bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons Learned from the Real-World Deployment of a Connected Vehicle Testbed
Authors: Chowdhury Mashrur , Rahman Mizanur , Rayamajhi Anjan , Khan Sakib Mahmud , Islam Mhafuzul , Khan Zadid , Martin James
Published: October 2018

The connected vehicle (CV) system promises unprecedented safety, mobility, environmental, economic, and social benefits, which can be unlocked using the enormous amount of data shared between vehicles and infrastructure (e.g., traffic signals, centers). Real-world CV deployments, including pilot deployments, help solve technical issues and observe potential benefits, both of which support the broader adoption of the CV system. This study focused on the Clemson University Connected Vehicle Testbed (CU-CVT) with the goal of sharing the lessons learned from the CU-CVT deployment. The motivation of this study was to enhance early CV deployments with the objective of depicting the lessons learned from the CU-CVT testbed, which includes unique features to support multiple CV applications running simultaneously. The lessons learned in the CU-CVT testbed are described at three different levels: (i) the development of system architecture and prototyping in a controlled environment, (ii) the deployment of the CU-CVT testbed, and (iii) the validation of the CV application experiments in the CU-CVT. Field experiments with CV applications validated the functionalities needed for running multiple diverse CV applications simultaneously using heterogeneous wireless networking, and meeting real-time and non-real-time application requirements. The unique deployment experiences, related to heterogeneous wireless networks, real-time data aggregation, data dissemination and processing using a broker system, and data archiving with big data management tools, gained from the CU-CVT testbed, could be used to advance CV research and guide public and private agencies for the deployment of CVs in the real world.
Joint Modeling of Traffic Incident Duration Components (Reporting, Response, and Clearance Time): A Copula-Based Approach
Authors: Laman Haluk , Yasmin Shamsunnahar , Eluru Naveen
Published: October 2018

The current study develops a trivariate framework that accommodates for inherent dependencies across the various components of incident duration. A unique ordered response model structure (sometimes referred to as grouped ordered response model) is introduced for modeling three durations—reporting time, response time, and clearance time—in this study. Further, as opposed to employing a simulation oriented multivariate model approach, the study proposes and estimates a copula-based methodology that allows for a closed-form probability computation. The approach is the first application of this model for incident duration analysis. The proposed copula framework is estimated to identify factors affecting incident duration components from a host of characteristics including incident characteristics, traffic conditions, roadway, and environmental characteristics. The data for the analysis are obtained from the 2015 Florida Department of Transportation incident database. The model estimates were also augmented by conducting policy analysis by generating a three-dimensional representation of incident frequencies as a function of reporting, response, and clearance time.
Community Businesses as Social Units in Post-Disaster Recovery
Authors: Xiao Yu , Wu Kai , Finn Donovan , Chandrasekhar Divya
Published: October 2018

With global climate change and rapid development in environmentally vulnerable areas, communities are increasingly looking for ways to manage, adapt to, and mitigate adverse impacts from disaster events. To help communities achieve this goal, planners must first understand how various stakeholders behave in post-disaster situations. In this paper, we use household and business surveys conducted in New York City after the 2012 Hurricane Sandy to examine recovery decisions of businesses compared to households as well as their respective use of social, financial, and institutional network resources to recover. Our findings suggest that community businesses, particularly locally owned small businesses, are not simply economic units but also play critical social roles in community functioning. Business recovery decisions are often made based on social, not purely profit-maximizing reasons. Recognizing this dual characteristic of businesses is an important step to better engaging this stakeholder group in community resilience and recovery planning processes.
Living Arrangements, Offspring Migration, and Health of Older Adults in Rural China: Revelation From Biomarkers and Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Song Qian , Chen Feinian
Published: October 2018

