bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Wireless Communication of the Embedded Microprocessor Contributes to the Industrialization of Intangible Cultural Heritage Products
Authors: Deng Wei , Fang Jiansong
Published: September 2022

Intangible cultural heritage is very important for the development of a nation. There are clear instructions for the history and inheritance of a country. Tao represents the inheritance of a country in time, and the sustainable development of the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and derivative cultural products is of great significance. From the past to the present, people's research on intangible cultural heritage has gradually transitioned to industrialization. This article aims to study the influence of wireless communication using embedded microprocessors on the industrialization of intangible cultural heritage products and aims to help the industrial development of intangible cultural heritage products through in-depth understanding of wireless communication. This article puts forward the relevant knowledge of the MIMO system, by introducing the operating process of the wireless communication of the embedded microprocessor, the necessity of the industrialization of intangible cultural heritage products, and the relevant knowledge of how to commercialize it; finally, the industrialization development model of intangible cultural heritage under the support of new technology is drawn. In the experiment, this paper discusses the application of wireless communication technology of embedded microprocessor in the design of intangible heritage products and, based on this, discusses the road of industrialization of intangible heritage products assisted by wireless communication. Finally, the experimental results of this paper show that compared with traditional intangible cultural heritage products, the popularization rate of intangible cultural heritage products produced by wireless communication technology of embedded microprocessor has increased by 15–20%.
Factors Associated with the Uptake of Antenatal Tetanus Toxoids Containing Vaccine by First-Time Mothers in Nigeria: Findings from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Morhason-Bello Imran , Kareem Yusuf O. , Illah Ojone , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Abdus-salam Rukiyat , Lawal Olatunji , Bello Oluwasomidoyin , Obajimi Gbolahan , Adewole Isaac F.
Published: September 2022

Background. Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a public health problem in low-and-middle-income countries despite the increasing investment in tetanus toxoid containing vaccines (TTCV). Nigeria still records fatalities from tetanus, predominantly in women of reproductive age and in newborns. This is largely due to poor access to vaccinations and high rates of unsupervised labour and childbirth. We aim to investigate the antenatal uptake of TTCV and associated factors among first-time pregnant women in Nigeria. Methods. Data obtained from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) was used to generate a list of eligible patients who in the last five years had undergone their first childbirth experience. Data was analysed using univariable and multivariable analyses and reported using a 95% confidence interval. Results. A total of 3640 participants were included in the analysis. 59.6% (95% CI, 57.6-61.8) of participants had received at least two doses of TTCV. Uptake of TTCV irrespective of current marital status was independently associated with number of and place of antenatal care. Other factors associated with receiving two doses of TTCV in all participants were ownership of mobile phones and region of residence. Among the currently married participants, wealth quintiles, region of residence, and having a polygamous family were additional associated factors. Conclusion. There was low uptake of the minimal required dosage of TTCV among first-time pregnant women with the lowest uptake in Northern regions relative to Southern regions. We recommend mixed methods studies to further explore the motivation behind TTCV uptake in pregnant women which can help guide future policies and interventions to improve uptake of tetanus immunization in Nigeria.
Economic Synergistic Development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Urban Agglomeration: Based on Composite System
Authors: Yang Juan
Published: September 2022

