bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of False or Misleading Fluoride Content on Instagram: Infodemiology Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lotto Matheus , Sá Menezes Tamires , Zakir Hussain Irfhana , Tsao Shu-Feng , Ahmad Butt Zahid , P Morita Plinio , Cruvinel Thiago
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Online false or misleading oral health–related content has been propagated on social media to deceive people against fluoride’s economic and health benefits to prevent dental caries.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the false or misleading fluoride-related content on Instagram.

METHODS

A total of 3863 posts ranked by users’ total interaction and published between August 2016 and August 2021 were retrieved by CrowdTangle, of which 641 were screened to obtain 500 final posts. Subsequently, two independent investigators analyzed posts qualitatively to define their authors’ interests, profile characteristics, content type, and sentiment. Latent Dirichlet allocation analysis topic modeling was then applied to find salient terms and topics related to false or misleading content, and their similarity was calculated through an intertopic distance map. Data were evaluated by descriptive analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Cramer V test, and multiple logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Most of the posts were categorized as misinformation and political misinformation. The overperforming score was positively associated with older messages (odds ratio [OR]=3.293, P<.001) and professional/political misinformation (OR=1.944, P=.05). In this context, time from publication, negative/neutral sentiment, author’s profile linked to business/dental office/news agency, and social and political interests were related to the increment of performance of messages. Although political misinformation with negative/neutral sentiments was typically published by regular users, misinformation was linked to positive commercial posts. Overall messages focused on improving oral health habits, side effects, dentifrice containing natural ingredients, and fluoride-free products propaganda.

CONCLUSIONS

False or misleading fluoride-related content found on Instagram was predominantly produced by regular users motivated by social, psychological, and/or financial interests. However, higher engagement and spreading metrics were associated with political misinformation. Most of the posts were related to the toxicity of fluoridated water and products frequently motivated by financial interests.
Using artificial intelligence as a diagnostic decision support tool in skin disease: observational prospective cohort study (Preprint)
Authors: Escalè Besa Anna , Fuster Aïna , Bröve Alexander , Yélamos Pena Oriol , Fustà Novell Xavier , Esquius Rafat Mireia , Marin Xavier , Vidal-Alaball Josep
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Dermatological conditions are a relevant health problem. Machine learning models are increasingly being applied to dermatology as a diagnostic decision support tool using image analysis, especially for skin cancer detection and classification.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to perform a prospective validation of an image analysis Machine Learning (ML) model, which is capable of screening 44 different skin disease types, comparing its diagnostic capacity with that of General Practitioners (GPs) and dermatologists.

METHODS

In these prospective study 100 consecutive patients who visit a participant GP with a skin problem in central Catalonia will be recruited, data collection is planned to last 7 months. Skin diseases anonymized pictures will be taken and introduced in the ML model interface, which will return top 5 accuracy diagnosis. The same image will be also sent as a teledermatology consultation, following the current workflow. GP, ML model and dermatologist/s assessments will be compared to calculate the precision, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the ML model.

RESULTS

Results will be represented globally and individually for each skin disease class using a confusion matrix and One vs All methodology. Time taken to make the diagnosis will also be taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide information about ML models effectiveness and limitations. External testing is essential for regulating these diagnostic systems, in order to deploy ML models in a PCP setting.

CLINICALTRIAL

The clinical trial has been approved by the IDIAP Jordi Gol i Guirna ethics committee with code 20-159P
A Protocol for a 2.5 Year Weight Management using Noom Health: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Sysko Robyn , Bibeau Jessica , Boyar Allison , Costello Kayla , Michaelides Andreas , Mitchell Ellen Siobhan , Susanin Annabel , Hildebrandt Tom
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns. As the prevalence of excess weight among individuals continues to increase, there is a parallel need for inexpensive, highly accessible, and evidence-based weight loss programs.

OBJECTIVE

This weight loss trial will examine the efficacy of the Noom weight-loss program in comparison to a digital health control after a 6-month intervention phase and a 24-month maintenance phase with assessments occurring for two-years beyond the intervention (to 30 months post-baseline). Secondary outcomes include quality of life, psychosocial functioning, sleep quality, physical activity, diet, and health status. This trial will also examine severity of obesity-related functional impairment, weight loss history, and demographic moderators along with adherence and self-efficacy as mediators of outcome.

METHODS

A total of 600 participants were randomized in a parallel group-controlled trial to either Noom Healthy Weight Program (intervention) or Noom Healthy Weight Control (control) for a 6-month intervention. Both the intervention and control include diet and exercise recommendations, daily logging capabilities, and daily weigh-in entries. The Noom Healthy Weight Program also includes coach support for weight loss. Remote follow-up assessments of eating, physical activity, psychosocial factors, app use data, and weight will occur at 1-, 4-, 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-months post-baseline. Weight is measured at each follow-up point during a Zoom call using the participants’ own scale.

