bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophetism in African Christianity and Biblical Traditions
Authors: Aryeh Daniel Nii Aboagye
Published: March 2022

This article examines the portrayal of prophetism in the works of J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu and compares it with the depiction of prophetism by the author of the gospel of Luke. Prophetism is a recurrent religious phenomenon in the Christian faith, particularly in Africa. Many scholars have undertaken seminal works on the subject, depending on the popularity and effect of the experience on contemporary Christianity. Many Christian denominations have suffered schism due to the erupting of prophetic ministry and have also benefitted from the phenomenon by negotiating for religious innovations that resonate with the worldview of members of the congregation. Often, the questions asked are whether these strands of prophetism are aligned with the biblical philosophy of prophetism and which genre of the Bible contemporary prophetism reflects. This study engages the narrative research method to discuss critically how Asamoah-Gyadu writes about prophetism in contemporary African Christianity and how the author of Luke portrays it and draws lessons for scholars, contemporary prophets, and Christian denominations in which the experience is not common.
Expression patterns of clock genes in the kidney of two Lasiopodomys species
Authors: Song Hongjie , Cheng Yuyang , Fan Linchao , Sun Hong
Published: March 2022

Previous studies showed that the kidney has its own molecular circadian clock expression regulation that maintains the homeostasis of physiological processes. However, limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms of the kidney circadian rhythm in subterranean rodents. Here, we report circadian gene expression in the kidney of subterranean Mandarin voles and the related aboveground Brandt’s voles, reared under 12L:12D (LD) or dark (DD) conditions, respectively. The results showed that the rhythmic genes were represented in Brandt’s voles in higher numbers under LD than DD conditions, but the number of rhythmic genes in Mandarin voles was similar between the two treatment conditions. The gene expression levels at different timepoints all showed reduced results under DD conditions compared with those in the LD cycle in Brandt’s voles, whereas the expression levels of the tested genes at certain Zeitgeber timepoints showed higher results than in the LD cycle in Mandarin voles. The gene expression peak showed chaotic resetting under DD conditions in both voles. We thus suggest that Mandarin and Brandt’s voles have different molecular circadian clock expression adjustment patterns in the kidney as an adaptation to different living environments. Mandarin voles seem to be more adapted to the dark environment, while Brandt’s voles are more dependent on external light conditions.
Armeno-Iranica, Indo-Europaeica, and Gathica
Authors: Schwartz Martin
Published: March 2022

I shall review the various etymological proposals for Armenian skay/hskay ‘giant’/ To be refuted is the pervasive hypothesis that the collocation Paroyr Skayordi represents the name of a Scyth (Assyrian Partatua, Greak Προτοθύης) who is supposedly ‘son (ordi) of a Saka (skay)’, whereby skay ‘giant’ is taken from Saka- ‘Scyth’. Then it will be discussed whether and how skay comes from Middle Persian kay, which will entail an exploration of the history of the latter word, from Avestan kauui- to various Middle Iranian forms, and relevant attesttaions in the Manichean Book of the Giants. With rejection of the explanations hitherto for the s- of the skay, a new account will be offered, with further discussion of the h- of hskay. APPENDIX I will set forth the Proto-Indo-European root *kelĝ and its intricate semantics. APPENDIX II will be devoted to phonic encryption in the Gathas.
Virgin Creatrix / Bountiful Womb
Authors: Natarajan Kanchana
Published: March 2022

This article explores the ambivalent view of women that is frequently found in siddha thought and poetry. The first section describes the Siddhars’ attitude toward women in various sources, some of which explicate the notion of the gendered “ghost” and warn of corrupting or malign influences. This attitude contrasts sharply with the “virgin” goddess Vālai, who is seen as a generative force and goddess of learning and knowledge. The second section explores the siddha cosmology of Vālai and the linkage with vālai (mercury) in siddha alchemy. The third section focuses on the objectification of the female body present in some Siddhars’ views. It concludes that the anticaste and anti-Brahminical perspective prominent in some siddha writings does not permit an egalitarian view of gender: women in general are often presented as limited and primarily reproductive beings, inscribed in reductive terms that are a glaring contrast to the exaltation of Vālai.
Mercurial Medicines
Authors: Sieler Roman
Published: March 2022

Using ethnographic data, this article suggests that the therapeutic use of various mercury compounds in siddha medicine has so far not decreased despite international regulation of the substance and discussions surrounding the safety of mercury. Siddha practitioners portray mercury as central to their therapeutics. The article demonstrates this for different contexts, including the preparation of mercuric medicines; the production of mercury amulets; and recent research studies on mercury-based siddha drugs, targeting, for instance, dementia-related syndromes. Contextualizing siddha mercurial procedures and preparations through interlinking therapeutic, historical, and global frames underscores the fact that mercury use in siddha medicine today derives from alchemical traditions, but also transcends them. It is embedded in political contexts of science and healthcare in India, as it answers to concerns about safety and toxicity and at the same time takes center stage in negotiating siddha medical specialty and alterity vis-à-vis other medical practices, most notably ayurveda.
توثيق الرواة في حالات مخصوصة عند الإمام أحمد بن حنبل وأثره في الحكم على مروياتهم
Authors: Al Kubaisi AbdelAziz Shaker Hamdan
Published: March 2022

