bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cyberbullying in the New Normal of Learning: Implications to Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Asio John Mark R. , Dojello Sherly DR. , Etrata-Filio Rosalyn , Santos Jackie Lyn M. , Capiral Christine Ivy S. , Monzales Rosalie P. , Patiam Aljay Marc C. , Elpedes Jefferson , Ambrosio Aura Julia M.
Published: May 2022

In the advent of the “new normal” during the pandemic era, strategies to teach and learn switched to online. Students’ behavior and attitude also shifted from face-to-face to online. This study aims to assess the students' profiles and the prevalence of cyberbullying in the higher education institutions in Central Luzon, Philippines. The study used a descriptive-correlational technique with the help of an online survey to gather data. Using a convenience sampling technique, 300 higher education students participated in the online survey during the first semester of 2021–2022. In order to attain the objective of the study, the investigators used a standardized instrument. With the help of SPSS 23, the data analyst analyzed the gathered data using the following statistical tools: frequency, weighted mean, and non-parametrical tests like Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rho. The investigator found that the student-respondents were "never" cyberbullying victims or offenders. Furthermore, statistical inferences showed a variation for cyberbullying offenders as to age and sponsorship/scholarship and a weak indirect relationship between cyberbullying offenders and sponsorship/scholarship characteristics of the students. The investigators recommended pertinent implications for the new normal of learning among students and the institution from the study results.
The Electronic Class Record Used by The Cavite State University-Naic Faculty: Its Prospects
Authors: Gutierrez Ernesto A.
Published: May 2022

The study was conducted at the Cavite State University-Naic. It aimed to assess the existing electronic class record (e-class record) used by the faculty members, problems encountered by teachers on the use of e-class record; and recommend solutions for teachers and administrators to solve problems encountered in the use of e-class record. The statistics used were weighted mean, ranking, frequency distribution, and percentile.

In the assessment, faculty members believed that using the electronic class record lessens the amount of time spent by teachers in grade computation. They also believed that the e-class record made their computation easier with a weighted mean of 4.62. All faculty members favored the benefits of using the electronic class record. Meanwhile, the lowest mean of 3.79 is on the use of electronic class records to help update students about their academic strengths and weaknesses.

Most of the recommended solutions in the survey were agreed upon by the teachers. First on the rank was that there should be an immediate response from technical personnel regarding problems with the computer system. The second was the conduct of regular updates of the e-class record. The third was to provide adequate computer facilities such as printers and computers for the faculty to encode their grades.  And last on the recommendation was the conduct of training on basic computer skills.
Lendas do quadrinho brasileiro
Authors: Vergueiro Waldomiro
Published: May 2022

Resenha da coleção de livro "Libro Vitae: Biografias Ilustradas", publicada pelas editoras Criativo e GRRR!
Communal Coping as a Strategy to Enhance Family Engagement in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Burke Wylie , Hovick Shelly R. , Jordan Elizabeth , Ni Hanyu , Kinnamon Daniel D. , Hershberger Ray E.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Assuring that relatives are informed about a genetic diagnosis and have appropriate medical follow-up can be challenging. We hypothesize that communal coping (CC)—an approach in which a group views a stressor (such as a new genetic diagnosis) as our problem, versus my or your problem, and takes joint action to address it—can help families to address this challenge. A better understanding of CC could also inform counseling interventions to promote CC and family follow-up.

Methods:

In the Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) PM study (Precision Medicine), living first-degree relatives of DCM probands were invited to undergo clinical screening; 31% of these did so. This research program offers the opportunity to determine the frequency of CC in DCM families, assess whether CC attitudes and actions occurred more commonly among families in which family members participated, and conduct prospective follow-up to evaluate family coping and counseling needs over time.

Results:

The proposed studies will provide evidence about the frequency of CC attitudes and actions among DCM families, assess the association of CC with increased family follow-up, and identify counseling needs related to family follow-up.

Conclusions:

The DCM PM study offers an opportunity to test the hypothesis that CC contributes to increased family follow-up and generate evidence to inform counseling interventions to encourage such follow-up.
Early Versus Late Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Patients With Underlying Sinus Node Dysfunction
Authors: Butt Muhammad Umer , Okumus Nazli , Jabri Ahmad , Thomas Charles , Tarabichi Yasir , Karim Saima
Published: May 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with anatomical and electrical remodeling. Some patients with AF have concomitant sick sinus syndrome and may need permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Association between catheter ablation of AF timing and need for PPM in sick sinus syndrome has not been assessed.

Methods and Results

We used pooled electronic health data to perform retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of 66,  595 patients with AF and sick sinus syndrome to assess the need of PPM implantation temporally, with AF performed divided into earlier within 5 years (group 1), 5 to 10 years (group 2), or beyond 10 years (group 3) of diagnosis. PPM implantation was lowest among those who had catheter ablation within 5 years of sick sinus syndrome diagnosis: group 1 versus group 2 (18.15% versus 27.21%) and group 1 versus group 3 (18.15% versus 27.22%). Interestingly, there was no difference in risk of PPM between group 2 and group 3 (27.21% versus 27.22%; odds ratio [OR], 1.00 [95% CI, 0.85–1.20]).

Conclusions

Even after controlling known risk factors that increase the need for pacemaker implantation, timing of AF ablation was the strongest predictor for need for PPM. Patients adjusted OR of PPM was lower if patients had catheter ablation within 5 years of diagnosis compared with later than 5 years (adjusted OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.59–0.70]).
Left Atrial Decompression in Pediatric Patients Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Failure to Wean From Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Propensity‐Weighted Analysis
Authors: Sperotto Francesca , Polito Angelo , Amigoni Angela , Maschietto Nicola , Thiagarajan Ravi R.
Published: May 2022

Background

Left atrial (LA) decompression on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can reduce left ventricular distension, allowing myocardial rest and recovery, and protect from lung injury secondary to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. However, clinical benefits remain unknown. We sought to evaluate the association between LA decompression and in‐hospital adverse outcome (mortality, transplant on ECMO, or conversion to ventricular assist device) in patients who failed to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass using a propensity score to adjust for baseline differences.

Methods and Results

Children (aged <18 years) with biventricular physiology supported with ECMO for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgery from 2000 through 2016, reported to the ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) Registry, were included. Inverse probability of treatment weighted logistic regression was used to test the association between LA decompression and in‐hospital adverse outcomes. Of the 2915 patients supported with venoarterial ECMO for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, 1508 had biventricular physiology and 279 (18%) underwent LA decompression (LA+). Genetic and congenital abnormalities (
P
=0.001) and pulmonary hypertension (
P
=0.010) were less frequent and baseline arrhythmias (
P
=0.022) were more frequent in LA+ patients. LA+ patients had longer pre‐ECMO mechanical ventilation and CBP time (
P
<0.001), and used aortic cross‐clamp (
P
=0.001) more frequently. Covariates were well balanced between the propensity‐weighted cohorts. In‐hospital adverse outcomes occurred in 47% of LA+ patients and 51% of the others. Weighted multivariate logistic regression showed LA decompression to be protective for in‐hospital adverse outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.775 [95% CI, 0.644–0.932]).

Conclusions

LA decompression independently decreased the risk of in‐hospital adverse outcome in pediatric venoarterial ECMO patients who failed to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass, suggesting that these patients may benefit from LA decompression.
Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity Is Associated With All‐Cause Mortality During 8.5 Years Follow‐up in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Angiography
Authors: Laugesen Esben , Olesen Kevin K. W. , Peters Christian Daugaard , Buus Niels Henrik , Maeng Michael , Botker Hans Erik , Poulsen Per L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) calculated by equations using age and blood pressure has been suggested as a new marker of mortality and cardiovascular risk. However, the prognostic potential of ePWV during long‐term follow‐up in patients with symptoms of stable angina remains unknown.

Methods and Results

In this study, ePWV was calculated in 25 066 patients without diabetes, previous myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure, or valvular disease (mean age 63.7±10.5 years, 58% male) with stable angina pectoris undergoing elective coronary angiography during 2003 to 2016. Multivariable Cox models were used to assess the association with incident all‐cause mortality, MI, and stroke. Discrimination was assessed using Harrell´s C‐index. During a median follow‐up period of 8.5 years (interquartile range 5.5–11.3 years), 779 strokes, 1233 MIs, and 4112 deaths were recorded. ePWV was associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 m/s, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05–1.21) and MI (HR per 1 m/s 1.23, 95% CI, 1.09–1.39) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, estimated glomerular filtration rate, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, antihypertensive treatment, statins, aspirin, and number of diseased coronary arteries. Compared with traditional risk factors, the adjusted model with ePWV was associated with a minor but likely not clinically relevant increase in discrimination for mortality, 76.63% with ePWV versus 76.56% without ePWV,
P
<0.05.

Conclusions

In patients with stable angina pectoris, ePWV was associated with all‐cause mortality and MI beyond traditional risk factors. However, the added prediction of mortality was not improved to a clinically relevant extent.
Incidence and Prognostic Implications of Readmissions Caused by Thrombotic Events After a Heart Failure Hospitalization
Authors: Chaudhury Pulkit , Alvarez Paulino , Michael Madonna , Saad Marwan , Bishop G. Jay , Hanna Mazen , Menon Venu , Starling Randall C. , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Desai Milind , Mentias Amgad
Published: May 2022

Background

Readmission occurs in 1 out of 3 patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to study the incidence and prognostic implications of rehospitalizations because of arterial thromboembolism events (ATEs) and venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) after discharge in patients with HF.

Methods and Results

We identified Medicare beneficiaries who were admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF from 2014 to 2019, with a hospital stay ranging between 3 and10 days, followed by discharge to home. We calculated incidence of ATEs (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or systemic embolism) and VTEs (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) up to 90 days after discharge. Out of 2 953 299 patients admitted with HF during the study period, a total of 585 353 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 36.6% were readmitted within 90 days of discharge. The incidence of readmission due ATEs, VTEs, HF, and all other reasons was 3.4%, 0.5%, 13.2%, and 19.5%, respectively. Incidence of thromboembolic events was highest within 14 days after discharge. Factors associated with ATEs included prior coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease and for VTEs included malignancy and prior liver or lung disease. ATE/VTE readmission had a 30‐day mortality of 19.9%. After a median follow‐up period of 25.6 months, ATE and VTE readmissions were associated with higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.76 [95% CI, 2.71–2.81] and 2.17 [95% CI, 2.08–2.27], respectively;
P
<0.001 for both) compared with no readmission on time‐dependent Cox regression.

Conclusions

After a HF hospitalization, 3.9% of patients were readmitted with a thromboembolic event that was associated with 2‐ to 3‐fold greater risk of mortality in follow‐up.
Impatiens nushanensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: WANG ZI , WU PO-PO , LIU CHANG-CHENG , GUO KE , YU SHENG-XIANG
Published: May 2022

Impatiens nushanensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. The new species is morphologically most similar to I. purpurea, but differs by having two pairs of lateral sepals and deep purple lower lobe of the lateral united petal with an acuminate and ribbon-like apex. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data also support the recognization of this new species.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Reevesia (Malvaceae: Helicteroideae) II: on the identity of R. orbicularifolia and a new species from southwestern Guangxi, China
Authors: FENG HUI ZHE , QIN YUN RUI , HUANG YUN FENG
Published: May 2022

An examination of herbarium specimens and type material shows Reevesia orbicularifolia is conspecific with R. orbicularis, which is distributed in Vietnam. Therefore, R. orbicularifolia is reduced as a synonymy of R. orbicularis. A new species R. napoensis from northwestern Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to R. rotundifolia and R. orbicularis but differs in having 7-veined cordate leaf blades, three bracts, 4-lobed sepals, and glabrous petals.
On the identity of Synotis ionodasys (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: FAN YU , ZHANG RUI , GUO CHUN-LAN , TANG MING
Published: May 2022

Based on morphological comparisons of specimens and observations of living plants in the field we conclude that the key characters as the color of setae on the abaxial leaf sides and pedicles, and the number of ray florets which Jeffrey and Chen used to distinguish Synotis ionodasys from S. cappa are variable and not reliable, and all the characters of the former species (ferrugineous tomentum, 14–20 ray florets) are not distinct and fall within the variation range of the latter, thus making S. ionodasys conspecific with S. cappa.
Establishment of the Microphorella breviradia species group, with a key to the Nearctic species groups of Microphorella Becker (Diptera: Dolichopodidae sensu lato: Parathalassiinae)
Authors: CUMMING JEFFREY M. , BROOKS SCOTT E.
Published: May 2022

The Microphorella breviradia species group is established for three new species from western North America, namely Microphorella breviradia sp. nov., M. macdonaldi sp. nov. and M. vespera sp. nov., including an identification key to species. COI mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences were obtained for two of the three species and possibly suggest the existence of additional cryptic species. The phylogenetic relationships of the Microphorella breviradia species group to the remainder of the Microphorella species groups are reviewed on a worldwide basis. A key to the four known Nearctic species groups of Microphorella is also provided.
Study on Improving the Properties of Recycled Aggregate by Microbial Mineralization
Authors: Wang Anhui , Yi Haihe , Zhan Qiwei , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhou Juanlan
Published: May 2022

As one of the most widely used building materials, concrete consumed a lot of raw materials, and the comprehensive utilization of waste concrete had become a research hotspot. Firstly, the basic properties of recycled aggregate were studied, including crushing index, water absorption,
apparent density and bulk density. The higher the amount of microorganism, the greater the basic properties. Secondly, the porosity of recycled aggregate was analyzed by MIP. With different microbial dosage, the decrease range of porosity was also different, and the decrease ranges were 15.87%,
27.74%, 31.98%, 32.19% and 35.10% respectively. Finally, the composition and microstructure of recycled aggregate were demonstrated by XRD, SEM and EDS. The results showed that mineralized product was calcium carbonate, and the surface layer of recycled aggregate formed a dense structure.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Trinuclear Copper(II) Complex with Bridging Carboxy-Phenyl Nitronyl Nitroxides
Authors: Liu Chen-Zhuo , Lv Tian-Peng , Zhang You-Juan , Chen Jing , Wang Qing-Lun
Published: May 2022

A new complex {(NITPBAH)2[Cu(hfac)2]3} 1 derived from carboxy-phenyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical (NITPBAH) and Cu(hfac)2(H2O)2 (NITPBAH = 2-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, hfac
= hexafuoroacetylacetonato) has been synthesized as well as characterized structurally and magnetically. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the complex {(NITPBAH)2[Cu(hfac)2]3} 1 consists of trinuclear five-spin molecule system.
Each NITPBAH ligand is bound to two copper atoms with its two oxygen atoms from ONCNO group. Copper atoms display two different coordination types. The central copper atom lies on an inversion center and is six-coordinated in an elongated octahedron using two hfac molecules and two
oxygen atoms of ONCNO group from two different NITPBAH ligands. Two terminal copper atoms are five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal environment formed by two hfac molecules and one oxygen atom of ONCNO group from one NITPBAH ligand. The magnetic susceptibility study of the
complex {(NITPBAH)2[Cu(hfac)2]3} 1 shows strong antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) ion and NITPBAH radical ligand.
The Declining Use of Opioids at a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Oladokun Olufemi C. , Glatt Jennifer L. , Ferrel Ethan A. , Bonnin Sophia S. , Miljkovic Stephanie , Hsueh Katherine , Lawson Abby M. , Yossi Christopher , Chapple Kristina M. , Weinberg Jordan A. , Soe-Lin Hahn
Published: May 2022

Background

The epidemic of opioid-related overdose in the United States prompted a public health response that included implementation of opioid prescribing guidelines and restrictions. Such directives, however, were not applicable to hospitalized trauma patients. We hypothesized that although prescribing mandates did not apply to hospitalized trauma patients, inpatient opioid administration had nonetheless decreased over time.

Methods

Opioid administrations for each patient admitted to a level I trauma center between January 1, 2016 and July 31, 2020 were converted into oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and summed at the patient level to obtain a total amount of MME administered for each hospitalization. MME was natural log transformed to achieve a normal distribution. General linear models were then used to determine the average patient MME administered by year. Patients who were pregnant or mechanically ventilated during their hospitalization were excluded.

Results

Six thousand five hundred ninety-four patients were included in our analysis, of which 5037 (76.4%) were treated with opioids during their hospitalization (morphine 72.7%, oxycodone 9.6%, tramadol 10.2%, fentanyl 5.5%, and hydromorphone 2.1%). The percentage of patients administered an opioid decreased stepwise from 79.3% in 2016 to 71.4% in 2020 (P < .001). For patients administered opioids, a 28% decrease in average total MME from 2016 to 2020 (P < .001) was observed. When stratified by ISS (<9, 9-15, 16+), average total MME consistently trended downward over time.

Conclusion

Our trauma center realized a stepwise reduction in opioid administration in the absence of rules or restrictions surrounding in-hospital opioid prescribing.
Monitoring Noble Gases (Xe and Kr) and Aerosols (Cs and Rb) in a Molten Salt Reactor Surrogate Off-Gas Stream Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Andrews Hunter B. , McFarlane Joanna , Myhre Kristian G.
Published: May 2022

This study with surrogate materials shows that laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a robust tool with promising capability toward monitoring gaseous (Xe and Kr) and aerosol (Cs and Rb) species in an off-gas stream from a molten salt reactor (MSR). MSRs will continually evolve fission products into the cover gas flowing across the reactor headspace. The cover gas entrains Xe and Kr gases, along with aerosol particles, before passing into an off-gas treatment system. Univariate models of Xe and Kr peaks showed a strong correlation to concentration indicated by their coefficients of determination of 0.983 and 0.997, respectively. Multivariate models were built for all four analytes using partial least squares regression coupled with preprocessing steps including normalization, trimming, and/or genetic algorithm derived filters. The models were evaluated by predicting the concentrations of the analytes in four validation samples, in which all calibration models were successfully validated at a confidence interval of 99.9%. Lastly, pressure controllers were used to regulate the mass flow rate of Kr flowing into the measurement cell in sinusoidal and stepwise waveforms to test the real-time monitoring capabilities of the regression models. Both univariate and partial least squares Kr models were able to successfully quantify the gas concentration in the real-time evaluation. The root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) values for these real-time tests were calculated to be 0.051, 0.060, and 0.121 mol% demonstrating the measurement systems’ capability to perform online monitoring with acceptable accuracy.
Influencer Marketing Effectiveness
Authors: Leung Fine F. , Gu Flora F. , Li Yiwei , Zhang Jonathan Z. , Palmatier Robert W.
Published: May 2022

Influencer marketing initiatives require firms to select and incentivize online influencers to engage their followers on social media in an attempt to promote the firms’ offerings. However, limited research considers the costs of influencer marketing when evaluating these campaigns’ effectiveness, particularly from an engagement elasticity perspective. Moreover, it is unclear whether and how marketers could enhance influencer marketing effectiveness by strategically selecting influencers, targeting their followers, or managing content. This study draws on a communication model to examine how factors related to the sender of a message (influencer), the receiver of the message (influencer's followers), and the message itself (influencer's posts) determine influencer marketing effectiveness. The findings show that influencer originality, follower size, and sponsor salience enhance effectiveness, and posts that announce new product launches diminish it. Several tensions arise when firms select influencers and manage content: Influencer activity, follower–brand fit, and post positivity all exert inverted U-shaped moderating effects on influencer marketing effectiveness, suggesting that firms that adopt a balanced approach along these dimensions can achieve greater effectiveness. These novel insights offer important implications for marketers designing influencer marketing campaigns.
Analysis of the properties of alkaline-treated rape straw and stalk polyvinyl chloride composites
Authors: Bichi Abdulmalik Hamza , Zhang Keping , Yang Junqian , Chen Dongsheng
Published: May 2022

Wood-plastic composites are being widely used more and more, and the bonding strength between fillers and matrix is an important factor affecting the properties of wood-plastic composites. In this study, rapeseed straw and rapeseed stalk were pretreated with sodium hydroxide and then filled with polyvinyl chloride matrix to prepare composites. The chemical composition, thermal stability, microstructure, physical properties, mechanical properties, and abrasive wear resistance of the composites were characterized, and the effects of different concentrations of alkaline treatment on rapeseed straw composite and rapeseed stalk composite were revealed. The results show that alkaline treatment has no significant effect on the chemical composition of the composites but has an obvious effect on other properties. Among them, after 1% alkaline treatment, rapeseed straw composite has the highest hardness, thermal stability, and impact strength, rapeseed stalk composite has the highest impact strength and bending strength. After 3% alkaline treatment, rapeseed straw composite has more wear resistance, rapeseed stalk composite has the highest density, the highest tensile strength, and more wear resistance. The rapeseed straw composite with 5% alkaline treatment has the highest density, and the rapeseed stalk composite with 7% alkaline treatment has the highest thermal stability. The hardness of rapeseed stalk composite and the tensile strength and bending strength of rapeseed straw composite decreased with the increase of alkaline treatment concentration.
Populism and the political system: A critical systems theory approach to the study of populism
Authors: Möller Kolja
Published: May 2022

This article outlines a critical systems theory approach to the study of populism by arguing that populism is an avenue of contestation which assumes a distinct role and function in the existing constitution of the political system. Most notably, it is characterised by the re-entry of a popular sovereignty dimension within regular political procedures. By taking up a critical systems theory perspective, it becomes possible to more precisely distinguish populism from other forms of politics, such as oppositional politics, social movement politics or procedural constitutional politics. Further, populism’s oscillation between democratic and authoritarian dynamics can be elucidated as an inversion which operates from within its political form. Finally, it is argued that the critical systems theory approach provides a more nuanced understanding of populism’s inherent problems and, consequently, moves beyond a blunt defence or rejection of populism as such.
Local Employment Impacts of Connectivity to Regional Economies: The Role of Industry Clusters in Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
Authors: McFarland Christiana K. , Grabowski Erica H.
Published: May 2022

This article proposes a new economic development framework – regional economic connectivity – to address the deep and growing urban-rural divide. Regional economic connectivity calls attention to the benefits to local communities of fostering connectivity to industry clusters and economic specializations that are already present in their broader regions. This analysis examines the relationship between growth and connectivity across all U.S. counties and their regions from 2010 to 2016 and finds that local cluster employment grows faster when those jobs are part of regional clusters. The magnitude of the relationship between growth and connectivity varies across the urban-rural hierarchy, with particularly strong results for micropolitan communities. A targeted analysis of Virginia is presented to illustrate these trends and implications for practice.
The Illicit Ecosystem of Hacking: A Longitudinal Network Analysis of Website Defacement Groups
Authors: Perkins Robert C. , Ouellet Marie , Howell Christian J. , Maimon David
Published: May 2022

Over the past four decades, research on hackers has widely propagated within the social sciences. Although this area of scholarship yields rich insight into the interpersonal dynamics of hackers, research on the unique ecosystems they create and inhabit is scant in comparison. The current study aims to offer a more complete assessment of hackers’ ecosystems by incorporating the group affiliations which link hackers to one another. Using 12 months of archived website defacement data containing individuals’ self-reported group affiliations alongside their hacking activities, the study reconstructs the social network of hacker groups over time. Findings reveal the illicit ecosystem to be loosely connected, yet densely clustered around a few central groups. The ecosystem also maintained its network features across the observation period with no sign of structural degradation. These findings corroborate extant research on the social environments of hackers, offer an innovative look into the illicit ecosystem of website defacers, and serve as a steppingstone to extend investigations of criminal behavior to the group-level.
Effect of the pressure balance device on the flow characteristics of a pump-turbine
Authors: Cao Jingwei , Luo Yongyao , Zhuang Jianling , Li Xiangyang , Wang Zhengwei
Published: May 2022

Pump-turbine plays a significant role in the pumped storage station, and it is troubled by unreasonable hydraulic thrust. Some pressure balance devices have been adopted to ensure the safety of the pump-turbine unit, but the effect mechanism has not been numerical studied. This paper establishes the CFD model of the flow passage of a pump-turbine, wherein the crown gap, band gap, pressure balance pipe, and the discharge ostium are considered. Then, the flow characteristics of the pump-turbine at four typical operating conditions in turbine mode are calculated in transient scheme, and the numerical results agree with the experimental results. Finally, the effect of the pressure balance pipe and the discharge ostium on the pressure pulsation and the hydraulic thrust is discussed. The results show that the pressure balance pipe causes the direction of the axial hydraulic thrust to change from downward to upward, and the discharge ostium helps reducing the axial hydraulic thrust to a reasonable range. The pressure balance pipe and the discharge ostium have little effect on the radial hydraulic thrust. The pressure pulsation analysis provides a basis for revealing the mechanism of the hydraulic thrust frequency, and the rotor-stator interaction frequency exists in the axial hydraulic thrust. This paper provides a deeper knowledge of the impact mechanism of the pressure balance pipe and discharge ostium on the flow characteristics of the pump-turbine, which could contribute to future designs of the pump-turbine units, and is helpful for improving the safety of the pumped storage unit.
Research on the sensing performance calibration of omni-directional broadband interdigital transducer based on PVDF substrate
Authors: Wang Ziping , Zhou Ai , Hao Donghui , Wang Jiatao , Zhang Yue
Published: May 2022

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is of vital importance to the detection of damage in large structures. Ultrasonic transducers used to excite and receive signals have become an important part of SHM. For the traditional PZT ultrasonic transducer, there are some shortcomings such as poor flexibility and designability. Due to the limitation of structure shape, the rectangular interdigital transducers, which are widely used in structural health monitoring, have difficulty in receiving signals in all directions and the frequency bandwidth is narrow and the detection efficiency is low. On this basis, it is proposed to use the flexible piezoelectric material PVDF as the substrate. Combined with the dispersion theory of aluminium plate and the design principle of IDT, an omni-directional flexible annular PVDF Interdigital Transducer (PVDF-IDT) is designed. The device is produced by 3D printing technology. The sensitivity, frequency response, orientation and other performances of the flexible annular PVDF-IDT are calibrated, which lays the foundation for its application in structural inspection.
What is the Effectiveness of Premaxilla Surgical Repositioning and its Stabilization Methods in Mixed Dentition Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate?
Authors: Normande Neto Henrique de Vicq , Oliveira-Neto Olavo Barbosa , Ribeiro Igor Lerner Hora , Andrade Clarisse Samara de , Sales Pedro Henrique da Hora , Lima Fernando José Camello de
Published: May 2022

Objective

Verify the effectiveness of surgical repositioning of the premaxilla and its stabilization methods in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate during mixed dentition.

Design

Systematic review.

Material and Methods

The search was conducted in 7 databases (eg, Medline via PubMed; Scopus; Central Cochrane; LILACS; Embase, Web of Science; and Sigle via OpenGrey until August 2021), using the descriptors “premaxilla”, “cleft Palate”, and “bone transplantation”.

Inclusion criteria

Clinical trials and observational studies that have patients with bilateral cleft who had a need for superior/posterior repositioning of the premaxilla on mixed dentition; Studies in any language was evaluted whitout time restriction of publication.

Results

From 5572 records, 6 studies were included in the review with a total sample of 212 patients. Regarding the type of stabilization used in the premaxilla, the hybrid method (rigid and complementary semi-rigid stabilization) predominated, being observed in 184 patients (86.8%). A total of 17 failures were identified related to the surgical repositioning of the premaxilla, corresponding to 8% of the total number of surgeries. A meta-analysis of prevalence was performed, only with the retrospective studies. It was observed that the effectiveness rate of premaxilla repositioning was 92%, with a CI between 0.04 and 0.13, with all included studies showing a similar failure rate (0.08-0.09). The included studies also showed great homogeneity in this analysis (I2 = 0%; P = .75).

Conclusion

Although there are several alternatives and techniques for repositioning and stabilizing the premaxilla, the statistical result did not differ between the different techniques.
Prevalence and Distribution of Vaccine-Preventable Genital Human Papillomavirus(HPV) Genotypes in Ghanaian Women Presenting for Screening
Authors: Donkoh Emmanuel T. , Asmah Richard H. , Agyemang-Yeboah Francis , Dabo Ellis O. , Wiredu Edwin K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecologic cancer in Ghana where it is also the second most common cause of all female cancers. A number of vaccines are available to provide both individual and population-level protection against persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and reduce the burden of cervical cancer. Data on the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable papillomaviruses in Ghana is scant.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was implemented from May 2011 to November 2014 to understand the epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and cervical dysplasia in the Greater Kumasi area of Ghana. A nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (NMPCR) assay incorporating degenerate E6/E7 consensus primers and type-specific primers was used for the detection and typing of eighteen (18) HPV genotypes among women who had never attended cervical screening prior to this study.

Results

The general prevalence of HPV infection in Kumasi was 37.2%. The age-standardized prevalence was 40.9% overall. The frequency of HR-HPV genotypes present in decreasing order were HPV-52, -56, -35, -18, -58, -68, -51, -39, -45, -16, -59, -33 and -31. Low-risk HPVs were also detected in the following order: HPV-42, -43, -66, -6/11 and -44.

Conclusions

The study shows that currently available prophylactic vaccines have the potential to be useful in the primary prevention of HPV infections in the country. This study strengthens the belief that prophylactic HPV vaccination could be a long-term strategy to reduce the burden of HPV infections and potentially reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers and epithelial cell abnormalities among health-seeking women in Kumasi. Efforts to make vaccines available to young girls should be prioritized.
D-dimer to Creatinine Ratio: A Novel Biomarker Associated with Gensini Score in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Yang Jiaojiao , Zhao Yingjie , Li Yong , Tang Jianmin , Zhao Yipin
Published: May 2022

Objective

We propose for the first time that D-dimer to creatinine ratio (DCR) may serve as a new clinical biomarker and explore its association with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

347 STEMI patients with complete D-dimer and creatinine were included in the analysis. According to the median of DCR value, patients were divided into the lower DCR group (DCR < 1.402, n = 173) and the higher DCR group (DCR ≥ 1.402, n = 174), and the differences between the two groups were compared. In addition, patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of Gensini score: Group 1(Gensini score ≤ 34, n = 88); Group 2(34 < Gensini score ≤ 65, n = 88); Group 3(65 < Gensini score ≤100, n = 87); Group 4(Gensini score ＞100, n = 84). Multivariate linear and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed to determine independent predictors of the Gensini score.

Results

High DCR group had higher Gensini score compared with the low DCR group ( P < .05). DCR was positively correlated with Gensini score (r = 0.493, P < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Previous MI (r = 11.312, P = .035) and DCR (r = 5.129, P < .001) were independent risk factors associated with the Gensini score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to Group 1, DCR was an independent risk factor in Group 2, Group 3, Group 4 ( P < .001).

Conclusions

As a new and useful clinical biomarker, DCR was positively correlated with coronary Gensini score in STEMI patients.
How to Increase News Literate Behaviors Via Interventions: Eight Guidelines by Early Adolescents
Authors: Tamboer S. L. , Daalmans S. , Molenaar I. , Bosse T. , Kleemans M.
Published: May 2022

To develop guidelines for more effective news literacy interventions, we conducted focus groups with early adolescents (12-15 years old) on what these interventions should be like. Participants ( N = 55) discussed that motivating early adolescents is a challenge, but did provide more insight into their preferences and needs. Future interventions should be easy to find and use, make news literate behaviors more accessible, should be interactive, and should tailor the content toward the target group. Developing interventions based on these guidelines could positively influence various predictors of news literate behaviors in early adolescents, and, in turn, lead to more news literate behaviors.
ADHD Symptoms, Peer Problems, and Emotion Dysregulation as Longitudinal and Concurrent Predictors of Adolescent Borderline Personality Features
Authors: McQuade Julia D.
Published: May 2022

Objective:

ADHD and borderline personality (BP) disorder are highly comorbid and characterized by emotion dysregulation and peer problems. However, limited research has examined social and emotional predictors of BP features in samples that include youth with ADHD.

Method:

Using a sample of 124 youth with and without ADHD (52% female), ADHD symptoms, peer problems, and emotion dysregulation were assessed in childhood (8–13 years) and in adolescence, along with BP features (13–18 years).

Results:

In addition to the significant effect of ADHD symptoms, teacher-rated child peer victimization and adolescent-reported peer victimization, poorer close friendships, and emotion dysregulation domains significantly predicted adolescent BP features. Greater parent-rated child and adolescent emotion dysregulation domains also significantly predicted adolescent BP features, with ADHD symptoms no longer significant.

Conclusion:

Even for youth with ADHD, peer and emotional vulnerabilities in childhood and adolescence may serve as important markers of risk for adolescent BP features.
Survey of risk factors and frequency of clinical signs observed with feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome
Authors: MacQuiddy Brittany , Moreno Julie , Frank Jade , McGrath Stephanie
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aims of this study were to distribute a survey to cat owners to identify common clinical signs of feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) and to evaluate for potential risk factors.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed and adapted based on previously validated canine cognitive dysfunction questionnaires. This questionnaire was distributed to 4342 cat owners who had presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Cats aged ⩾8 years with signs of cognitive dysfunction and no underlying medical conditions were classified as the FCD-positive group. Cats aged ⩾8 years with no signs of cognitive dysfunction were classified as the FCD-negative control group. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine associations between categorical variables and a P value <0.05 was considered indicative of evidence of association.

Results

A total of 615 completed survey responses were recorded, which was a response rate of 14.2%. Among those, 80 (13%) cats were identified as the FCD-positive group and 114 (18.5%) were identified as the FCD-negative control group. The most common clinical sign in the FCD-positive group was inappropriate vocalization (32/80, 40.0%). The only variable determined to have an association with the FCD group (positive or negative), with a P value of 0.033, was the environmental setting. Cats living in a rural environment (FCD-positive or -negative) had the largest contribution to the χ2 statistic.

Conclusion and relevance

The observed number of FCD-positive cats living in a rural community was less than the expected value based on the χ2 tests. This is suggestive of an association between living in a rural environment and a reduced chance of cognitive dysfunction. There are many factors such as air pollution, social interactions and environmental enrichment that need to be studied further to determine how they relate to FCD as this could not be concluded from this study.
Interprofessional collaboration in palliative dementia care through the eyes of informal caregivers
Authors: Khemai Chandni , Meijers Judith M , Mujezinovic Irma , Bolt Sascha R , Pieters Sabine , Moser Albine , Schols Jos M G A , Janssen Daisy J A
Published: May 2022

A qualitative study was conducted to examine the experiences of informal caregivers of persons with dementia pertaining interprofessional collaboration with and among healthcare professionals in home care (HC), nursing homes and during home to nursing home transitions in palliative care. Semi-structured interviews were performed with bereaved informal caregivers. Data were analysed using a critical realist approach. The two main themes that emerged were: ( 1) Informal caregivers’ roles in interprofessional collaboration with healthcare professionals and ( 2) Informal caregivers’ perception of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals. Informal caregivers’ roles were identified in three collaboration processes: information exchange, care process and shared decision-making. Interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals was more perceptible on the collaboration outcome level (e.g. being up to date with the health status of the person with dementia; acting proactive, being adequate and consistent in the care process; and giving a warm welcome) than on the collaboration processes level (e.g. communicating and being involved in team processes). Our study revealed that intrinsic and extrinsic factors and interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals affected informal caregivers’ collaborative roles. In summary, our study showed that informal caregivers have important roles as team members in the continuity and quality of palliative care for persons with dementia.
Doing Case Study Research Collaboratively: The Benefits for Researchers
Authors: Mcclunie-Trust Patricia , Jones Virginia , Winnington Rhona , Shannon Kay , Donaldson Andrea E. , Macdiarmid Rachel , Jarden Rebecca J. , Turner Rosemary , Merrick Eamon , Andersen Patrea
Published: May 2022

Collaborative research teams are an effective strategy to combine the knowledge and skills of like-minded researchers across tertiary education settings and international borders. Research collaborations have the potential to increase research capacity for both individuals and the team alike. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of a team of seven Australasian nurse academics undertaking a longitudinal multi-site case study. We used a nominal group technique in this deductive qualitative exploratory study. The key findings from this study indicate establishing safe academic relationships is paramount to successful collaborative teams. Collaborative research teams offer opportunities to learn research processes from other members through sharing of expertise and skillsets, together with upholding a positive engagement with technology to ensure full research participation is achievable irrespective of geographical location. To conclude, in this study we have identified multi-site collaborative research teams provide an opportunity to leverage the strengths of individuals to enhance research outcomes across organisations. The synergistic effect of the team builds research blue skies thinking and capacity building through mentorship and support. The potential for positive change through mentorship and support, alongside the forged new relationships, are all key drivers of researcher wellbeing, never more important as we transition into new ways of working both now and into the future.
Explaining Thailand's Politicised COVID-19 Containment Strategies: Securitisation, Counter-Securitisation, and Re-Securitisation
Authors: Dela Cruz Alyssa Gosteli , Chu Ta-Wei , Lee Sung Jae , Nithimasarad Chuenthip
Published: May 2022

We examine the Thai government's politicised COVID-19 containment strategies, which have been challenged by Thai protesters. Although we use securitisation theory as an explanatory framework, we argue that researchers using this theory can explain the issues only if they simultaneously use social-conflict theory to explain the interactions between securitising actors and their audiences. By supplementing securitisation theory with social-conflict theory, we have found that the roles of securitising actors and audiences are not fixed. In our case study of Thailand, the Thai government and protesters have played two roles simultaneously: the role of a securitising actor and the role of an audience. This finding suggests that successful securitisation is impermanent; that is, it is subject to change over time. Securitisation may be successful, but the success can only be temporary because as new actors or resources enter the picture, the previously successful securitisation will, at some point, diminish.