bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of customized implant and customized surgical osteotomy guide in ablative tumor surgery for accurate mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Dahake Sandeep , Kuthe Abhaykumar , Mawale Mahesh , Sapkal Pranav , Bagde Ashutosh , Daronde Subodh , Kamble Manish , Sarode Bhupesh
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to provide the generalized methodology for design and development of a customized implant and customized surgical osteotomy guide (CSOG) for precise mandibular tumor resection and placement of a customized implant in ablative tumor surgery for accurate mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

Medical imaging technique, image processing, virtual surgical planning (VSP), biomedical computer‐aided design (CAD), and rapid prototyping (RP) were used to develop CSOG and customized implant. A mock surgical test and an experimental analysis were performed on the biomodel (RP assisted diseased model) to check the effectiveness of the CSOG.

Results

The paired t test showed the statistically significant result with the use of CSOG as compared to the without using CSOG in ablative mandibular tumor surgery.

Conclusions

A mock test and an experimental analysis proved that, the precise tumor resection and customized implant placement with minimal gap between bone‐implant junctions in mandibular reconstruction using CSOG.
The peer effect of corporate financial decisions around split share structure reform in China
Authors: He Wei , Wang Qian
Published: October 2019

We examine the peer effects in financial decisions of Chinese listed companies for the period of 1998–2016 as well as around Split Share Structure Reform (SSSR). Consistent with the information‐based theory of learning, Chinese firms do adjust their capital structure in response to the changes in their peers’ market leverage ratios. The industries that are more competitive, with more young firms, and high leverage volatility tend to exhibit stronger peer effects. Within industries, the firms with lower market share and profits, paying no dividends, and being financially constrained mimic their peers more strongly than their counterparts. The evidence around the SSSR reveals that firms tend to follow their industry peers and leaders more closely in making financial decisions after the reform. Finally, the mimicking behavior in financial decisions enhances firm value in the long run and this finding is more evident after the reform.
Individualized dynamic prediction of survival with the presence of intermediate events
Authors: Papageorgiou Grigorios , Mokhles Mostafa M. , Takkenberg Johanna J. M. , Rizopoulos Dimitris
Published: October 2019

Often, in follow‐up studies, patients experience intermediate events, such as reinterventions or adverse events, which directly affect the shapes of their longitudinal profiles. Our work is motivated by two studies in which such intermediate events have been recorded during follow‐up. In both studies, we are interested in the change of the longitudinal evolutions after the occurrence of the intermediate event and in utilizing this information to improve the accuracy of dynamic prediction of their risk. To achieve so, we propose a flexible joint modeling framework for longitudinal and time‐to‐event data, which includes features of the intermediate event as time‐varying covariates in both the longitudinal and survival submodels. We consider a set of joint models that postulate different effects of the intermediate event in the longitudinal profile and the risk of the clinical endpoint, with different formulations for the association structure while allowing its functional form to change after the occurrence of the intermediate event. Based on these models, we derive dynamic predictions of conditional survival probabilities which are adaptive to different scenarios with respect to the occurrence of the intermediate event. We evaluate the predictive accuracy of these predictions with a simulation study using the time‐dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the expected prediction error adjusted to our setting. The results suggest that accounting for the changes in the longitudinal profiles and the instantaneous risk for the clinical endpoint is important, and improves the accuracy of the dynamic predictions.
Effect of Magnetic Inducement in Preparation of Ni/Ce‐doped Al2O3 for Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Vacharapong Pumiwat , Arayawate Sirintra , Henpraserttae Suparoek , Katanyutanon Sasimas , Charojrochkul Sumittra , Lawtrakul Luckhana , Toochinda Pisanu
Published: October 2019

Catalytic activity of Ni catalysts for NH3 decomposition can be enhanced by using Ce‐doped Al2O3 support. Magnetic inducement during sol‐gel preparation of supports was studied to enhance the Ce dispersion in Al2O3 framework. In this study, the same poles and different pole of magnetic arrangement were applied during the sol‐gel preparation. Ni catalysts over the supports were investigated for the NH3 decomposition activity along with catalyst and support properties, including Ce dispersion in Al2O3 framework, Ni dispersion, acidic sites, basic sites, and reaction kinetics. The magnetic inducement can control the Ce composition and uniformity in the Al2O3 framework. The Ni/Ce‐doped Al2O3 prepared under the same poles of magnetic inducement show significant improvements in Ni dispersion, and yield highest catalytic activity due to a high Ce composition and uniformity in the framework, as well as the high Lewis basic sites which enhance the limiting step of NH3 decomposition. Thus, combination of the partial doping with magnetic inducement provides a novel approach with low cost to improve the activity of Ni catalyst without changing the reaction mechanism.
Study on Catalytic Performance of rGH/Fe‐g‐C3N4 Photocatalysis‐Fenton Synergy System[1]
Authors: Ma Dong , Jia Yuan , Wang Peng
Published: October 2019