This research tackles the documentation of a weak narrator in certain cases and specific bodies, and its impact on judging the narrator, determining his rank, knowing the degree of hadiths authenticity, distinguishing hadiths, and investigating all that in the light of Imam Ahmad’s extrapolation of sayings and rulings, which are among the oldest sources on hadith weaknesses and narrators. These compilations are a major reference for those who came after him, and for the classifications that adopted collecting his sayings, questions of his students to him, the analysis of those sayings and conclusions drawn from his sayings, highlighting its implications, and comparing that with that of other hadith narrators and critics. This matter is one of the most majestic issues of hadith sciences that should be well taken care of and singled out for classification, due to the need for it in weighing hadith authenticity and its narrators. The research has showed the need to take care of relative documentation that is associated with a sheikh, student, place, time, or others, because of its great impact on the narrator and the narrative, what is narrated. It is imperative to consider these aspects when judging narrators and hadiths. Some narrators according to Imam Ahmad may be in a different situation as their sheikh’s circumstances are different, or different place of their narrative, or time difference of narration. The author has tracked down these aspects and has compared them with other opinions of hadith critics who may agree or disagree with him. The research has also showed that Imam Ahmad had done relative documentation of some narrators comparing himself to other narrators. The researcher has concluded that most of these relative documenters are peers in terms of age and hadith memorization, and that their authenticity ranks are similar to each other. Hadith narrators and critics may differ with Imam Ahmad in this comparison, or agree with him.
Back at It. Italy’s Struggle for a Law against Homophobia and Transphobia
Authors: Schillaci Angelo
Published: March 2022

On 27 October 2021, the Italian Senate decided not to proceed further in the discussion of the so called Zan bill against homophobia and transphobia. Although such a vote does not prevent the Senate from resuming the discussion after six months, it has made clear that there is no majority to approve this bill in the Senate. Nevertheless, the paper focuses on the main issues discussed in the public debate regarding the bill and particularly on the deep conflict between, on the one hand, the recognition of different identities in the public space and, on the other, the protection of freedom of expression and its connection with pluralism of opinions.
Double Degree of Jurisdiction in International Adjudication
Authors: Asta Gabriele
Published: March 2022

This review essay discusses Loris Marotti’s “Il doppio grado di giudizio nel processo internazionale”. The book represents an important contribution to the study not only of the specific topic of double degree of jurisdiction in the international legal order but also of international adjudication at large. The purpose of the present essay is to highlight some of the most valuable aspects of the book, namely, the conceptual model adopted, the “functional” approach chosen to compare a variety of mechanisms of double degree of jurisdiction and the unveiling of the multi-layered tensions stemming from their establishment. The essay will conclude with some reflections on the current and prospective relevance of the theorised conceptual framework.
Species of Licea Schrad. (Myxomycetes) in Kedrovaya Pad State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Far East, Russia), including two new species
Authors: BORTNIKOV FEDOR M. , GMOSHINSKIY VLADIMIR I. , NOVOZHILOV YURI K.
Published: March 2022

Seventeen Licea species found in Kedrovaya Pad State Biosphere Nature Reserve (Russian Far East, Primorsky Krai) are described and illustrated, including rare species: L. atricapilla, L. craterioides, L. poculiformis, and L. pseudoconica, and two species new for science: L. mariae and L. synchrysospora. Descriptions of the new species are accompanied by LM and SEM microphotographs, which illustrate their main distinguishing features. Some morphological similarity between the species of the genus Licea (L. atricapilla, L. metallica and L. iridescens) with the iridescent peridium is discussed. Some comments on the differentiation between L. pusilla and L. pygmaea are made and data on the intermediate forms between these species are given.
Chalarosthrix gen. nov., a new taxon of the Sphingothrix-Triathrix clade (Harpacticoida: Cletodidae) from the Province of Cortez, Eastern Mexican Pacific
Authors: GÓMEZ SAMUEL , NAZARI FATEMEH
Published: March 2022

