bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential linkage betweenToxoplasma gondiiInfection and physical education scores of College Students
Authors: Sheng Zhijin , Jin Yu , Du Yinan , Yan Xinlei , Yao Yong
Published: October 2020

Objective

Toxoplasma gondiiis a worldwide protozoan parasite that could infect virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence ofT. gondiiinfection in college students at Anhui province, China. Moreover, growing studies demonstrated the association betweenT. gondiiinfection and host behavioral changes. We also studied the linkage betweenT. gondiiand scores of college students.

Methods

2704 serum samples of medical school students attending physical education lessons were collected from September 2017 to September 2019 and evaluated forT. gondiiIgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also analysed PE scores ofT. gondiiinfected students andT. gondiiuninfected students.

Results

The overall seroprevalence ofT. gondiiwas 11.5%. The main risk factors related toT. gondiiinfections were cat in the household and gardening or agriculture activity. Furthermore, in basketball group and football group, scores ofT. gondiiseropositive students were significantly higher than that of seronegative students, while in other sports there is no difference between scores ofT. gondiiinfected students andT. gondiiuninfected students.

Conclusion

This is the first report ofT. gondiiseroprevalence in college students in Anhui province, China.
Entitlement programmes for garnering votes? The impact of local elections on targeted social protection in decentralised Indonesia
Authors: Wardhana Dharendra
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between local direct elections and the change in social spending, controlling for GDP per capita, revenues and wide-range socio-welfare indicators at the regional level.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a model of time-series cross-sectional panel data set for 33 provinces in Indonesia from 2001 to 2012.

Findings

The main finding of this research is that the political budget cycle does exist in Indonesia. Incumbents responded to the direct elections more sensitively rather than to other variables in the model. The most important variables that are significant in the model are not only direct election but also inter-governmental grants. Interestingly, the local economy (as measured by GDP per capita) does not clearly exhibit a meaningful impact.

Research limitations/implications

Although the importance of decentralisation in Indonesia is actually at the regency level, obtaining the data is really challenging. Therefore the exercise on this paper is currently limited only for the provincial level.

Practical implications

This finding conveys the message that there is large room for improvement in inter-governmental transfer formulation, more importantly to the regions where they still entail significant budget support from central government. In addition, transfers during specific periods such as elections need to be modified to avoid the misappropriation of local budget and to mitigate the adverse impact of PBC. The formulation of inter-governmental transfers is pivotal in reducing over-dependence to the central government funding and to ensure the effectiveness of budget devolved at the local level.

Originality/value

To the author’s understanding, the paper is the first to discuss the presence of the political budget cycle on social protection programs in Indonesia. The expected contribution of the current work is twofold: Firstly, the author used a recent data set hosted by the World Bank (INDO-DAPOER). Secondly, the findings are relevant to the discussion within the sphere of development studies and political science.
Dividend policy and probability of extreme returns
Authors: Bouaddi Mohammed , Farooq Omar , Ahmed Neveen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study examines the effect of dividend policy on the ex ante probability of stock price crash and the ex ante probability stock price jump.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the data of publicly listed non-financial firms from France and the ex ante measures of crash and jump probabilities (based on the Flexible Quadrants Copulas) to test our hypothesis during the period between 1997 and 2019.

Findings

Our results show that dividend payments are negatively associated with the ex ante probability of crash and positively associated with the ex ante probability of jump. Our results are robust across various sub-samples and across different proxies of dividend policy. Our findings also hold when we use ex-post measures of crash and jump probabilities.

Originality/value

Unlike prior literature, we use ex ante measures of crash and jump probabilities. The main advantage of this forward looking measure is that it allows for more flexibility by modeling the dependence between market returns and stock returns as functions of their actual state. Our measure is also consistent with the behavior of investors and market participants in a way that the market participants do not know the future outcome with certainty, but rather they are anticipating the future.
Does corporate governance affect bank risk management? Case study of Indonesian banks
Authors: Permatasari Ika
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between corporate governance and risk management of Indonesian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Implementation of good corporate governance is measured by good corporate governance composite rating, which is the result of bank's self-assessment. Bank risk managements are measured by market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and operational risk.

Findings

The study results showed that good corporate governance implementation in Indonesia was able to influence bank risk. There were differences in credit risk, liquidity risk and operational risk in banks with different governance ratings, but not at market risk.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of risk management and good corporate governance implementation is needed to enable banks to identify problems early, to follow up on rapid improvements and to be more resilient to crises. This study is an analysis of the relationship between corporate governance and banks' risk management in Indonesia. In particular, risk management is measured by four risks: market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and operation risk.
Dynamics of banks' lending practices to farmers in India
Authors: Sandhu Navjot
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate whether small marginal farmers in India have financial constraints and to examine how bank managers make lending decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was employed, using semi-structured questionnaires with a sample of 42 banks and 185 farmers from the state of Punjab in India. The questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out on a one-to-one basis and in focus groups, and their responses were analysed from the supply (banks) and demand (farmers) side regarding access to finance.

