bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of lodging tax increases on US destinations
Authors: Hudson Simon , Meng Fang , So Kevin Kam Fung , Smith Scott , Li Jing , Qi Rui
Published: November 2019

This study examined the impact of lodging tax increases on eight different destinations of the United States. Data were collected via in-depth stakeholder interviews and monthly statistics provided by Smith Travel Research including average daily rate, occupancy, and revenue per available room. Time series analysis was employed to estimate the impact of tax increases in each destination by analyzing that time series before and after the imposition of the tax. Overall, our results did not fully support the hypothesis that when a city’s hotel tax greatly increases above that of an easily accessible competitor, it will result in an economic loss to the city with the disproportionate tax rates. Hotels appear to have absorbed any tax increases with little impact to their businesses, but there was concern among stakeholders as to how the lodging tax was spent.
Bio-pixels: A stem cell-based interactive–generative interface designed to redefine technologies of self-making in new media arts
Authors: Ahmedien Diaa Ahmed Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Bio-pixels is a stem cell-based interactive–generative interface designed to investigate the concept of ‘self-making’. The project uses stem cells as a biological prototype of an identity-free substance and defines in vivo stem cell differentiation processes as nature’s self-making technology. It therefore considers in vitro-induced differentiation processes as artificial self-making technologies that were recontextualized through the interactions between the world of genes and the world of bits. The project’s system was functionally built based on three operational principles derived from convergence technologies that facilitate a mutual functional shift between bio-media and digital media and reveal the extent to which this shift leads to a reconciliation between our biological and narrative identities.

Empirically, the project remodelled visual maps of cellular activities during the induced differentiation processes by which cells acquire their identity. Finally, a generative biological–digital mirror was architected by which the viewers see their faces resynthesized as the result of the interactions between the artificial remodelled differentiation processes and the participants’ activities at the project’s physical place and its Twitter page. Within this context, Bio-pixels highlights the consequences of today’s bioinformatics on in vitro artificial processes of self-making through which the public can control, enhance or resynthesize their identities.
A descriptive phenomenological analysis of the experience of blood donation as a regular donor
Authors: Sugden Natalie , King Nigel
Published: November 2019

Maintaining adequate blood supplies requires the recruitment of a significant number of regular donors. However, research examining the first-hand experience of blood donation from the perspective of regular donors is very limited. This study sought to describe the essential features of this experience from the accounts of 10 regular donors, analysed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Eight essential themes contributed to the fundamental structure of the experience, emphasising issues of blood donor identity, comfortable routine, feeling good helping others and human connectedness and interaction in the donation process. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
The feasibility of low-intensity psychological therapy for depression co-occurring with autism in adults: The Autism Depression Trial (ADEPT) – a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Russell Ailsa , Gaunt Daisy M , Cooper Kate , Barton Stephen , Horwood Jeremy , Kessler David , Metcalfe Chris , Ensum Ian , Ingham Barry , Parr Jeremy R , Rai Dheeraj , Wiles Nicola
Published: November 2019

Low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy including behavioural activation is an evidence-based treatment for depression, a condition frequently co-occurring with autism. The feasibility of adapting low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy for depression to meet the needs of autistic adults via a randomised controlled trial was investigated. The adapted intervention (guided self-help) comprised materials for nine individual sessions with a low-intensity psychological therapist. Autistic adults (n = 70) with depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ⩾10) recruited from National Health Service adult autism services and research cohorts were randomly allocated to guided self-help or treatment as usual. Outcomes at 10-, 16- and 24-weeks post-randomisation were blind to treatment group. Rates of retention in the study differed by treatment group with more participants attending follow-up in the guided self-help group than treatment as usual. The adapted intervention was well-received, 86% (n = 30/35) of participants attended the pre-defined ‘dose’ of five sessions of treatment and 71% (25/35) attended all treatment sessions. The findings of this pilot randomised controlled trial indicate that low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy informed by behavioural activation can be successfully adapted to meet the needs of autistic people. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this intervention in a full scale randomised controlled trial is now warranted.
Pathway linking physical activity, sleep duration, and breakfast consumption with the physical/psychosocial health of schoolchildren
Authors: Sawa Satomi , Hashizume Kazuo , Abe Takeru , Kusaka Yukinori , Fukazawa Yugo , Hiraku Yusuke , Hagihara Akihito
Published: November 2019

