bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The colonial origins of ethnic warfare: Re-examining the impact of communalizing colonial policies in the British and French Empires
Authors: Lange Matthew , Jeong Tay , Amasyali Emre
Published: June 2021

Communalizing colonial policies (CCPs) include a variety of practices that recognize and institutionalize communal difference among colonized populations, and several qualitative analyses find that they promoted postcolonial ethnic conflict. In contrast, the few quantitative analyses that explore this issue focus on several mechanisms, make conflicting claims, and provide mixed results, thereby suggesting that CCPs do not have general effects. Yet the quantitative findings might be inaccurate for several reasons: Some use the identity of the colonizer as a proxy for CCPs, others measure a CCP but have small samples with limited variation in the focal independent variable, and all of these analyses are unable to explore whether CCPs affect ethnic conflict through different and competing mechanisms. To address these limitations, we create four ideal types of CCPs, gather data on a CCP that conforms to each ideal type, and test the relationships between CCPs and ethnic civil warfare onset using the set of former British and French colonies. We find that a discriminatory CCP is associated with high odds of ethnic civil war onset, especially shortly after independence. Alternatively, differentiating and accommodating CCPs lack general relationships with ethnic civil war onset, and an empowering CCP is negatively related to ethnic warfare in most models.
Impact of Societal Culture on Covid-19 Morbidity and Mortality across Countries
Authors: Kumar Rajiv
Published: June 2021

Researchers have begun exploring the impact of societal culture on Covid-19 outcomes (morbidity and mortality). However, emerging findings need integration with prior literature on societal culture and infectious diseases. Moreover, accumulation of knowledge warrants an update while overcoming certain limitations of samples as well as construct validity concerns. Accordingly, hypotheses are derived based on extant evidence proposing the impact of certain cultural practices on Covid-19 outcomes across countries. These hypotheses are tested using the cultural practice scores from GLOBE studies after controlling for certain covariates identified in literature. Multiple regression results reveal that societal culture significantly explains Covid-19 outcomes beyond the explanation due to control variables. Specifically, power distance and institutional collectivism show negative association with both Covid-19 morbidity and mortality. Additionally, performance orientation shows negative association with Covid-19 morbidity. It appears that power distance may ensure conformity to prescribed behaviors and features of performance orientation may facilitate swift and effective containment of Covid-19 cases. The significance of institutional collectivism—but not in-group collectivism—emerging as the form of collectivism showing negative association with Covid-19 outcomes is also discussed.
Assessing Motor Performance in Preschool Children: The Zurich Neuromotor Assessment-2 and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2
Authors: van der Veer Gerda , Kamphorst Erica , Minnaert Alexander , Cantell Marja , Kakebeeke Tanja H. , Houwen Suzanne
Published: June 2021

Comparing motor assessment tools that are available for young children is important in order to select the most appropriate clinical and research tools. Hence, this study compared motor performance assessed with the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment-2 (ZNA-2) to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). The sample consisted of 169 children, aged 3–5 years (87 boys; 51%). We used Pearson correlations to examine relationships between the ZNA-2 and MABC-2 component and total scores. In addition, Pearson correlations were performed between individual fine motor and balance items of the ZNA-2 and MABC-2. Results were that the total scores of the ZNA-2 and MABC-2 correlated moderately ( r = .40, p < .001). Non-significant to moderate correlations were found between components ( r = −.00 to .47) and between individual items of fine motor skills ( r = .04 to .38) and balance ( r = −.12 to .38). Thus, the ZNA-2 and MABC-2 measure partly similar and partly different aspects of motor performance.
Relationships between Measures of Learning Style and Reading Comprehension
Authors: Schmeck Ronald R.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the discriminant validity of the Inventory of Learning Processes by determining the relationships between the scale scores and the Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Reading Rate scores of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test. As expected, the Synthesis-Analysis scale was significantly correlated with Vocabulary and Comprehension ( rs = .27, .37) and was not related to Reading Rate ( r = .07).
Note on Choosing a Response Scale
Authors: Weiss David J.
Published: June 2021

The functional measurement criterion for choosing a response scale involves joint validation of a judgmental model and a scale. This criterion was applied by Weiss (1972), whose grayness averaging data led him to accept graphic ratings and reject magnitude estimation. These same data were reanalyzed in light of a different criterion, that of scale sensitivity, using a statistical test developed by Schumann and Bradley (1959). Graphic ratings were significantly more sensitive.
Visual Asymmetry on a Color-Naming Task: A Developmental Perspective
Authors: Grant David W.
Published: June 2021

