bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous uses and traditional practices of endemic and threatened Chilgoza Pine Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D.Don by tribal communities in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Himalaya
Authors: Swaran Lata  , P.S. Negi  , S.S. Samant  , M.K. Seth  , Varsha
Published: September 2020

Pinus gerardiana is an endemic and threatened pine of northwestern Himalaya.  It is the only conifer in India which is traded for its nuts.  In addition to subsidiary source of income to Kinnaura tribes, it is an important part of ecology, traditions, and culture of Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh.  Kinnaura are one of the largest ethnic groups of Himachal Pradesh famous for their own unique traditions, culture, and lifestyle.  In view of this, the present study was conducted to document the indigenous uses and traditional practices of Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza Pine) by Kinnaura tribes of Himachal Pradesh.  At present, destructive harvesting practices of collection of Chilgoza nuts, fuelwood, torchwood, timber, and needles of Chilgoza Pine is not only causing serious damage to trees but also affecting its natural regeneration and future crop production. Thus, this continuous loss of Chilgoza Pine will affect the livelihood of the tribal communities and ecosystem of the area in near future.  Hence, population assessment, ecological niche modeling, awareness programmes, and sustainable harvesting of cones are suggested for its conservation.
Power lines as a threat to a canopy predator: electrocuted Harpy Eagle in southwestern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Câmara Gusmão Almério , Danilo Degra  , Odair Diogo da Silva  , Lucas Simão de Souza  , Angélica Vilas Boas da Frota  , Carlos Augusto Tuyama  , Maria Cristina Tuyama  , Thatiane Martins da Costa  , Ana Paula Dalbem  , Adrian A. Barnett  , Francisca Helena Aguiar-Silva  , Manoel dos Santos Filho
Published: September 2020

Here we report an electrocution event of a juvenile Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja in Alta Floresta D’Oeste municipality in Rondonia state, Brazil.  We also discuss the negative effects that power transmission lines can have on Harpy Eagle populations in highly fragmented environments.
University campuses can contribute to wildlife conservation in urbanizing regions: a case study from Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu Simon  , Jennifer Che  , Lynne Baker
Published: September 2020

Globally, colleges and universities are increasingly mandating sustainability and environmental protection into their practices.  To date, such institutions have focused their efforts on recycling and energy-use reduction and less on the management and conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitats. However, in an increasingly urbanizing world, well-managed campuses can provide habitat and even refuge for wildlife species.  On the campus of a sustainability-minded university in Nigeria, we used camera traps to determine the presence of wildlife and used occupancy modeling to evaluate factors that influenced the detectability and habitat use of two mammals for which we had sufficient detections: White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda and Gambian Rat Cricetomys gambianus.  Our intent was to gather baseline data on campus wildlife to inform future research and make recommendations for maintaining wildlife populations.  We detected wildlife primarily within less-disturbed areas that contained a designated nature area, and the presence of a nature area was the key predictor variable influencing habitat use.  No measured variables influenced detectability.  This study supports other research that highlights the importance of undisturbed or minimally disturbed natural habitats on university campuses for wildlife, especially in increasingly built-up and developed regions.  We recommend that institutions of higher education devote greater resources to making campuses wildlife-friendly and increase opportunities for students to engage in campus-based wildlife research and conservation and other sustainability-related programs.
A history of primatology in India (In memory of Professor Sheo Dan Singh)
Authors: Mewa Singh  , Mridula Singh  , Honnavalli N. Kumara  , Dilip Chetry  , Santanu Mahato
Published: September 2020

India harbors a wide diversity of primates with 24 species that include lorises, macaques, langurs and gibbons.  Systematic research on the primates in India started about 60 years ago.  In order to develop a historical perspective, we recognize three broad phases of primate research: largely natural history and base line research, primarily behavioral ecology research, and increasingly question and hypothesis-driven research.  We describe the old and the recent primate research in the country and suggest research areas for the future.
Challenges to school-based physical activity data collection: Reflections from English primary and secondary schools
Authors: Taylor Sarah , Owen Michael
Published: September 2020

Background:

Schools are ideal environments in which to conduct child and adolescent physical activity (PA) research. Despite this, PA-specific practical guidance for school-based research is lacking, which may present unique challenges to researchers. Based on reflections from our own experiences, this paper seeks to provide practical guidance on how best to approach school-based PA data collection.

Discussion:

This paper focuses on the practicalities of quantitative and qualitative data collection in English primary (4–11 years) and secondary (11–16 years) schools. Recruitment and consent are discussed, and practical guidance provided with respect to engagement with parent/carer(s) and ethical considerations. The importance of good communication with schools, together with its importance in facilitating efficient data collection (through planning, data collection and resource utilisation), is described. Finally, the importance of giving back to the school and participants once a research project has been completed is stressed.

