bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Census Mapping in India and Role of GIS: A Look Ahead at Census 2021
Authors: Jain Abhishek , Kaur Varinder
Published: December 2021

The 2021 Census of India for over 1.3 billion population deploying 3 million enumerators, has significant evidence value for 71 countries where census is scheduled during 2021. Census mapping plays a major role in accurate, complete and timely census. It delineates the exact and correct boundaries of all the administrative units. The Indian census has been using Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies over the last three censuses. In this study, we focus on the applications and methodologies being adopted for the census mapping in Census 2021 in India which is going to be the first digital Census of India. Five mobile apps have been developed for data collection and for map-related work. The 2021 Indian census utilises the latest census mapping techniques, namely standardisation of GIS spatial database design, geo-referencing of administrative units and latest mobile mapping application (Arc GIS Quick Capture) for field operations and built-up area digitisation work. We also discuss the various challenges and their solutions for census mapping in India, most prominently a high quality, updated, comprehensive and geo-referenced address registry for accurate data collection and mapping, and the use of geo-referenced high-resolution satellite images at village level for covering the gaps in rural boundary maps.
A meta-analysis of how the culture and technical development level influence citizens’ adoption of m-government
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhao Xi-yang , Xue Yun-xiao , Yang Jun , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2021

With the popularity of mobile Internet technology, mobile government has become the mainstream of current government affairs management, which highlights the growing importance of exploring citizens’ intention to adopt m-government. To find the important driving factors of m-government adoption and understand what roles the cultural and technical development level play in it, this study conducted a meta-analysis to search for important factors in m-government adoption from 42 studies from 17 countries. Based on the socio-technical theory, this study applied a meta-regression to explain the differences in the effects of these factors, from the perspective of culture and technical development level. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, social influence, perceived compatibility and trust all play important roles in m-government adoption. Culture and technical development level play moderating roles on the above relationships except for the perceived ease of use–perceived usefulness path. Our findings also reveal that the joint moderating effect of cultural and technical development level can better explain the impact of environmental factors on m-government adoption and consequently provide suggestions for the future implementation of m-government in different countries with diverse cultures.

Points for practitioners

This study proposes a research model of m-government adoption. Public managers should focus on citizens’ perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, social influence, perceived compatibility and trust, so as to improve citizens’ intention to use. The results also confirm that culture and technical development level have a specific moderating effect on m-government adoption, which means that public managers should not only consider service quality, but also note environmental factors. They especially should consider the flexible mobile government development strategies in different countries.
Emotional Competence Within the Stress Coping Strategies of Music Education Students
Authors: McConkey Michelle S. , Kuebel Christa R.
Published: December 2021

Researchers have identified high levels of stress among music education students, but we know very little about how students manage this stress and how emotional competence skills might be utilized within stress coping mechanisms for this population. Through this qualitative study, we sought to understand the stress coping strategies of eight music education majors through the lens of emotional competence as outlined by Saarni. We identified several sources of participants’ stress: general life stress, schedule, performance expectations, and coursework. Student coping strategies included awareness of stress, an attitude of pushing through, self-care, and seeking support. Through coding and utilization of the theoretical framework, we concluded that all eight of Saarni’s emotional competence skills were evident in the data as a whole, but not for each individual participant. Minimal evidence was found for half of the skills and for some students they were nonexistent, thus indicating a need for growth in emotional competency. Gaining an understanding of how music education majors cope with their stress could be a key step toward understanding how to better support students throughout their degree programs and as they transition into the field of music education.
Intensive Care Nurses’ Experiences Related to Dying Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Keskin Kızıltepe Selin , Koç Zeliha
Published: December 2021

Objective: To describe intensive care nurses’ experiences of caring for dying patients. Method: This study was carried out between July 15, 2019, and September 15, 2019, in a university hospital’s intensive care unit. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 14 intensive care nurses to describe their experiences related to patient deaths. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and report the identified themes. Results: Four themes were identified: (I) Emotions experienced the first time their patient passed away; (II) feelings and thoughts on impact of death; (III) difficulties encountered when providing care and (IV) coping methods with this situation. Conclusion: Despite the passage of time, nurses are unable to forget their death experiences when they first encountered. They oftentimes use ineffective methods of coping and were negatively affected physically and emotionally.
Containing COVID-19 Through Contact Tracing
Authors: Kalyanaraman Nilesh , Fraser Michael R.
Published: December 2021