Seven species of four cletodid genera previously described or reported from Mexico (Cletodes, Enhydrosoma, Geehydrosoma, and Stylicletodes) and an undescribed genus presumably related to Sphingothrix and Triathrix, were found in sediment samples from a coastal system in north-western Mexico. The Bayesian analysis of 95 morphological characters of thirty-four cletodid genera revealed that the new genus, Chalarosthrix gen. nov., is closely related to Sphingothrix. The clade Sphingothrix-Chalarosthrix bears a sister group relationship with Triathrix. These three genera constitute a monophyletic group defined by the presence of a posterior chitinous extension of the cephalothorax with four sensillum-bearing socles, and the presence of a median tube-pore on the anal operculum. Other synapomorphies for Sphingothrix and Triathrix proposed by earlier researchers are re-evaluated upon the latest definition of the Cletodidae. Our analysis supports previous studies in that Sphingothrix can be objectively defined by i) the reduction of the distal outer seta of the last exopodal segment of the first swimming leg being at most as long as the subdistal outer spine, and ii) the distal inner seta of the same segment inclined outwards intersecting the distal outer element at its base. On the other hand, no (aut)apomorphies were detected for Triathrix. The new genus, Chalarosthrix gen. nov., is defined here by the apomorphic secondary loss of the inner element of the second endopodal segment of the first swimming leg. Some comments on the relationships of the new genus are given.
Draeculacephala robinsoni Hamilton, 1967 (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae), a newly introduced species and genus in Europe with comments on its identification
Authors: RÖSCH VERENA , MARQUES EDUARD , MIRALLES-NÚÑEZ ADRIÀ , ZAHNISER JAMES N. , WILSON MICHAEL R.
Published: March 2022

For the first time in the Palaearctic Region, the New World leafhopper genus Draeculacephala Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) has been recorded in France (Pyrenées-Orientales) and Spain (Catalonia). The species present in both countries is Draeculacephala robinsoni Hamilton 1967, among the most common and widespread species of the genus Draeculacephala in eastern North America. Comments on the identification of this species are presented. The species already seems to be firmly established in the region since it has been found in 11 different sites with a maximum distance of 86 km between them. Since the genus has been reported to be a vector of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa its further spread in Europe should be closely monitored.
Summertime Marine Boundary Layer Cloud, Thermodynamic, and Drizzle Morphology over the Eastern North Atlantic: A Four-Year Study
Authors: Zheng Qiuxuan , Miller Mark A.
Published: March 2022

Summertime remote sensor and in situ data from 2016 to 2019 collected at the ARM Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) Observatory are combined with aircraft measurements from the Aerosol and Cloud Experiments in the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA) campaign to quantify marine boundary layer (MBL) cloud, thermodynamic, and drizzle morphology in the region. A radar reflectivity–rainfall rate relationship (Z–R) is developed from aircraft data and 6-h cloud morphological regimes are identified from ENA data using a k-means algorithm driven by three independent inputs quantifying cloud thickness, drizzle intensity, and cloud field geometric complexity. Four separate MBL structural regimes representing non- or weakly drizzling single-layer stratocumulus, drizzling stratocumulus and cumulus-coupled stratocumulus, deep convection, and broken clouds embedded in northerly flow are identified. Single-layer stratocumulus is indicated when weak subtropical anticyclones are significantly west of the ENA site, and the MBL is cooler and drier than when drizzling and cumulus-coupled stratocumulus and broken clouds are observed. Drizzling and cumulus-coupled stratocumulus clouds are observed on the eastern flank of strong subtropical anticyclones in deep warm moist air masses with wind speeds exceeding 7 m s−1 and strong near-surface wind shear. Broken clouds exhibit strong wind shear near the inversion, while single-layer stratocumulus clouds have lower wind speeds and minimal shear. Net latent heat fluxes in the subcloud layer resulting from a combination of the ocean surface heat flux and evaporating drizzle average near zero over long periods in drizzling and cumulus-coupled stratocumulus. The ECMWF reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) is found to accurately represent single-layer stratocumulus properties, while producing significant discrepancies when drizzling stratocumulus and cumulus-coupled stratocumulus are observed.
In Vivo Near-Infrared Noninvasive Glucose Measurement and Detection in Humans
Authors: Han Tongshuai , Jin Liu  , Rong Liu  , Chen Wenliang , Yao Mingfei , Liu Xueyu , Ge Qing , Zhang Zengfu , Li Chenxi , Wang Yuxiang , Zhao Picheng , Sun Di , Xu Kexin
Published: March 2022

In optical noninvasive glucose detection, how to detect the glucose-caused signals from the constant human variations and disturbed probing conditions is always the biggest challenge. Developing effective measurement strategies is essential to realize the detection. A near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy-based strategy is studied to effectively solve the in vivo measurement issues, obtaining clean blood glucose-caused signals. Two solutions composing our strategy are applied to the NIR spectroscopy-based measurement system to acquire clean raw signals in the data collection, which are a customized high signal-to-noise ratio multi-ring InGaAs detector to reduce the influence of human variations, and a fixing and aiming method to reproduce a consistent measurement condition. Seventeen cases of glucose tolerance test (GTT) on healthy and diabetic volunteers were conducted to validate the strategy. The human experiment results clearly show that the expected blood glucose changes have been detected at 1550 nm. The average correlation coefficient of the 17 cases of GTT between light signal and glucose reference reaches 0.84. The proposed measurement strategy is verified feasible for the glucose detecting in vivo. The strategy provides references to further studies and product developments for the NIR spectroscopy-based glucose measurement and references to other optical measurements in vivo.
Moderators of the Association Between Teaching Students With Disabilities and General Education Teacher Turnover
Authors: Gilmour Allison F. , Neugebauer Sabina R. , Sandilos Lia E.
Published: March 2022