Graphene and Fe‐g‐C3N4 were combined to form a three‐dimensional catalytic gel material with visible light response. The graphene gel enabled the rapid recovery of the catalyst and improved cycling performance. In this work, the co‐degradation efficiency of the rGH/Fe‐g‐C3N4 photocatalytic‐Fenton system was investigated using phenol to simulate organic pollutants. A phenol concentration of 20±0.1 mg L−1 could be completely degraded by the 10% rGH/Fe‐g‐C3N4 after 50 min, and the photocurrent was 5.1 times and 1.8 times larger than that of g‐C3N4 and Fe‐g‐C3N4, respectively. In this system, the reaction of photogenerated electrons with Fe3+ promotes the rapid transfer of photogenerated charges. Additionally, Fe2+ participates in the Fenton reaction to rapidly form ⋅OH to promote cycling of the Fe valence state. Moreover, the π‐π conjugated graphene accelerates the transfer of electrons and results in the direct reduction of H2O2 to form ⋅OH. Furthermore, compared with the powder Fe‐g‐C3N4 catalyst, 10% rGH/Fe‐g‐C3N4 showed excellent recoverability and cyclability. After seven cycles, the degradation efficiency reached >86±1%. Finally, a degradation experiment with coking wastewater was carried out under optimized conditions. After 60 min, the COD and TOC values decreased from 67.8±1 mg L−1 and 21.6±0.2 mg L−1, to 21.6±1 mg L−1 and 6.7±0.2 mg L−1, respectively.
A Hierarchically Porous Carbazole‐Containing Polymer from [p‐(4‐N‐carbazole)‐C6H4SiO1.5]8 to Load Imidazole for Efficient Proton Conductivity over a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Wu Ling , Chen Yao , He Yang , Zeng Rong , Yan Chunpei
Published: October 2019

The practical application of vehicle fuel cell technology requires solid electrolytes possess not only high proton conductivity, but also stable proton transport channel with a wide operating temperature window. In addition, hierarchically porous materials play a key role in mass transport, such as the concentration and mobility of proton carries. Herein, we present a novel strategy to target this goal. A new hierarchically porous carbazole‐containing polymer (ECUT‐PP) was reported via mechanochemical grinding of [p‐(4‐N‐carbazole)C6H4SiO1.5]8 and anhydrous FeCl3 catalyst at room temperature. Due to the synergistic effects of hierarchical pores, imidazole loaded proton conductor (Im@ECUT‐PP) presents efficient conductivity from 0 °C (2.39×10−7 S/cm) to 200 °C (6.03×10−4 S/cm) under the anhydrous conditions, and its highest temperature is higher than other imidazole‐loaded conductors.
Low‐Cost and Highly Efficient Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells Exhibiting Excellent Long‐Term Operational and UV Stability
Authors: Arora Neha , Dar M. Ibrahim , Akin Seckin , Uchida Ryusuke , Baumeler Thomas , Liu Yuhang , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Grätzel Michael
Published: October 2019

Today's perovskite solar cells (PSCs) mostly use components, such as organic hole conductors or noble metal back contacts, that are very expensive or cause degradation of their photovoltaic performance. For future large‐scale deployment of PSCs, these components need to be replaced with cost‐effective and robust ones that maintain high efficiency while ascertaining long‐term operational stability. Here, a simple and low‐cost PSC architecture employing dopant‐free TiO2 and CuSCN as the electron and hole conductor, respectively, is introduced while a graphitic carbon layer deposited at room temperature serves as the back electrical contact. The resulting PSCs show efficiencies exceeding 18% under standard AM 1.5 solar illumination and retain ≈95% of their initial efficiencies for >2000 h at the maximum power point under full‐sun illumination at 60 °C. In addition, the CuSCN/carbon‐based PSCs exhibit remarkable stability under ultraviolet irradiance for >1000 h while under similar conditions, the standard spiro‐MeOTAD/Au based devices degrade severely.
Identifying phenomenological foundations of systems engineering and systems science
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2019

Engineering disciplines (electrical, civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering), concerned with physical phenomena, are founded on math–physics theoretical models from related sciences. It is sometimes asserted that systems engineering lacks, and is seeking equivalent foundations grounded in modelled physical phenomena, on an impactful par with other engineering disciplines. We instead argue (a) there is an already well‐known system phenomenon; (b) its model‐based theory has long been known in the form of Hamilton's principle, Noether's theorem, and similar established theories; (c) this phenomena and theory are general parent cases of the more familiar phenomena and model‐based theories of the other engineering disciplines and sciences; and (d) for emerging larger scale systems important to society, new larger scale phenomena, model‐based theories, and engineering disciplines may be developed using this general parent. Contemporary examples include ground vehicles, aircraft, marine vessels, and biochemical networks; ahead are healthcare, distribution networks, market systems, ecologies, and the Internet of Things.
Social impact bonds: The goose and the golden eggs at risk
Authors: Ford David N. , White Robert J.
Published: October 2019