Containing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through case investigation and contact tracing is a crucial strategy for governmental public health agencies to control the spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States. Because of the recency of the pandemic, few examples of COVID-19 contact-tracing models have been shared among local, state, and federal public health officials to date. This case study of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health (Maryland) illustrates one model of contact-tracing activity developed early in the outbreak. We describe the contact-tracing effort’s place within the broader county health agency Incident Command System, as well as the capabilities needed, team composition, special considerations, and major lessons learned by county health officials. Other local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal health officials and policy makers can use this case study to innovate, iterate, and further refine contact-tracing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection and support community members in isolation or quarantine.
Engaging L2 Learners in Information-gap Tasks: How Task Type and Topic Familiarity Affect Learner Engagement
Authors: Xu Jian , Qiu Xuyan
Published: December 2021

This study examines four learner engagement dimensions (behavioural, cognitive, emotional and social) in pedagogical task performance and provides insights into the effects of two task types (information-seeking and direction-giving) and topic familiarity on learner engagement in a semester-long English course. A total of 28 foreign language learners engaged in eight interactive tasks, and all played the roles of both information-receiver and information-provider alternately under familiar and unfamiliar conditions. Seven measures of engagement and an open-ended questionnaire were employed to understand the learners’ engagement in the tasks and their emotional responses to them. The results revealed that the information-providers produced more words and also spent more time on information-seeking tasks wherein they would exchange information than on direction-giving ones that required them to ask for and provide instructions or directions. This was the case for topics they were unfamiliar with; however, when they were faced with familiar topics, they produced significantly more words, spent more time, and spoke more elaboratively in direction-giving tasks. The information-seeking tasks elicited positive emotions, but the direction-giving tasks yielded mixed feelings, attaching positive emotions to familiar tasks but negative ones to unfamiliar tasks. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals’ Perceptions of Facilitators and Barriers to Return to Work: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Larsson Kjerstin , Hurtigh Anna Liljestam , Andersén Åsa M. V. , Anderzén Ingrid
Published: December 2021

This is a qualitative descriptive study of professionals’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers for returning to work for women on long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal pain and/or common mental disorder who participated in a vocational rehabilitation project. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 purposefully selected professionals from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, the Swedish Public Employment Service, the health care services, and the municipal services. The interviews were analyzed with a manifest content analysis. The main facilitators were the close cooperation between the professionals and the individual support that was offered to the project participants. The main barriers were differences among the stakeholders’ missions and goals, limitations in project duration and within the labor market, and the project participants’ personal factors. These results emphasize the importance of cooperation between the various stakeholder professionals and a focus on the individual’s resources and needs. The study highlights the value of including health care professionals in vocational rehabilitation to benefit from their specific knowledge of the target group and that group’s strengths and needs. Moreover, the study highlights the need to incorporate collaboration with employers and align with the local labor market in the development of vocational rehabilitation interventions.
Removal of antimicrobial prophylaxis and its effect on swine carriage of antimicrobial-resistant coliforms
Authors: Loayza-Villa Fernanda , Torres Alejandro , Zhang Lixin , Trueba Gabriel
Published: December 2021

The use of antimicrobials in the food animal industry has caused an increased prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes, which can be transferred to the microbiota of humans through the food chain or the environment. To reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, restrictions on antimicrobial use in food animals have been implemented in different countries. We investigated the impact of an antimicrobial restriction intervention during two generations of pigs. Fecal samples were collected in five growth phases. The frequency of antimicrobial-resistant coliforms and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or antimicrobial resistance genes was analyzed. No differences in the richness or abundance of antimicrobial-resistant coliforms or antimicrobial resistance genes were found when animals fed with or without prophylactic antimicrobials were compared. Withholding antimicrobial supplementation did not negatively affect weight gain in pigs. Withdrawal of prophylactic antimicrobial consumption during two generations of pigs was not enough to reduce the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes, as measured by richness and abundance markers. This study indicates that the fitness costs associated with bacterial carriage of some antimicrobial resistance genes are low.
The Effect of Community Socioeconomic Context on High School Attendance in China: A Generalized Propensity Score Approach
Authors: Lei Lei
Published: December 2021

Many developing countries have experienced increasing spatial inequality, but little is known about the effect of community disadvantages on educational attainment in these societies. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (2010–2016), I examine the effect of community socioeconomic status (SES) on the transition into high school in urban and rural China, and I explore several mechanisms explaining the community effects. I adopt the generalized propensity score method to estimate the potential probability of high school entrance at different levels of community SES. Results show that community SES is positively associated with high school attendance in both urban and rural China, and the relationship is stronger in more disadvantaged communities in both contexts. In urban areas, the effect of community SES is partly attributable to collective socialization and children’s academic performance. In rural areas, spatial accessibility to high schools and children’s academic performance are the salient mechanisms.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Prescription Practice on Antimicrobials Use Among Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern China
Authors: Xu Rixiang , Mu Tingyu , Jian Wang , Xu Caiming , Shi Jing
Published: December 2021

