bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James 
Published: January 2023

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 1Anastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesDaniel Tia, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny Abidjan, GRATHEL , Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)Ivan Lenard, Elementary school Ladimirevci, CroatiaMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMiriam Parise, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, ItalyMOHD NORAZMI BIN NORDIN, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MalaysiaQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRima Meilita Sari, Universitas Samudra Indonesia, IndonesiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions of Their Scope of Practice
Authors: Welch Bacon Cailee E. , Cabra Nydia L. , Pennington Taryn C. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Cavallario Julie M. 
Published: January 2023

All athletic trainers (ATs) must meet regulatory standards as outlined in state practice acts. While state practice acts are similar, some variations can lead to misunderstanding or unfamiliarity with appropriate scopes of practice. We aimed to describe ATs’ perceptions regarding athletic training scope of practice. Only 29.7% of respondents correctly identified state government as the agency that defines athletic training scope of practice and 51.7% agreed their respective state practice act limits the skills they can perform. To advocate for the profession, ATs must have a primary understanding of the laws and regulations that promote ATs to work at their fullest ability.
BlockQoS: Fair Monetization of On-demand Quality-of-Service using Blockchains
Authors: Shabir Muhammad Muneem , Danish Syed Muhammad , Zhang Kaiwen 
Published: January 2023

Video conferencing has become an essential tool for working from home. However, poor audio/video quality resulting from unstable Internet connections undermines the productivity of important tasks. Additionally, the static monetization model for ISP networks, which employs third parties, cannot support on-demand and dynamic Quality-of-Service sessions that are necessary to maximize the Quality-of-Experience (QoE) of video conferencing.
To address this, we introduce BlockQoS: Fair Monetization of On-Demand Quality-of-Service using Blockchains. BlockQoS allows clients to request and manage their Quality-of-Service requirements through a blockchain-based platform operating using a smart contract. It implements a decentralized monetization model to eliminate third parties, enforce transparency in service-level agreements (SLAs), and reduce blockchain operating costs by utilizing off-chain billing validated using zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARK). Additionally, we propose a Quality-of-Service delivery verification mechanism that enforces service level agreements on the hardware external to the blockchain, and a dynamic evaluation method based on the concept of Nash equilibrium in game theory that prevents malicious behavior by ISPs and users. We implemented BlockQoS over Ethereum with a Ryu controller, zk-SNARK, and SGX. Our experiments show that BlockQoS offers transaction cost reduction of up to 88% (gas cost) and latency reduction of up to 87% compared to the state-of-the-art on-chain solutions.
The Well of Confusion: On the Titles of the Maharal’s Books
Authors: Sládek Pavel , Weiss Aleš 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
R. Judah Leva ben Betzalel (the Maharal, c. 1525–1609), authored more than ten works, publishing most of them during his lifetime. Although the Maharal’s works were, since the mid-20th century, the subject of academic research, the title of the Maharal’s work ספר באר הגולה (Prague 1598) is still erroneously read as Beʾer ha-golah and understood as The Well of Exile. This article places the existing debate about this title into the context of the Maharal’s other books, resumes arguments formulated in existing scholarship and suggests yet another solution to the problem based on a detailed analysis of the Maharal’s own introduction, and on the typography of the editio princeps. We propose reading the title as Beʾer ha-goleh; while its meaning is probably intentionally ambivalent, this points both to the idea of a ‘well, which is being uncovered’ and hints at its author’s deep feeling on the condition of Exile.
Skepticism Is Wrong for General Reasons
Authors: Chudnoff Elijah 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
According to Michael Bergmann’s “intuitionist particularism,” our position with respect to skeptical arguments is much the same as it was with respect to Zeno’s paradoxes of motion prior to our developing sophisticated theories of the continuum. We observed ourselves move, and that closed the case in favor of the ability to move, even if we had no general theory about that ability. We observe ourselves form justified beliefs, and that closes the case in favor of the ability to form justified beliefs, even if we have no general theory about that ability. I think this is a mistake. Our position with respect to skeptical arguments is like our current position with respect to Zeno’s paradoxes. Mathematics shows where Zeno’s reasoning goes wrong and provisions explanations of the ability to move. Epistemology shows where the skeptic’s reasoning goes wrong and provisions explanations of the ability to form justified beliefs.
From Ideas to Personal History
Authors: Bleizgienė Ramunė 
Published: January 2023

