bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Forgotten Ones: Crafting for Meaning and for Affiliation in the Context of Finnish and Japanese Employees' Off-Job Lives
Authors: Kujanpää Miika , Weigelt Oliver , Shimazu Akihito , Toyama Hiroyuki , Kosenkranius Merly , Kerksieck Philipp , de Bloom Jessica
Published: September 2021

In an intensifying working life, it is important for employees to proactively shape their lives beyond work to create opportunities for satisfying personal needs. These efforts can be beneficial for creating and sustaining well-being in terms of vitality. In this study, we focused on off-job crafting (OJC) for meaning and OJC for affiliation, conceptualized as proactive changes in off-job life with the aim of increasing satisfaction of needs for meaning and affiliation, among employees in Finland and Japan, two countries with disparate cultural values. We examined longitudinal within-person relationships between the two OJC dimensions and vitality, as well as the relationships between OJC and contextual variables, such as age and gender. We conducted a longitudinal study over 6 months with three measurement points. A total of 578 Finnish and 228 Japanese employees participated in the study. Hypotheses were tested with latent growth analysis. Increases in OJC for meaning and for affiliation were mostly positively related to increases in vitality over time in both countries. In Finland, age was positively related to OJC for meaning. In Japan, age was negatively related to OJC for meaning, but the female gender was positively related to OJC for affiliation. Focusing on increasing meaning and affiliation in off-job life can be beneficial strategies for employees to feel positively energized. The role of contextual variables and culture in OJC should be examined further in future studies.
Effects of Basic Psychological Needs on Resilience: A Human Agency Model
Authors: Liu Yuan , Huang Xiaoxing
Published: September 2021

Academic resilience refers to the ability to recover and achieve high academic outcomes despite environmental adversity in the academic setting. At the same time, self-determination theory (SDT) offers a human agency model to understand individuals' autonomy to achieve in various fields. The present longitudinal study explored the factors influencing resilience from the analytical framework of SDT to investigate how basic psychological needs strengthen students' resilience. A mediation model was proposed that resilience may mediate the relationship between basic psychological needs and academic performance. The results from 450 10th grade Chinese students showed that three basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) facilitate academic resilience; academic resilience thus increases subsequent academic performance after controlling for previous test scores.
Validation of Cognitive Load During Inquiry-Based Learning With Multimedia Scaffolds Using Subjective Measurement and Eye Movements
Authors: Kastaun Marit , Meier Monique , Küchemann Stefan , Kuhn Jochen
Published: September 2021

Subject-method barriers and cognitive load (CL) of students have a particular importance in the complex learning process of scientific inquiry. In this work, we investigate the valid measurement of CL as well as different scaffolds to reduce it during experimentation. Specifically, we examine the validity of a subjective measurement instrument to assess CL [in extraneous cognitive load (ECL), intrinsic cognitive load, and germane cognitive load (GCL)] during the use of multimedia scaffolds in theplanningphase of the scientific inquiry process based on a theoretical framework of the CL theory. The validity is analyzed by investigating possible relationships between causal (e.g., cognitive abilities) and assessment (e.g., eye-tracking metrics) factors in relation to the obtained test scores of the adapted subjective measurement instrument. The study aims to elucidate possible relationships of causal factors that have not yet been adequately investigated in relation to CL. Furthermore, a possible, still inconclusive convergence between subjective test scores on CL and objectively measured indicators will be tested using different eye-tracking metrics. In two studies (n=250), 9th and 11th grade students experimentally investigated a biological phenomenon. At the beginning of theplanningphase, students selected one of four multimedia scaffolds using a tablet (Study I:n=181) or a computer with a stationary eye-tracking device (Study II:n=69). The subjective cognitive load was measuredviaself-reports using a standardized questionnaire. Additionally, we recorded students’ gaze data during learning with the scaffolds as objective measurements. Besides the causal factors of cognitive-visual and verbal abilities, reading skills and spatial abilities were quantified using established test instruments and the learners indicated their representation preference by selecting the scaffolds. The results show that CL decreases substantially with higher grade level. Regarding the causal factors, we observed that cognitive-visual and verbal abilities have a significant influence on the ECL and GCL in contrast to reading skills. Additionally, there is a correlation between the representation preference and different types of CL. Concerning the objective measurement data, we found that the absolute fixation number is predictive for the ECL. The results are discussed in the context of the overall methodological research goal and the theoretical framework of CL.
Reaching Out for Inaccessible Food Is a Potential Begging Signal in Cooperating Wild-Type Norway Rats, Rattus norvegicus
Authors: Paulsson Niklas I. , Taborsky Michael
Published: September 2021