Improved understanding of data collection procedures for school-based PA research is key to helping research become more systematic and efficient. Findings in this paper will be particularly useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students and early career researchers.
The Effects of HIV-Related Stigma on HIV Counselling and Testing in Nigeria: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Adekunjo Felix Oluyemi , Rasiah Rajah , Dahlui Maznah , Ng Chiu Wan
Published: September 2020

Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) counselling and testing (HCT) plays a major role in the continuum of HIV programmes in Nigeria. However, HIV-related stigma (STGM) poses a serious threat to its success. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was carried out to examine whether STGM mediates the relationships between the explanatory variables (HIV-related knowledge, HIV transmission misconception (MSHIV), and perceived seriousness of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)), and the outcome variable (HCT service utilization). The mediation analysis was undertaken using data from 768 individuals collected through convenience sampling in the Local Government Areas of Alimosho, Ikorodu, and Surulere of Lagos state, and deploying partial least squares–structural equation modelling. The results show that STGM played a mediating role in the relationship between MSHIV, perceived seriousness of HIV/AIDS, and HCT utilization. These findings offer wide ramifications for the intensification and enforcement of Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act 2014 to eradicate stigma, which is important to enhance uptake of HCT to achieve the United Nations’ 90-90-90 HIV targets by 2020.
Administrating Language: The Language Ideological Voices of Urban School Administrators in Urban Education
Authors: Razfar Aria , Rumenapp Joseph C. , Torres Zayoni
Published: September 2020

Urban schools are becoming increasingly linguistically diverse. However, principals are not adequately prepared to address linguistic variation, and in particular, issues related to African American Language (AAL). This study explores the language ideological voices of urban school administrators. Focus group sessions were conducted with 15 administrators of predominantly African American schools about the function of AAL in their students’ lives. Participants demonstrated variation in views toward AAL and struggled to name the language. These discussions were mediated by multiple, even competing, language ideologies, as they attempted to converse about the use of AAL in schools.
Pathway outta pigeonhole? De-contextualizing Majority World Countries
Authors: Cheruiyot David , Ferrer-Conill Raul
Published: September 2020

Should regional context overshadow theoretical contributions of a doctoral dissertation or an international journal article? In this essay, we argue that expendable region-centricism diminishes the contributions of Majority World Countries to the media and communication discipline. We propose that ‘de-contextualized’ studies – which accentuate the theoretical, conceptual, or methodological import of research – could complement current efforts to decentre knowledge.
Measurement of Attributional Style for Positive and Negative Events Using the Children’s Attributional Style Interview-II
Authors: Steggerda Jake C. , Rueger Sandra Y.
Published: September 2020

The current study provides psychometric support for the use of the Children’s Attributional Style Interview-II (CASI-II) to assess attributional style for positive and negative events with young adolescents. The paper-and-pencil version of the CASI-II was administered to a sample of 546 seventh- and eighth-grade students attending a Midwest suburban middle school (50% women, 54% white, 22% Hispanic, 10% Asian American, and 14% other). A multilevel confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a factor structure consistent with attributional style theory and evidence for internal consistency reliability and temporal stability. Construct and convergent validity were strong. Dimensional subscale scores as well as composite scores for both positive and negative events showed adequate reliability and strong validity evidence. These results offer confidence for testing theory-driven predictions related to attributional style for both positive and negative events, as well as specific attributional dimensional patterns, using the CASI-II.
Cerebral Microangiopathy in Leukoencephalopathy With Cerebral Calcifications and Cysts: A Pathological Description
Authors: Helman Guy , Viaene Angela N. , Takanohashi Asako , Breur Marjolein , Berger Rebecca , Woidill Sarah , Cottrell John R. , Schiffmann Raphael , Crow Yanick J. , Simons Cas , Bugiani Marianna , Vanderver Adeline
Published: September 2020

Leukoencephalopathy with calcifications and cysts (LCC) is a neurological syndrome recently associated with pathogenic variants in SNORD118. We report autopsy neuropathological findings from an individual with genetically confirmed LCC. Histologic studies included staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections by hematoxylin and eosin, elastic van Gieson, and luxol fast blue. Immunohistochemistry stains against glial fibrillary acidic protein, proteolipid protein, phosphorylated neurofilament, CD31, alpha-interferon, LN3, and inflammatory markers were performed. Gross examination revealed dark tan/gray appearing white matter with widespread calcifications. Microscopy revealed a diffuse destructive process due to a vasculopathy with secondary ischemic lesions and mineralization. The vasculopathy involved clustered small vessels, resembling vascular malformations, and sporadic lymphocytic infiltration of vessel walls. The white matter was also diffusely abnormal, with concurrent loss of myelin and axons, tissue rarefaction with multifocal cystic degeneration, and the presence of foamy macrophages, secondary calcifications, and astrogliosis. The midbrain, pons, and cerebellum were diffusely involved. It is not understood why variants in SNORD118 result in a disorder that predominantly causes neurological disease and significantly disrupts the cerebral vasculature. Clinical and radiological benefit was recently reported in an LCC patient treated with Bevacizumab; it is important that these patients are rapidly diagnosed and trial of this treatment modality is considered in appropriate circumstances.
A novel approach to machining process fault detection using unsupervised learning
Authors: McLeay Thomas , Turner Michael S , Worden Keith
Published: September 2020

