bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Novel Nomogram for Predicting Vessels that Encapsulate Tumor Cluster in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guan Renguo , Lin Wenping , Zou Jingwen , Mei Jie , Wen Yuhua , Lu Lianghe , Guo Rongping
Published: May 2022

Background

Vessels that encapsulate tumor cluster (VETC) is associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Vessels that encapsulate tumor cluster estimation before initial treatment is helpful for clinical doctors. We aimed to construct a novel predictive model for VETC, using preoperatively accessible clinical parameters and imagine features.

Methods

Totally, 365 HCC patients who received curative hepatectomy in the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center from 2013 to 2014 were enrolled in this study. Vessels that encapsulate tumor cluster pattern was confirmed by immunochemistry staining. 243 were randomly assigned to the training cohort while the rest was assigned to the validation cohort. Independent predictive factors for VETC estimation were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. We further constructed a predictive nomogram for VETC in HCC. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curve. Besides, the decision curve was plotted to evaluate the clinical usefulness. Ultimately, Kaplan–Meier survival curves were utilized to confirm the association between the nomogram and survival.

Results

Immunochemistry staining revealed VETC in 87 patients (23.8%). lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (>7.75, OR = 4.06), neutrophil (>7, OR = 4.48), AST to ALT ratio (AAR > .86, OR = 2.16), ALT to lymphocyte ratio index (BLRI > 21.73, OR = 2.57), alpha-fetoprotein (OR = 1.1), and tumor diameter (OR = 2.65) were independent predictive factors. The nomogram incorporating these predictive factors performed well with an area under the curve (AUC) of .746 and .707 in training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves indicated the predicted probabilities closely corresponded with the actual VETC status. Moreover, the decision curve proved our nomogram could provide clinical benefits with patients. Finally, low probability of VETC group had significantly longer recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than the high probability of the VETC group (all P < .001).

Conclusion

A novel predictive nomogram integrating clinical indicators and image characteristics shows strong predictive VETC performance and might provide standardized net clinical benefits.
Surfacing Algorithms: An Inventive Method for Accountability
Authors: Cellard Loup
Published: May 2022

For many scholars and policy makers, the democratic demand for algorithmic transparency is a call for openness. Yet critical algorithm studies have shown that classical accountability devices, such as freedom of information, audits, or code openness have failed to make algorithms meaningfully knowable to ordinary citizens. Rather than waiting for curated and limited transparency to open so-called “hidden black boxes,” I propose and illustrate in this article a method of “surfacing algorithms.” This experimental method makes algorithms accountable through the (re)design of their surfaces: the forms of appearance, documentation, and tangible devices accompanying their use in everyday life. Democratic accountability is thus reconceptualized as a design problem. I demonstrate my method by showing how the reverse-engineering of the French housing tax algorithm performed by citizens during collective workshops through the scrutiny of their tax letters served to interrogate a fiscal algorithm from its surface.
Research-Based Theater in Schools: Ethical Challenges, Conundrums, and Choices
Authors: Sallis Richard Johnson
Published: May 2022

This article focuses on the ethical challenges which may arise when a research-based theater (RbT) project is undertaken with students in a school or in another educational setting. It focuses on three case studies where I worked as an RbT practitioner with students in a single-sex boys’ school and Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) in a Master of Teaching program. For over 15 years, I have worked as an RbT practitioner, and I have developed a set of ethical principles pertaining to the writing and the performance of the RbT piece. I discuss in this article that even with such ethical principles in place, unforeseen critical incidents of an ethical nature may arise in an RbT project that may lead the RbT practitioner to reappraise the effectiveness of these principles in their work.
Chatbots in Marketing: A Literature Review Using Morphological and Co-Occurrence Analyses
Authors: Ramesh Aishwarya , Chawla Vaibhav
Published: May 2022

Chatbots have become common in marketing-related applications, providing 24/7 service, engaging customers in humanlike conversation, and reducing employee workload in handling customer calls. However, the academic literature on the use of chatbots in marketing remains sparse and scattered across disciplines. The present study combines morphological analysis and co-occurrence analysis to bring structure to this area and to identify relevant research gaps. Morphological analysis divides a problem into pertinent and clearly distinguishable components, namely dimensions (at an abstract level) and variants (at a concrete level). A Zwicky box (a cross-variant matrix of dimensions) is then constructed to identify future research opportunities. Here, the authors obtain 11 dimensions and 264 variants. To eliminate inconsistent configurations (i.e., combinations of variants across dimensions), they perform a cross-consistency assessment and identify potential research gaps. To increase objectivity in the selection of relevant gaps, the authors use VOSviewer software to conduct a co-occurrence analysis of the variants.
Extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like: Case series and review
Authors: Vilela Manuel A P , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To describe the clinical characteristics of two patients affected by extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like (EMAP).

Methods

Two patients affected by EMAP underwent multimodal imaging, including fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography.

Results

The patients showed the typical clinical appearance with macular atrophy with larger vertical axis surrounded by pseudodrusen-like deposits involving the midperiphery, associated with paving stone lesions in the retinal periphery.

Conclusion

EMAP is a complex condition sharing clinical characteristics of age-related macular degeneration. Further studies are warranted to identify the early biomarker of the disease.
Risk of thrombophlebitis associated with continuous peripheral infusion of vancomycin: The effect of dilution
Authors: Scarano Marianna , D’Arrigo Sonia , De Letteriis Sestilio , Grasso Salvatore , Pittiruti Mauro , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Although several guidelines recommend that prolonged administration of vancomycin should be preferably carried out by a central venous access, vancomycin is often given peripherally. Whether such risk may be affected by different modalities of administration in terms of dilution and time of infusion, it is a matter of controversy.

Methods:

This single-center prospective study enrolled all consecutive patients requiring prolonged intravenous infusion of vancomycin (1 g/day) using long peripheral cannula “mini-midline.” Patients were randomized in study group (4 mg/ml) and control group (20 mg/ml). All patients were systematically evaluated every 24 h by the Visual Exit-Site Score and a daily ultrasound scan of the veins of the arm.

Results:

The daily ultrasound evaluation showed venous thrombosis at the distal tip of the cannula in all patients, in both groups. After this finding in the first 14 patients, the study was interrupted. All thromboses were completely asymptomatic and occurred in absence of any sign of catheter malfunction. The onset of thrombosis was significantly earlier in the control group (ranging from 24 to 48 h) than in the study group (ranging from 48 to 96 h), with an average of 30 ± 11 versus 68 ± 16 h ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Continuous intravenous infusion of vancomycin should be preferably delivered by a central venous access, as largely recommended by current guidelines, since peripheral infusion is inevitably associated with venous thrombosis, independently from the type of peripheral venous access device adopted (short peripheral cannula vs long peripheral cannula) and from the extent of dilution.
The Longitudinal Impact of Arrest, Criminal Conviction, and Incarceration on Smoking Classes
Authors: Hassett-Walker Connie
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous research identifies three to six smoking classes over the life course. This study expands on earlier work about the impact of getting arrested in early adulthood on individuals’ smoking classes, by including additional, more serious measures of justice system involvement (JSI), specifically criminal conviction and incarceration. Family processes were examined as secondary outcomes.

Method

Data from seventeen waves (1997-2015) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were analyzed via group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM), multinomial logistic regression, and latent transition analyses (LTA). Smoking behavior through age 36 is examined. Marital status, parenthood, juvenile smoking, juvenile arrest, and prior crime victimization experiences were also included in the models.

Results

Seven smoking classes were revealed: two low- or non-smoking classes; two decreasing classes; and three “problem” smoking (e.g., increasing, or chronic) classes. All JSI types increased the likelihood of being in a smoking class rather than a non-smoking class. Arrest and conviction had larger odds ratios than the most severe form of JSI—incarceration—with respect to respondents’ likelihood of being in an increasing or chronic smoking class. Juvenile smoking was the most robust predictor of smoking in adulthood.

Conclusion

Involvement with the justice system in all forms remains a negative health factor that increases smoking. While not typically a goal of criminal justice officials, attention should be paid to this unintended consequence of involvement with the justice system—increased smoking—given smoking’s connection to serious illnesses such as cancer. As juvenile smoking is a strong risk factor for adult smoking, smoking prevention and cessation programs should start with youth; and be part of the offerings to individuals ensnared in the justice system at all levels.
Representation Rate and Management of Gout for Patients Discharged From Emergency Departments in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Authors: Loganathan Aravinthan , Raman Arupam , Berlinski Natalia , Riordan John
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The estimated prevalence of gout in Western societies is 2.7% to 6.7%. In Australia, there have been increasing rates of hospitalisations for gout flares. Urate-lowering therapy (ULT) is effective in reducing urate burden, which can prevent gout flares and destructive arthropathy. This study assessed the representation rate of patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with crystal arthropathy and the utilisation of ULT in the community for patients with a pre-existing history of gout.

