bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between sources and manifestations of stress among faculty members in Isabela State University
Authors: Florendo Helena B. , Hernando Annaliza R.
Published: August 2021

Stress is inevitable in any workplace. Stressed teachers in every school are prone to exhaustion and commit errors. In the Philippines, few studies have been discussed due to stress among faculty members, especially in tertiary education. In this study, the researchers shed light on sources, manifestations, and levels of stress, and discovered the relationship between sources and their manifestations among faculty members of the eight colleges of the Isabela State University-Main Campus. Data were randomly collected from 165 respondents, through the Teacher Stress Inventory developed by Fimian. Data revealed that the main sources and manifestations of stress by the respondents were Work-related and Professional Investment, and Fatigue Manifestations. The level of stress among the respondents was moderate. Likewise, the sources and manifestations of stress were found significantly correlated to each other. Results of the study press on the development of a proposed Stress Management Program supportive and essential in managing and coping stress of the faculty member
The use of audio visual promotion media towards the improvement of teenagers’ knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS
Authors: Ambarwati Eny Retna , Rahmawati Isabela , Mawarti Triyani
Published: August 2021

Adolescence is considered a critical period in life because of the transition from childhood to adult life which requires information and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is defined as a decrease in human immunity caused by a virus. One of teenagers’ health issues is HIV/AIDS where its case always increases year by year. This research aimed to find out the effect of audio visual promotion media towards the improvement of teenagers’ knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS. It was a quasy experiment with one group pre-test and post-test. It was conducted start from March to August 2020. There were 43 respondents participated in this study. The result shows that teenagers’ knowledge increased after provided health promotion by using audio visual media. The Z value shows -3.819b with p-value 0.000 or p<0.05 which means there is an effect before and after provided health promotion using audio visual media. Teenager’s attitude increased after provided health promotion by using audio visual media. The Z value is -3.873b with p-value 0.000 or p<0.05 which means there is an attitude influence before and after provided with health promotion by using audio visual media. Audio visual can be used as health promotion in teenagers.
Barriers and challenges for primary care service in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Erjalia Dela , Syakurah Rizma Adlia
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is such a barrier for health systems around the world including Indonesia. Primary care is the first-line in controlling the pandemic at the community level, but there are many barriers and challenges faced by doctors during the service that are not fully recognized. This aimed to distinguish barriers and challenges in health centers and/clinics amid the COVID-19 widespread. This was qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. As much 44 health centers/clinical specialists interviewed in October 2020. Then, the data categorization method/coding and content analysis used. There were three themes related to the barriers and challenges confronted by specialists in health centers/clinics, specifically barriers and challenges based on service management, environment, and individuals. The barriers and challenges confronted are related to changes within the consultation flow, a diminished number of patient visits, limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), patient states of mind and behavior within the confront of a pandemic, and progressively heavier burdens and duties for doctors. It is necessary to provide specific, valid, and right-on-target knowledge in improving community behavior in efforts to prevent COVID-19 infection and the government's important role to be more concerned about the future of health workers.
Stretching exercise to reduce musculoskeletal pain among x bakery’s workers
Authors: Arifah Dian Afif , Basri Ani Asriani
Published: August 2021

X bakery has 51 workers and produces approximately 60.000 pieces of bread in a day for nine working hours. Most of the production activities are manually handled and only. The low-level musculoskeletal pain reported by 92% of packaging workers. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness and ideal duration of stretching exercise in reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers. Using quasi-experimental design, 51 workers involved as respondents who were asked to do a simple stretching exercise in specific duration, five days a week in at least 4 weeks. The MSDs score were measured using the nordic body map (NBM) questionnaire. Intervention divided into 4 categories based on the duration. There is lower level of musculoskeletal pain among all exercise group in average, but comparison test doesn’t show a significant difference compared to control group (p-value=0.232). The group with 15 minutes exercise is the only group that significantly difference compared with the control group (p-value=0.020). The workers with 15 minutes stretching exercise, five days a week tend to have 5.16 % lower level of musculoskeletal pain compared to the control group. Another type of exercise and various durations might be needed as comparison to obtain more representative result.
Analysis of the recovery determinant factors of COVID-19 sufferes
Authors: Wardani Diadjeng Setya , Syamsul Arifin
Published: August 2021