The most common machining processes of turning, drilling, milling and grinding concern the removal of material from a workpiece using a cutting tool. The performance of machining processes depends on a number of key method parameters, including cutting tool, workpiece material, machine configuration, fixturing, cutting parameters and tool path trajectory. The large number of possible configurations can make it difficult to implement fault detection systems without having to train the system to a particular method or fault type. The research of this article applies a novel method to detect the changing state of a process over time in order to detect faulty machining conditions such as worn tools and cutting depth changes. Unlike studies in the previous literature in this domain, an unsupervised learning method is used, so that the method can be applied in production to unfamiliar processes or fault conditions. In the case presented, novelty detection is applied to a multivariate sensor feature data set obtained from a milling process. Sensor modalities include acoustic emission, vibration and spindle power and time and frequency domain features are employed. The Mahalanobis squared-distance is used to measure discordancy of each new data point, and values that exceed a principled novelty threshold are categorised as fault conditions.
State of the art in processing of shape memory alloys with electrical discharge machining: A review
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Ravi Pratap , Trehan Rajeev
Published: September 2020

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been well known for their superior and excellent properties which makes them an eligible candidate of paramount importance in real-life industrial applications such as; orthopedic implants, actuators, micro tools, stents, coupling and sealing elements, aerospace components, defense instruments, manufacturing elements, bio-medical appliances, etc. In spite of their exceptional properties, the effective processing of these alloys is always seen as a challenge by researchers around the globe. The present article has been therefore attempted to explore the numerous studies conducted to process these alloys by employing the principles of electrical discharge machining (EDM) and its allied approaches. The NiTi-based SMAs have been revealed to be explored majorly among the several types SMAs. The several investigations carried out in the domain of EDM, Wire-EDM, and some conventional processing of various types of SMAs have also been critically reviewed and reported. It also highlights the numerous experimental, theoretical, modeling, and optimization-based researches attempted in EDM of SMAs. It was also reported that the proper selection of process variables, tool electrode, and the dielectrics can substantially improve the overall process effectiveness. Among the various accessible EDM variants used for the processing of SMAs, attempted by the umpteen investigators, the wire-cut EDM process has been revealed as the most explored one for cutting SMAs than the other allied processes such as: die-sinking EDM and powder-mixed EDM. The micro-machining applications of EDM have also been deliberated briefly. The last section of the article reports about the opportunities and the challenges for future research.
The application of machine learning to sensor signals for machine tool and process health assessment
Authors: Moore James , Stammers Jon , Dominguez-Caballero Javier
Published: September 2020

Due to the latest advancements in monitoring technologies, interest in the possibility of early-detection of quality issues in components has grown considerably in the manufacturing industry. However, implementation of such techniques has been limited outside of the research environment due to the more demanding scenarios posed by production environments. This paper proposes a method of assessing the health of a machining process and the machine tool itself by applying a range of machine learning (ML) techniques to sensor data. The aim of this work is not to provide complete diagnosis of a condition, but to provide a rapid indication that the machine tool or process has changed beyond acceptable limits; making for a more realistic solution for production environments. Prior research by the authors found good visibility of simulated failure modes in a number of machining operations and machine tool fingerprint routines, through the defined sensor suite. The current research set out to utilise this system, and streamline the test procedure to obtain a large dataset to test ML techniques upon. Various supervised and unsupervised ML techniques were implemented using a range of features extracted from the raw sensor signals, principal component analysis and continuous wavelet transform. The latter were classified using convolutional neural networks (CNN); both custom-made networks, and pre-trained networks through transfer learning. The detection and classification accuracies of the simulated failure modes across all classical ML and CNN techniques tested were promising, with all approaching 100% under certain conditions.
Application of tire sensors for an integrated approach to evaluate longitudinal tire characteristics for braking performance
Authors: Degenhart Fabian , Edelmann Johannes , Plöchl Manfred
Published: September 2020