We examined the association between the percentage of students with disabilities (SWD) in general education teachers’ classes and their likelihood of turnover, investigating potential internal and external resources (certification, experience, preparation, classroom management, and working conditions) as moderators and disaggregating types of teacher mobility. Before accounting for other variables, the percentage of SWD, and the percentage of students with most specific disabilities, in teachers’ classes were positively associated with moving within and moving between districts. These associations were not significant after accounting for student, teacher, and school characteristics. We identified a negative association between leaving teaching in the state and the percentage of SWD in teachers’ classes, even after accounting for other variables. Dual-certification and instructional leadership moderated some of these associations. Results suggest that future research is needed to identify the supports teachers have access to when they teach higher percentages of SWD.
Factors Associated With Dietary Risks in Older Korean Americans
Authors: Jang Yuri , Ko Jisook , Rhee Min-Kyoung , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A. , Kim Miyong T.
Published: March 2022

Given the importance of healthy eating in the later years of life, the present study examined factors associated with dietary risks in older Korean Americans. We hypothesized that dietary risks would be associated with sociodemographic disadvantages, adverse health conditions, and limited sociocultural resources. Dietary risks were assessed with a scale covering five behavioral and situational risk factors (eating alone, skipping meals, functional challenges, oral health problems, and financial difficulties). Analyses of the data from the Study of Older Korean Americans ( N = 2,150) showed that the sample on average had 1.13 risks ( SD = 1.31), eating alone having the highest frequency (35.6%). Supporting the hypothesis, higher levels of dietary risks were found in individuals with sociodemographic disadvantages, poorer physical and mental health status, smaller social networks, and lower acculturation. Findings suggest concerted efforts to promote dietary behaviors and call attention to older immigrants who are socially and culturally isolated.
Too much of a good thing? The unforeseen importance of knowledge management and role clarity as antecedents of service quality in private hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Kankam George
Published: March 2022

The effective management of employees’ knowledge has been described as a critical ingredient for organizations seeking to ensure sustainable strategic competitive advantage in the market place. The goal of the study was to examine how knowledge management affect workers' job clarity and service quality. The cross-sectional survey approach was used in this study while purposive sampling technique was employed to select private hospitals. The research included 300 employees from Trust Hospital, Otoo Memorial Hospital, and Cocoa Hospital, all of which are private institutions in Ghana. Data was collected using the questionnaire. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Structural equation modeling. The findings demonstrated that service quality and knowledge management had a beneficial association.
Effectiveness of Wii sports- based strategy training in reducing risk of falling, falls and improving quality of life in adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease- a randomized comparative trial
Authors: Alagumoorthi G. , D. Beulah Jebakani , Thirunavukarasu Suresh , V. Ramachandaran , A. Kumaresan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of Wii sports-based strategy training on risk of falling, falls and quality of life in adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Design

Single blind, Randomised comparative trial.

Setting

Hospital and home

Subjects

Diagnosed as idiopathic Parkinson's disease, Hoehn-Yahr stage 2.5 to 4, history of at least 3 falls in the last 3 months.

Intervention

Experimental group participated in 30–40 min of Wii training, 3 session/week for 12 weeks and control group participated for the same duration in traditional balance training. During each session both the group received 30 min of conventional physiotherapy.

Outcomes

Number of fallers, Fall rate, Berg balance scale, Timed up and go test, Parkinson's disease questionnaire 39, at baseline, 12th and 36th week after baseline.

Results

We randomised 192 participants. Participant's characteristics were similar between Wii and control group at base line, in age 69.7 ± 10, 68.5 ± 9.8, disease severity 3.43 ± 0.56, 3.42 ± 0.59, and fall rate 10.47 ± 15.78, 11.80 ± 18.95 (in mean ± SD). At 12th week 28%(27), 51%(49) & 36th week 45%(42), 60%(57) in Wii-group, control group fell at least once, respectively. Wii group improved more than control group at 12th, 36th week in number of fallers (−23%, p < 0.001) (−15%, p < 0.039), fall rates −2.635(−5.38 to 0.112), −1.476(−5.09 to 2.142) (difference in mean, Confidence Interval) and bodily discomfort component of PDQ 39.