RESULTS

Enrollment began in March 2021 and the 6-month intervention phase is expected to end for all participants in March 2022. Data collection for the final assessment will be completed in March 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This study tests commercially available digital lifestyle-intervention for individuals with overweight and obesity seeking weight loss support. Data obtained from the study will evaluate whether the Noom Healthy Weight Control Program can help individuals overcome weight loss, achieve long-term maintenance, adhere to lifestyle changes, and feature-use barriers that are present in other traditional weight loss treatments.

CLINICALTRIAL

A ClinicalTrials.gov record (NCT04797169) was created prior to the start of enrollment.
Countering Antivax Misinformation via Social Media: Message-Testing Experiment for HPV Vaccination Uptake (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Sunny Jung , Schiffelbein Jenna E. , Imset Inger , Olson Ardis L.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal adolescent HPV vaccination rates have been attributed to parental perceptions of HPV vaccine. The Internet has been cited as a setting where misinformation and controversy about HPV vaccination have been amplified.

OBJECTIVE

To test message effectiveness in changing parents’ attitudes and behavioral intention toward HPV vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a message testing experiment online with 25 experimental messages and six control messages. Among 1,713 participants recruited via social media and crowdsourcing sites, 1,043 eligible parents completed pre-test survey questionnaires. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the 31 messages that simulated social media postings and asked to complete post-test survey questionnaires that assessed attitudes toward the vaccine, perceived effectiveness of the viewed message, and behavioral intention to vaccinate their child(ren) against HPV.

RESULTS

Parents in the experiment group increased positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination compared to those in the control group (t=3.03, p=.003), which was associated with increased intention to vaccinate (r=1.14, p=.05). We identified four themes that were relatively effective in increasing behavioral intentions by positively influencing attitudes toward the HPV vaccine (RMSEA=.014, CFI =.91, SRMR=.031). Messages that provided scientific evidence from government-related sources (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and corrected misinformation were effective in forming positive attitudes and credibility toward HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Messages countering misinformation and promoting HPV vaccination in social media environments can positively influence parents’ attitudes and behavioral intentions to vaccinate their child(ren) against HPV.

CLINICALTRIAL

NCT03747302
Interlanguage, Simplified English and Two-Word Structures
Authors: Ford Kevin
Published: February 2022

English is widely used as a Second Language. Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the 1990s (during my residence) had a population of approximately 4 million people who used slightly more than 800 languages. Many PNG people, through exogamy, have both a mother and a father language; they use Tok Pisin (a major dialect of Neo-Melanesian Creole English) for everyday communication outside their neighbourhood group; and they use English officially and for schooling. They are expert multilinguals. India is a vast, multilingual country with 427 languages, with English used officially and for education, and it is geographically remote from PNG. Both peoples were found to simplify English in similar ways, as an aid to learning the language, specifically by these means: - rule-generalization (disregarding exceptions)- giving a regular semantic basis to the prepositions (in, into, for, on, etc.),which have a basis in regularity with reference to location, direction and time, but are, overall, highly irregular in Standard English (SE)- reducing the system of article determiners (the, a, zero) to the zero option- exploiting the use of two-word verb+preposition and verb+noun combinations like play up, play down, and do banking, do repairs, make_progress.This congruence implies systematic processes and a universal basis, suggesting that other learners could profit from this approach, with the further implication that this type of English is a true interlanguage.
What Factors drives the Airbnb Listing’s Prices?
Authors: Samwel Mwigeka,
Published: February 2022

The main aim of this study is to assess the impact of Airbnb listing attributes on price. Pricing is widely acknowledged to be one of the most critical factors determining the long-term success of the accommodation industry (Hung et al., 2010). The study has applied OLS regression in assessing the relationship between price and its determinants.The study has shown that there exist significant impacts of the variables on price. The variables such as number of beds, number reviews, room type dummies, property type dummies and neighborhood dummies have shown the impact of prices for the New York City, supported by Wang and Nicolau (2017), Portolan (2013), and Dogru and Pekin (2017).In supplementing OLS results the study has employed variance-weighted least square and feasible generalized least square which they possess stronger estimation properties than OLS.The results of this research provide instructions and direction to main tourism stakeholders and policymakers, and at the same time assist facility owners in shaping prices helping them to create instruments for future planning.
La probidad en serio
Authors: González González José Ignacio
Published: February 2022

