bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Almost Armendariz Ring
Authors: Prakash Om , Singh Sushma , Shum K.P.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we introduce the notion of an almost Armendariz ring, which is a generalization of an Armendariz ring, and discuss some of its properties. It has been found that every almost Armendariz ring is weak Armendariz but the converse is not true. We prove that a ring R is almost Armendariz if and only if R[x] is almost Armendariz. It is also shown that if R/I is an almost Armendariz ring and I is a semicommutative ideal, then R is an almost Armendariz ring. Moreover, the class of minimal non-commutative almost Armendariz rings is completely determined, up to isomorphism (minimal means having smallest cardinality).
Maschke Type Theorems for Weak Hopf Quasigroups
Authors: Alonso Álvarez J.N. , Fernández Vilaboa J.M. , González Rodríguez R.
Published: May 2020

In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a comodule magma over a weak Hopf quasigroup to have a total integral, thus extending the theories developed in the Hopf algebra, weak Hopf algebra and non-associative Hopf algebra contexts. From this result we also deduce a version of Maschke’s theorems for right (H, B)-Hopf triples associated to a weak Hopf quasigroup H and a right H-comodule magma B.
On Rational Functions with More than Three Branch Points
Authors: Song Jijian , Xu Bin
Published: May 2020

Let d be a positive integer and Λ be a collection of partitions of d of the form (a1, …, ap), (b1, …, bq), (m1+ 1, 1, …, 1), …, (ml+ 1, 1, …, 1), where (m1, …, ml) is a partition of p + q − 2 > 0. We prove that there exists a rational function on the Riemann sphere with branch data Λ if and only if max(m1, …, ml) < d/GCD(a1, …, ap, b1, …, bq). As an application, we give a new class of branch data which can be realized by Belyi functions on the Riemann sphere.
A Class of Pseudo-Real Riemann Surfaces with Diagonal Automorphism Group
Authors: Badr Eslam
Published: May 2020

A Riemann surface [Formula: see text] having field of moduli ℝ, but not a field of definition, is called pseudo-real. This means that [Formula: see text] has anticonformal automorphisms, but none of them is an involution. A Riemann surface is said to be plane if it can be described by a smooth plane model of some degree d ≥ 4 in [Formula: see text]. We characterize pseudo-real-plane Riemann surfaces [Formula: see text], whose conformal automorphism group Aut+([Formula: see text]) is PGL3(ℂ)-conjugate to a finite non-trivial group that leaves invariant infinitely many points of [Formula: see text]. In particular, we show that such pseudo-real-plane Riemann surfaces exist only if Aut+([Formula: see text]) is cyclic of even order n dividing the degree d. Explicit families of pseudo-real-plane Riemann surfaces are given for any degree d = 2pm with m > 1 odd, p prime and n = d/p.
The Jacobian Dual of Certain Mixed Product Ideals
Authors: La Barbiera M. , Lahyane M. , Restuccia G.
Published: May 2020

We consider the symmetric algebra of a class of monomial ideals generated by s-sequences. For these ideals with linear syzygies, we determine their Jacobian dual modules and study their duality properties.
Braided Extensions of a Pointed Fusion Category with Prime Dimension
Authors: Dong Jingcheng
Published: May 2020

We obtain a necessary condition for a strictly weakly integral generalized Tambara–Yamagami fusion category to be braided. Then we use this result to classify braided extensions of a pointed fusion category with prime dimension.
Integral Domains Whose w-Integral Closures Are Krull Domains
Authors: Chang Gyu Whan , Kim HwanKoo
Published: May 2020

Let D be an integral domain with quotient field K, [Formula: see text] be the integral closure of D in K, and D[w] be the w-integral closure of D in K; so [Formula: see text], and equality holds when D is Noetherian or dim(D) = 1. The Mori–Nagata theorem states that if D is Noetherian, then [Formula: see text] is a Krull domain; it has also been investigated when [Formula: see text] is a Dedekind domain. We study integral domains D such that D[w] is a Krull domain. We also provide an example of an integral domain D such that [Formula: see text], t-dim(D) = 1, [Formula: see text] is a Prüfer v-multiplication domain with t-dim([Formula: see text]) = 2, and D[w] is a UFD.
Embedding of Pre-Lie Algebras into Preassociative Algebras
Authors: Gubarev Vsevolod
Published: May 2020