Over-prescription of antimicrobials for patients is a major driver of bacterial resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and prescription practices regarding antimicrobials among physicians in the Zhejiang province in China, and identify the determining factors. A total of 600 physicians in public county hospitals and township health institutions were surveyed cross-sectionally using a structured electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 580 physicians and the response rate was 96.67%. The mean score of 11 terms related to antimicrobial knowledge was 6.81, and an average of 32.1% of patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were prescribed antimicrobials. Multivariate analysis indicated that young general practitioners with less training are more likely to contribute to more frequent antimicrobial prescriptions ( P < .05). In contrast, older physicians with more training are more willing to provide patients with the correct knowledge regarding antimicrobials and less likely to prescribe antimicrobials for URTIs. Correlation analysis showed that the level of physician's knowledge, attitude, and prescription practice is related ( P < .05). In conclusion, proper prescription of antimicrobials depends on adequate knowledge and regular training programs for physicians.
Appropriateness of Antibiotics Use and Associated Factors in Hospitalized Patients at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia: Prospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Anteneh Demssie Ayalew , Kifle Zemene Demelash , Mersha Gizeaddis Belay , Ayele Tewodros Tsegaye
Published: December 2021

Background:

Appropriate antibiotic use means that the patient receives the appropriate drug at adequate doses and duration for a susceptible pathogen. This improves the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and prevents the emergence of resistant pathogens. Thus, this study aimed to assess the appropriateness of antibiotics use and associated factors among hospitalized patients.

Methods:

A hospital-based prospective follow-up study was conducted in internal medicine. Data were collected by chart review and interview of prescribers and patients using a pre-tested questionnaire derived from RAND modified Delphi method. Appropriate antibiotic use means that the patient receives the drug based on culture result at the right time in adequate doses and duration. Frequencies and percentage distribution of dependent variables were analyzed. Moreover, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the factors influencing factors.

Result:

Of the 303 study participants, the mean age was44.36 ± 1.07 years and the majority 173 (57.1%) of the participants were females. The appropriateness of antibiotics use among hospitalized patients was 26 (8.6%). Males have used antibiotics more appropriately than females [5.99 (Adjusted odd ration (AOR) 95% CI 2.00-7.98)], while employed study participants were used antibiotics more appropriately than nonemployees [7.29 (AOR 95% CI 1.34-9.58)]. Moreover, patients who received antibiotics after blood culture [2.74 (AOR 95% CI 1.09-8.37)] and cerebrospinal fluid culture [5.82 (AOR 95% CI 1.84-5.63)] were used antibiotics more appropriately than patients who received antibiotics without culture. In addition, patients who believe that the prescribed antibiotics prevent complication of the disease [4.21 (AOR 95% CI 1.33-7.35)] were used antibiotics more appropriately than those who didn’t understand the use of antibiotics.

Conclusion:

The appropriateness of antibiotics use was very low in the study area. Patient gender, ethnicity, source of income, patient’s belief in antibiotics, and specimen cultures were significantly associated with the appropriateness of antibiotics use.
Marital Transitions, Change in Depressive Symptomology, and Quality of Social Relationships in Midlife and Older U.S. Adults: An Analysis of the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Tucker Julia E. , Bishop Nicholas , Wang Kaipeng , Phillips Farya
Published: December 2021

Preventing negative health outcomes following marital transitions can promote personal recovery and well-being. We used the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (2012, 2014) to test whether social relationship quality moderated the association between marital transition and change in depressive symptomology among U.S. adults aged 50 and older (n = 3,705). Marital status transitions between 2012 and 2014 included remained married/partnered, divorced/separated, and widowed. Depressive symptomology was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 8 Short Form (CES-D 8). Social support, social contact, and social strain were indicators of social relationship quality. Change in depressive symptomology was modeled using autoregressive multiple regression. Social relationship quality appeared to influence depressive symptomatology for those experiencing divorce/separation. Compared to individuals who remained married/partnered, depressive symptomatology in those experiencing separation/divorce decreased among those reporting low social support, increased among those reporting high social support, and increased among those who reported low social strain. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
Managing Threats on the High Seas: The Role of Naval Bases on Reducing Maritime Piracy
Authors: Danzell Orlandrew E. , Mauslein Jacob A. , Avelar John D.
Published: December 2021