Public goods and services such as prisons are often underfunded compared with private goods and services. Social impact bonds (SIBs) are a new financial vehicle to increase the use of private funds for public good. SIBs use a paid‐for‐success, performance‐based structure to reallocate risk and reward. In the current case, the SIB changes a critical reinforcing loop from a vicious cycle of decay to a virtuous cycle of improvement that can perpetuate SIB benefits far after the bond has been repaid. A simulation model of recidivism at Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) Peterborough and the related SIB is developed to identify high‐leverage parameters and dominant feedback loops. These are used to explain SIB success or failure for two primary participants (HMP system and SIB investors). Model analysis also reveals a tipping point structure that puts the Peterborough programme at risk. Contributions include a formal SIB model, improved understanding of SIB structure and behaviour, an example of tipping point structures in a social system and recommendations concerning SIB design and management.
Acrylamide‐induced hematotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in liver, kidney, and brain of catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa A. , Ibrahem Mai D.
Published: November 2019

This study was carried out to explore the possible deleterious impacts of acrylamide (ACR) on catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The estimation of mortalities, the examination of the clinical picture, the evaluation of blood parameters, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the histopathological picture were performed in the liver, kidney, and brain samples of the experimentally ACR‐exposed catfish. The 96 hours LC50 value was estimated to be 133 mg/L by the hydrostatic method. Fish were reared in water containing four different concentrations of ACR as follows: 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the estimated LC50 for 2 weeks. Abnormal behavioral, clinical, and postmortem responses were depicted. The anemic response including significant decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume following the ascending concentrations of ACR were recorded. The malondialdehyde was significantly increased, whereas reduced glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased. The DNA fragmentation assay illustrated a clear laddering pattern in all the tested organs. Notably, the brain was the most influenced organ. It is presumed that ACR contamination showed adverse impacts on the catfish.
Clinical experience across the fetal‐fraction spectrum of a non‐invasive prenatal screening approach with low test‐failure rate
Authors: Hancock S. , Ben‐Shachar R. , Adusei C. , Oyolu C. B. , Evans E. A. , Kang H. P. , Haverty C. , Muzzey D.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe our clinical experience across the entire range of fetal‐fraction (FF) measurements of a non‐invasive prenatal screen (NIPS) that uses whole‐ genome sequencing (WGS).

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively results from 58 105 singleton pregnancies that underwent NIPS on a customized WGS platform during an 8‐month period and assessed clinical test performance for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Pregnancy outcomes were sought for all screen‐positive patients and for 18% of screen‐negative patients. As differences in outcome‐collection response rates could artificially impact test‐performance calculations, we computed inferred sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values adjusted for ascertainment bias.

Results

The screening test yielded a result for 99.9% (n = 58 048) of patients, meaning that approximately 1 in 1000 patients received a test failure (i.e. test failure rate = 0.1%). Of pregnancies with a test result, 572 (1%) screened positive for one of the common aneuploidies (362 for trisomy 21, 142 for trisomy 18 and 68 for trisomy 13). Informative outcomes were received for 237 (41.4%) patients with a screen‐positive result and 3258 (5.7%) of those with a screen‐negative result. In the full cohort, inferred sensitivities for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 were 99.7%, 96.8% and 94.3%, respectively, and PPVs were 93.1%, 85.2% and 48.4%, respectively. If a FF threshold of 4% had been employed to guard against false negatives, calculated sensitivities for the three aneuploidies would not have changed significantly, yet, importantly, the overall test‐failure rate would have increased to 6.6% (n = 3829), impacting 1 in 15 women.

Conclusions

Our clinical experience demonstrates that a customized WGS‐based NIPS without a FF threshold achieves high accuracy while maintaining a low test‐failure rate of 0.1%. As such, alternative strategies to ensure high accuracy of detection of common aneuploidies in samples with low FF (such as redraw after test failure, redrawing at a later gestational age, risk scoring based on FF) are not necessary for this screening approach. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Black hole binary dynamics from the double copy and effective theory
Authors: Bern Zvi , Cheung Clifford , Roiban Radu , Shen Chia-Hsien , Solon Mikhail P. , Zeng Mao
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We describe a systematic framework for computing the conservative potential of a compact binary system using modern tools from scattering amplitudes and effective field theory. Our approach combines methods for integration and matching adapted from effective field theory, generalized unitarity, and the double-copy construction, which relates gravity integrands to simpler gauge-theory expressions. With these methods we derive the third post-Minkowskian correction to the conservative two-body Hamiltonian for spinless black holes. We describe in some detail various checks of our integration methods and the resulting Hamiltonian.
Fréchet differentiability of mild solutions to SPDEs with respect to the initial datum
Authors: Marinelli Carlo , Scarpa Luca
Published: October 2019