Methods:

A retrospective review of electronic records of patients presenting to the ED from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District was performed. Patients included were coded as per the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases coding for crystal arthropathy

Results:

In all, 18.8% of all crystal arthropathy encounters to the ED were repeat presentations. Of the 70% of patients with a history of gout, only 30.8% were on ULT.

Discussion:

Despite evidence-based recommendations for a ‘treat-to-target’ approach, most patients with a previous history of gout were not on ULT. One in five encounters were re-presentations for crystal arthropathy. Effective adherence to treatment guidelines may reduce the number of repeat encounters for gout flare in the ED.
Assessing feasibility and acceptability of yoga and group CBT for adolescents with depression: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Uebelacker Lisa A , Wolff Jennifer C , Guo Jenny , Conte Katherine , Tremont Geoffrey , Kraines Morganne , O’Keeffe Bailey , Fristad Mary A , Yen Shirley
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Given increasing rates of depression in adolescents, there is a clear need for innovative treatments. In this pilot randomized clinical trial, we assessed acceptability and feasibility of two group-based interventions: yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of this work is to prepare for a future fully powered randomized trial to test the hypothesis that yoga is not inferior to an established adolescent depression treatment, namely, group CBT.

Methods:

We enrolled 42 adolescents with elevated depression symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week group-based intervention, yoga or CBT. We had a priori feasibility and acceptability targets, including for recruitment rate, retention rate, expectancy, credibility, program satisfaction, class attendance, engagement in home practice, and instructor/leader manual adherence. We assessed adverse events, and within-subject changes in outcomes (depression, anxiety, impairment, sleep disturbance) and possible mediators (mindfulness, self-compassion).

Results:

Both interventions met most acceptability and feasibility targets. The only target not met related to low engagement in home practice. Participants within each study arm showed decreased depression symptoms over time and increased self-compassion.

Conclusions:

A yoga intervention appears to be acceptable and feasible to adolescents with depression. However, it may be challenging for this group to engage in unstructured home practice.
Fostering emotional intelligence in preadolescence: Effects of a pilot training on emotions, coping and psychological well-being
Authors: Pauletto Marina , Grassi Michele , Pellizzoni Sandra , Penolazzi Barbara
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a short training programme (eight 1-hour sessions) aimed to promote Emotional Intelligence (EI) abilities in primary school on a set of outcomes related to affect, coping and psychological well-being. Sixty-eight preadolescents (10.68±.58 years) were randomly assigned to either the experimental condition (EI training) or the active control condition (pro-environmental training). ANOVAs and Bayesian analyses were performed on pre/post-training measures of ability and trait EI, positive/negative affect, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, coping styles, and psychological well-being. Results showed that only in the EI training condition emotional abilities significantly improved, whereas negative affect and the preference for distraction coping significantly diminished. Although the effects of the present EI training did not extend to the other measures, the findings suggest its effectiveness in improving preadolescents’ EI basic skills and some important adjustment variables. This study confirms the efficacy of short school-based programmes in enhancing EI abilities and highlights the importance of further investigating the training features required to extend its benefits also to psychological well-being. Implications for research and educational practices are discussed.
Parental perception of the process of communicating a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Jurin Anamarija , Šimleša Sanja , Cepanec Maja
Published: May 2022

The process of communicating a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) stands out as the first important factor when confronting parents with such a diagnosis for their child. The situation in which a child is diagnosed with ASD is viewed as certainly one of the most stressful moments for parents. Previous research has indicated several factors that affect the positivity of parents’ experiences. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the experiences of parents in the Republic of Croatia concerning the process of communicating a diagnosis of ASD to them and to show the satisfaction level of parents with the characteristics of this procedure. The study involved 52 parents of children who were either suspected of having or diagnosed with ASD. For the purposes of the research, a questionnaire was constructed. The results showed a relatively high degree of parental satisfaction with the process of communicating a diagnosis of ASD. A significant correlation was found between parental satisfaction and the presence of positive characteristics in both the diagnostic process and communicating the diagnosis. However, the results also indicated that there is much room for improvement regarding the conditions and manner of expressing this unwanted news.
‘Is it in your basic personality?’ Negotiations about traits and context in diagnostic interviews for personality disorders
Authors: Lehtinen Maarit , Voutilainen Liisa , Peräkylä Anssi
Published: May 2022