The main factor that affects the recovery of people with COVID-19 is immunity. To increase immunity, sufferers of COVID-19 must be able to regulate their bodies and psychological conditions so they don't get stressed because they reduce immunity very quickly. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants that affect the recovery of COVID-19 sufferers. This research employed a cross-sectional design. The respondent was 30 patients who recovered from COVID-19. The data collection instruments used questionnaires and interview sheets. Data analysis used Fisher's exact test (a=5%) and calculated the prevalence ratio to determine the determinant factors. The results showed that age (p-value 0.034, PR=0.667) and patient education (p-value 0.023, PR=0.600) showed a significant effect, while gender (p-value 0.687, PR=0.78), occupation (p-value 0.253, PR=0.333), income (p-value 0.520, PR=0.895), and patient origin (p-value 0.393, PR=1.118) did not show a significant effect. The determinants that affect the recovery of COVID-19 sufferers are age and education of the sufferer; while gender, occupation, income, and origin do not have a significant effect on the recovery of COVID-19 sufferers.
Family support and quality of life of schizophrenia patients
Authors: Setiawati Ni Made , Sawitri Anak Agung Sagung , Lesmana Cokorda Bagus Jaya
Published: August 2021

Schizophrenia remains a global issue. More than half of those living with schizophrenia have yet to receive appropriate treatment that led to the impeded of their recovery and the low quality of life. This study aimed to understand the relationship between familial supports with the quality of life (QOL) of persons with schizophrenia. The cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 161 outpatients at 13 community health centers (puskesmas). Family support and quality of life data were collected by interviewing the respondents with the Friedman’s family support questionnaire and WHO quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Subsequently, data was analyzed using logistic regression. The respondents have a mean age of 45 years, mostly males, have completed high school, mostly unemployed and unmarried. Instrumental (AOR=3.177; 95%CI 1.01-9.91) and appraisal support (AOR=7.620; 95%CI 2.83-20.4) were significantly associated with QOL. Conversely, no significant relationship was found between emotional (AOR=1.345; 95%CI 0.46-3.88) and informational (AOR=2.515; 95%CI 0.85-7.42) support toward QOL. Employment, being married and not experiencing relapse were significantly related to QOL. Instrumental support and appraisal support are important factors in determining the quality of life of persons with schizophrenia. Hence, the government needs to expand the roles of family and community to support these roles.
Living in a cold tropical mountain: do the microhabitat use and activity pattern change with elevation in the high-Andean lizard Stenocercus trachycephalus (Squamata: Tropiduridae)?
Authors: Chamorro-Vargas Carol Tatiana , Perez-Rojas Sebastian , Rozo Garcia Uber Schalke , Rodríguez Rodríguez Juan Diego , Méndez-Galeano Miguel Ángel , Castillo-Rivera Jherandyne
Published: August 2021

The high mountain environment is a tough habitat that imposes many challenges to reptiles. As temperature decreases with altitude and has a dramatic variation throughout the day in the tropical mountains, ectotherms must cope with these harsh conditions. We studied the use of microhabitat and activity patterns of Stenocercus trachycephalus in the eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Three localities were sampled across the wide altitudinal distribution of this lizard species, in a range from 2,670 to 3,950 m a.s.l. The initial hypothesis was that these natural history traits would change with altitude but instead, we found that they remained roughly consistent, showing the great plasticity of this species. The results support that this lizard is a microhabitat-generalist using principally herb across the gradient, rarely shifting to specific plants or microhabitats such as rocks depending on availability. Regarding the activity pattern, this species was active throughout the day from 8:00 to 16:00 with a similar pattern along the gradient. Nevertheless, some differences were detected across localities. The activity pattern shifted from bimodal in the lower locality to unimodal in the higher ones. As expected, a correlation between temperature and activity patterns was found in one of the study sites. However, this was not the case for the lower and mid-elevation localities, where there was no correlation between these variables. The mid-elevation study site was the most interesting locality as the use of microhabitat relied virtually just on the herb stratum and the activity was constrained to the morning hours. These findings may be the result of the synergic effects of other ecological variables (weather variability, human impact, predation, population structure, or reproductive season). Our study gives the basis for a better understanding of how behavior (microhabitat choice and hours of activity) of ectotherms can help to counter thermal constraints in the neotropics when facing an altitudinal gradient. Further studies should focus on the thermal biology of this species, considering the influence of anthropic impact on these lizards’ populations.
Occurrence of Sturnira tildae De La Torre, 1959 (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Lima Amanda Cristiny da Silva , Costa Cleison Luís da Silva , Mendes Samira Brito , Cardoso Fabio Henrique Souza , Campos Bruno Augusto Torres Parahyba , Fraga Elmary Costa , Barros Maria Claudene
Published: August 2021

The bat genus Sturnira is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, from northwestern Mexico to northern Argentina, and four species occur in Brazil: Sturnira lilium, Sturnira giannae, Sturnira magna, and Sturnira tildae. The present study is the first to record Sturnira tildae in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, based on morphological and molecular diagnoses. The specimen was identified based on its cranial and morphometric traits. The diagnostic traits include discreetly bilobed inner upper incisors with a broad base, lower first and second molars with lingual cusps separated by shallow grooves, and forearm longer than 45 mm. The molecular sequences of Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA genes confirmed the morphological identification and thus the occurrence of Sturnira tildae in the Amazon biome of Maranhão. This record represents an eastward extension of the known distribution of the species in the Amazonia, to Cândido Mendes, Maranhão, within an area dominated by dense rainforest and influenced by tides.
Linha de apoio direto ao doente psiquiátrico de um centro hospitalar de Portugal durante a pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Pereira Ana Teresa , Mota Diana Malheiro , Samico Ana , Horta Pedro , Rodrigues Tânia , Moura Bárbara , Ribeiro Lúcia
Published: August 2021