Begging is widespread in juvenile animals. It typically induces helpful behaviours in parents and brood care helpers. However, begging is sometimes also shown by adults towards unrelated social partners. Adult Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) display a sequence of different behaviours in a reciprocal food provisioning task that have been interpreted as such signals of need. The first behaviour in this sequence represents reaching out for a food item the animal cannot obtain independently. This may reflect either an attempt to grasp the food object by itself, or a signal to the social partner communicating the need for help. To distinguish between these two possibilities, we tested in female wild-type Norway rats if the amount of reaching performed by a food-deprived rat changes with the presence/absence of food and a social partner. Focal rats displayed significantly more reaching behaviour, both in terms of number and total duration of events, when food and a potentially helpful partner were present compared to when either was missing. Our findings hence support the hypothesis that rats use reaching behaviour to signal need to social partners that can help them to obtain food.
Parents’ Acceptance of Educational Technology: Lessons From Around the World
Authors: Osorio-Saez Eliana Maria , Eryilmaz Nurullah , Sandoval-Hernandez Andres
Published: September 2021

One of the long-term lessons from the school closures due to the global pandemic COVID 19, is that technology and parental engagement are the best levers to access education so as to bridge the achievement gap between socially disadvantaged children and their peers. However, using technology is not as simple as bringing equipment into the school and home and initiating its usage; these are just the first steps into a more complex and ambitious achievement of using technology as a catalyst for a shift toward new learning models in remote and hybrid settings. A theoretical framework based on the theory of acceptance and use of technology and social cognitive learning theory was used to analyse data from a survey completed by 4,600 parents from 19 countries during the national lockdowns in 2020. Regression models and thematic analysis of open-ended responses were employed to identify factors that contribute to parental acceptance and use of technology in support of their children’s learning. Our results show that parents are more engaged in children’s learning when well-structured technological tools are provided or suggested by schools, and when parents are socially influenced by the opinions of other parents, teachers, children, the general public, relatives, etc. Conversely, they are less engaged when they perceive the technological tools to be challenging and beyond their knowledge or skills. The study’s findings have practical implications for governments and school leaders, who need to be aware of the factors likely to determine the use of technology at home and take action to meet parents’ needs when using technology to support learning.
The Effects of Lexical Tone Awareness on Early Word Recognition, Word Reading, and Spelling From Dictation of Thai Children: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Thongseiratch Therdpong , Kraiwong Tuangporn , Roengpitya Rungpat
Published: September 2021

In tonal languages such as Thai, lexical tone (the pitch of a syllable) affects word meaning. This study examined the effects of lexical tone awareness (LTA) on early word recognition and the relationship between these abilities and word reading and spelling in subsequent grades. A longitudinal design was used to assess reading-related skills in 259 Thai children, first in kindergarten (130 girls,Mage=67.25months) and later in Grade 3 (Mage=102.25months). In kindergarten, the children were tested on lexical tone identification and differentiation, early literacy skills, non-verbal IQ, and early word recognition. In Grade 3, they were tested on word reading and spelling from dictation. The hierarchical regression analyses showed that the lexical tone identification skills in kindergarten accounted for 2% of the unique variance in early word recognition. However, none of the LTA skills could predict word reading and spelling from dictation after controlling for other literacy-related skills. These findings suggest that LTA skill positively associated with early word recognition at the kindergarten level, but not for word reading and spelling from dictation at a Grade 3 level.
Relationships Among Extreme Sports Participation, Sensation Seeking, and Negative Risky Behaviors of Middle-School Students
Authors: Chunmei Hu , Lingling He , Ning Ge , Yang Li
Published: September 2021

Objective: The aim was to investigate the relationships among extreme sports participation, sensation seeking, and negative risky behaviors (smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling) for middle-school students.

Methods: Using a convenience sampling procedure, all students from a middle school in a district of Chongqing were selected to participate in the survey, which included questions on their extreme sports participation rate, and smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling behavior.

Results: A sample of 2,987 middle-school students participated in this study. The results showed that the proportions of students participating in extreme sports, smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling were 19.9, 4.8, 18.4, and 3.0%, respectively. There were significant differences between different genders, schools, place of residence, smoking, drinking, gambling, and sensation seeking of the participation rate of students of extreme sports, the rate of boys, junior middle-school students, urban students, smokers, alcohol drinkers, gamblers, and high-sensation-seeking students were relatively higher than that of girls, senior middle-school students, rural students, no-smokers, no-alcohol drinkers, no-gamblers, and low-sensation-seeking students. Alcohol drinking, gambling, and sensation seeking were associated with extreme sports participation, and the students who drank alcohol, who gambled, and who were high sensation seeking were more likely to participate in extreme sports than those who did not drink alcohol, who did not gamble, and who were low sensation seeking.