The objective is to formulate a critique from the dogmatic parameter, developed in its doctrinal and jurisprudential aspects, to the interpretative thesis that the Chilean Supreme Court has given to article 96 of Decree N° 2.421, in order to obtain a correct interpretation of the regulations, a logical application of the relevant legal institutions, and the due safeguarding of the certainty and legal certainty to which the judgments of the highest Court should aspire.
Multiple Image Watermarking Approach Based on ANFIS for Copyright Protection and Image Authentication
Authors: Awasthi Anmol , Nirmal Madhu Lata
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Watermarking software is one of the most important methods for protecting copyrights, certifying ownership, and combating software piracy. The advancement of communication technology has resulted in an enormous amount of digital data that needs to be protected. Watermarking is a technique for concealing private information in an original signal while improving its overall performance. Multipleiwatermarking, which involves inserting more than oneiwatermark into a singleimultimedia product, is another hot topic in the world of digital picture watermarking. Using simply a digital watermarking approach, a trademark or copyrightmessage is discreetly inserted in the medical image. Many academics have collaborated to create ANFIS, which includes a watermark in the principal (cover) image. Watermarking embedding locations can be chosen based on regions of interest (ROIs). We first deconstruct the cover image into four sub-bands with 3-L LWT, then modify the singular values inside each band with SVD. Following various attacks on the watermarked image, such as blurring, addinginoise, pixelation, rotation, rescaling,icontrast adjustment, gammaicorrection, histogram equalisation, cropping,isharpening, lossy compression, and so on, the original insertediwatermark image is extracted from allibands and compared using MSE and PSNR values. The trials reveal that changing all frequencies makes our watermarked image more resistant to a wide range of image processing attacks (including standard geometric attacks), i.e. we can effectively recover the watermark from some of the four sub-bands using ANFIS.
Medical Image Enhancement Using Recurrent Neural Networks Based Tv Homomorphic Filter
Authors: Kumari Sweta , Nirmal Madhu Lata
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Image Enhancement is one of the important requirements in Digital Image Processing which is important in making an image useful for various applications which can be seen in the areas of Digital photography, Medicine, Geographic Information System, Industrial Inspection, Law Enforcement and many more Digital Image Applications. Image Enhancement is used to improve the quality of poor images. X-ray image contains a large amount of information and became important basis in the process of medical diagnosis. The X-ray image has large gray dynamic range but low contrast. This work proposed a new kind of homomorphic filter with ANN which uses total variation model as the transfer function. it has a good balance in both brightness adjustment and details enhancement. And the comparison results were given, the experimental results show that the method can effectively increase the image contrast, highlight the details. Index Terms: Medical image; X-ray image; total variation (TV); image enhancement; image de-noising; ANN
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) in Banking Sector: Literature Agglutination
Authors: Grover Krishan Lal
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Purpose - The basic purpose of the study is to classify and present the current status ofmergers and acquisitions(M&As) all over the world. Many robust aspects are appearingin post-2000 era. This research work is an effort to provide some emerging aspects to future researchers by reviewing the several accessible post-2000 literatures. These literatures are presenting the findingsto give a comprehensive picture regarding M&As. Design/Methodology/Approach - Different sources were considered to download the research papers. A sample of 40 research papers is taken out of hundred paperdownloaded for this study. These papers have been properly classified to demonstrate the present status on some aspects of M&As in banking sector. Findings - The present study organized the post-2000 literature from 2001 to 2018. A significant growth was noticed in recent five years i.e. from 2014 to 2018. The study covered many emerging aspects of M&As in banking sector. Originality/Value - The paper offers in-depth analysis of literatures, organize itproperly and give a comprehensive bibliography to the future researchers. Further, it will be helpful to the academicians, investors, practitioners and Government to understand different facets which buffeted by the wind of change over the sample period. Keywords: Restructuring, Strategy, Diversification, Organization, Complimentary.
Effects of Preoperative Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Complications after Musculocutaneous Flap Reconstruction of Sacral Pressure Injuries
Authors: Kim Min Wook , Oh Won Seok , Lee Na Ri , Lee Jae Woo , Jeong Dae Kyun , Nam Su Bong
Published: February 2022