Synergistic development is the only way which must be passed and a key point to achieve high-quality economic development. This paper regards regional synergetic development as a composite system, builds up the evaluation indicator system, and calculates the level of economic synergetic development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Urban Agglomeration, by using the collaborative degree model of composite system. The results show that each subsystem of the composite system has a high degree of order from 2007 to 2019, but compared with Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration and Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, the level of economic collaborative development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area urban agglomeration in 2008–2019 is relatively low and has large spatial differences. The main reason is that under the background of “one country, two systems” policy, the institutional differences between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have not been effectively linked up and synergetic, Greater Bay Area urban agglomeration has not yet formed an organic whole, and the synergy effect of mutual support and promotion is relatively weak. Based on this, we should seize the great historical opportunity of the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, accelerate the construction of the mechanism for the synergetic economic development of the three areas, accelerate the establishment of an integrated market, build a reasonable division of labor system and collaborative innovation system, and jointly promote the synergetic economic development of Greater Bay Area.
Color Enhancement in Art Works Based on Image Processing Technology of Contourlet Domain
Authors: Wang Fei
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of network technology and image processing technology, people can obtain data in a number of ways. Although the emergence of digital works has brought convenience to people’s lives, it has also brought many hidden dangers in the field of copyrights, for example, illegal copying, dissemination, and disclosure of digital art works. Sensitive information contained in digital art works can easily be stolen or illegally tampered with through the Internet, thereby destroying the legitimate rights and interests of copyright owners. Therefore, the emergence of digital watermarks provides convenience and practicality for copyright protection. This paper proposes an image digital watermarking algorithm based on SVD and contourlet domain changes. Contourlet transforms the carrier image, divides the direction subbands with high energy values into blocks, performs SVD on each sub-block, and adds the watermark according to the parity quantization rule. The color information-based image enhancement discussed in this article uses the characteristics of multichannel color images to meet application requirements. It mainly involves three aspects: color image enhancement technology that dyes grayscale images into color images, image enhancement technology that uses the colorization algorithm to improve the accuracy of the reconstructed chromaticity image in the process of super-resolution reconstruction, and grayscale image color enhancement technology that preserves the characteristics of the color image during the conversion of the artwork image to the grayscale image. This paper studies the image processing technology based on the contourlet domain and applies it to the research of color enhancement of art works to promote the further development of art works.
Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate Levels on Growth Performance, Body Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Liver Morphology in Oncorhynchus mykiss under Cage Culture with Flowing Freshwater
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wei Han-Lin , Wang Zi-Qiao , He Xuan-Shu , Niu Jin
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and liver morphology in Oncorhynchus mykiss under cage culture with flowing freshwater. Fish (initial body weight 25.70 ± 0.24 g) were fed five isonitrogenous (420 g/kg protein) and isolipidic (150 g/kg lipid) diets containing 50.6, 102.1, 151.3, 200.9 and 251.8 g/kg carbohydrate levels, respectively. The results indicated that fish fed diets containing 50.6-200.9 g/kg carbohydrate showed significantly higher growth performance, feed utilization, and feed intake than those fed 251.8 g/kg dietary carbohydrate levels. Based on the analysis of the quadratic regression equation for weight gain rate, the appropriate dietary carbohydrate requirement of O. mykiss was estimated to be 126.2 g/kg. 251.8 g/kg carbohydrate level activated Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, suppressed superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity, and increased MDA content in the liver. Besides, fish fed a diet containing 251.8 g/kg carbohydrate showed a certain degree of hepatic sinus congestion and dilatation in the liver. Dietary 251.8 g/kg carbohydrate upregulated the mRNA transcription level of proinflammatory cytokines and downregulated the mRNA transcription level of lysozyme and complement 3. Whole-body compositions were not affected by dietary carbohydrate levels. In conclusion, 251.8 g/kg carbohydrate level suppressed the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity, resulting in liver injury and inflammatory response of O. mykiss. A diet containing more than 200.9 g/kg carbohydrate is not efficiently utilized by O. mykiss under cage culture with flowing freshwater.
Analytical Approximant to a Quadratically Damped Forced Cubic-Quintic Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Salas Alvaro H. S.
Published: September 2022

The cubic-quintic Duffing oscillator of a system with strong quadratic damping and forcing is considered. We give elementary approximate analytical solution to this oscillator in terms of exponential and trigonometric functions. We compare the analytical approximant with the Runge–Kutta numerical solution. The approximant allows us to estimate the points at which the solution crosses the horizontal axis.
The Learning Potential of Workplace Environment and Civil Servants’ Self-Directed Learning Readiness: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Birhanu Ermiyas Tsehay , Warkineh Turuwark Zalalam , Gizaw Abiy Menkir
Published: September 2022

The workplace is becoming a site of learning for employees, intending to equip employees with the skills and knowledge demanded by the world of work. This research had the objective of examining the learning potential of Amhara National Regional State regional bureaus’ workplace environment and the self-directed learning readiness of civil servants. The researchers used a mixed research approach by collecting data from a population of (N = 6921) through questionnaires (n = 303), and interviews (n = 10). The research found that (1) public sector workplace environments (both technical and sociocultural) have above-average learning potential, except for the presence of a restrictive learning environment technically and poor social capital with the presence of suspension and mistrust among civil servants; (2) sampled civil servants in regional bureaus had average and above self-directed learning readiness. Finally, the researchers forwarded recommendations to stakeholders based on the research findings.
Sustainable Computing: A Determinant of Industry 4.0 for Sustainable Information Society
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Upreti Kamal , Jafri Samreen , Arora Ishita , Bhardwaj Rishu , Phogat Manu , Srivastava Sanjay , Akorli Felix Korbla
Published: September 2022

Rapid advancement in technology and continuous environmental degradation have attracted the attention of practitioners toward sustainable solutions. This study intends to promote Industry 4.0 information society research by comprehending sustainable ICT adoption in businesses to promote sustainable information society (SIS). Further, it extends the theory of planned behavior model and deploys a quantitative research approach. The findings from PLS‐SEM confirm the perceived environmental responsibility (PER), a precursor for attitude (ATT), perceived behavioural control (PBC), and subjective norm (SN). Further, there is a significant positive influence of ATT, PBC, and SN on the adoption intention of sustainable ICT practices followed by the effect of adoption intention on sustainable information society (SIS). This study bridges the literature gap through a novel attitude behavior gap model and provides a possible understanding of how businesses might contribute to the creation of sustainable development and information society.
Risk Factors for Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Nanoparticle Albumin‐Bound Paclitaxel in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Guo Qie , Zhang Haonan , Li Xiao , Quan Xianghua
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies affecting women and the leading cause of related mortality worldwide. An estimated 2260000 new cases of BC were diagnosed in 2020, which have seriously threatened the health. Paclitaxel (PTX), a natural product isolated from the bark of the pacific yew, has been found to be effective in treating advanced BC. Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which refers to the damage to the peripheral nerves caused by exposure to a neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, is a common side effect affecting the patients undergoing PTX chemotherapy. Significant research efforts are needed to identify the various risk factors associated with CIPN. Here, a univariate analysis in BC patients with nanonab‐PTX treatment was performed. The rate of CIPN in BC patients with albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐PTX) for more than four weeks was significantly higher than that of patients with chemotherapy for less than four weeks. Moreover, the rate of CIPN in BC patients receiving nab‐PTX first‐line chemotherapy was remarkably higher than that in BC patients receiving paclitaxel as a sequence scheme. Taken together, chemotherapy cycles and the priority of nab‐PTX‐based chemotherapy can be considered the potential risk factors for CIPN induced by nab‐PTX.
A Retrospective Study of Diaphragmatic Breathing Training Combined with Discharge Care Bundles in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yu Shuhui , Lu Chen , Qin Lingling
Published: September 2022

Objective. Both physical exercise and discharge care bundles can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalization rates among subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The retrospective analysis aims to determine the advantages of care bundles combined with diaphragmatic breathing training (DBT) in COPD patients after discharge. Methods. Of the 110 COPD patients, 55 patients received DBT alone (DBT group) and 55 participants received the combined intervention (care bundle + DBT group). Three months after discharge, we assessed the outcomes of patients using Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Meanwhile, COPD-related hospital readmissions were also recorded. Results. The BCKQ score for assessing the disease knowledge level was increased in patients at 3 months after the combined interventions as compared to the baseline values, which was higher in the care bundle + DBT group than the DBT group at 3 months. Moreover, improvements in negative emotion and clinical symptoms from baseline to 3-month follow-up were seen in both the two groups. Besides, the care bundle + DBT group showed the mitigation of depression and anxiety and the alleviation of clinical symptoms in comparison with the DBT group at 3 months. Participants who received combined interventions had lower SGRQ scores than those who received DBT alone. The time to first COPD-related readmission was shorter for patients in the care bundle + DBT group compared with the DBT group. Conclusions. DBT combined with discharge care bundles for COPD patients resulted in improvements in disease-specific knowledge, negative emotions, and clinical symptoms with better HRQOL and lower readmission rate.
Sex Disparities in the Treatment of Aortic Stenosis and Related Outcomes: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Erinne Ikenna , Hiltner Emily , Bhasin Varun , Parikh Nisharg , Tangel Richard , Chen Chunguang , Russo Mark J. , Kassotis John , Sethi Ankur
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on sex disparities has not been well established. This study sought to examine the impact of sex on outcomes following aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) in the era of routine TAVR. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (2009–18) to study AS visits for all AVR and in-hospital outcomes as a function of sex. Survey estimation commands were used to provide national estimates. Results: There were an estimated 431,344 surgical AVR (SAVR) and 189,137 TAVR inpatient visits. Mortality was higher in women after SAVR (3.8% ± 0.1 vs. 2.7% ± 0.07, p < 0.001) and TAVR (2.4% ± 0.1 vs. 1.7% ± 0.1, p < 0.001) compared to men. Female patients undergoing SAVR had higher rates of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, stroke, and bleeding (5.9% ± 0.1 vs. 5% ± 0.1, 2.8% ± 0.1 vs. 2.3% ± 0.07, and 37.8% ± 0.8 vs. 29.8% ± 0.6; p < 0.001, respectively) but lower rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) (16.4% ± 0.3 vs. 20.3% ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Women undergoing TAVR had higher rates of stroke and bleeding (2.4% ± 0.1 vs. 1.6% ± 0.09 and 28.7% ± 0.6 vs. 22% ± 0.5; p < 0.001, respectively) but lower rates of PPM and AKI (9.5% ± 0.3 vs. 10.7% ± 0.2 and 11.3% ± 0.3 vs. 13.4% ± 0.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Compared with isolated SAVR, isolated TAVR was associated with lower mortality in women during 2016–18, both after multivariable adjustment (OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27–0.60) and propensity matching (mean difference 0.66% ± 0.2); however, there was no difference in men. Conclusion: Although women continue to have higher in-hospital mortality following both TAVR and SAVR as compared to men, TAVR is associated with a lower in-hospital mortality in women compared to SAVR. Thus, TAVR may represent a potential intervention to narrow the sex-based disparities in the management of AS.
The Impact of Lenvatinib on Tumor Blood Vessel Shrinkage of Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Treatment: An Imaging-Based Analysis
Authors: Muraishi Nozomu , Kawamura Yusuke , Akuta Norio , Shindoh Junichi , Matsumura Masaru , Okubo Satoshi , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Hosaka Tetsuya , Saitoh Satoshi , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Kenji , Arase Yasuji , Hashimoto Masaji , Yasuda Ichiro , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: September 2022

Introduction: When lenvatinib is administered to people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumor blood flow is reduced due to the inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). Few studies have examined the decrease in tumor blood flow with respect to changes in tumor blood vessels (TBVs) in clinical practice. We investigated the mechanism of tumor blood flow control by investigating changes in the diameter of relatively large TBVs in large-sized lesions with high blood flow. Methods: From January 2011 to October 2021, patients receiving lenvatinib for unresectable intrahepatic HCC at Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, were considered for inclusion. We investigated the TBV diameter in the arterial phase of dynamic computed tomography before treatment and its change over time (2–12 weeks after lenvatinib initiation). The relationship between changes in TBV diameter and prognosis was also examined. Results: Of 114 patients treated with lenvatinib for HCC, 26 patients who had intrahepatic lesions with a tumor diameter of 30 mm or more enrolled in the study. The median tumor and TBV diameters before treatment were 58 mm and 2.55 mm, respectively. Twenty-five patients (96%) had a shrinkage in TBV diameter 2–12 weeks after lenvatinib administration. The maximum TBV diameter shrinkage of 20% or more was observed in 19 patients (73%), and progression-free survival was prolonged in these patients compared to the group with less than 20% TBV diameter shrinkage (p = 0.039). Discussion/Conclusion: Due to the antiangiogenic effect of lenvatinib, a shrinkage in the TBV diameter of HCC was observed. The shrinkage of TBV may be regarded as a process of normalization of TBVs. The shrinkage of TBVs in imaging analysis may be associated with improved prognosis; however, additional studies are still required.
Modeling the Cost and Health Impacts of Diagnostic Strategies in Patients with Suspected Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Ge Yin , Pandya Ankur , Cuddy Sarah A. M. , Singh Amitoj , Singh Avinainder , Dorbala Sharmila
Published: September 2022

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CMP) is an increasingly recognized and treatable cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Multimodality cardiac imaging is recommended for ATTR‐CMP diagnosis, but its cost‐effectiveness in current clinical practice has not been well studied.

Methods and Results

Using a microsimulation model, we compared the cost‐effectiveness of a combination of strategies involving
99m
technetium pyrophosphate (PYP), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of ATTR‐CMP. We developed a decision analytic model to project health care costs and lifetime quality‐adjusted life years for symptomatic, older patients who present with congestive heart failure, with an increased left ventricular wall thickness and a 13% prevalence of ATTR‐CMP. Rates of clinical events, costs, and quality‐of‐life values were estimated from published literature. The analysis was conducted from a US health care system perspective with health and cost outcomes discounted annually at 3%.

In the base‐case scenario, using a fixed tafamidis price of $16 000 annually (previously identified cost‐effective price), total health care costs per person were lowest for the PYP‐only strategy ($209 415) and highest for endomyocardial biopsy strategy ($215 881). Of the 7 strategies examined, the PYP‐only strategy had the highest net monetary benefit using a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100 000/quality‐adjusted life year. Results were sensitive to variations in model inputs for PYP and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging specificity, cost of tafamidis, and willingness‐to‐pay thresholds.

Conclusions

Our model‐based analyses showed that a PYP‐only strategy to diagnose ATTR‐CMP is the most cost‐effective strategy, at willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100 000/quality‐adjusted life year. At higher threshold ($150 000/quality‐adjusted life year), sequential tests involving PYP and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be considered cost effective.
The Psychological Space of Professionals’ Trust and Distrust in Socio-Technical Systems
Authors: Akimova Anna Yu. , Oboznov Aleksander A.
Published: September 2022

Background. The spatial aspect of professionals’ trust and distrust in socio-technical systems has not been sufficiently explored. The study of its structure, criteria for spatial distribution, and interrelationships of elements is of both scientific and practical interest. Objective. To perform a comparative analysis of the trust and distrust experienced by professional operators in a socio-technical system of subject–subject and subject–object interactions. Design. This work is based on A.B. Kupreychenko’s methodological approach to studying trust and distrust in socio-technical systems, adapted by the authors to the railway transport system in Russia. The subjects were 86 locomotive crew members. The main focus was on their trust/distrust in the operation of the socio-technical (railway transport) system, including their workmates, managers, and themselves, as well as the technical objects they operate (locomotives), manufacturers of railway equipment, and conditions of its operation. Results. The authors identified two relatively independent groups of indicators of trust/distrust in subject–subject and subject–object interactions. Trust in the elements of subject–subject interactions (involving workmates, managers, and the study participants themselves as specialists) was reliably higher than their trust in the elements of subject–object interactions (technical objects, manufacturers of railway equipment, and conditions of its operation). The correlations between trust and distrust in the elements of the socio-technical system were positive. Conclusions. Trust and distrust perform the functions of integrating/differentiating elements of a socio-technical system according to their predictability in various operating conditions. The degree of trust/distrust in the system elements and their “location” in the space of trust/distrust are important when professionals make decisions in the course of performing professional actions. The results of the study can be used for designing socio-technical systems to increase the predictability of their operation in unstable conditions.
Differences in Attitudes toward Mental Health among Boys from Religious and Non-religious Families Experiencing Religious and Secular Education
Authors: Borisenko Julia V. , Evseenkova Elena V.
Published: September 2022

Background. Post-industrial society faces multiple stresses and developmental risks, both environmental and biological. The issues of mental health have become more dramatic and subject to debate. The current discourse about the religiositymental health nexus makes the study of differences in attitudes towards mental health among children from religious and non-religious families experiencing religious and secular education significant and relevant for practice. Objective. We studied the attitudes toward different spheres of life of children from Orthodox and non-religious families experiencing religious and secular education. We hypothesized differences in attitudes toward mental health by children from Orthodox families and non-religious families regardless of school choice. We expected the positive attitudes toward mental health to be greater for the children experiencing religious and secular education. Design. Our study assessed 340 primary school boys on a number of measures. The boys’ average age was 10.4 years old. The participants were divided into three groups, taking into consideration the family’s religiosity and educational characteristics. Results. The boys from Orthodox families had more positive attitudes toward family, life, people, their bodies, and their mental health than the boys from nonreligious families. These differences were also significant between groups of boys from religious and non-religious families experiencing secular education. The boys from religious families experiencing religious education had more positive attitudes toward their physical and mental health than the boys from religious families experiencing secular education. Conclusion. Positive attitudes toward both physical and mental health are more likely to be formed within religious families.
Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of a Multitasking Instrument in the Context of Collectivist Asian Culture
Authors: Kalsoom Saima , Kamal Anila
Published: September 2022

Background. Multitasking is a rapidly evolving construct and we are in dire need of a sound tool for measuring multitasking behaviors and abilities across socio-cultural contexts. To this end, this study has put forward a cultural adaptation (through back translation) of an already developed (Kushniryk, 2008) measure i.e., Communication Specific Multitasking Measurement Instrument. Objective. This study is intended to translate, adapt, and validate a multitasking measure i.e., Communication Specific Multitasking Measurement Instrument (CSMMI; Kushniryk, 2008) in the context of collectivist culture in Pakistan. Design. The study was composed of two parts. The first part was completed in two phases. Phase I employed back and forward translation methods to translate the multitasking measure into an indigenous language. Phase II provided empirical validity of the translated and adapted instrument (CSMMI) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on data collected from a sample of 230 married individuals. The second part of the study was designed to establish construct validity of the translated instrument using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on a larger data set of married individuals. Results. EFA using a varimax rotation on all 19 items of CSMMI showed that the instrument is a three-dimensional measure. CFA confirmed that the translated and adapted instrument is also a three-dimensional measure on the larger data set. Analysis of the intraclass correlation and alpha coefficient provided sound evidence for validity and reliability of the measure (CSMMI). Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate that the translated and adapted multitasking measure (CSMMI) is reliable and valid when applied to the culturally collectivist population of Pakistan. This also pertains to any other populations where the translation is adequately applicable.
Morphometric changes of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle, under different environmental conditions
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Li Yongxia , Wang Xuan , Feng Yuqian , Zhang Xingyao
Published: September 2022

The pathogen of pine wilt disease, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, has caused serious damage to forest ecology and the forestry economy. As an invasive species, the reproduction ability of B. xylophilus is a significant factor that influences its pathogenicity. There are few reports on the morphometric changes to B. xylophilus in different environments. This paper describes our study of the effects of fungal species, B. xylophilus population density, and nutrition on the growth and development of B. xylophilus and the comparative fitness of different-sized eggs in this species. The results showed that B. xylophilus could feed on different fungal species, but there were differences in the sizes of adult females and eggs and the number of offspring. Adult female size, egg size and number of offspring of B. xylophilus decreased as the population densities increased or mycelium weight decreased. The results also showed that larger eggs had a fitness advantage over smaller eggs under the experimental treatment conditions.
Ultrastructural detection of intracellular bacterial symbionts in the wood-inhabiting nematode Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae)
Authors: Yushin Vladimir V. , Gliznutsa Lyubov A. , Ryss Alexander
Published: September 2022