With the help of Rota–Baxter operators and Gröbner–Shirshov bases, we prove that every pre-Lie algebra can be injectively embedded into its universal enveloping preassociative algebra.
Semipotent Rings Whose Unit Graphs Are Planar
Authors: Su Huadong , Wei Yangjiang
Published: May 2020

The unit graph of a ring is the simple graph whose vertices are the elements of the ring and where two distinct vertices are adjacent if and only if their sum is a unit of the ring. A simple graph is said to be planar if it can be drawn on the plane in such a way that its edges intersect only at their endpoints. In this note, we completely characterize the semipotent rings whose unit graphs are planar. As a consequence, we list all semilocal rings with planar unit graphs.
Homological Dimensions of Skew Group Rings
Authors: Xiang Yueming
Published: May 2020

Let R be a ring and let H be a subgroup of a finite group G. We consider the weak global dimension, cotorsion dimension and weak Gorenstein global dimension of the skew group ring RσG and its coefficient ring R. Under the assumption that RσG is a separable extension over RσH, it is shown that RσG and RσH share the same homological dimensions. Several known results are then obtained as corollaries. Moreover, we investigate the relationships between the homological dimensions of RσG and the homological dimensions of a commutative ring R, using the trivial RσG-module.
On f-Disjunctive Languages, f-Disjunctive Domains and Solid Codes
Authors: Leng Jing , Guo Yuqi , Shum K.P.
Published: May 2020

Every language is either the disjoint union or the intersection of two disjunctive languages. The family of f-disjunctive languages is a natural generalization of the family of disjunctive languages. Disjunctive domains (f-disjunctive domains) are defined as the languages which can be checked whether a given language is disjunctive (f-disjunctive) or not. The f-disjunctive domains were first studied by Guo et al. around 1986–1989. We continue their study on f-disjunctive domains. Some new results for f-disjunctive domains, containing a relation between disjunctive domains and f-disjunctive domains, are introduced. In this respect, we also make an appropriate opening for the completely dense languages and solid codes.
Harish-Chandra Modules of the Intermediate Series over the Topological N = 2 Superconformal Algebra
Authors: Yang Hengyun , Xu Ying , Sun Jiancai
Published: May 2020

The topological N = 2 superconformal algebra was introduced by Dijkgraaf, Verlinde and Verlinde as the symmetry algebra of topological strings at d < 1. We give a classification of irreducible 𝕫 × 𝕫-graded modules of the intermediate series over this infinite-dimensional Lie superalgebra.
Spontaneous Ordering of Oxide-Oxide Epitaxial Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Sun Xing , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2020

The emerging field of self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) thin films effectively enables strain, interface, and microstructure engineering as well as (multi)functional improvements in electric, magnetic, optical, and energy-related properties. Well-ordered or patterned microstructures not only empower VAN thin films with many new functionalities but also enable VAN thin films to be used in nanoscale devices. Comparative ordered devices formed via templating methods suffer from critical drawbacks of processing complexity and potential contamination. Therefore, VAN thin films with spontaneous ordering stand out and display many appealing features for next-generation technological devices, such as electronics, optoelectronics, ultrahigh-density memory systems, photonics, and 3D microbatteries. The spontaneous ordering described in this review contains ordered/patterned structures in both in-plane and out-of-plane directions. In particular, approaches to obtaining spontaneously ordered/patterned structures in-plane are systematically reviewedfrom both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. Out-of-plane ordering is also discussed in detail. In addition to reviewing the progress of VAN films with spontaneous ordering, this article also highlights some recent developments in spontaneous ordering approaches and proposes future directions.
Optimization of Speed Profile with RTA Constraints under Wind Uncertainty
Authors: Ye Lisha , Cao Li , Gong Shuli , Lu Jiyun
Published: May 2020

