. The primary outcome was time in therapeutic range (TTR), a measure of anticoagulation target efficacy before and after the implementation of the protocol.

Results:

Among 47 patients, who served as their own control, there was no significant change in TTR or proportion of hospitalizations following institution of the protocol. Pre-NCDOP, there were six major bleeding and two thrombotic events, and none during the post-NCDOP period.

Conclusions:

A NCDOP is a reliable method to manage anticoagulation in LVAD patients and facilitates efficient care delivery. Future multicenter studies with larger patient cohorts are warranted to expand on the findings outlined in this manuscript.
Interactive Response System to Promote Active Learning in Intelligent Learning Environments
Authors: Wang Yue , Eysink Tessa H.S. , Qu Zhili , Yang Zhijiao , Shan Huaming , Zhang Nan , Zhang Hai , Wang Yining
Published: April 2022

This research used a comparative quasi-experimental design to investigate the impacts of an IRS in the ILE on students’ academic performance, cognitive load, and satisfaction with the lesson. A total of 31 middle school students were divided into the experimental group and the control group. Mann–Whitney U tests yielded three major results. (1) Significant differences in academic performance were noted between the two groups. The knowledge test scores of comprehensive questions showed significant differences between the two groups but those of the strict memorization questions did not. Students in the experimental group had overall higher knowledge test scores than those in the control group. (2) Significant differences in cognitive load were observed between the two groups; specifically, students in the experimental group had lower total cognitive load than those in the control group. (3) Significant differences in satisfaction with the lesson were observed between the two groups; specifically, students who studied with the IRS were more satisfied with the lesson than those who studied without the IRS. These findings imply that the IRS is a useful tool that could promote active learning amongst students in ILEs and help to promote teaching and learning efficiency in ILEs.
Improving Your Odds of Getting Published in this Journal
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: April 2022

Now in its 36th year of publication , The American Journal of Health Promotion (AJHP) is privileged to attract worldwide manuscript submissions from highly accomplished researchers and practitioners. Getting published in this journal has gotten quite competitive with less than 20% of submissions making it through our review process and into print. Our current impact score of 2.870 makes getting research published in AJHP well worth the effort for those with a goal of wide dissemination and frequent citations. This editorial aims to increase your chances of getting published in this journal by summarizing those issues that most often lead to a paper’s rejection, even for an otherwise well executed study. Though our submission guidelines are detailed and clear, we find contributors, particularly those with less publishing experience, often neglect fastidious adherence to our author instructions and writing standards.
Preparation and properties of an interpenetrating network polymer based on polydicyclopentadiene and phenolic resin
Authors: Yang Weicheng , Hu Guibao , Guo Song , Qiao Xinfeng , Luo Yong , Ma Haiyan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, phenolic resin (PF) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) monomers were mixed in different proportions. Under the action of a new generation of ruthenium carbene catalysts, DCPD was polymerised in situ. Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD)/PF interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared using the casting curing moulding process. The structure and properties of the prepared IPNs were characterised using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), apparent crosslinking degree, thermal weight loss, mechanical properties, impact resistance and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study results showed that the conversion of DCPD did not change with the addition of PF. But when its content exceeds 10%, the crosslinking degree of PDCPD decreases. When the PF content is 10%, the maximum bending strength of PDCPD/PF IPNs is (104.5 ± 1.3) MPa, maximum tensile strength is (74.5 ± 1.4) MPa, and maximum-notched impact strength is (4.2 ± 0.2) kJ/m2. Compared with PDCPD, the bending strength is increased by 22.7%, tensile strength is increased by 32.6%, and notched impact strength is increased by 31.3%, but the thermal stability has no major impact at this time. PF has good dispersibility and compatibility in DCPD. Due to the interpenetrating network structure of PF and PDCPD, the interpenetrating interlocking of the PF molecular chain and PDCPD crosslinked network restricts its movement. Its performance reached the optimum, and the PDCPD/PF IPNs with excellent performance was successfully prepared.
Care home closure and the influence of domiciliary care supply: Evidence from England
Authors: Allan Stephen
Published: April 2022

There is a general trend of increased marketization of long-term care (LTC) services across Europe, with the natural consequence that market forces will affect the supply of LTC. At the same time, there has been a rapid increase in the use of home-based provision for those requiring LTC support. However, there is little evidence about what the effects of growing domiciliary care provision has on the markets for institutional forms of care. This is important from a policy point of view in terms of managing local markets, access to services, the quality of services and inequality. Using data from England for all care homes and domiciliary care providers registered to provide care to older people during 2014–2016, we assessed if increased domiciliary care supply was linked to increased likelihood of care home closure. Using Cox proportional hazard models of care home closure controlling for care home characteristics including quality and local area measures of needs and income, the findings provide no evidence that domiciliary care provision is a substitute for care homes. In some specifications, there was even a complementary relationship between the two forms of social care: increased domiciliary care supply significantly reduced the likelihood of care home closure. Potential reasons for the complementary relationship and implications for European LTC policy are discussed.