bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ohrmazd’s Divine Mercy and the End of the World between Apocatastasis and Apocalypse
Authors: Panaino Antonio Clemente
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the central importance of the concept of apocatastasis (or apokatastasis)—the full regeneration of the world and the annihilation of hell—within the framework of the Zoroastrian doctrine of the end of the world, as well as its origin and development. This study insists strongly on a necessary distinction between this idea and the more frequently-encountered doctrine of apocalypse, which does not strictly concern the end of the millennial Mazdæan cycle, but marks only an historical phase of crisis. The idea of apocatastasis does not belong to the earliest Iranian tradition, but was the product of a slow process of adaptation of new theological ideas, partly of Christian origin, that emerged during a period of social crisis. The final synthesis represented a transformation of the theological and philosophical perception of the annihilation of hell in a new universally-optimistic cosmological perspective.
Diversification in ancient Lake Biwa: integrative taxonomy reveals overlooked species diversity of the Japanese freshwater snail genus Semisulcospira (Mollusca: Semisulcospiridae)
Authors: Sawada Naoto , Fuke Yusuke
Published: August 2022

The freshwater snail genus Semisulcospira has adaptively radiated in the ancient Lake Biwa, Japan. Although significant geographical variations have been known in the shell morphology of Semisulcospira niponica, their systematics remain uncertain. We evaluated the systematic status of the geographical variations in S. niponica and its congenerics S. biwae and S. fuscata through morphological and genetic investigations. Genome-wide snp s were used to estimate their genetic relationships. Random Forest algorithms explored the morphological variation of the shells of the name-bearing types and newly collected specimens. Our results detected five genetic clusters and revealed the consistency of adult shell morphology with genetic relationships, reinforcing the robustness of shell morphology-based species delimitation of the genus. The present systematics synonymized S. biwae under S. niponica. The five genetic clusters corresponded to the two described species, S. niponica and S. fuscata, and three new species, Semisulcospira watanabei sp. nov., Semisulcospira nakanoi sp. nov., and Semisulcospira salebrosa sp. nov. discovered among the geographical variations of S. niponica. The observed similarities in substrate preference and differences in distribution patterns among species suggest that the diversification of the genus was accelerated by geographical isolation after the initial ecological niche differentiation. We suggest that the distributions of Semisulcospira species may have been influenced by competitive exclusion among them, and that multiple speciation events have occurred in similar patterns.
Landed Estates, Rural Commons and Collective Agriculture in Ottoman Niş and Leskofçe in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Terzibaşoğlu Yücel
Published: August 2022

In contesting claims of private ownership of landed estates in mid-nineteenth-century Niş and Leskofçe, peasants argued that they cultivated and possessed the land ‘jointly and commonly’. It was a claim that questioned existing property relations, based on tenancy and sharecropping in landed estates (çiftliks) owned by urban landholders. This article attempts to reconstruct the social organisation of production in the estates by exploring forms of land use and labour which were embedded in forms of collective peasant organisation and practice. It is argued that the co-existence of multiple land use and labour forms under a dominant framework of estate agriculture generated social tensions with long-term consequences.
Does a Mamluk Sultan Hold Religious Authority? Quranic Exegesis and ḥadīṯ Scholarship in Late Mamluk Courtly maǧālis
Authors: Mauder Christian
Published: August 2022

The article critically reexamines the notion of Mamluk rulers being uninterested in religious affairs and the authority a supreme religious status could bestow. It shows that, with the late Mamluk ruler Qāniṣawh al-Ġawrī (r. 906/1501–922/1516), at least one Mamluk sultan laid claim to religious authority through his participation in courtly processes of knowledge production and transmission in his learned maǧālis. These efforts culminated in the attempt to portray al-Ġawrī as “the sultan of scholars and verifiers (sulṭān al-ʿulamāʾ wa-l-muḥaqqiqīn)” and “the sultan of the truly insightful (sulṭān al-ʿārifīn).” Al-Ġawrī used the scholarly status conveyed through these titles to re-affirm a decidedly Sunni interpretation of prophetic traditions and the Quran, thus setting himself apart from many of the so-called “millennial sovereigns” of his time whose claims for spiritual leadership often marked a break with traditional Sunni concepts of political rule and religious authority.
Ranunculus oblitus (section Batrachium, Ranunculaceae), a new species from South America
Authors: WIEGLEB GERHARD , DESFAYES MICHEL , BOBROV ALEXANDER A.
Published: August 2022

