Testing and comparing two self-care-related instruments among older Chinese adults

OBJECTIVES:The study aimed to test and compare the reliability and validity, including sensitivity and specificity of the two self-care-related instruments, the Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly (SASE), and the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale-Revised (ASAS-R), among older adults in the Chinese context. METHODS:A cross-sectional design was used to conduct this study. The sample consisted of 1152 older adults. Data were collected by a questionnaire including the Chinese version of SASE (SASE-CHI), the Chinese version of ASAS-R (ASAS-R-CHI) and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency scale (ESCA). Homogeneity and stability, content, construct and concurrent validity, and sensitivity and specificity were assessed. RESULTS:The Cronbach's alpha (α) of SASE-CHI was 0.89, the item-to-total correlations ranged from r = 0.15 to r = 0.81, and the test-retest correlation coefficient (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC) was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00; P<0.001). The Cronbach's α of ASAS-R-CHI was 0.78, the item-to-total correlations ranged from r = 0.20 to r = 0.65, and the test-retest ICC was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96; P<0.001). The content validity index (CVI) of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI was 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The findings of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) confirmed a good construct validity of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI. The Pearson's rank correlation coefficients, as a measure of concurrent validity, between total score of SASE-CHI and ESCA and ASAS-R-CHI and ESCA were assessed to 0.65 (P<0.001) and 0.62 (P<0.001), respectively. Regarding ESCA as the criterion, the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the cut-point of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91-0.94) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80-0.86), respectively. CONCLUSION:There is no significant difference between the two instruments. Each has its own characteristics, but SASE-CHI is more suitable for older adults. The key point is that the users can choose the most appropriate scale according to the specific situation

Dense-separable groups and its applications in dd-independence

A topological space is called {\it dense-separable} if each dense subset of its is separable. Therefore, each dense-separable space is separable. We establish some basic properties of dense-separable topological groups. We prove that each separable space with a countable tightness is dense-separable, and give a dense-separable topological group which is not hereditarily separable. We also prove that, for a Hausdorff locally compact group , it is locally dense-separable iff it is metrizable. Moreover, we study dense-subgroup-separable topological groups. We prove that, for each compact torsion (or divisible, or torsion-free, or totally disconnected) abelian group, it is dense-subgroup-separable iff it is dense-separable iff it is metrizable. Finally, we discuss some applications in $d$-independent topological groups and related structures. We prove that each regular dense-subgroup-separable abelian semitopological group with $r_{0}(G)\geq\mathfrak{c}$ is $d$-independent. We also prove that, for each regular dense-subgroup-separable bounded paratopological abelian group $G$ with $|G|>1$, it is $d$-independent iff it is a nontrivial $M$-group iff each nontrivial primary component $G_{p}$ of $G$ is $d$-independent. Apply this result, we prove that a separable metrizable almost torsion-free paratopological abelian group $G$ with $|G|=\mathfrak{c}$ is $d$-independent. Further, we prove that each dense-subgroup-separable MAP abelian group with a nontrivial connected component is also $d$-independent.Comment: 19 page

Experimental observation of non-Abelian earring nodal links in phononic crystals

Nodal lines are symmetry-protected one-dimensional band degeneracies in momentum space, which can appear in numerous topological configurations such as nodal rings, chains, links, and knots. Very recently, non-Abelian topological physics has been proposed in space-time inversion (PT) symmetric systems, and attract widespread attention. One of the most special configurations in non-Abelian system is the earring nodal link, composing of a nodal chain linking with an isolated nodal line, is signature of non-Abelian topology and cannot be elucidated using Abelian topological classifications. However, the earring nodal links have not been yet observed in real system. Here we design the phononic crystals with earring nodal links, and verify its non-Abelian topologicial charge in full-wave simulations. Moreover, we experimentally observed two different kinds of earring nodal links by measuring the band structures for two phononic crystals. Specifically, we found that the order of the nodal chain and line can switch after band inversion but their link cannot be severed. Our work provides experimental evidence for phenomena unique to non-Abelian band topology and our simple acoustic system provides a convenient platform for studying non-Abelian charges.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

A Study of Analytical Solution for the Special Dissolution Rate Model of Rock Salt

