bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RGB-D Indoor Object Recognition Algorithm Based on Fusion Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wang Decheng , Yi Hui , Zhao Feng
Published: July 2019

Aiming at the problems of insufficient network fusion and low detection efficiency in current object recognition using RGB-D images, a recognition algorithm based on the medium-level layer-by-layer fusion of dual-channel networks is proposed. First of all, the RGB and Depth networks are trained with ten labelled RGB-D indoor objects respectively, and then determine the fusion coefficients according to the identify accuracy of two types networks. Finally, two kinds of features are merged in convolutional layers step by step to obtain the final weights. By testing on the challenging NYU Depth v2 dataset, we found that the recognition accuracy of our method is 92.85%, and average detection time is 61.03ms per image. Through comparison experiments, we got the conclusion that average accuracy of the RGB-D layer-by-layer fusion network is 5.22% higher than that of the RGB network.
The Spread Behavior Analysis of a SIQR Epidemic Model under the Small World Network Environment
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhao Yan-Yong
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we focus on the behavior of virus spreading on complex networks. A SIQR epidemic model on small-world network is established. We find the spread of infectious diseases threshold, which can determine the dynamic behavior of the system in a positive invariant set. If R0>1, there are two equilibriums in the system, the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium. If R0<1, There is only the disease-free equilibrium in the system. It is globally stable in the positive invariant set. Furthermore, we analyze the equilibrium and its stability. Finally, some numerical simulation studies are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
An Improved Vision-Based Lane Departure Warning System under High Speed Driving Condition
Authors: Liu X T , Zou Y , Guo H W
Published: July 2019

Recently, Lane departure warning system has attracted great attention as it contributes to vehicle active safety. In this paper, a vision-based lane departure warning system under high-speed driving is proposed. The system consists of two functional parts: lane markings detection and vehicle departure identification. The Hough Transform is applied to detect lane boundaries, which is a most effective detection method with high reliability. Based on the road line, a method using several Euclidean-distance-related parameters to calculate vehicle’s position and its deviating status is proposed, which addresses the problem of efficient detection of lane departure under high-speed driving condition. The algorithm is tested and verified in various real driving conditions and proved a reliable and steady performance.
A Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition Algorithm Based on CSI and YOLOv3
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Yong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: July 2019

Object detection algorithms based on convolutional neural networks are generally suitable for static gesture recognition. For actual hand gesture scenes, dynamic gestures are also widely used. A dynamic hand gesture recognition algorithm based on Channel State Information (CSI) and You Only Look Once: Version 3 (YOLOv3) is proposed for continuous dynamic hand gesture recognition. The data acquisition adopts a CSI-based radio frequency method. The adaptive weighted fusion, Kalman filtering, threshold segmentation and data conversion are used to generate gray value images. Finally, the YOLOv3 object detection algorithm is used to train and identify the grayscale image which include the information of continuous dynamic hand gestures. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the recognition confusion matrix. And the proposed method has an average recognition accuracy of 94% for four custom dynamic hand gestures.
Research and Application of Target Tracking Algorithm in Ship Safety
Authors: Lin Bailin , Xiao Zheng’an
Published: July 2019

Target tracking is often used in tasks such as video surveillance. Its purpose is to obtain the target of interest in the sequence image accurately, robustly and in real time, and to establish the connection between the moving objects in each image. In recent years, with the continuous development of the global shipping economy, ships have gradually developed into large-scale and high-speed, and how to ensure the safety of ships sailing in these sports has become an important issue. Based on the principle of particle filter and mean shift algorithm, this paper takes the moving ship as the research object and uses the polynomial fitting method to analyse the performance of the two algorithms. A large number of experimental results show that the mean shift algorithm has higher accuracy, and the particle filter method has better real-time performance. And as the number of particles increases, the accuracy of particle filtering will gradually increase.
Force Balanced Axial Piston Motor Power Loss and Leakage Analysis
Authors: Wen Desheng , Sui Guangdong , Lv Shijun , Gao Junfeng , Li Dexiong
Published: July 2019

Aiming at the axial imbalance force when the traditional axial piston motor works, the force balanced axial piston motor utilized the concept of double stator to improve the structure of the traditional axial piston motor. Because of the special structure, the motor can not only achieve the axial force balance, but also output a variety of torque and speed. The working efficiency of the motor was an important indicator for evaluating the performance of the motor. Therefore, the power loss and leakage of the motor were analyzed in detail, and the prototype was tested. The experimental results showed that: (1) When the corresponding two single motors in the motor worked at the same time, theoretically, the leakage between the distribution cylinder and the cylinder accounts for the largest percentage of total leakage, reaching 56%. When the whole motor worked normally, the total leakage reaches 9.55L/min theoretically, and the leakage between the plunger and the plunger hole accounts for the largest percentage of the total leakage, which is 44% of the total leakage, and the distribution cylinder and cylinder the percentage of leakage between bodies has decreased, but its specific leakage has not changed. (2) The volumetric efficiency of the motor decreased as the pressure at the inlet of the motor increased, and the mechanical efficiency and overall efficiency increased accordingly. (3) When the motor inlet pressure was the same, the volumetric efficiency of two single motors at the same time was lower than the volumetric efficiency of the entire motor.
Calibration and Measurement Study on Density of Selective Laser Sintered 3D Printing Powder Bed
Authors: Li Jianqiang , Gao Guohua , Zhang Shuo , Du Yunsong
Published: July 2019