5-, 7-, and 10-yr.-old children were tested on a lateralized color-naming task, the colors being presented unilaterally and monocularly. Each age group was composed of 20 boys and 20 girls. A significant effect of age was found, with the greatest perceptual asymmetry (a significant left visual-field effect) being observed for the 5-yr.-old group, and the smallest perceptual asymmetry for the 7-yr.-old group.
Rehearsal and Isolation Effect in Recall
Authors: Gabassi Pier Giorgio
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to test whether (1) the von Restorff effect is eliminated by a vocal repetition which controls a subvocal repetition and (2) the von Restorff effect appears when a vocal repetition is added to a subvocal repetition and the isolation item becomes therefore easier to learn. Four groups were tested in experiments: A, without isolation; B, with isolation of Item 7; C, with vocal repetition of each item during exposition time without isolation; and D, with chromatic isolation of Item 7 and repetition of trigrams. Groups C and D were asked to repeat 5 times each item of a series of 13 CVC trigrams, including a chromatically isolated item. Each trigram was exposed for 5 sec. The significant difference between the recall of the critical item by Groups B and D shows that the isolation effect disappears when the learning level is increased by controlling rehearsal.
Graphing Correlation Coefficients: An Evaluation
Authors: Foster Jeremy J. , Taylor Irene
Published: June 2021

When subjects were asked to estimate the degree of overlap of pairs of circles, their median estimates were close to the true values but showed marked variability. A tendency for the estimates to be less variable when squares rather than circles were displayed suggests that overlapping squares are a superior method of portraying correlation.
Classroom Contextual Drawings as Predictors of Pupils’ Academic Achievement
Authors: Silvern Steven B. , Brooks Douglas M. , Griffin Anna , Lee Carole
Published: June 2021

75 fourth grade children (29 boys, 46 girls) were asked to draw themselves in separate reading and math contexts. Heights of drawing of self were significantly different for high and low achievers. Context and size of self-portrait in children's drawings are discussed as potential predictors of pupils’ academic achievement.
Age Perceptions of Jobs: Convergence of Two Questionnaires
Authors: Cleveland Jeanette N. , Landy Frank J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of this study is to provide empirical information on the age perceptions of 40 managerial jobs. 120 managers were asked to complete either a frequency grid questionnaire or a numerically anchored rating scale describing their perceptions of the age distribution in each job. Jobs were classified as older, younger, or age-neutral only if results obtained using the two questionnaires provided converging classifications. Of these jobs 62% were classified as older, younger, or age-neutral using the convergence criteria. The consideration of contextual variables such as job characteristics is discussed in relation to decision outcomes.
An Interview Outline for the Evaluation of Disruptive Adolescents
Authors: Giboney Garry Mc , Carter Clifford
Published: June 2021

A 71-item structured interview was developed as the result of a survey of 100 mental health professionals.
Problem-Centered Psychotherapy
Authors: Frank George
Published: June 2021

Research and clinical experience suggest that no one treatment modality (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, exploratory) is effective with all psychological problems. Some problems are more effectively dealt with by one or the other treatment approach. Clinicians, however, are generally trained to offer only one approach; this means that the patient is offered the treatment with which the clinician feels most comfortable not necessarily the one which has been more effective with the problem the patient presents. Problem-centered psychotherapy means that the problem as brought in by the patient will define the treatment offered. Issues of training and assessment are discussed.
Psychologists’ Attitudes toward Children Having Various Disabilities
Authors: Tolor Alexander , Geller Daniel
Published: June 2021

Psychologists’ attitudes toward various disabling conditions in children were assessed on three different measures, an Adoption Scale, a Semantic Differential measure, and a Social Distance Scale. Respondents were 61 members of two state psychological associations. Disability-specific and measure-specific attitudes differed from those reported in the literature for other groups.
Nocturnal Bruxism and Type A-B Behavior in College Students
Authors: Hicks Robert A. , Chancellor Cheryl
Published: June 2021

The incidence of self-reported nocturnal bruxism was measured in groups of Type A and Type B college students ( ns = 66, 61). The data suggest a positive association between the incidence of bruxism and level of Type A behavior.
Validity of a Measure of Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Thompson Bruce , Melancon Janet G.
Published: June 2021

Based on data from 343 subjects, results suggest that Thompson's Test of Critical Thinking Skills has reasonable item difficulty and discrimination coefficients and appears to be valid. Construct validity was investigated by administering the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Group Embedded Figures Test. Although conclusions must be considered tentative pending additional study, the results warrant continued inquiry regarding the measure's value.
Effects on Self-Actualization of Paperbacks about Psychological Self-Help
Authors: Forest James J.
Published: June 2021