Findings

The results indicate that the Indian farming sector is a complex and multidimensional one that has dependency on both the private and public sectors because of its national importance to varying degrees. Financial lending decisions are dependent upon several non-quantifiable factors (culture, caste, family size, education) and relational bank lending practices. Such practices have an adverse impact on bankable loan applications, and this gives rise to moral hazards. Relational banking and recommendations minimise default rates, but this does not minimise information asymmetry. Subjectivity in decision-making persists, which is compounded by underdeveloped financial markets for small farmers, giving rise to financial exclusion and negatively impacting on economic growth. To overcome information asymmetry, banks rely on the qualitative factors and an excessive level of collateral when making lending decisions. The findings provide valuable insight into how banks make lending decisions and evaluates a complex matrix of relationships between farmers and providers of debt finance in a developing economy such as India.

Practical implications

Policy makers nationally and internationally could use the results of this research to develop relevant and targeted policies to promote the agricultural sector through adopting efficient provision of finance for farmers. A major contribution of this research is to provide a fundamental evaluation of the issues facing farmers in accessing finance in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study provides an original empirical insight into a sector of the economy that has implications for food security for a country. The study has relevance for a wide range of stakeholders and policy makers of both developed and emerging economies in the world.
Women MSMEs in times of crisis: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Sultan Suhail , Sultan Wasim I.M.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study addresses the impact of the corona crisis on the performance of women small- to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and explores the adopted innovative strategies by these women to stay in their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in this cross-sectional country-level survey. A representative sample of 260 Palestinian women businesses completed the questionnaire. As well, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with 15 female entrepreneurs who succeeded to survive to collect qualitative data. Frequencies, cross-tabulations and Chi-Square tests are used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis is used to analyze the qualitative one.

Findings

The main findings show that the corona crisis harms the performance of many women MSMEs in terms of production, turnover profit. To reduce their lost sales during the crisis, women are more likely to benefit from social media and promotions than other methods. This study highlights the innovation strategies applied by the women MSMEs who managed to survive such as, among others, cash management and digital marketing.

Practical implications

The innovation strategies could be a road map for other women struggling MSMEs businesses to re-enter businesses again.

Originality/value

So far, little research has focused on women MSMEs in developing countries. The identified innovation strategies will potentially help aspiring women MSMEs to survive during the economic crisis.
The impact of seismic inversion methodology on rock property prediction
Authors: Martinho Mariana , Tylor‐Jones Timothy , Azevedo Leonardo
Published: October 2020

Seismic inversion is a central step within the seismic reservoir characterization workflow. In seismic inversion, seismic amplitudes are inverted to predict the spatial distribution of the subsurface elastic properties. In subsequent steps of the geomodelling workflow, the inverted models are then converted into rock properties and facies. The methodology to perform the seismic inversion does have an impact on the predictions about the spatial distribution of the rock properties of interest. Each method has advantages and limitations depending on data quality, availability and the objective of the study. This work compares the application of deterministic and stochastic elastic inversion in a challenging real dataset. The deterministic approach is based on a sparse spike approximation, while the stochastic one is a global geostatistical seismic amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion. Both methods are applied to a real dataset acquired over a producing field located offshore Greece. Both the complex geological setting, where one target is close to seismic resolution, and data quality affect the performance of the seismic inversion methods. The results of both inversion methods are compared in terms of facies probability using Bayesian classification over the inverted elastic models and by comparing predictions to direct measurements at a blind well location. This application example shows the ability of deterministic inversion to retrieve an inverted solution with broader geological predictions which matched gross features in the wells. On the other hand, geostatistcal inversion was able to predict thin continous sand bodies, which correspond to the finer details at and below the seismic resolution of the observed data.
Effect of Model Setup Complexity on Flood Modeling in Low‐Gradient Basins
Authors: Saad Haitham A. , Habib Emad H. , Miller Robert L.
Published: October 2020