The relationship between certain lifestyle habits and schoolchildren’s health has previously been reported on, but the exact pathway of the effects lifestyle habits have on physical/psychosocial health (PPH) has not been investigated nor has the relative influence of different habits on schoolchildren’s health. In this study, schoolchildren were recruited from a primary school in Toyama Prefecture, Japan ( n = 576), and the relevant data were collected in June/July 2017. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships of lifestyle habits and physical fitness with PPH among schoolchildren in grades 1–4 and 5–6. Body weight and total fitness scores were found to be not related to the children’s PPH. The pathway via which lifestyle habits influenced PPH was determined successfully. Among children in grades 1–4, sex ( p < .05), age ( p < .01), and breakfast intake ( p < .05) were related to PPH. Among schoolchildren in grades 5–6, the duration of sleep ( p < .05) was related to PPH. Thus, factors related to schoolchildren’s PPH vary by school grade. The identification of the predictors of the PPH of schoolchildren should inform the design of tailored, grade-specific health promotion interventions in Japanese elementary schools.
Familiarity and strangeness: Seeing everyday practices of punishment and resistance in Holloway Prison
Authors: Guest Carly , Seoighe Rachel
Published: November 2019

London’s Holloway Prison, the largest women’s prison in western Europe, closed in 2016. The impact of the closure on the women incarcerated in Holloway, and the prison’s place in the local community, is the focus of a project led by Islington Museum. Here, we develop an innovation, emotion-led methodology to explore photographs of the decommissioned Holloway, asking what they communicate about experiences of imprisonment and practices of punishment. The images illustrate the strategies of control, mechanisms of punishment and tactics of resistance that operate through the carceral space. From a feminist, anti-carceral perspective, we emphasise the importance of seeing prison spaces and attending to the emotional responses generated. We offer a creative intervention into dominant government and media narratives of Holloway’s closure and suggest that considering what it is that feels familiar and strange about carceral spaces has the potential to operate as a form of anti-carceral work.
Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of Pt supported on porous carbonaceous materials in the oxidation of toluene as a volatile organic compound
Authors: Atashi Niloofar , Peyrovi Mohammad Hasan , Parsafard Nastaran
Published: November 2019

Platinum-carbonaceous catalysts were prepared by the wet impregnation method and tested for catalytic oxidation of toluene as a volatile organic compound. The textural properties of the constructed catalysts were considered by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The catalytic assessments showed that the best activity (>99%) and high stability and selectivity to CO2 (>99%) are related to platinum-supported carbon nanotube. The curves of the conversion and selectivity demonstrate that the performance of catalysts to eliminate the volatile organic compound and turn it into CO2 conforms to the following descending order: platinum-supported carbon nanotube >platinum-supported graphene >platinum-supported activated carbon >platinum-supported carbon nanofibre. The kinetic of toluene oxidation has been evaluated as a function of toluene and oxygen partial pressures in different temperatures. Two kinetic models (Power Law and Mars–van Krevelen mechanisms) were applied to the reaction and compared with the experimental data. Mars–van Krevelen model is more appropriate than the Power Law model for this reaction as Mars–van Krevelen model showed better prediction of the behaviour of the reaction.
Effects of a person-centred telephone support on fatigue in people with chronic heart failure: Subgroup analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wallström Sara , Ali Lilas , Ekman Inger , Swedberg Karl , Fors Andreas
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom that is associated with various conditions. In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), fatigue is one of the most commonly reported and distressing symptoms and it is associated with disease progression. Person-centred care (PCC) is a fruitful approach to increase the patient’s ability to handle their illness.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PCC in the form of structured telephone support on self-reported fatigue in patients with CHF.

Method:

This study reports a subgroup analysis of a secondary outcome measure from the Care4Ourselves randomised intervention. Patients ( n=77) that were at least 50 years old who had been hospitalized due to worsening CHF received either usual care ( n=38) or usual care and PCC in the form of structured telephone support ( n=39). Participants in the intervention group created a health plan in partnership with a registered nurse. The plan was followed up and evaluated by telephone. Self-reported fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 (MFI-20) at baseline and at 6 months. Linear regression was used to analyse the change in MFI-20 score between the groups.

Results:

The intervention group improved significantly from baseline to the 6-month follow-up compared with the control group regarding the ‘reduced motivation’ dimension of the MFI-20 (Δ -1.41 versus 0.38, p=0.046).

Conclusion:

PCC in the form of structured telephone support shows promise in supporting patients with CHF in their rehabilitation, improve health-related quality of life and reduce adverse events.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.com ISRCTN55562827
Democracy and curriculum—the task still before us
Authors: Wahlström Ninni
Published: November 2019