Introdução. O impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na Saúde Mental tem vindo a ser reconhecido e destacado. Para ultrapassar as dificuldades no acesso aos cuidados da saúde durante este período têm surgido algumas estratégias, tais como a criação de Linhas de Apoio Psicológico e esta abordagem foi, assim, adotada pelo Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho. O objetivo deste estudo é a caracterização sociodemográfica dos pacientes que acederam à Linha, a análise das patologias mais prevalentes e a reflexão sobre a importância da sua utilização em pacientes já acompanhados previamente por Psiquiatria. Material e Métodos. Foram registrados dados relativos a variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas dos pacientes que recorreram à Linha e realizada uma análise estatística quantitativa e descritiva. Resultados. Dentre os 100 contatos realizados, 29% foram relativos ao agravamento de sintomatologia ansiosa e depressiva e 18% a alterações comportamentais decorrentes de exacerbação de sintomas psicóticos, havendo registos também de dúvidas relacionadas à prescrição e gestão de psicofármacos. A maioria das situações foram geridas telefonicamente com medidas psicoeducativas, 39% com recurso a ajustes terapêuticos minor e uma reduzida percentagem foi orientada para avaliação presencial. Conclusão. Os dados obtidos encontram-se de acordo com o reportado na literatura que demonstra que a sintomatologia ansiosa e depressiva são as mais prevalentes no contexto desta pandemia. É essencial que sejam dinamizadas mais estratégias por profissionais de saúde com experiência clínica e em articulação com os cuidados de saúde nos períodos de crise e que sejam realizados mais estudos para compreender de que forma este auxílio pode ser otimizado.
Doença de Erdheim-Chester: relato de caso
Authors: Giongo Aline Alencar , Campos Bruno Santos Leal , Santos Tercia Jovino Neves , Costa Felipe D'Almeida
Published: August 2021

A doença de Erdheim-Chester é uma rara histiocitose de células não-Langerhans, primeiramente descrita por Jakob Erdheim e William Chester em 1930 de etiologia desconhecida. Clinicamente, pode atingir todos os órgãos e sistemas e o diagnóstico baseia-se em achados radiológicos e anatomopatológicos. Foi relatado um caso da doença onde se estudaram os achados clínicos, radiológicos e anatomopatológicos.
Sex Disparities in Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Butters Alexandra , Arnott Clare , Sweeting Joanna , Winkel Bo Gregers , Semsarian Christopher , Ingles Jodie
Published: August 2021

The overall incidence of sudden cardiac death is considerably lower among women than men, reflecting significant and often under-recognized sex differences. Women are older at time of sudden cardiac death, less likely to have a prior cardiac diagnosis, and less likely to have coronary artery disease identified on postmortem examination. They are more likely to experience their death at home, during sleep, and less likely witnessed. Women are also more likely to present in pulseless electrical activity or systole rather than ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Conversely, women are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation or receive cardiac intervention post-arrest. Underpinning sex disparities in sudden cardiac death is a paucity of women recruited to clinical trials, coupled with an overall lack of prespecified sex-disaggregated evidence. Thus, predominantly male-derived data form the basis of clinical guidelines. This review outlines the critical sex differences concerning epidemiology, cause, risk factors, prevention, and outcomes. We propose 4 broad areas of importance to consider: physiological, personal, community, and professional factors.
Association Between Longitudinal Blood Pressure Trajectory and the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From the KNOW-CKD
Authors: Joo Young Su , Kim Hyung Woo , Nam Ki Heon , Young Lee Jee , Chang Tae Ik , Park Jung Tak , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Lee Joongyub , Kim Soo Wan , Oh Yun Kyu , Oh Kook-Hwan , Kim Yong-Soo , Ahn Curie , Kang Shin-Wook , Han Seung Hyeok
Published: August 2021