Conclusion: Middle schools should integrate extreme sports education into physical education and risky-behavior education, strengthen relevant knowledge and safety training, and guide students to meet their sensation-seeking needs through participation in extreme sports instead of risky behaviors.
A Mixed-Method Assessment of a 10-Day Mobile Mindfulness Intervention
Authors: Haliwa Ilana , Ford Cameron G. , Wilson Jenna M. , Shook Natalie J.
Published: September 2021

Mobile mindfulness interventions represent a promising alternative to traditional in-person interventions that are resource demanding and have limited accessibility, preventing use by many populations. Despite greater accessibility and popularity of mobile mindfulness applications (apps), research is needed testing the effectiveness of brief interventions delivered via these platforms. The present study assessed the efficacy of a brief mobile mindfulness intervention compared to an active control for increasing state and trait mindfulness and improving mood, as well as the acceptability of the app, in a sample of undergraduate students. Participants (N=139; Mage=19.43years, 80.6% female, 83.5% White) were randomly assigned to either a 10-day mobile mindfulness (Headspace) or cognitive training (Peak) condition. Trait mindfulness was measured pre- and post-intervention. During the 10-day intervention, participants completed 10-min daily exercises on the assigned app, responded to daily questionnaires of state mindfulness and mood, and completed a daily written log of their reactions to the app exercises. Attrition was low (90% completion rate) and did not differ by condition. Participants in the mindfulness condition spent an average of 88.15min (SD=24.75) meditating out of the full 100min prescribed by the intervention. State mindfulness significantly increased across the 10-day intervention for participants in the mindfulness, but not the cognitive training, condition beginning around days 5 and 6. Some aspects of trait mindfulness increased and mood improved from pre- to post-intervention, but these changes were observed in both conditions (i.e., no significant differences were observed by condition). Qualitative analysis of open-ended reactions to the mindfulness app indicated that participants reported more likes than dislikes. Common themes for likes were that participants experienced feelings of calm and focus following the daily mindfulness exercises. Dislikes included discomfort and anxiety associated with increased awareness of thoughts and physical sensations. These findings suggest that while a brief mobile mindfulness intervention is acceptable to undergraduate college students and effective at increasing state mindfulness, a longer intervention may be needed in order to elicit corresponding changes in trait-level mindfulness or mood.
Service Quality in Tourism Public Health: Trust, Satisfaction, and Loyalty
Authors: Han Jiayu , Zuo Yifan , Law Rob , Chen Sirong , Zhang Mu
Published: September 2021

The spread of COVID-19 and large-scale travel restrictions has caused serious damage to the global tourism industry. Tourists pay additional attention to public health services and their health during travel, but studies on tourism public health service quality (TPHSQ) are limited. Therefore, this study aims to define TPHSQ and revise and validate its scale. The result of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicates that TPHSQ includes two dimensions “overall environmental image” and “public health facilities and management.” And based on 456 valid samples, the relationship among TPHSQ, tourists’ trust, satisfaction, and loyalty was validated using the multiple linear regression models. Results revealed the importance of the TPHSQ in improving tourists’ satisfaction and recovering their trust and loyalty. These results provided several implications for research, practice, and society that can benefit diverse stakeholders, which could accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry.
Perseverance of Effort and Consistency of Interest: A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Wang Rouhua , Shirvan Majid Elahi , Taherian Tahereh
Published: September 2021

The present research, enlightened by the dynamic approach to language learning, aimed to trace the co-development of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ perseverance of effort (PE) and consistency of interest (CI), the two subdomains of grit, over a course time. To this aim, a factor of curves model (FCM) was employed to trace the covariance of the subdomains of L2 grit longitudinally over time; to explore how changes in PE and CI are affected by their initial states; and to what extent the variations in PE and CI are explained by the underlying global factor of L2 grit. For data collection, the L2 grit scale was used with 1,384 adult EFL learners in four measurement occasions. The data were analyzed in Mplus with FCM in three steps. The results showed that firstly, in analyzing the direction of change in PE and CI, a higher mean was estimated in the growth (the slope) than the intercept. Evidence was also found for inter-individual variation. Secondly, the covariance between the intercept and slope of each subdomain was explored and for both the results revealed a negative covariance of the slope and intercept. Thirdly, the covariance of the intercepts and the slopes of the two subdomains was positive and significant. Fourthly, the variance of the intercept and slope of each subdomain proved to be explained to a large extent by the underlying global factor of L2 grit. These findings were discussed in the light of the potential variables associated with L2 grit and its related literature.
Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Protracted Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms in Male Alcohol-Dependent Patients
Authors: Wang Yong-Mei , Xu Ya-Yun , Zhai Yi , Wu Qian-Qian , Huang Wen , Liang Yan , Sun Yan-Hong , Xu Lian-Yin
Published: September 2021