Four-dimensional (4D) trajectory is considered to be one of the effective means to reduce the environmental impact of aviation while increasing capacity and safety. This paper proposes an approach to optimize cruise speed profile subject to wind uncertainty, aiming to reduce the fuel burn complying with the Required Time of Arrival (RTA) constraints. The approach is based on a probabilistic framework, and the uncertainty propagation is analyzed using a Probability Transformation Method, and the probability distributions of arrival time and fuel consumption are determined. In addition, from an airborne operation perspective, transition profiles need to be considered in the reference speed optimization problem, aiming to improve the rationale of the reference trajectory. Numerical simulations are presented, and the results demonstrate that the speed profiles optimized by this method are able to meet the RTA constraints in the presence of wind uncertainty, with an average reduction of 7.04% in fuel consumption compared with that of the flight data.
Density Estimation System of Space Users Using High Frequencies of Speaker
Authors: Chung Myoungbeom
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose a density estimation system of user density at the closed space using high frequencies of speaker and microphone of smart device. High frequencies are sent to the closed space by the server speaker of the density estimation system, and smart devices located at the space detect the high frequencies via the microphone of each device. The smart devices detecting the high frequencies send data to the server system, and the system calculates data from the smart devices. To evaluate performance of the proposed system, we did some experiments with the density estimation system and 20 smart devices. According to the test results, the proposed system showed 96.5% accuracy, and we confirm that the system is very useful for density estimation. Therefore, this system can precisely estimate user density at the closed space, and it could be useful technology for the density estimation of space users and measurement of space using state at indoor space.
Strength Training and Insulin Resistance: The Mediating Role of Body Composition
Authors: Niemann McKayla J. , Tucker Larry A. , Bailey Bruce W. , Davidson Lance E.
Published: May 2020

The main objective of the present study was to assess the association between participation in strength training and insulin resistance. Another goal was to assess the influence of several potential confounding variables on the strength training and insulin resistance relationship. Lastly, the influence of waist circumference, fat-free mass (kg), body fat percentage, and the fat-free mass index on the association between strength training and insulin resistance was assessed. This cross-sectional study included 6,561 randomly selected men and women in the U.S. Data were collected using the precise protocol established by NHANES. HOMA-IR was used as the outcome variable to index insulin resistance. Both time spent strength training and frequency of strength training bouts were used as exposure variables. There was not a statistically significant relationship between strength training and insulin resistance in women. However, before and after controlling for 11 potential confounding variables, men who reported no strength training had significantly higher levels of HOMA-IR compared to men who reported moderate or high levels of strength training (F=9.87, P<0.0001). Odds ratios were also assessed. Men reporting no strength training had 2.42 times the odds of having insulin resistance compared to men reporting moderate levels of strength training (95% CI: 1.19-4.93). Similarly, men reporting no strength training had 2.50 times the odds of having insulin resistance compared to men reporting high levels of strength training (95% CI: 1.25-5.00). In conclusion, there was a strong relationship between strength training and insulin resistance in U.S. men, but not in U.S. women. Differences in waist circumference, fat-free mass (kg), body fat percentage, and the fat-free mass index, as well as demographic and lifestyle measures, do not appear to mediate the relationship. The present study was not a clinical trial.
International Classification of Functioning in professional rehabilitation: instruments for assessing work disability
Authors: Luna Juliana Scholtão , Monteiro Gina Torres Rego , Koifman Rosalina Jorge , Bergmann Anke
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE: To review the main instruments of functional assessment and health status cited in the literature to evaluate Brazilian workers and verify the compatibility of their items with the core set for professional rehabilitation. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted in the main databases in search of articles that used assessment instruments in populations of workers between 2007 and 2017. Subsequently, the contents of the identified instruments were retrieved, and two evaluators analyzed their items to verify the compatibility with the categories of the core set of the International Classification of Functioning for professional rehabilitation. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the agreement between the evaluators. RESULTS: Five specific and eight generic instruments were selected to evaluate the functioning of workers. The analysis of the items of the total instruments allowed the definition of 58 categories (64.5%) of the core set with minimal overlap: 13 (76.5%) of the body functions component, 29 (72.5%) of the activities and participation component and 16 (49%) environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The association of several instruments requires time and makes it difficult to use the classification. The development of instruments with direct association with its categories is essential to operationalize it.
Health belief model for coronavirus infection risk determinants
Authors: Costa Marcelo Fernandes
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE: To use the advantages of a ratio scale with verbal anchors in order to measure the risk perception in the novel coronavirus infection, which causes covid-19, in a health belief model-based questionnaire, as well as its validity and reproducibility. METHOD: We used the health belief model, which explores four dimensions: perceived susceptibility (five questions), perceived severity (five questions), perceived benefits (five questions), and perceived barriers (five questions). Additionally, we included a fifth dimension, called pro-health motivation (four questions). The questions composed an electronic questionnaire disseminated by social networks for an one-week period. Answers were quantitative values of subjective representations, obtained by a psychophysically constructed scale with verbal anchors ratio (CentiMax®). Mean time for total filling was 12 minutes (standard deviation = 1.6). RESULTS: We obtained 277 complete responses to the form. One was excluded because it belonged to a participant under 18 years old. Reproducibility measures were significant for 22 of the 24 questions in our questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.883). Convergent validity was attested by Spearman-Brown’s split half reliability coefficient (r = 0.882). Significant differences among groups were more intense in perceived susceptibility and severity dimensions, and less in perceived benefits and barriers. CONCLUSION: Our health belief model-based questionnaire using quantitative measures enabled the confirmation of popular beliefs about covid-19 infection risks. The advantage in our approach lays in the possibility of quickly, directly and quantitatively identifying individual belief profiles for each dimension in the questionnaire, serving as a great ally for communication processes and public health education.
Survival Differences in Men and Women With Primary Malignant Cardiac Tumor: An Analysis Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database From 1973 to 2015
Authors: Antwi‐Amoabeng Daniel , Meghji Zahara , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Ulanja Mark B. , Taha Mohamed , Adalja Devina , Al‐Khafaji Jaafar , Gullapalli Nageshwara , Beutler Bryce D. , Boampong‐Konam Killian , Doshi Rajkumar
Published: May 2020