The flat topography, large natural storage features, backwater effects, and boundary conditions all play different roles in the flood response of rivers in low‐gradient environments. The combined effects of these factors result in frequent episodes of reverse flows, slow recession of flood waters, and complex flow interactions. This study investigates the value of varying degrees of model complexity and setup features on the model ability to reproduce some of the unique flooding characteristics in low‐gradient basins. The study focuses on (1) effect of streamflow routing techniques; (2) effect of incorporating large natural storage areas; (3) effect of model dimensionality; and (4) effect of downstream boundary conditions. The study assessed six different model setups for the Vermilion River in south Louisiana, during a series of flood‐inducing storm events in May–June 2014. A successful simulation of the repetitive reverse flows in the river was only possible after incorporating the large swamp areas within the basin. The slow recession of the flood peaks was accurately reproduced with the use of a two‐dimensional representation in characterizing the swamp areas. The results of this study have implications for understanding flood dynamics in low‐gradient basins, and for guiding the development of reliable flood models that take advantage of available technologies and information without adding unwarranted complexities that require extensive, yet typically unavailable calibration data.
Mg deficiency interacts with the circadian clock and phytochromes pathways in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rivière Quentin , Xiao Qiying , Gutsch Annelie , Defrance Matthieu , Webb Alex A. R. , Verbruggen Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Little is known about the relationship between nutrition and the circadian clock in plants. The first global transcriptomic study in plants of the response to magnesium deficiency (–Mg) revealed that the circadian clock was affected in the Arabidopsis thaliana model species. Interactions between the circadian clock and Mg status were here investigated in the light of recent knowledge. We highlight the wide disturbances caused by –Mg within the central oscillator and, reciprocally, the probable pervasive influence of the circadian clock on the response to –Mg. We provide evidence that light signalling pathways are likely to be involved in the input of Mg status to the circadian oscillator and that they interact with the circadian clock to coregulate an important part of the transcriptomic response. We further studied PIF3 LIKE 1 (PIL1) because it strongly and early responded, before the core genes of the circadian oscillator, and was a representative regulator of light signalling that interacts with the circadian oscillator. Furthermore, the far‐red light‐responsive genes, which are related to PIL1, were more enriched among the –Mg‐deregulated genes than those responding to red, blue and intense lights. Finally, pil1 mutants had an altered response to –Mg notably by losing the upregulation of PSEUDO‐RESPONSE REGULATOR 9, a core circadian oscillator. In short, we have further characterised the interactions between the Mg status and the circadian clock and identified the involvement of light signalling pathways in the response to Mg status. In particular, we have illustrated the role of a light‐signalling component in the regulation of the circadian oscillator and physiological processes during Mg starvation.
Time trial of dry box laparoscopic surgical training improves laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes
Authors: Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Miyamoto Yuji , Akiyama Takahiko , Daitoku Nobuya , Sakamoto Yuki , Tokunaga Ryuma , Eto Kojiro , Nagai Yohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The present study assessed the utility of a dry box time trial during laparoscopic surgical training to improve laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes.

Methods

In a monthly time trial, surgeon trainees twice completed a set task that involved grasping a suture, aligning a needle with a needle holder, passing the suture, making three knots, and cutting the two tails of the suture. The mean suturing time was then analyzed. To assess the utility of this time trial, we analyzed the short‐term outcomes of patients with stage I to III colon cancer who had undergone laparoscopic colectomy before and after the introduction of the time trial.

Results

The monthly time trial was introduced in October 2018, and 52 surgeon trainees participated in the trials examined in this study. Within 6 months of the program's introduction, the mean suturing time had significantly declined to less than 70% of the time trial, while the standard deviations had declined to less than 30%. In comparisons of the short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery before (n = 49) and after (n = 46) the introduction of the time trial, the operative time tended to decline (P = .074) after the introduction of the time trial, and blood loss was significantly reduced (P = .018). The rate of postoperative complications was similar before and after the introduction.

Conclusion

Regular time trials of laparoscopic surgical suture training using a dry box can be useful for improving laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes. Moreover, time trials can keep trainees motivated.
Novel IM‐associated protein Tim54 plays a role in the mitochondrial import of internal signal‐containing proteins in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Singha Ujjal K. , Tripathi Anuj , Smith Joseph T. , Quinones Linda , Saha Aparajita , Singha Tanusree , Chaudhuri Minu
Published: October 2020

Background

The translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM) imports most of the nucleus‐encoded proteins that are destined for the matrix, inner membrane (IM) and the intermembrane space (IMS). Trypanosoma brucei, the infectious agent for African trypanosomiasis, possesses a unique TIM complex consisting of several novel proteins in association with a relatively conserved protein TbTim17. Tandem affinity purification of the TbTim17 protein complex revealed TbTim54 as a potential component of this complex.