Self-help psychology books contain claims that they can help individuals solve personal and social problems. However, there is little research on the efficacy of these books although theory and data from traditional, and behavioristic, bibliotherapy suggests that they might be valuable. This study examined the effects of self-help paperbacks on self-actualization scores in a 2 X 3 design that varied presence or absence of a pretest on the Personal Orientation Inventory and an intervening treatment condition which involved reading either one of two self-help books or reading no book. Self-actualization was measured by a posttest on the inventory. Significant effects were found for the pretest and treatment conditions on both the Inner-directedness and Time competence scales. The presence of a pretest, and both self-help books, led to higher self-actualization scores. These findings support the hypothesis that reading self-help psychology books may be associated with increased self-reported scores of mental health.
Impulsivity, Locus of Control and Education
Authors: Wiehe Vernon R.
Published: June 2021

The adult version of the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were given to 359 adults. Scores on the two instruments were only weakly correlated. Education, however, separated individuals high and low in impulsiveness and persons with external and internal loci of control.
The Ghiselli Study of Abilities and Traits of More and Less Successful Middle Managers: A Replication
Authors: Bowin Robert B. , Attaran Mohsen
Published: June 2021

A sample of 42 middle managers in the home office of an international manufacturing company completed the Self-description Inventory, designed by Ghiselli to measure the traits of more successful managers. Data generally support the Self-description Inventory as a measure of traits determined by Ghiselli to indicate success.
The effects of minute vortex generator jet in a turbulent boundary layer with adverse pressure gradient
Authors: Pour Razzaghi Mohammad Javad , Xu Cheng , Liu Yue , Masoumi Yasin
Published: June 2021

Experimental and numerical analysis of active and passive flow control is an important topic of practical value in the study of turbulent flows. This paper numerically analyzed the effects of an air microjet on an adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer over a flat plane. Experimental data were employed to verify the numerical modeling. Vortex formation and development were then studied by changing the microjet to inflow velocity ratio (VR) and microjet angles. According to the results, the best values of the angles [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for various velocities were found to be 30° and from 60° to 90°, respectively. Moreover, at VRs = 1, 2, and 4, the [Formula: see text] values (the distance at which the complete vortex persisted in the flow) were 0.058, 0.078, and 0.18, respectively. Compared to VR = 1, the vortex strength for VRs = 2 and 4 grew by 3.5 and 6.8 times, respectively. When the microjet was added to the flow, the highest variation in the Reynolds stress along the x-direction from VR = 1–4 was 10%. The corresponding values along the y and z- directions were 15% and 2.7 times, respectively.
Minimization, The Trojan Horse of Interviewing? Measuring Perceptions of Witness Interviewing Strategies
Authors: Fallon Laura , Snook Brent
Published: June 2021

Layperson perceptions of explicit and implicit witness interviewing tactics were examined. Canadian residents ( N = 293) read an interview transcript that contained a tactic (i.e., explicit threat or promise, one of four types of minimization, or no tactic) that aimed to persuade the witness to change his account. Participants were then asked to rate the amount of trouble the witness would be in if he (a) changed his account and (b) retained his original account, as well as their perceptions of the witness, interviewer, and tactic. Results showed that participants who viewed a tactic believed the witness would be in less trouble if he changed his account than if he retained his original account. All leniency-related strategies (i.e., explicit leniency and all minimization tactics) were rated as somewhat acceptable and respectful, frequently used, and legal for police to employ. Implications of these findings for witness interviewing are discussed.
Was William Harvey’s commitment to experimentation reflected in his clinical practice?
Authors: Williams Andrew N , O’Dell Fred J , Aronson Jeffrey K
Published: June 2021

The physician and physiologist Dr William Harvey is known for having discovered that the heart pumps arterial blood round the whole body and receives venous blood from the periphery, which it forwards to the lungs for reoxygenation. Harvey’s discovery was based on anatomical and physiological evidence and experiments using ligatures of varying tensions. As a clinician, however, Harvey does not appear to have appreciated the value of experiments in assessing treatment effects. Although he criticised Galenic views about the clinical value of experience and authority in the absence of accompanying empirical evidence, two handwritten prescriptions that he wrote for his friend and future biographer John Aubrey provide evidence that he conformed with Galenic theory when it came to drug therapy in clinical practice. This was consistent with his senior position in the College of Physicians, whose Pharmacopoeia Londinensis was based on Galenic principles, an appreciation of which was required for entry into the College. Harvey’s prescriptions reflect this and open a window onto 17th-century therapeutic practice and the personal elements on which such practice was sometimes based.
Study length, change process separability, parameter estimation, and model evaluation in hybrid autoregressive-latent growth structural equation models for longitudinal data
Authors: Clark D. Angus , Nuttall Amy K. , Bowles Ryan P.
Published: June 2021