We establish n-th-order Fréchet differentiability with respect to the initial datum of mild solutions to a class of jump diffusions in Hilbert spaces. In particular, the coefficients are Lipschitz-continuous, but their derivatives of order higher than one can grow polynomially, and the (multiplicative) noise sources are a cylindrical Wiener process and a quasi-left-continuous integer-valued random measure. As preliminary steps, we prove well-posedness in the mild sense for this class of equations, as well as first-order Gâteaux differentiability of their solutions with respect to the initial datum, extending previous results by Marinelli, Prévôt, and Röckner in several ways. The differentiability results obtained here are a fundamental step to construct classical solutions to non-local Kolmogorov equations with sufficiently regular coefficients by probabilistic means.
αSMA Osteoprogenitor Cells Contribute to the Increase in Osteoblast Numbers in Response to Mechanical Loading
Authors: Matthews B. G. , Wee N. K. Y. , Widjaja V. N. , Price J. S. , Kalajzic I. , Windahl S. H.
Published: October 2019

Bone is a dynamic tissue that site-specifically adapts to the load that it experiences. In response to increasing load, the cortical bone area is increased, mainly through enhanced periosteal bone formation. This increase in area is associated with an increase in the number of bone-forming osteoblasts; however, the origin of the cells involved remains unclear. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) is a marker of early osteoprogenitor cells in the periosteum, and we hypothesized that the new osteoblasts that are activated by loading could originate from αSMA-expressing cells. Therefore, we used an in vivo fate-mapping approach in an established axial loading model to investigate the role of αSMA-expressing cells in the load-induced increase in osteoblasts. Histomorphometric analysis was applied to measure the number of cells of different origin on the periosteal surface in the most load-responsive region of the mouse tibia. A single loading session failed to increase the number of periosteal αSMA-expressing cells and osteoblasts. However, in response to multiple episodes of loading, the caudal, but not the cranial, periosteal surface was lined with an increased number of osteoblasts originating from αSMA-expressing cells 5 days after the initial loading session. The proportion of osteoblasts derived from αSMA-labeled progenitors increased by 70% (p < 0.05), and the proportion of αSMA-labeled cells that had differentiated into osteoblasts was doubled. We conclude that αSMA-expressing osteoprogenitors can differentiate and contribute to the increase in periosteal osteoblasts induced by mechanical loading in a site-specific manner.
Differential phenotypic expression of a novel PDHA1 mutation in a female monozygotic twin pair
Authors: Horga Alejandro , Woodward Catherine E. , Mills Alberto , Pareés Isabel , Hargreaves Iain P. , Brown Ruth M. , Bugiardini Enrico , Brooks Tony , Manole Andreea , Remzova Elena , Rahman Shamima , Reilly Mary M. , Houlden Henry , Sweeney Mary G. , Brown Garry K. , Polke James M. , Gago Federico , Parton Matthew J. , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Hanna Michael G.
Published: October 2019

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) deficiency caused by mutations in the X-linked PDHA1 gene has a broad clinical presentation, and the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation has been proposed as a major factor contributing to its variable expressivity in heterozygous females. Here, we report the first set of monozygotic twin females with PDC deficiency, caused by a novel, de novo heterozygous missense mutation in exon 11 of PDHA1 (NM_000284.3: c.1100A>T). Both twins presented in infancy with a similar clinical phenotype including developmental delay, episodes of hypotonia or encephalopathy, epilepsy, and slowly progressive motor impairment due to pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and cerebellar involvement. However, they exhibited clear differences in disease severity that correlated well with residual PDC activities (approximately 60% and 20% of mean control values, respectively) and levels of immunoreactive E1α subunit in cultured skin fibroblasts. To address whether the observed clinical and biochemical differences could be explained by the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation, we undertook an androgen receptor assay in peripheral blood. In the less severely affected twin, a significant bias in the relative activity of the two X chromosomes with a ratio of approximately 75:25 was detected, while the ratio was close to 50:50 in the other twin. Although it may be difficult to extrapolate these results to other tissues, our observation provides further support to the hypothesis that the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation may influence the phenotypic expression of the same mutation in heterozygous females and broadens the clinical and genetic spectrum of PDC deficiency.
Ultraviolet radiation modulates both constitutive and inducible plant defenses against thrips but is dose and plant genotype dependent
Authors: Escobar-Bravo Rocío , Nederpel Charlotte , Naranjo Sofía , Kim Hye Kyong , Rodríguez-López María José , Chen Gang , Glauser Gaétan , Leiss Kirsten A. , Klinkhamer Peter G. L.
Published: October 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has emerged as an environmental cue with potential uses to enhance plant protection against arthropod pests in agriculture. UV can augment constitutive and inducible plant defenses against herbivorous arthropods. Here we investigated whether application of supplemental UV to chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat) cuttings during their rooting phase enhanced plant resistance to an important insect pest, Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). For this, we analyzed how several daily UV exposure times affected plant damage by thrips on three different chrysanthemum cultivars. The most effective UV dose and responsive cultivar were further used to determine the UV effects on host plant preference by thrips, leaf metabolome and the induction of jasmonic acid (JA)-associated defenses. Our results showed that while short UV daily exposure times increased chrysanthemum resistance to thrips, longer exposure times had the opposite effect. Furthermore, we showed that UV-mediated induction of chrysanthemum resistance to thrips was genotype dependent and can persist after the end of the of the UV treatment. Yet, this induction was not transferred to the next generation from mother plants to cuttings. Nontargeted metabolomic, enzymatic and hormone analyses further revealed that UV slightly affected the leaf metabolome of chrysanthemum plants, and it enhanced the induction of JA-associated signaling after thrips infestation. Taken together, our results suggest that supplemental UV might modulate both constitutive and inducible chrysanthemum defenses against thrips.
“Offensiphobia” is a Red Herring: On the Problem of Censorship and Academic Freedom
Authors: Cross Ben , Richardson-Self Louise
Published: October 2019