Background

No data are available on sex disparities in prevalence and survival for primary malignant cardiac tumors (
PMCT
). This study aimed to compare male and female
PMCT
prevalence and long‐term survival rates.

Methods and Results

We utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (
SEER
) 18 database from the National Cancer Institute for all
PMCT
s diagnosed between 1973 and 2015. From a total of 7 384 580 cases of cancer registered in
SEER
, we identified 327 men and 367 women with
PMCT
s. The majority (78%) of patients were white. Sarcoma was the most common type of
PMCT
in both men and women (≈60%). Individuals diagnosed with lymphoma exhibited better survival than those with other types of
PMCT
s. Men were diagnosed at a younger age than women; however, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the sexes. Men diagnosed with
PMCT
between the ages of 51 and 65 years demonstrated prolonged survival compared with those diagnosed at younger or older ages. There was no difference in survival rates among women based on age at diagnosis.

Conclusions

PMCT
s are rare in both men and women. Tumors tend to be diagnosed at an earlier age in men compared with women, but there is no sex disparity in survival rate. Sarcoma is the most common type of
PMCT
, and lymphoma is associated with the highest survival rate among both sexes.
Evidence for G‐Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor as a Pronatriuretic Factor
Authors: Gohar Eman Y. , Daugherty Elizabeth M. , Aceves Jeffrey O. , Sedaka Randee , Obi Ijeoma E. , Allan J. Miller , Soliman Reham H. , Jin Chunhua , De Miguel Carmen , Lindsey Sarah H. , Pollock Jennifer S. , Pollock David M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The novel estrogen receptor, G‐protein–coupled estrogen receptor (
GPER
), is responsible for rapid estrogen signaling.
GPER
activation elicits cardiovascular and nephroprotective effects against salt‐induced complications, yet there is no direct evidence for
GPER
control of renal Na
+
handling. We hypothesized that
GPER
activation in the renal medulla facilitates Na
+
excretion.

Methods and Results

Herein, we show that infusion of the
GPER
agonist, G1, to the renal medulla increased Na
+
excretion in female Sprague Dawley rats, but not male rats. We found that
GPER mRNA
expression and protein abundance were markedly higher in outer medullary tissues from females relative to males. Blockade of
GPER
in the renal medulla attenuated Na
+
excretion in females. Given that medullary endothelin 1 is a well‐established natriuretic factor that is regulated by sex and sex steroids, we hypothesized that
GPER
activation promotes natriuresis via an endothelin 1–dependent pathway. To test this mechanism, we determined the effect of medullary infusion of G1 after blockade of endothelin receptors. Dual endothelin receptor subtype A and endothelin receptor subtype B antagonism attenuated G1‐induced natriuresis in females. Unlike males, female mice with genetic deletion of GPER had reduced endothelin 1, endothelin receptor subtype A, and endothelin receptor subtype B
mRNA
expression compared with wild‐type controls. More important, we found that systemic
GPER
activation ameliorates the increase in mean arterial pressure induced by ovariectomy.

Conclusions

Our data uncover a novel role for renal medullary
GPER
in promoting Na
+
excretion via an endothelin 1–dependent pathway in female rats, but not in males. These results highlight
GPER
as a potential therapeutic target for salt‐sensitive hypertension in postmenopausal women.
Nonlethal Inhibition of Gut Microbial Trimethylamine N‐oxide Production Improves Cardiac Function and Remodeling in a Murine Model of Heart Failure
Authors: Organ Chelsea L. , Li Zhen , Sharp Thomas E. , Polhemus David J. , Gupta Nilaksh , Goodchild Traci T. , Tang W. H. Wilson , Hazen Stanley L. , Lefer David J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Patients at increased risk for coronary artery disease and adverse prognosis during heart failure exhibit increased levels of circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide (
TMAO
), a metabolite formed in the metabolism of dietary phosphatidylcholine. We investigated the efficacy of dietary withdrawal of
TMAO
as well as use of a gut microbe‐targeted inhibitor of
TMAO
production, on cardiac function and structure during heart failure.

Methods and Results

Male C57
BLK
/6J mice were fed either control diet, a diet containing
TMAO
(0.12% wt/wt), a diet containing choline (1% wt/wt), or a diet containing choline (1% wt/wt) plus a microbial choline trimethylamine lyase inhibitor, iodomethylcholine (0.06% wt/wt), starting 3 weeks before transverse aortic constriction. At 6 weeks after transverse aortic constriction, a subset of animals in the
TMAO
group were switched to a control diet for the remainder of the study. Left ventricular structure and function were monitored at 3‐week intervals. Withdrawal of
TMAO
from the diet attenuated adverse ventricular remodeling and improved cardiac function compared with the
TMAO
group. Similarly, inhibiting gut microbial conversion of choline to
TMAO
with a choline trimethylamine lyase inhibitor, iodomethylcholine, improved remodeling and cardiac function compared with the choline‐fed group.

Conclusions

These experimental findings are clinically relevant, and they demonstrate that
TMAO
levels are modifiable following long‐term exposure periods with either dietary withdrawal of
TMAO
or gut microbial blockade of
TMAO
generation. Furthermore, these therapeutic strategies to reduce circulating
TMAO
levels mitigate the negative effects of dietary choline and
TMAO
in heart failure.
AUB‐HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index: Performance in Surgical Subpopulations and Comparison to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index
Authors: Dakik Habib A. , Sbaity Eman , Msheik Ahmad , Kaspar Chris , Eldirani Mahmoud , Chehab Omar , Abou Hassan Ossama , Mailhac Aurelie , Makki Maha , Tamim Hani
Published: May 2020

Background

The American University of Beirut (
AUB
)‐
HAS
2 Cardiovascular Risk Index is a newly derived index for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation. It is based on 6 data elements: history of heart disease; symptoms of angina or dyspnea; age ≥75 years; hemoglobin <12 mg/
dL
; vascular surgery; and emergency surgery. In this study we analyze the performance of this new index and compare it with that of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in a broad spectrum of surgical subpopulations.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 1 167 278 noncardiac surgeries registered in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Each patient was given an
AUB
‐
HAS
2 score of 0, 1, 2, 3, or >3, depending on the number of data elements present. The performance of the
AUB
‐
HAS
2 index was studied in 9 surgical specialty groups and in 8 commonly performed site‐specific surgeries. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for the
AUB
‐
HAS
2 and Revised Cardiac Risk Index measures, and the areas under the curve were compared. The outcome measure was death, myocardial infarction, or stroke at 30 days after surgery. The
AUB
‐
HAS
2 score was able to stratify risk in all surgical subgroups (
P
<0.001). In the majority of surgeries, patients with an
AUB
‐
HAS
2 score of 0 had an event rate of <0.5%. The performance of the
AUB
‐
HAS
2 index was superior to that of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in all surgical subgroups (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

