Subjective Factors Research Articles

THE DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM OF EDGAR ALLAN POE'S NOVELS IN CHINA

The purpose of this study is to examine the history and process of the reception of Edgar Allan Poe's prose works in China, whose work from the late 19th century until now has been the object of close interest and attention from translators, literary critics and critics, which emphasizes the relevance of the topic of this study. The objective and subjective factors of those phenomena related to the fact that in the middle of the 20th century Edgar Allan Poe's novels became more popular in China, some texts were introduced into the program of academic disciplines, became an important material for training specialists, a subject for scientific research are studied. The processes of transformation of his novels for cinema, television and theater have been studied. their influence on the sphere of culture and entertainment and their multifaceted impact on Chinese literature have been revealed.The history of perception, and interpretation of E. Poe's novels, where the genre-stylistic features of the famous novelist's prose, his original style, and manner of narration are considered. These phenomena expand the research area of literary studies, promote intercultural exchange, development of philological education and science, and are a valuable contribution to the culture of China. The carried out problem analysis of scientific and critical literature on the works of the representative of Americanliterature shows that the distribution, perception and study of Edgar Allan Poe's works in China has many aspects and levels. The results and conclusions of the article have practical significance, productive thoughts. as it considers the history and specificity of the reception of foreign-language literature, the place and significance of artistic translation as a moderator of intercultural communication.

Study of the effect of technological clearances on electrophysical parameters of heated polymer materials

Among the reasons for the rejection of products made of polymer materials manufactured using HF electrothermy, an important place is occupied by the lack of available reference data on the modes of their processing. The inaccuracy of some electrical parameters, e.g., the dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) and the dielectric constant (ε) are attributed to neglecting the effect of gaps in granular multicomponent polymer materials or technological system, as well as subjective factors of the control process. We present the results of studying the impact of gaps of a technological system on the electrophysical parameters of polymer and composite materials. We studied samples of granular materials «Bimodal polypropylene» and «Basco» stabilizing additive which are used in production of UV-resistant films for packaging. It is shown that a resonance method with the possibility of using two- and three-electrode system is most appropriate when determining the electrophysical parameters of polymer materials, their multicomponent mixtures and the optimal frequency of exposure. Refined (determined with allowance for gaps) electrophysical data for the materials under study obtained at a frequency of 27.12 MHz and heating to 120°C are presented. Comparison of the results obtained with and without taking into account the impact of gaps revealed that the difference reaches up to 12 (for tan δ) and 9% (for ε) of their absolute value. Note that the parameter tan δ has the greatest effect on the heating efficiency. The optimal temperature of polymer heating at which tan δ reaches the maximum value is 50°C. The results obtained can be used to improve the quality of products produced from a wide range of multicomponent polymer and composite materials by optimizing the modes of their electrothermal processing.

Superficial vessel density and determinants of macular microvasculature in healthy Chinese subjects

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the vessel density (VD) of the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and its associated factors in healthy subjects. MethodsThis prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled healthy Chinese volunteers. The optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure the superficial VD in macula. A generalized estimation equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the ocular and systemic associated factors. ResultsA total of 516 eyes of 262 healthy subjects were included (mean age 38.59 ± 21.03 years). The total VD of macular SCP was 16.85 ± 2.28 mm−1. The VD in the inner ring and outer ring were significantly higher than that in the central ring, with the density being highest in nasal quadrant and lowest in the superior quadrant. After adjusting the ocular and systemic factors, age (β=-0.0085, P = 0.0122) and SSI (β=1.3261, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with total VD of the macular SCP. ConclusionsAmong the healthy Chinese subjects included in the study, the mean total VD of macular SCP was 16.85 ± 2.28mm-1. The macular superficial capillary density was positively associated with age and SSI. Further studies are still required to better understand the change of macular VD in aging and other pathological conditions.