The commonly used method for measuring the density of a selective laser sintered powder bed is to extract a certain volume of powder bed powder, measure the mass of the powder, and then calculate the density of the powder bed using the mass formula. Aiming at the shortcomings of the existing methods, such as complex operation and low measurement accuracy, this paper proposes a method based on plumb bob method for selective laser sintering powder bed density measurement. The method can measure the density of the powder bed without causing large damage to the powder bed, and the measurement efficiency and precision are higher than the existing measurement methods. In this test, the most commonly used ABS powder was used, and its density was calibrated using the plumb method. The function of the depth between the depth of the plumb bobbin and the density of the powder bed was fitted to the density of the powder bed. The measurements provide data support.
Maloperation Prevention Filter for Touchscreen Used in Robot Arm
Authors: Yang L. , Ichikawa T. , Miyawaki Y. , Sakamoto R. , Kato N. , Yano K. , Shimada S.
Published: July 2019

In recent years, robot arms are being developed for self-reliance supporting for those who are unable to move without using an electric wheelchair or live a bedridden life. For example, mounting a robot arm on an electric wheelchair or bedside could help the limb disabled people to perform daily activities without nursing. However, the existing robot arms are mainly using traditional operation interfaces like keyboards or joysticks. Under different scenarios, some patients with upper limb disabilities such as contracture cannot operate such interfaces smoothly. In this study, in order to reduce the difficulty in operating robot arms, we developed a new kind of operation system using smartphone touchscreen as screen joystick operating interface. Meanwhile, the system includes a filter which detects and adjusts maloperation due to the capacitive touchscreen panel with high maloperation rate. Finally, an operating test was conducted by a patient with upper limb disabilities, and the effectiveness of this study was shown from the evaluation of the trajectory of robot hands from the initial position to the aim position. In the future, we are planning to develop an innovate operation system for a robot arm which is mounted on the wheelchair, with the effectiveness confirm by several operation tests.
The Optimal Control Problems of Exponentially Damped System
Authors: Xiu Guozhong , Bao Shi , Zhou Gang , Wang Liying
Published: July 2019

The optimal control problems of exponentially damped system are considered in this paper. Exponentially damped system involves convolution integrals over exponentially decaying functions, which is used as damping models in viscoelastically damped structures. The dynamic constraint is in the form of a differential equation that includes integer derivatives and the “integral” term. The performance index considered is a function of both the state and the control variables. The traditional state-space approach is extended to the optimal control problems of exponentially damped system, A direct numerical technique is used to solve the resulting equations. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the above control design.
Multi-Identification and Motion Control of a Two-Axis Pan-Tilt Platform
Authors: Fan Yihui , Zheng Xingyan , Ye Bin , Yang Yuzhe , Zhao Da
Published: July 2019

The two-axis pan-tilt platform (PTP) has been widely used in industrial control systems. The control performance of the PTP is sharply affected by the load variations, which are more significant on the pitch axis. Moreover, the PTP control system is sensitive to sensor noise and the friction moment. To achieve rapid and precise control, we build a pan-tilt platform model using the method of multiple system identification and design a speed controller and position controller on both the yaw and the pitch axes. The proposed method avoids the need to measure a large number of mechanical and electrical parameters. The experimental result shows that the proposed control system has small overshoot, fast response and suitable robustness. Relative to a controller designed and adjusted by experience, the designed system increases the bandwidth by approximately 50% on the yaw axis, and the settling time is decreased.
Design and Simulation of PI Controller with Two Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Yuyu Wang
Published: July 2019

Aiming at the fully coupled problem of steady state and dynamic performance of a PI controller with one degree of freedom, two kinds of two DOF PI controllers were designed based on the setpoint filter structure and the setpoint feed-forward structure, and the design method of compensation link was introduced.On this basis, a variable structure two-degree-of-freedom PI controller was designed with reference to the idea of variable gain PI controller.Finally, the simulation results show that the controller can not only simplify the process of setting control parameters, but also take into account the steady-state performance, dynamic performance and anti-jamming performance of the system, and realize the function of output fast, no overshoot, no error tracking input signal changes.
Semantic Segmentation based Dense RGB-D SLAM in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Liu Yanjie , Chen Junguo , Ma Liulong , Jin Dong , Chen Jiao
Published: July 2019

Visual Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM) based on RGB-D has developed as a fundamental capability for intelligent mobile robot. However, most of existing SLAM algorithms assume that the environment is static and not suitable for dynamic environments. This is because moving objects in dynamic environments can interfere with camera pose tracking, cause undesired objects to be integrated into the map. In this paper, we modify the existing framework for RGB-D SLAM in dynamic environments, which reduces the influence of moving objects and reconstructs the background. The method starts by semantic segmentation and motion points detection, then removing feature points on moving objects. Meanwhile, a clean and accurate semantic map is produced, which contains semantic information maintenance part. Quantitative experiments using TUM RGB-D dataset are conducted. The results show that the absolute trajectory accuracy and real-time performance in dynamic scenes can be improved.
Lunar Rover Path Planning Based on Comprehensive Genetic Algorithm Based on Slip Prediction
Authors: Lanfeng Zhou , Lina Yang , Hua Fang
Published: July 2019

Aiming at the problem that the lunar rover path planning algorithm generally has slow convergence rate, falls into local optimal solution, neglects the mutual applicability of environment modeling technology and path planning algorithm, a comprehensive genetic algorithm based on virtual three-dimensional model is proposed. By setting the genetic factor unchanged, the terrain comprehensive cost function is added to set the fitness function. Using genetic algorithm and improved comprehensive genetic algorithm, after 100 simulation experiments, the improved comprehensive genetic algorithm has good search performance, fast convergence and high stability. The key words of this paper are as follows: path planning, terrain comprehensive cost function, genetic algorithm.
Conversion of n-alkanes C11-C22 using a catalyst based on Ni-Al mixed oxides
Authors: Petrov S , Valieva A
Published: July 2019

During the work composition and properties of Ni-Al mixed oxides samples were investigated. These oxides were obtained from Ni-Al layered double hydroxide using thermal and hydrothermal methods. Catalytic cracking of a model mixture of alkanes was carried out in the presence of Ni-Al mixed oxides samples. Gas chromatography, chromatography-mass spectrometry, and IR-spectroscopy were used for the analysis of gaseous and liquid products. X-ray structural, X-ray fluorescence, IR-Fourier spectrometry, the specific surface analyzer, particle size analyzer, microphotographic analysis were used for the analysis of the composition and properties of catalytic systems. According to X-ray structural and X-ray fluorescence analyzes, the composition of the supporting structure of the catalyst Ni-Al mixed oxide did not change after catalysis. The content of their low-boiling homologs increases, alkanes of a branched structure is formed in the products of n-alkanes cracking in the presence of the obtained mixed Ni-Al oxide.
Features of heavy oil spraying with single evaporation
Authors: Petrov S , Nosova A , Bashkirtseva N , Fakhrutdinov R
Published: July 2019

Development of resources of heavy hydrocarbons is possible due to the evolution of technologies of their processing, including through the intensification of technological methods implemented in the field of their production at oil treatment plants. The research is devoted to the creation of a method of refining heavy hydrocarbon raw materials based on multiple increases in the working surface of the liquid phase during its intensive evaporation. The intensification of the single evaporation process is based on the fact that the heated raw material is sprayed in a hollow apparatus with the division of the final product into a distillate and a bottomless residue. Due to the spraying of raw materials, the interface of the phases is greatly increased, the supramolecular convective mass transfer becomes so large that it is comparable to the diffusion transfer. The aim of the study is to obtain the data necessary to create energy-saving technologies for the separation of heavy hydrocarbon resources. The paper discusses the possibility of improving the process of single evaporation of heavy oil due to the development of the working surface of the liquid phase, which is realized by spraying the latter. The process of crushing oil into droplets is considered in unity and interrelation with all phenomena occurring in the apparatus. The phase boundary increases several times, which makes supramolecular convective mass transfer comparable to diffusive transfer, which allowed for the separation of heavy oil to increase the distillate selection more than 3 times, with the weighting of the residual product.
Distribution of vanadyl complexes and free radicals in asphaltenes fractions from electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Rodionov A , Mukhamatdinov I , Mamin G , Gafurov M , Orlinskii S , Salih I , Vakhin A
Published: July 2019

Structural characterization of asphaltenes in complex systems is in the focus of scientific and industrial interests since many years. Asphaltenes isolated from the high-viscous Ashal’cha oil (2500 mPa·s) were studied. Five asphaltene fractions were obtained by stepwise extraction with an alcohol-benzene solvent with different alcohol contents after precipitating the asphaltenes from the oil with hot isooctane. Redistribution of paramagnetic centers between the fractions of asphaltenes is revealed by electron paramagentic resonance (EPR) while no significant changes in EPR spectral parameters are found. The results can be used for tracking the asphatenes formation as well as following the changes of their supramolecular structure.
Study of catalytic activity of modified montmorillonitis sustainable in supercritical water
Authors: Petrov S , Ibragimva D
Published: July 2019