Braking performance is a key requirement for tires, significantly affecting the braking distance of vehicles. Considering longitudinal tire dynamics, tire characteristics and parameters, as well as influences from vehicle and ambient conditions have to be identified for an integrated evaluation of tire performance. Various testing methods for identification of tire characteristics are available, yet most of them lack the ability to measure directly at the tire/road contact. Tire sensors have been a popular research topic, which may allow for identification of tire properties during test maneuvers in the contact region. This article features the analysis of longitudinal tire dynamics at full (ABS) braking by means of three 3-axis accelerometers fixed to the inner liner of four different sets of front and rear summer tires. Considering both steady-state and dynamic tire braking properties, skid trailer measurements of force–slip characteristics as well as brake tests with the tire accelerometers are presented for the different tires and compared with each other. Characteristics, affecting the overall braking performance, measured by the tire accelerometers at the contact patch indicate a meaningful correlation to the measured steady-state force–slip characteristics. A basic model-based analysis, utilizing the tire brush model, completes the evaluation of longitudinal tire characteristics with respect to braking performance.
Ankle Range of Motion Following 3-Component Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Ruiz Roxa , Krähenbühl Nicola , Susdorf Roman , Horn-Lang Tamara , Barg Alexej , Hintermann Beat
Published: September 2020

Background:

Although surgeons have argued that preserving motion at the level of the ankle joint may be crucial for the long-term success in the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis, there is little evidence regarding the potential of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) to increase ankle range of motion (ROM). In addition, the effect of a percutaneous heel cord lengthening (HCL) during TAA on ankle motion is poorly understood.

Methods:

A total of 357 primary TAAs treated with a 3-component device (336 patients, mean age 62.6 [24-85] years) performed between May 2003 and November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Sagittal ankle ROM was assessed according to a previously published protocol preoperatively (PreOP), 1 year postoperatively (PostOP), and at the last available follow-up (LastFU). Pain assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed at the same time points. The effect of a percutaneous HCL on ankle ROM and VAS for pain was also evaluated.

Results:

Preoperative ankle ROM increased from mean 31.3 (0-69) to 33.9 (5-65) degrees 1 year postoperatively ( P = .0002) and decreased to 31.9 (5-70) degrees at the LastFU ( P = .007). Percutaneous HCL showed no effect on ankle ROM development after TAA ( P = .141). Ankle ROM improvement after TAA (PreOP to LastFU) was higher in ankles with lower preoperative ankle motion ( P < .0001). A lower ankle ROM at the last follow-up tended to be associated with a higher pain level ( P = .056).

Conclusion:

Although ankles with a lower preoperative sagittal ROM gained motion, the current data suggest that TAA has little potential to increase the preoperative available ankle motion. In some patients with a high preoperative ankle ROM, a slight decrease of ankle motion was observed postoperatively. Patients with limited ankle motion at long-term follow-up tended toward experiencing higher pain levels. The short- and long-term effect of a percutaneous HCL on ankle ROM following TAA was minimal.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Correlation between ocular perfusion pressure and translaminar pressure difference in glaucoma: Evidence for a three-pressure disease?
Authors: Matuoka Mateus L , Santos Katia S , Cruz Natasha FS , Kasahara Niro
Published: September 2020

Aim:

To evaluate the correlation between the translaminar pressure difference (TLPD) and the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in glaucoma patients.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and normal individuals underwent an ophthalmic evaluation as well as blood pressure, height, and weight measurements. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and OPP were calculated using proxy mathematical formulas to attain indirect surrogate parameter values. The TLPD was calculated as intraocular pressure minus ICP. The association between the variables was evaluated using linear and non-linear regression analysis and the correlation estimated with Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results:

The sample included 50 POAG patients and 25 normal subjects. The mean OPP for all 75 subjects (75 eyes) was 53.1 ± 9.3 mmHg and the calculated TLPG was 3.1 ± 4.2 mmHg. TLPG showed a negative correlation with OPP ( r = −0.580; 95% CI, −0.690 to −0.366; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The negative correlation between OPP and TLPD observed in the study substantiates the concept of glaucoma as a three-pressure disease.
Influencers and COVID-19: reviewing key issues in press coverage across Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea
Authors: Abidin Crystal , Lee Jin , Barbetta Tommaso , Miao Wei Shan
Published: September 2020

As COVID-19 broke out across the Asia Pacific from December 2019, media coverage on its impacts proliferated online. Among these discourses, coverage on influencers was prominent, likely as many of the issues arising from COVID-19 contingencies – such as digitalization, public messaging, and misinformation – are cornerstones of this digital economy. In response, this cross-cultural study draws on a corpus of Australian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean online news articles published between January and May 2020, to understand how local news ecologies were parsing the impacts of COVID-19 on influencers. From the coding of 150 news articles guided by Grounded Theory, this article focuses on the impact of the pandemic on influencers, and influencers’ engagements with and reactions to the pandemic. Our study of individual governments’ past engagements with their influencer industries suggest that local backstories and contexts are crucial to decipher why news angles tend to pitch particular stories on influencers.
Characteristics of toddlers with early versus later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Miller Lauren E , Dai Yael G , Fein Deborah A , Robins Diana L
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorder symptom emergence is heterogeneous, yet literature comparing young children diagnosed early versus later is relatively scant. Toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between 12 and 18 months ( n = 20), 19 and 24 months ( n = 65), or 25 and 41 months ( n = 27) were compared on demographics, developmental functioning, and symptoms. Later diagnosed children were more impaired than both younger groups on nonverbal reasoning, adaptive behavior, and autism spectrum disorder severity. Fine motor, receptive language, and social skills followed a linear pattern, with 25- to 41-month children more delayed than 19- to 24-month participants, who were more delayed than 12- to 18-month toddlers. Communication skills were similarly impaired across groups. Universal autism spectrum disorder screening before 18 months may detect toddlers when symptoms are milder and more amenable to intervention.