An uncertain participant: victim input and the black box of discretionary parole release

Objective: to analyze the impact of the victim’s input in the parole process according to the US legislation. Methods: dialectical approach to cognition of social phenomena, allowing to analyze them in historical development and functioning in the context of the totality of objective and subjective factors, which predetermined the following research methods: formal-logical and sociological. Results: Little is understood about the parole release process, as state parole boards predominately operate with incredible discretion and keep their deliberations and rationales hidden from public view. Even less is understood about the intersection of the inscrutable parole release decision-making process and victim rights. As the victim rights movement mobilized in the1970s, victims, instead of remaining passive witnesses, came to wield significant influence over the release decision process. Today, victim participation in parole proceedings is increasing as most parole boards proclaim how important victims’ voices are and, in turn, actively incorporate victim input into their release calculus. Yet, it is not entirely clear what role, if any, victims should have in the release process because it is not entirely clear what purposes parole release should serve more generally. Rather than resolving these pressing questions that are at the heart of the release decision, the current system gives individual parole board members a great degree of discretion when it comes to how they approach victim input and the role it should serve. This approach has resulted in a release process that treats victim input in a troubling and inconsistent manner, which is unfair to inmates, victims, and parole board members alike. Scientific novelty: To make sense of this situation, this paper identifies four analytical frameworks for understanding discretionary parole release, which reveal board members’ options for approaching victim input. Ultimately, the author proposes that parole boards should approach the release decision as an evaluation of both the inmate’s rehabilitation and the extent to which sentencing’s retributive and deterrent goals have been met. In this vein, victim input should only influence the release decision if it provides information, not emotion, that the inmate is not rehabilitated or that the judge's minimumsentence did not accurately reflect the impact of the crime and that retribution or deterrence has not been met. In recognition of the implications of such an approach, the article proposes procedural changes to the release decision and structural changes to parole boards. These recommended reforms are animated by principles of equity, transparency, and procedural justice. Applying this approach to victim input in the parole process and implementing the corresponding procedural changes can hopefully create a system that is fairer for inmates, minimizes risks of secondary harms to victims, and protects board members from improper external pressures. Practical significance: the main provisions and conclusions of the article can be used in scientific, pedagogical and law enforcement activities when considering the issues related to parole release process.

Domestic Violence and Custody Proceedings: An Analysis of Judicial Decisions in Portugal

Abstract Purpose To understand court decisions in custody cases involving allegations of domestic violence, a qualitative study was conducted among Portuguese family court magistrates. Methods A nonprobabilistic snowball sampling process, which involved six judges from Portuguese family courts who were authorized by the Superior Magistrate’s Court to participate in an interview, was used to construct the sample. Results When the data were analyzed, three main themes emerged, namely, the characteristics of the processes, the factors considered in the judicial decisions, and the impact of shared custody. The results also revealed several legal and extralegal aspects that influence judicial decisions, such as the characteristics of the violence, the mediation process, and the status attributed to victims, suggesting that there are objective and subjective factors in the perpetuation of violence. Conclusions Allegations of domestic violence in custody proceedings are not uncommon, and these allegations can complicate the process and delay a decision. Efforts by one parent to restrict contact with the other parent raise suspicions of attempted alienation that tend to undermine the risk assessment. There can also be overreliance on shared custody, potentially undermining children’s safety. The negative impacts of exposure to domestic violence and the instrumentalization of children are recognized, but it is questionable whether they are being prevented to the extent advocated by the Istanbul Convention. The effectiveness of communication between criminal and family courts is also debatable, despite its importance for protecting victims.

Management of triggering factor effects in sensitive skin syndrome with a dermo-cosmetic product.

Environmental factors are important in the generation or aggravation of sensitive skin syndrome (SSS). Creams can be useful for patients with SSS, particularly when triggering factors cannot be avoided. Several clinical studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of specific creams in patients with SSS, but the majority were assessed with a single type of triggering factor and were non-comparative. Therefore, this study's aim was to investigate, the benefit of a specific dermo-cosmetic product in response to physical and chemical factors in subjects with SSS. Three clinical studies were performed on subjects presenting SSS. The physical impact was assessed in a stripping test, and in a randomized intra-individual study with a newly developed heat-cold stress model. To assess chemical factors, a capsaicin test on the nasolabial fold was performed. The product significantly reduced the increase in skin microcirculation caused by stripping after 30 min versus. The untreated condition (45.8% vs. 62.0%; p < 0.01). Immediately and at D28, the product induced a significant increase in skin hydration even after a heat-cold stress, while the overall score of unpleasant symptoms significantly decreased compared with the control (8.1 vs. 10.7 and 3.7 vs. 8.0, respectively; p < 0.01). Regarding chemical factors, a significant difference in the sensation intensity (p < 0.001) was observed after capsaicin stress, also in terms of the sensation duration due to the product application versus the control (192 s vs. 403 s; p < 0.001). These studies show that topical application of a dermo-cosmetic product can prevent unpleasant symptoms and improve the skin state in SSS exposed to physical and chemical triggering factors.

Effects of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Stress Levels on Subjective Oral Symptoms and Lifestyle of University Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Self-perceived oral health is related to clinical and subjective oral factors, socioeconomic factors, perceived stress, and oral health behavior. However, limited studies have examined whether self-perceived oral health is related to dry mouth, salivary viscosity, or lifestyle factors. Accordingly, this study aimed to verify the effect of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. The responses of 644 university students who agreed to participate in the study were analyzed. A chi-square test was used to determine whether self-perceived oral health and stress levels showed significant differences based on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of subjective oral symptoms and periodontal disease diagnosis on self-perceived oral health. Subjective oral symptom factors that showed significant differences depending on self-perceived oral health included gingival bleeding or pain, dry mouth, and saliva viscosity, and depending on lifestyle factors included the frequency of tooth brushing and beverage consumption. Additionally, subjective oral symptoms influenced self-perceived oral health. Self-perceived oral health was negative when there was gingival bleeding, pain (odds ratio (OR)=0.594, p=0.002), and dry mouth (OR=0.577, p=0.001). This study's results showed that self-perceived oral health significantly impacts gingival bleeding, pain, and dry mouth. Therefore, government intervention must provide and manage innovative and efficient education programs that promote self-perceived oral health management habits and maintenance and improvement of oral health.

Global Perspectives on Determinants of Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being: A Comprehensive Longitudinal Study

Current research has established a relationship between older adults' subjective well-being and factors extending beyond their economic status to encompass various non-monetary elements. While most studies in this domain focus on factors within a single country, our analysis utilizes international longitudinal surveys to explore older adults' well-being at both the national and global scale. This comprehensive analysis considers micro- and macro-level determinants of retirement well-being, revealing consistent variations in happiness levels across countries. Our study specifically suggests a compelling positively relationship between ago and subjective well-being within the United States. This finding presents a contrast with the negative association observed in European countries. Our global analysis further indicates a positive relationship between age and subjective well-being. This study not only contributes to greater understanding of the complexities related to aging and well-being but also provide significant implications for financial services professionals and public policymakers that aim to improve the well-being of elderly populations.

The history of rescue in Poland and genderperspective: new approaches and questions

This essay does not claim to be a gender and quantitative analysis of rescue. Its modest aim is todiscuss complexities and diffi culties of studying the subject of rescue of Jews in wartime Polandfrom a gender perspective. The initial analysis put forward here is intended to investigate to whatextent gender mattered in the treatment of the non-Jewish Polish rescuers by members of theirlocal communities during and after the war. The essay demonstrates how the use of the categoryof gender in the study of rescue of Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland can facilitate an in-depth analysisof the nature of rescue of adult and young Jewish fugitives in everyday settings. Gender as a toolof analysis can also throw new light on dangers and betrayal of rescuers within the local socialenvironment. This essay also argues that gender should be explored in relation not only to objectivefactors such as the age, socio-economic background and religiosity of rescuers, but also in relationto more subjective factors such as internal dynamics in marriages and individual family practices,the individual system of beliefs, and parental and sexual desires of married, widowed and singlemale and female rescuers.