This article explores how John Dewey’s concept of democracy can contribute to our understanding of what is required from education amid growing nationalism and populism, even in what are usually perceived as established democracies. The purpose of the study is to explore how standards-based curricula for citizenship education can be problematised in relation to the broad concept of democracy. The meaning of citizenship education in curricula is examined through two cases from western countries (Sweden and the USA) with standards-based curricula. These social studies curricula deal with democracy as something ‘to teach about’, rather than focusing on helping students learn to understand and recreate democracy for their own generation. However, the concept of democracy, as a moral and ethical ideal, becomes difficult to express in a curriculum logic of standards and knowledge outcomes emphasising measurability. Now, when democracy is challenged, also seems to be the right time to confront the logic of a standards-based curriculum and the selective traditions of subjects within the social studies, as well as to ask the questions ‘why?’ and ‘what for?’ in relation to basic social values and students’ competences.
Estimating damage size and remaining useful life in degraded structures using deep learning-based multi-source data fusion
Authors: Aria Amin , Lopez Droguett Enrique , Azarm Shapour , Modarres Mohammad
Published: November 2019

In this article, a new deep learning-based approach for online estimation of damage size and remaining useful life of structures is presented. The proposed approach consists of three modules. In the first module, a long short-term memory regression model is used to construct a sensor-based estimation of the damage size where different ranges of temporal correlations are considered for their effects on the accuracy of the damage size estimations. In the second module, a convolutional neural network semantic image segmentation approach is used to construct automated damage size estimations in which a pixel-wise classification is carried out on images of the damaged areas. Using physics-of-failure relations, frequency mismatches associated with sensor- and image-based size estimations are resolved. Finally, in the third module, damage size estimations obtained by the first two modules are fused together for an online remaining useful life estimation of the structure. Performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using sensor and image data obtained from a set of fatigue crack experiments performed on aluminum alloy 7075-T6 specimens. It is shown that using acoustic emission signals obtained from sensors and microscopic images in these experiments, the damage size estimations obtained from the proposed data fusion approach have higher accuracy than the sensor-based and higher frequency than the image-based estimations. Moreover, the accuracy of the data fusion estimations is found to be more than that of image-based estimations for the experiment with the largest sensor dataset. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the consideration of longer temporal correlations can lead to improvements in the accuracy of crack size estimations and, thus, a better remaining useful life estimation for structures.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy as a Feasible Treatment for a Young Person With Anorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Disorder Comorbidity: A Case Study
Authors: Dandil Yasemin , Baillie Claire , Tchanturia Kate
Published: November 2019

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a challenging illness to treat with inefficiencies in central coherence and set-shifting known to be cognitive maintaining factors for the eating disorder. AN is further complicated by comorbidities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) aims to address problems with cognitive style and meta-cognition by stimulating the neural connections involved in cognitive processing through cognitive tasks, reflection, and behavioral experiments. However, to date, no reported studies are supporting individual CRT for patients with AN and ASD comorbidity. This single complex case study provides preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of individual CRT in the treatment of a 21-year-old female patient with AN and ASD comorbidity. Clinical and self-report data collected before and after CRT indicate improvements in cognitive flexibility and central coherence, alongside an increase in body mass index (BMI). This case study reflects the possible ways to adapt and calibrate treatment to individual needs and the efficacy of CRT, before proceeding to more complex individual psychological work, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Commentary 1: The Role of Ethical Reflexivity in Conducting Ethically Challenging Qualitative Research
Authors: Woods Simon
Published: November 2019

This paper is a commentary on Herzog et al.’s vignette drawn from their experience of conducting ethically challenging qualitative research. They describe an encounter with a family in which an older child has acted as a sibling donor to a sick younger sibling. It is evident that the process has taken its toll on the well-being of the older child and has created tensions within the family. What then are the ethical boundaries and responsibilities of researchers who enter the private domain of the family? This commentary responds with a model of “ethical reflexivity” which shows how a reflexive researcher can incorporate moral reflection at the different stages of the research process. Reflexivity works differently at different points, upstream it allows for anticipation and planning, incorporating ethical strategies into the methodology. Midstream reflexivity allows for evaluation, reflection and strategic response as the research unfolds and downstream it allows for a critical evaluation of how the research played out. Although it is a vital resource for any society to allow a wide degree of freedom for social scientists to research the social life, this freedom also brings responsibilities. Participation in research both creates and reveals the vulnerabilities of participants and since the researcher is entangled in these complexities they must also be prepared to respond and act. At times it may be necessary to step out of the role of researcher in order to offer support or take more decisive action especially when the well-being of vulnerable participants is at stake.
Novel adaptive sliding mode guidance law against arbitrarily maneuvering target
Authors: Liao Xuan-Ping , Zhang Jing , Li Ke-Bo , Chen Lei
Published: November 2019

