bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying thematic synthesis to interpretation and commentary in epidemiological studies: identifying what contributes to successful interventions to promote hand hygiene in patient care
Authors: Drey Nicholas , Gould Dinah , Purssell Edward , Chudleigh Jane , Moralejo Donna , Gallagher Rose , Jeanes Annette , Wigglesworth Neil , Pittet Didier
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Hand hygiene is considered the most important preventive measure for healthcare-associated infections, but adherence is suboptimal. We previously undertook a Cochrane Review that demonstrated that interventions to improve adherence are moderately effective. Impact varied between organisations and sites with the same intervention and implementation approaches. This study seeks to explore these differences.

Methods

A thematic synthesis was applied to the original authors’ interpretation and commentary that offered explanations of how hand hygiene interventions exerted their effects and suggested reasons why success varied. The synthesis used a published Cochrane Review followed by three-stage synthesis.

Results

Twenty-one papers were reviewed: 11 randomised, 1 non-randomised and 9 interrupted time series studies. Thirteen descriptive themes were identified. They reflected a range of factors perceived to influence effectiveness. Descriptive themes were synthesised into three analytical themes:methodological explanations for failure or success(eg, Hawthorne effect) and two related themes that address issues with implementing hand hygiene interventions:successful implementation needs leadership and cooperation throughout the organisation(eg, visible managerial support) andunderstanding the context and aligning the intervention with it drives implementation(eg, embedding the intervention into wider patient safety initiatives).

Conclusions

The analytical themes help to explain the original authors’ perceptions of the degree to which interventions were effective and suggested new directions for research: exploring ways to avoid the Hawthorne effect; exploring the impact of components of multimodal interventions; the use of theoretical frameworks for behaviour change; potential to embed interventions into wider patient safety initiatives; adaptations to demonstrate sustainability; and the development of systematic approaches to implementation. Our findings corroborate studies exploring the success or failure of other clinical interventions: context and leadership are important.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of head and body impacts in American 7v7 non-tackle football
Authors: Jadischke Ron , Zendler Jessica , Lovis Erik , Elliott Andrew , Goulet Grant C
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Non-tackle American football is growing in popularity, and it has been proposed as a safer alternative for young athletes interested in American football. Little is known about the nature of head contact in the sport, which is necessary to inform the extent to which protective headgear is warranted. The objective of this study was to identify the location, types and frequency of head and body contacts in competitive 7v7 non-tackle American football.

Methods

Video analysis was used to document the type, frequency and mechanism of contacts across a series of under 12, under 14 and high school non-tackle tournament games. A subset of impacts was quantitatively analysed via 3-D model-based image matching to calculate the preimpact and postimpact speed of players’ heads and the change in resultant translational and rotational velocities.

Results

The incidence rate of head contact was found to be low (3.5 contacts per 1000 athlete-plays). Seventy-five per cent of head contacts were caused by a head-to-ground impact. No head-to-head contacts were identified. Most contacts occurred to the rear upper (occiput) or side upper (temporal/parietal) regions. Head-to-ground impact was associated with a maximum preimpact velocity of 5.9±2.2 m/s and a change in velocity of 3.0±1.1 m/s.

Conclusion

Non-tackle football appears to represent a lower contact alternative to tackle football. The distribution of head impact locations, mechanisms and energies found in the present study is different than what has been previously reported for tackle football. The existing tackle football standards are not appropriate to be applied to the sport of non-tackle football, and sport-specific head protection and headgear certification standards must be determined.
Planning injury prevention training for youth handball players: application of the generalisable six-step intervention development process
Authors: Ageberg Eva , Bunke Sofia , Nilsen Per , Donaldson Alex
Published: February 2020

Background

Youth handball players are vulnerable to injuries. Because there is no available injury prevention training specifically developed for youth handball players targeting both upper and lower limbs or incorporating psychological aspects of injury, we undertook the ‘Implementing injury Prevention training ROutines in TEams and Clubs in youth Team handball (I-PROTECT)’ project. We used an ecological participatory design incorporating the perspectives of multiple stakeholders (health beneficiaries, programme deliverers and policy makers). The aim of this paper was to describe the process of developing the I-PROTECT model, featuring injury prevention training and an accompanying implementation strategy.

Design

We used the generalisable six-step intervention development process, outlined to guide researchers when developing implementable, evidence-based sports injury prevention interventions, to develop the I-PROTECT model. The six-step process involves establishing a research–stakeholder collaborative partnership to (1) identify and synthesise research evidence and clinical experience; (2) consult with relevant experts; (3) engage end users to ensure their needs, capacity and values are considered; (4) test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention; (5) evaluate the intervention against theory; and (6) obtain feedback from early implementers. Two community handball clubs in southern Sweden, offering organised training for youth male and female players, and the district handball federation, participate in the intervention development. Drafts of the I-PROTECT model will be developed and revised with key stakeholder advice and input throughout all six steps.

Conclusion

The I-PROTECT model described will be an end user-driven intervention, including evidence-based, theory-informed and context-specific injury prevention training for youth handball, and an associated implementation strategy.
CLCN5 5'Utr Isoforms in Human Kidneys: Differential Expression Analysis between Controls and Patients with Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Ceol Monica , Gianesello Lisa , Tosetto Enrica , Priante Giovanna , Del Prete Dorella , Anglani Franca
Published: February 2020

ClC-5, the electrogenic chloride/proton exchanger strongly expressed in renal proximal tubules, belongs to the endocytic macromolecular complex responsible for albumin and low-molecular-weight protein uptake. ClC-5 was found to be overexpressed in glomeruli of glomerulonephritis and in cultured human podocytes under albumin overload. The transcriptional regulation of human ClC-5 is not fully understood. Three functional promoters of various strengths and 11 different 5’ untranslated region (5'UTR) isoforms of CLCN5 messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected in the human kidney (variants 1-11). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of CLCN5 5'UTR variants and the CLCN5 common translated region in glomerulonephritis. The 5'UTR ends and the translated region of CLCN5 mRNA were analyzed using quantitative relative real-time PCR or quantitative comparative endpoint PCR with GAPDH as housekeeping gene in 8 normal kidneys and 12 renal biopsies from patients with glomerulonephritis. The expression profile for all variants in normal and glomerulonephritis biopsies was similar, and variant 3 and alternative variant 4 were the most abundantly expressed in both sets. In glomerulonephritis biopsies, isoforms under the control of a weak promoter (variants 4, 6 and 7) showed an increased expression leading to an increase in the CLCN5 translated region, underscoring their importance in kidney pathophysiology. Since weak promoters can be turned on by different stimuli, these data support the hypothesis that proteinuria could be one of the stimuli capable of starting a signaling pathway that induces an increase in CLCN5 transcription.
Rotating night shift work and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among steelworkers in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Shengkui , Wang Yongbin , Wang Zhende , Wang Han , Xue Chao , Li Qinglin , Guan Weijun , Yuan Juxiang
Published: February 2020

Objectives

In a 24/7 society, the negative metabolic effects of rotating night shift work have been increasingly explored. This study aimed to examine the association between rotating night shift work and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in steelworkers.

Methods

A total of 6881 subjects was included in this study. Different exposure metrics of night shift work including current shift status, duration of night shifts (years), cumulative number of night shifts (nights), cumulative length of night shifts (hours), average frequency of night shifts (nights/month) and average length of night shifts (hours/night) were used to examine the relationship between night shift work and NAFLD.

Results

Current night shift workers had elevated odds of NAFLD (OR, 1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.48) compared with those who never worked night shifts after adjustment for potential confounders. Duration of night shifts, cumulative number of night shifts and cumulative length of night shifts were positively associated with NAFLD. Both the average frequency of night shifts (>7 nights/month vs ≤7 nights/month: OR, 1.24, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.45) and average length of night shifts (>8 hours/night vs ≤8 hours/night: OR, 1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.51) were independently associated with overall NAFLD after mutually adjusting for the duration of night shifts and other potential confounders among night shift workers. No significant association was found in female workers between different exposure metrics of night shift work and NAFLD.

Conclusions

Rotating night shift work is associated with elevated odds of NAFLD in male steelworkers.
Efficacy of tofacitinib in reducing pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , de Vlam Kurt , McInnes Iain B , Mease Philip J , Baer Philip , Lukic Tatjana , Gruben David , Kwok Kenneth , Wang Cunshan , Hsu Ming-Ann , Maniccia Anna
Published: February 2020

Objective

To describe the efficacy of tofacitinib in reducing pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a post-hoc analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Methods

Data were collected from patients in seven tofacitinib studies: six phase III (four RA, two PsA) and one phase II study (AS), and grouped into five analysis populations based on rheumatic disease diagnosis and category of prior inadequate response (IR) to treatment: conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs-IR (RA and PsA), tumour necrosis factor inhibitors-IR (RA and PsA), or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-IR (AS). Only patients who received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily or placebo were included. Pain assessments included: Patient’s Assessment of Arthritis Pain, Short-Form Health Survey 36v2 Question (Q)7 and Bodily Pain domain, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Q9 and Q14, EuroQol Five Dimensions Pain/Discomfort dimension and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index Q2 and Q3. Data were reported to month 6 (placebo to month 3) in the RA and PsA populations, and week 12 (tofacitinib and placebo) in the AS population.

Results

Overall, 3330 patients were included in this analysis. In the RA and PsA populations, pain improvements in tofacitinib-treated patients compared with placebo were observed at the earliest time point assessed and at month 3 (maintained to month 6). In the AS population, pain improvements compared with placebo were observed at week 12.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib was associated with rapid and sustained improvements across multiple pain measures in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases.
Antimicrobial resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
isolates from foreign-born population in the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme
Authors: Hernando Rovirola Cristina , Spiteri Gianfranco , Sabidó Meritxell , Montoliu Alexandra , Gonzalez Victoria , Casabona Jordi , Cole Michelle Jayne , Noori Teymur , Unemo Magnus
Published: February 2020

Objectives

International spread has contributed substantially to the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR)
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
infections worldwide. We compared the prevalence of AMR gonococcal isolates among native persons to foreign-born (reporting country different from country of birth) persons, and describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of foreign-born patients and their associations to AMR.

Methods

We analysed isolates and patient data reported to the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP) 2010–2014 (n=9529).

Results

Forty-three per cent of isolates had known country of birth and 17.2% of these were from persons born abroad. Almost 50% of foreign-born were from the WHO European Region (13.1% from non-European Union [EU] and the European Economic Area [EEA] countries). Compared with isolates from natives, isolates from foreign-born had a similar level (p>0.05) of azithromycin resistance (7.5% vs 7.2%), ciprofloxacin resistance (50.0% vs 46.3%) and of decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (1.9% vs 2.8%); a lower rate of cefixime resistance (5.7% vs 3.6%, p=0.02), and a higher proportion of isolates producing penicillinase (8.4% vs 11.7%, p=0.02). Among isolates from persons born outside EU/EEA, the level of decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone was higher (1.8% vs 3.5%, p=0.02), particularly in those from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and non-EU/EEA WHO European countries (1.9% vs 9.6% and 8.7%, respectively, p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, foreign-born patients with AMR isolates were more likely to be from non-EU/EEA WHO European countries (adjusted OR [aOR]: 3.2, 95% CI 1.8 to 5.8), WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.3) and heterosexual males (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7).

Conclusions

Importation of AMR strains remains an important threat in the EU/EEA. Research to improve understanding of sexual networks within foreign born and sexual tourism populations could help to inform effective tailor-made interventions. The Euro-GASP demonstrates the public health value of quality-assured surveillance of gonococcal AMR and the need for strengthened AMR surveillance, particularly in the non-EU/EEA WHO European Region.
Mesothelioma in two sheep with pericardial effusion and ascites
Authors: Fletcher Nicola , Brena Camilla , Carson Amanda , Wessels Mark , Floyd Tobias
Published: February 2020

Mesotheliomas are rare tumours in domestic animals. These tumours have a range of clinical presentations, and a range of gross and microscopic features can be present. We report mesotheliomas in two sheep submitted to Animal and Plant Health Agency’s diagnostic pathology service with diverse clinical presentations. The first case was a 2‐year‐old ewe with a history of sudden death that had a nodular mass in the wall of the right auricle and marked pericardial effusion and ascites. The second case was a 3‐year‐old ewe with a history of recumbency which had a papillary mass in the peritoneal cavity and marked ascites. A diagnosis of mesothelioma in both cases was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin and vimentin. These cases highlight the diverse presenting signs that can be present with mesothelioma, and this tumour should be considered as a differential diagnosis in sheep with peritoneal, pericardial or pleural effusion at gross postmortem.
A counter-example by Yagita
Authors: Karpenko Nikita A.
Published: February 2020

According to a 2018 preprint by Nobuaki Yagita, the conjecture on a relationship between [Formula: see text]- and Chow theories for a generically twisted flag variety of a split semisimple algebraic group [Formula: see text], due to the author, fails for [Formula: see text] the spinor group [Formula: see text]. Yagita’s tools include a Brown–Peterson version of algebraic cobordism, ordinary and connective Morava [Formula: see text]-theories, as well as Grothendieck motives related to various cohomology theories over fields of characteristic [Formula: see text]. We provide a proof using only the [Formula: see text]- and Chow theories themselves and extend the (slightly modified) example to arbitrary characteristic.
ROLE OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SOLVING THE ENERGY INSECURITY IN ASIA
Authors: RAKPHO PICHAYAKONE , YAMAKA WORAPHON , PUTTACHAI WACHIRAWIT , MANEEJUK PARAVEE
Published: February 2020

This study aims to investigate the nonlinear effect of financial development on energy security in Asia-16 countries over the period 2000–2016 using the proposed Panel Smooth Transition model for heterogeneity in time trends. Our model shows a single-threshold effect on financial development and energy security relationship, whereas energy accessibility, renewable energy share, and energy intensity are used as indicators of energy security. It implies that the sample can be split into two regimes: low- and high-FDI regime, we choose FDI as the threshold variable because it is a source of innovation that could reduce the demand for energy. The findings indicate that financial development goes hand-in-hand with energy accessibility and renewable energy share, and it also reduces the energy inefficiency in the economy. We also find that the contribution of financial development on renewable energy share becomes more substantial when the FDI is greater than the threshold point (0.9343% of GDP). However, the value of crude oil imports shows a negative impact on energy security in our empirical model.
THE IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON THE LABOR SHARE: EVIDENCE FROM ASIA
Authors: HU XIAOSHAN , WAN GUANGHUA , WANG JING
Published: February 2020

The decline in the share of labor income — an indicator of functional income distribution — has contributed to rising income inequality world-wide. Despite a growing literature, little is known about the effects of globalization on the labor share or inequality in Asia where some of the economies are most globalized. Applying fixed-effect regressions to panel data from 29 Asian economies over the period from 1980 to 2014, we focus on the impacts of globalization on the labor share in Asia where globalization is measured by trade openness and FDI. The modeling results show that trade openness is a significant determinant of the labor share. More specifically, the impact of export is significantly negative and the impact of import is positive. In terms of FDI, the coefficient of the inward FDI is significantly positive and that of the outward FDI is significantly negative in developing countries only.
A possible semiclassical bounce instead of a Schwarzschild singularity
Authors: Bronnikov K. A. , Bolokhov S. V. , Skvortsova M. V.
Published: February 2020

We have previously shown that the singularity in a Schwarzschild black hole of stellar or larger mass may be avoided in a semiclassical manner by using as a source of gravity the stress-energy tensor (SET) corresponding to vacuum polarization of quantum fields, with a minimum spherical radius a few orders of magnitude larger than the Planck length. In this note we estimate the nonlocal contribution to the total SET due to particle creation from vacuum. We show that this contribution is negligibly small as compared to vacuum polarization and does not affect the previously suggested scenario.
Reconstruction of relative motion of a binary star in the vicinity of black hole by its redshift
Authors: Komarov S. , Gorbatsievich A.
Published: February 2020

The redshift of the spectral lines of electromagnetic radiation of a binary star that moves in the vicinity of a supermassive black hole is considered. An approach for the reconstruction of the relative motion of the components of the binary using observational data of redshift is proposed.
Extended gravity at galaxy cluster’s scales
Authors: Alexeyev Stanislav , Kovalkov Kirill
Published: February 2020

The new result on Horndeski model asymptotic at Galaxy cluster scales is presented. As the obtained constraint for [Formula: see text] has the same order as for the real cosmological constant we demonstrate that at extra-galactic scales Horndeski model is consistent with existing astrophysical data.
Nonrelativistic k-contractions of the coadjoint Poincaré algebra
Authors: Barducci Andrea , Casalbuoni Roberto , Gomis Joaquim
Published: February 2020

We study a class of extensions of the [Formula: see text]-contracted Poincaré algebra under the hypothesis of generalizing the Bargmann algebra and its central charge. As we will see this type of contractions will lead in a natural way to consider the codajoint Poincaré algebra and some of their contractions. Among them there is one such that considering the quotient of it by a suitable ideal, the (stringy) [Formula: see text]-brane Galilei algebra is recovered.
Comment on: Quantum theory of a non-Hermitian time-dependent forced harmonic oscillator having 𝒫𝒯 symmetry
Authors: Mana Naima , Maamache Mustapha
Published: February 2020

Pedrosa et al.1 have recently used a [Formula: see text] symmetric linear invariant to study a unidimensional time-dependent [Formula: see text] symmetric harmonic oscillator with a complex time-dependent [Formula: see text] symmetric external force. We show in this comment that the normalization condition of the eigenfunctions of the invariant is not verified as claimed in Ref. 1. In order to obtain the normalization condition, we introduce a novel concept of the pseudoparity-time (pseudo-[Formula: see text]) symmetry.
Flow of a fourth grade fluid between rotating disks
Authors: Siddiqui A. M. , Sohail Ayesha , Akram Khush Bakhat , Azim Qurat-ul-Ain
Published: February 2020

Flow of fluids between rotating surface is encountered in many industrial, manufacturing, mixing and biological processes. These fluids are complex, exhibit various rheological characteristics, and thus follow highly nonlinear models. In this paper, we have used fourth grade fluid model to represent fluids involved in such processes. The steady flow between two coaxial rotating disks is modeled. The resulting highly nonlinear equations are solved using perturbation approach. The velocity field in three-dimensional cylindrical coordinate system is reported. The results are then simulated to present a visual understanding of the flow.
Modulational instability and mixed breather–lump interaction solutions in the (2+1)-dimensional KMN equation
Authors: Wang Hao-Tian , Wen Xiao-Yong
Published: February 2020

Under investigation is the (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional KMN equation, which is a new extension of the well-known nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Firstly, we investigate the modulational instability (MI) of the plane wave states for this equation. Secondly, we explore several types of interesting mixed breather–lump solutions in orders [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] cases by using the generalized [Formula: see text]-fold Darboux transformation (DT). Moreover, we also provide the graphical analysis of such mixed interaction solutions to better understand their dynamical behavior. Finally, we sum up a few mathematical features to obtain special mixed interaction structures through the generalized [Formula: see text]-fold DT. The results obtained in this paper might excite the interest in nonlinear optics and relevant fields.
Lump solution and lump-type solution to a class of mathematical physics equation
Authors: Sun Yanfang , Ha Jinting , Zhang Huiqun
Published: February 2020

Based on the Hirota bilinear form, lump-type and lump solutions to a class of mathematical physics equation are explored. Specific examples are discussed to show the richness of the considered partial differential equation. In addition, a few of the analyses and three-dimensional plots of some explicit solutions are made to show the dynamical features in detail.
Electrical characterization of CIGS thin-film solar cells by two- and four-wire probe technique
Authors: Mosavi Amirhosein , Bertalan Beszedes , Imre Felde , Nadai Laszlo , Gorji Nima E.
Published: February 2020

A precise characterization of thin-film solar cells is of huge importance for obtaining high open-circuit voltage and low recombination rates from the interfaces or within the bulk of the main materials. Among many electrical characterization techniques, the two- and four-wire probe using the Cascade instrument is of interest since the resistance of the wires and the electrical contacts can be excluded by the additional two wires in four-wire probe configuration. In this paper, both two- and four-point probes configuration are employed to characterize the CIGS chalcogenide thin-film solar cells. The two-wire probe has been used to measure the current–voltage characteristics of the cell which results in a huge internal resistance. Therefore, the four-wire connection is also used to eliminate the load resistance to enhance the characterization’s accuracy. The load resistance in the two-wire probe diminishes the photogenerated current density at smaller voltage ranges. In contrast, the proposed four-wire probe collects more current at higher voltages due to enhanced carrier collection efficiency from contact electrodes. The current conduction mechanism is also identified at every voltage region represented by the value of the ideality factor of that voltage region. It is observed that a longer time given to the charge collection results in increased current density at a higher voltage. According to the results and device characteristics, a novel double-diode model is suggested to extract the saturation current density, shunt and series resistances and ideality factor of the cells. These cells are shown to be efficient in terms of low recombination at the interfaces and with lower series resistance as the quality of the materials is in its most possible conductive form. The measured internal resistance and saturation current density and ideality factor of the two measurement configurations are measured and compared.
Energy-Efficient Clusterhead Selection Scheme in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Rawat Piyush , Chauhan Siddhartha , Priyadarshi Rahul
Published: February 2020

The applications of wireless sensor network (WSN) are growing very rapidly, so utilizing the energy in an efficient manner is a challenging task as the battery life of nodes in WSN is very limited. For enhancing the lifetime of the network, various clustering protocols have been proposed earlier. In this paper, a clustering protocol named Energy Efficient Clusterhead Selection Scheme (ECSS) is proposed. The proposed ECSS protocol focusses on selecting an energy-efficient cluster head (CH), which helps in enhancing the overall lifetime and performance of the network. The proposed ECSS protocol uses the energy levels of nodes for the CH selection process. The proposed protocol is designed for the heterogeneous environment and it aims in minimizing the energy usage in the network and thereby improving the lifespan of the network. To measure the performance of the proposed ECSS protocol, the comparison is performed with the various existing protocols using MATLAB simulator. The results of simulation show that the proposed ECSS protocol has enhanced the network lifespan, throughput, and energy usage of the network as contrasted to the existing protocols.
A Low Cost MST-FSM Obfuscation Method for Hardware IP Protection
Authors: Zhang Yuejun , Pan Zhao , Wang Pengjun , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: February 2020

Effective resistance to intellectual property (IP) piracy, overproduction and reverse engineering are becoming more and more necessary in the integrated circuit (IC) supply chain. To protect the hardware, the obfuscation methodology hides the original function by adding a large number of redundant states. However, existing hardware obfuscation approaches have hardware overhead and efficiency of obfuscation limitations. This paper proposed a novel methodology for IP security using the minimum spanning tree finite state machine (MST-FSM) obfuscation. In the minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm, the Hamming distance defines the cost of obfuscated states. The Kruskal algorithm optimizes the connection relationship of obfuscated states by computing the Hamming distance of the MST-FSM. The proposed MST-FSM is automatically generated and embedded in the hardware IP with the self-building program. Finally, the MST-FSM is applied on the itc99 benchmark circuits and encryption standard IP cores. Compared with other state-of-the-arts, the obfuscation potency is improved by 3.57%, and the average hardware cost is decreased by about 6.01%.
A New Methodology for Implementing the Data Distribution Service on Top of Gigabit Ethernet for Automotive Applications
Authors: Takrouni Manel , Hasnaoui Azer , Mejri Ikbel , Hasnaoui Salem
Published: February 2020

Today’s vehicles have become increasingly complex, as consumers demand more features and better quality in their cars. Most of these new features require additional electronic control units (ECU) and software control, constantly pushing back the limits of existing architectures and design methodologies. Indeed, modern automobiles have a larger number of critical time functions distributed and running simultaneously on each ECU. Data Distribution Service (DDS) is a publish/subscribe middleware specified by the international consortium Object Management Group (OMG), which makes the information available in real time, while offering a rich range of quality of service (QoS) policies. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to integrate DDS in automotive application. We evaluate the performance of our new design by testing the fulfillment of real time QoS requirements. We also compare the performance of the vehicle application when using FlexRay and Ethernet networks. Computations prove that the use of DDS over Gigabit Ethernet (GBE) is promising in the automotive field.
Stochastic persistency of nematic alignment state for the Justh–Krishnaprasad model with additive white noises
Authors: Ha Seung-Yeal , Ko Dongnam , Shim Woojoo , Yu Hui
Published: February 2020

We present a stochastic Justh–Krishnaprasad flocking model describing interactions among individuals in a planar domain with their positions and heading angles. The deterministic counterpart of the proposed model describes the formation of nematic alignment in an ensemble of planar particles moving with a unit speed. When the noise is turned off, we show that the nematic alignment state, in which all heading angles are either same or the opposite, is nonlinearly stable using a Lyapunov functional approach. We employed a diameter-like functional via the rearrangement of heading angles in the [Formula: see text]-interval. In contrast, under the additive noise, a continuous angle configuration will be deviated asymptotically from the nematic state. Nevertheless, in any finite-time interval, we will see that some part of angle configuration will stay close to the nematic state with a positive probability, where we call this phenomenon as stochastic persistency. We provide a quantitative estimate on the probability for stochastic persistency and compare several numerical examples with analytical results.
Modeling adhesion-independent cell migration
Authors: Jankowiak Gaspard , Peurichard Diane , Reversat Anne , Schmeiser Christian , Sixt Michael
Published: February 2020

A two-dimensional mathematical model for cells migrating without adhesion capabilities is presented and analyzed. Cells are represented by their cortex, which is modeled as an elastic curve, subject to an internal pressure force. Net polymerization or depolymerization in the cortex is modeled via local addition or removal of material, driving a cortical flow. The model takes the form of a fully nonlinear degenerate parabolic system. An existence analysis is carried out by adapting ideas from the theory of gradient flows. Numerical simulations show that these simple rules can account for the behavior observed in experiments, suggesting a possible mechanical mechanism for adhesion-independent motility.
Statistical solutions of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws: Numerical approximation
Authors: Fjordholm U. S. , Lye K. , Mishra S. , Weber F.
Published: February 2020

Statistical solutions are time-parameterized probability measures on spaces of integrable functions, which have been proposed recently as a framework for global solutions and uncertainty quantification for multi-dimensional hyperbolic system of conservation laws. By combining high-resolution finite volume methods with a Monte Carlo sampling procedure, we present a numerical algorithm to approximate statistical solutions. Under verifiable assumptions on the finite volume method, we prove that the approximations, generated by the proposed algorithm, converge in an appropriate topology to a statistical solution. Numerical experiments illustrating the convergence theory and revealing interesting properties of statistical solutions are also presented.
Convex integration solutions for the geometrically nonlinear two-well problem with higher Sobolev regularity
Authors: Della Porta Francesco , Rüland Angkana
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we discuss higher Sobolev regularity of convex integration solutions for the geometrically nonlinear two-well problem. More precisely, we construct solutions to the differential inclusion [Formula: see text] subject to suitable affine boundary conditions for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] such that the associated deformation gradients [Formula: see text] enjoy higher Sobolev regularity. This provides the first result in the modelling of phase transformations in shape-memory alloys where [Formula: see text], and where the energy minimisers constructed by convex integration satisfy higher Sobolev regularity. We show that in spite of additional difficulties arising from the treatment of the nonlinear matrix space geometry, it is possible to deal with the geometrically nonlinear two-well problem within the framework outlined in [A. Rüland, C. Zillinger and B. Zwicknagl, Higher Sobolev regularity of convex integration solutions in elasticity: The Dirichlet problem with affine data in int[Formula: see text], SIAM J. Math. Anal. 50 (2018) 3791–3841]. Physically, our investigation of convex integration solutions at higher Sobolev regularity is motivated by viewing regularity as a possible selection mechanism of microstructures.
Picture-valued parity-biquandle bracket
Authors: Ilyutko Denis P. , Manturov Vassily O.
Published: February 2020

In V. O. Manturov, On free knots, preprint (2009), arXiv:math.GT/0901.2214], the second named author constructed the bracket invariant [Formula: see text] of virtual knots valued in pictures (linear combinations of virtual knot diagrams with some crossing information omitted), such that for many diagrams [Formula: see text], the following formula holds: [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the underlying graph of the diagram, i.e. the value of the invariant on a diagram equals the diagram itself with some crossing information omitted. This phenomenon allows one to reduce many questions about virtual knots to questions about their diagrams. In [S. Nelson, M. E. Orrison and V. Rivera, Quantum enhancements and biquandle brackets, preprint (2015), arXiv:math.GT/1508.06573], the authors discovered the following phenomenon: having a biquandle coloring of a certain knot, one can enhance various state-sum invariants (say, Kauffman bracket) by using various coefficients depending on colors. Taking into account that the parity can be treated in terms of biquandles, we bring together the two ideas from these papers and construct the picture-valued parity-biquandle bracket for classical and virtual knots. This is an invariant of virtual knots valued in pictures. Both the parity bracket and Nelson–Orrison–Rivera invariants are partial cases of this invariant, hence this invariant enjoys many properties of various kinds. Recently, the authors together with E. Horvat and S. Kim have found that the picture-valued phenomenon works in the classical case.
A brief comment on the paper “solvability of equations in elementary functions” by Kanel-Belov, Malistov and Zaytsev
Authors: Elishev Andrey
Published: February 2020

I point out a conceptually simple way of establishing one of the main lemmas in the paper “Solvability of equations in elementary functions” by A. Kanel-Belov, A. Malistov and R. Zaytsev.
Development of an Operational Adequacy Evaluation Framework for Operational Planning of Bulk Electric Power Systems
Authors: Shrestha Tej Krishna , Karki Rajesh , Piya Prasanna
Published: February 2020

Proper long-term planning for investment in resources, timely operational planning to prepare resources and to decide on operational strategies, and proper operating decisions to respond to disturbances during real-time system operation are important to supply reliable power to customers as economically as possible. However, existing utility procedures are insufficient to comprehend uncertainties of modern renewable-integrated power systems and to provide suitable quatitative indicators to assist in operational planning. Independent system operators and utilities around the globe are developing new and unique approaches to operational planning to manage rising uncertainties in power generation from renewable sources like wind and PV. It is desirable to establish uniformity in operational adequacy evaluation methods and quantitative metrics applicable to all power systems in the operational planning horizon of days, weeks, or even months. This will help standardize the operational planning methodology and metrics, and simplify implementation of operational strategies. To address this need, this paper presents a probabilistic analytical methodology for operational adequacy evaluation of a bulk power system integrating the concepts of state enumeration and a novel Dynamic System State Probability Evaluation (DSSPE) approach in time series analysis to accommodate the operational as well as network characteristics. The proposed methodology is implemented on a test system to demonstrate operational adequacy-based operational planning, and to analyze the impact of factors such as unit commitment decisions, locational distribution of load, and generation on the operational adequacy of the system.
The Marriage Problem with Interdependent Preferences
Authors: Pourpouneh Mohsen , Ramezanian Rasoul , Sen Arunava
Published: February 2020

This paper considers the Gale–Shapley model with interdependent preferences. Women’s preferences over men are common knowledge but whether or not a man is acceptable depends on the preferences of men which are private information. It is shown that no ex-post incentive-compatible and ex-post stable matching rules exist. A characterization of ex-post incentive-compatible, ex-post individually rational and ex-post nonbossy matching rules in terms of modified priority rules is provided.
A Policy Improvement Algorithm for Solving a Mixture Class of Perfect Information and AR-AT Semi-Markov Games
Authors: Mondal P. , Neogy S. K. , Gupta A. , Ghorui D.
Published: February 2020

Zero-sum two-person discounted semi-Markov games with finite state and action spaces are studied where a collection of states having Perfect Information (PI) property is mixed with another collection of states having Additive Reward–Additive Transition and Action Independent Transition Time (AR-AT-AITT) property. For such a PI/AR-AT-AITT mixture class of games, we prove the existence of an optimal pure stationary strategy for each player. We develop a policy improvement algorithm for solving discounted semi-Markov decision processes (one player version of semi-Markov games) and using it we obtain a policy-improvement type algorithm for computing an optimal strategy pair of a PI/AR-AT-AITT mixture semi-Markov game. Finally, we extend our results when the states having PI property are replaced by a subclass of Switching Control (SC) states.
A Bilevel Programming Model for a Cohesive Decision-Making on Strategic Pricing and Production Distribution Planning for a Small-Scale Supplier
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Gupta Anjana , Mehra Aparna
Published: February 2020

This research develops a decision support for strategic pricing and aggregate production distribution planning for a small-scale supplier intending to penetrate into a potential market engendered by a single buyer. A novel mixed integer bilevel programming model is proposed to formulate the problem in which the supplier is considered as a leader and the buyer is a follower. The proposed model subsumes the assessment of demand share against the price quotation, enabling the supplier to prepare an aggregate production distribution plan accordingly. An integer coded genetic algorithm is used to solve the model and its implementation is exhibited through a test scenario.
Decentralized Matching Markets of Various Sizes: Similarly Stable Solutions with High Proportions of Equal Splits
Authors: Otto Philipp E.
Published: February 2020

In two-sided matching markets where direct negotiations take place over the division of profits between the partners, the appropriate solution concept is the core. Only a minority of the experimentally observed bargaining results are within the core, and the number of core solutions further decreases with an increase in market complexity. For differently-sized matching markets, two adjustments to the core requirements are introduced. Projected cores from smaller markets (partial condition core) are confirmed in larger markets. The possibility of Pareto improvements from the perspective of individual players (individual condition core) does not vanish but may even increase with market size. In all the investigated experimental markets, a high percentage of equal profit splits between matching partners in face-to-face bargaining was found, especially in larger, decentralized matching markets.
Collusion and Customization
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Francisco
Published: February 2020

We analyze the effect of customizing a product on the ability of firms to tacitly collude on prices. Following [Bar-Isaac et al. [2014] Targeted product design: Locating inside the Salop circle, Mimeo], we allow firms to be located inside the circle in the Salop model [Salop, S. [1979] Monopolistic competition with outside goods, Bell J. Econ., 10(1), 141–156]. Our analysis shows that the effect of product customization on the stability of collusion depends on the sensitivity of consumers’ utility to the degree of customization. In particular, if that sensitivity is low enough, then greater customization facilitates collusion. Otherwise, greater customization hinders collusion if consumers value the product little.
Shape Preserving Properties with Constraints on the Tension Parameter of Binary Three-Point Approximating Subdivision Scheme
Authors: Bibi Khalida , Akram Ghazala , Rehan Kashif
Published: February 2020

The paper analyzes conditions for preserving the shape properties from the initial data to the limit curves of the binary three-point approximating subdivision scheme. We provide suitable conditions on the initial data utilizing the tension parameter [Formula: see text], thus the scheme can maintain three important shape properties, namely positivity, monotonicity and convexity in the limit curves. The use of derived conditions is illustrated in few examples, which offers more flexibility in the generation of smooth limit curves endowed with shape preserving properties.
Free subgroups in maximal subgroups of SLn(D)
Authors: Fallah-Moghaddam R.
Published: February 2020

Given a non-commutative finite-dimensional [Formula: see text]-central division ring [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] a subnormal subgroup of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a non-abelian maximal subgroup of [Formula: see text], then either [Formula: see text] contains a non-cyclic free subgroup or there exists a non-central maximal normal abelian subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a subfield of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is Galois and [Formula: see text], also [Formula: see text] is a finite simple group with [Formula: see text].
Generalized WG inverse
Authors: Xu Sanzhang , Wang Hongxing , Chen Jianlong , Chen Xiaofeng , Zhao Tiwei
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we introduce a generalized inverse of a matrix, namely, the generalized WG inverse, which a generalization of the WG inverse. Several necessary and sufficient conditions such that a matrix to be generalized WG invertible are obtained. Moreover, the formulae of generalized WG inverse of a matrix are given. Finally, we give a algebraic form of the generalized WG inverse.
Twisted orthogonality relations for certain ℤ/mℤ-graded algebras
Authors: Arote Prashant
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we will study the notion of a Frobenius ⋆-algebra and prove some orthogonality relations for the irreducible characters of a Frobenius ⋆-algebra. Then we will study [Formula: see text]-graded Frobenius ⋆-algebras and prove some twisted orthogonality relations for them.
CAD Model Segmentation Via Deep Learning
Authors: Van Biesbroeck Antoine , Shang Feifei , Bassir David
Published: February 2020

Computer aided design (CAD) models are widely employed in the current computer aided engineering or finite element analysis (FEA) systems that necessitate an optimal meshing as a function of their geometry. To this effect, the sub-mapping method is advantageous, as it segments the CAD model into different sub-parts, with the aim mesh them independently. Many of the existing 3D shape segmentation methods in literature are not suited to CAD models. Therefore, we propose a novel approach for the segmentation of CAD models by harnessing deep learning technologies. First, we refined the model and extracted local geometric features from its shape. Subsequently, we devised a convolutional neural network (CNN)-inspired neural network trained with a custom dataset. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of our approach and its potential to adapt to augmented datasets in future.
A q-analogue of the (A.2) supercongruence of Van Hamme for any prime p ≡ 3(mod4)
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Yue Mingbing
Published: February 2020

Inspired by the recent work of Guo and Zudilin, we establish several results on [Formula: see text]-supercongruences by using a [Formula: see text]-analogue of Watson’s [Formula: see text] summation formula. In particular, we give a [Formula: see text]-analogue of the (A.2) supercongruence of Van Hamme for any prime [Formula: see text].