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) facilitates recovery of pressure injuries. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative NPWT affected complications after musculocutaneous flap reconstruction of pressure injury wounds that required surgical treatment.Methods: Of 71 patients with sacral pressure injury wounds, 28 did not undergo preoperative NPWT (no-NPWT group), while 43 received preoperative NPWT. Both groups received flap coverage for pressure injury wounds. Differences in complications such as wound dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma were compared between the two groups.Results: In the no-NPWT group, seven postoperative complications occurred, of which five were wound dehiscence and two were seroma. There were no hematomas. In the NPWT group, a total of nine postoperative complications occurred, including two cases of wound dehiscence, six hematomas, and one seroma (P=0.029).Conclusion: The overall incidence of complications was higher in the no-NPWT group. The incidence of hematoma was significantly higher in patients with preoperative NPWT. NPWT before reconstruction of pressure injury wounds may assist wound healing after the surgical treatment. However, care must be taken because NPWT may increase the risk of hematoma after surgical treatment.
Reconstruction of Lateral Malleolar Defects: Adipofascial Turnover Flap Based on the Peroneal Artery Perforator
Authors: Yeo Hyeonjung , Lee Sanghun , Park Hyochun , Park Hannara , Kim Hyodong , Son Daegu
Published: February 2022

Background: Lateral malleolar defects are a commonly encountered clinical issue, with several treatment options available from local flaps to microsurgical reconstruction. However, ankle defects are difficult to manage, especially in patients with comorbidities. We report here our experience of lateral malleolar reconstruction using adipofascial turnover flaps based on the peroneal artery perforator.Methods: A total of nine patients who underwent peroneal artery perforator-based adipofascial turnover flap coverage from December 2011 to February 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data were collected on the patients’ age, sex, etiology, comorbidities, anesthesia type, combined surgery, presence of osteomyelitis, bacterial profiles, vascular status, defect size, flap size, flap elevation time, follow-up period, and complications.Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.4 years. The most common cause of the wound was pressure injury. Seven patients had one or more comorbidities, and four patients were current smokers. Three patients were diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in two patients. The mean defect size was 8.4 cm2, and the mean follow-up period was 30.7 months. All nine flap transfers were successful without major complications. However, in one case, partial skin graft loss occurred, requiring additional skin grafting.Conclusion: The peroneal artery perforator-based adipofascial turnover flap is a safe and reliable method to reconstruct lateral malleolar defects. The operative technique is simple and convenient to perform and hence a useful option for reconstructing lateral malleolar defects. This is especially true for patients with comorbidities who are typically not indicated for more complex procedures.
Management of Coccygeal Radiation-Induced Ulcer Using Injectable Acellular Dermal Matrix Combined with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Minseo , Jeon Sungmi , Kim Sang Wha
Published: February 2022

Radiation ulcers can occur as a complication following exposure to ionizing radiation. Advances in medical technology, followed by the wider range of radiation application in recent decades has steadily increased the incidence of radiation ulcers. Radiation causes hypoxia, hypovascularity, and hypocellularity in tissues. Moreover, the surrounding skin adjacent to the radiation ulcer lacks follicular stem cells and is more prone to chronic, non-healing wounds. While no guidelines have been established regarding optimal treatment, management facilitating angiogenesis and migration of fibrogenic cells can be a recommended option, considering the etiology of ulcers induced by radiation exposure. Herein, we present a patient exposed to prolonged radiation during a fluoroscopic intervention procedure, who had developed a vast radiation ulcer at his coccyx, and was completely treated with injectable acellular dermal matrix combined with 14 weeks of negative pressure wound therapy.
Successful Reconstruction of a Lower Chest Wall Defect with Delayed Fungal Deep Sternal Wound Infection following a Blast Injury in South Korea: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Bum Sik , Kim Dowon , Lim Soo A , Eo Su Rak , Han Yea Sik , Yoon Jung Soo
Published: February 2022

Although blast injuries have been considered a problem unique to military practice or warfare, accidental civilian blast-related injuries due to misplaced landmines have been reported in South Korea. A 71-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room due to multiple severe blast injuries after the detonation of an unknown explosive device. After shrapnel that penetrated the pericardium was removed via median sternotomy in an emergency operation, an extensive defect remained on the lower third of the anterior chest wall. After debriding the contaminated wound several times, chest wall reconstruction with a skin-paddled vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap was successfully performed. However, the patient presented a delayed fungal infection of the deep sternal wound 28 days postoperatively. To salvage the previous flap, antifungal agents were administered and negative-pressure wound therapy was performed between serial radical debridement. The previous flap was successfully salvaged with infection control, and the final defect was covered by re-rotating the previous flap. This case presents the successful reconstruction of a chest wall defect using a skin-paddled VRAM flap notwithstanding a delayed sternal wound infection from a rare civilian blast injury in South Korea.
Spontaneous Zone III Flexor Tendon Rupture of the Little Finger: A Case Report
Authors: Yoon Jae Hee , Jung Joo Sung , Kim Hyonsurk
Published: February 2022