A novel adaptive sliding mode guidance law is proposed in this article. The target is assumed to have an arbitrarily but upper bounded maneuvering acceleration which is considered as the system disturbances and uncertainties. The guidance law is consisted of three terms. The first one is a proportional navigation–type term. The second one is a term used for compensating the target maneuvering acceleration. And the last one is a term for controlling the convergence time of the line-of-sight angular rate. In this guidance law, the upper bound of the target acceleration is estimated by an adaptive estimator with a tunable updating law. Hence, the prior knowledge of the upper bound of the target acceleration is not essential for this guidance law. The novel adaptive sliding mode guidance law can guarantee the asymptotical convergence of the line-of-sight rate to zero or its neighborhood, or even the finite time convergence of the line-of-sight rate conditionally. Finally, the new theoretical findings are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Research on vehicle active steering control based on linear matrix inequality and hardware in the loop test scheme design and implement for active steering
Authors: Xu Guangfei , Diao Peisong , He Xiangkun , Wu Jian , Wang Guosong , Wang Chuanxu
Published: November 2019

In the research process of automotive active steering control, due to the model uncertainty, road surface interference, sensor noise, and other influences, the control accuracy of the active steering system will be reduced, and the driver’s road sense will become worse. The traditional robust controller can solve the model uncertainty, pavement disturbance and sensor noise in the design process, but cannot consider the performance enough. Therefore, this article proposes an active steering control method based on linear matrix inequality. In this method, the model uncertainty, road interference, sensor noise, yaw velocity, and slip side angle tracking errors are all considered as constraint targets, respectively, so that the performance and robust stability of the active front steering system can be guaranteed. Finally, simulation and hardware in the loop experiment are implemented to verify the effect of active front steering system under the linear matrix inequality controller. The results show that the proposed control method can achieve better robust performance and robust stability.
Bayesian identification of bolted-joint parameters using measured power spectral density
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Yan , Lu Yunyun , Ouyang Huajiang
Published: November 2019

A Bayesian method for the optimal estimation of parameters that characterize a bolted joint based on measured power spectral density is proposed in this article. Due to uncertainties such as measurement noise and modelling errors, it is difficult to identify joint parameters of a bolted structure accurately with incomplete measured response data. In this article, using the Bayesian probability framework to describe the uncertainty of the joint parameters and using the power spectrum of the structural response of the single-point/multi-point excitation as measurements, the conditional probability density function of the joint parameters is established. Then, the Bayesian maximum posterior estimation is performed by an optimization method. Two simplified bolted-joint models are built in the numerical examples. First, the feasibility of the proposed method in the undamped model is proved. Then, taking advantage of multi-point excitation, the identification accuracy of the proposed method in the damped model is improved. The numerical results show that the proposed method can accurately identify the stiffness and damping characteristics of joint parameters with good robustness to noise. Finally, the joint parameters of the finite element model for an aero-engine casing are identified by the proposed method with satisfactory accuracy.
Vulnerability analysis of critical infrastructure under disruptions: An application to China Railway High-speed
Authors: Fang Chao , Dong Piao , Fang Yi-Ping , Zio Enrico
Published: November 2019

Considerable attention has been paid to the vulnerability of critical infrastructures because of the increasing occurrence of disruptive events, such as man-made or natural disasters. Even small disruptions could eventually affect the normal function of infrastructure systems. Enhancing the reliability of these systems and their robustness to disruptions is necessary and urgent. High-speed rail is a critical infrastructure that is subject to various disruptions, including component aging, malicious attacks, natural disasters, and demand surges. In this study, we analyze the topological centrality indicators of China Railway High-speed network using network theory and take real train flow information for assessing the importance of network components in terms of vulnerability to disruption. By Monte Carlo simulation, we analyze the risk of the China Railway High-speed network under random attacks and spatially localized failures. The significance of taking pre-actions for protecting critical infrastructures by mitigating its vulnerability to disruptions is emphasized.
College Bound: Advice for Academically Talented Students From Recent Graduates
Authors: Meyer Melanie S. , Cranmore Jeff
Published: November 2019

For students who decide to enroll in college after high school graduation, there are numerous factors to consider when searching for potential matches and choosing from the available options. Ten recent high school graduates who participated in self-selected, ability-grouped, advanced academic courses in high school were interviewed at the end of senior year. These students shared valuable lessons they learned about the college decision-making process to offer guidance to students beginning the college search, and the adults, in and out of school, who help them make those choices. Participants offered advice about preparing to apply to college, the application process, and related social and emotional considerations. Nine key themes were identified in which participants encouraged early exploration of career-related interests, a focus on person-environment fit, and managing expectations. Implications for students, parents, and school personnel are also discussed.
The Sequin Illusion
Authors: Kuo Yi-Tsen , Tseng Philip
Published: November 2019

