bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palaeontology meets metacommunity ecology: the Maastrichtian dinosaur fossil record of North America as a case study
Authors: García‐Girón Jorge , Heino Jani , Alahuhta Janne , Chiarenza Alfio Alessandro , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: March 2021

Documenting the patterns and potential associated processes of ancient biotas has always been a central challenge in palaeontology. Over recent decades, intense debate has focused on the organization of dinosaur‐dominated communities, yet no general consensus has been reached on how these communities were organized in a spatial context. Here, we used analytical routines typically applied in metacommunity ecology to provide novel insights into dinosaurian distributions across the latest Cretaceous of North America. To do this, we combined fossil occurrences with functional, phylogenetic and palaeoenvironmental modelling, and adopted the perspective that more reasonable conclusions on palaeoecological reconstructions can be gained from studies that consider the organization of biotas along ecological gradients at multiple spatial scales. Our results showed that dinosaurs were restricted in range to different parts of the Hell Creek Formation, prompting the recognition of discrete and compartmentalized faunal areas during the Maastrichtian at fine‐grained scales, whereas taxa with the broadest ranges included those with narrower distributions when combining data from various geological formations across the Western Interior of North America. Although groups of dinosaurs had coincident range boundaries, their communities responded to multiple ecologically‐important gradients when compensating for differences in sampling effort. Metacommunity structures of both ornithischians and theropods were correlated with climatic barriers and potential trophic relationships between herbivores and carnivores, thereby suggesting that dinosaurian faunas were shaped by physiological constraints, limited food resources abundance, and a combination of bottom‐up and top‐down forces across multiple spatial grains and extents.
Ranking of VGI contributor reputation using an evaluation‐based weighted pagerank
Authors: Zhang Die , Ge Yong , Stein Alfred , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: March 2021

The quality of volunteered geographic information (VGI) is questionable as it emerges through a diversity of contributors. The reputation of a contributor is increasingly applied to VGI quality assessment and its assurance. Research on how to measure and validate reputation, however, is still required. This study proposes an evaluation‐based weighted PageRank (EWPR) algorithm to provide a ranking metric of reputation. Ranking is established on the basis of the assumptions that: (a) there is an evaluation relationship between VGI contributors; (b) the reputation of a contributor is movable within the VGI community; and (c) highly active contributors are more likely to have high reputation. By means of case studies using OpenStreetMap, two existing methods are compared with the EWPR algorithm. The results show that the algorithms used for web pages and social network participants are applicable to understand the reputation of VGI contributors. This study also applies credibility, based on reputation, as a popular indicator of VGI quality. The high correlation between credibility and VGI characteristics indicates that reputation is useful for dealing with quality variability in VGI.
Structural Topology Optimization in Linear and Nonlinear Elasticity Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Kane Couro , Jouve François , Schoenauer Marc
Published: March 2021

In this paper, structural topology optimization is addressed through Genetic Algorithms. A set of designs is evolved following the Darwinian survival-of-fittest principle. The standard crossover and mutation operators are tailored for the needs of 2D topology optimization. The genetic algorithm based on these operators is experimented on plane stress problems of cantilever plates: the goal is to optimize the weight of the structure under displacement constraints.

The main advantage of this approach is that it can both find out alternative optimal solutions, as experimentally demonstrated on a problem with multiple solutions, and handle different kinds of mechanical model: some results in elasticity with large displacements are presented. In that case, the nonlinear geometrical effects of the model lead to non viable solutions, unless some constraints are imposed on the stress field.
Stick-Slip Motion of Frictionally Damped Turbine Airfoils: A Finite Element in Time (FET) Approach
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: March 2021

A method is proposed for analyzing the periodic stick-slip motion of a single degree of freedom model of frictionally damped turbine blades. The method of finite elements in the time domain (FET) is based on a Hamilton’s weak principle, paralleling the variational methods in elastostatics. It permits a complete determination of the hysteretic friction force, and results in a set of highly structured system equations. The method has a number of unique features, which are utilized to provide a simple yet efficient approach for predicting the steady-state response. When applied to a number of example problems, including systems with static friction and the excitation of multiple discrete frequencies, the FET method is demonstrated to be an efficient and reliable alternative technique for nonlinear dynamic response analysis.
A Symmetric Positive Definite Inverse Vibration Problem With Underdamped Modes
Authors: Starek Ladislav , Inman Daniel J. , Pilkev Deborah F.
Published: March 2021