Results

TbTim54, a trypanosome‐specific IMS protein, is peripherally associated with the IM and is present in a protein complex slightly larger than the TbTim17 complex. TbTim54 knockdown (KD) reduced the import of TbTim17 and compromised the integrity of the TbTim17 complex. TbTim54 KD inhibited the in vitro mitochondrial import and assembly of the internal signal‐containing mitochondrial carrier proteins MCP3, MCP5 and MCP11 to a greater extent than TbTim17 KD. Furthermore, TbTim54 KD, but not TbTim17 KD, significantly hampered the mitochondrial targeting of ectopically expressed MCP3 and MCP11. These observations along with our previous finding that the mitochondrial import of N‐terminal signal‐containing proteins like cytochrome oxidase subunit 4 and MRP2 was affected to a greater extent by TbTim17 KD than TbTim54 KD indicating a substrate‐specificity of TbTim54 for internal‐signal containing mitochondrial proteins. In other organisms, small Tim chaperones in the IMS are known to participate in the translocation of MCPs. We found that TbTim54 can directly interact with at least two of the six known small TbTim proteins, TbTim11 and TbTim13, as well as with the N‐terminal domain of TbTim17.

Conclusion

TbTim54 interacts with TbTim17. It also plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial import and complex assembly of internal signal‐containing IM proteins in T. brucei.

Significance

We are the first to characterise TbTim54, a novel TbTim that is involved primarily in the mitochondrial import of MCPs and TbTim17 in T. brucei.
Balancing transferability and complexity of species distribution models for rare species conservation
Authors: Helmstetter Nolan A. , Conway Courtney J. , Stevens Bryan S. , Goldberg Amanda R.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Species distribution models (SDMs) are valuable for rare species conservation and are commonly used to extrapolate predictions of habitat suitability geographically to regions where species occurrence is unknown (i.e., transferability). Spatially structured cross‐validation can be used to infer transferability, yet, few studies have evaluated how delineation of cross‐validation folds affects model complexity and predictions. We developed SDMs using multiple cross‐validation approaches to understand the implications for predicting habitat suitability for northern Idaho ground squirrels, a rare, federally threatened species that has been extensively surveyed in regions where known populations occur, resulting in >8000 presence locations.

Location

Idaho, USA.

Methods

We delineated cross‐validation folds by mimicking the manner in which predictions would be geographically extrapolated or by using existing dispersal barriers. We varied the distance between, number, and directionality of folds. We conducted a grid search on statistical regularization parameters to optimize model complexity, covering a range of values exceeding that typically implemented. For each cross‐validation approach, we selected optimal regularization and model complexity based on out‐of‐sample predictive ability.

Results

Delineation of cross‐validation folds substantially affected resulting model complexity and extrapolated predictions. All cross‐validation approaches resulted in models with apparently high out‐of‐sample predictive ability, yet optimal model complexity varied substantially among the approaches. Regularization demonstrated a noisy relationship between model complexity and prediction, where local optima in predictive performance were common at small values.

Main conclusion

Subtle modelling decisions can have large consequences for predictions of habitat suitability and transferability of SDMs. When transferability is the goal, cross‐validation approaches should be considered carefully and mimic the manner in which spatial extrapolation will occur, else overly complex models with inflated assessments of predictive accuracy may result. Further, spatially structured cross‐validation may not guard against over‐parameterization, and assessing a broader range of regularization parameters may be necessary to optimize model complexity for transferability.
Genetic consequences of long‐term small effective population size in the critically endangered pygmy hog
Authors: Liu Langqing , Bosse Mirte , Megens Hendrik‐Jan , de Visser Manon , A. M. Groenen Martien , Madsen Ole
Published: October 2020

Increasing human disturbance and climate change have a major impact on habitat integrity and size, with far‐reaching consequences for wild fauna and flora. Specifically, population decline and habitat fragmentation result in small, isolated populations. To what extend different endangered species can cope with small population size is still largely unknown. Studies on the genomic landscape of these species can shed light on past demographic dynamics and current genetic load, thereby also providing guidance for conservation programs. The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the smallest and rarest wild pig in the world, with current estimation of only a few hundred living in the wild. Here, we analyzed whole‐genome sequencing data of six pygmy hogs, three from the wild and three from a captive population, along with 30 pigs representing six otherSuidae. First, we show that the pygmy hog had a very small population size with low genetic diversity over the course of the past ~1 million years. One indication of historical small effective population size is the absence of mitochondrial variation in the six sequenced individuals. Second, we evaluated the impact of historical demography. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis suggests that the pygmy hog population has gone through past but not recent inbreeding. Also, the long‐term, extremely small population size may have led to the accumulation of harmful mutations suggesting that the accumulation of deleterious mutations is exceeding purifying selection in this species. Thus, care has to be taken in the conservation program to avoid or minimize the potential for further inbreeding depression, and guard against environmental changes in the future.
First report on the colpocytology and serum steroid hormone levels of Giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis
Authors: Amaral R. S. , Rosas F. C. W.
Published: October 2020