Conclusion

A 12 weeks exercise training using the Wii sports-based strategy decreases the number of fallers, fall rate, measures of risk of falling but did not alter the quality of life in adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Despair, Rigging, Anger, and Degrowth
Authors: Benton, Raymond
Published: March 2022

Four recent books, all by noted economists, expose major problems with the economic system and, consequently, with the macromarketing system. The objective of each book is to expose how the economy really functions, much as Victor Lebow did 50 years ago in his “ Free Enterprise”: The Opium of the American People (1972). Two of the books argue for a restoration of the market system of myth and lore, one for institutional changes, and the fourth for moving beyond the growth economy to alternatives. The commentary ends by noting that each book argues that little can be done about the economy until we face the facts and address the malfunctioning political system, too. Our American political system, much like the economic system, is also broken. To fix either, we must begin with understanding how each really work and then make necessary changes. Macromarketers can help understand the predicament we are in and help get us out of it.
Mortality and disease related comorbidities in systemic lupus erythematosus: Data from an Egyptian cohort
Authors: Mohammed Reem Hamdy A , Lotfy Fayed Hala , Ibrahim Emara Nouran
Published: March 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder with significant disease-related comorbidity and considerably high mortality.

Aim of the work

Explore the survival rates and the spectrum of disease related comorbidities in an Egyptian cohort afflicted by SLE.

Methods

This is a single center observational cohort study performed in one of the leading medical Schools governmental hospitals for teaching and training in the North African region and Middle East sectors Kasr Alainy School of Medicine—Cairo University. Inclusion criteria: the investigators of the research question went for planned review of the medical records of adult SLE patients ≥16 years classified according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 SLE classification criteria set forth by Hochberg, 1997 who received longitudinal clinical care during the time period from 1999 to 2019. Exclusion criteria: patients seen only once, other collagen vascular diseases, endocrinal, cardiovascular, or other multisystem disease diagnosed prior to the onset of SLE.

Data analysis

Survival was determined from the time of SLE diagnosis to the last contact or date of death. The cumulative probability of survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier method. Differences in survival between patient groups were determined using the long-rank test.

Results

The study included records of two hundred and two SLE patients, 184 (91.1%) were females and 18 (8.9%) patients were males. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 26.71 ± 7.93 years with a mean follow-up between mean: 6.6 ± 4.58 years, 34.15% had damage in at least one of the organ systems by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics American college of rheumatology damage index SLICC/ACR-DI in the first 6 months. Considering an outcome label of dead or alive at the end of follow-up period, results showed a total of 52 mortalities, 88.5% were females and 11.5% were males, mean age at death onset was 30.9 ± 8.8 years. Results of the Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed an overall cumulative probability of survival at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after SLE diagnosis was 82.9, 68.8, 51.4, and 20.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The cumulative probability of survival at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after SLE diagnosis was 82.9, 68.8, 51.4, and 20.4%, respectively.
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes in patients with mixed Class III/IV + V and pure proliferative lupus nephritis: A single-center experience
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Yoo Juyoung , Lee Sang-Won , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Jung Seung Min
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) is a crucial complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study evaluated the clinical implications of coexistence of membranous LN in proliferative LN in terms of clinical characteristics and long-term outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with SLE who underwent renal biopsy between 2005 and 2018. Patients with proliferative LN based on the 2003 International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification were subclassified into pure (Class III or IV only) and mixed (Class III or IV + Class V) proliferative LN. The clinical features at the time of renal biopsy, incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and all-cause mortality were compared between patients with mixed or pure proliferative LN.

Results

Of the 171 patients, 30 and 141 were classified into mixed and pure proliferative LN groups, respectively. Patients with pure proliferative LN showed higher anti-dsDNA antibody and lower hemoglobin, platelet, and complement 3 levels than patients with mixed proliferative LN. The SLE disease activity index was also higher in patients with pure proliferative LN ( p = 0.047). The pure proliferative LN group showed a higher proportion of Class IV and higher histologic activity index scores ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). During the follow-up period of 58.3 months, 18 patients developed ESRD and 15 patients died. ESRD was exclusively observed in patients with pure proliferative LN, although the incidence of ESRD was not statistically different ( p = 0.055). All-cause mortality was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Pure proliferative LN was associated with higher clinical and histological activities and modestly increased risk of ESRD. Active immunosuppressive treatment would be required to control the renal inflammation in patients with proliferative LN, regardless of the coexistence of membranous LN.
Immigration, Identity and Security in the Context of Brexit: Examining Linkages Through the Lens of the Copenhagen School
Authors: Mitra Preetha
Published: March 2022