Protracted alcohol withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), characterized by the presence of substance-specific signs and symptoms (including anxiety, irritability, mood instability, insomnia, and cravings), make alcohol abstinence difficult and increase the risk of relapse in recovering alcoholics. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on PAWS and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and leptin levels in patients with alcohol dependency. A total of 114 patients with alcohol dependence were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group and the control group. The patients in the treatment group were treated with taVNS of the bilateral auricular concha using an ear vagus nerve stimulator. The Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale was used to evaluate the extent of craving for alcohol. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate the extent of anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure plasma BDNF, IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin levels. The results showed that the SDS and PSQI scores were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Moreover, compared with the control group, the average BDNF levels in the treatment group were significantly increased. These results suggest that taVNS could improve the depression symptoms and sleep quality in alcohol-dependent patients after withdrawal, which might be related to the upregulation of plasma BDNF levels.
Saracatinib Fails to Reduce Alcohol-Seeking and Consumption in Mice and Human Participants
Authors: Thompson Summer L. , Gianessi Carol A. , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Cavallo Dana A. , Shi Julia M. , Tetrault Jeanette M. , DeMartini Kelly S. , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Pittman Brian , Krystal John H. , Taylor Jane R. , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra
Published: September 2021

More effective treatments to reduce pathological alcohol drinking are needed. The glutamatergic system and the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), in particular, are implicated in behavioral and molecular consequences of chronic alcohol use, making the NMDAR a promising target for novel pharmacotherapeutics. Ethanol exposure upregulates Fyn, a protein tyrosine kinase that indirectly modulates NMDAR signaling by phosphorylating the NR2B subunit. The Src/Fyn kinase inhibitor saracatinib (AZD0530) reduces ethanol self-administration and enhances extinction of goal-directed ethanol-seeking in mice. However, less is known regarding how saracatinib affects habitual ethanol-seeking. Moreover, no prior studies have assessed the effects of Src/Fyn kinase inhibitors on alcohol-seeking or consumption in human participants. Here, we tested the effects of saracatinib on alcohol consumption and craving/seeking in two species, including the first trial of an Src/Fyn kinase inhibitor to reduce drinking in humans. Eighteen male C57BL/6NCrl mice underwent operant conditioning on a variable interval schedule to induce habitual responding for 10% ethanol/0.1% saccharin. Next, mice received 5 mg/kg saracatinib or vehicle 2 h or 30 min prior to contingency degradation to measure habitual responding. In the human study, 50 non-treatment seeking human participants who drank heavily and met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence were randomized to receive 125 mg/day saracatinib (n = 33) or placebo (n = 17). Alcohol Drinking Paradigms (ADP) were completed in a controlled research setting: before and after 7–8 days of treatment. Each ADP involved consumption of a priming drink of alcohol (0.03 mg%) followed by ad libitum access (3 h) to 12 additional drinks (0.015 g%); the number of drinks consumed and craving (Alcohol Urge Questionnaire) were recorded. In mice, saracatinib did not affect habitual ethanol seeking or consumption at either time point. In human participants, no significant effects of saracatinib on alcohol craving or consumption were identified. These results in mice and humans suggest that Fyn kinase inhibition using saracatinib, at the doses tested here, may not reduce alcohol consumption or craving/seeking among those habitually consuming alcohol, in contrast to reports of positive effects of saracatinib in individuals that seek ethanol in a goal-directed manner. Nevertheless, future studies should confirm these negative findings using additional doses and schedules of saracatinib administration.
E-Cigarette Dependence and Weight-Related Attitudes/Behaviors Associated With Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Naveed Aamina , Dang Nhan , Gonzalez Pierina , Choi So Hee , Mathew Amanda , Wardle Margaret , Garey Lorra , Hamidovic Ajna
Published: September 2021

Background: Although numerous motivations for vaping have been identified in adolescents, no study to date has examined a possible link between vaping and attitudes/behaviors that are associated with eating disorders in adolescent females. Examining this question in adolescent females is especially relevant given the higher prevalence of eating disorders in adolescent girls and women compared to adolescent boys and men.

Methods: We recruited 299 girls (between 13 to 17 years old) via Facebook advertisement to complete a REDCap survey, which included the Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (ECDI), Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS), and demographic questions. Data were analyzed using nonparametric Spearman rank correlation test in R.