Exposure patterns and the risk factors of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus amongst humans, livestock and selected wild animals at the human/livestock/wildlife interface in Isiolo County, upper eastern Kenya.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). The disease has a complex transmission cycle that involves a wide range of hosts including mammalian and some species of birds. We implemented a sero-epidemiological study in Isiolo County, Kenya, to determine relative seroprevalences of CCHFV in humans, livestock and in wild animals. In addition, we identified subject and environment level factors that could promote exposure to CCHFV. Humans (n = 580) and livestock (n = 2,137) were recruited into the study through a multistage random sampling technique, and in addition, various species of wild animals (n = 87) were also sampled conveniently. Serum samples from all recruited humans and animals were collected and screened for CCHFV antibodies using ID Screen multispecies, double-antigen IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall anti-CCHFV IgG seroprevalences in humans, cattle, goats, sheep and camels were 7.2% [95% CI: 3.1-15.8%], 53.9% [95% CI: 30.7-50.9%], 11.6% [95% CI: 7.2-22.5%], 8.6% [95% CI: 3-14%] and 89.7% [95% CI: 78-94%], respectively. On average, the sampled wild animals had CCHFV seroprevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 29.1-49.4%]; giraffes had the highest mean CCHF seroprevalence followed by buffaloes, while impala had very low exposure levels. Statistical analyses using mixed effects logistic regression models showed that CCHFV exposure in humans was significantly associated with male gender, being over 30 years of age and belonging to a household with a seropositive herd. In livestock, a combination of animal- and environment level factors including older animals, being in an area with high normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and high vapour pressure deficit were significantly associated with CCHFV infection. Age, sex and species of wild animals were considered as the key risk factors in the analysis, but none of these variables was significant (P-value = 0.891, 0.401 and 0.664, respectively). Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis revealed the presence of CCHFV RNA in camels (30%), cattle (14.3%), and goats (3.8%), but not in humans, sheep, or wild animals. This study demonstrates that environmental factors, such as NDVI and vapor pressure deficit, affect CCHFV exposure in livestock, while the presence of infected livestock is the key determinant of human exposure at the household level. These findings underscore the importance of using One Health approaches to control the disease in human-livestock-wildlife interfaces. For instance, the existing CCHF surveillance measures could be enhanced by incorporating algorithms that simulate disease risk based on the environmental factors identified in the study. Additionally, tick control in livestock, such as the use of acaricides, could reduce CCHFV exposure in livestock and, consequently, in humans.

Analysis of subjective factors affecting physicians’ adoption of the functionality of medical information systems.

Analysis of subjective factors affecting physicians’ adoption of the functionality of medical information systems.

Predictors of Satisfaction in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with a Single Injection of Mannitol-Modified Crosslinked Hyaluronate Derivative.

Background/Objectives: There is a gap between the very positive opinion of patients and doctors regarding knee viscosupplementation (VS) and the contrasting results of controlled studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the overall satisfaction and predictors of satisfaction with VS in patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with VS. Methods: Post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study in patients with knee OA treated with one injection of a mannitol-modified cross-linked HA (HANOX-M-XL). The primary outcome was satisfaction, self-assessed semi-quantitatively by the patients. Demographics, radiological features, comorbidities, OA and comorbidities treatments, and lifestyle associated with satisfaction were studied in bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 89 patients (124 knees) were analyzed. A total of 88.7% were satisfied with the treatment. Satisfaction was correlated with duration of effectiveness (DoE) and negatively correlated with BMI. Satisfaction was higher in active versus sedentary patients, in tibiofemoral involvement, in Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3 versus 4, and in subjects not requiring intraarticular corticosteroid (IACS) concomitantly to VS. Satisfied subjects were older than dissatisfied ones. In multivariate analysis, older age, K-L grade < 4, absence of IACS, and longer DoE were associated with higher rates of satisfaction. Conclusions: We identified several predictive factors of patient satisfaction after VS of the knee. Alongside these objective factors, there are probably subjective factors linked to patient beliefs, fears, and expectations impacting satisfaction.