Currently, the world is intensively exploring the possibility of obtaining highly active catalysts for hydrothermal processing of high-viscosity oils through the synthesis of new carriers, optimization of the composition, structural parameters in order to increase the degree of conversion of high-molecular hydrocarbons. The work is devoted to the study of the composition and properties of a montmorillonite intercalated with γ-Al13O4(OH)24(OH2)11(OH)6
+ and containing catalytically active pillars agents γ-Al2O3 in the reactions of hydrothermal transformation of high-viscosity oils. Experiments conducted in a catalytic laboratory setup in a flow-down reactor with a stationary layer of pillared montmorillonite at a temperature above 450 °C and a pressure of not more than 0.5 MPa showed an increase in the conversion of high molecular weight n-alkanes 1.3 times, with the formation of low-boiling n-alkanes and alkanes branched structure.
Catalytic Conversion of Tatarstan Heavy Oil using Copper Based Catalysts at 250 °C
Authors: Suwaid M. , Varfolomeev M. , Almuntaser A. , Djimasbe R. , Khramov S. , Al-Rubaye A. , Khaziakhmetov L.
Published: July 2019

In this work, the in-situ upgrading of heavy oil from Tatarstan oilfield using steam and copper stearate as a catalyst at 250 °C and 35 bar for 24 hours was studied in stainless-steel reactor. Changes in the density/API gravity, viscosity, chemical composition (SARA-analysis), elemental composition and structure (FTIR-spectroscopy) of heavy oil before and after conversion were determined. Generally, we can summarize, that the content of resins and asphaltenes as well as the average molecular weight of heavy oil were reduced after conversion process. Whereas, amount of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons was increased due to the destruction of its high molecular weight components. Also, irreversible decrease of viscosity was fixed.
Effect of pressure, temperature and gas phase composition on the rheological properties of heavy crude oil
Authors: Akhmadiyarov A A , Petrov A A , Rakipov I T , Varfolomeev M A
Published: July 2019

Influence of pressure, temperature and the nature of gas on the viscosity of heavy crude oil from the Tatarstan field was studied using rheology method (rheometer MCR 302). The effect of temperature from 25 to 125 °C and pressure from 0.1 to 12.5 MPa on crude oil viscosity was investigated. It was found that an increase in temperature of 125 °C leads to a decrease of viscosity by 8 times. At the same time, an increase of pressure up to 10 MPa leads to an increase in viscosity by 38% at low temperatures. Also the influence of the nature of gas (nitrogen, argon and air) on the viscosity of crude oil at different temperatures and pressures was analyzed. It is shown that crude oil viscosities depend on gas composition. On the other hand, the influence of the composition of binary gas mixtures in a wide range of temperatures and pressures on the viscosity of heavy oil has been studied. The activation energies of flow are calculated for two types of gas mixture. It is shown that the gas phase at different ratios of the components does not significantly affect the rheological parameters of crude oil.
Construction of geological model of a shallow super-viscous oil deposit based on core analyses and geophysical monitoring data
Authors: Delev A N , Nurgaliev D K , Sidorov S V , Akhmadullin R R , Aslyamov N A
Published: July 2019

Deficiency of fossil minerals, limited reserves of conventional hydrocarbon raw materials indicates the need to involve in the fuel and energy complex of other sources of hydrocarbons. Fields of super-viscous oil are one of the sources. Development of super-viscous oil deposits opens new challenges in the field of building geological models associated with the shallow occurrence of these deposits. This article is devoted to the study of sediments of the Permian sedimentary complex containing super-viscous oil deposits. Study object is Sheshmian sandstone pack of the Ufimian stage. The pack is composed of sands and sandstones with different degree of carbonate cementation with small interlayers of siltstones. Cementation is the main factor which affect reservoir quality. In the process of analysis and preparation of the initial data and, subsequently, the geological model construction, the main features of the super-viscous oil deposits were revealed.
Features of the natural bitumen distribution in the Kazan deposits on the territory of the Melekess depression in Tatarstan
Authors: Mudarisova R A , Volkov Yu V , Valeeva S E , Fakhrutdinov E I
Published: July 2019

This article presents the distribution of natural bitumen in the sediments of the Kazan tier of the middle Permian. Natural bitumens, concentrated in the Permian sediments of the Republic of Tatarstan, occur at shallow depths and are heavy, highly viscous, hypergenically converted oils. In the tectonic relation, the area of maximum Kazan bitumen occurrence is confined to the Melekess depression and the adjacent slope of the South Tatar arch.
Lab rock core studies of the Ufimian horizon as a prior step to displacement experiments with steam
Authors: Idrisov I. , Rojas A. , Sagirov R.
Published: July 2019

The author in this paper determined the coefficient of porosity from well log data and carried on a study of core samples using X-ray microtomography and traditional methods. A method was elaborated and later tested for measurement of porosity of samples taken from the production interval of shallow super viscous oil deposits of the Tatarstan’s Republic. Also determination of mineralogical composition and characteristics of the reservoir rock for application to future steam flooding experiments. On the basis of the data obtained, was concluded which of the methods gives the most reliable information on this of the reservoir rock under study.
The effect of temperature heating on the microstructure of the Domanik oil shale porous space
Authors: Kadyrov R , Statsenko E
Published: July 2019

As the global supply of traditional oil shrinks, the energy industry invests heavily in the unconventional energy resources, such as oil shale. One of big potential resources of oil shale that locates on the territory of Volga-Ural Basin in the East of Russian plate is Domanik. Its increasing significance led to the necessity for deeper understanding of Domanik porous space structure. The main idea of this work is to establish the changing of pore structure during the heating. As result, increasing the porosity to 3 times as a result of heating of the oil shale was established. The distribution of heated to 350° C sample demonstrated decreasing the ratio of pores with sizes 1.5-5 µm and significant increasing the ratio of pores with sizes 5-10 µm. It means that main changing of pore structure during the heating happened with organic matter pores. The increasing of the volumes of pores with sizes 10-25 µm that could be connected with generation of elongated cracks along the shale lamination. The results opens new opportunities for evaluation of maturity of organic matter based on pore structure analysis.
Biharmonic wave maps into spheres
Authors: Herr Sebastian , Lamm Tobias , Schnaubelt Roland
Published: July 2019

A global weak solution of the biharmonic wave map equation in the energy space for spherical targets is constructed. The equation is reformulated as a conservation law and solved by a suitable Ginzburg-Landau-type approximation.
Improved decay of conical averages of the Fourier transform
Authors: Harris Terence
Published: July 2019

An improved lower bound is given for the decay of conical averages of Fourier transforms of measures, for cones of dimension

d
≥
4

d \geq 4

. The proof uses a weighted version of the broad restriction inequality, a narrow decoupling inequality for the cone, and some techniques of Du and Zhang originally developed for the Schrödinger equation.
Effective bounds on the dimensions of Jacobians covering abelian varieties
Authors: Bruce Juliette , Li Wanlin
Published: July 2019

We show that any abelian variety over a finite field is covered by a Jacobian whose dimension is bounded by an explicit constant. We do this by first proving an effective and explicit version of Poonen’s Bertini theorem over finite fields, which allows us to show the existence of smooth curves arising as hypersurface sections of bounded degree and genus. Additionally, for simple abelian varieties we prove a better bound. As an application, we show that for any elliptic curve

E
E

over a finite field and any

n
∈

N

n\in \mathbb {N}

, there exist smooth curves of bounded genus whose Jacobians have a factor isogenous to

E
n

E^n

.
Douglas factorization theorem revisited
Authors: Manuilov Vladimir , Moslehian M. , Xu Qingxiang
Published: July 2019

Inspired by the Douglas factorization theorem, we investigate the solvability of the operator equation

A
X
=
C

AX=C

in the framework of Hilbert

C
∗

C^*

-modules. Utilizing partial isometries, we present its general solution when

A
A

is a semi-regular operator. For such an operator

A
A

, we show that the equation

A
X
=
C

AX=C

has a positive solution if and only if the range inclusion

R

(
C
)
⊆

R

(
A
)

{\mathcal R}(C) \subseteq {\mathcal R}(A)

holds and

C

C
∗

≤
t

C

A
∗

CC^*\le t\, CA^*

for some

t
>
0

t>0

. In addition, we deal with the solvability of the operator equation

(
P
+
Q

)

1

/

2

X
=
P

(P+Q)^{1/2}X=P

, where

P
P

and

Q
Q

are projections. We provide a tricky counterexample to show that there exist a

C
∗

C^*

-algebra

A

\mathfrak {A}

, a Hilbert

A

\mathfrak {A}

-module

H

\mathscr {H}

, and projections

P
P

and

Q
Q

on

H

\mathscr {H}

such that the operator equation

(
P
+
Q

)

1

/

2

X
=
P

(P+Q)^{1/2}X=P

has no solution. Moreover, we give a perturbation result related to the latter equation.
Higher divergence for nilpotent Lie groups
Authors: Gruber Moritz
Published: July 2019

The higher divergence of a metric space describes its isoperimetric behaviour at infinity. It is closely related to the higher-dimensional Dehn functions but has more requirements to the fillings. We prove that these additional requirements do not have an essential impact for many nilpotent Lie groups. As a corollary, we obtain the higher divergence of the Heisenberg groups in all dimensions.
Climate change, snow mold and the Bromus tectorum invasion: mixed evidence for release from cold weather pathogens
Authors: Smull Danielle M , Pendleton Nicole , Kleinhesselink Andrew R , Adler Peter B
Published: July 2019

Climate change is reducing the depth and duration of winter snowpack, leading to dramatic changes in the soil environment with potentially important ecological consequences. Previous experiments in the Intermountain West of North America indicated that loss of snowpack increases survival and population growth rates of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that reduced snowpack might promote B. tectorum population growth by decreasing damage from snow molds, a group of subnivean fungal pathogens. To test this hypothesis, we conducted greenhouse and field experiments to investigate the interaction between early snowmelt and either fungicide addition or snow mold infection of B. tectorum. The greenhouse experiment confirmed that the snow mold Microdochium nivale can cause mortality of B. tectorum seedlings. In the field experiment, early snowmelt and fungicide application both increased B. tectorum survival, but their effects did not interact, and snow mold inoculation had no effect on survival. We did find interactive effects of snowmelt and fungal treatments on B. tectorum seed production: with ambient snowpack, M. nivale inoculation reduced seed production and fungicide increased it, whereas in the early snowmelt treatment seed production was high regardless of fungal treatment. However, treatment effects on seed production did not translate directly to overall population growth, which did not respond to the snow melt by fungal treatment interaction. Based on our mixed results, the hypothesis that reduced snowpack may increase B. tectorum fitness by limiting the effects of plant pathogens deserves further investigation.
What Is the Ideal Instagram Filter?
Authors: Youn Anthony
Published: July 2019

Background

Social media, particularly Instagram, is becoming a prominent part of the plastic surgeon-patient relationship. Recent surveys are revealing a trend toward patients bringing filtered selfies to their plastic surgery consultation as a way to communicate expectations to their doctors. But which Instagram filters create a more flattering or youthful appearance, and why?

Objectives

This study set out to determine which Instagram filters create the “Most Flattering,” “Most Youthful,” “Least Flattering,” and “Least Youthful” appearances.

Methods

Standardized anterior view photos were taken of three Caucasian women: aged 38, 48, and 58 years. These photos were then altered using the color Instagram filters, randomly arranged and printed on photo paper. A questionnaire was created, asking respondents to determine which of the photos made each subject look “Most Flattering,” “Most Youthful,” “Least Flattering,” and “Least Youthful.”

Results

A total of 78 respondents participated in the study. The filters determined to be “Most Flattering” were, in order, Juno, Lark, and Sierra. The filters determined to be “Most Youthful” were Reyes, Rise, and Gingham. The filters voted “Least Flattering” were Hefe, X-Pro, and Slumber. “Least Youthful” filters were Perpetua, Crema, and Aden.

Conclusions

Instagram filters can be a very valuable way for patients to communicate their expectations with plastic surgeons. By studying why these filters are chosen by patients, we can better understand what results our patients are looking for.
Accuracy of protein-level disorder predictions
Authors: Katuwawala Akila , Oldfield Christopher J , Kurgan Lukasz
Published: July 2019

Experimental annotations of intrinsic disorder are available for 0.1% of 147 000 000 of currently sequenced proteins. Over 60 sequence-based disorder predictors were developed to help bridge this gap. Current benchmarks of these methods assess predictive performance on datasets of proteins; however, predictions are often interpreted for individual proteins. We demonstrate that the protein-level predictive performance varies substantially from the dataset-level benchmarks. Thus, we perform first-of-its-kind protein-level assessment for 13 popular disorder predictors using 6200 disorder-annotated proteins. We show that the protein-level distributions are substantially skewed toward high predictive quality while having long tails of poor predictions. Consequently, between 57% and 75% proteins secure higher predictive performance than the currently used dataset-level assessment suggests, but as many as 30% of proteins that are located in the long tails suffer low predictive performance. These proteins typically have relatively high amounts of disorder, in contrast to the mostly structured proteins that are predicted accurately by all 13 methods. Interestingly, each predictor provides the most accurate results for some number of proteins, while the best-performing at the dataset-level method is in fact the best for only about 30% of proteins. Moreover, the majority of proteins are predicted more accurately than the dataset-level performance of the most accurate tool by at least four disorder predictors. While these results suggests that disorder predictors outperform their current benchmark performance for the majority of proteins and that they complement each other, novel tools that accurately identify the hard-to-predict proteins and that make accurate predictions for these proteins are needed.
Flexible k-mers with variable-length indels for identifying binding sequences of protein dimers
Authors: Hong Chenyang , Yip Kevin Y
Published: July 2019

Many DNA-binding proteins interact with partner proteins. Recently, based on the high-throughput consecutive affinity-purification systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CAP-SELEX) method, many such protein pairs have been found to bind DNA with flexible spacing between their individual binding motifs. Most existing motif representations were not designed to capture such flexibly spaced regions. In order to computationally discover more co-binding events without prior knowledge about the identities of the co-binding proteins, a new representation is needed. We propose a new class of sequence patterns that flexibly model such variable regions and corresponding algorithms that identify co-bound sequences using these patterns. Based on both simulated and CAP-SELEX data, features derived from our sequence patterns lead to better classification performance than patterns that do not explicitly model the variable regions. We also show that even for standard ChIP-seq data, this new class of sequence patterns can help discover co-bound events in a subset of sequences in an unsupervised manner. The open-source software is available at https://github.com/kevingroup/glk-SVM.
Sex-biased dispersal patterns of a social passerine: complementary approaches and evidence for a role of spatial scale
Authors: Li Jianqiang , Lv Lei , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Yong , Hatchwell Ben J , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: July 2019

Animal dispersal patterns have important implications for many biological processes, but the measurement of dispersal is challenging and often requires the use of complementary approaches. In this study, we investigated the local-scale sex-biased dispersal pattern in a social bird, the black-throated tit (Aegithalos concinnus), in central China. Spatial genetic autocorrelation analyses suggested that significant fine-scale genetic structure existed in males but not in females. Mark–recapture analyses of ringed individuals also showed that female offspring were more dispersive than male offspring, supporting genetic evidence of local female-biased dispersal. These results were contrary to a previous finding of male-biased long-distance dispersal in this species that was based on analyses of gene flow across the species range in China. This implies that the species might potentially have a scale-dependent dispersal strategy, with females frequently dispersing further than males at the local level, but with a proportion of males occasionally dispersing over long distances and contributing more to gene flow at a larger geographical scale. Long-distance dispersal by male black-throated tits might be induced by competition for resources or by unfavourable environmental conditions, warranting further investigation, but our findings increase the evidence that geographical scale is an important factor to be considered when investigating animal dispersal patterns.
Impact of procedural multimedia instructions for pH BRAVO testing on patient comprehension: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Moore M D , Gray K D , Panjwani S , Finnerty B , Ciecerega T , Afaneh C , Fahey T J , Crawford C V , Zarnegar R
Published: July 2019

The positive impact on patient comprehension and improved procedural outcomes when multimedia is utilized to convey instructions preprocedurally has been previously shown for gastrointestinal procedures such as colonoscopy. However, in gastroesophageal reflux testing (GERD), we continue to utilize verbal and written instructions to establish this diagnosis when we use BRAVO pH testing. This is arguably a more complex procedure involving stopping medications, placement of a device, and maintaining an accurate diary for the duration of the testing. We hypothesize that by utilizing multimedia to relay complex textual information, patients will have improved comprehension of periprocedural instructions thereby improving data entry and satisfaction of expectations during the procedure. Prospective randomized study of 120 patients undergoing endoscopic placement of the BRAVO pH monitoring capsule for evaluation of GERD receive either written preoperative instructions (control) or written plus video instructions (video group). A composite comprehension score was calculated using procedure-specific parameters of data entry over the 48-hour monitoring period. Patient satisfaction was evaluated on the basis of a five-point Likert scale. Extent of patient satisfaction was defined by the fulfillment of patient expectations. Exclusion criteria included patients who did not have access to the video or did not complete follow-up. Seventy-eight patients completed all follow-up evaluations. The video group (n = 44) had a significantly higher mean comprehension score when compared to the control group (n = 34) (9.6 ± 1.4 vs. 7.4 ± 2.0, P = 0.01). Overall satisfaction with instructions was significantly higher in the intervention group (91% vs. 47%, p 0.01). We detected no significant difference in comprehension or satisfaction scores in subgroup analyses of the video group comparing patients <65 and ≥65 years of age and by education level. Compared to standard written instructions, video instructions improved patient comprehension based on data evaluation, and satisfaction. Therefore, clinicians should consider incorporation of multimedia instructions to enhance patient periprocedural expectations and understanding of reflux pH testing using the BRAVO procedure.
Autonomous Schools and Strategic Pupil Exclusion
Authors: Machin Stephen , Sandi Matteo
Published: July 2019

This article studies whether pupil performance gains in autonomous schools in England can be attributed to the strategic exclusion of poorly performing pupils. England has had two phases of academy school introduction—the first, in the 2000s, being a school improvement programme for poorly performing schools and the second a mass academisation programme from 2010 for better-performing schools. Overall, exclusion rates are higher in academies, with the earlier programme featuring much higher rates of exclusion. However, rather than functioning as a means of test score manipulation, the higher exclusion rate reflects the rigorous discipline enforced by the pre-2010 academies.
Fields of Practice: Symbolic Binding and the Qing Defense of Sinocentric Diplomacy
Authors: Banks David E
Published: July 2019

The practice turn in IR offers new ways to understand how diplomats can creatively engage with their environment and one another. Yet, sometimes their diplomatic practices limit their ability to achieve agreements. This article focuses on how and why domestic practices conflict with international practices, and why states sometimes might feel constrained into engaging in practices that harm their international position. Drawing on field theory, I introduce a causal mechanism I call symbolic binding that explains why regimes may become so bound by their domestic practices of legitimation that they incur considerable international cost. Symbolic binding occurs when the symbolic practices needed to generate domestic legitimacy intersect and conflict with practices from the diplomatic field, when domestic audiences are observing the diplomatic interaction, and when regimes have limited access to alternative forms of political capital. I demonstrate the logic of this mechanism by analyzing the antagonistic diplomacy that occurred between Britain and China from the late eighteenth until the late nineteenth century. I show that the root of this diplomatic conflict can be linked to the incompatibility of both states’ diplomatic practices and show how the Qing regime's need to maintain domestic legitimacy constrained it into steadfastly adhering to diplomatic practices that were incompatible with that of encroaching European powers.
Nutritional support dependence after curative chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer: supplementary analysis of a phase II trial (JCOG0706S1)
Authors: Imamura Yoshinori , Kiyota Naomi , Ogawa Gakuto , Akimoto Tetsuo , Fujii Masato , Hanai Nobuhiro , Iwae Shigemichi , Monden Nobuya , Matsuura Kazuto , Onozawa Yusuke , Hayashi Ryuichi , Tahara Makoto ,   Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) Head and Neck Cancer Study Group, Minami Shujiro , Eba Junko
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To explore the risk factors of laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival and nutritional support dependence over 12 months in patients with unresectable locally advanced head and neck carcinomas who received chemoradiotherapy in a phase II trial of JCOG0706 (UMIN000001272).

Methods

Forty-five patients received radiation therapy for a total of 70 Gy/35fr concurrently with S-1 and cisplatin. Risk factors of laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival and nutritional support dependence over 12 months were analyzed using Cox regression models and logistic regression models, respectively, with consideration to patient laboratory data just before chemoradiotherapy. Radiation fields were reviewed to analyze the relationship between the extent of the irradiated field and functional outcome.

Results

With a median follow-up period of 3.5 years, 3-year laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival was 48.9%. For laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival, hazards ratio of 2.35 in patients with nutritional support at registration (vs. without nutritional support; 95% confidence interval 0.96–5.76). For nutritional support dependence over 12 months, odds ratio was 6.77 in patients with hemoglobin less than the median of 13.4 g/dl (vs. higher than or equal to the median; 95% confidence interval 1.24–36.85) and was 6.00 in patients with albumin less than the median of 3.9 g/dl (vs. higher than or equal to the median; 95% confidence interval 1.11–32.54). Primary sites in disease-free patients with nutritional support dependence over 12 months were the oropharynx (N = 2) or hypopharynx (N = 1), and all pharyngeal constrictor muscles were included in irradiated fields with a curative dose.

Conclusions

This supplementary analysis showed that pretreatment severe dysphagia requiring nutritional support, anemia and hypoalbuminemia might have a negative prognostic impact on long-term functional outcomes after curative chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer.
Theorizing the Refugee Humanitarian-development Nexus: A Political-economy Analysis
Authors: Zetter Roger
Published: July 2019

This article theorizes development-led responses to large-scale, protracted refugee crises—a significant gap in our understanding given the remarkable speed with which international donors and humanitarian and development actors have engaged with this approach. The article is in two parts. The first sketches the emergence and characteristics of development-led responses to contemporary refugee crises, largely embodied in the 2018 Global Compact on Refugees and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework. The second, and main, part theorizes the structural determinants and interests that are driving this international engagement, locating this in development theory popular in the 1970s to 1990s—the core-periphery/metropole-dependency model of economic dualism. I argue there are remarkable parallels with this model and how we might theorize the current refugee-response regime that subordinates impacted countries to economic-development and containment conditions applied by the advanced ‘imperial’ donor countries of the Global North. The limited capacity of the ‘empire’ to fight back concludes the article.
Edwards the Mentor
Authors: Bezzant Rhys S.
Published: July 2019

Among his many accolades, Jonathan Edwards was an effective mentor who trained many leaders for the church. Though his pastoral work is often overlooked, this book investigates the background, method, theological rationale, and legacy of his mentoring ministry. He does what mentors normally do—meeting with individuals to discuss ideas and grow in skills—but undertakes these activities in a distinctly modern or affective key. His correspondence is composed in an informal style, his understanding of friendship and conversation takes up the conventions of the great metropolitan cities of Europe of his day, his pedagogical commitments are surprisingly progressive, and his aspirations for those he mentors are bold and subversive. The practice of mentoring is presented in this book as the exchange between authority and agency, in which the more experienced person in the mentoring relationship empowers the one in the position of a learner, whose own character and competencies are nurtured. When Edwards explains his mentoring practice theologically, he expounds the theme of seeing God face to face, which recognizes that human beings learn through the example of friends as well as the exposition of propositions. The book is a case study in cultural engagement, for Edwards deliberately takes up certain features of the modern world in his mentoring and yet resists other pressures that the Enlightenment generated. If his world witnessed the philosophical evacuation of God from the created order, Edwards’s mentoring is designed to draw God back into an intimate connection with human experience.
“I still dream of the Padma”
Authors: Raychaudhuri Anindya
Published: July 2019

One of the features that links the two regions most directly affected by partition, Punjab and Bengal, is that they are both topographically defined by rivers. As a result, many of the partition narratives help construct emotional relationships with rivers which assume particular significance during the trauma of partition. This chapter examines the complex constructions of rivers that can be seen in the various representations of partition in Bengal and Punjab. Riverscapes become spaces in which the events of partition are enacted, in the process changing how the rivers are perceived and remembered. Rivers survive in memory as both places of comforting familiarity, and horrifying sites of violence. Through the act of narration, rivers manage to signify both continuities and discontinuities, both the homely and the unhomely.