In a recent article, J. Angelo Corlett criticises what he takes to be the ‘offensiphobic’ practices characteristic of many universities. The ‘offensiphobe’, according to Corlett, believes that offensive speech ought to be censured precisely because it offends. We argue that there are three serious problems with Corlett’s discussion. First, his criticism of ‘offensiphobia’ misrepresents the kinds of censorship practiced by universities; many universities may in some way censure speech which they regard as offensive, but this is seldom if ever a manifestation of ‘offensiphobia’. Second, we attempt to reconstruct Corlett’s criticism of ‘offensiphobia’ as a criticism of the practice of censuring hate speech, and show that this argument is unsuccessful. Third, we offer some brief reflections on how labelling universities as ‘offensiphobic’ is especially problematic in light of the current climate of political interference in university research and teaching.
Prioritising sites for pollinators in a fragmented coastal nectar habitat network in Western Europe
Authors: Paterson George B. , Smart Gill , McKenzie Paul , Cook Sally
Published: October 2019

Context

Habitat loss and fragmentation contribute significantly to pollinator decline and biodiversity loss globally. Conserving high quality habitats whilst restoring and connecting remnant habitat is critical to halt such declines.

Objectives

We quantified the connectivity of pollinator habitats for a generic focal species (GFS) which represented three groups of pollinators in an existing coastal nectar habitat network. Subsequently, in partnership with a conservation agency, we modelled an improved landscape that identified priority habitat patches to increase connectivity for pollinators.

Methods

We selected 4260 pollinator habitats along an 80 km section of coastland in Scotland using Phase 1 habitat data. A GFS represented three vulnerable European pollinator groups while graph theory and spatial metrics were used to identify optimal sites that could enhance habitat connectivity.

Results

Higher dispersing species experienced greater habitat connectivity in the improved landscape and habitat availability increased substantially in response to small increases in habitat. The improved landscape revealed important habitat patches in the existing landscape that should be protected and developed.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that optimal landscapes can be designed through the integration of habitat data with spatial metrics for a GFS. By adopting this novel approach, conservation strategies can be targeted in an efficient manner to conserve at-risk species and their associated habitats. Integrating these design principles with policy and practice could enhance biodiversity across Europe.
Psychometric evaluation of the Participation and Activity Inventory for Children and Youth (PAI-CY) 0–2 years with visual impairment
Authors: Elsman Ellen B. M. , van Nispen Ruth M. A. , van Rens Gerardus H. M. B.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To identify and monitor the developmental and participation needs of visually impaired (VI) children, the Participation and Activity Inventory for Children and Youth (PAI-CY) has recently been developed involving end-users as stakeholders. The aim was to investigate psychometric properties of the PAI-CY for children between 0 and 2 years.

Methods

Responses from 115 parents were included in item analyses, after which a combination of classical test theory and item response theory (IRT) was used. Internal consistency, known-group validity, and test–retest reliability at item and scale level were investigated.

Results

After deleting four items, the PAI-CY met IRT assumptions, i.e., unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity, and satisfactory model fit was obtained. Participants with more severe VI and comorbidity scored significantly worse than those with less severe VI and without comorbidity, supporting known-group validity. Satisfactory internal consistency and test–retest reliability were obtained (Cronbach’s alpha 0.95, kappa 0.60–0.91, ICC 0.920).