This article aims to examine the complex interrelationship between identity and immigration in the United Kingdom (UK) in the context of Brexit. It analyzes the background of immigration in the UK as well as multilayered notions of identity and integration. Using the framework of securitization advanced by the Copenhagen School of thought, this study questions if and how immigration has been perceived as a threat to British identity and how this perception has influenced the decision to leave the European Union. It hypothesizes that anti-immigrant sentiment, culminating in Brexit, may be the product of securitization in the societal sphere, namely of identity. This framework aims to provide an alternative understanding of Brexit by analyzing how perceptions of threat in the societal sector can influence major political decisions.
A semi-active control algorithm for nonlinear structures based on uniform distribution of deformation theory
Authors: Karami Mohammadi Reza , Ghamari Hadi , Zolfagharysaravi Sina
Published: March 2022

Semi-active control is a promising method for vibration control of civil structures. Magneto-rheological (MR) damper is one of the most common and practical devices among other semi-active control devices. The command voltage is the only controllable property of an MR damper. There are several algorithms for determining the MR damper command voltage such as active control-based algorithms. On active-based algorithms, an initial reference control force is achieved based on a reference active control algorithm, then this force converts to applied voltage. Uniform Distribution of Deformations (UDD) theory is a concept which intends to use the maximum capacity of elemental and structural ductility. When deformations are uniform throughout the entire structure, damages are mostly uniform and the maximum of damage is reduced. This point can be used for designing a new active-based semi-active algorithm. The innovative Uniform Deformation Control (UDC) is an active-based control algorithm. Reference active control forces are achieved using a massless Virtual Added frame with Pinned connections (VAP). This virtual frame makes deformation of the structure more uniform. The axial forces of the VAP beams are the reference active control forces. Afterward, based on these forces, the command voltages of semi-active MR damper are determined. The VAP characteristics are optimized using Charged System Search (CSS) optimization method for making the structural deformations more uniform. Therefore, this new innovative proposed algorithm focuses on reducing damages contrary to common algorithms which focus on reducing responses. The contribution of the present paper is to introduce the new damage-based algorithm. Then, this algorithm will be investigated in comparison with two other common algorithms. The effectiveness of the new proposed algorithm is proved via nonlinear numerical investigations on an office building. The new algorithm can reduce displacements and accelerations with relatively low control forces while making deformations more uniform.
High Expression of THBS1 Leads to a Poor Prognosis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Suppresses the Anti-Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Jin Anqi , Zhou Jin , Yu Pengcheng , Zhou Shichong , Chang Cai
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To study the role of thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) prognosis and the immune microenvironment. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed, and data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and PTC tissues from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were used. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to build a THBS1-immune-related gene prognostic index (T-I index). Results: High THBS1 expression was correlated with advanced TNM stage, higher recurrence risk, and shorter progression-free interval. High THBS1 expression correlated with MAPK and PD1 pathways indicating a tumor promoting and immunity-inhibiting tendency. The T-I index showed a powerful capacity to predict progression-free survival and immunotherapy benefit. Conclusion: High expression of THBS1 leads to a poor prognosis in PTCs and suppresses the anti-tumor immune microenvironment.
An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Decreases the Use of Narcotics in Infrainguinal Bypass Patients
Authors: Sadri Lili , Shan Deepak , Mejia-Sierra Luis , Lam QuynhDiem , Heilman Jaclyn G. , Balchander Divya , Noonan Kristin , Pineda Danielle M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

“Enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS) protocols use a multisystem approach to target homeostatic physiology via opioid-minimizing analgesia. The aim of this study is to determine if an ERAS protocol for lower extremity bypass surgery improves pain control and decreases narcotics.

Methods

From July 2020 through June 2021, all patients that underwent infrainguinal lower extremity bypass procedures were subject to the ERAS protocol and compared to a “pre-ERAS” group between June 2016 through May 2020. Preoperatively, ERAS patients were given celecoxib, gabapentin, and acetaminophen while postoperatively they were given standing acetaminophen, gabapentin, ketorolac, and tramadol with as needed use of oxycodone. Pain scores were recorded using a numerical rating pain scale. Demographics, length of stay, 30-day complications, and disposition metrics were recorded.

Results

There were 50 patients in the ERAS group, compared to 114 before its implementation. The mean age was 70.5 (ERAS group) versus 68.7 (pre-ERAS group) and a majority were male ( P > .05). Enhanced recovery after surgery patients were less likely to have chronic kidney disease ( P = .01). Enhanced recovery after surgery patients had improved length of stay (3.6 ± 2.3 days vs 4.8 ± 3.2 days, ERAS vs pre-ERAS, P = .01). There was no significant difference between groups for the remaining demographics ( P > .05). One patient (2%) in the ERAS group used patient-controlled analgesia, compared to 30 patients (26%) in the pre-ERAS group ( P < .001). Cumulative pain control in the first 12 hours was significantly better in the ERAS group ( P = .05). Pain control at discharge was similar between the 2 groups (3 pain score vs 3 pain score, pre-ERAS vs ERAS, P > .05)

Conclusion

Our study utilized a multisystem approach to optimize the physiologic stress response to vascular surgery while reducing high potency narcotic use. We show that an ERAS protocol provides noninferior pain control with less potent pain medication and improves the length of stay for patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery.
A Framework for Successful Adoption of Surgical Innovation
Authors: Seyed Esfahani Mona , Heydari Khajehpour Salman , Roushan-Easton Gelareh , Howell Robert D
Published: March 2022

Background

Innovation Adoption Frameworks are applied in healthcare industry, but surgical innovation does not follow the same models as medical innovation and it is not always adopted fully by members of the team.

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a framework for successful adoption of surgical innovation.

Research design

This paper is inspired by design thinking. Based on a pragmatic research philosophy, a mixed method approach was selected including semi-structured interview and focus groups, following a questionnaire.

Study sample

A sample of five specialists in the field (doctors and managers) were selected for interview. Six focus groups were conducted. On average, five people were involved in each focus groups, 30 participants in total, including consultants, senior and junior ward nurses, health care assistant (HCA), cancer nurse specialist, stoma nurses, theatre senior and junior staff.

Data collection/analysis

Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Thematic Analysis.

Results

Following a design thinking approach; firstly, an initial Surgical Adoption Model was proposed, based on the existing literature. Then, the challenges, processes and teams involved in Robotic Surgery adoption, an existing surgical innovation in a local NHS hospital, were explored. Five main themes were extracted from interviews and focus groups data - ‘Innovation Perception’, ‘Guilty vs. Undervalued’, ‘Knowledge is Power’, ‘Ex-novation’ and ‘ Facilitators and Super-users’. This resulted into the development of an adapted Surgical Innovation Framework.

Conclusions

The Surgical Innovation Framework incorporated the themes extracted from the data. The framework is unique within the field of surgical innovation and is designed with the aim of improving surgical innovation adoption success rate. Future research can trial the framework to evaluate its effectiveness.
Trust as a contextual variable for public relations: Reflections from Latin America
Authors: Labarca Claudia , Mujica Constanza
Published: March 2022

This conceptual paper contends, considering the Latin American context, that public relations as a discipline and practice needs to address the relevance of trust in understanding of and theorizing on public relations practice. Furthermore, it hopes to critically address the current gap within the academic literature by placing generalized and institutional trust as key contextual variables in the study of public relations phenomena, and a factor to consider when analysing stakeholder perceptions and needs.
Correlation between percentage of fat mass and level of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mendoza-Vázquez Guadalupe , Espinoza-Gómez Francisco , Rocha-Muñoz Alberto Daniel , Gamez-Nava Jorge I. , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Riebeling-Navarro Carlos , Aceves-Aceves Javier Alejandro , Guzmán-Silahua Sandra , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernán
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Controversies exist regarding the relationship between body fat and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The evaluation of the disease is critical for establishing treatment and prognosis. Fat mass could be a predictive factor for poor prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis because of its association with low- and high-grade inflammation.

Objective:

To evaluate the correlation between fat mass values and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Materials and methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. Eighty female patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (American College of Rheumatology of 1987) were evaluated. For each one, the evaluation determined fat mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis and disease activity using the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints (DAS28).

Results:

The mean age was 59.11 ± 9.92 years, with an average disease duration of 14.13 ± 10.13 years; 85% of patients showed a high body fat percentage. Pearson’s correlation between DAS28 values and fat mass was r = 0.035 ( p = 0.76).

Conclusion:

The levels of DAS28 showed no correlation with fat mass percentage. Further studies are required to clarify the factors that can modify these levels.
Knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Agbeno Evans Kofi , Osarfo Joseph , Owusu Gloria Brempomaa , Opoku Aninng Douglas , Anane-Fenin Betty , Amponsah Judith Agyemang , Ashong Joycelyn A , Amanfo Anthony Ofori , Ken-Amoah Sebastian , Kudjonu Harrison Tetteh , Mohammed Mouhajer
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy contribute significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Health-seeking behaviour is influenced by adequate knowledge of the condition. However, current data on pregnant women’s knowledge of the condition and health-seeking behaviour are relatively scant in Ghana and has not been previously studied in the Central Region where hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was the leading cause of maternal mortality from 2016 to 2018. The study sought to generate data to fill this knowledge gap.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital from 1 April to 30 September 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, including age, level of education and parity, and knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including its risk factors, clinical presentations and complications, were collected using structured questionnaires. The outcome variable, knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, was a composite variable categorized as adequate and inadequate knowledge. Descriptive statistics were generated and association between independent and outcome variables were explored using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression methods.

Results:

Sixty-two participants (15.4%) showed adequate knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. About 62% (251/404) of respondents had heard about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Of those who had heard of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 29.4% (72/245) correctly indicated the condition was underlined by hypertension in pregnancy ⩾ 20 weeks gestation. Women with tertiary education were six times more likely to have adequate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy knowledge than those with basic education. Women with parity 1–4 were 52% less likely to have adequate knowledge compared to nulliparous women.

Conclusion:

The remarkably low proportion of pregnant women with adequate knowledge of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the study is worrisome because of its potential adverse implication for the health of mothers and their babies. Re-packaging the antenatal health education programme and its delivery is needed for greater impact as far as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy morbidity/mortality is concerned.
Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström—Unusual and impressive case in a patient with myeloma: A case report
Authors: DeBiasio Celina , Cyr Janelle , Petkiewicz Stephanie , Glassman Steven J
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström is an uncommon disease, which presents mostly in women on the lower extremities. It is sometimes associated with underlying immune dysregulation. Sjögren syndrome is the most common association; however, rare occurrences of the self-resolving syndrome with lymphoma or myeloma have been reported.

Case Summary:

We describe an unusual and impressive presentation of hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström in an elderly female patient with myeloma. Notably, the patient did not have any concurrent connective tissue diseases. Despite her florid presentation, her hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström spontaneously resolved within a few days.

Conclusion:

Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström is a self-resolving but recurrent syndrome, which may be associated with autoimmune disorders or rarely myeloma. Early diagnosis of the syndrome may avoid unnecessary treatment interventions and should prompt screening for underlying diseases.
International Brazilian Students: Motivators, Barriers, and Facilitators in Higher Education
Authors: do Amaral Carla C. Borges , Romani-Dias Marcello , Walchhutter Seimor
Published: March 2022

International students have an increasing economic and cultural impact: In 2011 there were 4.3 million international students around the globe, and this number is expected to exceed 8 million by 2025. From this scenario, this article aims to discern the main barriers, facilitators, and motivators for the internationalization of students. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 international students at different academic levels. The results indicate that the barriers to internationalization are intrinsic and extrinsic to individuals. The main facilitators of internationalization were networking training and access to student resources; and the main motivators were personal development and career opportunities. Therefore, this article brings three main contributions: (a) academically vis-à-vis the theme, (b) managerially, for institutions, and (c) for students, especially those at the master’s and PhD level. Findings from Brazilian students may also apply to different academic contexts, especially those from emerging countries.
Portal Vein Thrombosis and Pyogenic Liver Abscess With Concomitant Bacteroides Bacteremia in a Patient With COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Brief Review
Authors: Trad George , Sheikhan Nazanin , Nguyen Andrew , Valenta Jordan , Iraninezhad Homayon
Published: March 2022

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, including a hypercoagulable state leading to both arterial and venous thrombosis. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the setting of COVID-19 has rarely been reported in the medical literature. Pylephlebitis with concomitant liver abscess is a rare complication of intra-abdominal infection. Here, we present the case of a 49-year-old man who initially presented with intermittent fevers and generalized weakness of 1-month duration and was subsequently found to have COVID-19 infection, PVT, and Bacteroides fragilis bacteremia with associated pyogenic liver abscess. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and oral anticoagulation with plan to follow up outpatient with gastroenterology in 3 months to ensure resolution of PVT and liver abscess.
Heart Failure as the Initial Presentation of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Rao Suman , Pathmanathan Anojan , Khan Alisha , Malik Muhammad , Chaudhuri Debanik , Ford Timothy , Byrum Craig , Smith Frank
Published: March 2022

Coronary arteries arising from the pulmonary artery have an incidence of 0.002% in the general population. We present a 29-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with acute decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. She underwent a cardiac catheterization to rule out ischemic disease, which revealed retrograde contrast flow through the left coronary artery from the right coronary artery. A coronary computed tomography (CT) angiogram was pursued which showed the presence of an anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). For the management of her atrial fibrillation, she was electrically cardioverted. She was discharged on guideline-directed medical therapy for her heart failure, with a cardiac surgery referral for the surgical fixation of her ALCAPA.
Reliability of the ICECAP-O Quality of Life Scale With Community-Dwelling People With Dementia
Authors: Bibi Iram , Polman Remco , Nyman Samuel R.
Published: March 2022

Currently, measures of quality of life used with older people with dementia (PWD) are mainly health related. Health is not an actual attribute of but a means to attain quality of life. The Investigating Choice Experiments for the Preferences of Older People - CAPability index (ICECAP-O) measures attributes of quality of life. While its construct validity has been tested with PWD, no study has yet published data on the reliability of this scale used directly with PWD. In this study, we tested the external (test-retest) reliability of the ICECAP-O with 54 community-dwelling older PWD from the south of England. The ICECAP-O had acceptable test-retest reliability (r = .68, p < .01 and r = .56, p < .01 for raw and tariff scores, respectively). This suggests that the ICECAP-O is both a reliable and valid measure of quality of life for use directly with community-dwelling PWD.