By calculating the concentration distributions of rock salt solutions at the boundary layer, an ordinary differential equation for describing a special dissolution rate model of rock salt under the assumption of an instantaneous diffusion process was established to investigate the dissolution mechanism of rock salt under transient but stable conditions. The ordinary differential equation was then solved mathematically to give an analytical solution and related expressions for the dissolved radius and solution concentration. Thereafter, the analytical solution was fitted with transient dissolution test data of rock salt to provide the dissolution parameters at different flow rates, and the physical meaning of the analytical formula was also discussed. Finally, the influential factors of the analytical formula were investigated. There was approximately a linear relationship between the dissolution parameters and the flow rate. The effects of the dissolution area and initial volume of the solution on the dissolution rate equation of rock salt were computationally investigated. The results showed that the present analytical solution gives a good description of the dissolution mechanism of rock salt under some special conditions, which may provide a primary theoretical basis and an analytical way to investigate the dissolution characteristics of rock salt

STUDY ON THE SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETE-FILLED LIGHTWEIGHT STEEL TUBE FRAME WITH DIFFERENT ASSEMBLY JOINTS

In order to investigate the construction of column-to-beam joints and to understand the effect of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and cross-section of beams and columns on the seismic performance of recycled aggregate concrete-filled light steel tubular frame structure, four new types of assembly joints were proposed in this paper. A low cyclic loading test of six frame specimens was carried out. The failure characteristic, load bearing capacity, hysteresis property, ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were analysed. The damage process of the specimen was simulated using the ABAQUS software, and the results agreed well with those obtained from the experiments. The results showed that the construction pathway of the joints exhibited significant influence on the seismic performance of the frame. The proposed reinforced joint (using angle steel and stiffeners) significantly improved the bearing capacity, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube frame. The seismic performance of the steel frame was improved, while the energy dissipation capacity increased by 635.7% using RAC filled in the steel tubes. Finally, by appropriately increasing the size of cross-section on the beams and columns can improve the bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility of the structure

Genomic Inference of the Metabolism and Evolution of the Archaeal Phylum Aigarchaeota

Microbes of the phylum Aigarchaeota are widely distributed in geothermal environments, but their physiological and ecological roles are poorly understood. Here we analyze six Aigarchaeota metagenomic bins from two circumneutral hot springs in Tengchong, China, to reveal that they are either strict or facultative anaerobes, and most are chemolithotrophs that can perform sulfide oxidation. Applying comparative genomics to the Thaumarchaeota and Aigarchaeota, we find that they both originated from thermal habitats, sharing 1154 genes with their common ancestor. Horizontal gene transfer played a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity of Aigarchaeota and led to functional partitioning and ecological divergence among sympatric microbes, as several key functional innovations were endowed by Bacteria, including dissimilatory sulfite reduction and possibly carbon monoxide oxidation. Our study expands our knowledge of the possible ecological roles of the Aigarchaeota and clarifies their evolutionary relationship to their sister lineage Thaumarchaeota

Group membership and adolescents’ third-party punishment: a moderated chain mediation model

Third-party punishment (TPP) reflects people’s social preference for fairness norms and is fundamental to maintaining fairness norms on a large scale. Several empirical studies have shown that the offender’s group membership impacts TPP, but the detailed mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The current study used the third-party punishment game task to explore the relationship between group membership, perceived unfairness, anger, and adolescents’ TPP. A total of 306 teenagers aged 12 to 15 were chosen as subjects through cluster sampling. The results showed that group membership (classmate vs. stranger) and gender can affect adolescents’ TPP together, which manifests as adolescents enacting significantly harsher punishments on strangers than on classmates, especially for boys. Group membership indirectly affects TPP through the mediating effects of perceived unfairness, anger and through a chain mediation of perceived unfairness and anger. Moreover, gender positively moderate the relationship between group membership and perceived unfairness. Specifically, group membership significantly affects boys’ perceived unfairness, but cannot predict girls’ perceived unfairness. The above results can be used to guide adolescents toward appropriate justice concepts and moral awareness, thus enhancing TPP

Activity of the Mianzishan-Qingshuiying fault in the southeast margin of the Yinchuan basin

Studying the tectonic activity characteristics of the Yinchuan basin is of great significance for understanding the interaction among the three major blocks of Qinghai Tibet, Ordos and Alxa. The terrain elevation difference in the Mianzishan-Zhutouling area on the southeastern margin of the Yinchuan basin is significant, and the linear trace on satellite image is obvious, indicating the development of an unknown active fault. This article conducted field geological surveys, trench excavation and stratigraphic dating along the Mianzishan-Qingshuiying line. The results showed that the linear trace along the Mianzishan-Qingshuiying line had been dominated by fault, which was developed on the southeastern margin of the Yinchuan basin with a total length of 50 km. It is divided into two segments, the Mianzishan fault and the Qingshuiying fault. The Mianzishan fault is mainly characterized by high angle normal faults, the scratches on the fault surface show a sinistral strike slip motion, heading northeast, several gullies across the fault layer display left-handed twisting characteristics. The Qingshuiying fault, on the other hand，exhibits a reverse fault trending NEE, developing steep slope landforms. The fault has displaced sedimentary strata deposited at (23.65 ± 1.17) ka BP and (33.16 ± 1.82) ka BP, indicating its latest activity was postdated by Late Pleistocene. The discovery of this fault indicates that the boundary of the northwestern Ordos block is a complex zone associated with a wide structural deformation zone. This zone is not strictly controlled by the boundary faults of Yinchuan basin, but expanded to interior of the Ordos block, which may be related to the continuous northeast pushing and expansion of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Characterization of Anti-bacterial Compounds from the Seed Coat of Chinese Windmill Palm Tree (Trachycarpus fortunei)

The increasing of multidrug resistance in bacterial associated infections has impaired the current antimicrobial therapy and it forces the search for other alternatives. In this study, we aimed to find the in vitro antibacterial activity of seed coat of Trachycarpus fortunei against a panel of clinically important bacterial species. Ethanolic extracts of target tissues were fractionated through macro porous resin by column chromatography, using ethanol as an organic solvent with a concentration gradient of 0–100%, each along with 20% concentration increment. The minimum inhibitory (MIC) concentrations of all fractions were measured. It is found that 20% ethanolic fraction showed the most significant inhibition against tested bacterial species. All fractions were analyzed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) and compounds were identified by comparing mass spectra with standard libraries. By pairing the identified compounds from different fractions with the antibacterial activity of each fraction, it was shown that compounds stearamide (7), 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(methylthio)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (9) and 2,4,5 triacetoxybiphenyl (10) topped in the list for anti-bacterial activity. Further experiment with pure chemicals verified that compounds 9 and 10 have antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Whereas, the lowest MIC value (39.06 μg/mL) was obtained by compound 10 against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hence, the seed coat of T. fortunei with its antimicrobial spectrum could be a good candidate for further bactericidal research

Testing and comparing two self-care-related instruments among older Chinese adults

Objectives The study aimed to test and compare the reliability and validity, including sensitivity and specificity of the two self-care-related instruments, the Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly (SASE), and the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale-Revised (ASAS-R), among older adults in the Chinese context. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to conduct this study. The sample consisted of 1152 older adults. Data were collected by a questionnaire including the Chinese version of SASE (SASE-CHI), the Chinese version of ASAS-R (ASAS-R-CHI) and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency scale (ESCA). Homogeneity and stability, content, construct and concurrent validity, and sensitivity and specificity were assessed. Results The Cronbach's alpha (α) of SASE-CHI was 0.89, the item-to-total correlations ranged from r = 0.15 to r = 0.81, and the test-retest correlation coefficient (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC) was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99±1.00; P<0.001). The Cronbach's α of ASAS-R-CHI was 0.78, the item-to-total correlations ranged from r = 0.20 to r = 0.65, and the test-retest ICC was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92±0.96; P<0.001). The content validity index (CVI) of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI was 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The findings of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) confirmed a good construct validity of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI. The Pearson's rank correlation coefficients, as a measure of concurrent validity, between total score of SASE-CHI and ESCA and ASAS-R-CHI and ESCA were assessed to 0.65 (P<0.001) and 0.62 (P<0.001), respectively. Regarding ESCA as the criterion, the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the cut-point of SASE-CHI and ASAS-R-CHI were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91±0.94) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80±0.86), respectively. Conclusion There is no significant difference between the two instruments. Each has its own characteristics, but SASE-CHI is more suitable for older adults. The key point is that the users can choose the most appropriate scale according to the specific situation.publishedVersionNivå