Considering the importance of tools for the reproductive monitoring and management of Giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis in the wild or in captivity, this study reports the relationship among the colpocytology, reproductive serum hormone (progesterone and oestradiol) levels and ovarian morphology of adult Giant otters. Blood and vaginal cytology samples were obtained from four adult females (two free‐ranging and two in human care). The ovaries were collected from the captive females. The data were correlated to define the phase of the oestrous cycle of each animal. The results suggest the feasibility of using hormone analysis or colpocytology to aid in the reproductive monitoring of Giant otters in human care. In addition, these tools could be used to define the reproductive status of individual wild Giant otters during capture procedures.
Verbal communication of effect‐sizes, possible comparators, and uncertainty of evidence in the Finnish clinical practice guidelines: Omitting effect‐sizes and comparators without expressing much uncertainty
Authors: Raittio Eero , Raittio Lauri
Published: October 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Our aim was to investigate verbal representations of intervention effect‐size, uncertainty of evidence, and possible intervention comparators in statements concerning effects of interventions in Finnish clinical practice guidelines.

Method

We selected 10 clinical practice guidelines on common diseases and risk factors published by The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim. All the statements that considered beneficial effects of interventions and that were graded with a level of evidence (levels A, high, to D, very low) were included in analyses. We assessed whether the statements verbally represented intervention effect‐size, uncertainty of evidence or a possible comparator, and the reported outcome.

Results

Of 385 statements, verbal representation of beneficial effect‐sizes occurred in 25 (6%) statements. Most (72%) statements indicated that intervention had a beneficial effect, but did not specify effect‐size. Less than half (42%) of the statements represented uncertainty verbally. Comparisons to placebo or no‐treatment were rare (3%) and 18% of the statements compared interventions to other treatments. Against instructions, a considerable part (35%) of statements with B‐level evidence did not represent uncertainty.

Conclusion

Communicating beneficial intervention effects, effect‐sizes, possible comparators, and uncertainty of evidence require much broader attention in the clinical practice guideline context.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals hidden issues in the plant response to arthropod herbivores
Authors: Santamaria M. Estrella , Garcia Alejandro , Arnaiz Ana , Rosa‐Diaz Irene , Romero‐Hernandez Gara , Diaz Isabel , Martinez Manuel
Published: October 2020

Plants experience different abiotic/biotic stresses, which trigger their molecular machinery to cope with them. Besides general mechanisms prompted by many stresses, specific mechanisms have been introduced to optimize the response to individual threats. However, these key mechanisms are difficult to identify. Here, we introduce an in‐depth species‐specific transcriptomic analysis and conduct an extensive meta‐analysis of the responses to related species to gain more knowledge about plant responses. The spider mite Tetranychus urticae was used as the individual species, several arthropod herbivores as the related species for meta‐analysis, and Arabidopsis thaliana plants as the common host. The analysis of the transcriptomic data showed typical common responses to herbivory, such as jasmonate signaling or glucosinolate biosynthesis. Also, a specific set of genes likely involved in the particularities of the Arabidopsis‐spider mite interaction was discovered. The new findings have determined a prominent role in this interaction of the jasmonate‐induced pathways leading to the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and tocopherols. Therefore, tandem individual/general transcriptomic profiling has been revealed as an effective method to identify novel relevant processes and specificities in the plant response to environmental stresses.
Advancement in female sports medicine and preventive medicine
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka
Published: October 2020

Sport plays a major role in maintaining and improving physical function and health of women from adolescence to sexual maturity, through to menopause and old age, and it also plays a key role in social productivity and medicine from the perspective of preventive medicine. However, in routine clinical practice, there are many gynecological problems that affect the condition and performance of female athletes due to a lack of appropriate medical intervention, such as neglect of amenorrhea and menstruation‐related symptoms. In addition, the number of athletes aiming to return to competition post‐partum has been increasing in recent years, but there is little medical data on the well‐being of female athletes during pregnancy and the post‐partum period. I previously conducted clinical research on three separate topics, with the aim of clarifying the current issues unique to female athletes, mainly in terms of conditioning and injury prevention. The goal was that clinical research was to examine the situation of athletes with and without disabilities and provide feedback from the survey results to athletes and coaches. This paper divides the clinical studies conducted to date into three topics that will be explored herein: (i) research on the female athlete triad (Triad); (ii) research on oral contraceptives/low‐dose estrogen‐progestin; and (iii) research on pregnancy and post‐partum period.
VVI pacing with normal QRS duration and ventricular function: MOST trial findings relevant to leadless pacemakers
Authors: Loring Zak , North Rebecca , Hellkamp Anne S. , Atwater Brett D. , Frazier‐Mills Camille G. , Jackson Kevin P. , Pokorney Sean D. , Lamas Gervasio A. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Leadless pacemakers (LPs) provide ventricular pacing without the risks associated with transvenous leads and device pockets. LPs are appealing for patients who need pacing, but do not need defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy. Most implanted LPs provide right ventricular pacing without atrioventricular synchrony (VVIR mode). The Mode Selection Trial in Sinus Node Dysfunction (MOST) showed similar outcomes in patients randomized to dual‐chamber (DDDR) versus ventricular pacing (VVIR). We compared outcomes by pacing mode in LP‐eligible patients from MOST.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the MOST study with an left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >35%, QRS duration (QRSd) <120 ms and no history of ventricular arrhythmias or prior implantable cardioverter defibrillators were included (LP‐eligible population). Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the association between pacing mode and death, stroke or heart failure (HF) hospitalization and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Results