This manuscript considers a symmetric positive definite inverse eigenvalue problem for linear vibrating systems described by a vector differential equation with constant coefficient matrices. The inverse problem of interest here is that of determining real symmetric, positive definite coefficient matrices assumed to represent the mass normalized velocity and position coefficient matrices, given a set of specified eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The approach presented here gives an alternative solution to a symmetric inverse vibration problem presented by Starek and Inman (1992) and extends these results to include the definiteness of the coefficient matrices. The new results give conditions which allow the construction of mass normalized damping and stiffness matrices based on given eigenvalues and eigenvectors for the case that each mode of the system is underdamped. The result provides an algorithm for determining a non-proportional damped system which will have symmetric positive definite coefficient matrices.
Applications of T.V. Holography
Authors: Fagan William F.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the use of the technique of T.V. Holography to study the vibrational characteristics of a turbine wheel as an aid in predicting where possible fatigue cracks could develop.
Genomic Epidemiology of CC30 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Argentina Reveals Four Major Clades with Distinctive Genetic Features
Authors: Di Gregorio Sabrina , Haim María Sol , Vielma Vallenilla Jesús , Cohen Victoria , Rago Lucía , Gulone Lucía , Aanensen David M. , Argimón Silvia , Mollerach Marta
Published: March 2021

The rise in prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) is of public health concern. In Argentina, several studies documented a shift in the epidemiology of CA-MRSA since 2009, with clonal complex 30 (CC30) and, in particular, sequence type 30 MRSA SCC
mec
type IV(ST30-MRSA-IV) replacing other clones both in communities and in hospitals and possibly displaying increased virulence.
Pulmonary embolism with coexistent incidental pulmonary cement embolism post vertebroplasty
Authors: Ross James , Bhatia Robin , Hyde Tom , Dixon Giles
Published: March 2021

A 46-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. A CT pulmonary angiogram identified a 5 cm cement pulmonary embolus within the right main pulmonary artery with a surrounding thrombus. She had undergone an L4 vertebroplasty 3 years prior to presentation for a benign lytic lesion. Cement embolus is a known complication of cement vertebroplasty with incidence rates of approximately 0.9%. Management is usually conservative and associated morbidity and mortality rates are low. It is not known whether a previous cement embolus could provide a nidus for thrombus formation.
Nasal Polyposis in mucopolysaccharidosis type II
Authors: Kabekkodu Sushmitha , Sreedharan Suja , Gupta Kirti , Murali Nirupama
Published: March 2021

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is a rare multisystem disorder resulting from the accumulation of breakdown products of glycosaminoglycans in the body tissues. Many patients with this disease undergo ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeries such as adenotonsillectomy and tympanocentesis at a very early age, much before the diagnosis of MPS. Nasal polyposis is a rare occurrence, with only one case of MPS II with polyposis reported in the literature. We present a patient who presented with recurrent nasal polyposis from the age of 2 years. Hale’s colloidal iron was used to stain these ‘nasal polyps’, which revealed that they are, in fact, mucopolysaccharide-laden sinonasal mucosa prolapsing into the nasal cavities. We believe this is the first time that this stain has been used to stain nasal polyps in MPS. In addition to the histopathological peculiarities of these nasal masses, we also discuss the natural history of nasal polyposis in MPS II.
Episode of mixed mood with psychotic features secondary to Binswanger disease: a case report with a literature review
Authors: Mdawar Bernadette , Abi Faraj Christina , Khani Munir , Shamseddeen Wael
Published: March 2021

Neurodegenerative and mood disorders in the geriatric population might exhibit interchangeable cognitive and behavioural symptoms. This overlap in presentation might raise a diagnostic challenge for psychiatrists evaluating elderly patients who are presenting with such symptoms. Additionally, there is limited data published about early psychiatric manifestations of neurodegenerative disorders in the elderly. We report a case of a 71-year-old with a history of refractory depressive disorder and multiple cardiovascular risk factors presenting with verbalisation of suicidal and homicidal intent as well as mixed mood and psychotic symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with Binswanger’s disease (BD). We also provide a literature review of challenging early psychiatric presentations of neurocognitive disorders and a summary of similar cases to help facilitate diagnosis of BD cases in future.
Bilateral leg swelling as the presenting symptom of Löfgren syndrome in a paediatric patient: a rare presentation of a rare paediatric disease
Authors: Komishke Bailey , Foulds Jessica L , McMillan Tamara , Avdimiretz Nicholas
Published: March 2021

A 17-year-old previously healthy man presented with a 4-week history of progressive bilateral leg swelling with discomfort and erythema, but no signs of arthritis or erythema nodosum. An incidental finding of a query pulmonary nodule on chest X-ray prompted chest CT for further evaluation, revealing bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The patient then underwent endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of mediastinal lymph nodes. Biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were negative for microbiology, including mycobacterial culture. Pathology demonstrated non-caseating granulomas consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Weeks later, he developed arthralgias of the left metacarpophalangeal joints and erythema nodosum and was diagnosed with Löfgren syndrome, a phenomenon rarely described in the paediatric population. This case highlights an approach to lower extremity swelling as well as hilar lymphadenopathy in the paediatric population. In addition, it emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork for accurate and timely diagnoses.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sandhu Shaiba , Sankar Vidya
Published: March 2021