Lay abstract

The emergence of autism symptoms in childhood is variable, with some children showing signs of autism spectrum disorder very early, and others not being identified until much later. Although most children in the United States are not diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder until preschool, at ages 3–4 years, symptoms can be reliably detected at 14 months. It is less certain how those toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder earlier versus later differ from each other clinically. This study revealed that young children diagnosed later in development, between ages 25 and 41 months, are more impaired on measures of cognitive, adaptive, and social functioning than their counterparts who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder earlier. All young children with autism spectrum disorder are impaired in communication to a similar degree, however. Universal autism screening at 18 months may identify toddlers with autism spectrum disorder when their symptoms are milder and more readily amenable to intervention. Repeated screening at 24 months is supported to detect those children missed by an earlier screening, who may be more severely affected. Caregivers should be encouraged to pursue diagnostic evaluation at an initial positive screening result to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
The perceived threat of demographic shifts depends on how you think the economy works
Authors: Perkins Krystal M. , Toskos Dils Alexia , Flusberg Stephen J.
Published: September 2020

Research shows that people exhibit a conservative shift in their politics when their majority group status is threatened. We reasoned that perceptions of threat posed by shifting demographics might depend on individuals’ folk economic beliefs. Across three experiments, White Americans read about projected demographic changes (“threat”) or changes in online dating (“control”) before expressing support for political policies. They also indicated whether they viewed the U.S. economy as a zero- or non-zero-sum system. Relative to controls, participants in the threat condition expressed more support for conservative policies, but only if they conceptualized the economy in zero-sum terms; those who conceptualized the economy in non-zero-sum terms actually endorsed slightly more liberal positions under “threat.” However, these effects obtained only when participants expressed their economic views before their political attitudes. This suggests folk economic beliefs shape how people respond to threats to their majority status, provided those beliefs are first made explicit.
Can past intergroup contact shape support for policies in a pandemic? Processes predicting endorsement of discriminatory Chinese restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Alston Lisa , Meleady Rose , Seger Charles R.
Published: September 2020

A survey of 340 UK residents was conducted when the COVID-19 virus first reached the UK in February 2020. We measured past experiences of positive and negative intergroup contact with Chinese people as predictors of intergroup threat and emotions in the context of the pandemic; and how these processes in turn predicted support for discriminatory policies designed to restrict the freedom of Chinese people in the UK. We tested a novel threat-matching hypothesis which draws upon models of outgroup-specific social perception to predict that the emotional processes underlying contact effects will depend on the specific threat posed by the outgroup. In the present epidemiological context, Chinese people posed a salient threat to individuals’ physical health and welfare. Accordingly, we show that whilst intergroup contact predicted both fear and anger towards the outgroup, the indirect effect of contact on support for Chinese restriction policies via fear was significantly stronger than the indirect effect via anger. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how specific threat and emotions drive intergroup contact effects, and offer important insights for efforts to maintain positive intergroup relations in the face of the crisis.
Framing media populism: The political role of news media editorials in Duterte’s Philippines
Authors: Ragragio Jefferson Lyndon D
Published: September 2020

Editorials are a political force used by news media to fulfil its watchdog function in fragile democracies like the Philippines. However, they also serve as a platform to invite a more positive reading of strongman administration. Against the backdrop of media populism, the article will problematize how the Fourth Estate articulates its political stance by examining the tensions and complexities in editorials. It will highlight the ways the media deals with subjects and stories surrounding Rodrigo Duterte. Through an analysis of editorials of four leading dominant news outlets (Bulletin, Inquirer, Rappler, and Star), three meta-thematic categories of media frames are uncovered. First, character degradation frames delineate how the media denounces the ties of Duterte with other political actors, particularly the Marcoses and China’s Xi. Second, pro-establishment frames echo the optimistic mantra of the government amid crisis. And third, non-editorial frames exhibit the failure of media to publish watchdog-inspired editorials. Each of these categories has underlying frames that are indicative of the democratic potential, or lack thereof, of news media.
A mobile localization method based on a robust extend Kalman filter and improved M-estimation in Internet of things
Authors: Hu Nan , Lin Chuan , Luan Fangjun , Wu Chengdong , Song Qi , Chen Li
Published: September 2020

As the key technology for Internet of things, wireless sensor networks have received more attentions in recent years. Mobile localization is one of the significant topics in wireless sensor networks. In wireless sensor network, non-line-of-sight propagation is a common phenomenon leading to the growing non-line-of-sight error. It is a fatal impact for the localization accuracy of the mobile target. In this article, a novel method based on the nearest neighbor variable estimation is proposed to mitigate the non-line-of-sight error. First, the linear regression model of the extended Kalman filter is used to obtain the residual of the distance measurement value. After that, the residual analysis is used to complete the identification of the measurement value state. Then, by analyzing the statistical characteristics of the non-line-of-sight residual, the nearest neighbor variable estimation is proposed to estimate the probability density function of residual. Finally, the improved M-estimation is proposed to locate the mobile robot. Experiment results prove that the accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm are better than other methods in the mixed line-of-sight/non-line-of-sight environment. The proposed algorithm effectively inhibits the non-line-of-sight error.
Building Hopefulness Through Financial Education and Coaching
Authors: White Nicole , Packard Kathleen , Kalkowski Julie , Bradley Tamicka
Published: September 2020

Financial behaviors play an important role in promoting or reducing financial stability and may have an impact on health outcomes, in general. Hope theory is a framework applicable to promoting behavior change, including financial behavior change. This article describes the hope promoting components of a novel financial education and coaching program and the significant improvement in hopefulness demonstrated by women who participate in the program, as measured in the Finances First randomized controlled trial.
TQWT-assisted statistical process control method for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of bearings in high-speed rail
Authors: Fan Wei , Xue Hongtao , Yi Cai , Xu Zhenying
Published: September 2020

Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of bearings in high-speed rail have attracted considerable attention in recent years, however, it’s still a hard work due to harsh environments with high speeds and high loads. A statistical condition monitoring and fault diagnosis method based on tunable Q-factor wavelet transform (TQWT) is developed in this study. The core idea of this method is that the TQWT can extract oscillatory behaviors of bearing faults. The vibration data under the normal condition are first decomposed by the TQWT into different wavelet coefficients. Two health indicators are then formulated by the dominant wavelet coefficients and the remaining coefficients for condition monitoring. The upper control limits are established using the one-sided confidence limit of the indicators by using the non-parametric bootstrap scheme. The Shewhart control charts on multiscale wavelet coefficients are constructed for fault diagnosis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by monitoring and diagnosing single and multiple railway axle bearing defects. Furthermore, the comparison studies show that the proposed method outperforms a traditional time-frequency method, the Wigner-Ville distribution method.
The relative performance levels of archers in ranking rounds and matches
Authors: Park James L
Published: September 2020

Major international target archery competitions include World Cups, World Championships and the Olympic Games. Those events include both a 72-arrow ranking round and then one-on-one ranked knock-out matches, until one archer or team remains. Previous modelling of the probabilities of winning podium positions at these events has assumed that the distance of an archer’s arrows from the centre of the target is normally distributed and that an archer’s performance levels in ranking rounds and matches are the same. This paper considers those two assumptions. For the top level of men’s recurve archers, this study determined that those assumptions are reasonable.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lou Yake , Yu Ying , Duan Junchao , Bi Sining , Swe Khaing Nyein Chan , Xi Ziwei , Gao Yanan , Zhou Yujie , Nie Xiaomin , Liu Wei
Published: September 2020

Background:

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of fracture compared with those without T2DM. Some oral glucose-lowering agents may increase the incidence of fracture. Whether sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are associated with increased risk of fracture remains unclear.

Methods:

We retrieved articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library database, and other sources up to 24 October 2019. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported fractures and analyzed the fracture incidence of SGLT2i, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on baseline characteristics.

Results:

A total of 78 RCTs with 85,122 patients were included in our analysis. The overall SGLT2i fracture incidence was 2.56% versus 2.77% in the control group [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.95, 1.12); p = 0.49]. Compared with the control treatment, treatment with canagliflozin led to a higher rate of fractures [OR, 1.17; 95% CI (1.00, 1.37); p = 0.05], but no significant difference was observed when compared with dapagliflozin [OR, 1.02; 95% CI (0.90, 1.15); p = 0.79] or empagliflozin [OR, 0.89; 95% CI (0.73, 1.10); p = 0.30]. Subgroup analysis showed that, in a follow-up of less than 52 weeks, SGLT2i decreased the incidence of fracture by 29% [OR, 0.71; 95% CI (0.55, 0.93); p = 0.01], but this benefit was lost when the follow-up extended to more than 52 weeks [OR, 1.08; 95% CI (0.98, 1.18); p = 0.12].

Conclusion:

Canagliflozin seems to increase the risk of fracture, while other SGLT2is do not result in a higher incidence of fracture.
An atypical presentation of extensive centrofacial microcystic adnexal carcinoma responding to radiation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hinther Kelsey , Henni Jihane , Asiniwasis Rachel N
Published: September 2020

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm believed to arise from pluripotent keratinocytes capable of adnexal differentiation. Due to its insidious growth and appearance, diagnosis is often delayed. A deep incisional or excisional biopsy for histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. Different treatment modalities have been described in the literature, including the Mohs micrographic surgery, standard excision, radiation, chemotherapy, and observation. Currently, Mohs remains the treatment of choice. We present a unique case of a 12-month history of an extensive progressive centrofacial cutaneous induration diagnosed as microcystic adnexal carcinoma in an 83-year-old female. Due to the extensive nature of the tumor, she received radiation therapy and continues to receive ongoing assessment with no evidence of clinical recurrence at 2-year post-treatment including negative scouting biopsies. To date, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment for microcystic adnexal carcinoma.
Boosting Power Conversion Efficiency of Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells by Integrating Concentrating Photovoltaic Concept with Double Photoanodes
Authors: Xu Pei , Chang Xiaopeng , Liu Runru , Wang Liying , Li Xuesong , Zhang Xueyu , Yang Xijia , Wang Dejun , Lü Wei
Published: September 2020

Despite great efforts dedicated to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) in the past two decades, the efficiency of QDSSCs is still far behind its theoretical value. The present approaches for improving PCE are mainly focused on tailoring the bandgap of QDs to broadening light-harvesting and optimizing interfaces of component parts. Herein, a new solar cell architecture is proposed by integrating concentrating solar cell (CPV) concept into QDSSCs with double photoanode design. The Cu2S mesh is used as a counter electrode and sandwiched between two photoanodes. This designed battery structure can increase the PCE by 260% compared with a single photoanode. With the most extensively used CdS/CdSe QD sensitizers, a champion PCE of 8.28% (Voc = 0.629 V, Jsc = 32.247 mA cm−2) was achieved. This is mainly due to the increase in Jsc due to the double photoanode design and adoption of the CPV concept. In addition, another reason is that concentrated sunshine illumination induced a photothermal effect, accelerating the preceding chemical reactions associated with the conversion of polysulfide species. The cell fabrication and design reported here provides a new insight for further development of QDSSCs.
Lowest observed adverse effect level of pulmonary pathological alterations due to nitrous acid exposure in guinea pigs
Authors: Ohyama Masayuki , Nishimura Hiroshi , Azuma Kenichi , Minejima Chika , Takenaka Norimichi , Adachi Shuichi
Published: September 2020

Background

We previously demonstrated that continuous exposure to nitrous acid gas (HONO) for 4 weeks, at a concentration of 3.6 parts per million (ppm), induced pulmonary emphysema-like alterations in guinea pigs. In addition, we found that HONO affected asthma symptoms, based on the measurement of respiratory function in rats exposed to 5.8 ppm HONO. This study aimed to investigate the dose-response effects of HONO exposure on the histopathological alterations in the respiratory tract of guinea pigs to determine the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of HONO.

Methods

We continuously exposed male Hartley guinea pigs (n = 5) to four different concentrations of HONO (0.0, 0.1, 0.4, and 1.7 ppm) for 4 weeks (24 h/day). We performed histopathological analysis by observing lung tissue samples. We examined samples from three guinea pigs in each group under a light microscope and measured the alveolar mean linear intercept (Lm) and the thickness of the bronchial smooth muscle layer. We further examined samples from two guinea pigs in each group under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Results

We observed the following dose-dependent changes: pulmonary emphysema-like alterations in the centriacinar regions of alveolar ducts, significant increase in Lm in the 1.7 ppm HONO-exposure group, tendency for hyperplasia and pseudostratification of bronchial epithelial cells, and extension of the bronchial epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells in the alveolar duct regions.

Conclusions

These histopathological findings suggest that the LOAEL of HONO is < 0.1 ppm.
Correction to: Impact assessment of rural PPP MaaS pilots
Authors: Eckhardt Jenni , Lauhkonen Arttu , Aapaoja Aki
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Use of gene expression and whole-genome sequence information to improve the accuracy of genomic prediction for carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle
Authors: de las Heras-Saldana Sara , Lopez Bryan Irvine , Moghaddar Nasir , Park Woncheoul , Park Jong-eun , Chung Ki Y. , Lim Dajeong , Lee Seung H. , Shin Donghyun , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: September 2020

Background

In this study, we assessed the accuracy of genomic prediction for carcass weight (CWT), marbling score (MS), eye muscle area (EMA) and back fat thickness (BFT) in Hanwoo cattle when using genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), weighted GBLUP (wGBLUP), and a BayesR model. For these models, we investigated the potential gain from using pre-selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on imputed sequence data and from gene expression information. We used data on 13,717 animals with carcass phenotypes and imputed sequence genotypes that were split in an independent GWAS discovery set of varying size and a remaining set for validation of prediction. Expression data were used from a Hanwoo gene expression experiment based on 45 animals.