Weak coastal states often lack an adequate, sustained naval presence to monitor and police their territorial waters. Unpatrolled waters, both territorial and otherwise, may provide pirates with substantial financial opportunities that go far beyond any single country. Maritime piracy costs the global economy on average USD 24 billion per year. This research explores the impact of naval bases on acts of piracy to determine if naval presence can decrease the likelihood of piracy. To examine this important economic and national security issue, our research employs a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. We also rely upon a newly constructed time-series dataset for the years 1992–2018. Our study shows that the presence of naval bases is essential in helping maritime forces combat piracy. Policymakers searching for options to combat piracy should find the results of this study especially useful in creating prescriptive approaches that aid in solving offshore problems.
Couchsurfing with Bateson: An ecology of digital platforms
Authors: Mikołajewska-Zając Karolina , Márton Attila , Zundel Mike
Published: December 2021

Digital platforms radically alter socio-economic and organizational patterns. In an ecological sense, they enable the rapid extension of tolerance limits by digitally scaling variables such as the availability of accommodation or labour. However, such maximization of specific variables in a complex ecology bears the danger of pathological runaway patterns. In our paper we draw on the work of Gregory Bateson to outline an analytical approach for the study of digital platforms as ecological phenomena, focusing on the effects of digitalization on the context in which platforms operate. To study such meta-patterns, we elaborate three interrelated concepts: stress, adaptation and budgets of flexibility. We exemplify these ideas through a longitudinal study of the early digital platform Couchsurfing and develop implications for our understanding of technology and organization.
Protecting difference: A discussion on transphobic and homophobic hate crime in the Irish context
Authors: Concannon Liam
Published: December 2021

Ireland has been applauded internationally for its legislative progress in supporting the rights of (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) LGBT+ citizens. Yet much of the positive change within the social and political context of sexuality and gender expression has been achieved by campaign groups, operating outside government boundaries. Notwithstanding these advances, LGBT+ people continue to face discrimination, abuse and violence. Concerns surrounding acts of aggression towards transgender and gay people call for an ongoing dialogue between legislators, policymakers, and practitioners to explore ways in which safety can be ensured. This article draws from an emerging body of scholarship and research to question the effectiveness of current social policy and legislation in Ireland. It offers a discourse on hate crime related to transphobia and homophobia, while challenging the existing political thinking. Multi-agency collaborative working is suggested as key to fostering solutions together with changes in legal paradigms, and the continued formation of policy aimed at safeguarding the LGBT+ community.
Minimum data and core outcomes for subacute rehabilitation: A scoping review
Authors: Lowe Joshua R , Wallace Sarah J , Sam Sonia , Young Adrienne
Published: December 2021

Objective

In clinical practice and research, standardised sets of data and outcomes are routinely collected to facilitate data comparison, benchmarking and quality improvement. Most existing data sets are condition-specific and cannot be applied to all patients in a given clinical setting. This review aimed to determine whether the development of a minimum data set for subacute rehabilitation is feasible by collating and comparing existing rehabilitation minimum data sets and core outcome sets.

Data sources

Published literature was identified through database searches (Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the COMET Initiative) in September 2021. Additional data sets were identified through a grey literature search.

Review methods

This review was conducted in alignment with the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Datasets were included if they were published in English, designed for adults, and intended for use in subacute rehabilitation. Data were extracted and taxonomically organised to identify commonalities. Items present in ≥50% of data sets were considered common.

Results

Twenty minimum data sets and seven core outcome sets were included. There were 29 common minimum data set domains, with 19 relating to Patient Information, seven relating to Outcomes, two relating to Service Delivery and one relating to Provider Demographics. Four common domains were identified within the Core Outcome Set analysis, which all related to Life Impact, specifically Physical Functioning (86%) , Emotional Functioning/Wellbeing (57%) , Social Functioning (86%) and Global Quality of Life (100%).

Conclusion

Common item domains in conditions requiring subacute rehabilitation have been identified, suggesting that development of a dataset for subacute rehabilitation may be feasible.
Interactive Governance Between and Within Governmental Levels and Functions: A Social Network Analysis of China's Case Against COVID-19
Authors: Yao Dongmin , Li Jing , Chen Yijing , Gao Qiunan , Yan Wenhong
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has created long-lasting yet unprecedented challenges worldwide. In addition to scientific efforts, political efforts and public administration are also crucial to contain the disease. Therefore, understanding how multi-level governance systems respond to this public health crisis is vital to combat COVID-19. This study focuses on China and applies social network analysis to illustrate interactive governance between and within levels and functions of government, confirming and extending the existing Type I and Type II definition of multi-level governance theory. We characterize four interaction patterns—vertical, inter-functional, intra-functional, and hybrid—with the dominant pattern differing across governmental functions and evolving as the pandemic progressed. Empirical results reveal that financial departments of different levels of government interact through the vertical pattern. At the same time, intra-functional interaction also exists in provincial financial departments. The supervision departments typically adopt the inter-functional pattern at all levels. At the cross-level and cross-function aspects, the hybrid interaction pattern prevails in the medical function and plays a fair part in the security, welfare, and economic function. This study is one of the first to summarize the interaction patterns in a multi-level setting, providing practical implications for which pattern should be applied to which governmental levels/functions under what pandemic condition.
Vascular, cardiac, and renal lesions attributed to primary systemic hypertension in western pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea)
Authors: Cooley Avery James , Savage Anne , Snowdon Charles T.
Published: December 2021

In a retrospective study of a western pygmy marmoset ( Cebuella pygmaea) colony, postmortem examination of 1/8 juvenile and 29/47 adult animals identified vascular, cardiac, and renal lesions consistent with systemic hypertension. This included frequent renal arteriolar hypertrophy, hyaline and proliferative arteriolosclerosis, fibrinoid necrosis of arterioles, glomerulosclerosis, and nephrosclerosis. Affected animals ranged from 0.6 to 12 years of age (mean 6 years) and had an observed male predominance. Genealogical relatedness was evident in several breeding pairs and spanned multiple generations. Concurrent cardiac and renal disease was commonly identified, although frequently subclinical, and both were important causes of morbidity and mortality in affected animals. Cardiomegaly and hypertrophy were typical features and were accompanied by left atrial thrombosis in 10 animals. Signs of heart failure included chronic pulmonary edema in 20 cases and body cavity effusions in 17. In the kidneys, 19 cases had glomerular disease and hypertensive vasculopathy, and 26 cases had nephrosclerosis or glomerulosclerosis. Common extrarenal secondary causes of hypertension were excluded by necropsy examination. The pathogenesis is suggested to involve primary hypertension leading to renal and cardiac disease. Elevated sympathetic activity might be an underlying factor in the frequent development of primary systemic hypertension in the pygmy marmoset, as for the owl monkey.
The Correlates of Panethnic Identification: Assessing Similarities and Differences among Latinos and Asians in the United States
Authors: Jang Beksahn , Gonzalez Kelsey E. , Zeng Liwen , Martínez Daniel E.
Published: December 2021

Latinos and Asian-Americans constitute the largest recent immigrant groups in the United States. Upon arrival, immigrants from these groups generally identify with their national origin despite being categorized as “Asian” or “Latino” for state enumeration. While both are racialized and excluded from mainstream identities, they differ in their internal linguistic and religious diversities, socioeconomic status, and immigration experiences. Sociologists theorized that Asian-American panethnicity is based on structural commonalities while Latino panethnicity is built upon cultural commonalities. We elaborate the theoretical understanding of contexts associated with this identification and find alternative underpinnings that shape both groups’ panethnic identification. We find generation since immigration is a common basis for elevated likelihood of panethnic identification for both groups. However, among Asian-Americans, we find English proficiency and age increase people’s odds of identifying with a panethnic identity over a national origin term, whereas for Latinos, political affiliation and religiosity increase these odds.
Effect of occupational co-exposure to lead and cadmium on selected immunomodulatory cytokines
Authors: Goyal Taru , Mitra Prasenjit , Singh Preeti , Sharma Shailja , Purohit Purvi , Sharma Praveen
Published: December 2021

Occupational exposure to heavy metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is associated with the development of several diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd on the blood levels of selected immune-modulatory cytokines related to T helper (Th), that is, Th1, interleukin-2 (IL-2), Th2, (IL-4 and IL-10), and Th17, (IL-17) cells. The study comprised 207 individuals divided into two groups: exposed ( n = 110) and nonexposed ( n = 97). Blood Pb and Cd were determined using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, and serum levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study revealed significantly higher blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed group. A significant decrease in Th1 cytokine-IL-2 and Th2 cytokine-IL-10 was found, while IL-4 (Th2 cytokine) and IL-17 (Th17) levels were higher in the exposed group. In the mixed exposure analysis, among all the selected cytokines, IL-4 levels were significantly different between individuals having higher levels of both Pb and Cd versus lower levels of Pb and Cd. While IL-2 levels were highest among the low Pb and Cd group, the IL-17 levels were highest among individuals with higher Cd levels. The study demonstrated that co-exposure to low levels of Pb and Cd might have an immune-modulatory effect. The data suggested a metal-induced pro-inflammatory immune response.
Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of the efficacy of gelatin/hyaluronic acid microporous scaffolds suffused with aloe-vera in a rat burn model
Authors: Mehra Lalita , Mehra Smritee , Tiwari Nidhi , Singh Thakuri , Rawat Harish , Belagavi Shreeshail , Jaimini Abhinav , Mittal Gaurav
Published: December 2021