Hybrid autoregressive-latent growth structural equation models for longitudinal data represent a synthesis of the autoregressive and latent growth modeling frameworks. Although these models are conceptually powerful, in practice they may struggle to separate autoregressive and growth-related processes during estimation. This confounding of change processes may, in turn, increase the risk of the models producing deceptively compelling results (i.e., models that fit excellently by conventional standards despite highly biased parameter estimates). Including additional time points provides models with more raw information about change, which could help improve process separability and the accuracy of parameter estimates to a degree. This study thus used Monte Carlo simulation methods to examine associations between change process separability, the number of time points in a model, and the consequences of misspecification, across three prominent hybrid autoregressive-latent growth models: the Latent Change Score model (LCS), the Autoregressive Latent Trajectory Model (ALT), and the Latent Growth Model with Structured Residuals (LGM-SR). Results showed that including more time points increased process separability and robustness to misspecification in the LCS and ALT, but typically not at a rate that would be practically feasible for most developmental researchers. Alternatively, regardless of how many time points were in the model process separability was high in the LGM-SR, as was robustness to misspecification. Overall, results suggest that the LGM-SR is the most effective of the three hybrid autoregressive-latent growth models considered here.
The end of ‘Welcome Culture’? How the Cologne assaults reframed Germany’s immigration discourse
Authors: Wigger Iris , Yendell Alexander , Herbert David
Published: June 2021

Controversy over immigration and integration intensified in German news media following Chancellor Merkel’s response to the refugee crisis of 2015. Using multidimensional scaling of word associations in reporting across four national news publications in conjunction with key event, moral panic and framing theories, we argue that reporting of events at Cologne station on New Year’s Eve 2015–2016 reframed debate away from terror-related concerns and towards anxieties about the sexual predation of dark-skinned males, thus racializing immigration coverage and resonating with a long history of Orientalist stereotyping. We further identify an increased clustering of ‘race’, gender, religion, crowd-threat and national belonging terms in reporting on sexual harassment incidents following Cologne, suggesting an increased criminalization of immigration discourse. The article provides new empirically based insights into the dynamics of news media reporting on migrants in Germany and contributes to scholarly debates on media framing of migrants, sexuality and crime.
Long-term inhibition of UCHL1 decreases hypertension and retinopathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Liu Shasha , Wang Chengfang , Lu Jianmin , Dai Guangzheng , Che Huixin , He Wei
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the role of the deubiquitinase ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in hypertension and retinopathy in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).

Methods

Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRs were administered the UCHL1 inhibitor LDN57444 (20 μg/kg/day) for 4 months. Pathological changes were detected with hematoxylin and eosin, immunofluorescence, and dihydroethidium staining. The mRNA and protein expression of UCHL1 were examined by real-time PCR and immunoblotting analysis.

Results

At 6 months of age, SHRs showed significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of UCHL1 in the retina compared with WKY rats. Moreover, SHRs exhibited significantly increased central retinal thickness, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species production compared with WKY rats, and these effects were markedly attenuated by systemic administration of the UCHL1 inhibitor LDN57444. The beneficial effects of LDN57444 were possibly associated with reduced blood pressure and the inactivation of several signaling pathways.

Conclusion

UCHL1 is involved in hypertension and retinopathy in SHRs, suggesting that UCHL1 may be used as a potential therapeutic target for treating hypertensive retinopathy.
Diagnosis and treatment of chylous leakage after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Bai Yingcheng , Tao Xuemei , Xu Chunhong , Zhu Yanpeng
Published: June 2021

The post-operative complication of chylous leakage after breast cancer is relatively rare, and few clinical studies have been published. We report a 64-year-old woman with chylous leakage following modified radical mastectomy. We describe the patient’s diagnostic and treatment process in detail. The patient was diagnosed with grade II (left) breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Post-operatively, the patient's chest wall and axilla were pressurized, and negative pressure drainage was initiated. On the fifth post-operative day, the drainage from the chest wall and axilla increased significantly, and the patient developed chylous leakage on the eighth postoperative day. We injected meglumine diatrizoate (100 mL) and elemene (10 mL) into the patient's axilla, and the chylous leakage gradually resolved 18 days post-operatively. In this report, we focus on managing a case of chylous leakage after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Meglumine diatrizoate combined with elemene is a possible treatment for the management of this rare complication.
When words matter: A cross-cultural perspective on lyrics and their relationship to musical emotions
Authors: Barradas Gonçalo T , Sakka Laura S
Published: June 2021

Several studies have investigated emotional reactions to instrumental music. However, studies on the effect of lyrics on emotions are limited. Previous studies suggest that the importance of lyrics may vary cross-culturally. The aim of this study was twofold: to investigate the effects of lyrics on aroused emotions and psychological mechanisms with music and to explore whether these differ cross-culturally. Fifty participants from Portugal and Sweden listened to six musical stimuli based on two songs, one representing each culture. These were presented in three versions each: the original, an instrumental, and the instrumental version with lyrics on the screen. The Portuguese and Swedish participants differed notably: the presence of lyrics did not affect listeners’ happiness in neither group as predicted, but did increase sadness, albeit only in the Portuguese group. Lyrics also increased nostalgia for the Portuguese listeners as predicted and surprise-astonishment for the Swedish listeners. Regarding the mechanisms, lyrics increased the activation of episodic memory in both groups, and the activation of evaluative conditioning, contagion, and visual imagery in the Portuguese group. The present study indicates that lyrics have an effect on musical emotions and mechanisms which vary between groups of different cultural backgrounds.
Operation and control of a stand-alone power system with integrated multiple renewable energy sources
Authors: Sekhar Nindra , Kumaresan Natarajan
Published: June 2021

To overcome the difficulties of extending the main power grid to isolated locations, this paper proposes the local installation of a combination of three renewable energy sources, namely, a wind driven DFIG, a solar PV unit, a biogas driven squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG), and an energy storage battery system. In this configuration one bi-directional SPWM inverter at the rotor side of the DFIG controls the voltage and frequency, to maintain them constant on its stator side, which feeds the load. The PV-battery also supplies the load, through another inverter and a hysteresis controller. Appropriately adding a capacitor bank and a DSTATCOM has also been considered, to share the reactive power requirement of the system. Performance of various modes of operation of this coordinated scheme has been studied through simulation. All the results and relevant waveforms are presented and discussed to validate the successful working of the proposed system.
Association and genetic overlap between clinical chemistry tests and migraine
Authors: Tanha Hamzeh M , Martin Nicholas G , Whitfield John B , Nyholt Dale R ,   The International Headache Genetics Consortium (IHGC)
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In this paper, we studied several serum clinical chemistry tests of cardiovascular disease (CVD), iron deficiency anemia, liver and kidney disorders in migraine.

Methods

We first explored the association of 22 clinical chemistry tests with migraine risk in 697 migraine patients and 2722 controls. To validate and interpret association findings, cross-trait genetic analyses were conducted utilising genome-wide association study (GWAS) data comprising 23,986 to 452,264 individuals.

Results

Significant associations with migraine risk were identified for biomarkers of CVD risk, iron deficiency and liver dysfunction (odds ratios = 0.86–1.21; 1 × 10−4 <  p < 3 × 10−2). Results from cross-trait genetic analyses corroborate the significant biomarker associations and indicate their relationship with migraine is more consistent with biological pleiotropy than causality. For example, association and genetic overlap between a lower level of HDL-C and increased migraine risk are due to shared biology rather than a causal relationship. Furthermore, additional genetic analyses revealed shared genetics among migraine, the clinical chemistry tests, and heart problems and iron deficiency anemia, but not liver disease.

Conclusions

These findings highlight common biological mechanisms underlying migraine, heart problems and iron deficiency anemia and provide support for their investigation in the development of novel therapeutic and dietary interventions.
Administration System Under the Nizams of Hyderabad, India
Authors: Niyati Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2021

This is an attempt at presenting a brief account of the administrative history of the dominions of Hyderabad, the time the Asaf Jahi Dynasty was established here to the 1948. Following the Mughal conquest of the Golconda Kingdom in 1687, territorial adjustment and changes were effected and the Kingdom was in corporate as one of the six Mughal provinces of the Deccan as Subah Farkhundabunyad (Hyderabad). This subah or province during the first quarter of the eighteenth century and 42 sarkars and 405 mahals these sarkars or districts where Mohammadnagar (alias Golconda) Kolas, Khammamet, Koilkonda, Ganpur, Deverkonda, Nalgonda, Pangal, Bhongir, Medak, Mlangur, Mustafanagar, Murtazanagar, Ellore, Rajahmundry, Ellgandal, Warangal, Machlipatnam, Nizampatnam, Srikakul, Sidhout, Ganjikota, Goti, Koramkonda, Khmmam, Odankar, Sarvvapalli, Kanchi, Chingalpet (Madras), Chandergiri, Narsapur, Dandwari, Nusrathgarh, Tiryapal, Palakotah, Daradun, Walgondapur, Vellore, Jaydev, Tanjavur and Trichinopally.
Career Goal Profiles of Early Career Scientists: A Person-Centered Approach
Authors: Noppeney Ruth , Stertz Anna M. , Wiese Bettina S.
Published: June 2021

Obtaining a doctorate offers various career options. This study takes a person-centered approach to identify interest profiles. Career goals (professorate, entrepreneur, etc.) were assessed at two time points (1-year interval) in a sample of doctoral students and doctorate holders from the STEM fields in German-speaking areas ( NT1 = 2,077). Latent profile analysis revealed that a four-profile solution provided the best data fit: At T1, 33.0% of the participants aimed for a management position in industry, 16.9% pursued an academic career, 30.1% were interested in activities without leadership responsibilities, and 20.1% had a relatively flat career-goal profile. Latent transition analysis indicated that most changes occurred for those classified into the flat profile, while strong interest in a management career was very stable over time. Additionally, the attainment of the doctorate seemed to be a good predictor for profile membership: Doctorate holders were more likely to be clearly dedicated to an academic career.
Novel interfaces in science communication: Comparing journalistic and social media uptake of articles published by The Conversation Africa
Authors: Guenther Lars , Joubert Marina
Published: June 2021

Science amplifier platforms such as The Conversation have gained popularity in a changing media ecosystem in which the traditional roles of journalists are eroded, and scientists are urged to engage with society. The Conversation constitutes a blend of scientific communication, public science communication and science journalism, and a convergence of the professional worlds of science and journalism. In this study, we investigated the nature and impact of the Africa-focussed edition of this platform, The Conversation Africa. We analysed articles published over a 5-year period since its launch in 2015 ( N = 5392). Contents from South Africa dominate the platform, but contributions from other African countries are increasing. Regarding the role of The Conversation Africa as an inter-media agenda setter, mainstream media more often republished stories related to politics or economics, while stories about social issues such as education, conservation and art were more often shared on social media.
Racist Victimization, Legal Estrangement and Resentful Reliance on the Police in Sweden
Authors: Atak Kıvanç
Published: June 2021

Scholarly literature offers much insight into aggressive policing of racial minorities. However, research is not equally extensive regarding the experiences of racial minorities with law enforcement when police response might be decisive for their sense of recognition and protection as a community. Bridging debates from critical race studies, hate crimes and legal cynicism, this paper addresses how policing of racist victimization is experienced by members of racially targeted communities in Sweden. Drawing on interviews with people having personal and/or vicarious experiences with racist victimization, I analyze resentful reliance on the police through the concept of legal estrangement. While most respondents describe police treatment in somewhat positive terms, there is a shared resentment at the police due to the lived experience that racism often remains undetected. Previous interactions with law enforcement also pave the way for accumulated skepticism toward the utility of the policing of racial hatred. Disenchantment with law enforcement notwithstanding, reliance on the police manifests a will not just to be recognized as a victim, but also to make the pervasiveness of racism more visible.
Modeling and motion control of an octopus-like flexible manipulator actuated by shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Ye Tinglan , Wang Yangwei , Xu Shengxin , Wang Yurong , Li Jian
Published: June 2021

Soft robots are concerned by researchers due to several characteristics, such as high adaptability in complex unstructured environments, safe interaction with environments, and a high degree of dexterity. The deformability and dexterity of the octopus arm are remarkable and interesting for the development of bioinspiration soft robots. In this study, we proposed a biomimetic flexible manipulator actuated by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and its PI controller, and evaluated its performances with focused experiments. This study aims to find out the advantages of the developed manipulator actuated by SMA wires. We designed the bionic structure to achieve flexible bending in 3D space based on the analysis of the octopus muscle structure. Then we built the mathematical models that described the relationship between the bending angle and the driving parameters. Surprisingly, the soft movement capacity of the bionic manipulator was investigated at different heating voltages and PWM duty cycles by the PI controller based on the self-sensing resistance feedback. The soft manipulator was able to bend flexibly with the maximum bending angle of 60°. Compared to the traditional soft arm, the soft manipulator has higher accuracy, with the error of the deflection angle less than 5° and the errors of bending angles less than 2°.
A rate-dependent KP modeling and direct compensation control technique for hysteresis in piezo-nanopositioning stages
Authors: Xu Rui , Tian Dapeng , Zhou Miaolei
Published: June 2021

This paper first presents a rate-dependent Krasnosel’skii-Pokrovskii (RKP) model to capture the hysteresis of piezo-nanopositioning stages. The dynamic density function of the RKP model is obtained via neural network with frequency behavior input signal. Under the persistently exciting condition, the convergence of the neural network with Krasnosel’skii-Pokrovskii (KP) operators is proved rigorously. In order to address the hysteresis issue, a direct compensation control (DCC) approach with the KP compensation operator is proposed, where its dynamic density function is same as that of the RKP model. Some experiments with different reference signals are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and DCC method on piezo-nanopositioning stages.
“Now I Am Myself”: Exploring How People With Poststroke Aphasia Experienced Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Within the SOFIA Trial
Authors: Northcott Sarah , Simpson Alan , Thomas Shirley , Barnard Rachel , Burns Kidge , Hirani Shashivadan P. , Hilari Katerina
Published: June 2021

Aphasia, a language disability, can profoundly affect a person’s mood and identity. The experiences of participants who received Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, a psychological intervention, were explored in the Solution-Focused brief therapy In poststroke Aphasia (SOFIA) Trial. Thirty participants with chronic aphasia, 14 with severe aphasia, participated in in-depth interviews that were analyzed using framework analysis. Two overarching themes emerged: valued therapy components (exploring hopes, noticing achievements, companionship, sharing feelings, and relationship with therapist) and perceptions of progress (mood, identity, communication, relationships, and independence). Participants were categorized into four groups: (a) “changed,” where therapy had a meaningful impact on a person’s life; (b) “connected,” where therapy was valued primarily for companionship; (c) “complemental,” where therapy complemented a participant’s upward trajectory; and (d) “discordant,” where therapy misaligned with participants’ preference for impairment-based language work. This study suggests that it is feasible to adapt a psychological therapy for people with aphasia, who perceive it as valuable.
Evaluation of Facial Appearance–Related Quality of Life in Young Japanese Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Oka Ayaka , Tanikawa Chihiro , Isogai Yukako , Mihara Kiyomi , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: June 2021

Objective:

(1) To confirm the reliability of a Japanese version of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Facial Differences Module (YQOL-FD); (2) to assess the quality of life (QoL) related to facial difference in Japanese youths with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) using this instrument; and (3) to examine the QoL differences according to age, sex, and cleft type.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Japanese youths with CL/P were recruited through our hospital and asked to complete the YQOL-FD.

Participants:

Sixty-nine Japanese youths (age, 11-18 years) with CL/P.

Outcome Measures:

The domain scores of stigma, negative consequences, negative self-image, positive consequences, and coping in the YQOL-FD, and the reliability of such scores were evaluated.

Results:

The instrument showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.74-0.92) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94-0.98), except for the coping domain. The individual’s domain scores were spread out from the lowest score to the high scores among all domains, thus indicating the negative and positive impacts of living with facial differences regarding their QoL may vary among individuals with CL/P. All domain scores in the 15- to 18-year-old group were significantly higher than those in 11- to 14-year-old group; there were no significant differences according to sex or cleft type.

Conclusions:

The instrument showed acceptable reliability, except for the coping domain. There were individual variations in QoL concerning the facial difference among Japanese youths with CL/P as measured by the YQOL-FD, suggesting the importance of individual evaluations. Perceptions were influenced by age, but not sex or cleft type.
ABA Visualized: A Visual Guidebook for Parents and Teachers
Authors: Santamaria Luke
Published: June 2021

This professional resource review examines how van Diepen and van Diepen’s ABA Visualized: A Visual Guidebook for Parents and Teachers (2019) serves as a useful resource for parents and practitioners in managing the behavior issues of children with disabilities, including those with emotional and behavioral disorders. Information about applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the presentation of ABA strategies are appraised.
External limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone structural integrity in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Saxena Sandeep , Meyer Carsten H , Akduman Levent
Published: June 2021

The external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) can be observed exquisitely by SD-OCT. In diabetic macular edema (DME), dysfunction of mitochondria, represented by the EZ in the foveal photoreceptors results in reduced visual acuity (VA). An increase in VEGF was found to correlate with increased severity of DR, increased central subfield thickness (CST), and sequential disruption of ELM and EZ. The mechanism of ELM and EZ restoration after anti-VEGF therapy in DME has been discovered. The ELM restores first followed by EZ restoration. Thus, authors have discovered and established ELM as a novel retinal structural barrier.
Effectiveness of Tele-rehabilitation Programs in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Cavalheiro Ana Helena , Silva Cardoso José , Rocha Afonso , Moreira Emília , Azevedo Luís Filipe
Published: June 2021

Background:

Tele-rehabilitation (TR) may be an effective alternative or complement to centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) with heart failure (HF) patients, helping overcome accessibility problems to CBCR. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature in order to assess the clinical effectiveness of TR programs in the management of chronic HF patients, compared to standard of care and standard rehabilitation (CBCR).

Methods and Results:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effect and safety of TR programs in HF patients, regarding cardiovascular death, heart failure-related hospitalizations, functional capacity and quality of life. We searched 4 electronic databases up until May 2020, reviewed references of relevant articles and contacted experts. A quantitative synthesis of evidence was performed by means of random-effects meta-analyses. We included 17 primary studies, comprising 2206 patients. Four studies reported the number of hospitalizations (TR: 301; Control: 347). TR showed to be effective in the improvement of HF patients’ functional capacity in the 6 Minute Walk-Test (Mean Difference (MD) 15.86; CI 95% [7.23; 24.49]; I2 = 74%) and in peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) results (MD 1.85; CI 95% [0.16; 3.53]; I2 = 93%). It also improved patients’ quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire: MD −6.62; CI 95% [−11.40; −1.84]; I2 = 99%). No major adverse events were reported during TR exercise.

Conclusion:

TR showed to be superior than UC without CR on functional capacity improvement in HF patients. There is still scarce evidence of TR impact on hospitalization and cv death reduction. Further research and more standardized protocols are needed to improve evidence on TR effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness.
Magnitude, Trends, and Determinants of Iodized Salt Availability among Households in Ethiopia: Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (2000–2016)
Authors: Tareke Amare Abera , Zerfu Taddese Alemu
Published: June 2021

Background:

Iodine deficiency causes various health problems such as mental defects, goiter, reproductive damage, hypo and hyperthyroidism, stillbirth, abortion, congenital abnormalities, cretinism, mental retardation, muscle anomalies, and reduced work output. Although the adverse effects on health and socio-economic development are well known, they persisted as a public health problem worldwide. Salt iodization is recommended as a simple cost-effective method to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. This study aimed to determine the magnitude, trends, and determinants of iodized salt availability in the household in Ethiopia.

Methods:

The current study used the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys conducted from 2000 to 2016 with a total of 57 939 households. Descriptive statistics were performed on selected background characteristics to provide an overall picture of the sample after considering sample weights. To ensure the representativeness of the sample we applied a complex sample design considering household weights, primary sampling units, and the strata associated with it. The Cochran–Armitage test was performed to assess the trend of iodized salt availability in the household. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between the dependent variable and independent variables. A significance level of .05 was chosen for all analyses.

Results:

The magnitude of iodized salt availability in the household was 28.45% in 2000, 54.34% in 2005, 15.42% in 2011, and 89.28% in 2016. Iodized salt availability increased from 28.45% [95% CI: 27.69-29.21] in 2000 to 89.28% [95% CI: 88.79-89.75] in 2016. Despite the decline from 2005 to 2011 in the percentage of households with iodized salt, overall, there was a significant increment from 2000 to 2016 in Ethiopia ( P-value <.001). There were differences in the status of salt iodization in the administrative region, wealth, family size, and ownership of radio or television.

Conclusion:

Remarkable progress has been made in Ethiopia regarding iodized salt availability in recent years. Besides the current efforts to achieve universal salt iodization, future interventions should prioritize specific groups like those with lower socioeconomic status and geographic areas with lower availability of iodized salt in the household.
Finding the sweet spot: Learners’ productive knowledge of mid-frequency lexical items
Authors: Naismith Ben , Juffs Alan
Published: June 2021

Research into vocabulary knowledge often differentiates between breadth (how many words a person knows) and depth (how well the words are known). Both theoretical categories are essential for understanding language learners’ lexical development, but how the different aspects of vocabulary knowledge interconnect has not received the same attention as each individual dimension, especially in terms of productive knowledge. This study analyses lexis from mid-frequency lemmas in the K3–K9 frequency bands from the learner corpus PELIC (The University of Pittsburgh English Language Institute Corpus). Critically for learners, mastery of lexis in this frequency range is essential for achieving the English proficiency required for university study. From these mid-frequency items, a dataset of 7,554 tokens were collected from word families with multiple derivations and manually annotated. The findings showed high rates of collocational and derivational accuracy for the forms learners opted to use. However, compared to expert speaker texts in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), learners overused the verb forms and underused the noun forms of these lexical items. These patterns provide evidence of the interplay between breadth and depth in learners’ productive vocabulary usage, suggesting that increased lexical depth will naturally lead to greater lexical breadth and vice versa. Pedagogical implications reaffirm the importance of developing learners’ explicit morphological awareness and collocational accuracy. Suggestions for mid-frequency lexical items to prioritize in language learning are also provided, with a view to helping learners achieve academic readiness.
Citizenship matters: Translating and adapting the Citizenship Measure to Norwegian
Authors: Nesse Linda , Gonzalez Marianne Thorsen , Rowe Michael , Raanaas Ruth Kjærsti
Published: June 2021

Citizenship is considered intertwined with recovery, and may be a useful perspective for advancing quality of life among marginalised groups. Yet, matters of citizenship among persons with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems are underrepresented both in research and practice. Aims: In order to measure citizenship among persons with co-occurring problems in a Norwegian study, a measure of citizenship was translated from English to Norwegian. The aims of the study were to 1) translate and adapt the Citizenship Measure, developed by Rowe and colleagues at the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, to Norwegian, and 2) to assess the internal consistency and convergent validity of the Norwegian translated measure. Methods: The translation process was carried out using forward and back translation procedures. To examine measurement properties, a convenience sample of 104 residents with co-occurring problems living in supported housing completed the measure. Results: Two factors were identified, related to rights, and to relational citizenship. The Norwegian translation of the Citizenship Measure showed high internal consistency and adequate convergent validity. Conclusions: We argue that the measure can be useful in assessing perceived citizenship, and in initiating efforts to support citizenship among persons with co-occurring problems.