The Sequin Illusion can be seen when shapes are drawn in dotted lines, against a background of different brightness. This can be done either with bright dots over a dark background or with dark dots over a bright background, though the latter usually works better. The illusion appears as a wave of dark (or bright) spots inside the dotted shapes (like sequins!) in peripheral vision. Although similar in appearance with the Hermann Grid, the Sequin Illusion occurs inside the shapes; persists despite slanted, disrupted, or nonrectangular edges; and is only eliminated when the dotted contour is formed by colors of similar brightness. Therefore, this illusion is driven by brightness (not color) contrasts in contours, which possibly points to the magnocellular channel in lateral geniculate nucleus.
The relationship among gender, interest in economic topics, media use, and the economic knowledge of students at vocational schools
Authors: Förster Manuel , Happ Roland
Published: November 2019

The results of numerous studies indicate that male students achieve better results on economic knowledge tests than their female classmates. Although this phenomenon has been known for a long time, the gender-specific mechanisms of this gap have not been explored in depth. According to social and educational scientific theories and the current state of research, interest and media use could be related to gender. In this study, we administered a German adaption of the internationally accepted Test of Economic Literacy to explore the gender gap in the economic knowledge of 983 students from 62 classes at 7 vocational secondary schools and commercial vocational schools specializing in business and economics in Germany to determine whether it is significantly influenced by interest and media use. The results indicate that a considerable part of the gender gap can be clarified by effects of interest in economic topics and the use of media to research them. Implications for social and economic education are discussed.
Predictors and Outcomes Associated With Adherence to Weekly Alendronate in US Military Veterans: Clinical Research Study
Authors: Bou Malham Sarah , Bowe Benjamin , Sen Sumon K. , Zhang Rong Mei , Sterkel Barbara , Dunn Julia P.
Published: November 2019

Background: Poor adherence to oral bisphosphonates is a challenge to treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States and offers certain advantages to possibly improve medication adherence. We aimed to determine adherence to weekly alendronate for osteoporosis in Veterans, and investigate predictors and outcomes related to adherence. Methods: A retrospective study cohort was generated from VA databases selecting Veterans who were treated with weekly alendronate. Adherence was measured by medication possession ratio (MPR) and persistence. Two groups were defined as low and high adherence based on MPR <80% or ≥80%, respectively. Regression models were used to investigate predictors of adherence and included clinically relevant covariates. Further regressions were used to investigate the impact of adherence on change in bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and incident fracture. Results: In a cohort of 913 (female/male, 207/706) Veterans, 48% had high adherence in year 1. Distribution for gender, race, and age were similar between the 2 groups, MPR <80% or MPR ≥80%. Baseline fracture [odds ratio OR: 0.64, 95%CI: (0.41, 0.98)], alcohol abuse [0.40 (0.21, 0.74)] and tobacco use [0.44 (0.31, 0.63)] were associated with low adherence in the unadjusted analyses, but only tobacco use [0.45 (0.30, 0.67)] was associated with low adherence after adjustment. Among males, tobacco use was associated with low adherence while prostate cancer predicted high adherence in adjusted models. High adherence was associated with a 30% [hazard ratio HR: 0.70, 95% CI: (0.47, 1.03)] decreased risk of incident fracture in the whole cohort, and a 40% [0.60 (0.38, 0.95)] decrease risk in males. Conclusion: Year one adherence to weekly alendronate was a relevant determinant to long-term clinical outcomes including changes in bone mineral density and incident fracture in Veterans.
Effect of mucosa thicknesses on stress distribution of implant-supported overdentures under unilateral loading: Photoelastic analysis
Authors: Ozyilmaz Ozgun Yusuf , Aykent Filiz , Sayin Ozel Gulsum
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different heights of attachment and mucosa thicknesses on the stress distribution of two implant-retained mandibular overdenture designs under loading using the photoelastic stress analysis method.

Materials and methods:

Six photoelastic models of an edentulous mandibula were fabricated with two solitary implants that were placed in the canine regions. The attachment systems studied were ball and locator stud attachments. Both the ball and locator groups included three models that had different residual ridge heights so as to provide different mucosa thicknesses (1 mm–1 mm, 1 mm–2 mm, 1 mm–4 mm). A static vertical force of 135 N was applied unilaterally (each on the right then the left side) to the central fossa of the first molars. Models were positioned in the field of a circular polariscope to observe the distribution of isochromatic fringes around the implants and the interimplant areas under loading. The photoelastic stress fringes were monitored and recorded photographically.

Results:

The ball attachment groups showed higher stress values than did the locator groups under loading. Both attachment systems produced the lowest stress values in stimulated 1 mm–1 mm mucosa thickness models. The models with 1 mm–2 mm mucosa thicknesses showed higher stress values than did other models for both attachment systems. The highest stress value observed around both attachment systems was the moderate level in all test models.