Objective: We examine the combined effects of living arrangements and outmigration of adult children on rural older adults’ health profiles, measured by biomarker data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011. Method: We employ biomarker data and propensity score analysis which allows us to effectively deal with selection issues that are commonly observed in the literature. Results: We show complex health implications of living arrangements and offspring migration. Living in a traditional multigenerational household has limited health benefits to older adults. However, older parents of migrants who live in a multigenerational household have better fitness in blood pressure. Their advantage over parents of migrants in other living arrangements suggests added benefits of the presence of grandchildren. Discussion: This study bridges the living arrangement and migration literature on health by showing that health effects of adult children’s migration on older adults are contingent upon their living arrangements.
Coupling dynamic modelling of a flexible manipulator driven by servo joint using experimental identification method
Authors: Wang Bin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the coupling dynamic model of a flexible manipulator driven by servo joint is established using experimental identification method. The dynamic model of the servo joint is proposed, which consists of a direct current servo motor, a harmonic gear reducer and a servo controller. By fitting the experimental data for the forward and inverse rotation of the motor, the coulomb friction constant and viscosity friction coefficient are obtained. Then, two transform function models that represent the system coupling dynamics are proposed. The input and output variables for one model are the control voltage of the servo controller and the angular displacement of motor. And for the other model, the input and output are the control voltage of the servo controller and the strain output measured by the strain gauges. Using the Pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) as the input signal, both the driven model of the servo joint and the vibration model of the flexible manipulator are identified by experimental identification. Experimental results show that the two identified models are in good agreement with the dynamic response of the experimental setup, both for the PRBS and sinusoidal excitation signals. Accordingly, the coupling dynamic models of the proposed system are obtained.
Regular Mammography Screening Among African American (AA) Women: Qualitative Application of the PEN-3 Framework
Authors: Adegboyega Adebola , Aroh Adaeze , Voigts Kaitlin , Jennifer Hatcher
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Breast cancer mortality rates among African American (AA) women are at 29.2 deaths per 100,000 persons compared with 20.6 deaths per 100,000 persons among Caucasian women. Regular mammography screening may significantly reduce breast cancer mortality and narrow this disparity. This study guided by PEN-3 model aims to explore the relationships and expectations domain and identify perceptions, enablers, and nurturers of regular mammography among AA women. Method: As part of an intervention study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 39 AA women recruited from the emergency department of a public university hospital. Results: Women’s perceptions included fear and limited knowledge. Enablers identified were cost, socioeconomic, and race-related discrimination, and health care previous experiences. Nurturers identified included observation of family experiences and lack of health-related social support. Discussion: Findings underscore the need to develop culturally tailored interventions to address the issues salient to this population.
Mechanical properties of Mg-based materials fabricated by mechanical milling and spark plasma sintering
Authors: Karasoglu Mutlu , Karaoglu Serdar , Arslan Gursoy
Published: October 2018

In this work, magnesium powders of different grain sizes were synthesized by mechanical milling for periods ranging from 0.5 to 30 h. Subsequent to milling, powders were consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 550 ℃ for 10 min. Before and after sintering, microstructural changes were investigated by analytical methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray spectrometer, optical and electron microscopy. Analyses showed that nanocrystalline sizes were achieved by mechanical milling for milling times exceeding 5 h. Additionally, it was recognized that grain growth occurred during sintering, but to a limited extent. Mechanical test results displayed reasonable improvements in both compressive yield strength and hardness values with increasing milling times up to 5 h, where these reached their maximum values (245.5 MPa and 75.9 HV). The enhancement in these properties with increased milling time up to 5 h was attributed to both the extent of grain refinement and the formation of MgO together with incorporation of Fe particles, originating from the milling process, into the matrix. On the other hand, a substantial decrease in yield strength and hardness values in the samples milled in excess of 5 h were recorded, which in turn was related to the accompanying decline in bulk density of the samples. Microstructural analysis of the deformed samples revealed that grain size reduction suppressed twin formation, which elucidates the enhancement in ductility with decreasing grain size.
A direct aspiration first pass technique with the new ARC catheter for thrombectomy of large vessel occlusion strokes: A multicenter study
Authors: De Marini Pierre , Nayak Sanjeev , Zhu François , Bracard Serge , Anxionnat René , Tonnelet Romain , Liao Liang , Richard Sébastien , Humbertjean Lisa , Mione Gioia , Lacour Jean-Christophe , Derelle Anne-Laure , Gory Benjamin
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

A direct aspiration first pass technique involves first-line aspiration to remove the thrombus through a large-bore aspiration catheter in large vessel strokes. The aim of this study was to assess safety and clinical outcomes with a direct aspiration first pass technique using the new ARC catheter.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from three university hospitals was performed between June 2016 and May 2018. The following parameters of all acute ischemic stroke interventions using the ARC catheter were analyzed: use of intravenous thrombolysis, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at presentation and discharge, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b–3), procedure duration, procedure-related complications and 90-day clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score).

Results

In total, 41 patients were included in the study and anterior circulation occlusion was noted in 35 (85%). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at admission was 18 and prior intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 35 patients (85%). Only six (15%) patients required the use of a rescue stent retriever. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 40 patients (98%) with a median procedure time of 32 minutes. No catheter-related complications were observed. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in one patient (2%). Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge was 3; 49% were independent and 10% died at 90 days.

Conclusions

In the present study, the ARC catheter allowed a 98% successful reperfusion rate. The complication rate was in line with those of previous a direct aspiration first pass technique publications.
Severe Acute Kidney Injury and Multiple Organ Failure in a 17-Day-Old Newborn: When Pathology Makes the Difference
Authors: Gaudreault-Tremblay Marie-Michèle , Litalien Catherine , Patey Natalie , Merouani Aicha
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) in children is most commonly due to allergic drug reactions. In neonates, diagnosis of ATIN is clinically suspected and a kidney biopsy is not routinely performed.

Presenting concern:

A 17-day-old newborn presented with vomiting and dehydration, along with anuric acute kidney injury, severe electrolyte disturbances, hypocomplementemia, and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral nephromegaly and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient was promptly started on intravenous (IV) fluid and broad-spectrum antibiotics. His electrolyte disturbances were corrected as per standard guidelines. The rapid progressive clinical deterioration despite maximal treatment and the unclear etiology influenced the decision to proceed to a kidney biopsy. Histopathological findings revealed diffuse interstitial edema with a massive polymorphic cellular infiltrate and destruction of tubular structures, consistent with severe ATIN. Elements of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) were observed.

Diagnosis:

The clinical presentation combined with imaging and histopathological findings was suggestive of ATIN caused by a severe acute bacterial pyelonephritis.

Intervention:

Methylprednisolone pulses followed by oral prednisolone were administered. Antibiotics were continued for 10 days. The patient was kept on invasive mechanical ventilation and on peritoneal dialysis for 12 days.

Outcome:

His condition stabilized following steroid pulses. His renal function progressively improved, and renal replacement therapy was weaned off. His renal ultrasound normalized. He has maintained a normal blood pressure, urinalysis, and renal function over the past 5 years.

Novel finding:

This case reports a severe presentation of acute bacterial pyelonephritis in a neonate. It highlighted the involvement of complement activation in severe infectious process. Histopathological findings of ATIN and TMA played a crucial role in understanding the physiopathology and severity of the disease.
Hollywood movies and China: Analysis of Hollywood globalization and relationship management in China’s cinema market
Authors: Song Xu
Published: October 2018

China’s cinema market has been growing dramatically in recent years. Hollywood exports revenue-sharing movies to China to receive additional box-office revenues. Although globalization accelerates Hollywood movies’ domination in most global film markets, that is not the case in China. Hollywood studios encounter cultural and political complications in China’s cinema market. This research reviews the interplay of Hollywood globalization and the complexity of China’s cinema market, applies a relationship management perspective in analyzing Hollywood studios’ China-focused endeavors, identifies and discusses five key relations, and analyzes why and how Hollywood studios have strategically managed the key relations to boost their revenue-sharing movies’ box-office performance in China.
A clown, a political messiah or a punching bag? Rethinking the performative identity construction of celebrity through social media
Authors: Tse Tommy , Leung Vivienne , Cheng Kimmy , Chan Joey
Published: October 2018

In meeting the changing demands of authenticity and visibility in social media, performances of identity and connections are discussed to entail new sociotechnical labours and digital literacies. Research has looked into the construction and presentation of celebrity identities, in light of these developments, but has paid little attention on the celebrities’ experiences and perspectives, which is also due to the lack of willingness of industry insiders in this culturally sensitive business to be interviewed and genuinely talk about its problems. Twelve in-depth interviews with celebrities and entertainment industry practitioners were conducted between 2014 and 2015. Particularly, this article draws on the cases of two established celebrities in Hong Kong and China, and assesses how and why they were unable to actively construct and perform their preferred media identities, highlighting the blurring boundaries among traditional celebrities, micro-celebrities and ordinary people for their construction of online identities through social media, and also elucidating the opportunities and challenges posed by today’s evolving media environment. We argue that social media only superficially open up a site of counter-narratives for celebrities to resist the identities imposed on them by the mainstream media and online audiences. The interviewed celebrities’ contradictory experiences in their self-presentations in social media offer alternative angles to understanding the incoherent and unstable celebrity identity production processes, the blurring boundaries between celebrities and ordinary people through such processes as well as the celebrities’ capacity to reclaim control in asserting their ‘true’ selves.
The impact of monetization on the public functions of Weibo
Authors: Zhang Lize , Zhang Weiyu
Published: October 2018

Operating as a commercial business with public functions, Weibo’s pursuit of profits has to be balanced with the demands of citizen users. This article examines how the dynamics between increasing profits and preserving public interest manifests itself in Weibo’s monetization and how the dynamics impacts Weibo’s public functions. Drawn on evidence collected through participant observation and 19 in-depth interviews, this article first provides a description of the major practices of monetization. Next, it describes how the introduction of commercial elements, the cluttered product development, and the embrace with strong domestic capitals reshape Weibo’s public functions. Finally, it concludes with a discussion on the attitude of Weibo toward the dynamics between profits and public interest, and how Weibo’s pursuit of profits under the market influence has to be included when examining Weibo’s impact on the development of Chinese society.
Body Size Estimation in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew M. , Freeman Christopher P. L. , Annandale Annette
Published: October 2018