What does it mean to claim that somebody’s personality is disordered? The aim in this paper is to examine how the process of diagnosing personality disorders (PD) unfolds on a practical level. We take an in-depth look at PD interviews, paying close attention to the occasional discrepancies in the clinicians’ and the patients’ approaches to generalising the behaviour of patients to describe their personality. Clinicians are guided by the medical model and structured interviews in their approach. We regard the interview situation as interplay between the institution, the clinician and the patient – and the final diagnosis as an interactional construction between them. Our data consists of video-recorded interviews in Finland with 10 adult patients and three psychiatric nurses. The collection was compiled from 22 excerpts in which the participants orient differently to the generalisability of personality traits. Our observations show that, in these interviews, patients frequently make sense of their behaviour differently from what is expected – not as a reflection of their personality traits, but as an outcome of many situational factors. Our understanding leads us to emphasise the importance of making visible the practices that shape the diagnostic process in psychiatry.
A comparison of the mechanical properties of curved box girders with corrugated steel webs to curved box girders with concrete webs
Authors: Liu Sumei , De Corte Wouter , Ding Hanshan , Taerwe Luc
Published: May 2022

Curved composite box girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (CSWs) have already been constructed around the world. However, limited work has been done on the comparisons of mechanical properties between curved box girders (CBGs) with CSWs and CBGs with traditional concrete webs. This can be attributed to the difficulty separating flexure, torsion, and distortion using experimental or finite element analysis methods. In this paper, first, a practical method that can solve deflections, torsional angles, distortional angles, stresses, and internal forces of simply supported and continuous CBGs with intermediate diaphragms is introduced. Then, a parametric analysis is conducted to study the difference in mechanical properties of CBGs with CSWs and CBGs with concrete webs. The results show that: (1) Compared with traditional concrete box girders, the torsional and distortional resistances of box girders with CSWs are significantly reduced. Under external loading, all deflections, torsional angles, distortional angles, flexural normal stresses, restrained torsional and distortional warping normal stresses are generally larger. (2) For the example presented in this paper, the torsional warping normal stresses can reach 30% of the flexural normal stresses, and the distortional warping normal stresses can reach 80% of the flexural normal stresses. For this reason, they cannot be neglected in the design. (3) By increasing the number of intermediate diaphragms, drawbacks of using CSWs due to the increase in distortional angles and distortional warping normal stresses can be mitigated, closing the gap between the 2 different web types. In this regard, it is suggested that at least 1 diaphragm should be installed at midspan and if the diaphragms are arranged by equal spacing, their number is suggested to be odd.
A data-driven method for real-time compaction quality evaluation of a cement-stabilized base layer
Authors: Wu Qilun , Cao Weidong , Lam Heung-Fai , Adeagbo Mujib Olamide
Published: May 2022

Adequate and uniform compaction is essential for the safety and durability of a pavement structure. The current compaction quality control, which relies on limited spot tests data, cannot provide timely feedback about compaction quality. The main objective of this paper is to develop a novel data-driven method for compaction quality assessment of cement-stabilized base in a real-time manner. The basic idea is to consider the drum of the vibratory roller together with the underlying cement-stabilized base layer as a spring-mass-dashpot system. The compaction level of the base is connected to the stiffness of the system and to the corresponding natural frequencies. In this study, the vibration of the drum was monitored during operation. The fundamental mode natural frequency of the system at different compaction levels of the base was identified by the fast Bayesian fast Fourier transform method. The results indicate that the natural frequency of the vibratory system has a positive correlation with the degree of compaction (DOC) of the underlying cement-stabilized base layer. Therefore, a novel and practical method for on-site compaction quality assessment utilizing measured natural frequency is proposed in this paper. A data-driven classification method based on support vector machine (SVM) was developed to realize the compaction quality evaluation. The classification results show that the proposed method can recognize signal patterns corresponding to different DOCs. The proposed method combines vibration theory and machine learning to provide a technical reference for the research of continuous compaction control with vibratory rollers.
Experimental investigation of steel-concrete composite push-out tests with embedded corrugated web
Authors: Németh Gábor , Jáger Bence , Kövesdi Balázs , Kovács Nauzika
Published: May 2022