Conclusions

The PAI-CY 0–2 years has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to systematically assess and monitor developmental and participation needs of very young children with VI from parents’ perspectives in low vision practice and research. Confirmation of psychometric properties is necessary, possibly facilitating further item reduction, increased precision, and improved user-friendliness.
Marginal Abatement Cost Curves for Water Scarcity Mitigation under Uncertainty
Authors: Sjöstrand Karin , Lindhe Andreas , Söderqvist Tore , Dahlqvist Peter , Rosén Lars
Published: October 2019

As water scarcity and drought become more common, planning to avoid their consequences becomes crucial. Measures to prevent the impact of new climate conditions are expected to be extensive, costly and associated with major uncertainties. It is therefore necessary that policymakers and practitioners in both the public and private sector can compare possible mitigation measures in order to make economically rational investment decisions. For this to be successful, decision-makers need relevant decision support. This paper presents a novel approach of constructing marginal abatement cost curves for comparing water scarcity mitigation measures while taking the underlying uncertainties into account. Uncertainties in input variables are represented by probability distributions and calculations are performed using Monte Carlo simulations. This approach is applied on the island of Gotland, one of the most water-stressed parts of Sweden, to provide the first marginal abatement cost curve in Europe for water scarcity mitigation in which municipal, agricultural, industrial and household measures are compared. The results show that the agricultural measure of on-farm storage has the greatest potential to increase water availability on the island. Among municipal measures, increased groundwater extraction and desalination offer the greatest potential, although desalination is almost 25 times more costly per cubic meter. The most cost-effective measure is linked to hot water savings in the hotel industry. The approach presented provides a quantitative visualization of the financial trade-offs and uncertainties implied by different mitigation measures. It provides critical economic insights for all parties concerned and is thus an important basis for decision-making.
Assessment of short-term changes in street dust pollution with heavy metals in Lublin (E Poland)—levels, sources and risks
Authors: Zgłobicki Wojciech , Telecka Małgorzata , Skupiński Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Street dust forms as a result of the interaction of the atmosphere, lithosphere (pedosphere) and anthroposphere and can be regarded as an index of the condition of the environment in urban areas. At the end of the twentieth century, there was a significant decrease in heavy metal emissions in Europe, but not so intensive in Poland. The question arises: Is the intensity of pollution still decreasing? The study objective was to assess changes in street dust pollution with heavy metals in Lublin (E Poland) in the years 2013 and 2018. The sample collection sites (68) were located within streets with a varying intensity of motor traffic. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined in two dust fractions, 63–200 μm and < 63 μm, by means of an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The levels of street dust pollution with heavy metals, expressed both in absolute concentrations and geochemical indices, were lower in 2018 than those in 2013. The clearest decrease of concentration levels occurred within the main roads, in the 63–200 μm fraction for Cu and Cd, and in both fractions for Pb. The mean concentrations of the investigated metals, normalised to the background values, are in the following order for both fractions in 2013 and 2018: Zn > Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni. Metals form the following order for Igeo and EF: Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni. This order is slightly different for the ecological risk factor: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn > Cr > Ni. In general, street dust in Lublin does not show contamination with Cr, Ni and Pb. Igeo and EF indices show moderate levels of pollution with Cu, Cd and Zn.
Near-Field-Induced Femtosecond Breakdown of Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Nagy Benedek J. , Pápa Zsuzsanna , Péter László , Prietl Christine , Krenn Joachim R. , Dombi Péter
Published: October 2019

We studied the evolution of femtosecond breakdown in lithographically produced plasmonic nanoparticles with increasing laser intensity. Localized plasmons were generated with 40-fs laser pulses with up to 1.4 × 1012 W/cm2 peak intensity. The damage morphology shows substantial variation with intensity, starting with the detachment of hot spots and stochastic nanoparticle removal. For higher intensities, we observe precise nanolithographic mapping of near-field distributions via ablation. The common feature of these phenomena is the central role played by the single plasmonic hot spot of the triangular nanoparticles used. We also derive a damage threshold value from stochastic damage trends on the arrays fostering the optimization of novel nanoarchitectures for nonlinear plasmonics.
Exploring Correlations Between Properties Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Evans Julian R. G. , Yang Shoufeng
Published: October 2019

The traditional aim of materials science is to establish the causal relationships between composition, processing, structure, and properties with the intention that, eventually, these relationships will make it possible to design materials to meet specifications. This paper explores another approach. If properties are related to structure at different scales, there may be relationships between properties that can be discerned and used to make predictions so that knowledge of some properties in a compositional field can be used to predict others. We use the physical properties of the elements as a dataset because it is expected to be both extensive and reliable and we explore this method by showing how it can be applied to predict the polarizability of the elements from other properties.
Three-Dimensional Additively Manufactured Microstructures and Their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rodgers Theron M. , Lim Hojun , Brown Judith A.
Published: October 2019