Contextual, socio-institutional and subjective factors that shape educational youth transitions between and intra-educational levels in the city of Bahía Blanca

Contextual, socio-institutional and subjective factors that shape educational youth transitions between and intra-educational levels in the city of Bahía Blanca

Contextual, socio-institutional and subjective factors that shape educational youth transitions between and intra-educational levels in the city of Bahía Blanca

Contextual, socio-institutional and subjective factors that shape educational youth transitions between and intra-educational levels in the city of Bahía Blanca

Solutions to Improve Quality of Physical Education for Students of Universities in Vietnam

This article aims to find solutions to accelerate the quality of physical education (PE) for students at universities of Vietnam based on theoretical and practical research on bettering the PE quality in the period of comprehensive educational reform and surveying the status quo’ of PE quality assessment of students at universities under the current curriculum. The study employs the methods of document analysis and synthesis, discussion interview, pedagogical test, sociological investigation and statistical mathematical on SPSS 22.0 software. The results obtained by research, case studies and surveys on 1268 students and 40 PE experts from 03 universities of Vietnam: Hanoi Pedagogical University 2, Tan Trao University and Hung Vuong University posit that students' PE performance is influenced by various subjective and objective factors, thereby emphasizing that to further the PE quality, learning outcomes and movement activities, universities are required to focus on innovative solutions in competency-centered approach for students. The article proposes 03 groups of solutions, including: Group 1: Solutions on extracurricular programs; Group 2: Solutions on innovation of teaching methods; Group 3: Solutions on mobilizing social capitals for facilities and equipment. These solutions gained great consensus and scientific significance on the research subjects.

Risk assessment of bridge construction investigated using random forest algorithm

Bridge construction collapse is one of the most common bridge safety accidents. At present, evaluation results are often affected by the ability and experience of the assessor. Therefore, it is difficult to quickly, accurately and effectively evaluate the risk in the process of bridge construction. Moreover, key factors that can prevent accidents can hardly find from the existing bridge construction safety management and evaluation method. This paper analyzes and classifies the artificial and environmental risk factors that affect the bridge construction stage, and establishes 26 risk factors in 5 categories according to the characteristics of bridge construction and the actual situation of the project. Random forest (RF) algorithm is a non-parametric machine learning method based on decision tree, which does not need to be scored by experts in advance and avoids the influence of subjective factors. Compared with other analysis methods, random forest algorithm has the advantages of accurate and robust risk assessment results. Based on the advantages of random forest algorithm and the characteristics of bridge construction risk, this paper uses random forest algorithm to evaluate the bridge construction risk, and ranks the importance of indicators, and identify the index that has a greater influence on the risk. In order to verify the applicability and feasibility of the proposed method, a typical urban complex pedestrian bridge was taken as an example for actual engineering evaluation and verification. The results obtained are basically consistent with the actual risk assessment results of the pedestrian bridge.

Research on the design of growable children’s beds based on combined hierarchical analyses

Although the market share of domestic children’s furniture is increasing annually, some potential problems limit its long-term and stable development, and there is still a gap in China compared with foreign countries. This study focused on the demand preferences for growable children’s beds and examined the design features that influence these preferences. This study introduces a combination of Hierarchical Analyses (AHP), Quality Function Development (QFD), and the Platts Conceptual Decision Matrix (PUGH) into the innovative design of a research model for children’s furniture (AHP-QFD-PUGH). This study screened and classified the decision-making indicators obtained from the research, ranked their importance by quantitative calculation, and finally proposed an optimal design solution. Additionally, to further study the structural characteristics, the function-behavior-structure (FBS) model served as a supplementary analysis tool to effectively circumvent subjective factors in product design. This integrated model accurately explored user needs and product characteristics, providing substantial guidance and new ideas for optimizing the design of growable children’s beds and enhancing growth of the children’s furniture industry.