Burn induced injuries are commonly encountered in civilian and military settings, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Objective of this study was to construct microporous bioactive scaffolds of gelatin-hyaluronic acid suffused with aloe-vera gel (Gela/HA/AvG), and to evaluate their efficacy in healing partial-thickness burn wounds. Scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and Thermo-gravimetric analysis to understand intermolecular interactions and morphological characteristics. In-vitro fluid uptake ability and hemolytic index of test scaffolds were also determined. In-vitro collagenase digestion was done to assess biodegradability of scaffolds. Wound retraction studies were carried out in Sprague Dawley rats inflicted with partial-thickness burn wounds to assess and compare efficacy of optimized scaffolds with respect to negative and positive control groups. In-vivo gamma scintigraphy using Technetium-99m labeled Immunoglobulin-G ( 99m Tc-IgG) as imaging agent was also performed to validate efficacy results. Histological and immunohistochemical comparison between groups was also made. Scaffolds exhibited mircoporous structure, with pore size getting reduced from 41.3 ± 4.3 µm to 30.49 ± 5.7 µm when gelatin conc. was varied from 1% to 5%. Optimized test scaffolds showed sustained in-vitro swelling behavior, were biodegradable and showed hemolytic index in range of 2.4–4.3%. Wound retraction study along with in-vivo gamma scintigraphy indicated that Gela/HA/AvG scaffolds were not only able to reduce local inflammation faster but also accelerated dermis regeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis, in terms of expression levels of epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 also corroborated in-vivo efficacy findings. Gela/HA/AvG scaffolds, therefore, can potentially be developed into an effective dermal regeneration template for partial-thickness burn wounds.
Frailty and Determinants of Health Among Older Adults in the United States 2011–2016
Authors: Kurnat-Thoma Emma L. , Murray Meghan T. , Juneau Paul
Published: December 2021

Objective

To characterize frailty phenotype in a representative cohort of older Americans and examine determinants of health factors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from 5,553 adults ≥60 years old in the 2011–2016 cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). World Health Organization “ Determinants of Health” conceptual model was used to prioritize variables for multinomial logistic regression for the outcome of modified Fried frailty phenotype.

Results

482 participants (9%) were frail and 2432 (44%) prefrail. Four factors were highly associated with frailty: difficulty with ≥1 activity of daily living (77%; OR 24.81 p < 0.01), ≥2 hospitalizations in the previous year (17%, OR 3.94 p < 0.01), having >2 comorbidities (27%; OR 3.33 p < 0.01), and polypharmacy (66%; OR 2.38 p < 0.01).

Discussion

A modified Fried frailty assessment incorporating five self-reported criteria may be useful as a rapid nursing screen in low-resource settings. These assessments can streamline nursing care coordination and case management activities, thereby facilitating targeted frailty interventions to support healthy aging in vulnerable populations.
Endodontic Treatment of a Traumatic Tusk Fracture With Exposed Pulp in an Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Seewald Matthias , Gohl Christine , Egerbacher Monika , Handschuh Stephan , Witter Kirsti
Published: December 2021

Tusk fracture in elephants is a common incident often resulting in pulp exposure and pulpitis. Extensive lavage, endodontic therapy, direct pulp capping, or extraction are treatment options. In this report, the successful management of a broken tusk of a juvenile male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) including morphological analysis of the tusk tip 2 years after surgery are presented. Treatment was carried out under barn conditions and included antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and partial pulpotomy with direct pulp capping. Immediate pain relief was reached. The fractured tusk was preserved and continued to grow. The therapeutic filling material remained intact for over 1 year but was absent 2 years after treatment. The former pulp cavity of the tusk tip was filled with reparative dentin, osteodentin, and bone, but the seal between these hard tissues and pulp chamber dentin was incomplete. Radiographs obtained 3 years after treatment showed no differences in pulp shape, pulp width, and secondary dentin formation between the treated right and the healthy left tusk. It can be concluded that in case of an emergency, the endodontic therapy of a broken elephant tusk can be attempted under improvised conditions with adequate success. Photodynamic therapy might contribute to prevent infection and inflammation of the pulp. The decision tree published by Steenkamp (2019) provides a valuable tool to make quick decisions regarding a suitable therapy of broken tusks.
Who’s Milking It? Scripted Stories of Food Labour
Authors: McCarthy Lucy , Touboulic Anne , Glover Jane
Published: December 2021

This article explores representations of food labour at different stages in the supply chain through a labour process theory perspective. Employing multi-modal critical discourse analysis it analyses visual data collected from three television programmes focused on dairy production and consumption. The research sheds light on the power relations inherent to food production and the devaluing of manual food labour in supply chains, which are shaped by the current capitalist socio-political environment. The findings expose ways in which media can reinforce dominant understandings of food supply chains, while making aspects of food labour invisible.
Synthesis, characterization, theoretical investigations and fluorescent sensing behavior of oligomeric azine-based Fe3+Chemosensors
Authors: Manigandan Subramani , Muthusamy Athianna , Nandhakumar Raju , David Charles Immanuel , Anand Siddeswaran
Published: December 2021

Three azine oligomeric esters were synthesized, characterized by IR, UV, 1H, 13C{1H} and GPC technique, and applied to chemosensor application. The sensitivity response of the oligomers towards the metal ion was evaluated for a metal ion series. The results have shown selective and sensitive “turn off” fluorescence response towards Fe3+ ion in DMF/H2O (1:1, pH: 7.4, fluorophore: 5 μM) solution. The binding stoichiometry and binding constant of the fluorophores were calculated using the Stern–Volmer equation and Benesi–Hildebrand plots, respectively. The quenching of fluorophores on the addition of Fe3+ ion indicates the capability of fluorophore towards quantitative analysis of Fe3+. The dimer of oligomers was theoretically studied using DFT, B3LYP/6-311G level basic set to support and explain the quenching mechanism of LMCT, PET process and to explain the DC, AC electrical studies results. The electrical conductivity measurements of solid-state, I2 doped and undoped oligomers were carried out and the conductivity gradually increases with increase in iodine vapor contact time of oligomers. The electrical conductivity was related with band gap and charge density values of imine nitrogen obtained by Huckel calculations. The dielectric measurements at different temperatures and frequencies were made by two probe method. Among the oligomers, EBHAP has recorded a high dielectric constant at the low applied frequency of 50 Hz at 373 K due to loosely attached π bonds resulting good polarization.
Optimised design of systems and processes using algebraic inequalities
Authors: Todinov Michael T.
Published: December 2021

A method for optimising the design of systems and processes has been introduced that consists of interpreting the left- and the right-hand side of a correct algebraic inequality as the outputs of two alternative design configurations delivering the same required function. In this way, on the basis of an algebraic inequality, the superiority of one of the configurations is established. The proposed method opens wide opportunities for enhancing the performance of systems and processes and is very useful for design in general. The method has been demonstrated on systems and processes from diverse application domains. The meaningful interpretation of an algebraic inequality based on a single-variable sub-additive function led to developing a light-weight design for a supporting structure based on cantilever beams. The interpretation of a new algebraic inequality based on a multivariable sub-additive function led to a method for increasing the kinetic energy absorbing capacity during inelastic impact. The interpretation of a new inequality has been used for maximising the mass of deposited substance during electrolysis.
Perceived Experiences of Korean Immigrant Mothers Raising Children With Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Lee Anna , Yeh Vicky J.-H. , Knafl Kathleen A. , Van Riper Marcia
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The challenges of acculturation that immigrant families experience could intensify if they have a child with a disability. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe the experiences of Korean mothers raising children with a disability in the United States.

Methodology:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted based on the Resilience Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. Directed content analysis was used.

Results:

Six Korean mothers participated in the interview and 16 codes were identified in relation to the five concepts of the Resilience Model, namely family demands, family resources, family appraisal, family problem-solving and coping, and family adaptation. Overall, mothers thought their families were well-functioning and viewed their quality of life positively within the context of immigration despite experiencing various family demands.

Discussion:

Findings of this study showed the resilience of Korean immigrant mothers and revealed the importance of understanding and considering unique cultural differences when providing care to this population.
A Financial Social Work Certificate Program for Community and Family Practitioners
Authors: Callahan Christine , Jacobson Frey Jodi , Imboden Rachel , Hatcher Seanté
Published: December 2021

A Financial Social Work Certificate program launched, responding to a need for greater financial knowledge and skill development among social workers. Community leaders who were alumni of a social work school partnered with educators and researchers to plan and organize an intensive 7-day training over the course of 7 months, through the School’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. Content focused on understanding personal finance, learning about interventions to address clients’ financial needs, exploring critical and emerging macro issues, and focusing on how these dovetail with clinical practice. Preliminary results on financial social work self-efficacy indicate greater self-efficacy over three evaluation time points. Next steps will include a more robust evaluation and fostering a network of engaged graduates.
Designing and Using Surveys in Nursing Research: A Contemporary Discussion
Authors: O’Connor Siobhan
Published: December 2021

This commentary summarizes the contemporary design and use of surveys or questionnaires in nursing science, particularly in light of recent reporting guidelines to standardize and improve the quality of survey studies in healthcare research. The benefits, risks, and limitations of these types of data collection tools are also briefly discussed.
Elementary General Music Teachers’ Preparation in Classroom Management
Authors: Gee Jennifer Potter
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine elementary general music teachers’ classroom management preparation within music teacher education programs. Participants ( N = 341) were active elementary general music teachers as identified by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Descriptive data included frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. The most frequently reported sources of classroom management preparation were mentoring from a licensed teacher and supervised fieldwork, while creating classroom rules and expectations and teaching procedures were the most frequent examples of within-course content. Participants were most satisfied with their preparation received through licensed teacher mentoring and supervised fieldwork. Implications for music teacher educators are presented.
Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness as a diagnostic tool in early stage dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Luo Lihua , Li Dongmei , Gao Lixin , Wang Wei
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer with macular ganglion cell complex thickness as an auxiliary tool for the early diagnosis of dysthyroid optic neuropathy and help assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study, a total of 58 thyroid-associated opthalmopathy patients and 58 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Thyroid-associated opthalmopathy patients were divided according to the European Group Graves’ Orbitopathy severity classification. The thicknesses of peripapillary nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell complex were measured using optical coherence tomography and their correlation with the severity of the disease as well as the effect of the treatment was investigated.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between the mild thyroid-associated opthalmopathy group and the control group in both peripapillary nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell complex thickness. In the moderate-to-severe thyroid-associated opthalmopathy group, however, Temporal and Nasal peripapillary nerve fiber layer thicknesses were lower compared to the control group ( p = 0.041, p = 0.012), whereas in the sight-threatening thyroid-associated opthalmopathy group Temporal Inferior, Nasal Superior, and mean (G) peripapillary nerve fiber layer thicknesses were larger ( p = 0.000, p = 0.004, p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in the macular ganglion cell complex thickness among the different severity groups and the control groups ( p > 0.05). After treatment, the mean peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness decreased whereas mean macular ganglion cell complex thickness showed no significant change in the sight-threatening group. A correlation was established between exophthalmos, best corrected visual acuity, clinical activity score, disease course, and the mean peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness. The area under curve analysis indicated that mean peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness can be used as a powerful diagnostic tool in early stage dysthyroid optic neuropathy in thyroid-associated opthalmopathy patients.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that peripapillary nerve fiber layer act as an auxiliary tool for the early diagnosis of dysthyroid optic neuropathy and helps assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Clinical outcomes of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy in primary open angle glaucoma: Two years follow-up
Authors: Soltani-Moghadam Reza , Azaripour Ebrahim , Alizadeh Yousef , Behboudi Hassan , Moravvej Zahra , Medghalchi Abdolreza , Dourandeesh Maryam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

Methods

This non randomized, prospective comparative study included 168 eyes of 168 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Phacoviscocanalostomy was performed in 94 eyes with POAG and cataract and viscocanalostomy was performed in 74 eyes with POAG. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medication, intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded throughout the follow-up period.

Results

The mean follow-up after surgery was 20.13 ± 7.9 months. Mean IOP decreased significantly 1 month after surgery in both groups (p < 0.001) and remained significantly lower from its preoperative value at all follow-up visits. The postoperative mean IOP at the last follow up in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy was 14.98 ± 4.8 mmHg and 16.84 ± 5.0 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.001). Complete success rate in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy groups was 83.1% and 56.8%, respectively (p = 0.008). Qualified success rate was achieved in 89.4% eyes in the phacoviscocanalostomy group and 83.8% of viscocanalostomy group (p = 0.534). The Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in phacoviscocanalostomy group improved significantly post-operatively (p = 0.001). Postoperative antiglaucoma medication in both groups were significantly less than the preoperative values (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Both Phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostmy are effective procedures in the control of IOP in patients with POAG with and without cataract. Higher complete success rates and BCVA were achieved in phacoviscocanalostomy. Therefore, phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy are recommended in eyes with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma with and without coexisting cataract.