Ranunculus oblitus, a new species of Ranunculus section Batrachium, is described from South America. The species is significantly different from the European laminar-leaved species R. aquatilis, and the Holarctic submerged species R. trichophyllus. It resembles the North Asian-North American species R. mongolicus differing by narrower petals, larger and fewer achenes. Available molecular data indicate affiliation to North American taxa of the R. trichophyllus group, especially R. porteri. The species occurs along the west coast of the continent from southern Peru to southern Chile, extending from sea level to an elevation of 4500 m a.s.l. in the Andes. There is some evidence that a second native Batrachium species occurs in South America.
Towards Useful Decadal Climate Services
Authors: Dunstone Nick , Lockwood Julia , Solaraju-Murali Balakrishnan , Reinhardt Katja , Tsartsali Eirini E. , Athanasiadis Panos J. , Bellucci Alessio , Brookshaw Anca , Caron Louis-Philippe , Doblas-Reyes Francisco J. , Früh Barbara , González-Reviriego Nube , Gualdi Silvio , Hermanson Leon , Materia Stefano , Nicodemou Andria , Nicolì Dario , Pankatz Klaus , Paxian Andreas , Scaife Adam , Smith Doug , Thornton Hazel E.
Published: August 2022

The decadal time scale (∼1–10 years) bridges the gap between seasonal predictions and longer-term climate projections. It is a key planning time scale for users in many sectors as they seek to adapt to our rapidly changing climate. While significant advances in using initialized climate models to make skillful decadal predictions have been made in the last decades, including coordinated international experiments and multimodel forecast exchanges, few user-focused decadal climate services have been developed. Here we highlight the potential of decadal climate services using four case studies from a project led by four institutions that produce real-time decadal climate predictions. Working in co-development with users in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and insurance sectors, four prototype climate service products were developed. This study describes the challenge of trying to match user needs with the current scientific capability. For example, the use of large ensembles (achieved via a multisystem approach) and skillfully predicted large-scale environmental conditions, are found to improve regional predictions, particularly in midlatitudes. For each climate service, a two-page “product sheet” template was developed that provides users with both a concise probabilistic forecast and information on retrospective performance. We describe the development cycle, where valuable feedback was obtained from a “showcase event” where a wider group of sector users were engaged. We conclude that for society to take full and rapid advantage of useful decadal climate services, easier and more timely access to decadal climate prediction data are required, along with building wider community expertise in their use.
To Punish, Parent, or Palliate: Governing Urban Poverty through Institutional Failure
Authors: DiMario Anthony
Published: August 2022

Studies of poverty governance typically emphasize the punitive subjugation or paternalistic disciplining of the poor. Much work combines elements of these approaches, and recent studies depict relations between institutions as premised on collaboration or burden shuffling. Despite the precarity of poor people’s existence, the role of life itself in governance is conspicuously absent in this literature. Using an ethnographic case study of a syringe exchange program serving unhoused people who inject drugs in Los Angeles, this article theorizes palliative governance to describe forms of regulation that neither punish nor parent, but simply try to keep very poor subjects alive through a series of stopgap measures. Rather than collaborate or burden shuffle, exchange workers supplement, contest, and co-opt other governing institutions. An analysis of palliative governance broadens our understanding of how institutions interact with subjects and each other, while revealing the paradoxical ways states both expose and protect bare life.
Finite-time dissipative filter design for discrete-time stochastic interval systems with time-varying delays
Authors: Chen Guici , Zhou Xin , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2022

The finite-time dissipative filtering problem for a kind of discrete-time stochastic interval system with time-varying delays whose parameters are taken in a convex hull is investigated in this paper. Taking a representative subsystem from a stochastic convex hull system, based on convex analysis and matrix theory, a new interval matrix method is proposed to study the finite-time dissipative filter problem, which can deduct the conservativeness. Then, the finite-time dissipative filter is designed by employing a complex Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional together with the improved Wirtinger inequality technique. Correspondingly, some novel sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the filtering error system with time-varying delays robustly stochastically finite-time bounded and the dissipative index is satisfied. Next, the desired filter gains are achieved in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed filter is demonstrated by a numerical example with simulations.
Development of the Charter School Teacher Development Inventory
Authors: Murray John M
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study was to develop and examine the initial psychometrics of an instrument, the Charter School Teacher Development Inventory (CSTDI), designed to measure the professional development opportunities available in U.S. charter schools. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the CSTDI was comprised of five factors: traditional, content, coherence, duration, and collaboration. Confirmatory factor analysis also supported a five-factor structure of the CSTDI. This study provides promising support for a five-factor instrument that assesses professional development practices in charter schools and further research is warranted to determine its relevance for use in traditional public schools.
Violent Institutional Misconduct in the Transition from Juvenile to Adult Correctional Facilities
Authors: Trulson Chad R. , Craig Jessica M. , Caudill Jonathan W. , DeLisi Matt
Published: August 2022