Ultrastructural observations of the wood-inhabiting fungal- and plant-feeding nematode, Bursaphelenchus mucronatus, revealed intracellular bacteria in the male and female gonads. In males, bacteria were present inside the testis epithelial cells, spermatocytes, spermatids and immature spermatozoa. Spermatheca of females contained amoeboid pseudopod-bearing mature spermatozoa with bacteria closely associated with the sperm nucleus. Tissues of the females studied were free from bacteria. The gram-negative bacteria in their localisation, size, ultrastructure, and especially characteristic internal bundle of parallel filaments, were identified preliminary as related to the genus Cardinium (Bacteroidetes), which includes obligate endosymbionts of diverse arthropods and is known to be associated with several species of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Das ‚lebendig Positive‘
Authors: Lührsen Christian
Published: September 2022

Life is a central concept in the philosophical work of Friedrich Schlegel. This study shows how life as the living positive is the key concept of his late catholic political theory of the Christian state. Thereby will be proved that not catholic dogmatism or authors influenced Schlegel in his concept but the classical German philosophers Immanuel Kant and Johann Gottfried Herder.
Some Considerations Regarding the Attribution to Masʿūd III of the Royal Palace at Ghazni
Authors: Giunta Roberta
Published: September 2022

Recent studies have established that construction work on the Ghaznavid palace discovered in Ghazni by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Afghanistan began before Masʿūd III (r. 1099–1115) came to power. This sultan, on the other hand, could be credited with the reorganisation of the rooms overlooking the building’s central courtyard and, above all, with the construction (or reconstruction) of the palatine mosque.
How Should Evangelicals Think about Politics? Roger Williams and the Case for Principled Pluralism
Authors: Coffey John
Published: September 2022

The resurgence of evangelical political activity in many parts of the world raises the question of whether Christianity can legitimately be a state religion. In recent years a growing number of evangelicals have argued that it cannot. Principled pluralists maintain that Christians ought on principle to advocate non-confessional states in which all religions enjoy civil liberty and equality. This article defends principled pluralism by adding an historical dimension to its case. It shows that far from being the ‘new kid on the block’, principled pluralism has roots which run deep within the evangelical protestant tradition. The seventeenth century puritan Roger Williams, for instance, advanced a thoroughly biblical argument for full religious liberty and the secular state. After describing his argument, the article deals with objections to principled pluralism and suggests that it is the most promising philosophy for evangelicals involved in politics.
Are They Comic Acts?
Authors: Goldingay John
Published: September 2022

Some commentators note individual humorous notes in Acts but the possibility that the book is systematically humorous has been little examined. Humour is actually used throughout the book as a means of insight and of rhetorical effectiveness; it is doubtful whether this either makes it more likely or less likely that the book is historical in intent and nature. Its humour makes fools of outsiders (unbelieving Jews, pagans, and imperial authorities), gently mocks insiders (great leaders and ordinary believers), and both adds to the portrayal of joy and tempers the portrayal of gloom.
Heidegger, Correspondence Truth and the Realist Theology of Thomas Forsyth Torrance
Authors: Morrison John D.
Published: September 2022

Within the context of Thomas Torrance's larger concern to critique the re-entrenchment of philosophical (epistemological) dualism in theology specifically and culture generally, there lies his desire to re-establish a proper understanding of ‘correspondence truth.’ There have been multiple viewpoints on truth which have been clustered under the heading ‘correspondence.’ Yet, contrary to the sweep of interpretation of Martin Heidegger’s thinking, Torrance takes the Heidegganian view of truth as ‘disclosure,’ the disclosure of Being (a-letheia) to be the very heart of a proper reckoning of correspondence truth and as essential to his own critical realist theology. Specifically, ‘truth as dis-closure,’ properly understood, not only brings healing to the epistemological split resulting from disjunctive, dualist perspectives, but is the basis of Torrance’s emphasis on the Truth of the triune God who has graciously given himself to be known as he is in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theophilus: A Proposal
Authors: Anderson Richard H.
Published: September 2022

This article challenges generally accepted views regarding Theophilus as a Roman official, the dating of Acts late in the first •century and Gentiles as the intended audience. It also explains, Inter alia, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants and why Luke has no ‘theology of the cross’ and makes no mention of the death of James, the brother of Jesus.
Newman and the Evangelicals
Authors: Testa Michael A.
Published: September 2022

Newman professed to have abandoned the last remnants of Calvinistic doctrines under the influence of Edward Hawkins. Despite Newman’s claim of abandoning Evangelical teachings, it is clear they strongly shaped his life and future work either as a source of insight or a point of controversy. I also think this .influence can be readily seen in the preaching of Newman. In this article I will investigate the Evangelical influence upon John . Henry Newman. It will examine the Evangelicals’ influence on Newman, his preaching and work in opposition and rejection of such influence, and the probability that such sway remained present in Newman's thought.
A Vision of Unity-Christian Unity in the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Staton John E.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this article is to examine the concept of the unity of believers in John 17. This unity has its source in the community’s common Lord, and especially in the mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son. It is a unity of love and loyalty, but it is primarily a unity based on the mutual indwelling of the Godhead and the believers, which is not only the source of unity, but also its essential element. The believers are. united by their common relationship with their Lord. The unity also has a corporate element, however. The believers’ relationship with Father and Son should result in their loving each other as their Lord commands, and living together as part of one Vine and one Flock. The purpose of this unity is to bring joy to the believers and to motivate them to mission in the world.
Faith, Works, and the Christian Religion in James 2:14-26
Authors: Proctor Mark
Published: September 2022

In Jas. 2:14–26,James argues that in order for Christianity to find favor with God, its members must supplement their orthodox beliefs with acts of charity. James’ states his thesis in v. 17: ‘The Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.’ In the process of explicating his thesis, James overcomes the challenge of a hypothetical interlocutor (who suggests that although ‘works’ may be necessary on the corporate level, believers may focus their individual energies in either practical or theological directions). In order to demonstrate that God requires ‘works’ of every Christian believer, James offers the examples of Abraham and Rahab. Both of these persons, says James, were found righteous on the basis of both their ‘faith’ and their ‘works.’ Hence, James can state with confidence that ‘a person is vindicated on the basis of works and not on the basis of faith alone’ (v. 24).
Anninius and the Deity of Christ
Authors: Picirilli Robert E.
Published: September 2022

The misunderstanding that Arminius paved the way for a denial of the deity of Christ persists, as seen in a recent note by Paul Jewett to the effect that he defended the thesis that the Father alone is ‘very God.’ But Jewett confuses defense against an accusation with defense of it, and in doing so cites the wrong word at issue. A careful reading of the article and of the rest of Arminius’s writings clears him of this charge. He faithfully defended the Reformed view that Jesus is very God, eternally generated by the Father.
Paradigm， System， and Theological Pluralism
Authors: Canale Fernando
Published: September 2022

This article explores the contents of the theological a priori and their bearings on the phenomenon of theological pluralism. I suggest that the phenomenon of theological pluralism necessarily follows from the limitations proper to the nature of human reason . I start by distinguishing between Hans Kung’s notion of paradigm and the concept of system. Both belong to the theological a priori involved in the constitution of theological interpretations. Paradigm becomes the methodological portion of the theological a priori, while the system provides the ultimate foundations for meaning and truth. Next, I argue that, since reason can only provide various and even conflicting views of the ultimate hermeneutical principles of meaning (system), Christian theology cannot avoid inner fragmentation or theological pluralism. Finally, I propose that theological pluralism can be theologically overcome when the contents of the system are interpreted from the ground provided by biblical revelation.
Does Inclusivist Theology Undermine Evangelism?
Authors: Barrett John K.
Published: September 2022

In recent years certain evangelical scholars have questioned the belief that those who die not having heard of Jesus Christ are excluded from the blessings of eternity. Clark Pinnock and John Sanders especially have shown a dissatisfaction with the traditional rationale. They argue that there is a greater salvific wideness in God’s mercy and generosity with respect to the unevangelized. This wideness, it is claimed, has been largely ignored in the past due to many evangelicals being influenced by an Augustinian pessimism or ‘restrictivism’ concerning the numbers of those saved.

In order to support their thesis, Pinnock and Sanders posit that salvation is universally accessible by way of the ‘faith principle’, whereby people might respond to the light they have received from God through the way of general revelation. A primary conviction in the universal accessibility of salvation is that while Christ’s death is ontologically necessary for all who are saved, it is not epistemologically necessary that all hear of the Saviour. In other words, an explicit hearing of the gospel, through the agency of a human messenger, is not necessary in order that a person might be saved.

If the inclusivistic understanding of salvation is accepted, the crucial missiological question is, ‘will the Church’s commitment to evangelism be lessened as a consequence’? This paper concludes that an unqualified inclusivism as advocated by Pinnock and Sanders would find it very difficult to maintain the same traditional urgency in sending messengers of the gospel to the unevangelized.
Eschatology in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England
Authors: Howson Barry
Published: September 2022

This essay examines the eschatological thought of seventeenth-century England. In the introduction a brief background study of sixteenth-century Continental and English Protestant eschatology is given. The rest of the essay is a comparative study looking at the eschatological thought of a variety of seventeenth-century commentators from different denominations. In particular, it examines: their thought on the nearness and nature Christ’s Return; their interpretations of the Book of Revelation; their views on the signs of the end, the Papacy, the Jews, the Turks, the Millennium; their date setting; and their practical application of Christ’s Return to believers. In the conclusion of the essay some practical lessons from this study are made. The historical value of this essay is that it concisely presents the details of seventeenth-century English eschatology that so dominated the thoug.ht of a wide range of people. The practical value is that it helps twentieth-century evangelicals see that eschatology has been a dominate theme of the church in the past from which we can draw lessons for the present.
Paul’s Letter to the Romans in the New International Commentary on the New Testament and in Contemporary Reformed Thought
Authors: Karlberg Mark W.
Published: September 2022

This comparative review of the commentaries of John Murray and Douglas Moo on Paul’s Letter to the Romans gives focal attention to the controversial topic in contemporary biblical and theological study addressing the apostle’s understanding of the relationship between the Mosaic and new covenants. Summary analysis of the similarities and differences in the interpretations of Murray, an advocate of Reformed theology, and Moo, a ‘modified Lutheran,’ highlights current directions in evangelical and Reformed thought at the close of the twentieth century. Lively debate on Paul and the law can be expected to continue for many years to come. The question of an emerging consensus of opinion remains largely unanswered.
Zwingli and Luther
Authors: Peter Stephens W.
Published: September 2022

The article explores the similarities and differences between the two Reformers. The author argues that the Reformation should not be understood in terms of Luther, whether historically or theologically. He is not the standard by which every other reformer is to be judged. Different elements in the background and experience of Zwingli and Luther shed light on their respective theologies. The article concentrates attention on their views of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, and several significant differences are considered.
The Plan of God and Preaching in Acts
Authors: Ferreira Johan
Published: September 2022

Preaching in Acts is defined by the important Lukan concept of the plan of God. This concept provides the theological basis for Luke's understanding of preaching. God has acted for the salvation of the world through the suffering and resurrection of Jesus, and is now acting through the preaching of the disciples. In Acts the disciples must preach as a result of the activity of God. Acts, therefore, emphasises the necessity of preaching. The content of preaching also revolves around the plan of God. In addition, the response to the preaching, whether people accept or reject the message, inevitably leads to the spread of the gospel. Therefore, the preaching of the disciples not only conveys the message of God's plan; it is an integral part of that plan and illustrates its inevitable fulfilment.
Peace and the Apocalypse: Stanley Hauerwas and Miroslav Volf on the Eschatological Basis for Christian Nonviolence
Authors: Stead Geoffrey
Published: September 2022

This article describes how evangelists of a little-known European Protestant Brotherhood made an incursion into West Yorkshire during the eighteenth-century Evangelical Revival. It shows how they introduced novel aspects of heart-religion associated with the spiritual ideas of Count Zinzendorf. These are examined in some detail. Although only a limited number of people felt able to respond, evidence is provided of the effectiveness of this ministry. The article adds to knowledge by detailing the allurement of a mystical evangelical style from an alien source among northern artisans.
Whither Theological Inclusivism? The Development and Critique of an Evangelical Theology of Religions
Authors: Yong Amos
Published: September 2022

What are the issues at stake in an evangelical theology of religions? This paper focuses on the inclusivism of Clark Pinnock, who has developed the most comprehensive evangelical theology of religions to date, in order to assess its strengths and weaknesses. It is argued that underlying the exclusivist critique of Pinnock and his inclusivist colleagues is the concern that evangelical inclusivism lays itself open to the charge of relativism insofar as the possibility of divine presence and activity is allowed in the non-Christian religions without any substantive criteria being developed for discerning when this is or is not the case. Some suggestions are offered in conclusion as to how theological inclusivists can strengthen their argument and further the debate.
The Nature and Function of New Testament Glossolalia
Authors: Cartledge Mark J.
Published: September 2022

Questions concerning the nature and function of contemporary charismatic glossolalia abound. One of the main questions which Christian interpreters have, even if it is not articulated, concerns whether con temporary and New Testament glossolalia are one and the same. This paper does not answer this question directly, but it does enable the reader to be familiar with the New Testament side of the question. It does this by providing a detailed survey of the main views within New Testament scholarship. The present author is of the opinion that glossolalia within the narrative of Acts 2, and probably the remainder of Acts, is understood by Luke to be xenolalia. Following M. Turner and C. Forbes, it is argued that Paul in I Corinthians understood glossolalia in this way, but also with the additional category of ‘angelic language’.