Results

Using a larger number of animals in the reference set increased the accuracy of genomic prediction whereas a larger independent GWAS discovery dataset improved identification of predictive SNPs. Using pre-selected SNPs from GWAS in GBLUP improved accuracy of prediction by 0.02 for EMA and up to 0.05 for BFT, CWT, and MS, compared to a 50 k standard SNP array that gave accuracies of 0.50, 0.47, 0.58, and 0.47, respectively. Accuracy of prediction of BFT and CWT increased when BayesR was applied with the 50 k SNP array (0.02 and 0.03, respectively) and was further improved by combining the 50 k array with the top-SNPs (0.06 and 0.04, respectively). By contrast, using BayesR resulted in limited improvement for EMA and MS. wGBLUP did not improve accuracy but increased prediction bias. Based on the RNA-seq experiment, we identified informative expression quantitative trait loci, which, when used in GBLUP, improved the accuracy of prediction slightly, i.e. between 0.01 and 0.02. SNPs that were located in genes, the expression of which was associated with differences in trait phenotype, did not contribute to a higher prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

Our results show that, in Hanwoo beef cattle, when SNPs are pre-selected from GWAS on imputed sequence data, the accuracy of prediction improves only slightly whereas the contribution of SNPs that are selected based on gene expression is not significant. The benefit of statistical models to prioritize selected SNPs for estimating genomic breeding values is trait-specific and depends on the genetic architecture of each trait.
Selection signatures of Fuzhong Buffalo based on whole-genome sequences
Authors: Sun Ting , Huang Guang-yun , Wang Zi-hao , Teng Shao-hua , Cao Yan-hong , Sun Jun-li , Hanif Quratulain , Chen Ning-bo , Lei Chu-zhao , Liao Yu-ying
Published: September 2020

Background

Fuzhong buffalo, a native breed of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is traditionally used as a draft animal to provide farm power in the rice cultivation. In addition, the Fuzhong buffalo also prepared for the bullfighting festival organized by the locals. The detection of the selective signatures in its genome can help in elucidating the selection mechanisms in its stamina and muscle development of a draft animal.

Results

In this study, we analyzed 27 whole genomes of buffalo (including 15 Fuzhong buffalo genomes and 12 published buffalo genomes from Upper Yangtze region). The ZHp, ZFst, π-Ratio, and XP-EHH statistics were used to identify the candidate signatures of positive selection in Fuzhong buffalo. Our results detected a set of candidate genes involving in the pathways and GO terms associated with the response to exercise (e.g.,ALDOA,STAT3,AKT2,EIF4E2,CACNA2D2,TCF4,CDH2), immunity (e.g.,PTPN22,NKX2-3,PIK3R1,ITK,TMEM173), nervous system (e.g.,PTPN21,ROBO1,HOMER1,MAGI2,SLC1A3,NRG3,SNAP47,CTNNA2,ADGRL3). In addition, we also identified several genes related to production and growth traits (e.g.,PHLPP1,PRKN,MACF1,UCN3, RALGAPA1,PHKB,PKD1L). Our results depicted several pathways, GO terms, and candidate genes to be associated with response to exercise, immunity, nervous system, and growth traits.

Conclusions

The selective sweep analysis of the Fuzhong buffalo demonstrated positive selection pressure on potential target genes involved in behavior, immunity, and growth traits, etc. Our findings provided a valuable resource for future research on buffalo breeding and an insight into the mechanisms of artificial selection.
Necrotizing fasciitis caused by the treatment of chronic non-specific back pain
Authors: Floether Lilit , Bucher Michael , Benndorf Ralf , Burgdorff Anna-Maria
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic back pain is a multifactorial disease that occurs particularly in adults and has many negative effects on the quality of daily life. Therapeutic strategies are often multimodal and designed for a long-term therapy period. In some cases, one option is joint infiltration or intrathecal injection with local anaesthetics. An adverse effect of this intervention may be necrotic fasciitis, a disease with high mortality and few therapeutic options.

Case presentation

This case shows a 53-year-old female patient who developed necrotic fasciitis after infiltrations of the sacroiliac joint and after epidural-sacral and intrathecal injections.

Conclusion

Thanks to early and aggressive surgical intervention, antibiotic treatment and hyperbaric oxygenation, she survived this serious complication and was able to return to life.