Of the 2010 patients enrolled in MOST, 1284 patients (64%) met inclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were well balanced across included patients randomized to DDDR (N = 630) and VVIR (N = 654). Over 4 years of follow‐up, there was no association between pacing mode and death, stroke or HF hospitalization (VVIR HR 1.28 [0.92‐1.75]). VVIR pacing was associated with higher risk of AF (HR 1.32 [1.08‐1.61], P = .007), particularly in patients with no history of AF (HR 2.38 [1.52‐3.85], P < .001).

Conclusion

In patients without reduced LVEF or prolonged QRSd who would be eligible for LP, DDDR, and VVIR pacing demonstrated similar rates of death, stroke or HF hospitalization; however, VVIR pacing significantly increased the risk of AF development.
Atypical pediatric presentation of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis: Diagnostic difficulties and recent nosological clarification
Authors: Juan‐Carpena Gloria , Palazón‐Cabanes Juan Carlos , Silva‐Ortega Sandra , Blanes‐Martínez Mar , Betlloch‐Más Isabel
Published: October 2020

A 4‐year‐old girl presented with a 2‐month history of round, hypopigmented, slightly scaly patches measuring 1‐6 cm and encircled by an erythematous halo, first appearing on the lower limbs then spreading to the whole body. Three biopsies were taken as the condition progressed, each showing a lymphocytic infiltrate affecting a medium‐sized artery at the dermal‐subcutaneous junction, with a concentric fibrin ring. These findings are characteristic of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA). The young age of our patient and the type of skin lesions she developed make this an atypical presentation of LTA, which usually manifests as hyperpigmented macules on the lower extremities, predominantly in dark‐skinned women.
Islamic Feminism from A Liberal Muslim Perspective
Authors: Hassan Ahmad Muhyuddin , Haron Zulkiflee , Ebrahimi Mansoureh
Published: October 2020

The challenge addressed herein are impacts from feminism on Muslims in particular. The authors discuss this based on an understanding of the position of women in the west vis-à-vis variegated Muslim societies. Some believe that Islamic feminism obtains full sovereignty for women and thus gel with western rejection of male chauvinism and dominance with arguments straight from the Quran. Liberal Muslim feminists believe a woman must be given equal considerations in various circumstances to include inheritance rights, legal testimony and so forth. Based on hermeneutic interpretations, socio-historical analysis and relativism, Muslim feminists believe the Quran needs a robust dusting and reinterpretation that allow socio-historical reconsiderations for this worthy cause. Since Muslim societies embrace Islam and its prevailing patriarchal culture, it is difficult to accept the concept of Islamic feminism. This paper investigates feminism from a liberal muslim perspective. A literature review provides a thematic analysis that refers to emerging trends in gender issues. Findings reveal that ideas and practices regarding rights and freedom seek to enhance the status of women. The discussion solely focuses on historical and contextual analysis to realize the expanding potential of feminism’s path to freedom of choice in the Islamic context.
Visualization of Radioactive Substances Using a Freely Moving Gamma-Ray Imager Based on Structure From Motion
Authors: Yuki Sato , Kojiro Minemoto , Makoto Nemoto , Tatsuo Torii
Published: October 2020