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is necrosis of mandibular or maxillary bone, which sometimes leads to bone exposure and sequestration. There is evidence that the microenvironment of the marrow stromal system is severely and irreversibly damaged after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) leading to a deficit in the quantity and quality of osteoblastic progenitors, compromising the ability to regenerate a normal osteogenic cell population and abnormality in bone remodelling/turnover. While osteonecrosis of the appendicular skeleton is a common complication after HSCT, there have been no reports of an association with ONJ. This is a report of the first case of ONJ secondary to HSCT in a 69-year-old woman who developed a unique pattern of osteonecrosis involving all four quadrants of the jaw 2 months after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Using acute hypervolaemic haemodilution as blood conservation technique in a Jehovah’s witness patient undergoing an emergency transphenoidal surgery: a Sabah experience
Authors: Yeap Tat Boon , Teah Ming Kai , Zenian Sofan
Published: March 2021

Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) is a branch of Christianity which was founded in 1872. However, their beliefs differ from other Christians in many ways. Majority of JW believe that it is against the teaching of God should they receive blood transfusion, while minority think receiving own blood or others is acceptable. These vast beliefs should always be respected by all medical practitioners to avoid medicolegal implications. The differing beliefs about blood transfusion is certainly a huge challenge to the surgeons and anesthesiologists, especially dealing with major surgeries. Thus, effective surgical and anaesthetic techniques are focused to minimise blood loss to avoid unnecessary blood transfusion. We report a JW patient who successfully underwent an emergency endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery secondary to pituitary apoplexy; highlighting our intraoperative acute hypervolaemic haemodilution technique to reduce blood loss.
Growth rate and configurational entropy in Tsallis holographic dark energy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Snehasish
Published: March 2021

In this work, we analyzed the effect of different prescriptions of the IR cutoffs, namely the Hubble horizon cutoff, particle horizon cutoff, Granda and Oliveros horizon cut off, and the Ricci horizon cutoff on the growth rate of clustering for the Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) model in an FRW universe devoid of any interactions between the dark Universe. Furthermore, we used the concept of configurational entropy to derive constraints (qualitatively) on the model parameters for the THDE model in each IR cutoff prescription from the fact that the rate of change of configurational entropy hits a minimum at a particular scale factor $$a_{DE}$$

a

DE

which indicate precisely the epoch of dark energy domination predicted by the relevant cosmological model as a function of the model parameter(s). By using the current observational constraints on the redshift of transition from a decelerated to an accelerated Universe, we derived constraints on the model parameters appearing in each IR cutoff definition and on the non-additivity parameter $$\delta $$
δ
characterizing the THDE model and report the existence of simple linear dependency between $$\delta $$
δ
and $$a_{DE}$$

a

DE

in each IR cutoff setup.
Joint Transferable Dictionary Learning and View Adaptation for Multi-view Human Action Recognition
Authors: Sun Bin , Kong Dehui , Wang Shaofan , Wang Lichun , Yin Baocai
Published: March 2021

Multi-view human action recognition remains a challenging problem due to large view changes. In this article, we propose a transfer learning-based framework called transferable dictionary learning and view adaptation (TDVA) model for multi-view human action recognition. In the transferable dictionary learning phase, TDVA learns a set of view-specific transferable dictionaries enabling the same actions from different views to share the same sparse representations, which can transfer features of actions from different views to an intermediate domain. In the view adaptation phase, TDVA comprehensively analyzes global, local, and individual characteristics of samples, and jointly learns balanced distribution adaptation, locality preservation, and discrimination preservation, aiming at transferring sparse features of actions of different views from the intermediate domain to a common domain. In other words, TDVA progressively bridges the distribution gap among actions from various views by these two phases. Experimental results on IXMAS, ACT4
2
, and NUCLA action datasets demonstrate that TDVA outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Noise Corrected Sampling of Online Social Networks
Authors: Coscia Michele
Published: March 2021

In this article, we propose a new method to perform topological network sampling. Topological network sampling is a process for extracting a subset of nodes and edges from a network, such that analyses on the sample provide results and conclusions comparable to the ones they would return if run on whole structure. We need network sampling because the largest online network datasets are accessed through low-throughput application programming interface (API) systems, rendering the collection of the whole network infeasible. Our method is inspired by the literature on network backboning, specifically the noise-corrected backbone. We select the next node to explore by following the edge we identify as the one providing the largest information gain, given the topology of the sample explored so far. We evaluate our method against the most commonly used sampling methods. We do so in a realistic framework, considering a wide array of network topologies, network analysis, and features of API systems. There is no method that can provide the best sample in all possible scenarios, thus in our results section, we show the cases in which our method performs best and the cases in which it performs worst. Overall, the noise-corrected network sampling performs well: it has the best rank average among the tested methods across a wide range of applications.
Stacked Convolutional Sparse Auto-Encoders for Representation Learning
Authors: Zhu Yi , Li Lei , Wu Xindong
Published: March 2021