This study extends the validation of the
AUB
‐
HAS
2 index to a broad spectrum of surgical subpopulations and demonstrates its superior discriminatory power compared with the commonly utilized Revised Cardiac Risk Index.
A Framework Convention for the Protection of the Environment in Times of Armed Conflict
Authors: Smith Tara
Published: May 2020

At its seventy-first session in 2019, the International Law Commission (ilc) provisionally adopted twenty-eight draft principles related to the protection of the environment before, during and after armed conflict. This article argues that the ilc ought to consider proposing a framework convention as the final outcome of this project, as this could result in better protection of the environment than draft principles. Framework conventions have featured in international environmental law but they have not yet been used to progressively develop the law of armed conflict. This article argues that the hybrid legal nature of protecting the environment during the conduct of hostilities ought to incorporate solutions from relevant fields of international law. To that end, there are many merits to proposing a framework convention approach in the final outcome of the ilc’s programme of work on this issue.
Plato on Recognition of Political Leaders: the Importance of Mirrored Character Traits
Authors: Catana Leo
Published: May 2020

This article argues for two inter-related theses keyed to Plato’s Gorgias. (I) Callicles does not represent a constitutional form, but political participation itself, characterised by ambition, competition among political candidates, and the psychological and ethical mechanisms entailed in the process of gaining political recognition. (II) According to Socrates’s understanding, the political leader’s mirroring and internalisation of dominant character traits, held amongst those individuals transferring power, is decisive to the approval bestowed upon the political leader in question. This reading supplements that of Ober, who has claimed that the would-be political leader’s conformity with the demos’ ideology is decisive. This article argues that Socrates’ point is that a would-be political leader needs to mirror the character traits of those exercising power in specific civic institutions, implying a more pluralistic and context-determined approach. Moreover, this reading connects Socrates’ notion of recognition with that of moral psychology.
Rethinking the timescape of home: Domestic practices in time and space
Authors: Liu Chen
Published: May 2020

Although geographers have long argued that time and space are interwoven in everyday life, far less attention has been paid to complex and multiplex connections among temporal rhythms/cycles, the experience of temporal relations and a sense of temporal modalities in the domestic sphere. This article harnesses the notion of ‘timescape’, which emphasises the association between practices in space and time, to seek the time-spaces and temporalities in the domestic. It argues that geographies of home need to pay more attention to the links across everyday time and temporality, life-time and large-scale time and their wider implications in diverse contexts.
Severe pneumonia in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Peng Lingli , Wang Yaling , Zhao Lin , Chen Ting , Huang Anbin
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with severe pneumonia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from China.

Method

We performed a retrospective study in 112 hospitalized SLE patients who had had pneumonia for 8 years. The primary outcome was severe pneumonia, followed by descriptive analysis, group comparison and bivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 28 SLE patients were diagnosed with severe pneumonia, with a ratio of 5:23 between men and women. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.36 ± 12.389 years. The median disease duration was 72 months, and the median SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI 2K) score was 8. The haematological system was the most affected, with an incidence of anaemia in 85.7% of cases and thrombocytopenia in 75% of cases, followed by lupus nephritis in 50% of cases and central nervous system involvement in 10.71% of cases. Cultured sputum specimens were positive in 17 (68%) SLE patients with severe pneumonia, of whom nine (36%) were cases of fungal infection, five (20%) were cases of bacterial infection and three (12%) were cases of mixed infection. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we concluded that a daily dosage of prednisone (>10 mg; odds ratio (OR) = 3.193, p = 0.005), a low percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes (OR = 0.909, p = 0.000), a high SLEDAI 2K score (OR = 1.182, p = 0.001) and anaemia (OR = 1.182, p = 0.001) were all independent risk factors for pneumonia in SLE patients, while a low percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes (OR = 0.908, p = 0.033), a daily dose of prednisone of >10 mg (OR = 35.67, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for severe pneumonia in SLE patients.