Conclusion:

In different height mucosa thicknesses, locator attachment models distributed the load to the other side of the implant and its surrounding tissue, whereas the ball attachment did not. Regardless of mucosal thickness and attachment type, the implant on the loading side was subjected to the highest stress concentration.
Comparison of Bite Force in Patients After Treatment of Mandibular Fractures With 3-Dimensional Locking Miniplate and Standard Miniplates
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Mishra Madan , Gaur Amit , Pathak Dhritiman
Published: November 2019

Background: Fractures of the mandible can be studied and described in anatomic terms, functional considerations, treatment strategies, and outcome measures. The performance of any fixation system depends on multiple factors including plate adaptation, screw placement, bone quality, drilling conditions, and postoperative patient compliance. Bite force assesses masticatory muscle function under clinical and experimental conditions.

Method: 30 patients with isolated, noncomminuted mandibular fractures were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 patients were treated using 3-dimensional locking miniplates and group 2 patients were treated with standard miniplates. The bite forces were recorded at definite time intervals: preoperatively, and second week, sixth week, third month, and sixth month postoperatively.

Result: At 6 weeks postoperative, 3 month postoperative, and 6 month postoperative, the mean bite force was found to be significantly higher among group 1 patients as compared to those in group 2 in all the sites. While at 2 week postoperative, the mean bite force was found to be significantly higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 at incisor region.

Conclusion: The overall results of the present study show better performance in bite force for the 3-dimensional locking miniplate when compared with standard miniplates.
Classifying earthquake damage to buildings using machine learning
Authors: Mangalathu Sujith , Sun Han , Nweke Chukwuebuka C. , Yi Zhengxiang , Burton Henry V.
Published: November 2019

The ability to rapidly assess the spatial distribution and severity of building damage is essential to post-event emergency response and recovery. Visually identifying and classifying individual building damage requires significant time and personnel resources and can last for months after the event. This article evaluates the feasibility of using machine learning techniques such as discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbors, decision trees, and random forests, to rapidly predict earthquake-induced building damage. Data from the 2014 South Napa earthquake are used for the study where building damage is classified based on the assigned Applied Technology Council (ATC)-20 tag (red, yellow, and green). Spectral acceleration at a period of 0.3 s, fault distance, and several building specific characteristics (e.g. age, floor area, presence of plan irregularity) are used as features or predictor variables for the machine learning models. A portion of the damage data from the Napa earthquake is used to obtain the forecast model, and the performance of each machine learning technique is evaluated using the remaining (test) data. It is noted that the random forest algorithm can accurately predict the assigned tags for 66% of the buildings in the test dataset.
A stochastic model for time series prediction of the number of post-earthquake fire ignitions in buildings based on the ignition record for the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Nishino Tomoaki , Hokugo Akihiko
Published: November 2019

This article presents the development of a stochastic model for time series prediction of the number of post-earthquake fire ignitions in buildings for use in post-earthquake fire risk assessment. Two kinds of Poisson regression models with an explanatory variable of JMA instrumental seismic intensity were applied to 126 ignitions affected by ground motion, which were extracted from the ignition record for the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake: (1) a time-dependent occurrence model for the ignitions from electricity-related sources, which is coupled with a statistical model for electrical supply rate after an earthquake, and (2) a time-independent occurrence model for the ignitions from gas-related sources, oil-related sources, and others. In order to verify the models, time series prediction of the number of ignitions in the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake was conducted using Monte Carlo simulation. From the calculated results, we concluded that the models could reasonably explain the occurrence tendency of ignitions in the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake.
A domestic earthquake impact alert protocol based on the combined USGS PAGER and FEMA Hazus loss estimation systems
Authors: Wald David J. , Seligson Hope A. , Rozelle Jesse , Burns Jordan , Marano Kristin , Jaiswal Kishor S. , Hearne Michael , Bausch Douglas
Published: November 2019

The United States Geological Survey’s Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) alert system provides rapid (10–20 min) but general loss estimates of ranges of fatalities and economic impact for significant global earthquakes. FEMA’s Hazus software, in contrast, provides time-consuming (2–5 h) but more detailed loss information quantified in terms of structural, social, and economic consequences estimated at a much higher spatial resolution for large domestic earthquakes. We developed a rapid hybrid post-earthquake product that takes advantage of the best of both loss models. First, though, we conducted a systematic comparison of loss estimates from PAGER with Hazus for all significant, relatively recent, domestic earthquakes for which adequate loss data exist—augmented by a dozen ShakeMap scenarios. The systematic comparison of Hazus and PAGER losses provided the basis for selecting the specific loss metrics to present from each system. The signature product will serve as a supplement to the widely deployed PAGER alert product for significant domestic earthquakes.
Patterns of earthquake-related mortality at a whole-country level: New Zealand, 1840–2017
Authors: Abeling Shannon , Horspool Nick , Johnston David , Dizhur Dmytro , Wilson Nick , Clement Christine , Ingham Jason
Published: November 2019

Fatalities directly or indirectly attributed to New Zealand earthquakes in the time period 1840–2017 inclusive were identified and classified by context and cause of death. There have been at least 489 deaths primarily attributed to 21 New Zealand earthquakes with Modified Mercalli Intensities (MMIs) of VII or greater, and an additional 11 deaths resulting from secondary earthquake causes (e.g. relief efforts). Earthquake-related deaths were caused by building damage (431 deaths, 88%), ground damage (34 deaths, 7%), or other causes (24 deaths, 5%). Damage to at least 95 unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings resulted in 272 deaths, and damage to five reinforced concrete (RC) buildings resulted in 145 deaths. Daytime earthquakes were more deadly than nighttime earthquakes, and mortality rates showed a significant increase with MMI. Mortality rates were nearly evenly distributed between males and females, the median age of death was 38 years, and the elderly population (>80 years) had the highest mortality rate.
A Geotechnical Database for Utah (GeoDU) enabling quantification of geotechnical properties of surficial geologic units for geohazard assessments
Authors: Sharifi-Mood Mahyar , Gillins Daniel T. , Olsen Michael J. , Franke Kevin W. , Bartlett Steven F.
Published: November 2019

Geotechnical borehole information is often used for liquefaction hazard mapping, but can be highly variable in terms of quantity and quality. In addition, geotechnical borehole logs are often provided as images in reports rather than delivered in a structured, queryable database, which makes the logs and supplementary information difficult to organize particularly across a large geographic area. In contrast, surficial geologic mapping is generally available and often accessible in geographic information systems (GIS) format. This article’s objective is to describe the compilation of a geotechnical database for regional mapping purposes and to demonstrate the value of documenting geotechnical data into a consistent data format. Specifically, this article describes the development of three geotechnical borehole databases compiled in Utah, which has been coined the Geotechnical Database for Utah (GeoDU). The database is used to quantify geotechnical properties for subsequent liquefaction evaluations of surficial geologic units comprising similar depositional environment and age. The resulting GeoDU is an important resource for future efforts with many applications including community data sharing and planning for preliminary geotechnical site investigations.
Significance of site natural period effects for linear site amplification in central and eastern North America: Empirical and simulation-based models
Authors: Hashash Youssef M. A. , Ilhan Okan , Hassani Behzad , Atkinson Gail M. , Harmon Joseph , Shao Hua
Published: November 2019

This article evaluates linear simulation-based and empirical site amplification models including site natural period dependency parameters to account for the distinctive amplification behavior near site fundamental frequencies resulting from the sharp impedance contrast between soil and underlying hard bedrock in central and eastern North America (CENA). The simulation-based amplification models are developed using 581,685 frequency-domain linear analyses generated from a parametric study and include VS30-scaling and site natural period ( Tnat) parameters. The empirical models are derived from residuals analyses of ground-motion models for two reference conditions: B/C boundary ( VS30 = 760 m/s) and CENA hard-rock condition ( VS = 3000 m/s). The simulation-based and empirical models are compared for 8 site profiles in CENA to measured horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) component response spectral (RS) ratios, the mean of linear simulations for similar sites, and one-dimensional (1D) linear site response analysis for four of these sites. Comparisons between observed and estimated site amplification behaviors highlight model dependency on Tnat in CENA. Model consistencies and differences related to the distinct linear amplification features near site fundamental frequency are discussed.
Predicting earthquake-induced sliding displacements using effective incremental ground velocity
Authors: Jampole Ezra , Miranda Eduardo , Deierlein Gregory G.
Published: November 2019

This article evaluates a pulse intensity measure, the effective incremental ground velocity ( EIGV), for predicting sliding displacements induced by real ground motions. EIGV is based on computing the additional incremental velocity of a pulse after a system begins to slide. Predictions of peak sliding displacements are made using multiple ground motion and pulse intensity measures, and it is found that at high friction levels, defined here as friction coefficient above 0.15, EIGV is a very effective parameter with a lognormal standard deviation of predicted displacements around 0.5, despite including only the properties of the largest pulse in a record. For high-friction systems, very few pulses usually cause the peak sliding displacement during the response history, hence the potential for an effective pulse intensity measure. EIGV improves sliding displacement predictions compared to existing intensity measures, which are geared toward conventional hysteretic systems. Prediction equations are developed for peak relative sliding displacement as a function of EIGV, the sliding interface coefficient of friction, and the radius of curvature for concave sliding surfaces.
Wrinkle Structured Network of Silver-Coated Carbon Nanotubes for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Yuan Zhongyun , Pei Zhen , Shahbaz Muhammad , Zhang Qiang , Zhuo Kai , Zhao Chun , Zhang Wendong , Ma Xingyi , Sang Shengbo
Published: November 2019

Soft-strain-based sensors are being increasingly used across various fields, including wearable sensing, behavior monitoring, and electrophysiological diagnostics. However, throughout all applications, the function of these sensors is limited because of high sensitivity, high-dynamic range, and low-power consumption. In this paper, we focus on improving the sensitivity and strain range of the soft-strain-based sensor through structure, surface, and sensitive unit treatment. Nanosilver (Ag)-coated hydroxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OH-f MWCNTs) were explored for highly acute sensing. With stretching and depositing methods, Ag@OH-f MWCNTs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are fabricated into a wrinkled and sandwich structure for a soft-strain-based sensor. The electronic properties were characterized in that the gauge factor (GF) = ΔR/R0 was 412.32, and the strain range was 42.2%. Moreover, our soft-strain-based sensor exhibits features including flexibility, ultra-lightweight and a highly comfortable experience in terms of wearability. Finally, some physiological and behavioral features can be sampled by testing the exceptional resistance change, including the detection of breath, as well as facial and hand movement recognition. The experiment exhibits its superiority in terms of being highly sensitive and having an extensive range of sensing.
Efficient depletion of ribosomal RNA for RNA sequencing in planarians
Authors: Kim Iana V. , Ross Eric J. , Dietrich Sascha , Döring Kristina , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro , Kuhn Claus-D.
Published: November 2019

Background

The astounding regenerative abilities of planarian flatworms prompt steadily growing interest in examining their molecular foundation. Planarian regeneration was found to require hundreds of genes and is hence a complex process. Thus, RNA interference followed by transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis by RNA-seq is a popular technique to study the impact of any particular planarian gene on regeneration. Typically, the removal of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the first step of all RNA-seq library preparation protocols. To date, rRNA removal in planarians was primarily achieved by the enrichment of polyadenylated (poly(A)) transcripts. However, to better reflect transcriptome dynamics and to cover also non-poly(A) transcripts, a procedure for the targeted removal of rRNA in planarians is needed.

Results

In this study, we describe a workflow for the efficient depletion of rRNA in the planarian model species S. mediterranea. Our protocol is based on subtractive hybridization using organism-specific probes. Importantly, the designed probes also deplete rRNA of other freshwater triclad families, a fact that considerably broadens the applicability of our protocol. We tested our approach on total RNA isolated from stem cells (termed neoblasts) of S. mediterranea and compared ribodepleted libraries with publicly available poly(A)-enriched ones. Overall, mRNA levels after ribodepletion were consistent with poly(A) libraries. However, ribodepleted libraries revealed higher transcript levels for transposable elements and histone mRNAs that remained underrepresented in poly(A) libraries. As neoblasts experience high transposon activity this suggests that ribodepleted libraries better reflect the transcriptional dynamics of planarian stem cells. Furthermore, the presented ribodepletion procedure was successfully expanded to the removal of ribosomal RNA from the gram-negative bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.

Conclusions

The ribodepletion protocol presented here ensures the efficient rRNA removal from low input total planarian RNA, which can be further processed for RNA-seq applications. Resulting libraries contain less than 2% rRNA. Moreover, for a cost-effective and efficient removal of rRNA prior to sequencing applications our procedure might be adapted to any prokaryotic or eukaryotic species of choice.
A new culture-based method for rapid identification of microorganisms in polymicrobial blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Florio Walter , Cappellini Susanna , Giordano Cesira , Vecchione Alessandra , Ghelardi Emilia , Lupetti Antonella
Published: November 2019

Background

The application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) to microbial identification has allowed the development of rapid methods for identification of microorganisms directly in positive, blood cultures (BCs). These methods can yield accurate results for monomicrobial BCs, but often fail to identify multiple microorganisms in polymicrobial BCs. The present study was aimed at establishing a rapid and simple method for identification of bacteria and yeast in polymicrobial BCs from patients with bloodstream infection.

Results

The rapid method herein proposed is based on short-term culture in liquid media allowing selective growth of microorganisms recovered from polymicrobial BCs, followed by rapid identification by MALDI-TOF MS. To evaluate the accuracy of this method, 56 polymicrobial BCs were comparatively analyzed with the rapid and routine methods. The results showed concordant identification for both microbial species in 43/50 (86%) BCs containing two different microorganisms, and for two microbial species in six BCs containing more than two different species. Overall, 102/119 (85.7%) microorganisms were concordantly identified by the rapid and routine methods using a cut-off value of 1.700 for valid identification. The mean time to identification after BC positivity was about 4.2 h for streptococci/enterococci, 8.7 h for staphylococci, 11.1 h for Gram-negative bacteria, and 14.4 h for yeast, allowing a significant time saving compared to the routine method.

Conclusions

The proposed method allowed rapid and reliable microbial identification in polymicrobial BCs, and could provide clinicians with timely, useful information to streamline empirical antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients.