bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Concrete Compressive Strength and Slump by Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Timur Cihan M.
Published: November 2019

Machine learning methods have been successfully applied to many engineering disciplines. Prediction of the concrete compressive strength (fc) and slump (S) is important in terms of the desirability of concrete and its sustainability. The goals of this study were (i) to determine the most successful normalization technique for the datasets, (ii) to select the prime regression method to predict the fc and S outputs, (iii) to obtain the best subset with the ReliefF feature selection method, and (iv) to compare the regression results for the original and selected subsets. Experimental results demonstrate that the decimal scaling and min‐max normalization techniques are the most successful methods for predicting the compressive strength and slump outputs, respectively. According to the evaluation metrics, such as the correlation coefficient, root mean squared error, and mean absolute error, the fuzzy logic method makes better predictions than any other regression method. Moreover, when the input variable was reduced from seven to four by the ReliefF feature selection method, the predicted accuracy was within the acceptable error rate.
Successful Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment in a Case of Generalized Dystonia due to a Novel ANO3 Mutation
Authors: Lasky Lizl , Bliss Lindsay , Sidiropoulos Christos
Published: November 2019

Background. Dystonia is a ubiquitous syndrome, with a growing number of genes being continually identified. Mutations in the anoctamin-3 gene have been described to cause dystonia but the management and long-term outcomes are still largely unknown. Methods. We present here a long term, longitudinal follow up of a patient with generalized dystonia, who was treated with bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation and was found to harbor a mutation in the anoctamin-3 gene. Results. Ongoing adjustment of stimulation settings and medications led to good and sustained dystonia control; however the patient did suffer short term relapses, manifested as dystonic crisis, which necessitated inpatient admission. Conclusion. This only the second patient to be reported with pallidal stimulation and an anoctamin-3 gene mutation. Long term outcomes seem to be favorable but larger case series are needed to confirm our findings.
Contamination of the Surfaces of a Health Care Environment by Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria
Authors: Chaoui Laila , Mhand RajaaAit , Mellouki Fouad , Rhallabi Naima
Published: November 2019

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are known worldwide and remain a major problem despite scientific and technical advances in the field of health. The severity of the infection depends on the characteristics of the microorganisms involved and the high frequency of resistant pathogens in the hospital environment. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of pathogenic bacteria (and their resistance to antibiotics) that spread on hospital surfaces, more specifically, on those of various departments in the Provincial Hospital Center (PHC) of Mohammedia, Morocco. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to April 2018. Samples were collected by swabbing the hospital surfaces, and the isolated bacteria were checked for their susceptibility to antibiotics by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method following the standards of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Among 200 swab samples, 176 (88%) showed bacterial growth. Gram-negative isolates were predominant at 51.5% (101/196), while the Gram-positives were at 48.5% (95/196). The main isolates are Enterobacteria weighted at 31.6% (62/196), Staphylococcus aureus reaching 24% (47/196), Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 9.2% (18/196), and Acinetobacter spp. with 3.3% (6/196). Moreover, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that about 31.7% (32/101) of the Gram-negative isolates were found to be MDR. This resistance is also high among isolates of S. aureus of which 44.7% (20/47) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Contamination of hospital surfaces by MDR bacteria is a real danger to public health. The concept of environmental bacterial reservoir is a reality that requires strict compliance with current guidelines and recommendations for hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection of surfaces in hospitals.
Small Bowel Obstruction Secondary to Intussuscepted Meckel’s Diverticulum in an Adult
Authors: Marascia Daniel John
Published: November 2019

Intussusception secondary to inverted Meckel’s diverticulum resulting in intestinal obstruction is rare. The following is a case report that discusses a 29-year-old female who posed diagnostic uncertainty for the treating surgical team and ultimately underwent emergency surgery for the management of intestinal obstruction. Small bowel intussusception was diagnosed preoperatively on abdominal computer tomography (CT). At operation, it was found to be secondary to inverted Meckel’s diverticulum with histopathology confirming the diagnosis.
Deep Learning Application for Predicting Soil Organic Matter Content by VIS-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Zhe , Zhao Xiaomin , Guo Xi , Guo Jiaxin
Published: November 2019

Deep learning is characterized by its strong ability of data feature extraction. This method can provide unique advantages when applying it to visible and near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting soil organic matter (SOM) content in those cases where the SOM content is negatively correlated with the spectral reflectance of soil. This study relied on the SOM content data of 248 red soil samples and their spectral reflectance data of 400–2450 nm in Fengxin County, Jiangxi Province (China) to meet three objectives. First, a multilayer perceptron and two convolutional neural networks (LeNet5 and DenseNet10) were used to predict the SOM content based on spectral variation and variable selection, and the outcomes were compared with that from the traditional back-propagation neural network (BPN). Second, the four methods were applied to full-spectrum modeling to test the difference to selected feature variables. Finally, the potential of direct modeling was evaluated using spectral reflectance data without any spectral variation. The results of prediction accuracy showed that deep learning performed better at predicting the SOM content than did the traditional BPN. Based on full-spectrum data, deep learning was able to obtain more feature information, thus achieving better and more stable results (i.e., similar average accuracy and far lower standard deviation) than those obtained through variable selection. DenseNet achieved the best prediction result, with a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.892 ± 0.004 and a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) = 3.053 ± 0.056 in validation. Based on DenseNet, the application of spectral reflectance data (without spectral variation) produced robust results for application-level purposes (validation R2 = 0.853 ± 0.007 and validation RPD = 2.639 ± 0.056). In conclusion, deep learning provides an effective approach to predict the SOM content by visible and near-infrared spectroscopy and DenseNet is a promising method for reducing the amount of data preprocessing.
Artificial Liver Support System Improves Short-Term Outcomes of Patients with HBV-Associated Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Xiao Lan-Lan , Xu Xiao-Wei , Huang Kai-Zhou , Zhao Ya-Lei , Zhang Ling-Jian , Li Lan-Juan
Published: November 2019

Background. Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ALCF) is a complicated syndrome with extremely high short-term mortality. The artificial liver support system (ALSS) may improve the liver function for patients with HBV-ACLF, but the data on its short-term outcomes are insufficient in China. Methods. We recruited HBV-ACLF patients in this nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study. Patients with HBV-ACLF were diagnosed by the COSSH-ACLF criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to generate compared pairs. The short-term (28/90 days) survival rates between the standard medical therapy (SMT) group and ALSS group were calculated using a Kaplan–Meier graph. Result. In total, 790 patients with HBV-ACLF were included in this retrospective study; 412 patients received SMT only (SMT group), and 378 patients received SMT and ALSS treatment (ALSS group). PSM generated 310 pairs and eliminated the baseline differences between the two groups (p>0.05 for all baseline variables). The probabilities of survival on day 28 were 65.2% (205/310) in the ALSS group and 59.0% (185/310) in the SMT group; on day 90, they were 51.0% (163/310) and 42.3% (136/310). The short-term (28/90 days) survival rates of the ALSS group were significantly higher than those of the SMT group (p=0.0452 and p=0.0187, respectively). Compared to receiving SMT alone, treatment with ALSS was associated with a significant reduction in serum bilirubin levels and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores at day 7 and day 28. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, high total bilirubin (T-Bil), low albumin, high ALT, high MELD scores, and high COSSH-ACLF grade were independent baseline factors associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions. This retrospective study found that compared to SMT, the ALSS improved the short-term (28/90 days) survival rates and laboratory parameters in HBV-ACLF patients. The ALSS had a better therapeutic effect than SMT for patients with HBV-ACLF in China.
Experimental Investigation on Hydraulic Fractures in the Layered Shale Formation
Authors: Wang Jingyin , Guo Ying , Zhang Kaixun , Ren Guangying , Ni Jinlong
Published: November 2019

Multistage fracturing of horizontal wells to form a complex fracture network is an essential technology in the exploitation of shale gas. Different from the conventional reservoirs, the mechanical characteristics of shale rock have significant heterogeneity due to the existence of beddings, which makes it difficult to predict the fracture geometry in the shale reservoir. Based on the laboratory experiments, the factors that affect fracture propagation were analyzed. The experimental results revealed that the hydraulic fracture would cross the beddings under the high vertical stress difference, while it would propagate along with the bedding under the low vertical stress difference; besides, the low injection rate and viscosity of the fracturing fluid were beneficial to generate a complex fracture network. Under the high injection rate and viscosity, a planar fracture was created, while a nonplanar fracture was observed under the low injection rate and viscosity, and branch fracture was created. According to the acoustic emission events, the shear events were the main events that occurred during the hydraulic fracturing process, and the acoustic emission events could be adopted to describe the fracture network. Lastly, the supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing was more effective compared with the hydraulic fracturing because the fracture network was more complex.
Antiaging, Stress Resistance, and Neuroprotective Efficacies ofCleistocalyx nervosumvar.panialaFruit Extracts UsingCaenorhabditis elegansModel
Authors: Prasanth Mani Iyer , Brimson James Michael , Chuchawankul Siriporn , Sukprasansap Monruedee , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: November 2019

Plant parts and their bioactive compounds are widely used by mankind for their health benefits.Cleistocalyx nervosumvar.panialais one berry fruit, native to Thailand, known to exhibit various health benefitsin vitro. The present study was focused on analyzing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effects ofC. nervosumin model systemCaenorhabditis elegansusing physiological assays, fluorescent imaging, and qPCR analysis. The results suggest that the fruit extract was able to significantly extend the median and maximum lifespan of the nematode. It could also extend the healthspan by reducing the accumulation of the “age pigment” lipofuscin, inside the nematode along with regulating the expression ofcol-19,egl-8,egl-30,dgk-1, andgoa-1genes. Further, the extracts upregulated the expression ofdaf-16while downregulating the expression ofdaf-2andage-1in wild-type nematodes. Interestingly, it could extend the lifespan in DAF-16 mutants suggesting that the extension of lifespan and healthspan was dependent and independent of DAF-16-mediated pathway. The fruit extract was also observed to reduce the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) inside the nematode during oxidative stress. The qPCR analysis suggests the involvement ofskn-1andsir-2.1in initiating stress resistance by activating the antioxidant mechanism. Additionally, the fruit could also elicit neuroprotection as it could extend the median and maximum lifespan of transgenic strain integrated with Aβ. SKN-1 could play a pivotal role in establishing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effect ofC. nervosum.Overall,C. nervosumcan be used as a nutraceutical in the food industry which could offer potential health benefits.
Tracing the Origin of Groundwater Nitrate in an Area Affected by Acid Rain Using Dual Isotopic Composition of Nitrate
Authors: Huang Tianming , Li Zhenbin , Ma Baoqiang , Long Yin
Published: November 2019

Acid rain with a relatively high concentration of ammonium and nitrate can accelerate rock weathering. However, its impact on groundwater nitrate is uncertain. This study evaluated the dual isotopic composition of nitrate (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) from precipitation to groundwater in a rural mountainous area affected by acid rain. The average concentration for NH4+ is 1.25 mg/L and NO3- is 2.59 mg/L of acid rain. Groundwater NO3- concentrations ranged from <0.05 to 11.8 mg/L (baseline), and NH4+ concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 0.28 mg/L. The results show that groundwater δ18O-NO3- values (-4.7‰ to +4.2‰) were lower than the values of rainfall δ18O-NO3- (+24.9‰ to +67.3‰), suggesting that rainfall NO3- contributes little to groundwater NO3-. Groundwater δ15N-NO3- values (+0.1‰ to +7.5‰) were higher than the values of δ15N-NO3- derived from the nitrification of rainfall NH4+ (less than -4.7‰ in the study area), suggesting that nitrification of rainfall NH4+ also contributes little to groundwater NO3-. This implies that rainfall NO3- and NH4+ have been utilized. The dual isotopic composition of nitrate shows that baseline groundwater NO3- is derived mainly from nitrification of soil nitrogen. The denitrification process is limited in the groundwater system. This study shows that the rainfall NO3- and NH4+ contribute little to groundwater NO3-, improving the understanding of the nitrogen cycle in areas with a high concentration of NH4+ and NO3- in rainfall.
In Vivo AAV-CRISPR/Cas9–Mediated Gene Editing Ameliorates Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zhao Huan , Li Yan , He Lingjuan , Pu Wenjuan , Yu Wei , Li Yi , Wu Yan-Ting , Xu Chenming , Wei Yuda , Ding Qiurong , Song Bao-Liang , Huang Hefeng , Zhou Bin
Published: November 2019

Background:

Mutations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (
LDLR
) are one of the main causes of familial hypercholesterolemia, which induces atherosclerosis and has a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is an effective tool for gene editing to correct gene mutations and thus to ameliorate disease.

Methods:

The goal of this work was to determine whether in vivo somatic cell gene editing through the CRISPR/Cas9 system delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) could treat familial hypercholesterolemia caused by the
Ldlr
mutant in a mouse model. We generated a nonsense point mutation mouse line,
Ldlr

E208X

, based on a relevant familial hypercholesterolemia–related gene mutation. The AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 was designed to correct the point mutation in the
Ldlr
gene in hepatocytes and was delivered subcutaneously into
Ldlr

E208X

mice.

Results:

We found that homogeneous
Ldlr

E208X

mice (n=6) exhibited severe atherosclerotic phenotypes after a high-fat diet regimen and that the
Ldlr
mutation was corrected in a subset of hepatocytes after AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 treatment, with LDLR protein expression partially restored (n=6). Compared with the control groups (n=6 each group), the AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 with targeted single guide RNA group (n=6) had significant reductions in total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in the serum, whereas the aorta had smaller atherosclerotic plaques and a lower degree of macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions:

Our work shows that in vivo AAV-CRISPR/Cas9–mediated
Ldlr
gene correction can partially rescue LDLR expression and effectively ameliorate atherosclerosis phenotypes in
Ldlr
mutants, providing a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
John Dewey and James Baldwin on History, Tragedy, and the Forgetting of Race
Authors: McCall Corey
Published: November 2019

This essay examines various intellectual affinities between Dewey and Baldwin, including their pragmatic and tragic conceptions of history. I argue in the first section that Dewey’s attention to the precarious dimensions of experience and his critique of dominant modes of inquiry that prioritize the stable over the precarious pay insufficient attention to race, though this focus on the precarious over the stable aspects of experience is enough to show that pragmatism does acknowledge the tragic dimension. The subsequent section argues that this insufficiency might be rectified through a reading of Baldwin’s work. While Dewey and Baldwin both acknowledge that existence is finite and precarious (and hence the tragic), Baldwin shows that racism and the promotion of white identity is essentially an attempt to disavow the precariousness of existence. Baldwin’s writings should supplement Dewey’s theory of experience and his account of history because we find in them an acknowledgement of the deep institutional roots of racial oppression and various forms of resistance to this oppression as a key dimension of American history.
“Caught in Its Movement”: Liberalism, Critique, and Dewey’s Implicit Philosophy of History
Authors: Portella Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

“Philosophers,” Dewey writes, “are parts of history, caught in its movement; creators perhaps in some measure of its future, but also assuredly creatures of its past” (Dewey 1927, 2). The question of the philosopher’s embeddedness in either her own or some earlier historical moment constitutes an important theme in Dewey’s account of pragmatism, in particular his account of politics. In lieu of a formal treatise on history, this paper focuses on Dewey’s claims about history as they are enacted in his political analyses. Drawing on texts such as Liberalism and Social Action (1935) and Freedom and Culture (1939) as well “The Role of Philosophy in the History of Civilization” (1927), I hope to elucidate in greater depth the function and meaning of the term “historic relativity” as a central concept in Dewey’s philosophy of history (Dewey 1935, 42). Further, I evaluate Dewey’s criticisms of both classical liberalism and Marxism on historical grounds, where he employs what I call political obsolescence claims. From these texts I reconstruct and critically assess what I refer to as Dewey’s implicit philosophy of history. I conclude that the presuppositions of Dewey’s political reconstruction represent the very mode of uncritical historical reproduction which his philosophy ostensibly cautions against. To suggest one possibility for addressing these tensions, I gesture toward non-coincidence as a critical historical category through which we might articulate the historic present with the hope of transforming it.
Catholics and their Scriptures: Six Ways of Engaging with the Bible
Authors: Ford David G.
Published: November 2019

In recent years the Catholic Church has been encouraging its members to engage with the Bible and a variety of resources have been produced to facilitate this. However, national surveys in Britain show that Catholics are some of the Christians least likely to engage with the Bible outside of a church setting. A small focus group of ordinary Catholics spent a year using five different resources to ascertain what ways of engaging with the Scriptures they found most helpful. Six ways were identified: reading the Bible in community; drawing on secondary expertise; valuing the literal and spiritual sense of Scripture; focusing on the Old Testament and the Bible’s unity; using accessible formats; and using a variety of resources. These are presented and discussed in the context of the Church’s recent teaching and instruction on the role of the Bible in the life of the believer.
A Newly Discovered Latin Prose Brut Manuscript at Downside Abbey
Authors: Bateman Mary
Published: November 2019

This article provides the first detailed study of a manuscript held in the archives of Downside Abbey in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, United Kingdom. The manuscript, Downside 78291 (henceforth F), contains a Latin prose chronicle that has not previously been described or identified. The present article demonstrates that it is a copy of the chronicle known as the Latin Prose Brut. After a codicological and paleographical study of the manuscript itself, I contextualise this witness within the wider Latin Prose Brut tradition and make some suggestions about the kind of person who might have contributed to the unique variants presented in this version. These variants evince a pro-Lancastrian bias common to many Latin Prose Bruts of the 15th century; but there is also evidence of an author keen to emphasise England’s historic victories against France.
Age estimation in human face by fractal directional code method
Authors: Deepa A , T Sasipraba
Published: November 2019

This paper reveals various constraints in digital way of estimating the age of human facial image. The age estimation involves analyzing the facial features and classifying the age in accordance to the extracted feature values. The biometric features such as the facial parts (eye, mouth, chin, forehead, hair), texture, color and shape provide essential aging details. In the proposed method, the fractal features are extracted using fractal directional code method to retain the significant details present in the input image. The fractal features along with the local features are used to train the system. The deep neural network with three layers is used to train the system. The scaled conjugate gradient back propagation trains the system and the age is classified into seven age groups (0–10, 11–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60–69). Higher accuracy is achieved by concocting the biometric features and the fractal features.
Continuous ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites: Enhancing the weld uniformity by changing the energy director
Authors: Jongbloed Bram , Teuwen Julie , Palardy Genevieve , Fernandez Villegas Irene , Benedictus Rinze
Published: November 2019

Continuous ultrasonic welding is a high-speed joining method for thermoplastic composites. Currently, a thin film energy director is used to focus the heat generation at the interface. However, areas of intact energy director remain in the welded seam, which significantly lowers the weld strength, and result in a non-uniformly welded seam. To improve the weld uniformity of continuous ultrasonically welded joints, we changed to a more compliant energy director. A woven polymer mesh energy director was found to give a significant improvement in weld quality. The mesh was flattened in between the composite adherends during the welding process. This flattening promoted a good contact between the energy director and the adherends, fully wetting the adherend surfaces, resulting in a more uniformly welded seam without areas of intact energy director.
The Effect of Civil Society Organizations and Democratization Aid on Civil War Onset
Authors: Braithwaite Jessica Maves , Licht Amanda Abigail
Published: November 2019

A growing literature identifies both situations where aid promotes peace and those where aid encourages violence. Specifically, research shows lower probability of conflict onset in democratizing states receiving high levels of democracy assistance. However, theorizing has overlooked important actors who have agency in spending such aid: civil society organizations (CSOs). We posit that the status of civil society within recipient states conditions the effect of democracy aid inflows on conflict probability. Using an instrumental variables approach to account for endogeneity between aid allocation and conflict propensity, we find that democracy aid is destabilizing when directed to environments where CSOs are weak and poorly connected to the regime and thus are less willing and able to seek change through peaceful means. When civil society is stronger and more institutionalized, however, larger democracy aid flows pose less threat.
An improved lion swarm optimization for parameters identification of photovoltaic cell models
Authors: Wu Zhong-qiang , Xie Zong-kui , Liu Chong-yang
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a parameter identification method of photovoltaic cell model based on improved lion swarm optimization is presented. Lion swarm optimization is a novel intelligent algorithm proposed in recent years, but it has problems such as local optimum and slow convergence. To overcome such limitations, we can combine the tent chaotic map, adaptive parameter and chaotic search strategy to further improve the search ability of the algorithm and avoid trapping in local optimum. The simulation of standard test function shows that the performance of improved lion swarm algorithm is superior to the other six algorithms. Then the algorithm is applied to the parameter identification of photovoltaic cells under two kinds of models and different irradiance, the simulation results verify the superiority and effectiveness of the improved lion swarm optimization in the application of photovoltaic cell parameter identification.
Leukoplakia or LPR: The Misdiagnosis of Laryngeal Tuberculosis
Authors: Lou Zheng cai , Li Xiuguo
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The objective is to reduce the rates of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of laryngeal tuberculosis (LTB).

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Materials and Methods:

Medical records of 3 histopathology-confirmed cases at a tertiary medical center from 2000 to 2018.

Results:

Seventeen patients with LTB included in this study. Of the 17 patients, 16 patients were male and 1 was female; 11 patients had a history of smoking. Odynophagia was the chief complaint in 6 cases, and 11 patients complained of hoarseness. The appearance of the affected larynx was ranged from diffuse swelling (n = 7, 41.2%), mucosa white lesion (n = 5,29.4%), and granulomatous tumors (n = 2, 11.76%), and these features presented together (n = 2, 11.76%). Seventeen patients with LTB were misdiagnosed as acute epiglottitis in 4 (23.5%) patients, acute laryngitis in 1 (5.9%) patient, leukoplakia in 5 (29.4%) patients, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in 6 (35.3%) patients, and laryngocarcinoma in 1 (5.9%) patient. Chest computed tomography reported old pulmonary tuberculosis in 2 (11.7%) patients, active pulmonary tuberculosis in 7 (41.2%) patients, and normal lung status in 8 (47.1%) patients. Histopathological examination reported Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by revealing epithelioid cell granulomas with Langhans-type giant cells in 14 (82.4%) patients and epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis and Langhans-type giant cells in 3 (17.6%) patients.

Conclusions:

Laryngeal tuberculosis was easily misdiagnosed as acute epiglottitis or leukoplakia because of diffuse swelling of the epiglottis or white lesions over the true vocal cord, especially patients with increasing LTB were misdiagnosed as LPR with the enhancement of LPR awareness among otolaryngologist. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of LTB for chronic intractable laryngitis with failure treatment of proton pump inhibitor and recurrent acute epiglottitis with foreign body injury.
#MeToo, the ICTY, and Intersectionality in Postsocialist Global Capitalism
Authors: Zenovich Jennifer A. , Cooks Leda
Published: November 2019

In this essay, we theorize and analyze (some of) the intercultural and intersecting structures that undergird rape and its representation in #MeToo via testimonial examples from rape survivors at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). While we recognize the importance of the ICTY’s ruling and of #MeToo, we remain critical of the conditions that necessitated them and that continue to mark women’s bodies as vulnerable. Utilizing both postsocialist and postcolonial feminist theory as a lens, we specifically look to how bodies are articulated both as capital/property and, in the same international judicial frame, vessels for punishment and justice. We focus on how the ICTY defined justice for rape on a mediated international stage, how identities and cultures were situated discursively in the trial, and the implications for thinking through justice for intersectionality in #MeToo. Our claim is that the symbolic and material equation of women/women’s bodies as property is foundational to the operations of capital. With this framework in mind, it may be useful to consider how undoing capital may in turn challenge the normalization of women’s precarity, victimization, and therefore, experiences of sexual violence.
The effects of filler contents and particle sizes on properties of green kenaf-filled natural rubber latex foam
Authors: Kudori Siti Nurul Izzati , Ismail Hanafi
Published: November 2019

The effects of filler loading and size of kenaf fibre on the mechanical properties of kenaf fibre-filled natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) have been studied. The NRLF was prepared by using the Dunlop method. The kenaf fibre was sieved to 97, 144 and 200 µm particle sizes and incorporated into the rubber vulcanizates at 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 part per hundred rubber fibre contents. Increasing kenaf fibre loading in NRLF resulted in the reduction of tensile strength, elongation at break and recovery percentage but increased in modulus at 100% (M100), compression strength, compression set, hardness and foam density. At the same kenaf fibre loading, smaller size of kenaf fibre-filled NRLF showed higher tensile properties, compression strength, compression set and hardness. Scanning electron microscope demonstrated that as kenaf fibre loading and size increased, a larger pore size of NRLF was formed and this led to tensile strength, M100, compression strength and hardness.
The Folds of Coexistence: Towards a Diplomatic Political Ontology, between Difference and Contradiction
Authors: Conway Philip R
Published: November 2019

Between the affirmative and the negative, the compositional and the oppositional, we need to rethink the difference between difference and contradiction. In this regard, the concept of ‘diplomacy’, as developed by Isabelle Stengers, is of particular significance. Whereas many adherents of an affirmative ontology of difference reduce contradiction to a caveat – ‘of course, antagonism is inevitable, but …’ – diplomacy makes contradiction its fundamental concern. This article explicates the significance of such a conception, via close readings of Stengers’ work in relation to that of Gilles Deleuze, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. However, it also develops diplomacy in new directions, particularly relating the diplomatic ‘fold’ to the sovereign ‘cut’. The fold of coexistence, then, is achieved through diplomacy as a ‘labour of difference’, against ‘facile pluralism’, which takes worldly cohabitation as given. A diplomatic political ontology is neither bellicose nor pacific; rather, it dramatizes the possibility of peace from within a coercive historical reality.
Success of Two Caries Risk Assessment Tools in Children: A Pilot Study With a 3-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Kuru Elif , Eden Ece
Published: November 2019

Caries risk is defined as the dental caries probability under the individual bacteriological environment, dietary habits, and environmental factors. Assessment of caries risk plays a major role in the prevention of dental caries. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different caries risk assessment methods on caries-free preschool children. A sample of 90 caries-free 4- to 6-year-old children were selected from 400 preschool children. The selection was limited to children who had no dental caries, visible plaque, and systemic disease. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Caries Risk Assessment Tool (CAT) and Clinpro Cario L-Pop (CCLP; 3M ESPE, Germany) were used to categorize children into caries risk groups. Children were classified as being in high-, medium-, or low-risk groups by two methods. Determining risk factors according to CAT were examined. The compliance among the two methods was evaluated. Sixty-eight children were reevaluated intraorally after 3 years. The compliance between CAT and CCLP was sought using Kappa test. Statistical evaluation revealed moderate compliance among methods at baseline. The three most determinant factors in the high-risk group according to CAT were no topical fluoride exposure, no use of dental services, and active caries in mother. CAT is found statistically more successful than CCLP in predicting caries risk 3 years later. Caries risk assessment is effective to predict future caries and can be helpful for the clinician to choose the right tailor-made caries prevention plans.
Let’s talk business: The language recruiters use to attract STEM graduates
Authors: Pearl Alastair O. , Orlando Laurence , Larson Ian , Rayner Gerry M.
Published: November 2019

The last decade has seen a shrinking of degree-level employment opportunities for young people (aged under 24 years) in Australia and globally. This research aims to better understand the job advertisements to which our graduates are exposed. This article presents a universal method to collect and process advertisements from an online job board. Two million job advertisements were extracted, cleaned, processed and reviewed to highlight the uses of Bloom’s Taxonomy (‘evaluate’ and ‘create’ levels) and critical thinking (CT) words within them. The study looked at those advertisements of interest to Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science graduates in Australia. Analyses indicate that the use of these words is not dependent on the size of the company, the salary of the advertised position, job permanency or specific industry. However, Bloom’s Taxonomy words were used to a much greater extent than CT words, potentially reflecting the lack of a clear and coherent definition and conceptualisation of CT skills in industry. The authors encourage increased collaboration and discussion between institutions and industry to define and articulate the skills graduates require.
Study on the effects of tool tile angle, offset and plunge depth on friction stir welding of poly(methyl methacrylate) T-joint
Authors: Eyvazian Arameh , Hamouda Abdel Magid , Aghajani Derazkola Hamed , Elyasi Majid
Published: November 2019

The effects of tilt angle (TTA), plunge depth (TPD) and offset (TO) of tool in friction stir welding of poly(methyl methacrylate) T-joint were investigated. To understand better the effects of process parameter, thermomechanical simulation of joint was assessed. The results seem to show that at higher TPD and TTA, frictional heat increases. Woven tissue structure joint line forms after friction stir welding of poly(methyl methacrylate) sheets. The distance of woven layers was affected by TPD and TTA, while TO do not significantly affect heat generation of joint. The best material flow and adequate heat are generated at 0 mm TA, 2° TTA and 0.2 mm TPD, respectively. The highest flexural and tensile strength of friction stir welded joint were approximately 93% and 90% of as-received poly(methyl methacrylate), respectively. Crack forking was detected on the fractured surface of flexural samples and crack path was detected in the vicinity of shrinkage holes at fracture surface of tensile samples. These holes and degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate) during friction stir welding process decrease strength and hardness of the joint.
Dynamic characteristics of a high-speed train gearbox in the vehicle–track coupled system excited by wheel defects
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Allen Paul , Mei Guiming , Yin Zhonghui , Cheng Yao , Zhang Weihua
Published: November 2019

To analyse and simulate the dynamic responses of the gearbox in a vehicle–track system, a three-dimensional vehicle–track coupled dynamics model for high-speed trains has been developed in this study with a comprehensive consideration of the transmission system. Using this dynamics model, the coupling effects between the gearbox housing and its connected components were analysed. Based on the dynamic results, the dynamic stress field of the gearbox housing can be obtained using the finite element methods. The model outputs were successfully validated through comparisons with field test data. Following model validation, the dynamic stress and its distribution throughout the gearbox housing were further investigated under different excitations, including track irregularities, wheel polygonal wear and flatness. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the stress levels of the oil level window aperture and the bottom face of the housing, which coincides with the location of cracks that are formed in the gearbox housing during frequent vehicle operation. While a specific case has been studied here, the proposed dynamics model can be applied to related dynamic assessments, such as vibration or suspension parameter analyses, as well as to stress analyses of any rail vehicle transmission system to guide the maintenance and design.
Fog harvesting from cooling towers using metal mesh: Effects of aerodynamic, deposition, and drainage efficiencies
Authors: Ghosh Ritwick , Ganguly Ranjan
Published: November 2019

Fog harvesting is recognized as an important alternate source of fresh water. Industrial fog can supplement water for industrial requirement. Collection of fog (drift droplets) from cooling tower plumes is a viable mode of industrial fog harvesting. The present study delves deeper into the findings of our earlier pilot investigation, on cooling tower fog harvesting and unravels how the collection efficiency depends on interaction of the mesh with the oncoming flow and the deposited fog droplets. Herein, we quantify the fog collection and explain the rationale of the individual contributions of aerodynamic, deposition, and drainage efficiencies on the overall collection efficiency. The effect of the mesh orientations and the tangential velocity component of the cooling tower plume (arising out of the cooling tower-fan rotation) are considered. Aerodynamic efficiency of the mesh and pressure drop across is estimated through computational fluid dynamic analysis. Also, an analysis of the force interaction between the mesh wires, deposited droplet, and the fog stream is carried out to identify the salient deterring factors like re-entrainment, clogging, and premature dripping of collected water droplets, based on which the regime of collection is mapped. The best collection configuration is found at an inclination of 15° with the vertical, with an overall collection efficiency of about 16%. The best configuration would allow recovery of re-usable fresh water at a nominal energy penalty of ∼3.9 kWh/m3. Our results offer the design bases for developing full-scale fog harvesting setups for industrial cooling towers.
Bayesian diagnostic analysis for quantitative trait loci mapping
Authors: Zuanetti Daiane A , Soler Júlia M Pavan , Krieger José E , Milan Luis A
Published: November 2019

QTL mapping is an important tool for identifying regions in chromosomes which are relevant to explain a response of interest. It is a special case of the regression model where an unknown number of missing (non-observable) covariates is involved leading to a complex variable selection procedure. Although several methods have been proposed to identify QTLs and to estimate parameters in the associated model, minimum attention has been devoted to the estimated model adequacy. In this paper, we present an overview of a few methods for residual and diagnostic analysis in the context of Bayesian regression modeling and adapt them to work with QTL mapping. The motivation of this study is to identify QTLs associated with the blood pressure of F2 rats and check the fitted model adequacy.
A Queensland treaty: Current steps and potential challenges
Authors: Hobbs Harry
Published: November 2019

Last year Queensland joined Victoria and the Northern Territory in formally committing to a conversation about a treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This article explains what a treaty is, outlines the processes undertaken thus far, situates it within the broader national context, and explores several challenges moving forward.
Practitioner Appraisals of Their Desired and Current Use of the 2014 Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices
Authors: Bruder Mary Beth , Dunst Carl , Maude Susan P. , Schnurr Melissa , Van Polen Angela , Frolek Clark Gloria , Winslow Amanda , Gethmann Dee
Published: November 2019

A survey of 955 early childhood practitioners in one Midwestern state was conducted to assess judgments of their desired use versus their current use or implementation of 10 sets of recommended practices from the Division for Early Childhood of the Council of Exceptional Children. Practitioners from early intervention, preschool, preschool special education, Early Head Start, Head Start, and other early childhood programs participated in the study. Results indicated large effect size differences in practitioners’ judgments of their desired versus current use of the practices, differences in terms in which practices were considered most valued and most frequently used by the practitioners, and a continued gap in the use of practices compared with results reported in similar studies conducted 15 and 22 years ago, respectively. The findings are discussed in terms of the need to adopt and use effective professional development practices to ensure practitioner use of valued practices and the need to develop a comprehensive system of personnel development to provide an infrastructure to support practitioners’ knowledge and skills of recommended practices.
Amyloid, APP, and Electrical Activity of the Brain
Authors: Hefter Dimitri , Ludewig Susann , Draguhn Andreas , Korte Martin
Published: November 2019

The Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is infamous for its proposed pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Much research on APP focusses on potential contributions to neurodegeneration, mostly based on mouse models with altered expression or mutated forms of APP. However, cumulative evidence from recent years indicates the indispensability of APP and its metabolites for normal brain physiology. APP contributes to the regulation of synaptic transmission, plasticity, and calcium homeostasis. It plays an important role during development and it exerts neuroprotective effects. Of particular importance is the soluble secreted fragment APPsα which mediates many of its physiological actions, often counteracting the effects of the small APP-derived peptide Aβ. Understanding the contribution of APP for normal functions of the nervous system is of high importance, both from a basic science perspective and also as a basis for generating new pathophysiological concepts and therapeutic approaches in AD. In this article, we review the physiological functions of APP and its metabolites, focusing on synaptic transmission, plasticity, calcium signaling, and neuronal network activity.
Adolescent Bystanders Witnessing Cyber Violence Against Women and Girls: What They Observe and How They Respond
Authors: Rebollo-Catalan Angeles , Mayor-Buzon Virginia
Published: November 2019

The widespread use of social networks has turned cyber violence into a serious problem. We performed a survey with 1,468 adolescents aged 13-17 years and found that almost one in four frequently observed different forms of cyber violence against women and girls. More than a third of the adolescents who witnessed the violence did nothing, and while girls gave more active responses to help the victim, both girls and boys normalized and even justified this behavior. Our findings also underline how little is known about institutional resources for victims. We also discuss the implications for awareness and prevention.
A Trend Analysis of Age of First Marijuana Use Among High School Students in the United States From 1991 to 2017
Authors: Azagba Sunday , Shan Lingpeng , Latham Keely
Published: November 2019

Background. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. There has been a rapidly changing marijuana policy environment and increased acceptability related to marijuana in the United States. How the changing environment will potentially influence adolescents age of initiation remains unknown. While much of extant literature has primarily focused on current marijuana use, less is known about age of first use. This study examined trends in adolescents’ age of first marijuana use in the United States. Method. Data were drawn from the 1991 to 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We used linear regression for age of first use as a continuous variable, and logistic regression for marijuana use before the age of 15 years as a dichotomous variable. Joinpoint regression analysis identified where significant changes in trend occurred. Results. Results showed that the mean age of first marijuana use increased significantly between 1991 and 2017. Males had a younger age of first use than females. Between 1991 and 1997, there was an increasing trend in the prevalence of marijuana use before the age of 15 years in all adolescents and in subgroups for males, females, all races, and 9th and 10th grades. After 1997, a significant downward trend was found in all adolescents. Conclusions. Our results do not indicate an overall decreasing trend of age of first use among the general adolescent population. Results show a downward trend in the use of marijuana before the age of 15 years since 1997.
Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat
Authors: García María F , Nuñez Favre Romina , Stornelli María C , Rearte Ramiro , García Mitacek María C , de la Sota Rodolfo L , Stornelli María A
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality.

Methods

Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Results

Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group.

Conclusions and relevance

Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.