Deep learning seeks to achieve excellent performance for representation learning in image datasets. However, supervised deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks require a large number of labeled image data, which is intractable in applications, while unsupervised deep learning models like stacked denoising auto-encoder cannot employ label information. Meanwhile, the redundancy of image data incurs performance degradation on representation learning for aforementioned models. To address these problems, we propose a semi-supervised deep learning framework called stacked convolutional sparse auto-encoder, which can learn robust and sparse representations from image data with fewer labeled data records. More specifically, the framework is constructed by stacking layers. In each layer, higher layer feature representations are generated by features of lower layers in a convolutional way with kernels learned by a sparse auto-encoder. Meanwhile, to solve the data redundance problem, the algorithm of Reconstruction Independent Component Analysis is designed to train on patches for sphering the input data. The label information is encoded using a Softmax Regression model for semi-supervised learning. With this framework, higher level representations are learned by layers mapping from image data. It can boost the performance of the base subsequent classifiers such as support vector machines. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superior classification performance of our framework compared to several state-of-the-art representation learning methods.
Compressible Multikey and Multi-Identity Fully Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Shen Tongchen , Wang Fuqun , Chen Kefei , Shen Zhonghua , Zhang Renjun
Published: March 2021

With the development of new computing models such as cloud computing, user’s data are at the risk of being leaked. Fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) provides a possible way to fundamentally solve the problem. It enables a third party who does not know anything about the secret key and plaintexts to homomorphically perform any computable functions on the corresponding ciphertexts. In 2009, Gentry proposed the first FHE scheme. After that, its inefficiency has always been a bottleneck of the development of practical schemes and applications. At TCC 2019, Gentry and Halevi proposed the first compressible FHE scheme that enables the ratio of plaintext size to the ciphertext size (i.e., the compression rate) to reach1−εfor any smallε>0under the standard learning with errors (LWE) assumption. However, it is only a single-key one, where the homomorphic evaluation can only be performed over ciphertexts encrypted under the same key. Compared with single-key FHE, multikey FHE is more practical. Multikey FHE enables ciphertexts encrypted under different public keys to be homomorphically computed without having to decrypt these ciphertexts using their own private keys. In addition, in a multi-identity FHE scheme, only identity information and public parameters are required when encrypting, which simplifies certificate-based key management in public key infrastructure. In this paper, a new compressible ciphertext expansion technique is proposed. Then, we use this technique to construct a compressible multikey FHE scheme and a compressible multi-identity FHE scheme to overcome the bottleneck of bandwidth inefficiency in the multikey and multi-identity settings. The two schemes proposed in this paper make it possible that the objects of homomorphic operation can be the ciphertexts encrypted under different keys or different identities before compression, thus solving the single-key defect of the work of Gentry and Halevi.
Research on Human Sports Rehabilitation Design Based on Object-Oriented Technology
Authors: Cao Dandan , Wang Junyan , Liu Naihong
Published: March 2021

In order to improve the effect of human motion rehabilitation, a design model of human motion rehabilitation based on object-oriented technology is proposed. The entire model design process includes the following steps. First, a visual dynamic tracking model for human motion rehabilitation is established, and then a fuzzy PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) superheterodyne control method is used to design the bone training control for human motion rehabilitation. The bone tracking control and adaptive training are under the control of object-oriented technology; it is analyzed by collecting human activity data during training. The 6-DOF kinematics problem of human movement rehabilitation is decomposed into the bone training control problem in the subspace. Combining object-oriented technology, visual blur recognition of human sports rehabilitation training, and adopting an adaptive kinematics model to design sports rehabilitation can improve the control convergence and global stability of the human sports rehabilitation process. The simulation results show that the method has a good overall steady state and the sports rehabilitation training effect is obvious.
Effect of Near-Infrared Pulsed Light on the Human Brain Using Electroencephalography
Authors: Shan Yi-Chia , Fang Wei , Chang Yang-Chyuan , Chang Wen-Dien , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: March 2021

In our previous study, the low-level laser (LLL) stimulation at the palm with a stimulation frequency of 10 Hz was able to induce significant brain activation in normal subjects. The electroencephalography (EEG) changes caused by the stimulation of light-emitting diode (LED) in normal subjects have not been investigated. This study aimed at identifying the effects of LED stimulation on the human brain using EEG analysis. Moreover, the dosage has been raised 4 times than that in the previous LLL study. The LED array stimulator (6 pcs LEDs, central wavelength 850 nm, output power 30 mW, and operating frequency 10 Hz) was used as the stimulation source. The LED stimulation was found to induce significant variation in alpha activity in the occipital, parietal, and temporal regions of the brain. Compared to the previous low-level laser study, LED has similar effects on EEG in alpha (8–12 Hz) activity. Theta (4–7 Hz) power significantly increased in the posterior head region of the brain. The effect lasted for at least 15 minutes after stimulation ceased. Conversely, beta (13–35 Hz) intensity in the right parietal area increased significantly, and a biphasic dose response has been observed in this study.
Research on Simulation and State Prediction of Nuclear Power System Based on LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Chen Yusheng , Lin Meng , Yu Ren , Wang Tianshu
Published: March 2021

The nuclear power plant systems are coupled with each other, and their operation conditions are changeable and complex. In the case of an operation fault in these systems, there will be a large number of alarm parameters, which can cause humans to be hurt in the accidents under great pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the values of the key parameters of a device system. The prediction of the key parameters’ values can help operators determine the changing trends of system parameters in advance, which can effectively improve system safety. In this paper, a deep learning long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model is developed to predict the key parameters of a nuclear power plant. The proposed network is verified by simulations and compared with the traditional grey theory. The simulation and comparison results show that the proposed LSTM neural network is effective and accurate in predicting the key parameters of the nuclear power plant.
Acute Hemodynamic Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Versus Alternative Pacing Strategies in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Tomashitis Brett , Baicu Catalin F. , Butschek Ross A. , Jackson Gregory R. , Winterfield Jeffrey , Tedford Ryan J. , Zile Michael R. , Gold Michael R. , Houston Brian A.
Published: March 2021

Background

The hemodynamic effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are uncharacterized. We aimed to quantify the hemodynamic effects of different ventricular pacing configurations in patients with LVADs, focusing on short‐term changes in load‐independent right ventricular (RV) contractility.

Methods and Results

Patients with LVADs underwent right heart catheterization during spontaneous respiration without sedation and with pressures recorded at end expiration. Right heart catheterization was performed at different pacemaker configurations (biventricular pacing, left ventricular pacing, RV pacing, and unpaced conduction) in a randomly generated sequence with >3 minutes between configuration change and hemodynamic assessment. The right heart catheterization operator was blinded to the sequence. RV maximal change in pressure over time normalized to instantaneous pressure was calculated from digitized hemodynamic waveforms, consistent with a previously validated protocol. Fifteen patients with LVADs who were in sinus rhythm were included. Load‐independent RV contractility, as assessed by RV maximal change in pressure over time normalized to instantaneous pressure, was higher in biventricular pacing compared with unpaced conduction (15.7±7.6 versus 11.0±4.0 s
−1
;
P
=0.003). Thermodilution cardiac output was higher in biventricular pacing compared with unpaced conduction (4.48±0.7 versus 4.38±0.8 L/min;
P
=0.05). There were no significant differences in heart rate, ventricular filling pressures, or atrioventricular valvular regurgitation across all pacing configurations.

Conclusions

Biventricular pacing acutely improves load‐independent RV contractility in patients with LVADs. Even in these patients with mechanical left ventricular unloading via LVAD who were relative pacing nonresponders (required LVAD support despite cardiac resynchronization therapy), biventricular pacing was acutely beneficial to RV contractility.
Strongly Coupled Assimilation of a Hypothetical Ocean Current Observing Network within a Regional Ocean–Atmosphere Coupled Model: An OSSE Case Study of Typhoon Hato
Authors: Phillipson Luke , Li Yi , Toumi Ralf
Published: March 2021

The forecast of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is a significant challenge. In this study, we showcase the impact of strongly coupled data assimilation with hypothetical ocean currents on analyses and forecasts of Typhoon Hato (2017). Several observation simulation system experiments (OSSE) were undertaken with a regional coupled ocean–atmosphere model. We assimilated combinations of (or individually) a hypothetical coastal current HF radar network, a dense array of drifter floats, and minimum sea level pressure. During the assimilation, instant updates of many important atmospheric variables (winds and pressure) are achieved from the assimilation of ocean current observations using the cross-domain error covariance, significantly improving the track and intensity analysis of Typhoon Hato. Relative to a control experiment (with no assimilation), the error of minimum pressure decreased by up to 13 hPa (4 hPa/57% on average). The maximum wind speed error decreased by up to 18 kt (5 kt/41% on average) (1 kt ≈ 0.5 m s−1). By contrast, weakly coupled implementations cannot match these reductions (10% on average). Although traditional atmospheric observations were not assimilated, such improvements indicate that there is considerable potential in assimilating ocean currents from coastal HF radar and surface drifters within a strongly coupled framework for intense landfalling TCs.
How High-Performance HR Practices and LMX Affect Employee Engagement and Creativity in Hospitality
Authors: He Jie , Morrison Alastair M. , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to explore how the interactive effects of high-performance human resource (HR) practices and leader–member exchange (LMX) on employee engagement and creativity in hospitality. Based on the survey of 485 employees of hotel companies in China, the theoretical model was tested. The results showed that high-performance HR practices had a significant influence on employee engagement and creativity through psychological empowerment. In addition, the impact of high-performance HR practices on employee engagement was strengthened by LMX. This theoretical framework was empirically tested to better explain the motivational mechanisms underlying employee engagement and creativity and makes a valuable contribution to advancing the application of self-determination theory in hospitality.
How do Muslim community members perceive Covid-19 risk reduction recommendations - a UK qualitative study?
Authors: Hassan Shaima M. , Ring Adele , Tahir Naheed , Gabbay Mark
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The evidence is now unequivocal that people from Black and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds (BAME) living in the UK are disproportionately affected by covid-19. There is growing evidence that the reasons for this difference are multi-factorial and need further exploration.

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand better, perceptions of risk and responses to covid-19 of members of the Muslim community living in the North West of England, and to understand the facilitators and barriers to adherence to restrictions and guidance measures.

Method

A total of 47 participants took part in 25 in-depth qualitative interviews and four focus groups (n=22) that explored perceptions of risk and responses to risk from covid-19. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Participants were aware of the mechanism of transmission of covid-19 and took steps to mitigate risk of transmission including, observing a range of hygiene practices and following social distancing guidance. Increased risk of covid-19 for BAME populations was explained largely in terms of exposure to the virus due to the types of employment people from BAME populations are employed in. Limitations both within the working environment and more generally in public spaces, was identified as problematic for effective social distancing. The closure of mosques sent out a strong message about the seriousness of the virus and religious teachings reinforced hygiene and social distancing guidelines.

Conclusion

Across society there are people that adhere to restrictions and guidelines and those that do not. Improving local information provision and communication pathways during times of the pandemic, could aid understanding of risk and promote adherence to social distancing restrictions.
The inappropriateness of brain MRI prescriptions: a study from Iran
Authors: Kavosi Zahra , Sadeghi Abouzar , Lotfi Farhad , Salari Hedayat , Bayati Mohsen
Published: March 2021

Background

Inappropriate prescriptions can lead to adverse consequences for patients. It also imposes excessive cost on the patients, payers and health systems. The current study aimed at estimating the rate of inappropriate brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) prescriptions and their financial burden in Iran.

Methods

Using systematic stratified sampling method, this cross-sectional study recruited 385 participants from three public teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Demographic information, questions related to brain MRI prescription and its indications checklist were collected using study-specific data collection tools. The completed indications checklist was compared to the appropriateness status table of indications and scenarios to detect the percent of the appropriateness of prescriptions.

Results

About 21 percentage of total brain MRI prescriptions are inappropriate. Previous treatment, number of referrals to physician, having other diagnostic tests and the applicant of MRI (P < 0.01) had significant relationships with prescription appropriateness. The estimated financial burden of inappropriate brain MRIs in Shiraz teaching hospitals was 99,988 US dollar in 2017.

Conclusions

More than one-fifth of brains MRIs were inappropriate (i.e. prescriptions without medical indications). It caused 99,988 United States Dollar (USD) financial burden which is 17 times that of Iran's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. To better allocate resources for the provision of MRI services to health system, rationing policies for controlling moral hazard and reducing provider induced demand can be helpful.
Probable contribution of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to the circulation of chikungunya virus during an outbreak in Mombasa County, Kenya, 2017–2018
Authors: Lutomiah Joel , Mulwa Francis , Mutisya James , Koskei Edith , Langat Solomon , Nyunja Albert , Koka Hellen , Konongoi Samson , Chepkorir Edith , Ofula Victor , Owaka Samuel , Eyase Fredrick , Sang Rosemary
Published: March 2021

Background

Chikungunya virus is an alphavirus, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. In late 2017–2018, an outbreak of chikungunya occurred in Mombasa county, Kenya, and investigations were conducted to establish associated entomological risk factors.

Methods

Homes were stratified and water-filled containers inspected for immature Ae. aegypti, and larval indices were calculated. Adult mosquitoes were collected in the same homesteads using BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps and screened for chikungunya virus. Experiments were also conducted to determine the ability of Culex quinquefasciatus to transmit chikungunya virus.

Results

One hundred thirty-one houses and 1637 containers were inspected; 48 and 128 of them, respectively, were positive for immature Ae. aegypti, with the house index (36.60), container index (7.82) and Breteau index (97.71) recorded. Jerry cans (n = 1232; 72.26%) and clay pots (n = 2; 0.12%) were the most and least inspected containers, respectively, while drums, the second most commonly sampled (n = 249; 15.21%), were highly positive (65.63%) and productive (60%). Tires and jerry cans demonstrated the highest and lowest breeding preference ratios, 11.36 and 0.2, respectively. Over 6900 adult mosquitoes were collected and identified into 15 species comprising Cx. quinquefasciatus (n = 4492; 65.04%), Aedes vittatus (n = 1137; 16.46%) and Ae. aegypti (n = 911; 13.19%) and 2 species groups. Simpson’s dominance and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices of 0.4388 and 1.1942 were recorded, respectively. Chikungunya virus was isolated from pools of Ae. aegypti (1) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (4), two of which were males. Minimum infection rates of 3.0 and 0.8 were observed for female Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. Between 25 and 31.3% of exposed mosquitoes became infected with CHIKV 7, 14 and 21 days post-exposure. For the experimentally infected Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, between 13 and 40% had the virus disseminated, with 100% transmission being observed among those with disseminated infection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated high risk of chikungunya transmission for residents in the sampled areas of Mombasa. Transmission data confirmed the probable role played by Cx. quinquefasciatus in the outbreak while the role of Ae. vittatus in the transmission of chikungunya virus remains unknown.

Graphical Abstract
Correction to: Fluralaner as a novel treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus): safety, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and practicable use
Authors: Wilkinson Vicky , Takano Kotaro , Nichols David , Martin Alynn , Holme Roz , Phalen David , Mounsey Kate , Charleston Michael , Kreiss Alexandre , Pye Ruth , Browne Elizabeth , Næsborg-Nielsen Christina , Richards Shane A. , Carver Scott
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Radiative transition for χc0 → J/Ψγ from Nf = 2 twisted mass lattice QCD
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Chao-Chen , Wu Ya-Jie
Published: March 2021

Radiative transition decay width for

was calculated by using

twisted mass lattice quantum chromodynamics gauge configurations in this preliminary study. The simulation has been performed on lattices with lattice spacings

and lattice size

(Ens.C
1), and

and lattice size

(Ens.B
1) respectively. In this simulation, we have considered the parity mixing effect by using variational method. The calculated central value for the decay width is closer to the experimental data than that in previous lattice studies.
Characterising arbitrary dark solitons in trapped one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates
(a)
Authors: Middleton-Spencer H. A. J. , Parker N. G. , Galantucci L. , Barenghi C. F.
Published: March 2021

We present a method to detect the presence and depth of dark solitons within repulsive one-dimensional harmonically trapped Bose-Einstein condensates. For a system with one soliton, we provide numerical evidence that the shift of the density in Fourier space directly maps onto the depth of the soliton. For multi-soliton systems, combining our spectral method with established imaging techniques, the character of the solitons present in the condensate can be determined. We verify that the detection of solitons by the spectral shift works in the presence of waves induced by density engineering methods. Finally we discuss implications for vortex detection in three-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates.
Evidence for weak-antilocalization–weak-localization crossover and metal-insulator transition in CaCu3Ru4O12 thin films
Authors: Jana Subhadip , Bhat Shwetha G. , Behera B. C. , Patra L. , Anil Kumar P. S. , Nanda B. R. K. , Samal D.
Published: March 2021

Artificial confinement of electrons by tailoring the layer thickness has turned out to be a powerful tool to harness control over competing phases in nano-layers of complex oxides. We investigate the effect of dimensionality on transport properties of d-electron–based heavy-fermion metal CaCu3Ru4O12. Transport behavior evolves from metallic to localized regime upon reducing thickness and a metal-insulator transition is observed below 3 nm film thickness for which sheet resistance crosses

, the quantum resistance in 2D. Magnetotransport study reveals a strong interplay between inelastic and spin-orbit scattering lengths upon reducing thickness, which results in weak-antilocalization (WAL) to weak-localization (WL) crossover in magnetoconductance.
Transcription co-factor LBH is necessary for the survival of cochlear hair cells
Authors: Liu Huizhan , Giffen Kimberlee P. , Grati M'Hamed , Morrill Seth W. , Li Yi , Liu Xuezhong , Briegel Karoline J. , He David Z.
Published: March 2021

Hearing loss affects ∼10% of adults worldwide. Most sensorineural hearing loss is caused by the progressive loss of mechanosensitive hair cells (HCs) in the cochlea. The molecular mechanisms underlying HC maintenance and loss remain poorly understood. LBH, a transcription co-factor implicated in development, is abundantly expressed in outer hair cells (OHCs). We used Lbh-null mice to identify its role in HCs. Surprisingly, Lbh deletion did not affect differentiation and the early development of HCs, as nascent HCs in Lbh knockout mice had normal looking stereocilia. The stereocilia bundle was mechanosensitive and OHCs exhibited the characteristic electromotility. However, Lbh-null mice displayed progressive hearing loss, with stereocilia bundle degeneration and OHC loss as early as postnatal day 12. RNA-seq analysis showed significant gene enrichment of biological processes related to transcriptional regulation, cell cycle, DNA damage/repair and autophagy in Lbh-null OHCs. In addition, Wnt and Notch pathway-related genes were found to be dysregulated in Lbh-deficient OHCs. Our study implicates, for the first time, loss of LBH function in progressive hearing loss, and demonstrates a critical requirement of LBH in promoting HC survival in adult mice.
Single-resonator, stable dual-longitudinal-mode optofluidic microcavity laser based on a hollow-core microstructured optical fiber
Authors: Shi Huimin , He Jiangyong , Guo Huiyi , Liu Xiaoqi , Wang Zhi , Liu Yan-Ge
Published: March 2021

A single-resonator, stable dual-longitudinal-mode optofluidic microcavity laser based on a hollow-core microstructured optical fiber is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The resonator and microfluidic channel are integrated in the hollow-core region of the fiber, inside which a hexagonal silica ring is used as the only resonator of the laser. Experimental results show that with mixing a small amount of Rhodamine B into a 1 mM Rhodamine 6G solution to form a dual-dye solution as a gain medium, the laser obtained by the method of lateral pumping can operate at dual longitudinal modes, with a threshold of 90 nJ/mm2. By adjusting the concentration of Rhodamine B, the lasing wavelength of the laser and the power ratio of the two wavelengths can be controlled. And because the laser emission is co-excited by different kinds of dye molecules, the mode competition is diminished, enabling the simultaneously efficient optical gain and therefore lasing at dual longitudinal modes stably with a maximum lasing intensity fluctuation of 3.2% within 30 minutes even if the dual longitudinal modes have the same linear polarization states. This work can open up promising opportunities for diverse applications in biosensing and medical diagnosis with high sensitivity and integrated photonics with compact structure.
Analytical Jacobians of single scattering optical properties using the invariant imbedding T-matrix method
Authors: Sun Bingqiang , Gao Chenxu , Bi Lei , Spurr Robert
Published: March 2021

Integrated and differential optical properties of a single particle, such as the scattering, absorption, and extinction cross sections, single scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, and scattering phase matrix, are derived from electromagnetic scattering theory. This process depends on microphysical inputs which include particle shape, refractive index, aspect ratio, and size parameter. In this work, we use the invariant imbedding T-matrix method (IITM) to derive analytic expressions for Jacobians of these optical properties with respect to the input parameters. These IITM-derived Jacobians for spheroids, cylinders, and hexagonal prisms are validated by comparison with results calculated with the extended boundary condition method (EBCM) and further validated using finite-difference estimates. We examine the dependencies of these Jacobians as functions of the input microphysical parameters, focusing again on spheroids, cylinders, and hexagonal prisms.
Locally adaptive thresholding centroid localization in confocal microscopy
Authors: Chen Cheng , Leach Richard , Wang Jian , Liu Xiaojun , Jiang Xiangqian , Lu Wenlong
Published: March 2021

We introduce an iteration-free approach, based on a centroid algorithm with a locally adaptive threshold, for nanometer-level peak position localization of the axial response signal in confocal microscopy. This approach has localization accuracies that are near theoretical limits, especially when there is a small number of sampling points within the discrete signal. The algorithm is also orders of magnitude faster compared to fitting schemes based on maximum likelihood estimation. Simulations and experiments demonstrate the localization performance of the approach.
Inferring latent temporal progression and regulatory networks from cross-sectional transcriptomic data of cancer samples
Authors: Sun Xiaoqiang , Zhang Ji , Nie Qing
Published: March 2021

Unraveling molecular regulatory networks underlying disease progression is critically important for understanding disease mechanisms and identifying drug targets. The existing methods for inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) rely mainly on time-course gene expression data. However, most available omics data from cross-sectional studies of cancer patients often lack sufficient temporal information, leading to a key challenge for GRN inference. Through quantifying the latent progression using random walks-based manifold distance, we propose a latent-temporal progression-based Bayesian method, PROB, for inferring GRNs from the cross-sectional transcriptomic data of tumor samples. The robustness of PROB to the measurement variabilities in the data is mathematically proved and numerically verified. Performance evaluation on real data indicates that PROB outperforms other methods in both pseudotime inference and GRN inference. Applications to bladder cancer and breast cancer demonstrate that our method is effective to identify key regulators of cancer progression or drug targets. The identified ACSS1 is experimentally validated to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells, and the predicted FOXM1-targets interactions are verified and are predictive of relapse in breast cancer. Our study suggests new effective ways to clinical transcriptomic data modeling for characterizing cancer progression and facilitates the translation of regulatory network-based approaches into precision medicine.