The application of steel trapezoidal corrugated web in steel-concrete composite girders has been widespread in building structures and has also appeared in bridges for a few decades, due to their advantageous mechanical properties. Embedding the trapezoidal web in the concrete slab leads to additional advantages such as omitting the welds of the top flange, a greater extent of the accordion effect and extra resistance in the load transfer between the two materials. Despite these advantages and their increasing use, there are not many experimental studies to analyse the behaviour of the embedded trapezoidal web and its involvement in shear connection resistance. In order to expand the experimental studies, laboratory tests are executed between 2017–18 at the Department of Structural Engineering of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics on large-scale test specimens, with a total number of 43 embedded specimens. The current paper introduces the executed test program, the analysed specimens, their specialties regarding the geometrical layout and the obtained results. The paper gives a quantitative comparison of the 43 specimens and evaluates the analysed shear connectors regarding their static performance.
Lost in translation: The principle of normalisation in prison policy in Norway and the Netherlands
Authors: van de Rijt Jill , van Ginneken Esther , Boone Miranda
Published: May 2022

The principle of normalisation has gained more prominence in international prison law, with both the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules (UN SMR) and the European Prison Rules (EPR) promoting normalisation to the guiding principles. In general terms, normalisation refers to shaping life in prison in resemblance to life outside prison. However, it largely remains unclear what this principle entails for prison policy. The general formulation in the UN SMR and EPR leave much discretionary room to national prison authorities. By conducting a (comparative) policy analysis, this article aims to uncover the normative standards derived from the UN SMR and EPR and how the principle translates into national laws and policies of Norway and the Netherlands. The analysis shows that although the main provision is generally formulated, some detailed norms are provided in other provisions on how elements of life in prison should be shaped, including limits and restrictions. In Norway and the Netherlands, normalisation is not explicitly mentioned in law, but is (to a varied extent) incorporated in policy. It is shown that, in practice, normalisation is closely tied to reintegration, which has important implications for the principle itself and the norms that are taken as point of reference.
Consuming the city: People-watching and dialectics of everyday urban life
Authors: Jayne Mark
Published: May 2022

Since being established at the vanguard of thinking about urban life during the late-eighteenth century, generations of theorists have opened-up sightlines, tackled blind-spots, and responded to challenges of theorizing and researching ‘seeing and being seen’. This paper contributes to that work by bringing into focus everyday experiences of people-watching. Drawing on auto-ethnographic/-biographic research from the UK, I sketch out the theoretical, empirical and methodological terrain needed to account for this mundane and often unspoken practice. In doing so, I outline how a research agenda focused on people-watching, consumer culture and dialectics of everyday life, politics, and imaginations adds-value to understanding of the complex and heterogeneous ways cities are consumed.
A method of acoustic emission source location for engine fault based on time difference matrix
Authors: Liu Tong , Han Cong , Wang Qian Lin , Li Zhen Quan , Yang Guoan
Published: May 2022

The structure of a high-performance engine is becoming more and more complex, so it is very important to accurately and quickly locate the faults to ensure its operation safety. The acoustic emission (AE) signal which is caused by the structural damage of engines contains important structural integrity information; however, the accuracy of existing AE location methods is affected by complex structures, such as stiffeners, holes, variable wall thickness, and interface coupling. Therefore, this paper proposes a new AE source location method that combines the two-step Akaike information criterion (AIC) based on the dispersion curve and the time difference matrix (TDM). This method can precisely locate the faults of complex structures without considering the wave velocity. Through theoretical calculation and numerical simulation, this paper intends to show that the proposed method is superior to the traditional AIC and can track the arrival time of the AE signal more accurately. In addition, experiments on different structures illustrate that the proposed method has higher location accuracy in complex structures. This paper also analyzes the location sensitivity to the number and array of sensors in a complex structure and puts forward an optimal scheme of sensor layout on the condition of high location accuracy. The results show that the proposed method can be used as a reliable tool for AE source location and fault monitoring of complex structures. It will have a wide application prospect in the engine and other fields.
Methodological and Ethical Implications of Using Remote Data Collection Tools to Measure Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence Outcomes among Women and Girls in Humanitarian and Fragile Settings: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Research
Authors: Vahedi Luissa , Qushua Najat , Seff Ilana , Doering Michelle , Stoll Carrie , Bartels Susan A. , Stark Lindsay
Published: May 2022