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the freeform creation of complex parts. However, AM microstructures are highly sensitive to the process parameters used. Resulting microstructures vary significantly from typical metal alloys in grain morphology distributions, defect populations and crystallographic texture. AM microstructures are often anisotropic and possess three-dimensional features. These microstructural features determine the mechanical properties of AM parts. Here, we reproduce three “canonical” AM microstructures from the literature and investigate their mechanical responses. Stochastic volume elements are generated with a kinetic Monte Carlo process simulation. A crystal plasticity-finite element model is then used to simulate plastic deformation of the AM microstructures and a reference equiaxed microstructure. Results demonstrate that AM microstructures possess significant variability in strength and plastic anisotropy compared with conventional equiaxed microstructures.
Anti-conformism in the Threshold Model of Collective Behavior
Authors: Grabisch Michel , Li Fen
Published: October 2019

We provide a detailed study of the threshold model, where both conformist and anti-conformist agents coexist. Our study bears essentially on the convergence of the opinion dynamics in the society of agents, i.e., finding absorbing classes, cycles, etc. Also, we are interested in the existence of cascade effects, as this may constitute an undesirable phenomenon in collective behavior. We divide our study into two parts. In the first one, we basically study the threshold model supposing a fixed complete network, where every one is connected to every one, like in the seminal work of Granovetter. We study the case of a uniform distribution of the threshold, of a Gaussian distribution, and finally give a result for arbitrary distributions, supposing there is one type of anti-conformist. In a second part, we suppose that the neighborhood of an agent is random, drawn at each time step from a distribution. We distinguish the case where the degree (number of links) of an agent is fixed, and where there is an arbitrary degree distribution. We show the existence of cascades and that for most societies, the opinion converges to a chaotic situation.
A simple and accurate PCR method for detection of genetically modified rice
Authors: Safaei Payam , Aghaee Ebrahim Molaee , Khaniki Gholamreza Jahed , Afshari Setareh Agha Kuchak , Rezaie Sassan
Published: October 2019

Background

Legislation regulating for labeling and use of genetically modified (GM) crops are increased considerably worldwide in order to health and safety assurance of consumers. For this purpose, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has been developed for detection of GM rice in people’s food diet.

Methods

In this study, eighty-one non-labeled rice samples were collected randomly from different market sites of Tehran, Iran. In order to analysis, rice genomic DNA was extracted using MBST DNA extraction kit and subsequently, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene was used to confirm the quality of extracted DNA. Then, cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and Agrobacterium nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator were selected as screening targets for detection of GM rice sequences by PCR.

Results

According to our results, 2 out of 81 (2.4%) samples tested were positive for CaMV 35S promoter while no positive result was detected for NOS terminator.

Conclusion

The obtained data indicated that this method is capable to identify the GM rice varieties. Furthermore, it can demonstrate the possibility of the presence of GM rice in Tehran’s market, thus putting emphasis on the requirement for developing a precise approach to evaluate this product.
Working-class entrepreneurialism: Perceptions, aspirations, and experiences of petty entrepreneurship among male manual workers in Turkey
Authors: Birelma Alpkan
Published: October 2019

This article examines working-class entrepreneurialism in Turkey from a comparative perspective. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in a working-class neighborhood of İstanbul, the article focuses on the perceptions, aspirations, and entrepreneurial attempts of manual workers employed in formal jobs. It aims to contribute to the understudied literature on working-class entrepreneurialism, which is often overlooked or underestimated by the critical research on labor and the working class. First, the article demonstrates that the level of entrepreneurialism among manual workers is rather high. Alongside revealing the popularity of aspirations for self-employment and the working-class roots of many self-employed individuals, I present an ethnographic account of five workers’ transition from wage work to self-employment. Second, the article finds that a colloquial phrase, “el işi” or “a stranger’s business,” is widely used to refer to wage work. I argue that this phrase perfectly manifests the popular resentment felt toward wage labor in a social milieu where self-employment seems accessible. Finally, by drawing on a review of a scattered set of studies, I claim that entrepreneurialism among working-class men seems to be quite common, especially in peripheral countries.
Does Political Corruption Impede Firm Innovation? Evidence from the United States
Authors: Huang Qianqian , Yuan Tao
Published: October 2019

We examine how local political corruption affects firm innovation in the United States. We find that firms located in highly corrupt areas are less innovative as measured by their patenting activities. The results are robust to the inclusion of a broad set of regional characteristics, instrumental variable analysis, matching analysis, difference-in-differences test, and alternative proxies for local corruption. Further analysis shows that reduced innovation incentives due to high extortion risk and decreased threat of competition could be the possible economic channels through which corruption affects innovation. Overall, our results indicate that local political corruption impedes corporate innovation in the United States.
A New Gantry-Tau-Based Mechanism Using Spherical Wrist and Model Predictive Control-Based Motion Cueing Algorithm
Authors: Qazani Mohammad Reza Chalak , Asadi Houshyar , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: October 2019