This study examines patterns of violent institutional misconduct among a cohort of serious juvenile offenders who were incarcerated in state-level juvenile correctional facilities and then state adult prison institutions. Within the cohort, one group of offenders was immediately transferred to the adult prison system following their incarceration in a juvenile correctional facility. The other portion of the cohort was first released to the community, and then later incarcerated in adult prisons. Results of the analysis indicate that being a younger prison inmate with a history of childhood trauma and considered a high-rate violent institutional misconduct perpetrator as a juvenile ward were significant predictors of engaging in violent misconduct in adult prisons. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Structural Relationships Among Mental Boundaries, Childhood Imaginary Companions, Creative Experiences, and Entity Encounters
Authors: Drinkwater Kenneth , Dagnall Neil , Houran James , Denovan Andrew , O’Keeffe Ciarán
Published: August 2022

This study investigated relationships between thin mental boundary functioning, creativity, imaginary companions (ICs), and anomalous ‘(entity) encounter experiences.’ A convenience sample of 389 respondents completed the Revised Transliminality Scale, Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, Creative Experiences Questionnaire, Survey of Strange Events, and a measure of Childhood Imaginary Companions. Competing testing with path analysis found that the best-fitting model was consistent with the causal chain of ‘Thin Boundaries (transliminality and schizotypy) → Creative Experiences → ICs → (Entity) Encounter Experiences.’ These results suggest that deep-types of ICs (i.e., showing apparent independent agency) are perhaps most accurately characterized as syncretic cognitions versus hallucination-like experiences. The authors examine these findings relative to study limitations, as well as discussing the need for future research that approaches ICs as a special mental state that can facilitate allied altered-anomalous experiences. In this context, this study furthered understanding of relationships between conscious states related to mental boundaries, childhood imaginary companions, creative experiences, and entity encounters.
No Evidence That Siblings’ Gender Affects Personality Across Nine Countries
Authors: Dudek Thomas , Brenøe Anne Ardila , Feld Jan , Rohrer Julia M.
Published: August 2022

Does growing up with a sister rather than a brother affect personality? In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects of siblings’ gender on adults’ personality, using data from 85,887 people from 12 large representative surveys covering nine countries (United States, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Mexico, China, and Indonesia). We investigated the personality traits of risk tolerance, trust, patience, locus of control, and the Big Five. We found no meaningful causal effects of the gender of the next younger sibling and no associations with the gender of the next older sibling. Given the high statistical power and consistent results in the overall sample and relevant subsamples, our results suggest that siblings’ gender does not systematically affect personality.
Relationships Between Colorectal Cancer Survivors’ Positive Psychology, Symptoms, and Quality of Life
Authors: Sheikh-Wu Sameena F. , Anglade Debbie , Gattamorta Karina , Downs Charles A.
Published: August 2022

This cross-sectional study examined colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors’ symptom and symptom cluster characteristics (occurrence, frequency, and severity), positive psychology (benefit-finding and post-traumatic growth), and quality of life (QoL), and determined whether positive psychology moderates symptoms and QoL relationship during acute cancer survivorship, time from diagnosis to treatment completion. A total of 117 CRC survivors completed demographics, symptoms, QoL, and positive psychology questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and moderation analyses were performed. Participants reported high QoL (94%, M = 5.15) and moderate-high positive psychology (75%, M = 3.21). Nineteen symptoms and five symptom clusters were inversely related to QoL ( p < .05). Positive psychology ( M = ~≥3.24) moderated the relationship of QoL ( p < .05) with symptoms occurrence ( n = 10), symptom severity ( n = 1), and with the generalized symptom cluster (weakness, fatigue, dizziness, drowsy, sleep disturbances, and pain). Positive psychology aids in symptom management and improves QoL. Nurses are poised to identify, prevent, promote, and advocate self-management skills to improve health-related outcomes.
An unusual spontaneous recanalization by multiple palmar arteriovenous connections of a chronically occluded radiocephalic hemodialysis fistula
Authors: Cacioppa Laura Maria , De Cinque Antonio , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Galaverni Maria Cristina , Scrivo Anna , La Manna Gaetano , Ierardi Anna Maria , Renzulli Matteo , Golfieri Rita
Published: August 2022