Results: Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (ECDI) scores were correlated with weight preoccupation (WP), binge eating (BE) and compensatory behavior (CB), but not body dissatisfaction (BD). The following were the results of Spearman correlation tests: (1) WP: rho = 0.13, p = 0.02; (2) BD: rho = 0.06, p = 0.28; (3) BE: rho = 0.15, p = 0.0095; (4) CB: rho = 0.021, p = 0.00027.

Conclusion: The present study adds to the current literature examining motivations for e-cigarette use in adolescent girls. As eating disorders and e-cigarette dependence are significant public health concerns, our results highlight the need for intervention development.
New Insights Into the Relationship Between Drought and Mental Health Emerging From the Australian Rural Mental Health Study
Authors: Luong Tuyen T. , Handley Tonelle , Austin Emma K. , Kiem Anthony S. , Rich Jane L. , Kelly Brian
Published: September 2021

While it is recognized that drought affects mental health, few population-based longitudinal studies quantify this relationship. In this study, we investigate the effects of drought on mental health in a rural population, and how these effects change with continued exposure to drought conditions. Using a panel dataset consisting of 6,519 observations from the Australian Rural Mental Health Study, we found a non-linear (inverted U-shape) relationship between drought exposure and mental health. Specifically, people experienced an increase of psychological distress for the first 2.5–3 years of drought, after which time this distress dissipates. These effects were maintained after controlling for demographic, social, and environmental factors. We also found that while psychological distress decreases in the later stages of drought, this does not necessarily mean people have good mental health because, for example, factors such as life satisfaction decreased as drought persisted. This is important as it highlights the need for sustained support to mitigate the long-term effects of drought on mental health that persist after the drought has apparently finished.
Measuring the Impact of Health on Economic Growth Using Pooling Data in Regions of Asia: Evidence From a Quantile-On-Quantile Analysis
Authors: Wu Cheng-Feng , Chang Tsangyao , Wang Chien-Ming , Wu Tsung-Pao , Lin Meng-Chen , Huang Shian-Chang
Published: September 2021

Health improvement has become a significant social priority since a moderately good human capital condition improves the workforce's abilities, efficiency, and quality of life. A rapid increase in healthcare expenditure is a trend in major developing and developed countries; however, healthcare expenditure widely varies among most Asian countries. Asian countries contribute a significant amount of output to economic development worldwide. The statistical test power is more efficient for the pooling of national data than individual national data because of the economic value and trade integration of regional nations. This is the first study that applies the quantile-on-quantile approach to investigate the influence of the quantiles of healthcare on the quantiles of the economy's growth for pooling forty countries in the Asian region. As the quantile of healthcare expenditure increases in the countries, the impact of healthcare expenditure on the economy's growth does not guarantee an increase. The positive and negative effects of healthcare expenditure on developing the economic relationship will repeatedly occur when the quantiles of the economy's growth increase in the countries. One implication is that the governments should account for problems such as corruption, bureaucracy, underinvestment, and inefficiency in health-related resource utilization.
Application Value of Information-Based Health Education and Continuity of Care in Patients With Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Liu Aihong , Kuang Yuhua , Huang Ruiping , Ge Qunying
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study is to assess the application value of information-based health education and continuity of care in patients with PU (peptic ulcer).

Methods: Patients (116) with PU who have been treated in the hospital between January 2019 and October 2020 were taken as research objects and equally assigned to a control group and an observation group in a random manner. In contrast to the routine care applied to the control group, the observation group received information-based health education and continuity of care intervention. The clinical efficacy, the mastery of health knowledge, self-care ability, medication compliance, quality of life, mental state, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups were compared.

Results: After the intervention, the total effective rate, health knowledge adequate rate, Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) scores of all dimensions, the MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores of all dimensions, medication compliance rate, and total nursing satisfaction of the observation group all notably exceeded those of the control group, with a p < 0.05. Patients of the group with continuity of care intervention showed lower Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, as compared to the group with conventional care (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Information-based health education and continuity of care elevates the medication adherence and nursing satisfaction of patients with PU, enhances disease-related knowledge of patients and their self-care ability, and eventually ameliorates the quality of life and psychological state. It is worthy of clinical application.
The U.S. Needs a National Human Health Observing System
Authors: Sandifer Paul A. , Singer Burton H. , Colwell Rita R.
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and increasing frequency and severity of environmental disasters reveal an urgent need for a robust health observing/surveillance system. With the possible exception of Brazil, we know of no such comprehensive health observing capacity. The US should create a national system of linked regionally-based health monitoring systems similar to those for weather, ocean conditions, and climate. Like those for weather, the health observing system should operate continuously, collecting mental, physical, and community health data before, during, and after events. The system should include existing cross-sectional health data surveys, along with significant new investment in regional longitudinal cohort studies. The recently described framework for a Gulf of Mexico Community Health Observing System is suggested as a potential model for development of a nation-wide system.
Physicians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Asthma in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dahmash Eman Z.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic non-communicable disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality and requires ongoing clinical care. Appropriate knowledge by physicians is vital in the management of asthma. Therefore, this study aims to explore and identify the gaps in physicians' knowledge and practices concerning the management of asthma.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan to understand the gap in knowledge and practices in the management of asthma among physicians. A previously validated questionnaire was employed, the Physicians' Practice Assessment Questionnaire (PPAQ). The knowledge questions based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines were used to assess knowledge and practice among the study's participants. Predictors of good practice were identified using logistic regression.

Results: A total of 271 physicians participated in this survey. The overall knowledge among physicians scored above 78%. However, gaps were pertinent to identifying the signs of asthma attacks that accounted for 61.9% of the participants, whereas only 67.6% of the physicians knew the drugs used for the management of asthma. The study revealed alarming results when practices were assessed, with the overall percentage of physicians applying the required practices did not exceed 57.1 ± 25.7%. Logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of good practice showed that out of several independent variables, physicians who see 6–10 asthma patients per day are five times more likely to follow the guidelines' recommendations in their practice; senior physicians (>50 years old) and those who see 1–5 asthma patients daily are around two times more likely to follow the guidelines (p 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings of this study identified the need to transform knowledge into practice. This could be achieved through professional education and constant reminders to physicians in a simple form, as well as a clinical audit of practice. There is a need for novel knowledge transfer approaches to induce behavioral and practice change toward the management of asthma.
Worldwide Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Román-Gálvez Rosario M. , Martín-Peláez Sandra , Fernández-Félix Borja M. , Zamora Javier , Khan Khalid S. , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora
Published: September 2021

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects outcomes of mothers and their offspring. This systematic review collated the worldwide literature on the prevalence rates of different types of IPV in pregnancy.

Methods: Two reviewers independently identified cross sectional and cohort studies of IPV prevalence in pregnancy in online databases (PubMed, WOS and Scopus), selected and extracted data [participants' country, study quality, measurement tool (validation and purpose) and rates of IPV in pregnancy]. We considered a high quality study if it had a prospective design, an adequate sampling method, a sample size estimation, a response rate > 90%, a contemporary ascertainment of IPV in the index pregnancy, and a well-developed detailed IPV tool. We performed random effects meta-analysis and explored reasons for heterogeneity of rates.

Results: One hundred fifty-five studies were included, of which 44 (28%) met two-thirds of the quality criteria. Worldwide prevalence of physical (126 studies, 220,462 participants), psychological (113 studies, 189,630 participants) and sexual (98 studies, 155,324 participants) IPV in pregnancy was 9.2% (95% CI 7.7–11.1%, I2 95.9%), 18.7% (15.1–22.9%, I2 98.2%), 5.5% (4.0–7.5%, I2 93.4%), respectively. Where several types of IPV were reported combined, the prevalence of any kind of IPV (118 studies, 124,838 participants) was 25.0% (20.3, 30.5%, I2 98.6%). IPV rates varied within and between continents, being the highest in Africa and the lowest in Europe (p < 0.001). Rates also varied according to measurement purpose, being higher for diagnosis than for screening, in physical (p = 0.022) and sexual (p = 0.014) IPV.

Conclusions: IPV prevalence in pregnancy varies across countries, with one-quarter of mothers exposed on average globally. Routine systematic antenatal detection should be applied worldwide.

Systematic Review Registration: identifier: CRD42020176131.
Quotas and Gender Competence: Independent or Complementary Approaches to Gender Equality?
Authors: Wroblewski Angela
Published: September 2021

Austrian gender equality policy in higher education is characterized by the successful implementation of a comprehensive set of gender equality policies and persistent gender imbalances. After the introduction of a legal quota for university bodies, for instance, female representation in decision-making bodies increased significantly within a short period of time. However, this did not lead to a cultural change or the abolishment of barriers to women’s careers. Research has attributed this paradoxical situation to a lack of reflexivity because the current gender equality policies do not force institutions or individuals to challenge traditional practices, which are perceived to be merit-based and therefore gender neutral. To overcome this paradox, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research launched a policy process aimed at strengthening gender competence in all higher education processes—management, administration, teaching, and research. This paper provides a critical discussion of the Austrian quota regulation and its implementation. It also introduces the concept of gender competence and outlines the underlying assumptions as to why the new policy is expected to contribute to change. Following a critical reflection on these assumptions, the paper also discusses how existing steering instruments have to be adapted to support individual and institutional reflexivity.
Is the Change of Soil Carbon Capacity Persistence Rising or Remain Stable With Maturity of Vegetation Restoration?
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Peipei , Xue Zhijing , Zhou Zhengchao , Liu Jun'e , An Shaoshan
Published: September 2021