Purpose: This systematic review investigates the methodological and ethical implications of using remote data collection tools to measure sexual/reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) outcomes among women and girls in humanitarian and fragile settings. Methods: We included empirical studies of all design types that collected any self-reported primary data related to SRH/GBV using information and communication technology, in the absence of in-person interactions, from women and girls in humanitarian and fragile settings. The search was run in March 2021 without filters or limits in Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov , and Scopus. Quality was assessed using an adapted version of the MMAT tool. Two reviewers independently determined whether each full text source met the eligibility criteria, and conflicts were resolved through consensus. A-priori extraction fields concerned methodological rigor and ethical considerations. Results: 21 total studies were included. The majority of studies were quantitative descriptive, aiming to ascertain prevalence. Telephone interviews, online surveys, and mobile applications, SMS surveys, and online discussion forums were used as remote data collection tools. Key methodological considerations included the overuse of non-probability samples, lack of a defined sampling frame, the introduction of bias by making eligibility contingent on owning/accessing technology, and the lack of qualitative probing. Ethical consideration pertained to including persons with low literacy, participant safety, use of referral services, and the gender digital divide. Conclusion: Findings are intended to guide SRH/GBV researchers and academics in critically assessing methodological and ethical implications of using remote data collection tools to measure SRH and GBV in humanitarian and fragile settings.
Electroacupuncture for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Clinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Lyu Yee Ran , Lee Hye-Yoon , Park Hyo-Ju , Kwon O-jin , Kim Ae-Ran , Jung In Chul , Park Yang-Chun , Cho Jung-Hyo , Kim Jung-Eun , Kim Mikyung , Lee Jun-Hwan , Kim Joo-Hee
Published: May 2022

Background:

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a significant problem for cancer patients, as the number of cancer survivors experiencing cognitive impairments is increasing in the absence of standard treatment. There have been attempts to improve the cognitive function of patients with cancer using acupuncture; however, no studies have been conducted using electroacupuncture. Thus, we designed a preliminary study to investigate the feasibility of a clinical trial using electroacupuncture in CRCI patients.

Methods:

We conducted a single-arm, pilot, clinical trial to investigate the feasibility of a study protocol for further large-scale clinical trials of electroacupuncture in CRCI patients. All participants were treated with electroacupuncture twice a week for 30 minutes at a time, for 8 weeks on acupoints GV20, GV24, EX-HN1, and GB20, HT7, PC6, and KI3. Both subjective and objective outcomes of cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), and psychological factors were measured in all participants at baseline, week 4, 8, and 12. For safety assessment, vital signs, laboratory examinations, and adverse events (AEs) were observed throughout the trial.

Results:

A total of 12 participants were enrolled at Daejeon and Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University from 21 April 2017 to 31 January 2018. After 8 weeks of treatment, electroacupuncture significantly improved both subjective and objective cognitive outcomes, including the perceived cognitive impairments scale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function, QoL scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-C30, Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Boston Naming Test, Seoul Verbal Learning Test, and Rey Complex Figure Test. During the entire trial period, 19 AEs were observed, with no serious AEs. Additionally, it was found that all feasibility outcomes, including recruitment, completion, and adherence rates, achieved successful results as the ratio exceeded 0.8.

Conclusion:

Our study results revealed that electroacupuncture improved cognitive complaints in cancer patients, and we expect electroacupuncture to be a safe and effective management therapy for CRCI patients. These feasibility trial results will be used as preliminary data for future randomized controlled clinical trials.

Trial registration number:

Korean Clinical Trial Registry (KCT0002168).
Civic Engagement of Latinx Students: The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Serving the Public Good
Authors: Alcantar Cynthia Maribel
Published: May 2022

This conceptual article presents a model for understanding and increasing the civic engagement of Latinx students in higher education. The model presents the key student attributes, precollege and college experiences, and institutional characteristics that impact the civic development of Latinx college students. Higher education practitioners and researchers can use the model to inform the understanding and development of programs, services, and practices to increase the civic engagement of Latinx students.
The Importance of Vertical and Horizontal Collaboration: United States’ Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kessa Ruthnande , Sadiq Abdul-Akeem , Yeo Jungwon
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 has devastated the global community at an alarming rate. Conventional approaches like command and control are ineffective to respond to this pandemic. The complex and interdependent nature of the pandemic demands collaborative efforts among actors across diverse segments and different levels of government. Collaboration is critical during this pandemic because it can enable a more coordinated response, resources can be shared, trust among the parties can be enhanced, and duplication of efforts can be minimized. In this commentary, drawing on the literature on collaboration, we discuss the importance of vertical and horizontal collaboration by examining the U.S. response to COVID-19. This commentary underscores the importance of vertical and horizontal collaboration among all levels of government, private entities, and nonprofit organizations in effectively responding to COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of Americans. This commentary concludes by making recommendations for improving both vertical and horizontal collaboration during the current pandemic and future public health emergencies.
Effective Citizen Engagement in Community Policing: The Lessons and Experience of Taiwan
Authors: Chu Chin-chih , Tsai Ting-Jung , Wang Chun-yuan , Meng Fan-shien
Published: May 2022

Community policing has gradually drawn attention in many countries since the 1990s. This new policing strategy can prevent crime, while also increasing citizen participation and justifying democratic policing. Beginning in the mid-1990s, Taiwan police agencies have adopted community policing. The practice includes the planning of police beats, community fora on safety issues, and service-orientated policing. Since one of the core tenets of community policing is citizen participation and engagement, why do some police agencies differ within the same jurisdiction? To answer this question, this paper builds a simple framework showing how a variety of external and internal factors can affect citizen engagement in community policing. The qualitative data was collected in diverse urban and rural police stations. This study provides a better understanding of how to promote citizen engagement in community policing.
Coordinated Mobilization Matters: How DidTaiwan do it during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Wang Chun-Yuan , Lu Elaine Yi , Chang Yan-Yi , Huang Alex L.
Published: May 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic hit the world hard. Ensnared by a large-scale emergency unprecedented in recent history, mobilization, the classic issue of emergency management, is under stress and test. Yet Taiwan stands out in its rather limited cases of infections despite its frequent contact with mainland China and high population density. Could its mobilization have made the difference? This article traces the steps and strategies that Taiwan took to implement a coordinated mobilization. Three strategies were highlighted: awareness mobilization by declaring emergency early on, resource mobilization by preemptively controlling, boldly incentivizing and surgically distributing resources, and agility mobilization via big data and technology to optimize the response system.
Research on women in public administration: A systematic review of Chinese top journal publications (1987–2019)
Authors: Du Juan
Published: May 2022

The study of women has made significant progress in public administration research although little is known about its development in China. This article presents a systematic review of 222 studies on women published in the 15 representative journals in the Chinese public administration discipline since the 1980s. It addresses a set of key questions relevant to research on women by systematically examining the research paradigms, topics, methods, theories, and empirical research and clarify the shortcomings of existing research. Findings of the analysis and the international frontier progress then suggest the research directions for future studies on women. It proposes that Chinese scholars should critically examine international theories, propose diverse research topics, and use up-to-date methodologies.
Effective Skill Transfer From Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training to Shoulder Arthroscopic Simulator in Novices
Authors: Liao Rongdong , Yang Yipei , Li Wei , Li Ziyue , Li Xian , Xiong Weibin , Lin Chuyang , Xiao Yao , Tian Jing
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate whether novices could improve performance on a shoulder arthroscopic simulator (high-fidelity) through short-term training on a Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) simulator (low-fidelity).

Methods

Twenty-eight novices with no experience in arthroscopy were recruited to perform a pre-test on a shoulder arthroscopic simulator. Then they were randomized into two groups: the experimental group practiced five modules on the FAST simulator three times, and the control group did nothing. The experimental group performed a post-test immediately after FAST simulator practice. Control group rested for 70 minutes after experiencing pre-test before performing post-test. All parameters were recorded by the simulator.

Results

The experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of total score, procedure time, camera path length, and grasper path length. However, there was no statistical difference in scratching of humerus cartilage or glenoid cartilage. Significant differences were found in the improvement of both groups in total score, procedure time, and camera path length.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic skills gained after short-term training on FAST simulator could be transferred to the shoulder arthroscopic simulator. This research provides important evidence of the benefits of FAST simulator in shoulder arthroscopy training program.
Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility
Authors: Zhang Chenming , Chen Jianshe , Ma Sicheng , Sun Zixue , Wang Zulong
Published: May 2022

Due to the problematic degradation properties of plastics, the decomposition of plastic results in the formation of numerous microplastics (MPs), less than 5 mm in diameter. These MPs enter the soil and the ocean, eventually passing through the air, water, or food chain back to the human body and harming human health. In the last 80 years, male semen analysis parameters have shown a significant decline for unknown reasons, speculated to be caused by pollutants. No studies examined the relationship between human MP exposure and male infertility. In this article, we reviewed the relevant animal experimental research literature in recent years and calculated that the minimum human equivalent dose of MPs leading to abnormal male semen quality is 0.016 mg/kg/d. The literature comparison found that MP exposure in Japan and South Korea was close to this value. These results suggest that MPs can affect male semen quality and that MPs may significantly impact male fertility.
Removal of indigo carmine (IC) in aqueous solution onto activated pomegranate peel (APP) by adsorption process: Kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Abbas Moussa , Harrache Zahia , Aksil Tounsia , Trari Mohamed
Published: May 2022

The adsorption of indigo carmine dye onto Activated Pomegranate Peels (APP) from aqueous solutions was followed in a batch system. The adsorbent was characterized by the BET method (specific surface area SBET: 51.0674 m2/g) and point of zero charge (pHpz = 5.2). However, some examined factors were found to have significant impacts on the adsorption capacity of pomegranate peels (APP) such as the initial dye concentration (10–60 mg/L), solution pH (2–12), adsorbent dose (1–10 g/L), agitation speed (100–600 rpm), and temperature (298–308 K). The best adsorption capacity was found at pH 2 with an adsorbent dose 1 g/L, an agitation speed 300 rpm and a contact time of 45 min. The adsorption mechanism of IC onto (APP) was studied by using the first-pseudo order, second-pseudo order, Elovich, and Webber-Morris diffusion models. The adsorptions kinetic were found to follow rather a pseudo-second order kinetic model with a determination coefficient ( R2) of 0.999. The equilibrium adsorption data for IC onto (APP) were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich, and Temkin models. The results indicate that the Langmuir model provides the best correlation with capacities ( qmax of 158.73 mg/g at 298 K). The adsorption isotherms at different temperatures have been used for the determination of thermodynamic parameters like the free energy; enthalpy and entropy to predict the nature of adsorption process. The negative values Δ G° and Δ H° indicate that the overall adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic with a physisorption process. The adsorbent elaborated from pomegranate peels material was found to very effective and suitable for the removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions, due to its availability, low cost preparation, and good adsorption capacity.
The Complete Health Improvement Program and Physical Activity
Authors: Relli-Dempsey Vincent , Chavan Bhakti , Drozek David
Published: May 2022

Background: The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) has demonstrated effectiveness in improving multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. CHIP promotes physical activity, as well as a plant-based whole-food diet. The study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of CHIP on improving levels of physical activity. Methods: CHIP participants had biomarkers measured at baseline and after the 11th session, consisting of level of physical activity, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lipid panel. Pre and post data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results. CHIP demonstrated significant increase in level of physical activity ( P < .001) and decreased BMI, FBS, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides (all P < .001). Increased levels of physical activity correlated with decreased BMI ( P < .001), but not with other biomarkers. Conclusion: CHIP is effective in producing increased level of physical activity and improvement in multiple biomarkers. The increase in physical activity is correlated with decreased BMI.
A Remote Diet and Exercise Intervention for Surgical Patients With Prefrailty and Frailty During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Desir Marianne , Soberanes Otmara , Tang Fei , Garcia Veronica M.
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To facilitate the success of surgical patients with prefrailty and frailty in meeting diet and exercise goals in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to encourage patient satisfaction with remote care. Methods: In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical patients with prefrailty and frailty were offered remote visits with a geriatrician and a remote diet and exercise coaching program. Results: The coaching participants set a mean of 37 (±15) individualized dietary goals and 17 (±11) individualized exercise goals. 75% of the coaching participants met at least 65% of their dietary goals and 75% met at least 50% of their exercise goals. All patients met at least one diet goal and at least one exercise goal. Patients endorsed high levels of satisfaction with the program. Discussion: Diet and exercise interventions for surgical patients with prefrailty and frailty have potential for adaptation to remote formats. Such interventions may facilitate patients’ meeting of individualized diet and exercise goals and may also encourage patient satisfaction.
Selected factors for triple jump preparation: A case study of an Olympic silver medalist
Authors: Moura Nelio Alfano , Han PengPeng , Moura Larissa de Paula , Wang GuoJie , Yuan TingGang
Published: May 2022

The People's Republic of China obtained at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games its best historical performance in the triple jump, thereby winning the silver medal. The objective of this case study was to present how evidence-based knowledge was applied to improve selected factors that may have contributed to this result. The factors included running speed, strength, muscle power, jumping technique, body composition, mental preparation, training organization, and recovery. Short training blocks, monitoring of training sessions and athlete's status, individualized tapering, use of activation sessions the day before competition, and postactivation performance enhancement strategies used in training and at the event were concepts followed during the preparation to the Games. Improved performance in field tests and power training was accompanied by positive changes in approach speed, run-up accuracy, and jumping technique, which, together with mental preparation, enabled two personal records to be set in the Olympic final. The results in the field tests were among the best ever reported and could constitute a benchmark for world-class triple jumpers.