METHODOLOGY FOR QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE FILAMENTOUS INDEX IN TECHNOLOGIES OF BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

For the quantitative control of the filamentous index in biological treatment facilities, a computerized methodology has been developed within the presented study. Its use enhances the reliability and techno-genic safety of operating biological treatment facilities. Problems related to filamentous microorganisms, which can hinder effective wastewater treatment, are considered. Sludge bulking occurs when the intensive growth of these microorganisms complicates the separation of activated sludge from treated wastewater, leading to various operational issues. The study emphasizes the importance of microscopic analysis in identifying and addressing problems associated with filamentous organisms. The use of microscopic analysis as a crucial tool for managing activated sludge issues is discussed. The classification system developed by D. Eikelboom, which identifies 21 types of filamentous organisms based on visual characteristics, is described in detail. The filamentous index, a key parameter for monitoring the quality of activated sludge, is examined in detail, along with methods to minimize subjective evaluation factors using computer technologies. The primary goal of the study is to develop a computerized methodology for the rapid quantitative determination of the filamentous index, and area of filamentous microorganisms in activated sludge. The ImageJ software was used for processing microphotographs of sludge, enabling precise measurements of geometric characteristics. The analysis includes processing images from Eikelboom's work to establish reference values for the filamentous index. Microsoft Excel software was used for theoretical calculations and statistical analysis of experimental data. The results of the research, which confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies, are presented. Keywords: activated sludge, sludge bulking, filamentous index, quantitative analysis, treatment efficiency.

First Impressions Matter: Feeling Welcome and Onward Migration Intentions of Highly Skilled Migrants

AbstractIn the context of the global competition for highly skilled migrants, policy makers follow different approaches to attract and retain this highly sought-after group. One common assumption is that the establishment of a welcoming culture can facilitate the retention of highly skilled migrants. Relatively little is known, however, about the impact such policies can have on highly skilled migrants’ decisions to remain in the destination country. We address this gap by analysing the association between feeling welcome and highly skilled migrants’ spatial intentions. We use a mixed methods approach that combines a survey conducted among highly skilled migrants in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (n = 410) and two rounds of semi-structured interviews (wave 1: n = 67; wave 2: n = 49). Our results suggest that respondents who feel welcome are more likely to have the intention to stay in the region permanently. This association is stronger for migrants with relatively more agency. The paper underlines the importance of early experiences in the host country and the role of subjective and intangible factors like feeling welcome in migration decision-making.

Reproductive intentions of Russians in 2022—2023: Тhe role of subjective factors

This study examines how the reproductive intentions of Russians changed during the socio-economic shocks in 2022—2023 basing on the data from a representative survey of respondents of reproductive age conducted in May 2023. We used multiple-choice models to identify the factors that influenced changes in fertility decisions. Most individuals who had planned to have children before the crisis did not change their plans (60.2%), 9.5% of respondents decided not to have children, while, on the contrary, 9.2% decided to have children earlier. The rest of the respondents postponed having children. The econometric model included both objective and subjective characteristics of respondents. Objective factors included income, housing availability, health, family status, and the presence of children. Subjective factors comprised emotions such as anxiety, fear, appeasement, happiness, and attitude to the political course of the country. The study found that psychological factors played a more significant role in decision-making. Anxiety and fear as well as disagreement with the country’s political course led respondents to postpone having children for an indefinite period. Conversely, a positive emotional background and the presence of a partner encouraged respondents to have children earlier. The decision not to have children was mainly explained by physiological limitations and attitudes to political course, while the income and emotional indicators had a more minor but significant influence. The results of model estimates are consistent with the cluster analysis of answers to the openended question about changes in reproductive intentions. We also discovered significant differences in decision-making for respondents before and after the age of 30 as well as for those with and without children. A series of demographic and social policy recommendations are suggested.