Clinicians who deal with patients with anorexia nervosa are well acquainted with their patients' inability to recognise their emaciation. The patients' insistence that they are normal weight or even overweight, against clear evidence to the contrary, led Bruch (1962) to state that the misperception reaches “delusional proportions”. Studies of body size perception in anorexia nervosa that have used the ‘body part’ method have invariably found that the patients overestimate their body size (Slade & Russell, 1973; Crisp & Kalucy, 1974; Pierloot & Houben, 1978; Garner et al, 1976; Button et al, 1977; Fries, 1977; Casper et al, 1979) but the majority have not found any significant difference in size estimation between patients and controls (Slade, 1985).
An interview with Robb Krumlauf
Authors: Grewal Seema
Published: October 2018

Robb Krumlauf is a developmental biologist who studies the Hox family of transcription factors, aiming to understand how these proteins regulate animal body plans. Robb, who is currently Scientific Director of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, was recently awarded the 2018 SDB Edwin G. Conklin Award for his extraordinary contributions to the field of developmental biology and for his excellent mentoring skills. We met with Robb at this year's SDB Annual Meeting, where he was presented with the award, to find out more about his research, his career and his thoughts on mentorship.
Does Patient Experience Predict 30‐Day Readmission? A Patient‐Level Analysis of HCAHPS Data
Authors: Siddiqui Zishan , Berry Stephen , Bertram Amanda , Allen Lisa , Hoyer Erik , Durkin Nowella , Qayyum Rehan , Wick Elizabeth , Pronovost Peter , Brotman Daniel J.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Hospital‐level studies have found an inverse relationship between patient experience and readmissions. However, based on typical survey response time, it is unclear if patients are able to respond to surveys before they get readmitted and whether being readmitted might be a driver of poor experience scores (reverse causation).

OBJECTIVE

Using patient‐level Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCHAPS) and Press Ganey data to examine the relationship between readmissions and experience scores and to distinguish between patients who responded before or after a subsequent readmission.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 10‐year HCAHPS data.

SETTING

Single tertiary care academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients readmitted within 30 days of an index hospitalization who received an HCAHPS survey linked to index admission comprised the exposure group. This group was divided into those who responded prior to readmission and those who responded after readmission. Nonreadmitted patients comprised the control group.

ANALYSIS

Multivariable‐logistic regression to analyze the association between HCHAPS and Press Ganey scores and 30‐readmission status, adjusted for patient factors.

RESULTS

Only 15.8% of the readmitted patients responded to the survey prior to readmission, and their scores were not significantly different from the nonreadmitted patients. The patients who responded after readmission were significantly more dissatisfied with physicians (doctors listened 73.0% versus 79.2%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.75, P < .0001), staff responsiveness, (call button 50.0% vs 59.1%, aOR 0.71, P < .0001) pain control, discharge plan, noise, and cleanliness of the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that poor patient experience may be due to being readmitted, rather than being predictive of readmission.
Risks associated with the use of fluoroquinolones
Authors: DeLaney Matthew C
Published: October 2018

Fluoroquinolones are a widely used class of antibiotic that are effective in treating a wide variety of pathogens. Despite their popularity there is increasing concern regarding the potential complications associated with these agents. Patients who take a fluoroquinolone have an increased risk of developing tendinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and aortic aneurysm or dissection. Providers should consider the risk of these potential complications before using these medications.
Trauma radiology in the UK: an overview
Authors: Chance Tom , Haines Isabel , Graham Richard
Published: October 2018

NHS Choices defines ‘major trauma’ as multiple, serious injuries that could result in disability or death. Worldwide, trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in people under 40 years of age. The National Audit Office estimates that there are at least 20 000 major trauma cases in England every year, resulting in 5400 deaths and leaving many others with serious permanent disability. Because the incidence of trauma is particularly high in younger patients, an average of 36 life years is lost for every trauma death ( Chaira and Cimbanassi, 2003 ).

The landscape in major trauma imaging has evolved over the last 30 years, and this review chronicles these changes and the reasons for them, and looks at how the current guidelines have been formulated.
Ketamine administration by HART paramedics: a clinical audit review
Authors: Metcalf Matthew
Published: October 2018

Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics from a single ambulance service Trust were trained to administer ketamine up to 0.5 mg/kg for analgesia in the pre-hospital environment. The Trust's special operations department felt that, in doing so, patient care could be improved in both hazardous areas and regular pre-hospital clinical situations. After completing a written examination and scenario training on the relevant Trust patient group directive (PGD), HART paramedics were authorised from 4 July 2016 to administer ketamine autonomously. HART paramedics then retrospectively self-reported on the details of administration using a computerised auditing application called iAuditor. Data from 1 year of usage were then collated and analysed using Microsoft Excel with the aim of identifying current practice and developing recommendations for the future. Despite encountering complications, safe independent use of ketamine was demonstrated and was shown to be an effective analgesic agent in the majority of incidents. Suggested methods for developing and improving ketamine use by paramedics are discussed. Furthermore, a number of recommendations for optimising the Trust's ketamine PGD and the iAuditor template were identified. This work has provided the foundations for future audit and research.
Mental health hit as students' literacy engagement declines
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: October 2018

Both literacy engagement and mental wellbeing decline as pupils move out of primary school and through secondary education
Parent-school meetings: Ensuring successful outcomes
Authors: Sobel Daniel
Published: October 2018

In SecEd this year, Daniel Sobel will be tackling common problems and questions when it comes to supporting vulnerable pupils in school. In his first article, he looks at the challenges and secrets to successful parent-school meetings
Wooden spatula sinusitis following maxillary expansion surgery
Authors: Ta NH , Addison A , Philpott C
Published: October 2018

Sinusitis is a recognised rare complication of palatine expansion procedures and is usually caused by the presence of an oroantral fistula. We report the first case of unilateral sinusitis as a result of a retained foreign body (a wooden spatula) following a surgically assisted rapid palatine expansion procedure.
The diagnostic yield of computed tomography in the management of acute flank pain and the emergency intervention rate for a proven acute ureteric stone
Authors: Keoghane S , Austin T , Coode-Bate J , Deverill S , Drake T , Sanpera-Iglesias J , Johnston T
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The diagnostic and management pathways for patients presenting with acute flank pain are complex. Although computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB) is the gold standard investigation for urolithiasis, the multitude of differential diagnoses must also be considered in the context of long-term risk from ionising radiation. This study investigated the integrated role and diagnostic yield of non-contrast CT in cases of acute flank pain.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 1,442 consecutive patients investigated with CT KUB between March 2013 and February 2015. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield of CT with secondary outcomes being predictors of need for urological intervention.

Results

A cause for acute flank pain was identified in 717 patients (50%), there was an incidental finding in 389 patients (27%) and normal imaging was reported in 336 patients (23%). A diagnosis was more commonly made in male than in female patients (70% vs 40%) and with increasing age (46% in patients aged <30 years, 56% in those aged 30–49 years and 63% in those aged ≥50 years). The overall rate for an ipsilateral urinary tract stone was 41%. Factors strongly associated with emergency intervention included stone size >10mm (odds ratio [OR]: 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–42.7), stones located at the pelviureteric junction (OR: 7.8, 95% CI: 2.6–22.9), C-reactive protein >50mg/l and ≤100mg/l (OR: 15.2, 95% CI: 5.1–45.3), and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤30ml/min (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.5–21.8).

Conclusions

This contemporary study identifies age and sex as independent variables affecting the diagnostic yield of CT KUB in cases of acute flank pain, and highlights factors associated with a need for emergency intervention in proven ureteric stones.
Analysis of Parameter Roasting on Color and Peanuts Roasted Taste
Authors: Yanti Silvi Ari , Soekardi Chandrasa , Lubis M. Sobron Yamin
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum temperature of roasting, optimal rotation speed of tube and roasting time, to produce roasted peanuts with good taste and good colour. The research method is experimental using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three factors of temperature, rotation and time. And analyzed using Anova method and Multiple Linear Regression. Temperature consists of five variables, namely 80oC, 85oC, 90oC, 95oC and 100oC. For rotations speed consists of 30, 35, 40 and 45 RPM. Variable of roasting time consists of four roasting times of 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes. The numbers of data were 80 experiments. With three observation parameters namely moisture containing, color and aroma. It can be concluded that the temperature 95oC is the optimal roasting temperature; the optimal rotation speed is 40 RPM and 25 minutes for each roasting time. With the variable values mentioned, roasted bean products contain a fairly good taste, good moisture and good colour.
Syjonidy i ich miejsce we współczesnej rosyjskiej kulturze
Authors: Rzeszewska Dorota
Published: October 2018

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Inter-Ethnic Friendship and Hostility between Roma and non-Roma Students in Hungary: The Role of Exposure and Academic Achievement
Authors: Hajdu Tamás , Kertesi Gábor , Kézdi Gábor
Published: October 2018

This study examines friendship and hostility relations between Roma students and the ethnically homogeneous non-Roma majority in Hungarian schools. Using data on friendship and hostility relations of 15-year-old students from 82 schools, the study focuses on the interaction between exposure to the other ethnic group and academic achievement of Roma students. High-achieving Roma students are shown to have significantly more friends and fewer adversaries than low-achieving ones, due to better inter-ethnic relations while having similar within-ethnic group relations. As a result, higher exposure to Roma students translates to more friendship and less hostility from non-Roma students in environments where more of the Roma students have higher achievement. Therefore, policies helping the achievement of Roma students can have immediate as well as long-term positive effects. Simulations suggest that a mixed policy of desegregation and closing the achievement gap may best foster positive inter-ethnic relations.
Non-invasive improved technique for lumbar discus hernia classification based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Peulić Aleksandar , Šušteršič Tijana , Peulić Miodrag
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the improved technique for classification of the type of lumbar discus hernia based on fuzzy logic. The reduced mobility of the foot is one of the symptoms of the disease that occurs because of the displaced discs in the space of two vertebrae. This fact was used for non-invasive discus hernia diagnosis by measuring force values from four sensors placed on both feet (first, second and fourth metatarsal head as well as the heel). Hardware and software systems were constructed for the doctor to perform the measurements and have a graphical representation during the measuring procedure. The procedure included measuring force values of 18 subjects during normal standing, standing on forefeet and heels. All subjects were diagnosed by a specialist with either L4/L5 or L5/S1 discus hernia. Filtering and further preprocessing of acquired values included separation of forefeet and heel segments that were used as inputs to fuzzy system. The results showed that the accuracy of such a fuzzy system was around 72%, and the proposed system correctly recognizes healthy individuals. Obtained information about forces on characteristic points on the foot represents useful data in diagnosis which further can be processed in order to be a supportive tool to doctors.
Cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptide analytical interferences from hemolysis and biotin: educational aids from the IFCC Committee on Cardiac Biomarkers (IFCC C-CB)
Authors: Saenger Amy K. , Jaffe Allan S. , Body Richard , Collinson Paul O. , Kavsak Peter A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Lefèvre Guillaume , Omland Tobjørn , Ordóñez-Llanos Jordi , Pulkki Kari , Apple Fred S.
Published: October 2018

Two interferences recently brought to the forefront as patient safety issues include hemolysis (hemoglobin) and biotin (vitamin B7). The International Federation for Clinical Chemistry Committee on Cardiac Biomarkers (IFCC-CB) obtained input from a majority of cTn and NP assay manufacturers to collate information related to high-sensitivity (hs)-cTnI, hs-cTnT, contemporary, and POC cTn assays, and NP assays interferences due to hemolysis and biotin. The information contained in these tables was designed as educational tools to aid laboratory professionals and clinicians in troubleshooting cardiac biomarker analytical results that are discordant with the clinical situation.
General properties and comparison of the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of the triazole derivatives for mild steel
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Saeed Aamer , Shahzad Danish , Abbas Nadir , Ali Larik Fayaz , Ali Channar Pervaiz , Abdul Fattah Tanzeela , Muhammad Khan Dost , Aaliya Shehzadi Syeda
Published: October 2018

Mild steel (MS) corrosion is a worldwide issue that greatly affects the industrial and natural environment. To extend the lifespan of appliances, the control of MS corrosion is necessary. To shield MS from corrosion, specifically from acidic conditions, one of the practical and finest approaches is the application of inhibitors. Triazole derivatives are eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors (CIs) having inconsequential toxicities, excellent inhibition efficiencies (IEs) against corrosion of MS, and extremely high cost-effectiveness. This critical review discusses the general effect of temperature, concentration, time after the application of CI, and type of acid on the IE of triazole derivatives. Further, the review provides an adequate amount of information about the features of excellent CIs; a summary of the reported properties of triazole-based inhibitors, CIs in industries, and current requirements of industries; and recommendations and implications for researchers to improve IE. Additionally, the review also illustrates the mechanisms of action and the IEs, which are evaluated from potentiodynamic polarization parameters, in various acidic media and concentrations of triazole inhibitors. By IE correlation with numerous concentrations and acidic conditions, this review is advantageous and helpful for synthetic chemists to expand the diversity and complexity of a class of triazole derivatives by synthesizing new triazole derivatives.
The formal Kuranishi parameterization via the universal homological perturbation theory solution of the deformation equation
Authors: Huebschmann Johannes
Published: October 2018

Using homological perturbation theory, we develop a formal version of the miniversal deformation associated with a deformation problem controlled by a differential graded Lie algebra over a field of characteristic zero. Our approach includes a formal version of the Kuranishi method in the theory of deformations of complex manifolds.
Algorithms in A
∞-algebras
Authors: Vejdemo-Johansson Mikael
Published: October 2018

Based on Kadeishvili’s original theorem inducing

A
∞

{A_{\infty}}

-algebra structures on the homology of dg-algebras, several directions of algorithmic research in

A
∞

{A_{\infty}}

-algebras have been pursued.
In this paper, we survey the work done on calculating explicit

A
∞

{A_{\infty}}

-algebra structures from homotopy retractions, in group cohomology and in persistent homology.
Synthesis, characterization and computational studies of 2-cyano-6-methoxybenzothiazole as a firefly-luciferin precursor
Authors: Shahmoradi Ghasem , Amani Saeid
Published: October 2018

A novel approach to the synthesis of 2-cyano-6-methoxybenzothiazole via the Cu-catalyzed cyanation of 2-iodo-6-methoxybenzothiazole was developed. K4[Fe(CN)6] was used as a source of cyanide, and a Cu/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) system was utilized as a catalyst. This approach is scalable and can be practiced with operational benign. The most stable conformation of 2-cyano-6-methoxybenzothiazole was delineated using the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d, p) basis set.
Molecular mechanisms of non-thermal plasma-induced effects in cancer cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Mizuno Masaaki , Ishikawa Kenji , Toyokuni Shinya , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Hori Masaru
Published: October 2018

Plasma is the fourth state of matter with higher energy than gas; non-thermal plasma (NTP) is currently available. As NTP is useful in sterilization, promoting wound healing and cancer treatments, the molecular mechanisms of plasma-induced effects in living cells and microorganisms are of significant interest in plasma medicine with medical-engineering collaboration. Molecular mechanisms of plasma-induced effects in cancer cells will be described in this minireview. Both direct and indirect methods to treat cancer cells with NTP have been developed. NTP interacts directly with not only cancer cells but also the liquids surrounding cancer cells and the immune cells that target them. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play key roles in NTP-induced effects; however, other mechanisms have been suggested. The complex interactions between NTP, cells and liquids have been extensively studied. In the future, details regarding NTP-induced effects on gene regulatory networks, signaling networks, and metabolic networks will be elucidated.
A Peer-to-peer Purchase and Rental Smart Contract-based Application (PuRSCA)
Authors: Rafati Niya Sina , Schüpfer Florian , Bocek Thomas , Stiller Burkhard
Published: October 2018

This work introduces the design and implementation of an Android-based Peer-to-peer Purchase and Rental Application termed PuRSCA, which leverages Smart Contracts (SC) and the Ethereum public blockchain (BC). As a Device-to-device (D2D) communication protocol, WiFi-Direct is chosen to enable the P2P data transmission between two parties. This work results in a cost-efficient, secure, SC-based, P2P, and Decentralized application (Dapp). Evaluations on performance of this Dapp is specified in terms of its D2D deployment, transaction costs, scalability, security, and privacy.
Analysis of Four Wave Mixing Effects in 16 ×10 Gb/S WDM Optical Communication System
Authors: Beniwal Poonam , Kedia Deepak
Published: October 2018

The fiber nonlinearities are one of the main performance limiting factors in any optical communication system. There are several parameters that effectively contribute in mitigation of these fiber nonlinearities such as fiber dispersion, effective area of fiber core, etc. Here, we have investigated the four wave mixing (FWM) nonlinear impairments in 16-channel WDM system. The FWM crosstalk becomes very critical to handle for long haul transmission systems at high power levels. Here, 16 channels WDM is being implemented and its performance is evaluated in terms of bit error rate (BER), Q factor, etc. for distance transmission upto 500 km.
The associations between mental health, health-related quality of life and insulin pump therapy among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Munkácsi Brigitta , Papp Gábor , Felszeghy Enikő , Kovács Karolina Eszter , Nagy Beáta Erika
Published: October 2018

Background

Diabetes has previously been linked to mental health problems in children and adolescents, but more recent studies have yielded mixed findings. The aim of the current study was to compare symptoms of mental health problems in children and adolescents with and without type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

Life quality, subjective well-being, self-rated health, depression and somatic symptoms in children and adolescents with diabetes (n=130) were measured and compared to the results of a socio-demographically joined control group (n=177) which consists of healthy children and adolescents.

Results

A significant difference could be observed between the groups in well-being and depressive symptoms as according to the results, the research sample namely the children with T1DM could be described with significantly higher subjective well-being and mood, but with less physical symptoms and lower level of depression as those in the control group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that T1DM is not associated with an increased risk of psychosocial problems, and confirm that even a severe disease of a child can lead to personal growth.
Limits of professional competency in nurses working in Nicu
Authors: Skorobogatova Natalija , Žemaitienė Nida , Šmigelskas Kastytis , Tamelienė Rasa , Markūnienė Eglė , Stonienė Dalia
Published: October 2018

Our study aimed to find out the views of nurses working in neonatal intensive care units about the limits of professional competencies and to identify situations where the limits are crossed.

Methods

The research employed the focus group method. For this research we had three focus groups with nurses working in neonatal intensive care units. The results of the study were analysed using the thematic analysis described in Braun and Clarke.

Results and conclusions

Based on our research findings, it can be stated that the limits of professional competence of nursing staff working in neonatal intensive care units are defined and clear, but nurses often perform actions exceeding their competencies. This is usually done on the initiative of the nurses themselves, in cases of the deterioration of the state of the newborn, or when doctors delegate their functions to them. Confidence expressed by doctors leads to conflicting feelings of concern and, at the same time, pride in themselves.
Crystal structure of 1-{4-[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)amino]phenyl}ethanone O-methyl oxime, C16H15N3O4
Authors: Wei Ping , Li Qing-Lin , Ma Jin-Xia , Fu Tao , Zhao Ji-Xing , Zhao Li
Published: October 2018

C16H15N3O4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.4730(5) Å, b = 8.1564(6) Å, c = 27.511(2) Å, β = 90.113(2)°, V = 1452.47(19) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0623, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1360, T = 153(2) K.
Identify the Active Phase of Fe–CN Composites for Oxidation Removal of Rhodamine B with H2O2
Authors: Diao Tingting , Wang Wenyao , Xu Xuelian , Xiao Ping , Tang Duihai , Zhu Junjiang , Zhao Zhen
Published: October 2018

Fe-containing carbon nitrides (Fe–CN) prepared with various CN precursors, including dicyandiamide, melamine, guanidine hydrochloride and urea, were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, N2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic emission spectrometer measurements, and used as catalysts to catalyze the rhodamine B oxidation with H2O2 as oxidant. Characteristic results showed that Fe–CN exhibits different compositions, properties and catalytic performances if different CN precursors are used. The Fe–CN prepared from dicyandiamide contains mainly CN phase and certain amounts of surface Fe2O3 phase, exhibits the best activity; while that prepared from urea contains mainly Fe2O3 phase and few amounts of CN phase, exhibits the worst activity. Contrasting experiments conducted under light irradiation, with a supported Fe/CN_D catalyst, and that using a washed catalyst, suggested that the surface Fe2O3 is the active site of the reaction.
Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability and Acute:Chronic Load Ratio Throughout a Season in NCAA D1 Men's Soccer Players
Authors: Sekiguchi Yasuki , Huggins Robert A. , Curtis Ryan M. , Benjamin Courteney L. , Adams William M. , Looney David P. , West Chris A. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: October 2018

Sekiguchi, Y, Huggins, RA, Curtis, RM, Benjamin, CL, Adams, WM, Looney, DP, West, CA, and Casa, DJ. Relationship between heart rate variability and acute:chronic load ratio throughout a season in NCAA D1 men's soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1103–1109, 2021—The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR)-based training load (TL) metrics and (b) to examine relationships across various A:C ratio-based TL metrics. Heart rate variability in 23 male college soccer players (mean ± SD; age, 21 ± 1 years; body mass, 80.3 ± 5.8 kg; height, 181.9 ± 6.5 cm; %body fat, 11.9 ± 2.0%; and V̇o
2max, 51.9 ± 5.0 ml·kg−1·min−1) was measured at 5 time points: week(W)1, W3, W7, W12, and W14 during the 2015 NCAA men's soccer season. Heart rate variability was calculated from beat to beat intervals using a heart rate monitor. Players donned a global position satellite–enabled device that measured the following TL metrics: session time (ST), Player Load (PL), PL·min−1, and total distance (TD). Acute:chronic workload ratio was calculated for each TL metric: ACWR-based ST (ACWRST), ACWR-based PL (ACWRPL), ACWR-based PL·min−1 (ACWRPLM), and ACWR-based TD (ACWRTD): ACWR = week average TLs/mo average (30 ± 1 days) TLs. Relationships between HRV and ACWR-based each TL metric were evaluated using mixed effects models. Tukey pairwise comparisons were used to examine differences between types of ACWR-based TL metrics. An increase in ACWRST significantly reduced HRV throughout a season (−7.4 ± 3.6 m·s−1; p = 0.04). There were significant differences between ACWRPLM and ACWRST, ACWRPL and ACWRTD at W1, ACWRPLM and ACWRST at W3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ACWRST, ACWRPL, and ACWRTD were significantly different from ACWRPLM. ACWRST was found to significantly predict HRV; higher ACWRST was significantly associated with lower HRV. Therefore, tracking of the ACWR using ST may help to optimize athlete's physiological state throughout a season.
Optimal Plans and Estimation of Constant-Stress Accelerated Life Tests for the Extension of the Exponential Distribution under Type-I Censoring
Authors: Abd El-Raheem A. M.
Published: October 2018

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are usually applied for life testing of devices that are extremely reliable. In this article, a constant-stress ALT is considered when the lifetime of a test unit has an extension of the exponential distribution. It can be accepted as an alternate to Weibull, gamma, and exponentiated exponential distributions. The scale parameter of lifetime distribution is supposed to be a log-linear function of the stress levels. The maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters, as well as Fisher information matrix, are derived. In addition, Bayes estimates of the model parameters are obtained. The optimal proportion of test units allocated to every stress level is derived depending on D-, C-, and A-optimality criteria. Moreover, two real data examples are analyzed to explain the importance of the extension of the exponential distribution in reliability studies. Thereafter, a Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to check the efficacy of the estimation techniques and the optimality criteria.