Closed flexor tendon ruptures are uncommon, and most are avulsion ruptures from the tendon insertion. Such intratendinous ruptures are generally associated with an underlying pathological process such as inflammatory disease; purely spontaneous ruptures are very rare. A 66-year-old male patient presented with sudden loss of flexion in the left little finger distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) while rotating a steering wheel. Preoperative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a closed flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) injury in the substance of the tendon. Surgical exploration revealed a zone III rupture in the FDP tendon. After tenorrhaphy, early postoperative exercise using a dynamic splint was initiated. At 8 months’ follow-up, he had regained flexion of the DIPJ and was free of pain. We recommend that patients with suspected closed flexor tendon injuries promptly undergo preoperative imaging studies such as ultrasonography or MRI to determine the rupture site, facilitating preoperative planning and reducing surgical morbidity.
Stabilization of the coupled Euler--Bernoulli plate equations with variable coefficients and time-varying delays by nonlinear internal feedback
Authors: Zhao Hengzhi , Zhang Jiwei , Lu Jing
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we stabilize the coupled Euler–Bernoulli (E–B) plate
equations with variable coefficients and time-varying delays by defining
a suitable energy function based on Riemannian geometry.
Inter-annual precipitation fluctuation shapes plant communities regardless of fertilization addition and mycorrhizal suppression in desert steppe
Authors: Yang Xin , Zang Jiayi , Feng Jialin , Shen Yue
Published: February 2022

Intensified inter-annual precipitation fluctuation has profoundly
altered the structure and functioning of grassland ecosystems. However,
it remains elusive how fertilisation and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)
fungi affect plant communities under a variable precipitation regime. We
tested the interactive effects of inter-annual precipitation
fluctuation, nutrient addition (nitrogen, N and phosphorus, P) and
suppression of AM fungi on aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP)
and the species composition of plant community of a desert steppe for
two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). Our study demonstrated that
inter-annual precipitation fluctuation had a greater impact on ANPP and
the species composition of plant community than N and P addition and AM
fungi, suggesting that the impacts of fertilisation and AM fungi varied
by year and may be difficult to predict over time. In a normal year
(2019), N and P inputs altered the ANPP and the species composition of
plant community via enhancing the biomass and dominance of annual
species but had few impacts on the same parameters in a dry year (2020).
AM fungi had only a minimal effect on plant communities across the two
years. P input alone slightly enhanced plant species richness and
diversity. Our results indicate that plant community responses to
nutrient enrichment and AM fungi could be changed by inter-annual
precipitation fluctuation and that precipitation is a key factor
affecting plant communities in desert steppe.
Joint estimation of parameter and state with hybrid data assimilation and machine learning
Authors: Li Xiao , Xiao Cong , Cheng Aijie , Lin Haixiang
Published: February 2022

For parameter and state estimation problems, when observation is sparse
and has large error covariance, the estimation results tend to have bias
and lead to inaccurate forecasts further. To reduce the bias, we propose
to construct a proposal density function with a smaller covariance for
the particle filter by conditionally iterating the ensemble transform
Kalman filter. First an ensemble is obtained by the ensemble transform
Kalman filter. If the distance between the current model forecast
(background) and the ensemble members is larger than a predefined
threshold then repeats applying the ensemble transform Kalman filter to
generate a new model forecast ensemble. Finally, update the weight of
ensemble members with the particle filter. We use deep residual neural
networks to learn a surrogate model of the assimilation process and
combine it with data assimilation method to obtain better forecasts.
Experiments results show that our method can effectively reduce the bias
compared to the ensemble transform Kalman filter and weighted ensemble
transform Kalman filter, especially in case of sparse observations. The
results also show that when the observation frequency is low, using a
deep residual neural network as surrogate model to generate data for the
assimilation process gives more accurate state forecasts than
conventional data assimilation method.
Cardioneuroablation for Vasovagal Syncope and Atrioventricular Block: A Step-by-Step Guide
Authors: Aksu Tolga , Gupta Dhiraj , d'Avila André , Morillo Carlos A.
Published: February 2022

Catheter based cardioneuroablation is increasingly being utilized to
improve outcomes in patients with vasovagal syncope and functional
atrioventricular block. There is now increasing convergence amongst
enthusiasts on its various aspects, including patient selection,
technical steps, and procedural end-points. This pragmatic review aims
to take the reader through a step-by-step approach to
cardioneuroablation: we begin with a brief overview of the anatomy of
intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system, before focusing on the
indications, pre- and post-procedure management, necessary equipment,
and its potential limitations.
Remote Programming of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices for MRI: Are We Ready to Change the Channel?
Authors: Amaral Ansel , Montgomery Jay
Published: February 2022