Studies on the longitudinal temporal trend of blood pressure (BP) and its impact on kidney function are scarce. Here, we evaluated the association of dynamic changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over time with adverse kidney outcomes. We analyzed 1837 participants from the KNOW-CKD (Korean Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease). The main exposure was 3 distinct SBP trajectories determined by the latent class mixed model (decreasing, stable, and increasing) using 3 SBP measurements at 0, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was CKD progression, defined as a composite of halving estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline value or onset of end-stage kidney disease. SBP declined from 144 to 120 mm Hg in the decreasing SBP trajectory group and rose from 114 to 136 mm Hg in the increasing trajectory group within 1 year. During 6576 person-years of follow-up (median, 3.7 years), the composite outcome occurred in 521 (28.4%) participants. There were fewer primary outcome events in the decreasing (30.6%) and stable (26.5%) SBP trajectory groups than in the increasing trajectory group (33.0%). In the multivariable-adjusted cause-specific hazards model, increasing SBP trajectory was associated with a 1.28-fold higher risk for adverse kidney outcome compared with stable SBP trajectory. However, the risk for the primary outcome did not differ between the decreasing and stable SBP trajectory groups. In this longitudinal CKD cohort study, compared with stable SBP trajectory, increasing SBP trajectory was associated with higher risk for adverse kidney outcome, whereas decreasing SBP trajectory showed similar risk.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Variability Increases Risks of Dementia and Cognitive Decline: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Jia Pingping , Lee Helen W.Y. , Chan Joyce Y.C. , Yiu Karen K.L. , Tsoi Kelvin K.F.
Published: August 2021

High blood pressure (BP) is considered as an important risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. BP variability (BPV) may contribute to cognitive function decline or even dementia regardless of BP level. This study aims to investigate whether BPV is an independent predictor for cognitive impairment or dementia. Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science to May 2021. Longitudinal studies that assessed the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment with BPV as the predictor was included. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the effect of BPV on the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment. A total of 5919 papers were identified, and 16 longitudinal studies were included, which had >7 million participants and a median age from 50.9 to 79.9 years and a median follow-up of around 4 years. Thirteen studies reported visit-to-visit BPV and concluded that systolic BPV increases the risk of dementia with a pooled hazard ratio of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.05–1.17), and increases the risk of cognitive impairment with a pooled hazard ratio of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.06–1.15). Visit-to-visit diastolic BPV also increased the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. A meta-regression revealed a linear relationship between higher BPV and risks of dementia and cognitive impairment. Similar findings were observed in the studies with day-to-day BPV. This study suggests that long-term BPV is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment or dementia, so an intervention plan for reducing BPV can be a target for early prevention of dementia.
Age‐Specific Associations of Usual Blood Pressure Variability With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: 10‐Year Diabetes Mellitus Cohort Study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Chin Weng Yee , Barrett Jessica K. , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Chen Shiqi , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: August 2021

Background

The detrimental effects of increased variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risk in patients with diabetes mellitus remains unclear. This study evaluated age‐specific association of usual SBP visit‐to‐visit variability with CVD and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

A retrospective cohort study investigated 155 982 patients with diabetes mellitus aged 45 to 84 years without CVD at baseline (2008–2010). Usual SBP variability was estimated using SBP SD obtained from a mixed‐effects model. Age‐specific associations (45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84 years) between usual SBP variability, CVD, and mortality risk were assessed by Cox regression adjusted for patient characteristics. After a median follow‐up of 9.7 years, 49 816 events (including 34 039 CVD events and 29 211 mortalities) were identified. Elevated SBP variability was independently, positively, and log‐linearly associated with higher CVD and mortality risk among all age groups, with no evidence of any threshold effects. The excess CVD and mortality risk per 5 mm Hg increase in SBP variability within the 45 to 54 age group is >3 times higher than the 70 to 79 age group (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.49–1.85 versus hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.15–1.23). The significant associations remained consistent among all subgroups. Patients with younger age had a higher association of SBP variability with event outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that SBP visit‐to‐visit variability was strongly associated with CVD and mortality with no evidence of a threshold effect in a population with diabetes mellitus. As well as controlling overall blood pressure levels, SBP visit‐to‐visit variability should be monitored and evaluated in routine practice, in particular for younger patients.
Longitudinal Plasma Measures of Trimethylamine N‐Oxide and Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events in Community‐Based Older Adults
Authors: Lee Yujin , Nemet Ina , Wang Zeneng , Lai Heidi T. M. , de Oliveira Otto Marcia C. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Fretts Amanda M. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Budoff Matthew , DiDonato Joseph A. , McKnight Barbara , Tang W. H. Wilson , Psaty Bruce M. , Siscovick David S. , Hazen Stanley L. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: August 2021

Background

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota‐dependent metabolite of dietary choline, L‐carnitine, and phosphatidylcholine‐rich foods. On the basis of experimental studies and patients with prevalent disease, elevated plasma TMAO may increase risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). TMAO is also renally cleared and may interact with and causally contribute to renal dysfunction. Yet, how serial TMAO levels relate to incident and recurrent ASCVD in community‐based populations and the potential mediating or modifying role of renal function are not established.

Methods and Results

We investigated associations of serial measures of plasma TMAO, assessed at baseline and 7 years, with incident and recurrent ASCVD in a community‐based cohort of 4131 (incident) and 1449 (recurrent) older US adults. TMAO was measured using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (laboratory coefficient of variation, <6%). Incident ASCVD (myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, stroke, sudden cardiac death, or other atherosclerotic death) was centrally adjudicated using medical records. Risk was assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, including time‐varying demographics, lifestyle factors, medical history, laboratory measures, and dietary habits. Potential mediating effects and interaction by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed. During prospective follow‐up, 1766 incident and 897 recurrent ASCVD events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, higher levels of TMAO were associated with a higher risk of incident ASCVD, with extreme quintile hazard ratio (HR) compared with the lowest quintile=1.21 (95% CI, 1.02–1.42;
P
‐trend=0.029). This relationship appeared mediated or confounded by eGFR (eGFR‐adjusted HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.90–1.27), as well as modified by eGFR (
P
‐interaction <0.001). High levels of TMAO were associated with higher incidence of ASCVD in the presence of impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
: HR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.13–2.14];
P
‐trend=0.007), but not normal or mildly reduced renal function (eGFR ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
: HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.85–1.25];
P
‐trend=0.668). Among individuals with prior ASCVD, TMAO associated with higher risk of recurrent ASCVD (HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01–1.56];
P
‐trend=0.009), without significant modification by eGFR.

Conclusions

In this large community‐based cohort of older US adults, serial measures of TMAO were associated with higher risk of incident ASCVD, with apparent modification by presence of impaired renal function and with higher risk of recurrent ASCVD.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Concealed Long‐QT Syndrome
Authors: Kasak Laura , Rull Kristiina , Yang Tao , Roden Dan M. , Laan Maris
Published: August 2021

Background

Recurrent pregnancy loss affects 1% to 2% of couples attempting childbirth. A large fraction of all cases remains idiopathic, which warrants research into monogenic causes of this distressing disorder.

Methods and Results

We investigated a nonconsanguineous Estonian family who had experienced 5 live births, intersected by 3 early pregnancy losses, and 6 fetal deaths, 3 of which occurred during the second trimester. No fetal malformations were described at the autopsies performed in 3 of 6 cases of fetal death. Parental and fetal chromosomal abnormalities (including submicroscopic) and maternal risk factors were excluded. Material for genetic testing was available from 4 miscarried cases (gestational weeks 11, 14, 17, and 18). Exome sequencing in 3 pregnancy losses and the mother identified no rare variants explicitly shared by the miscarried conceptuses. However, the mother and 2 pregnancy losses carried a heterozygous nonsynonymous variant, resulting in p.Val173Asp (
rs199472695
) in the ion channel gene
KCNQ1
. It is expressed not only in heart, where mutations cause type 1 long‐QT syndrome, but also in other tissues, including uterus. The p.Val173Asp variant has been previously identified in a patient with type 1 long‐QT syndrome, but not reported in the Genome Aggregation Database. With heterologous expression in CHO cells, our in vitro electrophysiologic studies indicated that the mutant slowly activating voltage‐gated K+ channel (
I
Ks
) is dysfunctional. It showed reduced total activating and deactivating currents (
P
<0.01), with dramatically positive shift of voltage dependence of activation by ≈10 mV (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

The current study uncovered concealed maternal type 1 long‐QT syndrome as a potential novel cause behind recurrent fetal loss.
Taiwan’s Participation in the World Organisation for Animal Health (oie): Modalities, Utility, and Challenges
Authors: Rollet Vincent
Published: August 2021

This article explores the utility of membership in international organisations for states with specific status within the international community, focusing on Taiwan’s surprisingly neglected involvement in the World Organisation for Animal Health or oie (Office International des Épizooties). The paper shows that in addition to its contribution to the legitimisation of Taiwan’s identities, such participation has also enabled Taiwan to shape international norms in the field of animal health, increase international cooperation opportunities, strengthen domestic and global health security, and facilitate the trade of animal health-related products. Additionally, it has contributed to the domestic implementation of international animal health norms and helped increase the accountability of Taiwanese authorities in the domain of animal health management. Despite tremendous challenges, Taiwan still has plenty of opportunities to enhance its participation in global health governance through its membership in oie.
A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Da Lat Plateau, Vietnam
Authors: DO QUYEN HANH , NGUYEN KHOI VU , LE MINH DUC , PHAM CUONG THE , ZIEGLER THOMAS , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG
Published: August 2021

We describe a new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus on the basis of four specimens from Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, Da Lat Plateau, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. The new species, Hemiphyllodactylus dalatensis sp. nov., is distinguished from the remaining congeners by a combination of the following characters: a bisexual taxon; maximum SVL of 45.9 mm; dorsal scale rows 16; ventral scale rows 8 or 9; chin scales 7–10; postmental scales enlarged; femoral and precloacal pores in a continuous series, 23–25 in total in males, absent in the female; digital lamellae formula 4-5-5/6-5 (forefoot) and 5-6-6-6/5 (hind foot); cloacal spurs 2 or 3 on each side in both males and female; subcaudal scales not enlarged; dorsal trunk pattern with two paravertebral stripes, formed by two rows of dark spots; dark lateral head stripe distinct; postsacral mark cream or orange and bearing anteriorly projecting arms. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as the sister taxon to a clade including all species from India although support values are low from all analyses.
Projected changes in precipitation recycling over the Tibetan Plateau based on a global and regional climate model
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Gao Yanhong
Published: August 2021

Precipitation recycling, as represented by the precipitation contributed by locally evaporated water vapor, is a key indicator of regional changes in the water cycle. The Quasi Isentropic Back-Trajectory method, combined with a global climate model [Community Climate System Model (CCSM)] and regional climate model [Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulation forced by CCSM (WRF-CCSM)], was used to analyze historical (1982–2005) and future (2090–2099) precipitation recycling over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The study focuses on the differences in the projection of precipitation recycling ratio (PRR) changes and relevant mechanisms between the fine-resolution (30 km) WRF-CCSM and coarse-resolution (~110 km) CCSM simulations. Compared with CCSM, the biases and root-mean-square errors of the historical evapotranspiration and precipitation over the TP were greatly reduced in the WRF-CCSM simulation, particularly in precipitation. Using WRF-CCSM outputs, higher PRRs in all elevation bands, as well as the opposite seasonal pattern and linear trend of PRR for the river basins in the northern TP, were revealed. Unlike the CCSM projections, WRF-CCSM projects increasing trends of PRR changes with elevation under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, with the largest increase at an elevation of about 5000 m. WRF-CCSM projects a diverse spatial and seasonal pattern of PRR changes, in contrast to the uniform decrease projected by CCSM. The larger fractional increases of future evapotranspiration contribution (precipitation contributed by local evapotranspiration) per unit warming than precipitation changes in WRF-CCSM suggests an enhanced contribution of locally evaporated moisture to total precipitation in the future under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios.
Wrestling the Word: Submission and Resistance as Holy Hermeneutical Acts
Authors: Sharp Carolyn J.
Published: August 2021

Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us?” … Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us?” … No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. (Deuteronomy 30:11–14)
“Be Strong and Resolute!”: Reading Joshua in the Contemporary Church
Authors: Sharp Carolyn J.
Published: August 2021

The Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, “My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites…. Be strong and resolute; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1–2, 9)
The Logic of Criminal Territorial Control: Military Intervention in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Barnes Nicholas
Published: August 2021

How do organized criminal groups (OCGs) respond to military interventions intended to weaken and subdue them? In many cases, such crackdowns have proven counterproductive as OCGs militarize, engage in violence, and confront state forces directly. Existing studies have pointed to several explanations: inter-criminal competition, unconditional militarized approaches, and existing criminal governance arrangements. Much of this work, however, has focused on national, regional, or even municipal level variation and explanations. This article takes a micro-comparative approach based on 18 months of ethnographic research in a group of Rio de Janeiro favelas (impoverished and informal neighborhoods) divided between three drug trafficking gangs and occupied by the Brazilian military from 2014 to 2015. It argues that an active territorial threat from a rival is the primary mechanism leading OCGs to respond violently to military intervention. It also demonstrates that geographic patterns of recruitment play an important role in where OCG rivalries turn violent during intervention.
The Kuznets Curve Hypothesis Checked Out on Up-To-Date Observations in African Countries
Authors: Martínez-Navarro Diego , Amate-Fortes Ignacio , Guarnido-Rueda Almudena
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to study empirically whether the Kuznets’ curve hypothesis on inequality and development is present in the economies located in Africa, as well as whether there is a minimum income for this hypothesis to begin to be fulfilled. In order to study this question, a panel of data from 45 countries is available for the period 1975–2019, and these data are analysed through a graphical point of view and through an econometric analysis using the pooled mean group estimator. The results obtained allow us to conclude that there is evidence in favour of Kuznets’ hypothesis and that a minimum level of income is required for it to be significantly observed. As well as the fact that today there is still a palpable heritage of European colonization.

JEL Classification: D63, O10, O11.
Arterial instillation of rapamycin in treatment of rabbit hepatic xenograft tumors and its effects on VEGF, iNOS, HIF-1α, Bcl-2, Bax expression and microvessel density
Authors: Wu Tao , Yao Yihui , Sun Ruimin , Wang Huili , Zhang Junna , Yin Xiaoxiang , Zhou Qing , Huangfu Chaoshen
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of malignant tumor related death word wide with poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and TACE are main treatment methods for advanced stage cases. Rapamycin, a macrolide compound that initially used to coat coronary stents, can inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells especially hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty-four healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent CT-guided puncture to prepare a model of VX2 liver xenograft tumor. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups with six in each group and received the following treatments: APR-TACE1: arterial perfusion of high-dose rapamycin combined with TACE; APR-TACE2: arterial perfusion of low-dose rapamycin combined with TACE; TACE: TACE alone; and IVR-TACE: intravenous injection of rapamycin combined with TACE. Two weeks after TACE treatment, the rabbits received CT scan and DSA angiography examination, and then killed by air embolism. The non-necrotic region and surrounding tissues were obtained from the peripheral tumor for iNOS, HIF-1α, VEGF, Bcl-2, and Bax protein expression analysis. Protein expression of iNOS, HIF-1α, VEGF, and Bcl-2 in APR-TACE1 were significantly lower than those in groups APR-TACE2, TACE, and IVR-TACE ( p < 0.05). iNOS, HIF-1α, and VEGF in APR-TACE2 were lower than those in TACE ( p < 0.05). iNOS and VEGF in APR-TACE2 were significantly lower than those in IVR-TACE ( p < 0.05). iNOS in IVR-TACE was significantly lower than that in TACE ( p < 0.05). The expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were statistically significant between APR-TACE2 and TACE ( p < 0.05). The MVD of the tumor tissue in APR-TACE1 was lower than that of groups APR-TACE2, TACE, IVR-TACE with statistical difference ( p < 0.05). However, MVD of APR-TACE2 was lower than that of groups TACE, IVR-TACE with significant statistical difference ( p < 0.05). Arterial instillation of rapamycin+TACE in treatment of rabbit hepatic xenograft tumors can reduce tumor neovascularization and inhibit iNOS, HIF-1α, VEGF, Bcl-2, and Bax protein expression.
Planning for College and Careers: How Families and Schools Shape the Alignment of Postsecondary Expectations
Authors: Ahearn Caitlin E.
Published: August 2021

Students with aligned educational and occupational expectations have improved college and labor market outcomes. Despite extensive knowledge about the ways social background and school context contribute to educational expectations, less is known about the role of social intuitions in shaping expectational alignment. Drawing on data from the 2009 High School Longitudinal Study, I estimate the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in alignment. I examine how differences in observed student characteristics contribute to, and whether school-based postsecondary planning initiatives mitigate, that inequality. Results from multinomial regression models show large socioeconomic differences in ninth-grade alignment, and I identify achievement, attitudes about college and careers, and relationships with significant others as contributors to those differences. Participation in postsecondary planning is associated with reduced uncertainty and increased alignment, but this relationship does not differ by social background, indicating that the examined college and career planning policies do little to address inequality in alignment.
The Electoral Impact of Military Experience: Evidence From U.S. Senate Elections (1982–2016)
Authors: Richardson David K.
Published: August 2021

The belief that a military veteran candidate receives an electoral benefit at the polls based on a history of military service remains a widely held assumption in American politics. However, this assumption of a veteran electoral bonus has rarely been studied by scholars and the limited literature displays mixed results. This article presents the findings of a new study that addresses the mixed results in the literature and presents evidence that demonstrates that certain types of military veteran candidates do gain a veteran bonus in congressional elections. This advantage over nonveterans is conditioned by party, the type of race, and the nature of military service. By analyzing general election races for the United States Senate over 34 years (1982–2016), the study uncovers support for Democratic candidates with military service receiving an electoral bonus at the polls. This electoral bonus is most widely enjoyed by Democratic veterans in open Senate races and with experience in deployed warzones. The key findings suggest that previous conclusions in the literature with respect to establishing a veteran bonus in congressional elections should be reexamined to expand the time period of analysis, restructure the characterization of military experience beyond a binary variable, and include both House and Senate elections.
Optacon Skill Acquisition by Blinded Veterans
Authors: Gadbaw Patricia D. , Dolan Mary T. , De L'Aune William R.
Published: August 2021

Presents data on veterans trained with the Optacon reading device at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center, West Haven, Connecticut. Describes the teaching methodology and the trainees, compares the data with those from other published studies, and gives results of a follow-up questionnaire. This questionnaire provides information about Optacon use and personal feelings of the veterans involved in this pilot study. Data indicate that the veteran population is substantially older than other groups reported in the literature. Acquisition of skill is more difficult for the veteran and eventual reading rates are slower, but the majority of the veterans reported that the device still serves a vital function in allowing them access to print.
The Evolution of Programs for Blind Mentally Retarded Children in Residential Facilities
Authors: Tretakoff Maurice I.
Published: August 2021

This review of the literature reveals that, for the first quarter of the twentieth century, most of the discussion centered on who was responsible for mentally retarded blind children–educators of the blind or educators of the mentally retarded. The first institution specifically for such children was founded in 1921, but it was more than 30 years before the second was founded. Now there are 44 institutions for blind mentally retarded children and program development is proceeding rapidly in response to pressure from parents, professionals, and the community.
Survey of Nature Trails for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Schwartz Jonathan R.
Published: August 2021

In order to develop design criteria for interpretive nature trails for the visually impaired, this study first investigated existing trails to determine how effective they were, and discover what problems have emerged in their administration. Since it was not feasible to survey visually impaired persons directly, certified orientation and mobility instructors were surveyed to obtain information on the opinions of visually impaired persons.
Speech Compression: Personality Correlates of Successful Use
Authors: De L'Aune W. , Lewis C. , Needham W. , Nelson J.
Published: August 2021

Blinded veterans were asked to listen to four sections of a seventh grade level biographical sketch that had been recorded at progressively faster rates (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 times the initial rate of 194 words per minute) through use of a commercially available electronic discrete time compressed speech device. After each section, multiple choice questions were asked. Variables such as age, use of hearing aid, education level, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Verbal IQ, and scale scores of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the California Psychological Inventory were analyzed for possible relationship with the subject's maximum comprehended compression rate. Younger veterans whose personality tests indicated better psychological adjustment tended to be more successful in comprehending compressed speech.
An Exploratory Study of the Sibships of Blind Children
Authors: Lavine Molly B.
Published: August 2021

The development of the sibling relationships among five preschool white blind children and sighted sibs was explored. Recorded and coded observations gathered over the first four years of life suggest that 1) the sibship development of blind children is the same as sighted children; 2) the sibship offers an opportunity for the blind child to develop not only general coping skills, but behaviors that help him adapt to his blindness; and 3) family expectations that may be played out in sibship interactions impact on blind children's readiness for school.
Teaching Faster Braille Reading in the Primary Grades
Authors: Olson Myrna R.
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have reported considerable success in teaching the visually handicapped techniques of rapid reading. Most of the braille readers participating in these studies had been reading for several years; little if any efforts have been made toward application of rapid reading principles in the primary grades. This article identifies twelve rapid reading principles and discusses their implementation by itinerant or resource teachers of beginning braille readers.
Electronic Calculators for Visually Impaired Users: An Evaluation
Authors: Goodrich Gregory L. , Bennett Richard R. , Wiley J. Kenneth
Published: August 2021

Four electronic calculators—TSI Speech Plus, Master Specialties ARC 9500, AFB MAS 200, and Science for the Blind CALCU-TAC T8B—were evaluated by seven visually impaired persons. Though the models varied in availability of functions and type of output (voice, braille cell, braille tape), all were deemed usable. Purchase decisions should therefore be made only after careful consideration of the user's requirements. With the exception of the CALCU-TAC T-8B, all tape instructions were judged adequate for orienting the novice. Some difficulty was experienced in remembering long strings of digits, and strategies were developed to cope with this problem.
Orientation Maps for Visually Impaired Persons
Authors: Bentzen Billie Louise
Published: August 2021

Copies of two tactile maps—a relatively simple map of the Boston rapid transit system and a detailed map of the Boston-Cambridge area—were given to each of 18 visually impaired travelers. These individuals agreed to plan and travel an unfamiliar route using the maps and to report back on their experiences to peripatologists and map makers. Both maps proved helpful in travel planning and in gaining a better understanding of the spatial relationships of the city and of the relationships of major transportation links.
Low Vision: Its Impact on an Agency
Authors: Sprague Wesley D.
Published: August 2021

Describes the most-common eye conditions that can cause low vision and outlines the kinds of services required by low vision persons. Stresses that service must include not only ophthalmological examination and prescription of aids and devices along with training, but also must make available, when appropriate, orientation and mobility training and help from the rehabilitation disciplines. Describes space, equipment, devices, and manpower requirements for a Low Vision Service, and gives cost estimates. Draws largely on the 23-year experience of the New York Association for the Blind (Lighthouse) Low Vision Service.
Science and Art for Visually Handicapped Children
Authors: Hadary Doris E.
Published: August 2021

Describes the design, adaptation, and evaluation of a special program of Laboratory Science, Art, and Music for elementary school blind children. The program lends itself to educating blind children in a mainstream setting, in special schools for the blind, and by itinerant teachers. Teacher training, preservice and in-service, are part of this mainstreaming program at Mann Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Evaluation, research, and development are ongoing parts of the project during implementation.
Single Object Sensor: A Simplified Binaural Mobility Aid
Authors: Kay L. , Bui S.T. , Brabyn J.A. , Strelow E.R.
Published: August 2021

A new sensory aid to blind mobility with a simple auditory display is described. It uses a binaural cue to object direction similar to that employed in the Kay Binaural Sensory Aid (Sonicguide), but range to the nearest object only is indicated by the apparent pitch of repetitive pulses, which varies inversely as the distance. Laboratory tests with individuals using the new single object sensor and the Sonicguide are compared. As a means for controlling locomotion, there is little difference in performance as measured by a specially designed, objective, mobility measuring system.