Technology for measuring and identifying the positions and distributions of radioactive substances is important for decommissioning work sites at nuclear power stations. A three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction method that locates radioactive substances by integrating structure-from-motion (SfM) with a Compton camera (a type of gamma-ray imager) has been developed. From the photographs captured while freely moving in an experimental environment, a 3D structural model of the experimental environment was created. By projecting the radioactive substance image acquired by the Compton camera on the 3D structural model, the positions of the radioactive substance were visualized in 3D space. In a demonstration study, the 137Cs-radiation source was successfully visualized in the experimental environment captured by the freely moving cameras. In addition, how the imaging accuracy is affected by uncertainty in the self-localization of the Compton camera processed by SfM, and by positional uncertainty in the gamma-ray incidence determined by the sensors of the Compton camera was investigated. The created map depicts the positions of radioactive substances inside radiation work environments, such as decommissioning work sites at nuclear power stations.
Motion Control of an Independent Metering System With Polynomial Approximations for Valve Flow Nonlinearity
Authors: Li Chen , Chen Zheng , Yao Bin , Lyu Litong , Helian Bobo
Published: October 2020

In recent years, many works focusing on improving motion tracking accuracy of hydraulic actuators have been done by developing nonlinear control algorithms. Model nonlinearity compensation, such as valve deadband, nonlinear friction force, and flow leakages, is one of the key points in the control design. However, the inherently nonlinear valve flow characteristic is usually treated as linear for simplicity, which might lead to undesirable flow rate deviation and reduce the tracking precision especially when the cylinder moves at a low speed. In this study, an online valve flow nonlinearity compensation method is developed to improve the motion tracking precision of hydraulic actuators. Specifically, polynomials are used to mimic the nonlinear valve flow characteristic between the valve control input, pressure difference, and flow. The coefficients in polynomials are synthesized based on the offline identification experiments while the lumped discrepancy is updated online in the proposed control design. The adaptive robust control approach is also used to develop the closed-loop motion controller, which can handle the parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities in the electro-hydraulic system. Comparative experiments are conducted on an independent metering system with a differential cylinder and the results show the improved tracking precision with nonlinear valve flow comparing to the linear one, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Research on Dynamic Performance of Independent Metering Valve-Cylinder System Based on Double Pressure Compound Control
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bao Hui-ming , Zhong Qi , Hong Hao-cen , Yang Hua-yong
Published: October 2020

In hydraulic motion control industries, independent metering valves control system (IMVCS) can effectively improve the control performance of the system, furthermore, it has prominent potential in energy-saving. In IMVCS, the meter-in and meter-out orifices are regulated by two independent valves, which increases the control degrees of freedom. In some working conditions such as lifting where the load is steady, a double pressure compound control (DPCC) strategy that controls inlet and outlet cavities simultaneously can be applied for better dynamic performance. In this paper, a double DPCC strategy is proposed to regulate the pressure of both meter-in and meter-out chambers of a cylinder. Firstly, the control algorithm based on the two-level fuzzy PID (FPID) is designed, which contains a spool displacement controller as an inner loop and a pressure controller as an outer loop. Then, the pressure dynamic characteristics of the system under the IMVCS are studied. The simulation model is established using AMESim-Simulink co-simulation, and its key parameters are identified through experiments. The simulation results show that the dynamic characteristics of the actuator can be increased effectively with two-level fuzzy PID control algorithm and DPCC strategy. The adjusting time and overshoot of cavity pressure can be significantly decreased with them.
High-Level Controller for High Productivity Earthmoving by Tracked Bulldozers
Authors: Mononen Teemu , Mattila Jouni , Aref Mohammad M.
Published: October 2020

The bulldozer is a heavy-duty earthmoving machine generating tractive force between its tracks and ground to cut and push soil with an onboard blade. The productivity of the machine is determined by the amount of soil moved per hour, which is influenced by the travel speed and the amount of material carried by the blade. In this paper, we present a high-level controller for a hydraulic bulldozer to drive the machine’s track slip to a value corresponding to maximum soil removal power. The proposed system sets online reference signals for the blade elevation and track velocity to produce a smooth ground profile and high productivity. The primary traction control strategy manipulates the load on the machine by blade adjustments. When a track slip threshold is exceeded, track velocity control is used to limit the slip to the said value. A comparison to blade-only control strategy shows improvements in ground profile smoothness and productivity on uneven terrain without any prior knowledge of the worksite ground profile.
Performance and Selection of Brushless DC Motors for Miniature Hydraulic Powertrains
Authors: Williams Logan T.
Published: October 2020

Increased interest in battery-powered hydraulic quadrupeds at the US Naval Research Laboratory has created demand for compact hydraulic power units with electric prime movers. Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are compact, high-power systems that can provide the shaft power for a hydraulic pump. The remote-control hobby industry offers a wide range of low-cost BLDC motors that can be utilized for miniature, power-dense hydraulic powertrains. However, most of these motors are sold with minimal specifications that prevent accurate prediction of the motor performance, impeding precise motor selection. An analytical model has been developed to provide an upper bound on a motor’s performance based on the motor constant and the motor phase impedance. Experimental performance of multiple motors are used to validate the model and demonstrate its efficacy for motor selection.
Simulation of Electro-Hydraulic Systems Taking Into Account Typical Faults
Authors: Gareev Albert , Gimadiev Asgat , Popelnyuk Ilya , Stadnik Dmitry , Sverbilov Viktor
Published: October 2020

In order to increase efficiency of diagnostics of electro-hydro-mechanical systems (EHMS) it is advisable to have simulation models of typical faults. Such approach makes it possible to estimate in advance, even at the stage of mathematical modeling, the impact of different faults on functioning of hydraulic systems. This work is aimed at creating a database containing complexes of diagnostic features, which allow distinguishing types of faults, their causes and stages of development. In the paper, typical faults of EHMS are presented on the basis of statistical information from literature sources and experimental research. They include internal and external leakages, spool and sleeve sticking, degradation of power fluid. The causes of faults and their impact on hydraulic systems functioning are considered. Simulation models of typical faults are implemented and studied in the SimulationX software package. The static and dynamic characteristics of the systems are investigated in order to identify diagnostic signs of various faults. The impact of typical faults on various system parameters is discussed. During the research, the tasks of selecting the rational location of sensors of different types (pressure, flow, displacement, or force sensors), their quantity for recognition of a typical fault are solved. The results of theoretical and experimental studies of serviceable and faulty systems for cases of control and disturbance actions are presented. Comparative analysis of transient processes of serviceable and faulty EHMS is presented with assessment of difference between theoretical and experimental data. The results of the work allow to more rationally designing the diagnostic complex for more accurate identification of the type of fault, stage of its development and prediction of residual service life of EHMS.
Efficiency Analysis of an Electro-Hydraulic Drive for Mobile Lifting Machines
Authors: Morselli Serena , Marani Pietro , Dolcin Cesare , Scolari Mattia , Ferrari Cristian
Published: October 2020

Environmental issues have become a critical topic at all levels and the Fluid Power industry is no exception. One of the most important research trends is aimed at improving efficiency through electrification, the availability of new electric motors and drive solutions is expected to promote the introduction of speed-controlled pump systems in mobile applications, nowadays dominated by conventional valve-controlled solutions.

The paper will firstly present a collection of tests carried out on a lifting application, powered by an inverter-controlled electric motor moving a reversible gear pump/motor. The lowering phase is carried out in two alternative modes, the first one is the electric regenerative mode, the second one is the throttle-controlled mode. The analysis of the results will highlight different energy efficiencies of the system at different operating conditions. In particular the losses of volumetric unit, piping, throttle elements, hydraulic cylinder and electric components can change dramatically depending on operating conditions.

In the second part of the paper, a lumped parameters model will be presented, using a commercial software. Firstly, the model will be able to catch the behavior of the test bench and secondarily it will be used to predict the expected performances of alternative design choices. Particular attention will be focused on low speed operation. In fact, there is more uncertainty and much less well-established knowledge on the behavior of the volumetric units at low speed, concerning the large body of work available for the nominal speed conditions.

Finally an outlook will be drawn of expected advantages and limitations arising from the implementation of variable speed pumps on mobile machines. Such benefits will be presented with practical figures of merit such as the energy recovery performance, the increase of cycles and the cooling system size reduction.
Evaluation of Pore Geometry Effects on Porous Cell Thermal Behavior
Authors: Irick Kevin , Fathi Nima
Published: October 2020

Heterogeneity in a material’s composition can have significant impacts on the thermal response of the material system at both the fine-scale and macro-scale levels. This is especially true for porous materials, where voids in the bulk material induce thermal resistance across the system and divert heat flow within the material. Within the energy industry, understanding these effects can be critical to designing components and systems that are often subjected to high-temperature environments. The current investigation is dedicated to studying the effect of pore geometry on the effective thermal conductivity, keff, of the whole porous unit cell. To this end, a numerical assessment of non-circular porous material simulated thermal responses was performed. A set of two-dimensional, steady-state models were defined to observe the thermal effects of different pore geometries — including triangular, square, and elliptical — centered in a unit cell porous medium. The finite element method (FEM) was implemented in Fortran — using unstructured triangular meshes — to simulate the thermal response of the systems. The method of manufactured solutions (MMS) was used to perform code verification and shows that the implementation of the numerical methods is approximately second-order accurate. This paper presents a study on the effects of pore size, shape, and rotational orientation on a heterogeneous material’s dimensionless effective thermal conductivity, k*. Comparative thermal responses show the sensitivity of k* with respect to pore shape and the variable sensitivity of response to pore orientation, where pore size is a major driver in the effective thermal response.