Emerging consensus is that land-use change resulting through the “Grain for Green” project has had a significant impacted on soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby probably enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, it remains largely unknown whether a watershed acts as a source or sink of soil carbon during the later period of ecological restoration. This study comprehensively investigated the changes of SOC stock in 2005, 2010, and 2017 along different land-use types. It was aimed to evaluate the dynamics to SOC storage capacity over different vegetation restoration maturity in the Shanghuang Watershed, China. The results showed that restoration increased the accumulation of organic carbon pools in the early stage. Significant increases in SOC stock were observed in shrubland and grassland in comparison to that in other land uses, and these two land-use types represented the optimal combination for ecological restoration in the basin. The SOC stock did not increase indefinitely during the long-term vegetation restoration process, but rather first increased rapidly with vegetation planting and reached a peak, following which it declined slightly. Therefore, pure vegetation restoration cannot maintain a permanent soil carbon sink, some measures to maintain the stability of carbon and to prolong soil C persistence are essential to take.
Clinical and Radiological Changes of Ankle in Knee Osteoarthritis With Varus After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Feng Zhiwei , Ma Ming , Wang Yaobin , Yang Chenfei , Liu Zhongcheng , Xia Yayi
Published: September 2021

Background: Arthritis with severe varus deformity remains a challenge in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Until recently, surgeons aimed at a neutral lower limb alignment when performing a TKA. However, the impact of TKA on the ankle joint has been ignored. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to assess the clinical and radiological changes in the ankle joint after TKA on knees with severe varus deformity.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four English (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and four Chinese (CBM, VIP, CNKI, and Wan Fang Database) databases. Screening of literature and extraction of data were independently performed by two researchers. The modified methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was used to assess the quality.

Results: A total of eight studies were eligible, namely, four prospective and four retrospective studies. TKA resulted in a negative clinical effect in the ankle joint in patients with ankle osteoarthritis. Seven studies reported changes in the mechanical tibiofemoral angle, and four studies reported radiological changes in the hindfoot. The mean score of the MINORS was 9.8 out of eight (9–11).

Conclusion: As a result of the correction of the knee osteoarthritis with severe varus deformity following mechanically aligned TKA, the radiological malalignment of the ankle joint was improved. However, some patients experience increased ankle pain after undergoing TKA, especially, if there was a residual knee varus deformity, a stiff hindfoot with varus deformity, or ankle arthritis.
Preliminary Efficacy Report and Prognosis Analysis of Endoscopic Endonasal Nasopharyngectomy for Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Zhouying , Wang Yumin , Wang Yaxuan , Fan Ruohao , Gao Kelei , Zhang Hua , Xie Zhihai , Jiang Weihong
Published: September 2021

Background: Compared with radiotherapy, endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy (EEN) is increasingly used to treat recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) because of its good prognosis and mild complications. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of EEN in the treatment of recurrent NPC and factors affecting prognosis.

Methods: This study included all patients who received EEN for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma from April 2016 to April 2020. All operations were performed in Xiangya Hospital Central South University. The patient's 2-year overall survival (OS) rate, disease-free survival (DFS) rate and significant prognostic factors are reported.

Results: There were 38 (67.9%) males and 28 (32.1%) females, with a median age of 43 (range, 24–69 years).43 (76.8%) of the patients in our study were in advanced rT3-rT4 stage and 32 (74.4%) of the patients in the advanced stage had tumor growth closely related to the internal carotid artery (ICA). During a mean follow up period of 44 month (range 1–65 months) post-surgery. The 2-year OS rate was 48.6%, 2-year DFS rate was 42.6%. The 2-year OS rates of rT1-2 and rT3-4 recurrent NPC were 83.9 and 35.6%, respectively. The 2-year DFS rates of rT1-2 and rT3-4 recurrent NPC 76.2 and 56.3%. The advanced T stage were associated with a poor prognosis in terms of OS and DFS.

Conclusions: Data indicate that T staging may be an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. Through proper preoperative evaluation, EEN is an alternative treatment option for advanced recurrent NPC that ensures a certain level of efficacy and is relatively safe with few complications. However, additional studies with long-term follow-up and a larger sample size are required.
Do Metastatic Kidney Cancer Patients Benefit From Cytoreductive Nephrectomy? A Real-World Retrospective Study From the SEER Database
Authors: Li Cheng , Wang Ruiliang , Ma Wenchao , Liu Shenghua , Yao Xudong
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The benefit of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic kidney cancer has been challenged recently. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic roles of surgical resection of primary tumor site for metastatic kidney cancer under a real-world setting.

Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2015) and the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. One-to-one matching using the propensity score was used to estimate and compare the survival rates.

Results: The SEER data contain records of 8,932 patients from 2010 to 2015. The data showed that 61.7% of the patients underwent CN while 38.2% did not receive any surgery. The median survival month for a patient without surgery was 4 months and for a patient with surgery was 19 months. The multivariate analysis showed that surgical resection of the primary tumor site was an independent favorable predictor for both OS and CSS (all p < 0.001) in the original and the matching cohort.

Conclusions: In the era of target therapy, CN might still be a vital method to treat metastatic kidney cancer.
Experimental Investigations of Different Loudspeakers Applied as Synthetic Jet Actuators
Authors: Gil Paweł , Wilk Joanna
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the preliminary results of the experimental investigation of four various loudspeakers used for driving the synthetic jet actuator. The parameters, characteristic synthetic jet velocity, pressure inside the cavity, device sound pressure level (SPL), and the heat sink thermal resistance, were presented for various input power and driving frequency. The resonance frequency was determined based on electrical impedance. The highest synthetic jet momentum velocity was achieved at diaphragm resonance frequency. The maximum sound pressure level was observed, also at resonant frequency. For the same real power delivered to the actuator and for its resonance frequency, the heat sink thermal resistance had the lowest value for the specific loudspeaker. In turn, the synthetic jet velocity reached maximum for this actuator. For all actuators tested, the sound pressure level was dependent on momentum velocity.
A Complete Mission Concept Design and Analysis of the Student-Led CubeSat Project: Light-1
Authors: Almazrouei Aaesha , Khan Aaliya , Almesmari Abdullah , Albuainain Ahmed , Bushlaibi Ahmed , Al Mahmood Ali , Alqaraan Ali , Alhammadi Alya , AlBalooshi Amina , Khater Ashraf , Alharam Aysha , AlTawil Basel , Alkhzaimi Bashayer , Almansoori Ebrahim , Jarrar Firas , Issa Hamzeh , Alblooshi Heyam , Ansari Muhammad Taha , Alzaabi Nouf , Braik Nouf , Dimitropoulos Panagiotis , Marpu Prashanth , Alialali Reem , Alhammadi Ruqayya , Al-haddad Rzan , Almazrouei Salama , Bahumaish Shaima , Thu Vu , Alqassab Yaqoob
Published: September 2021

Terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGF) are intense and prompt bursts of X- and gamma-rays of up to 100 MeV of energy. Typically associated with thunderstorm activity, TGFs are produced by bremsstrahlung effects of electrons accelerated in strong electric fields generated by lightning. TGFs can be effectively targeted by gamma detectors with enhanced time stamping capabilities onboard of satellites operating at near-Earth low obits (LEO). Light-1 is a miniature satellite, a 3U CubeSat designed to detect, monitor and study terrestrial gamma ray flashes in low Earth orbit. The two payload detectors are composed of a photomultiplier tube and silicon photomultipliers. The two detectors are mounted at two ends of the CubeSat and the proposed orientation of the CubeSat will ensure maximum TGF detection probability. To allow an increased frequency of data downlink, Khalifa University has collaborated with NanoAvionics Corp, and hence Light-1 has access to three ground stations situated across the map, Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates, Vilnius in Lithuania, and Aalborg in Denmark. The satellite expected to launch in late-2021 is currently in its assembly and integration phase. This paper describes mission, concept, objectives, success criteria, design, analysis, status, and the future plans of Light-1 satellite.
Field-of-View Constrained Impact Time Control Guidance via Time-Varying Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Ma Shuai , Wang Xugang , Wang Zhongyuan
Published: September 2021

The problem of impact time control guidance with field-of-view constraint is addressed based on time-varying sliding mode control. The kinematic conditions that satisfy the impact time control with field-of-view constraint are defined, and then a novel time-varying sliding surface is constructed to achieve the defined conditions. The sliding surface contains two unknown coefficients: one is tuned to achieve the global sliding surface to satisfy the impact time constraint and zero miss distance, and the other is tuned to guarantee the field-of-view constraint. The guidance law is designed to ensure the realization of the global sliding mode. On this basis, the guidance law is modified to a closed-loop structure, and the maximum detection capability of the seeker is utilized to a greater extent. Under the proposed guidance law, neither the small angle assumption nor time-to-go estimation is needed. The guidance command is continuous and converges to 0 at the desired impact time. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed guidance law.