Conclusion

Severe pneumonia is not rare in lupus, and is associated with high mortality and poor prognosis. Monitoring CD4+ T-cell counts and giving a small dose of glucocorticoids can reduce the occurrence of severe pneumonia and improve the prognosis of patients with lupus.
Monetary Surprises and Global Financial Flows: A Case Study of Latin America
Authors: Fischer Eric
Published: May 2020

This article examines the effect of Federal Reserve announcements on global financial flows to Latin America since the Global Financial Crisis. The Federal Reserve announcements are classified using daily measures of expectations from a shadow rate term structure model as easing (unexpected), tightening (unexpected), easing (expected), and tightening (expected). This classification is then used for an event study on daily global financial flows classified by asset class (debt, equity), currency (all currencies, hard currency, local currency), and region (Latin America, Brazil, and Mexico). The results suggest easing (unexpected) and tightening (unexpected) announcements cause debt outflows but have no effect on equity flows to Latin America. Local currency debt flows to Latin America are more sensitive than the hard currency debt flows and Brazil is the country in Latin America that responds most to these announcements.

JEL Classification: F32, G14, G15, N26
Haleeb: Rejuvenating the Market Leader of the Past
Authors: Usman Umair , Ashraf Rohail , Khan Muhammad Asif
Published: May 2020

With over a decade-long absence from the market, Haleeb Foods Limited had decided to relaunch its flagship brand ‘Haleeb’ within the processed milk category. While the enthusiasm was high, the fact that Haleeb was returning to the market after a decade posed serious challenges for the branding team. The product category and customer expectations had evolved over the years and strong competitors, that is, Olper’s (Engro Foods Limited) and MilkPak (Nestle), had emerged. Haleeb’s branding team had to decide on how to take the brand forward after being absent from the mainstream.
Applying an educative approach to engage stakeholder values in evaluations of STEM research and education programmes
Authors: Reid Aileen M
Published: May 2020

Stakeholder values regarding a programme’s worth and their own principles or standards can aid or impede an evaluation. The evaluator’s challenge and responsibility is to successfully engage multiple stakeholder value orientations in the evaluation process. Stakeholder engagement is essential within evaluations of programmes aimed at broadening participation of underrepresented individuals and institutions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This article describes an educative approach to engage stakeholder values within evaluations of STEM research and education programmes funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Reflections and implications for evaluation theory and practice applicable to any STEM evaluation context, and more broadly to the field of evaluation, are discussed.
“Body as a Machine”: How Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease Construct Their Fatigue Experiences
Authors: Poku Brenda Agyeiwaa , Caress Ann-Louise , Kirk Susan
Published: May 2020

Research exploring illness experiences of young people with sickle cell disease (SCD) has, to date, ignored fatigue, despite the distinctive anemic nature of SCD. To examine adolescents with SCD fatigue experiences, we conducted narrative and picture-elicitation interviews with 24 adolescents in Ghana. A grounded theory, “body as a machine,” was constructed from the narratives. Fatigue represented the most restrictive and disruptive aspect of growing up with SCD. Its meaning and significance laid in what it symbolized. Fatigue represented a socially undesirable feature that was stigmatizing, due to the expectations of high physicality in adolescence. Fatigue was therefore a major threat to “normalcy.” The social significance of the physical body and its capacities shaped the adolescents’ fatigue experiences. Managing fatigue to construct/maintain socially acceptable identities dominated the adolescents’ lives. Consequently, there is a need for a recognition of the significance of fatigue to adequately support young people growing up with SCD.
An Industry Survey With Focus on Cardiovascular Safety Pharmacology Study Design and Data Interpretation
Authors: Authier Simon , Abernathy Matthew M. , Correll Krystle , Chui Ray W. , Dalton Jill , Foley C. Michael , Friedrichs Gregory S. , Koerner John E. , Kallman Mary-Jeanne , Pannirselvam Malar , Redfern William S. , Urmaliya Vijay , Valentin Jean-Pierre , Wisialowski Todd , Zabka Tanja S. , Pugsley Michael K.
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

The Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS) conducted a membership survey to examine industry practices related mainly to cardiovascular (CV) safety pharmacology (SP).

Methods:

Questions addressed nonclinical study design, data analysis methods, drug-induced effects, and conventional and novel CV assays.

Results:

The most frequent therapeutic area targeted by drugs developed by the companies/institutions that employ survey responders was oncology. The most frequently observed drug-mediated effects included an increased heart rate, increased arterial blood pressure, hERG (IKr) block, decreased arterial blood pressure, decreased heart rate, QTc prolongation, and changes in body temperature. Broadly implemented study practices included Latin square crossover study design with n = 4 for nonrodent CV studies, statistical analysis of data (eg, analysis of variance), use of arrhythmia detection software, and the inclusion of data from all study animals when integrating SP studies into toxicology studies. Most responders frequently used individual animal housing conditions. Responders commonly evaluated drug effects on multiple ion channels, but in silico modeling methods were used much less frequently. Most responders rarely measured the J-Tpeak interval in CV studies. Uncertainties relative to Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data applications for data derived from CV SP studies were common. Although available, the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes remains rare. The respiratory SP study was rarely involved with identifying drug-induced functional issues. Responders indicated that the study-derived no observed effect level was more frequently determined than the no observed adverse effect level in CV SP studies; however, a large proportion of survey responders used neither.
The Deterioration of the Spanish Youth Labour Market (1985–2015): An Interdisciplinary Case Study
Authors: Úbeda Miquel , Cabasés M. Àngels , Sabaté Malena , Strecker Tanja
Published: May 2020

The Spanish labour market is notorious for its high unemployment rate and its exceptionally high youth unemployment rate, job insecurity, impermanence and underemployment. This article presents a systematic analysis of the Spanish labour market’s deterioration process, in particular focusing on the youth labour market. It combines historic reviews with statistical analyses of data from official sources, like the Continuous Sample of Working Lives (CSWL), through different econometric models. The procedure consists of three steps: (a) first, a historical estimation to facilitate the systematic selection of the statistics, in this case contracts taken from a large sample of the Spanish workforce over the period 1985–2015; (b) econometric modelling of relevant indicators, in this case the average annual income, daily working hours and average length of contract; and (c) an analysis of the identified trends and conjuncture regarding precarious work and gender inequality.
Enhancement of oxidative stability and cold flow properties of coconut oil using natural antioxidant additives for development of bio-lubricant
Authors: Kumar S Anoop , Suresh Gautham , Hariprasad V , Deepak GS , Akhil PS
Published: May 2020

Coconut oil is less preferred for lubrication purposes, particularly, in high-temperature applications, due to their low thermal stability. Chemical additives for improvements tend to make coconut oil less bio-sustainable and more hazardous. Using natural antioxidants for enhancing oxidative stability has been successfully implemented in food industry. The present study investigates the application of three natural additives – ginger, black pepper and garlic, as possible substitutes for chemical additives in enhancing lubrication properties of coconut oil. In addition to enhancing thermal stability, these natural additives mixed in small proportions could help bring down pour point of coconut oil. Adding traces of food additive, propylene glycol, lubricant samples showed impressive performance in terms of viscosity, friction and wear.
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine: Founding Principles and Current Achievements
Authors: Lawson Rob
Published: May 2020

The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine in the United Kingdom was first established in 2016 partly in response to the ‘sick man of Europe’ tag applied to our nations due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Today it is contributing to the growing momentum and growing realisation that a new approach is vital for our Nations’ health.
From Open Access to Open Science: The Path From Scientific Reality to Open Scientific Communication
Authors: Heise Christian , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: May 2020

Although opening up of research is considered an appropriate and trend-setting model for future scientific communication, it can still be difficult to put open science into practice. How open and transparent can a scientific work be? This article investigates the potential to make all information and the whole work process of a qualification project such as a doctoral thesis comprehensively and freely accessible on the internet with an open free license both in the final form and completely traceable in development. The answer to the initial question, the self-experiment and the associated demand for openness, posed several challenges for a doctoral student, the institution, and the examination regulations, which are still based on the publication of an individually written and completed work that cannot be viewed by the public during the creation process. In the case of data and other documents, publication is usually not planned even after completion. This state of affairs in the use of open science in the humanities will be compared with open science best practices in the physical sciences. The reasons and influencing factors for open developments in science and research are presented, empirically and experimentally tested in the development of the first completely open humanities-based PhD thesis. The results of this two-part study show that it is possible to publish everything related to the doctoral study, qualification, and research process as soon as possible, as comprehensively as possible, and under an open license.
Walkability 101: A Multi-Method Assessment of the Walkability at a University Campus
Authors: King Sarah B. , Kaczynski Andrew T. , Knight Wilt Jacqueline , Stowe Ellen W.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate objective and perceived campus walkability as an environmental support for physical activity within a large Southeastern university. