bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ measurement of root reinforcement using corkscrew extraction method
Authors: Meijer G.J. , Bengough A.G. , Knappett J.A. , Loades K.W. , Nicoll B.C.
Published: January 2018

Mechanical root reinforcement is an important parameter to evaluate for stability analysis of rooted slopes. The contribution of roots is however difficult to quantify in situ without time-consuming methods or heavy equipment. Here we report field testing using the newly developed “corkscrew” method at two different sites with plantings of conifers and blackcurrant. In both sites we found positive correlations between root quantity and root reinforcement in surface layers where many roots were found. Below 125 mm depth, no correlations could be found, probably due to variability in soil stress and gravel content. Roots were shown not only to increase the soil peak strength, but also to add ductility to the soil, i.e., adding strength over much larger displacement ranges. Measured reinforcement, although similar to other experimental studies, was smaller than predicted using existing models. This may be attributed to the distinct difference in shear displacement required to mobilize the strength of rooted soil as compared with fallow soil. At displacements sufficient to mobilize root strength, the soil strength component has reduced from peak to a much smaller residual strength. The corkscrew method proved a promising tool to quantify root reinforcement in field conditions due to its ease of use and short test duration.
Assessing the future susceptibility of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in the Great Lakes Region using forest composition and structural attributes
Authors: Windmuller-Campione Marcella A.
Published: January 2018

The potential expansion of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) from western North America into the Great Lakes Region (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario) could negatively impact eastern pine forests. Currently, no metrics exist to assess susceptibility in the region. I have developed a hazard rating system for the Great Lakes Region that utilizes common attributes of forest structure and composition and have assessed the current susceptibility using the Forest Inventory and Analysis database. The vast majority of plots (∼90%) that contained at least one living pine species were classified as moderately or highly susceptible. Plots on federal (USDA Forest Service) lands had higher susceptibility ratings than those on private or state-owned lands. Ordination results highlighted differences among the susceptibility scores (high, moderate, and low) across plots. Plots with high susceptibility were associated with greater total plot density and pine density, and plots with low susceptibility were associated with lower total plot density and greater overstory species richness. There are still many unknowns regarding mountain pine beetle in the Great Lakes Region; however, as natural resource managers plan for the future, they may want to consider the potential arrival of mountain pine beetle in eastern pine forests when developing silvicultural prescriptions.
Transient entropy analysis for the flow of a second-grade fluid over a vertical cylinder
Authors: Reddy G. Janardhana , Kumar Mahesh , Umavathi J.C. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: January 2018

This study investigates entropy generation for the unsteady flow of a second-grade fluid over a uniformly heated vertical cylinder. The fluid viscosity is assumed to vary with temperature. The mathematical model of this problem is given by highly time-reliant nonlinear coupled equations and resolved by an efficient unconditionally stable implicit scheme. The time histories of average values of momentum and heat-transport coefficients, entropy-generation and Bejan number, and steady-state flow variables are discussed for several values of non-dimensional parameters arising in the flow equations. The results indicate that entropy-generation parameter and Bejan number increase with rising values of group parameter and Grashof number. The results also show that entropy-generation number declines with increasing viscoelastic parameter.
Understanding earthquake from the granular physics point of view — Causes of earthquake, earthquake precursors and predictions
Authors: Lu Kunquan , Hou Meiying , Jiang Zehui , Wang Qiang , Sun Gang , Liu Jixing
Published: January 2018

We treat the earth crust and mantle as large scale discrete matters based on the principles of granular physics and existing experimental observations. Main outcomes are: A granular model of the structure and movement of the earth crust and mantle is established. The formation mechanism of the tectonic forces, which causes the earthquake, and a model of propagation for precursory information are proposed. Properties of the seismic precursory information and its relevance with the earthquake occurrence are illustrated, and principle of ways to detect the effective seismic precursor is elaborated. The mechanism of deep-focus earthquake is also explained by the jamming–unjamming transition of the granular flow. Some earthquake phenomena which were previously difficult to understand are explained, and the predictability of the earthquake is discussed. Due to the discrete nature of the earth crust and mantle, the continuum theory no longer applies during the quasi-static seismological process. In this paper, based on the principles of granular physics, we study the causes of earthquakes, earthquake precursors and predictions, and a new understanding, different from the traditional seismological viewpoint, is obtained.
Some Analog Filters of Reduced Complexity with Shelving and Multifunctional Characteristics
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: January 2018

This paper presents first-order voltage-mode filters using a single current conveyor with an additional X-stage, and passive elements. The new circuits have multifunction capability, and also realize low-shelf, high-shelf and band-shelf functions. The study is carried out on the effects of non-idealities, parasitic elements, and loading on the performance of proposed circuits. Active and passive sensitivities are also analyzed. The active element, extra-X current conveyor used for designing new circuits is simpler than most of the one active element and two passive elements’ based circuits. Detailed comparisons are carried out with relevant available works, and the new circuits are found to be more compact and exhibit higher frequency performances. The simulation results using 0.25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS parameters with [Formula: see text]1.25[Formula: see text]V power-supply are shown to verify the proposed circuits. The proposed circuits are also verified through simulations. Experimental support is given using AD-844 ICs to strengthen the validity of the proposed circuits.
The synchronization of stochastic differential equations with linear noise
Authors: Al-Azzawi Shahad Saadi Mahdi , Liu Jicheng , Liu Xianming
Published: January 2018

The synchronization of stochastic differential equations with both additive noise and linear multiplicative noise is investigated in pathwise sense, which generalize the results of [5] and [6]. In our situation, we can deal with the synchronization of the systems with mixed type noise, where one system has the additive noise, another has the linear multiplicative noise.
Managing Innovations: A Study of the Implementation of Electronic Medical Records in Dutch Hospitals
Authors: Koster Ferry , Lambooij Mattijs
Published: January 2018

Innovation projects are prone to “escalation of commitment” (the tendency to continue projects even if it is clear that they will be unsuccessful). In this study, we introduce a construct measuring the escalation prevention potential (EPP) of innovation projects as perceived by individuals in the organization. EPP consists of three components: (i) goals, (ii) process, and (iii) ability, to shield projects from escalation to commitment. A survey was conducted among 1062 clinicians working in hospitals implementing Electronic Medical Records. The empirical results show that the three theoretical components of EPP sum up to a single measure. Four organizational characteristics of organizations (organizational routines, authentic leadership, employee involvement and support staff quality) explain a large share of the variation in EPP.
Mixed Convolved Action for Thermoelasticity
Authors: Kim Jinkyu , Shin Jinwon
Published: January 2018

In the present work, a variational formulation for fully coupled thermoelasticity is developed in the context of the mixed convolved action. This weak variational formulation recovers all the governing differential equations along with proper initial and boundary conditions as its Euler–Lagrange equations. Thus, it encapsulates the entire description of thermoelastic problems. In addition to theoretical significance, it provides sound basis for the development of novel computational methods involving unified space-time finite element approach. The simplest unified space-time finite element method is also developed here with representative examples for its viability.
A Multi-Objective Hybrid Algorithm for Optimization of Grid Structures
Authors: Xiong Zhe , Li Xiao-Hui , Liang Jing-Chang , Li Li-Juan
Published: January 2018

In this study, a novel multi-objective hybrid algorithm (MHGH, multi-objective HPSO-GA hybrid algorithm) is developed by crossing the heuristic particle swarm optimization (HPSO) algorithm with a genetic algorithm (GA) based on the concept of Pareto optimality. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the MHGH, the optimizations of four unconstrained mathematical functions and four constrained truss structural problems are tested and compared to the results using several other classic algorithms. The results show that the MHGH improves the convergence rate and precision of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and increases its robustness.
CLIMATE UNCERTAINTY AND AGRICULTURAL SOIL CONSERVATION INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Authors: OUATTARA PIERRE D. , KOUASSI EUGENE , EGBENDEWE AKLESSO Y. G. , AKINKUGBE OLUYELE
Published: January 2018

This paper conceptualizes the soil conservation decisions of farmers when confronted with climate uncertainty. Using a dynamic stochastic optimization model with uncertainty captured by climate variability, soil conservation investment is assessed within the framework of an investment adjustment cost model. The theoretical results reveal that the effects of an uncertain future climate on the optimal path of soil conservation investment depend on how sensitive production is to climate and that input and output prices have level effects on the optimal path of investment. An empirical application to data from Texas shows that depending on the sensitivity of production to climate and the severity of the risk; climate induced uncertainty may have a negative effect, a threshold (U-shaped) effect, or no effect at all on soil conservation investment.
Mastering Sketching
Authors: Simo-Serra Edgar , Iizuka Satoshi , Ishikawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

We present an integral framework for training sketch simplification networks that convert challenging rough sketches into clean line drawings. Our approach augments a simplification network with a discriminator network, training both networks jointly so that the discriminator network discerns whether a line drawing is real training data or the output of the simplification network, which, in turn, tries to fool it. This approach has two major advantages: first, because the discriminator network learns the structure in line drawings, it encourages the output sketches of the simplification network to be more similar in appearance to the training sketches. Second, we can also train the networks with additional unsupervised data: by adding rough sketches and line drawings that are not corresponding to each other, we can improve the quality of the sketch simplification. Thanks to a difference in the architecture, our approach has advantages over similar adversarial training approaches in stability of training and the aforementioned ability to utilize unsupervised training data. We show how our framework can be used to train models that significantly outperform the state of the art in the sketch simplification task, despite using the same architecture for inference. We also present an approach to optimize for a single image, which improves accuracy at the cost of additional computation time. Finally, we show that, using the same framework, it is possible to train the network to perform the inverse problem, i.e., convert simple line sketches into pencil drawings, which is not possible using the standard mean squared error loss. We validate our framework with two user tests, in which our approach is preferred to the state of the art in sketch simplification 88.9% of the time.
A Survey on the Usage of Eye-Tracking in Computer Programming
Authors: Obaidellah Unaizah , Al Haek Mohammed , Cheng Peter C.-H.
Published: January 2018

Traditional quantitative research methods of data collection in programming, such as questionnaires and interviews, are the most common approaches for researchers in this field. However, in recent years, eye-tracking has been on the rise as a new method of collecting evidence of visual attention and the cognitive process of programmers. Eye-tracking has been used by researchers in the field of programming to analyze and understand a variety of tasks such as comprehension and debugging. In this article, we will focus on reporting how experiments that used eye-trackers in programming research are conducted, and the information that can be collected from these experiments. In this mapping study, we identify and report on 63 studies, published between 1990 and June 2017, collected and gathered via manual search on digital libraries and databases related to computer science and computer engineering. Among the five main areas of research interest are program comprehension and debugging, which received an increased interest in recent years, non-code comprehension, collaborative programming, and requirements traceability research, which had the fewest number of publications due to possible limitations of the eye-tracking technology in this type of experiments. We find that most of the participants in these studies were students and faculty members from institutions of higher learning, and while they performed programming tasks on a range of programming languages and programming representations, we find Java language and Unified Modeling Language (UML) representation to be the most used materials. We also report on a range of eye-trackers and attention tracking tools that have been utilized, and find Tobii eye-trackers to be the most used devices by researchers.
Multimedia Big Data Analytics
Authors: Pouyanfar Samira , Yang Yimin , Chen Shu-Ching , Shyu Mei-Ling , Iyengar S. S.
Published: January 2018

With the proliferation of online services and mobile technologies, the world has stepped into a multimedia big data era. A vast amount of research work has been done in the multimedia area, targeting different aspects of big data analytics, such as the capture, storage, indexing, mining, and retrieval of multimedia big data. However, very few research work provides a complete survey of the whole pine-line of the multimedia big data analytics, including the management and analysis of the large amount of data, the challenges and opportunities, and the promising research directions. To serve this purpose, we present this survey, which conducts a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research work on multimedia big data analytics. It also aims to bridge the gap between multimedia challenges and big data solutions by providing the current big data frameworks, their applications in multimedia analyses, the strengths and limitations of the existing methods, and the potential future directions in multimedia big data analytics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey that targets the most recent multimedia management techniques for very large-scale data and also provides the research studies and technologies advancing the multimedia analyses in this big data era.
Identity Testing and Lower Bounds for Read-
k
Oblivious Algebraic Branching Programs
Authors: Anderson Matthew , Forbes Michael A. , Saptharishi Ramprasad , Shpilka Amir , Volk Ben Lee
Published: January 2018

Read-
k
oblivious algebraic branching programs are a natural generalization of the well-studied model of read-once oblivious algebraic branching program (ABP). In this work, we give an exponential lower bound of exp (
n/k

O
(
k
)

) on the width of any read-
k
oblivious ABP computing some explicit multilinear polynomial
f
that is computed by a polynomial-size depth-3 circuit. We also study the polynomial identity testing (PIT) problem for this model and obtain a white-box subexponential-time PIT algorithm. The algorithm runs in time 2

Õ(
n
1−1/2

k
−1

)

and needs white box access only to know the order in which the variables appear in the ABP.
SRC: tornado
Authors: Mahmood Ahmed R.
Published: January 2018

The widespread use of GPS-enabled smart devices and the increased popularity of their applications, e.g., social networks, has led to the generation of huge amounts of spatio-textual data. This spatio-textual data needs to be processed in real-time. However, existing data management systems are either centralized or general-purpose distributed systems, e.g., Spark [2] and Storm [3]. Centralized systems do not scale and general purpose distributed systems are not optimized for the processing of spatio-textual data. In this paper, we present Tornado [7], a distributed in-memory spatio-textual stream processing system. To efficiently process spatio-textual streams, Tornado extends Storm [3] with a spatio-textual indexing layer that significantly improves the overall system performance. Tornado is adaptive, i.e., it dynamically redistributes the workload across worker processes according to changes in the distribution of spatio-textual data and queries.
EM-GIS2017 workshop report: the 3rd ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on the Use of GIS in Emergency Management
Authors: Zhang Hui , Thill Jean-Claude , Huang Yan , Guo Danhuai , Liu Yi , Yang Rui
Published: January 2018

Emergency management involves four stages: Planning and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery. Geospatial applications (including GIS) have been extensively used in each stage of emergency management. Decision-makers can utilize the geospatial information to develop planning and mitigation strategies. GIS models and simulation capabilities are used to exercise response and recovery plans during non-disaster times. They help the decision-makers understand near real-time possibilities during an event. Once disaster occurs, GIS will take effect in real time response and recovery activities
The Sixth ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Analysis for Big Spatial Data
Authors: Chandola Varun , Vatsavai Ranga Raju
Published: January 2018

Big data is emerging as an important area of research for data researchers and scientists. This area has also seen significant interest from the industry and federal agencies alike, as evidenced by the recent White House initiative on "Big data research and development". Within the realm of big data, spatial and spatiotemporal data is one of fastest growing types of data. With advances in remote sensors, sensor networks, and the proliferation of location sensing devices in daily life activities and common business practices, the generation of disparate, dynamic, and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data has exploded in recent years. In addition, significant progress in ground, air- and space-borne sensor technologies has led to an unprecedented access to earth science data for scientists from different disciplines, interested in studying the complementary nature of different parameters. Today, analyzing this data poses a massive challenge to researchers.
Using robots to improve the accessibility of online videos
Authors: Guinness Darren
Published: January 2018

People who are blind often learn spatial information and concepts through tactile and tangible representations. These representations offer an accessible low-cost solution, but often require large amounts of time to author or print. However as educational videos and animations become a primary medium for conveying educational concepts, this means that an author must spend time representing important key frames in an animation to make it accessible. In my thesis, I will be addressing this issue using techniques from computer vision, and leveraging inexpensive educational robot toys. My work aims to demonstrate how these existing devices often found around the home, can be used to increase access to online media for individuals with vision-impairments. Throughout this work I will learn how to use and design robots for accessible communication of motion, examine the use of these representations in educational environments, and create toolkits which enable other end-users to author accessible videos online.
Designing interactive 3D printed models for blind students
Authors: Shi Lei
Published: January 2018

Recent advances in 3D printing technology have made tactile models for a variety of concepts more available. Researchers have explored methods to add interactivity to 3D printed models so that the model can speak a description of a model component when it is touched. Using these interactive 3D printed models (I3Ms), blind students can understand abstract concepts (e.g., the structure of molecules) better. However, the current model creation methods are too complicated for laypersons, and the researchers designed I3Ms without fully considering blind users' needs. As a result, I3MS are still limited in terms of their quantity, quality, and functionalities. I aim to make interactive 3D printed models (I3Ms) more available and useful to blind students. Specifically, I explored different methods to create I3Ms, conducted studies to understand blind users' needs and preferences, and developed tools that make I3Ms easy to create and easy to access.
JPEG column
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio
Published: January 2018

JPEG XS is now entering the final phases of the standard definition and soon will be available. It is important to clarify the change on the typical JPEG approach, as this is the first JPEG image compression standard that is not developed only targeting the best compression performance for the best perceptual quality. Instead, JPEG XS establishes a compromise between compression efficiency and low complexity. This new approach is also complemented with the development of a new part for the well-established JPEG 2000, named High Throughput JPEG 2000.

With these initiatives, JPEG committee is standardizing low complexity and low latency codecs, with a slight sacrifice of the compression performance usually seek in previous standards. This change of paradigm is justified considering the current trends on multimedia technology with the continuous grow on devices that are usually highly dependent of battery life cycles, namely mobiles, tablets, and also augmented reality devices or autonomous robots. Furthermore this standard provides support for applications like Omnidirectional video capture or real time video storage and streaming applications. Nowadays, networks tend to grow in available bandwidth. The memory available in most devices has also been reaching impressive numbers. Although compression is still required to simplify the large amount of data manipulation, its performance might become secondary if kept into acceptable levels. As it is obvious, considering the advances in coding technology of the last 25 years, these new approaches define codecs with compression performances largely above the JPEG standard used in most devices today. Moreover, they provide enhanced capabilities like HDR support, lossless or near lossless modes, or alpha plane coding.
Improved Visibility of Barrett’s Esophagus with Linked Color Imaging: Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Takeda Tsutomu , Nagahara Akihito , Ishizuka Kei , Okubo Shoki , Haga Keiichi , Suzuki Maiko , Nakajima Akihito , Komori Hiroyuki , Akazawa Yoichi , Izumi Kentaro , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueyama Hiroya , Shimada Yuji , Matsumoto Kenshi , Asaoka Daisuke , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Sakamoto Naoto , Osada Taro , Hojo Mariko , Nojiri Shuko , Watanabe Sumio
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: To evaluate the usefulness of linked color imaging (LCI) and blue LASER imaging (BLI) in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) compared with white light imaging (WLI). Methods: Five expert and trainee endoscopists compared WLI, LCI, and BLI images obtained from 63 patients with short-segment BE. Physicians assessed visibility as follows: 5 (improved), 4 (somewhat improved), 3 (equivalent), 2 (somewhat decreased), and one (decreased). Scores were evaluated to assess visibility. The inter- and intra-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient) of image assessments were also evaluated. Images were objectively evaluated based on L* a* b* color values and color differences (ΔE*) in a CIELAB color space system. Results: Improved visibility compared with WLI was achieved for LCI: 44.4%, BLI: 0% for all endoscopists; LCI: 55.6%, BLI: 1.6% for trainees; and LCI: 47.6%, BLI: 0% for experts. The visibility score of trainees compared with experts was significantly higher for LCI (p = 0.02). Intra- and inter-rater reliability ratings for LCI compared with WLI were “moderate” for trainees, and “moderate-substantial” for experts. The ΔE* revealed statistically significant differences between WLI and LCI. Conclusion: LCI improved the visibility of short-segment BE compared with WLI, especially for trainees, when evaluated both subjectively and objectively.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Physiological Parameters of Performance-Induced Stress in Undergraduate Music Students
Authors: van Fenema Esther M. , Gal Pim , van de Griend Maxime V. , Jacobs Gabriel E. , Cohen Adam F.
Published: January 2018

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a specific condition for musicians. Although it can have a negative influence on their music careers, little attention is paid to this phenomenon both in the professional environment and in stress research. In the current pilot study, insight was gained into the physiology of the autonomic stress response related to anxiety in musicians when performing on stage by using a wearable biosensor patch for registration of a range of physiological parameters. Also, the validity of two different psychometric questionnaires in objectifying the stress response on stage to predict the individual stress response was explored. The autonomic physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature) of 11 violists and violinists were collected while performing on stage and in resting state using the VitalConnect HealthPatch®. In addition, scores on validated questionnaires in research on MPA (State Anxiety Inventory, Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, Short Form Health Survey) were collected in order to try to objectify the magnitude of the subjective level of both MPA and experienced stress. The registration of the autonomic parameters showed a significant increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress level from resting state measurements during stage performance. Analysis of heart rate variability showed a shift from indices of parasympathetic nervous system activity during baseline measurements towards indices of sympathetic nervous system activity during stress measurements. Surprisingly, none of the questionnaires was correlated to the physiological stress parameters on stage. In conclusion, the wearable biosensor patch proved to be an adequate tool to assess physiological stress parameters on stage. The different questionnaires did not contribute to the prediction of its occurrence in a group of musicians.
How Many Passes Are Needed for Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Sarcoidosis? A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Oki Masahide , Saka Hideo , Ando Masahiko , Nakashima Harunori , Shiraki Akira , Murakami Yasushi , Kogure Yoshihito , Kitagawa Chiyoe , Kato Tatsuo
Published: January 2018

Background: While endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is widely used as an initial diagnostic procedure for pathological confirmation of sarcoidosis, it is unclear how many passes are required to obtain diagnostic materials. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the number of needle passes needed for the diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis using EBUS-TBNA. Methods: At three institutions, 109 patients with suspected stage I/II sarcoidosis were recruited and underwent 6 passes of EBUS-TBNA for the main target lesion. Additional EBUS-TBNA for other lesions was permitted. The cumulative yields of needle passes for detecting noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas were analyzed. Results: A total of 109 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA for 184 lesions. EBUS-TBNA identified specimens containing granulomas in 81 of 92 patients (88%) with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The cumulative yields through the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth passes for the main target lesion were 63, 75, 82, 85, 86 and 88%, respectively. In the 55 patients that underwent EBUS-TBNA for multiple lesions, the cumulative yields of 2 passes per lesion for 2 lesions (total of 4 passes) and of 4 passes for single lesions were 86 and 84%, respectively (p = 1.00). Conclusions: If rapid on-site cytological evaluation is not available, we recommend at least 4 passes per patient for either single or multiple lesions with EBUS-TBNA for pathological diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis.
Impact of Thrombus Aspiration on Mortality, Stent Thrombosis, and Stroke in Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Report From the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry
Authors: Angerås Oskar , Haraldsson Inger , Redfors Björn , Fröbert Ole , Petursson Petur , Albertsson Per , Ioanes Dan , Odenstedt Jacob , Olsson Hans , Witt Nils , Rück Andreas , Millgård Jonas , Nilsson Johan , Persson Jonas , Söderbom Måns , Wedel Hans , Erlinge David , James Stefan , Råmunddal Truls , Omerovic Elmir
Published: January 2018

Background

Thrombus aspiration is still being used in a substantial number of patients despite 2 large randomized clinical trials showing no favorable effect of routine thrombus aspiration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the impact of thrombus aspiration on mortality, stent thrombosis, and stroke using all available data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR).

Methods and Results

We identified 42 829 consecutive patients registered in SCAAR between January 2005 and September 2014 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Thrombus aspiration was used in 25% of the procedures. We used instrumental variable analysis with administrative healthcare region as the treatment‐preference instrumental variable to evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration on mortality, stent thrombosis, and stroke. Thrombus aspiration was not associated with mortality at 30 days (risk reduction: −1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], −5.4 to 3.0;
P
=0.57) and 1 year (risk reduction: −2.4; 95% CI, −7.6 to 3.0;
P
=0.37). Thrombus aspiration was associated with a lower risk of stent thrombosis both at 30 days (risk reduction: −2.7; 95% CI, −4.1 to −1.4;
P
<0.001) and 1 year (risk reduction: −3.5; 95% CI, −5.3 to −1.7;
P
<0.001). In‐hospital stroke and neurologic complications did not differ between groups (risk reduction: 0.1; 95% CI, −0.8 to 1.1;
P
=0.76).

Conclusions

Mortality was not different between the groups. Thrombus aspiration was associated with decreased risk of stent thrombosis. Our study provides important evidence for the external validity of previous randomized studies regarding mortality.
Detection of Anterior Circulation Large Artery Occlusion in Ischemic Stroke Using Noninvasive Cerebral Oximetry
Authors: Flint Alexander C. , Bhandari Shiv G. , Cullen Sean P. , Reddy Adhikari V. , Hsu Daniel P. , Rao Vivek A. , Patel Minal , Pombra Jasmeen , Edwards Nancy J. , Chan Sheila L.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Large artery occlusion (LAO) in ischemic stroke requires recognition and triage to an endovascular stroke treatment center. Noninvasive LAO detection is needed to improve triage.

Methods—

Prospective study to test whether noninvasive cerebral oximetry can detect anterior circulation LAO in acute stroke. Interhemispheric ΔBrSO
2
in LAO was compared with controls.

Results—

In LAO stroke, mean interhemispheric ΔBrSO
2
was −8.3±5.8% (n=19), compared with 0.4±5.8% in small artery stroke (n=17), 0.4±6.0% in hemorrhagic stroke (n=14), and 0.2±7.5% in subjects without stroke (n=19) (
P
<0.001). Endovascular stroke treatment reduced the ΔBrSO
2
in most LAO subjects (16/19). Discrimination of LAO at a −3% ΔBrSO
2
cut had 84% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Addition of the G-FAST clinical score (gaze–face–arm–speech– time) to the BrSO
2
measure had 84% sensitivity and 90% specificity.

Conclusions—

Noninvasive cerebral oximetry may help detect LAO in ischemic stroke, particularly when combined with a simple clinical scoring system.
From text to scheme
Authors: Walton Douglas , Koszowy Marcin
Published: January 2018

We show how to solve common problems in identifying arguments from expert opinion, illustrated by five examples selected from The Economist. Our method started by intuitively identifying many appeals to alleged experts in The Economist and comparing them to the argumentation scheme for argument from expert opinion. This approach led us to (i) extending the existing list of possible faults committed when arguments from expert opinion are performed and (ii) proposing the extension of the list of linguistic cues that would allow analysts to identify arguments from expert opinion. Our ultimate aim is to help argument identification by argument mining connect better with techniques of argument analysis and evaluation.
Disrupting Wisdom 2.0: The Quest for “Mindfulness” in Silicon Valley and Beyond
Authors: Healey Kevin
Published: January 2018

In early 2014 activist Amanda Ream and members of Eviction Free San Francisco disrupted the fifth annual Wisdom 2.0 conference, at which Silicon Valley leaders discuss the benefits of ‘mindfulness’ practices. It was another confrontation between working-class residents of San Francisco and the technology employees who have gentrified their neighborhoods. A member of the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, Ream’s actions garnered support from other ‘socially engaged’ Buddhists from Berkeley and elsewhere. Secular critics have likewise questioned the appropriation of Buddhist practices by corporations whose business practices and products arguably undermine the cultivation of mindfulness. This article intervenes in these debates by outlining an approach called Contemplative Media Studies, which integrates critical media studies with the emerging field of Contemplative Studies. I argue that market imperatives have favored a corporate-friendly understanding of mindfulness that perpetuates structural injustice, and conclude that an expanded notion of civic mindfulness must include the revitalization of journalism and the development of non-commercial media systems.
Agenda Setting, Religion and New Media: The Chabad Case Study
Authors: Rashi Tsuriel , McCombs Maxwell
Published: January 2018

Theoretically grounded in agenda setting, a theory focused on the transfer of influence from communication media to a public, this paper examines the media activity of Chabad, an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish movement that is committed both to making Judaism generally accessible and to influencing public discourse. Rabbi M. M. Schneerson, the movement’s late wise and charismatic leader, undertook this dual mission in light of his conception of the theological grounds for the exploitation of mass media. Our examination of Chabad’s agenda-setting communication strategy was guided by two research questions:

What is the range of communication media used by Chabad in an effort to achieve its goal?

What evidence is there regarding the agenda-setting success of these communication efforts?

Although it is obviously difficult to judge the precise degree of success, it is clear that Chabad is involved in a wide range of media and public activity and has already influenced public discourse well beyond the range of the movement itself and of the Jewish religion. The answer to the two questions above will help us understand the various movements that try to influence the agenda on religious grounds, so that we can determine the interface between religion and setting the agenda. It may also assist the efforts of other religious groups that want to influence the media and the political agenda.
A new species of Trimma (Pisces; Gobiidae) from the South-West Islands of Palau, western Pacific Ocean
Authors: WINTERBOTTOM RICHARD
Published: January 2018

A new species of Trimma is described from South-West Islands of Palau. Trimma hamartium n. sp. lacks scales on the cheeks and opercle, has 8–9 scales in the predorsal midline, 17–19 pectoral-fin rays with 5–10 branched rays in the middle of the fin, an unbranched 5th pelvic-fin ray that is 51–64% the length of the 4th ray, 17–19 gill rakers on the outer surface of the first gill arch, an U-shaped interorbital trench with a narrow, slit-like postorbital trench ending at the last papilla in row p, and has 6 papillae in row c beneath the eye. When freshly collected, the species is very similar in appearance to T. preclarum, with which it is syntopic at three of the more northern islands of the South-West Islands.
Two new species of Nazeris Fauvel in the Luoxiao Mountain Range, China
(Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: HU JIA-YAO , LIU YI-XIAO , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: January 2018

Six species of the genus Nazeris Fauvel, 1873 are recorded in the Luoxiao Mountain Range, China. Two of them are described: N. yipingae sp. n. and N. jiaweii sp. n. Nazeris xiaobini Hu & Li, 2015 and N. rufus Hu & Li, 2015 are newly recorded from Hubei Province. An identification key to the Nazeris species in this area and a map showing their distribution are given.
Global Assessment of Atmospheric River Prediction Skill
Authors: DeFlorio Michael J. , Waliser Duane E. , Guan Bin , Lavers David A. , Ralph F. Martin , Vitart Frédéric
Published: January 2018

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are global phenomena that transport water vapor horizontally and are associated with hydrological extremes. In this study, the Atmospheric River Skill (ATRISK) algorithm is introduced, which quantifies AR prediction skill in an object-based framework using Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Project global hindcast data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. The dependence of AR forecast skill is globally characterized by season, lead time, and distance between observed and forecasted ARs. Mean values of daily AR prediction skill saturate around 7–10 days, and seasonal variations are highest over the Northern Hemispheric ocean basins, where AR prediction skill increases by 15%–20% at a 7-day lead during boreal winter relative to boreal summer. AR hit and false alarm rates are explicitly considered using relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves. This analysis reveals that AR forecast utility increases at 10-day lead over the North Pacific/western U.S. region during positive El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and at 7- and 10-day leads over the North Atlantic/U.K. region during negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) conditions and decreases at a 10-day lead over the North Pacific/western U.S. region during negative Pacific–North America (PNA) teleconnection conditions. Exceptionally large increases in AR forecast utility are found over the North Pacific/western United States at a 10-day lead during El Niño + positive PNA conditions and over the North Atlantic/United Kingdom at a 7-day lead during La Niña + negative PNA conditions. These results represent the first global assessment of AR prediction skill and highlight climate variability conditions that modulate regional AR forecast skill.
Low Molecular Weight and Unfactionated Heparins: An Analysis of Prescribing Patterns and Outcomes
Authors: Howard Patricia A. , Burenheide Katie
Published: January 2018

In many institutions, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are replacing unfractionated heparin in the management of thromboembolism. LMWHs have a number of potential advantages over unfractionated heparin that may offset their higher cost, provided that they are utilized and monitored appropriately. Following the addition of enoxaparin and dalteparin to a teaching hospital formulary, we studied prescribing patterns and outcomes associated with the use of both LMWHs and unfractionated heparin for the prophylaxis or treatment of thromboembolism. The study identified several problem areas, including dalteparin dosing in high-risk patients, dosing for treatment of thromboembolism, timing of prophylactic doses prior to surgery, and inappropriate use of coagulation monitoring tests. This study will provide useful information to hospital pharmacists involved in determining prescribing guidelines and initiating ongoing monitoring programs for patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.
Trends in Managed Care Pharmacy Benefits
Authors: Vogenberg F. Randy
Published: January 2018

Managed health care has changed the way health services are provided and paid for. It is still evolving. Many pharmacists have already felt the impact of these changes. This continuing feature illuminates the many facets of managed care with special emphasis placed on how these changes may affect pharmacists working in health systems. The expertise provided by pharmacists will be needed to fulfill the potential of affordable, comprehensive, and quality health care as promised by managed care. Pharmacists must understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen in the future. To be an active and effective player, you must understand what is happening on the field.
Using robots to assess problem-solving skills
Authors: Adams Kim D , Alvarez Liliana , Becerra Puyo Lina M , Gómez Medina María F , Castellanos Cruz Javier L
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Assistive robots may allow children with physical disabilities to manipulate objects and provide a means to participate in cognitive assessments of problem-solving skills. This study aimed to test the problem-solving skills of typically developing children when using a LEGO® robot to solve a reverse sequencing task. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the chronological ages at which typically developing children can effectively solve the levels of difficulty.

Method

An experimental crossover study was conducted, where 30 typically developing children aged from 3 to 7 years old were randomly assigned to a first condition (either robot or direct hand manipulation using a toy truck).

Results

This pilot study demonstrated that older children outperformed younger children when they used both the truck and the robot, and that the robot was best suited for children over the age of five.

Conclusion

Children were able to use the robot to manipulate objects and perform the problem-solving task. A robot may be an alternative assessment tool to identify problem-solving skills for children with disabilities. A larger sample size is required to build a database of results when typically developing children use robots, to gauge the level of understanding of children with disabilities.
Methodes Et Pratiques Formalisees D'Analyse De Contenu Et De Discours Dans La Recherche Sociologique Francaise Contemporaine. Etat Des Lieux Et Essai De Classification
Authors: Jenny Jacques
Published: January 2018

Formalized Methods and Procedures in Content and Discourse Analysis in Contemporary French Sociological Research—State of the Arts and a Classification Attempt. An initial awareness is needed of the debates regarding the choice of research approaches in sociology and the diversity and specificity of methods currently being used in the domain of textual data analysis in France. In general the influence of the French socio-linguistic tradition looms large, including, on the one hand, the older works of Michel Pécheux on the “discursive formations” and his A.A.D. (Analyse Automatique du Discours, 1969), and on the other hand, two main perspectives of the “Ecole Française d'Analyse du/de Discours”—which refer to the speech actconcept and to the problematics of enunciation, and emphasizes the processes and “sociodiscursive practices” between socially-located speakers. Such theoretical conceptions and specific requirements lead to build on methodologies different from the classic, theme-based content analysis, though not yet translated into an operational software. Then the main software developments currently having an impact (at least potential) on practices of computer-aided sociological analysis of textual data, in France, are classified: from the lexicometric using procedures of French Data Analysis (‘Analyse Factortelle des Correspondances’ of Benzecri, and so on…), to a set of “expert-systems” working on specific theoretical frameworks, through more classical methods of content analysis and coding-sorting-retrieving socio-semantic procedures. eventually with various statistical methods. Content Analysis Methods. Discourse Analysis Methods, French Sociological Research.
Public Attitudes and the Norwegian Alcohol Monopoly
Authors: Nordlund Sturla
Published: January 2018

This article presents data that describes the changing public attitudes towards the Norwegian alcohol monopoly during its whole existence starting from 1922. The description of the change in attitudes up to the first decades after World War II is solely based on results from local referendums, which were very common in Norway until 1989 when the right to claim such referendums was rescinded from the Alcohol Act. For the years from 1962 onwards survey data are also available, and the results in the article are mainly based on such data. It is shown that attitudes were quite favourable towards restrictive alcohol policy, and relatively stable, up to the early 1950s. From then on public attitudes towards alcohol policy measures have become gradually more liberal. Especially the attitudes towards the alcohol monopoly as a system have changed during the 1990s, and a growing majority seems at present to be in favour of privatising the sale of wine. It is argued that some of the change is a result of the new possibilities, and the more challenging argumentation, that was brought up during the EU debate in 1993–1994. So far there is no sign of a turning point in the liberal trend in popular attitudes.