Review
Olga Mastianica, Bajorija lietuvių tautiniame projekte (XIX a. pabaiga – XX a. pradžia) [The Nobility in the Lithuanian National Project (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)], Vilnius: Lietuvos istorijos institutas, 2016, 198 pp. Mečislovas Davainis-Silvestraitis, Dienoraštis: 1904–1912 [Diary, 1904–1912], Bibliotheca Archivi Lituanici 11, ed. Olga Mastianica-Stankevič, Jurgita Venckienė, Vilnius: Lietuvos istorijos institutas, 2020, 287 pp.
This review presents two books that are closely related. The study by Olga Mastianica entitled Bajorija lietuvių tautiniame projekte (XIX a. pabaiga – XX a. pradžia) [Nobility in the Lithuanian National Project (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)] analyses the projects of including the nobility into the vision of modern Lithuania that were proposed from the publication of the first Lithuanian newspaper, Aušra [Dawn] (1883–1886), until the beginning of the First World War. The other book under discussion is the diary of Mečislovas Davainis-Silvestraitis, edited by Olga Mastianica-Stankevič and Jurgita Venckienė. Davainis-Silvestraitis (1849–1919), who was engaged in the Lithuanian national movement in the second half of the nineteenth century, wanted to display by his own example that it was possible to “re-Lithuanise” the Polish-speaking nobility. He was the editor of the magazine Litwa [Lithuania] (1908–1914), which was published in Polish and the main audience of which was the Polish-speaking nobility of Lithuania.
Contemporary Research on the Polish-Belarusian-Lithuanian Borderland on the Example of Anna Żebrowska’s Monograph
Authors: Golachowska Ewa 
Published: January 2023

Review
Anna Żebrowska, Komarowszczyzna. Język pogranicza białorusko-polsko-litewskiego, Poznań: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza, 2019, 320 pp.
This review article is a discussion of the study by Anna Żebrowska Komarowszczyzna. Język pogranicza białorusko-polsko-litewskiego [The Village of Kamarova (Minsk Region): The Language of the Belarusian-Polish-Lithuanian Borderland]. The study presents the contemporary sociolinguistic situation of this borderland and describes in detail the local Belarusian dialect as it is today.
Central Skull Base Osteomyelitis: A Case Series from a Tertiary Care Center Over 5 Years
Authors: Fenberg Rachel B. , Sylvester Michael J. , Davidson Steven , McKean Erin L. , VanKoevering Kyle K. 
Published: January 2023

Objective: Skull base osteomyelitis may rarely present in the sphenoid bone or clivus without an otologic source. This is referred to as central skull base osteomyelitis (CSBO). Knowledge regarding CSBO is limited to case reports and small case series. Here we present a case series to further describe typical patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and clinical course associated with this rare infection. Methods: All patients treated at a single academic tertiary care institution for CSBO from 2016 through 2020 were identified. Inclusion criteria included culture proven CSBO without an otologic or iatrogenic source. Data were extracted via patient chart review and qualitatively analyzed. Results: Seven patients were identified with CSBO, 5 male and 2 female. Age ranged from 63 to 87 (average 76). Risk factors included advanced age, diabetes, and history of radiation. The most common presenting symptom was headache (6), followed by otalgia (4). Two patients presented with cranial neuropathies. Diagnosis was facilitated by history and exam (including flexible laryngoscope exam), imaging (MRI), and labs (ESR). All patients received endoscopic biopsy and culture (most commonly polymicrobial, with diverse species). Treatment involved IV antibiotics, with a limited role for surgery. All patients survived and achieved resolution of infection. Conclusions: CSBO remains a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and vague presenting symptoms that overlap with presentation of sinonasal malignancies. A high index of suspicion is required by the evaluating provider to ensure a timely diagnosis with early treatment in order to limit the significant morbidity which can be associated with this infection. Level of Evidence: 4
Human Persecution is An Important Threat to the Conservation of the Endangered Black-and-Chestnut Eagle in Northern Andes
Authors: Restrepo-Cardona Juan Sebastián , Narváez Fabricio , Kohn Sebastián , Vargas Félix Hernán , Zuluaga Santiago 
Published: January 2023

Background and Research Aims The Black-and-chestnut Eagle ( Spizaetus isidori) has a total population of fewer than 1000 adult individuals, and is categorized as Endangered at the global level. The northern Andes (Ecuador and Colombia) represent one of the last population strongholds of the species. In this study, we analyzed human persecution of the Black-and-chestnut Eagle as retaliation or as a preventive measure against poultry predation, as well as other threats that have affected the species in this geographical region between 2000 and 2022. Methods In order to understand the human persecution and other threats faced by the Black-and-chestnut Eagle in the northern Andes, we compiled records of immature and adult individuals of the species that had been shot, captured, or had presented evidence of any other affectations during the last 23 years. Results We found a total of 96 Black-and-chestnut Eagles affected by different threats. Human persecution of the species to prevent poultry predation was the motive in 81% (46 of 57) of the cases of shot eagles, 67% (10 of 15) of those captured illegally, 30% (3 of 10) of those in which the cause of affectation was undetermined and for one individual that had been stabbed. Immature eagles were more affected than adult eagles by human persecution. Black-and-chestnut Eagles were also affected by electrocution, illegal trafficking and collision with vehicle. Conclusion Human persecution as retaliation or as a preventive measure against poultry predation is an important threat to the conservation of the Black-and-chestnut Eagle in northern Andes. Implications for Conservation Strict application of laws at human persecution sites, identification and monitoring of areas with high risk of human-eagle conflict, development of environmental educational programs, strengthening of the technical capacities of rural communities, maintaining or even increasing forest cover, and reducing the exposure of poultry by using enclosures are key for Black-and-chestnut Eagle conservation in the northern Andes.
The height of the operating table affects the performance of residents in combined spinal and epidural anesthesia training by affecting the vision of the puncture needle: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gu Juan , Ni Juan , Ma Yushan , Xiong Yaqin , Zhou Jin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The present study aimed to evaluate whether the operating table height affected the success rate and incidences of complications of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia administered by residents during training.

Methods
One-hundred-and-eighty patients were randomly allocated according to landmarks on the resident’s body: umbilicus (group U), lowest rib margin (R), and xiphoid process (X). The success rates of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, and the incidences of paresthesia and vessel trauma were recorded.

Results
There were no differences between the three groups in the success rates of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, and the incidences of paresthesia and vessel trauma. However, paresthesia during epidural catheter advancement was more common on the left side (66.7%) than the right side (33.3%) (P = 0.03). In group R, the success rate of epidural anesthesia was higher during the residents’ third time (100%) than their first time (50%; P = 0.01). Most residents (83%) preferred the table height at which the needle insertion point was at the level of their lowest rib margin.

Conclusions
Neither the success nor the complication of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in lateral decubitus position during residents’ training affected by the operating table height. However, paresthesia was more likely to occur on the left side when a stiff catheter was inserted into the epidural space. It may be better to keep the table height at residents’ lowest rib margin. It was not just preferred by most of residents but also better for their training of performing epidural anesthesia.

Trial registration
The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (NCT: ChiCTR1800016078, Principal investigator: Juan Gu, Date of registration: 9 May 2018). Registry URL http://www.chictr.org.cn
Role of social determinants of health in differential respiratory exposure and health outcomes among children
Authors: Puvvula Jagadeesh , Poole Jill A. , Gwon Yeongjin , Rogan Eleanor G. , Bell Jesse E. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Attributes defining the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are associated with disproportionate exposures to environmental hazards and differential health outcomes among communities. The dynamics between SDoH, disproportionate environmental exposures, and differential health outcomes are often specific to micro-geographic areas.

Methods
This study focused on children less than 20 years of age who lived in Douglas County, Nebraska, during 2016–2019. To assess the role of SDoH in differential exposures, we evaluated the association between SDoH metrics and criteria pollutant concentrations and the association between SDoH and pediatric asthma exacerbations to quantify the role of SDoH in differential pediatric asthma outcomes. The Bayesian Poisson regression model with spatial random effects was used to evaluate associations.

Results
We identified significant positive associations between the annual mean concentration of criteria pollutants (carbon monoxide, particulate matter2.5, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide) with race (Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino), financial stability, and literacy. Additionally, there were significant positive associations between higher rates of pediatric asthma emergency department visits and neighborhoods with more Non-Hispanic Black children, children without health insurance coverage, and households without access to a vehicle.

Conclusions
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino children living in Douglas County, NE experience disproportionately higher exposure to criteria pollutant concentrations. Additionally, higher rates of asthma exacerbations among Non-Hispanic Black children could be due to reduced access to respiratory care that is potentially the result of financial instability and vehicle access. These results could inform city planners and health care providers to mitigate respiratory risks among these higher at-risk populations.
Potential factors that can affect the performance of undergraduate pharmacy research students: a descriptive study
Authors: Gnjidic Danijela , da Costa Narelle , Wheate Nial J. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
This descriptive study aimed to examine whether student past coursework performance, student or research supervisor characteristics, and the type of research project are related to the overall academic performance of a pharmacy student completing an honours research program.

Methods
Data on undergraduate honours students who completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, between Jan 2015 and Dec 2020 was collected. This included socio-demographic characteristics, type of project undertaken, and academic outputs. Data was also collected on each supervisor’s academic role, level of experience, research area, and where they completed their PhD. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study cohort and correlation analysis and unpaired t-tail analyses were conducted using SPSS software.

Results
This five year study included 130 students of which 67% were female and 60% were domestic students. Each student was supervised by one of 48 individual academics who were a mix of early- (31%), mid-career (29%), and experienced researchers (40%) for pharmaceutical science (50%), clinical (45%), and education (5%) projects. Just less than half (49%) of students published one peer-reviewed journal article. Female students outperformed male students (p = 0.031) with female students also twice as likely (15%) to receive a university medal eligible mark compared with male students (7.0%). Similarly, domestic students were twice as likely (15%) to receive a university medal eligible mark when compared with international students (7.7%). Students who undertook a pharmaceutical science-based project outperformed education-based project students (p = 0.0235). Students who had published at least one peer-reviewed journal article outperformed those who had not published (p = 0.0014).

Conclusion
Factors that affected honours performance were student gender, residential status, type of project undertaken, and whether a student had published a peer-reviewed journal article.
Identification of key regulatory genes and their working mechanisms in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Li Hui , Hu Xiao , Li Jieqiong , Jiang Wen , Wang Li , Tan Xin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of beta cells in pancreatic islets. Identification of the key genes involved in T1D progression and their mechanisms of action may contribute to a better understanding of T1D.

Methods
The microarray profile of T1D-related gene expression was searched using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, the expression data of two messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were integrated for Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to generate candidate genes related to T1D. In parallel, T1D microRNA (miRNA) data were analyzed to screen for possible regulatory miRNAs and their target genes. An miRNA–mRNA regulatory network was then established to predict the key regulatory genes and their mechanisms.

Results
A total of 24 modules (i.e., clusters/communities) were selected using WGCNA analysis, in which three modules were significantly associated with T1D. Further correlation analysis of the gene module revealed 926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 327 genes were correlated with T1D. Analysis of the miRNA microarray showed that 13 miRNAs had significant expression differences in T1D. An miRNA–mRNA network was established based on the prediction of miRNA target genes and the combined analysis of mRNA, in which the target genes of two miRNAs were found in T1D correlated genes.

Conclusion
An miRNA–mRNA network for T1D was established, based on which 2 miRNAs and 12 mRNAs were screened, suggesting that they may play key regulatory roles in the initiation and development of T1D.
Frailty impacts immune responses to Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in older adults
Authors: Semelka Charles T. , DeWitt Michael E. , Blevins Maria W. , Holbrook Beth C. , Sanders John W. , Alexander-Miller Martha A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have not been well characterized in frail older adults. We postulated that frailty is associated with impaired antibody and cellular mRNA vaccine responses.

Methods
We followed older adults in a retirement facility with longitudinal clinical and serological samples from the first Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine dose starting in February 2021 through their 3rd (booster) vaccine dose. Outcomes were antibody titers, antibody avidity, and AIM+ T cell function and phenotype. Statistical analysis used linear regression with clustered error for antibody titers over multiple timepoints with clinical predictors including, age, sex, prior infection status, and clinical frailty scale (CFS) score. T cell function analysis used linear regression models with clinical predictors and cellular memory phenotype variables.

Results
Participants (n = 15) had median age of 90 years and mild, moderate, or severe frailty scores (n = 3, 7, or 5 respectively). Over the study time course, anti-spike antibody titers were 10-fold higher in individuals with lower frailty status (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, unadjusted and adjusted for prior COVID-19 infection). Following the booster, titers to spike protein improved regardless of COVID-19 infection or degree of frailty (p = 0.82 and p = 0.29, respectively). Antibody avidity significantly declined over 6 months in all participants following 2 vaccine doses (p < 0.001), which was further impaired with higher frailty (p = 0.001). Notably, avidity increased to peak levels after the booster (p < 0.001). Overall antibody response was inversely correlated with a phenotype of immune-senescent T cells, CD8 + CD28- TEMRA cells (p = 0.036, adjusted for COVID-19 infection). Furthermore, there was increased detection of CD8 + CD28- TEMRA cells in individuals with greater frailty (p = 0.056, adjusted for COVID-19).

Conclusions
We evaluated the immune responses to the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in frail older adults in a retirement community. A higher degree of frailty was associated with diminished antibody quantity and quality. However, a booster vaccine dose at 6 months overcame these effects. Frailty was associated with an increased immune-senescence phenotype that may contribute to the observed changes in the vaccine response. While the strength of our conclusions was limited by a small cohort, these results are important for guiding further investigation of vaccine responses in frail older adults.