The 3 degree-of-freedom Gantry-Tau manipulator with the addition of the spherical wrist mechanism which is called Gantry-Tau-3R is designed as a high-G simulation-based motion platform (SBMP) with the capability of generating the large linear and angular displacement. The combination of both parallel and serial manipulator in newly designed Gantry-Tau-3R mechanism improves the ability of the mechanism to regenerate larger motion signals with higher linear acceleration and angular velocity. The high-frequency signals are reproduced using the parallel part of the mechanism, and sustainable low-frequency accelerations are regenerated via the serial part due to the larger rotational motion capability, which will be used through motion cueing algorithm tilt coordination channel. The proportional integral derivative (PID) and fuzzy incremental controller (FIC) are developed for the proposed mechanism to show the high path tracking performance as a motion platform. FIC reduces the motion tracking error of the newly designed Gantry-Tau-3R and increases the motion fidelity for the users of the proposed SBMP. The proposed method is implemented using Matlab/Simulink software. Finally, the results demonstrate the accurate motion signal generation using linear model predictive motion cues with a fuzzy controller, which is not possible using the common parallel and serial manipulators.
Caring Values and the Value of Care: Women, Maternalism and Caring Work in the Czech Republic
Authors: Read Rosie
Published: October 2019

This article examines maternalism in the Czech Republic by exploring how waged and unwaged forms of caring work were framed through discourses of women's innately caring nature in the late twentieth century. Present-day hospital volunteering programmes, which bring female, lay volunteers onto hospital wards to provide unwaged care to patients, are inscribed by maternalist tropes historically associated with domestic work and family care, rather than the neutral expertise associated with female waged care workers in public, institutional settings. The article assesses the contemporary reinvention of maternalist discourses and their capacity to mobilise unwaged caring labour.
Modelling OCD: a test of the inflated responsibility model
Authors: Mitchell Ryan , Hanna Donncha , Dyer Kevin F. W.
Published: October 2019

Background:

The Salkovskis (1999) model of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which emphasizes the role of inflated responsibility, has proven highly influential in both the understanding and treatment of OCD.

Aims:

This study aimed to empirically test several core processes of this model.

Method:

The individual components of the model were measured using multiple indicators in a sample of undergraduate students (n= 170), and confirmatory factor analyses were used to ascertain the most reliable, valid and theoretically consistent latent variables. Structural equation modelling was used to test proposed relations between latent constructs in the model.

Results:

The inflated responsibility model was a good fit for the data in the present sample. As predicted by the model, misinterpretations of intrusive thoughts as indicating personal responsibility fully mediated the relationships between responsibility beliefs and counterproductive safety strategies, neutralizing actions and mood changes.

Conclusions:

The Salkovksis (1999) inflated responsibility model of OCD is empirically supported in the present sample of undergraduate students, lending support to the proposed mechanisms in the model and supporting prior evidence.
REAL WAGE RIGIDITY, HETEROGENEITY, AND THE BUSINESS CYCLES
Authors: Ma Eunseong
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the quantitative implications of real wage rigidities and heterogeneity for two long-lasting puzzles in the business cycle literature: the low correlation between total hours worked and labor productivity and the large volatility of the labor wedge, defined as a gap between the marginal rate of substitution of aggregate leisure for aggregate consumption and the marginal product of aggregate labor. I shed light on these issues by extending a heterogeneous-agent model with an indivisible labor supply choice to real wage rigidities. I find that a small amount of real wage stickiness would be sufficient to resolve both anomalies when long-term wage contracts and heterogeneity are taken into account.
The food environment in Latin America: a systematic review with a focus on environments relevant to obesity and related chronic diseases
Authors: Pérez-Ferrer Carolina , Auchincloss Amy H , de Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Kroker-Lobos Maria F , Cardoso Leticia de Oliveira , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Food environments may be contributing to the rapid increase in obesity occurring in most Latin American (LA) countries. The present study reviews literature from LA that (i) describes the food environment and policies targeting the food environment (FEP); and (ii) analytic studies that investigate associations between the FEP and dietary behaviours, overweight/obesity and obesity related chronic diseases. We focus on six dimensions of the FEP: food retail, provision, labelling, marketing, price and composition.

Design:

Systematic literature review. Three databases (Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS) were searched, from 1 January 1999 up to July 2017. Two authors independently selected the studies. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize, integrate and interpret findings.

Setting:

Studies conducted in LA countries.

Participants:

The search yielded 2695 articles of which eighty-four met inclusion criteria.

Results:

Most studies were descriptive and came from Brazil (61 %), followed by Mexico (18 %) and Guatemala (6 %). Studies were focused primarily on retail/provision (n 27), marketing (n 16) and labelling (n 15). Consistent associations between availability of fruit and vegetable markets and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables were found in cross-sectional studies. Health claims in food packaging were prevalent and mostly misleading. There was widespread use of marketing strategies for unhealthy foods aimed at children. Food prices were lower for processed relative to fresh foods. Some studies documented high sodium in industrially processed foods.

Conclusions:

Gaps in knowledge remain regarding policy evaluations, longitudinal food retail studies, impacts of food price on diet and effects of digital marketing on diet/health.