Other editorials do not seem to include editorials. If you are sure you
want one, let me know.
Assessing the impact of the Three Gorges Reservoir on eco-hydrological regimes in the middle and lower Yangtze River, China
Authors: guo wenxian , Zhou Haotong , Jiao Xuyang , Huang Lintong , Wang Hongxiang
Published: February 2022

The flow regime is regarded as the key driver of the structure and
function of riverine ecosystems. To reveal the changes in the
ecohydrological pattern of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze
River after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Hydrological
data from Yichang, Hankou, and Datong stations from 1960 to 2020 were
selected to detect the annual mean flow changes trend by three
techniques. The degree of hydrological alteration was also evaluated
using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA)/Range of Variability
Approach (RVA). The results show that: (1) The average annual flow of
the Yangtze River from 1960 to 2020 shows a decreasing trend. (2) The
abrupt change of annual average flow occurred in the year 2003, which
reflects the significant effect of the Three Gorges reservoir on the
flow regime. The alteration degrees of the Yichang, Hankou, and Datong
gauge stations are 65%, 58%, and 46%, respectively. (3) The Three
Gorges Reservoir caused changes in the flow pattern of the Yangtze River
and had a particular impact on the fish population structure. The study
provides a scientific reference for the ecological protection of water
resources in the middle and lower reaches.
Economic challenges to improve health system efficiency in the Western Balkan countries: The case of the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Radivojevic Vladimir , Stanisic Tanja
Published: February 2022

Health security has long been a neglected dimension of national security even
in developed countries, and especially in areas such as the Western Balkans.
However, the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to
completely redefine the global national security agenda in the coming
period. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the efficiency of health
systems in the Western Balkans through the prism of preventing, detecting
and responding to pandemics and other forms of dangers to public health. The
aim is to identify key economic challenges and factors for improving the
efficiency of the region?s health systems, taking into account the empirical
experiences arising from the current health crisis caused by the COVID-19
pandemic. The research findings indicate significant problems that all
Western Balkan countries face in terms of labor force management in health
systems, the sources of which can be sought, above all, in the increasingly
intensive emigration of medical staff to developed countries.
Divide and rule: Cultural memory in the identity policies of post-Yugoslav states
Authors: Djukic Vesna
Published: February 2022

Since the identity policies of the post-Yugoslav states have been creating
tensions domestically and internationally in the last two decades, the aim
of this paper is to study and explain the causes that encourage antagonisms.
We start from the assumption that these causes are related to models of
identity policy and memory culture mediated by transnational media. This is
because the essence of collective identity is in the consciousness of
belonging, which should not be an obstacle to coexistence and good
neighborly relations, as long as that consciousness does not imply the
negation of the identity system of social groups living in the state. Thus
we come to the policy of pluralization of identity as a public policy
pursued by the state policy of cultural memory as a ?social and cultural
framework? of identity policy. In the absence of pluralization, culture is
located on the scene of a struggle between different models of identity
policies fueled by a densely intertwined network of transnational media.
Their influence on public opinion formation comes from the realm of
countercultural transculturalism and neoliberal globalism.
Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D With Cardiovascular Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality in Individuals With Prediabetes and Diabetes: Results From the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Peizhen , Guo Dan , Xu Bingyan , Huang Chensihan , Yang Shunyu , Wang Weiwei , Liu Wenhui , Deng Yajuan , Li Kangli , Liu Deying , Lin Jiayang , Wei Xueyun , Huang Yan , Zhang Huijie
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

To
examine the
associations of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D
(25(OH)D) concentrations with
CVD and all-cause mortality in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes from the large population-based UK
Biobank cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND
METHODS

A total of 67 789
individuals diagnosed with prediabetes and 24 311 with diabetes who had no CVD
or cancer at baseline were included in the current study.
Serum 25(OH)D concentrations was measured at baseline. The Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate
the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cardiovascular
outcomes and mortality after 10-14 years.

RESULTS

After
multivariable adjustment, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were
significantly and nonlinearly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular
outcomes and all-cause mortality among participants with prediabetes and
diabetes
(all P non-linearity < 0.05). Compared with
those in the lowest category of 25(OH)D levels (<25 nmol/L), participants
with prediabetes in the highest category of 25(OH)D levels (≥75 nmol/L) were
significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events (HR, 0.78;
95% CI, 0.71-0.86), coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.89),
heart failure (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54-0.81), stroke (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93),
CVD mortality (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.32-0.59), and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.66;
95%CI, 0.58-0.75). Likewise, these associations with cardiovascular events, CHD,
heart failure, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality were observed among
participants with diabetes except for stroke.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings highlight
the importance of monitoring and correcting vitamin D deficiency in the
prevention of CVD and mortality among adults with prediabetes and diabetes.
Demokratie in Bedrängnis: Warum wir jetzt gefragt sind
Authors: Mirow Thomas
Published: February 2022

Tragende Grundprinzipien unserer repräsentativen Demokratie werden von unterschiedlichen Seiten in Frage gestellt. Die einen zweifeln, ob unsere Demokratien schlagkräftig und effizient genug seien, um sich im globalen Wettbewerb der Systeme zu behaupten. Andere halten unsere Verfassungssysteme überhaupt für untauglich, um notwendige Maßnahmen - etwa zur Bekämpfung der Klimakrise oder gefährlicher Pandemien – entschieden genug durchzusetzen. Wieder andere halten die repräsentative Demokratie selbst für nicht mehr zeitgemäß. In „Demokratie in Bedrängnis: Warum wir jetzt gefragt sind“ greifen deshalb führende europäische Köpfe diese Spannungsfelder auf und formulieren klare Empfehlungen für die Stärkung unserer Demokratie – von den Möglichkeiten der Digitalisierung für die Demokratie über die Hypotheken autoritärer Vergangenheiten bis hin zur Bedeutung von Kultur für unser demokratisches Zusammenleben.
Moving Together: Developing and Testing the Impact of a Technology-Driven Intergenerational Intervention. A Pragmatic Evaluation
Authors:   , Knight Rachel
Published: February 2022

The phenomenon of intergenerational contact and the ability it may have to facilitate benefits for both older adults and children, often attracts attention. However, it is an underexplored concept, primarily underpinned by anecdotal evidence. This thesis aimed to develop and investigate the potential impact of a familial intergenerational technology-driven intervention on physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, health-related quality of life, and stereotypes of ageing in older adults, aged ≥ 60 years old, in a real-world setting. Through the rigorous application of the stages of an individualised, iterative, multi-stage process model, justification of approach was confirmed, a unique intervention designed and refined, the incorporated behaviour change techniques mapped out, and, the feasibility, acceptability, functionality, and useability of the intervention and approach established. The developed intervention interlinked several discrete elements to allow intergenerational dyads, comprised of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years), and children (aged 7-11 years), to work collaboratively, using activity trackers (Mi Band 2) to complete virtual walk route challenges via the World Walking platform. Despite the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was clearly established that: i) Age stereotype-based interventions provide an encouraging approach to challenging the health-related behaviour of older adults; ii) Through the components of Contact Theory (Allport, 1954), intergenerational contact and technology already available within the public domain, can be innovatively entwined to formulate health behaviour change intervention strategies; iii) Intergenerational contact provides mutual benefits for older adults and children, and, iv) The intervention developed was acceptable, useable, and potentially a highly feasible way of empirically exploring the impact of intergenerational contact, challenging age stereotypes, and positively affecting physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, and health-related quality of life. Indeed, where depictions of later life have historically been negative, intergenerational contact provides an avenue to challenge such beliefs and behaviours.
Advanced Mechanical Test Techniques applied to SiCf/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites
Authors:   , Jordan Steven
Published: February 2022

Novel test development and the use of more traditional test techniques were applied to the characterisation of a potential, fibre reinforced SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) system. Isothermal load controlled low cycle fatigue (LCF), strain controlled LCF (SLCF), and thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) data are reported to provide a constitutive assessment of mechanical properties. In addition, a specialist in-situ tensile test rig was designed for experiments inside an SEM plus experiments performed under in-situ X-ray tomography were conducted to establish microscopic damage networks and failure mechanisms in this class of CMC. The role of environment on fibre-matrix cohesion was addressed, in recognition of the demanding conditions CMC components may experience if selected for service in future gas turbine designs. The integrity of the interface resulting from water ingress through the composite structure was characterised and the subsequent effects on strength and fatigue properties were evaluated.
Integration of the Internet of Things in Service Management: Designing a Monitoring Device for the Elderly
Authors: Vilela Flávio Fraga , Toledo Gabriel Almeida Rebello , Tomaz Rebeca Faria
Published: February 2022

Controlling and monitoring the elderly is an arduous and imperative task about their physical safety. To assist in this control above, the main objective of this project is to present a real prototype for monitoring the elderly. Therefore, this prototype can become a support tool for managers of nursing homes, hospitals, etc., as it enables more precise control of these older adults. The case study method was applied in this research through a qualitative exploratory approach. It was concluded that the prototype presented has great potential to assist the administration of care services for the elderly, whose importance is even greater in the current context of a growing number of older adults in the Brazilian population. Finally, it is expected that the real prototype, when in the future it is transformed into a technological product on the market, will be a plausible way to carry out the control of the elderly in an agile way. An increase in the physical safety of the elderly is also expected, as this device can reduce incidents of falls.
SWOT Analysis on Present Technical Education in India
Authors: Raja Hiral , Pathak Sumati
Published: February 2022

Education is the most important sector to be looked into in the process of building a powerful nation. The stakeholders of the education system parents, students, universities, industries and the governments have to work as a team to fulfill this objective. To our disappointment, on the other hand, the diminishing standards of institutions and the teaching learning process that are being practiced in most of the professional and other institutions especially in India have apparently caused calamity and severe damage to the culture and character of the country as such. The material covered in this Paper mainly deals with such problems, lacunae in the operational procedures adopted in imparting knowledge, feasible solutions to overcome such problems and a code book that might bring renaissance in the system when properly understood, accepted and implemented.
Pangea – The Emergence of Self
Authors: Grant Jordan
Published: February 2022

This is my story and my journey of the healing power of an arts-based child and youth care self-portrait assignment. My name is Jordan Grant, and I am about to enter my final year in the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (CYC) program at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. In my early life, I struggled to find self-acceptance and was unwilling to move into the vulnerable spaces of self-repair, as I felt overwhelmed by my perceived flaws and insecurity regarding my innate worth as a human being. The CYC program provided an uncomfortable yet safe place in which to overcome my self-doubt and experience personal growth. One third-year assignment was especially important in my personal development that I have decided to share this assignment with you.
Strengthen First-Computer-Based Computer-Based Student Programming Skills
Authors: Olusola Ogunlade Bamidele , Bahago Benedict Samaila , Ogunmodede Aderemi Sunday
Published: February 2022

Programming is a difficult task that requires the creation of new ideas, thinking, and creative skills. The study, therefore, aimed to strengthen BASIC's programming skills to guide and mentor students at Veritas University Abuja, Nigeria. The researchers assessed students' interest in computer usage and gender differences. The study adopted the group that controls most, the experimental structure. 100 and 200 level undergraduate students are selected on a well-equipped computer and existing Computer lecturers are deliberately chosen at the University. Two non-static classes with 50 students are periodically assigned to the Experimental (25) and Control (25) groups. The treatment lasted six weeks. The instruments used were descendants of Undergraduate Students ’graduates towards the Question nailing Usage Questionnaire and Programming Skills Performance with the reliable coefficient of 0.78 and 0.88, respectively. Data were obtained from covariance analysis, with a significance level of 0.05. More than half of the participants were female (62%). Treatment had a significant impact on students in the language of BASIC Programming F = 36.385; p < 0.05. Also, students' interest in computer use has little effect on students F = 2.109; p > 0.05. Performance BASIC programming skills F = 0.021; p > 0.05. A computer-based teaching strategy has been developed to improve student performance and revitalize student interest in computer use and programming at Veritas University Abuja. Computer educators should adopt a computer-based teaching strategy in teaching computer programming in ICT education to enhance students' writing skills. Also, the design emphasizes the need to continue to use new techniques such as computer teaching techniques to simplify and improve the delivery of instruction.
Involvement of Parents in School Obligations of Children of Younger School Age
Authors: Milanović Nedeljko M.
Published: February 2022

Starting from the fact that the role of parents in creating work habits and a positive attitude towards school is of great benefit for the development of students. The aim of this empirical research is to determine the involvement of parents in the performance of school obligations of children of younger school age. The research was conducted on a sample of one hundred and sixty-five parents of children of younger school age. Parents are of the opinion that children are overloaded with school materials, and that teachers are not too demanding in working with students. In addition to obstacles, such as overwork, fatigue, ignorance of the material, parents set aside a certain amount of time every day (between 45 minutes and 60 and 120 minutes) for learning with children and fulfilling school obligations. Although the modern age imposes many endeavors, the views of parents are positively directed towards involvement and commitment in the process of learning and working with children at home.
Factors Affecting the Utilization of the Graduate Library Resources of the Leyte Normal University (LNU)
Authors: Alcober Luzviminda Fabillar
Published: February 2022

This study delved into the factors that affect the utilization of the graduate school library resources by the graduate students during the academic year 2018 and 2019. The conceptual a conceptual analysis was used as its design and the feedback provided by the students placed in the feedback box served as the data source. Results of the findings showed that updated, current, and relevant library materials, fast and easy internet connection, e-books, and other electronic resources that are accessible at home, conducive space for reading (spacious and well ventilated), updated Library System/ OPAC, friendly, accommodating, and competent library staff, availability of other relevant, accurate information for research, and more theses and dissertations are among the factors that affect the utilization of the resources piled in the library. Taking things holistically, data from this finding maybe utilized as baseline data to further improve the services of the library.