Preservation of a vascular access is crucial in the management of hemodialysis patients. In this regard, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an effective tool if performed after an adequate understanding of preliminary fistulograms. The present case showed a chronic dysfunction of a radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) due to arterial occlusion and partially relieved by the spontaneous development of multiple small arteriovenous connections in the palmar region of the hand. This dense network had been so far able to ensure a sufficient retrograde blood flow for an effective hemodialytic performance. The angioplasty of the post-anastomotic stenotic segment of the radial artery was effective in restoring this neoformed AVF patency.
Radiologically Guided Versus Blinded Intra-articular Injection in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Aksoy Ahmet , Gulcu Anil , Tuna Mehmet Mert , Aslan Ahmet
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to present the clinical results of patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) stage 2-4 hip osteoarthritis who were administered intra-articular corticosteroid (CS) or hyaluronic acid (HA), with or without fluoroscopy.

Methods:

This retrospective comparative study was conducted in the clinics where the authors worked between 2010 and 2018. Patients with stage 2-4 hip osteoarthritis according to KL criteria were included in the study. Age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists stages, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (3rd, 6th, and 12th months) were recorded. Two groups were created as patients who underwent injection with or without fluoroscopy guidance. In group 1, CS (triamnisolone) was administered, and in group 2, sodium hyaluronate 88 mg/4 mL was administered. Obtained parameters were compared.

Results:

The WOMAC scores at 3 months of both the CS and HA groups were statistically significantly better than before the application, with the improvement in the CS group found to be significantly better than in the HA group ( P = .047). At 6 months, the mean WOMAC scores of the CS and HA groups were better than prior to the application, and there was a statistically significant difference ( P < .001). No significant difference was found in either the CS or HA group in the comparison of 12-month WOMAC scores with the baseline scores ( P = .744 and P = .054).

Conclusion:

In symptomatic hip OA patients, intra-articular administration of CS and HA was seen to be effective at 3 and 6 months after administration. However, the effectiveness was determined to have disappeared within 1 year. Furthermore, in hip OA intra-articular drug applications, it was determined that the blinded technique without radiological guidance performed in the outpatient clinic is as effective and safe as the radiologically guided technique administered in the operating room.
The Convergent Ablation and AtriClip Exclusion of the Left Atrial Appendage in Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ranjan Redoy , Kaba Riyaz , Chandrasekaran Venkatachalam , Momin Aziz
Published: August 2022

We here present a case of a 54-year-old man with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to direct current electrical cardioversion who underwent a concurrent convergent ablation and Atriclip exclusion of left atrial appendage. His preoperative echocardiography revealed dilated 5.8 cm left atrium with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction of 50%. Transmural isolation of pulmonary veins was performed through a subxiphoid approach, and 3 left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery ports were utilised to occlude the base of the left atrium appendage with the Atriclip device. A peri-operative transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed left atrium appendage base occlusion, and the patient was in sinus rhythm after having a single 200 kJ direct current cardioversion shock. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with preprocedural anticoagulant after 24 hours of the procedure and advised to come for follow up after 3 months.
European Union, transnational terrorism and the strategic choice of counterterrorism policies in democratic countries
Authors: Gilli Mario , Tedeschi Paolo
Published: August 2022

There are two main categories of counterterrorism policies: proactive and defensive measures. Proactive policies directly target terrorists and, by weakening their ability, share public good features. Defensive measures, on the other hand, seek to protect a potential target. Unilateral defensive measures may induce terrorists to replace one target with another, possibly a foreign one, as confirmed by the succession of terrorist attacks in the European Union over the last 20 years. We analyse different institutional frameworks to determine the best one for interstate cooperation considering the externationalites of various counterterrorism measures. This article highlights the combined effect of voter propensity towards defensive policies, certain intelligence policies and different institutional scenarios on the (in)efficient strategic choice of counterterrorism defensive policies in democratic countries, where efficiency means maximising the joint welfare of countries. We consider four different institutional scenarios: decentralisation, intelligence cooperation, unanimous political cooperation and full political union. We model these situations as a three-stage signalling game and show that, surprisingly, intelligence cooperation increases the probability of efficient defensive policies more than unanimous political cooperation.
Combined Effects of Tanshinone IIA and an Autophagy Inhibitor on the Apoptosis of Leukemia Cells via p53, Apoptosis-Related Proteins and Oxidative Stress Pathways
Authors: Song Ying-Chyi , Kuo Cheng-Chieh , Liu Chuan-Teng , Wu Tsai-Chen , Kuo Yi-Ting , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: August 2022

Background:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a kind of hematopoietic malignancy with limited response and acquired resistance to therapy. Inducing apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy in tumor cells is a combinational strategy for the development of anticancer therapeutics. Tanshinone IIA (TAIIA) is one of the major ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is the most prescribed herb for the treatment of AML in Taiwan. Therefore, this study aimed to delineate the anticancer effects of TAIIA and its effect when combined with an autophagy inhibitor to treat AML.

Methods:

The anticancer effects of a combination of TAIIA and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methladenine (3MA) on the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 were explored. The apoptosis and cell cycle of the leukemia cells were examined by Annexin V and propidium iodide staining and analyzed by flow cytometry. The oxidative stress level was determined by a malondialdehyde (MDA) colorimetric assay, nitric oxide colorimetric assay and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) colorimetric assay. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was determined by western blotting.

Results:

TAIIA treatment significantly induced apoptosis via increased p53, Bax/Bcl, PARP, and caspase-3 signals and oxidative stress by enhancing MDA and nitrate/nitrite production and reducing GPx activity in THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The combination of the autophagy inhibitor 3MA enhanced TAIIA-induced apoptosis via the p53, Bax/Bcl, PARP, caspase-3, and oxidative stress pathways in THP-1 cells.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that TAIIA and autophagy inhibitors have combined effects on the apoptosis of leukemia cells, thus representing a novel and effective combination with the potential for application as a clinical therapy for AML.
Associations Between Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use and Sexual Health Behaviors Among Adolescent Boys: Results From the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Ganson Kyle T. , Jackson Dylan B. , Testa Alexander , Murnane Pamela M. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the association between lifetime anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and seven indicators of sexual health behaviors among a nationally representative sample of adolescent boys in the United States. Multiple modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between any lifetime AAS use and seven indicators of sexual health behaviors among 2,095 sexually active adolescent boys from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Sexually active boys who reported lifetime AAS use were at greater risk of having sexual intercourse before the age of 13 years (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.44, 5.17]), reporting ≥4 sexual partners in their lifetime (aRR = 1.96, 95% CI = [1.34, 2.89]) and in the past 3 months (aRR = 6.77, 95% CI = [3.19, 14.37]), having been tested for HIV in their lifetime (aRR = 2.49, 95% CI = [1.13, 4.73]), and having been tested for any sexually transmitted infection in the past 12 months (aRR = 3.14, 95% CI = [1.63, 6.03]). These findings align with prior research among adult men and have implications for public health and health care prevention efforts to reduce the use of AAS, as well as support the engagement in safe sexual health behaviors among adolescent boys.
Active set strategy-based sequential approximate programming for reliability-based design optimization
Authors: An Xue , Shi Dongyan
Published: August 2022

To improve the evaluation efficiency of failure probability in RBDO models with uncertainty, many RIA-based, PMA-based methods have evolved as a powerful procedure, including the modified reliability index approach (MRIA), PMA two-level, PMA with sequential approximate programming (SAP). However, MRIA may encounter inefficiency and instability when applied to complex concave performance functions, and so does PMA two-level, not for PMA with SAP. The active set strategy-based SAP (ASS-based SAP) for PMA is proposed to accelerate computational efficiency through establishing an active set strategy and a deciding factor. The active set strategy defined by using inequality is to identify the feasible most probable target point (MPTP) in the inner loop. The decision factor integrates the reliability index and the active set strategy to quickly renew the active constraints in the outer loop. The reliability assessment and outer optimization are driven simultaneously, thereby the computational efficiency is strengthened. Numerical examples are compared with other reliability methods to demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed method in efficiency and robustness. Results also show that the proposed method has the ability to solve complex RBDO problems.
The Colleen Bawn in Her Element: Sensation, Spectatorship, Meaning
Authors: Smyth Patricia
Published: August 2022

This essay considers the appeal of the ‘water cave’ scene in Boucicault's The Colleen Bawn to nineteenth-century spectators by focusing on its iconography and visual address. The written archive is of limited value on this question since contemporary commentators struggled to explain its popularity. Recent scholarly accounts have identified this and other sensation scenes as vehicles for eliciting spectator ‘affect’, meaning involuntary somatic responses, prompted in this case by the spectacle of physical danger. While this approach has been useful in seeking readings beyond those embedded in language and text, it has tended to confine the discussion to a narrow range of extreme affective states associated with anxiety and terror. This essay considers interpretations arising out of the ‘affective turn’ before proposing a new direction. Working across a range of images, I address the specific visual nature of the ‘water cave’ scene, drawing out a more subtle and multi-faceted set of ideas than those with which sensation drama is generally associated, and proposing an alternative reading to do with feminine power and transfiguration.
Beyond stealing: The determinants/motivations of Czech audiences to pay for audiovisual content
Authors: Jansová Iveta , Macková Alena , Elavsky Charles M , Macek Jakub
Published: August 2022

In the context of constantly changing media communication and the behavior of different actors engaging it, our paper seeks to map current transformations and adaptations to changes within Czech audiences with a special interest in their media routines and strategies for choosing media sources. As it still remains rather unclear how the post-televisual audience members decide regarding content sources, platforms or services, our main aim is to discover on what basis audiences decide to use or avoid either illegal or non-authorized content sources or legal or paid services. To do so, we examined two datasets, namely semi-structured interviews with audiences and survey on Czech adult population. As the Czech industry media market is rather small and conservative with notable changes in online sector largely occurring within the last five years, Czech audiences represent an important and unique population for the study of differences between paying and non-paying post-televisual audiences.
Housing With Care for Older People: A Scoping Review Using the CASP Assessment Tool to Inform Optimal Design
Authors: Jung Suyee , Uttley Lesley , Huang Junjie
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize and map available evidence on the design of “housing with care” (HWC) schemes to inform design decisions built on objective data from previous research, which is key to ensuring such schemes are fit for purpose for older people.

Background:

HWC is becoming increasingly recognized as a model for developing housing schemes for older people and balances independent living with elevated levels of care. However, as this scheme is still relatively novel, there are currently no established theoretical frameworks to inform design.

Methods:

Scoping review, thematic analysis, and mapping methods were used to comprehensively search for and synthesize evidence that links design with assessments of quality-of-life data for HWC schemes. Study findings for each included paper were subject to data extraction for inductive analysis, and the quality of each study was assessed using a modified critical appaisal skills programme (CASP) checklist.

Results:

Our searches yielded 821 unique references, of which 18 unique articles met the inclusion criteria. The outcomes of interest were the design considerations or features in HWC schemes and their impact on the residents. The main themes identified were related to design element, accessibility, maneuverability, views, design procedure, and quality of life (QOL). Further subthemes identified across papers were identified to create a comprehensive map of the key features to consider in designing HWC schemes.

Conclusion:

This review provides an initial framework for designers and architects to (1) understand the effect of each design element of HWC and (2) inform design to ultimately improve the QOL of aged people.
Therapeutic Exercises and Modalities in Athletes With Acute Hamstring Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jankaew Amornthep , Chen Jih-Ching , Chamnongkich Samatchai , Lin Cheng-Feng
Published: August 2022

Context:

Hamstring strain is a common injury to the lower limbs. Early intervention in the acute phase aids with restoring hamstring function and prevents secondary related injury.

Objective:

To systematically review and summarize the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions combined with physical modalities currently used in athletes with acute hamstring injuries.

Data Sources:

Five databases (EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to July 2021.

Study Selection:

A total of 4569 studies were screened. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of therapeutic exercise programs with and without physical agents in athletes with acute hamstring injuries were identified for meta-analysis.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 1.

Data Extraction:

The studies were screened, and the evidence was rated using the PEDro scale. Nine RCTs with PEDro scores ranging between 3 and 9 were included and extracted pain intensity, time to return to play (TTRTP), and reinjury rate in the study.

Results:

Loading exercises during extensive lengthening were shown to facilitate TTRTP at P < 0.0001 but did not prevent recurrence ( P = 0.17), whereas strengthening with trunk stabilization and agility exercise did not reduce the duration of injury recurrence ( P = 0.16), but significantly reduced the reinjury rate ( P < 0.007) at a 12-month follow-up. The results of the stretching programs and solely physical modalities could not be pooled in the statistical analysis.

Conclusion:

The meta-analysis indicated that a loading program helps athletes to return to sports on a timely basis. Although strengthening with trunk stabilization and agility exercise cannot significantly reduce recovery time, the program can prevent reinjury. The clinical effects of stretching programs and pure physical modality interventions could not be concluded in this study due to limited evidence.

PROSPERO Registration:

CRD42020183035.
Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of incident heart failure: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Li Wensheng , Wen Weixing , Xie Dongxiao , Qiu Min , Cai Xiaoyan , Zheng Sulin , Huang Yuli
Published: August 2022

Background and aims:

Recent research has associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Previous studies that evaluated the association between NAFLD and risk of heart failure (HF) yielded inconsistent results, however. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD and the risk of HF.

Methods:

We searched multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Web of Science for potential studies published from inception until 30 October 2021. Cohort studies reported multivariable-adjusted risks of incident HF in NAFLD patients comparing those without NAFLD were included.

Results:

Six cohort studies comprising 10,979,967 participants (women = 55.5%) were included in the study. The median prevalence of NAFLD in these studies was 22.2%. During a median follow-up duration of 7.0 years, 92,915 HF cases were detected. In the unadjusted model, patients with NAFLD had a greater risk of incident HF [random-effect hazard ratio (HR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25–1.75, I2 = 99%], compared with those without NAFLD. After multivariable adjustment of confounding risk factors, NAFLD was still linked with a higher risk of HF incidence (random-effect HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16–1.58, I2 = 98%). The risk of HF was increased not only in patients with progressive NAFLD severity but also in those with simple steatosis. The absolute risk difference of HF in NAFLD patients compared with those without NAFLD was 11.0 (95% CI = 4.9–17.7) per 10,000 person-years after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis suggests that NAFLD may be associated with an increased risk of incident HF. Owing to the high heterogeneity of the published studies, however, further high-quality studies are still needed.
Understanding Questions and Concerns Regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine Among Populations Presenting at a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hub: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Krishnakumar Hari N. , Gealogo Gretchel A. , Holland Taylor , Martinez Monica , Hendrix Lucas , Collins Michael , Donate Melissa , England Maryann , Kumana Eric , Garcia Joshua , Wilkey Andrew , Akula Niklesh , Mai Ashley , Patel Darpan I.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Skepticism among the public surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine is still prevalent despite vaccine-positive communication and many Americans having already received the vaccine. Side effects of the vaccine, as well as its expeditious research and development, are among the top concerns among those hesitant to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Moreover, there is additional concern regarding the association between comorbidities and severity of illness due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Objective:

We aimed to describe the pandemic- and vaccine-related concerns of South Texas residents who attended the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing’s vaccine clinic with the goal of better understanding vaccine-related misconceptions and hesitancy for subsequent vaccination campaigns and boosters.

Methods:

An electronic survey accessible via a QR code on printed flyers was distributed throughout the waiting areas and post-vaccine observation rooms within the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing from April 5 to 16, 2021. The survey contained a primary open-ended question designed to obtain information on concerns of the clinic attendees regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine. A thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data to identify major themes to better understand concerns of vaccine clinic visitors.

Results:

During the 11-day period, 510 attendees received vaccinations through the vaccination clinic and completed the survey. Five areas of concern were identified by the 277 attendees: immunity, future vaccinations, vaccine symptoms and safety, protocol post-vaccination, and child vaccinations. Post-hoc sentiment analysis showed that responses were generally neutral or negative.

Conclusion:

This study provides a perspective regarding questions and concerns of South Texas residents regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine, and their general health status within a vaccinated population. Vaccine recipients were found to still have questions even after receiving the vaccine, suggesting that eliminating uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine is not necessary to motivate individuals to receive the vaccine. Instead, addressing concerns through public health messaging could be a useful strategy to address vaccine-related concerns and increase subsequent vaccine uptake in future vaccination campaigns and boosters.
Text First or Picture First? Evaluating Two Modes of Multimodal Input for EFL Vocabulary Meaning Acquisition
Authors: Yu Jia , Liu Xiaobin
Published: August 2022

Several studies and assumptions support the advantages of presenting pictures before texts, such as the Sequencing Effects of Integrated Model of Text and Picture Comprehension (the Sequencing Effects of ITPC Model) and the Scaffolding Assumption. However, few studies have examined the efficacy of text-first or picture-first multimodal input on second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary meaning acquisition. To examine whether the assumptions can be applied to the L2 vocabulary context, this study compares the effect of text-first and picture-first multimodal input on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ word meaning learning and retention. The multimodal materials in this study included written forms of English words, audio, first language (L1) translations and pictures. For text-first input, Chinese translations preceded pictures while it was the reverse for picture-first input. Pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests were conducted to examine learners’ gains and retention of word meaning. The results showed that though both groups achieved significant gains, participants learning with picture-first input performed significantly better and reported positive attitudes. This study reveals the advantageous effects of presenting pictures before L1 translations on L2 vocabulary meaning learning, thus indicating that the Sequencing Effects of IPTC Model and the Scaffolding Assumption can be applied to the L2 multimodal vocabulary learning context, and providing pedagogical implications for EFL teachers and material developers.
Monitoring COVID-19 in Colombia during the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Ospina Juan , Hincapié- Palacio Doracelly , Ochoa Jesús , Velásquez Carlos , Almanza Payares Rita
Published: August 2022

Background:

COVID-19 cases in Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, were monitored during the first year of the pandemic using both mathematical models based on transmission theory and surveillance from each observed epidemic phase.

Design and Methods:

Expected cases were estimated using mandatory reporting data from Colombia’s national epidemiological surveillance system from March 7, 2020 to March 7, 2021. Initially, the range of daily expected cases was estimated using a Borel-Tanner stochastic model and a deterministic Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) model. A subsequent expanded version of the SIR model was used to include asymptomatic cases, severe cases and deaths. The moving average, standard deviation, and goodness of fit of estimated cases relative to confirmed reported cases were assessed, and local transmission in Medellin was contrasted with national transmission in Colombia.

Results:

The initial phase was characterized by imported case detection and the later phase by community transmission and increases in case magnitude and severity. In the initial phase, a maximum range of expected cases was obtained based on the stochastic model, which even accounted for the reduction of new imported cases following the closure of international airports. The deterministic estimate achieved an adequate fit with respect to accumulated cases until the conclusion of the mandatory national quarantine and gradual reopening, when reported cases increased. The estimated new cases were reasonably fit with the maximum reported incidence.

Conclusion:

Adequate model fit was obtained with the reported data. This experience of monitoring epidemic trajectory can be extended using models adapted to local conditions.
Trends and Reported Complications in Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis in the State of New York, 2009-2018
Authors: Brodeur Peter G. , Walsh Devin F. , Modest Jacob M. , Salameh Motasem , Licht Aron H. , Hartnett Davis A. , Gil Joseph , Cruz Aristides I. , Hsu Raymond Y.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Ankle arthroplasty has emerged as a viable alternative to ankle arthrodesis due in large part to recent advancements in both surgical technique and implant design. This study seeks to document trends of arthroplasty and arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis in New York State from 2009-2018 in order to determine if patient demographics play a role in procedure selection and to ascertain the utilization of each procedure and rates of complications.

Methods:

Patients 40 years and older from 2009-2018 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions ( ICD-9 and ICD-10), Clinical Modification ( CM) diagnosis and procedure codes for ankle osteoarthritis, ankle arthrodesis, and ankle arthroplasty in the New York statewide planning and research cooperative system database. A trend analysis for both inpatient and outpatient procedures was performed to evaluate the changing trends in utilization of ankle arthrodesis and ankle arthroplasty over time. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the odds of receiving ankle arthrodesis relative to ankle arthroplasty. Complications were compared between inpatient ankle arthrodesis and arthroplasty using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

A total of 3735 cases were included. Ankle arthrodesis increased by 25%, whereas arthroplasty increased by 757%. African American race, federal insurance, workers compensation, presence of comorbidities, and higher social deprivation were associated with increased odds of having an ankle arthrodesis vs an ankle arthroplasty. Compared with ankle arthroplasty, ankle arthrodesis was associated with increased rates of readmission, surgical site infection, acute renal failure, cellulitis, urinary tract infection, and deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion:

Ankle arthroplasty volume has grown substantially without a decrease in ankle arthrodesis volume, suggesting that ankle arthroplasty may be selectively used for a different population of patients than ankle arthrodesis patients. Despite the increased growth of ankle arthroplasty, certain patient demographics including patients from minority populations, federal insurance, and from areas of high social deprivation have higher odds of receiving arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort.
Deceiving scientific research, misconduct events are possibly a more common practice than foreseen
Authors: Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo
Published: August 2022

Background

Today, scientists and academic researchers experience an enormous pressure to publish innovative and ground-breaking results in prestigious journals. This pressure may blight the general view concept of how scientific research needs to be done in terms of the general rules of transparency; duplication of data, and co-authorship rights might be compromised. As such, misconduct acts may occur more frequently than foreseen, as frequently these experiences are not openly shared or discussed among researchers.

Main body

While there are some concerns about the health and the transparency implications of such normalised pressure practices imposed on researchers in scientific research, there is a general acceptance that researchers must take and accept it in order to survive in the competitive world of science. This is even more the case for junior and mid-senior researchers who have recently started their adventure into the universe of independent researchers. Only the slightest fraction manages to endure, after many years of furious and cruel rivalry, to obtain a long-term, and even less probable, permanent position. There is an evil circle; excellent records of good publications are needed in order to obtain research funding, but how to produce pioneering research during these first years without funding? Many may argue this is a necessary process to ensure good quality scientific investigation, possibly, but perseverance and resilience may not be the only values needed when rejection is received consecutively for years.

Conclusion

There is a general culture that scientists rarely share previous bad experiences, in particular if they were associated to misconduct, as they may not be seen or considered as a relevant or hot topic to the scientific community readers. On next, a recent misconduct experience is shared, and a few additional reflections and suggestions on this topic were drafted in the hope other researchers might be spared unnecessary and unpleasant times.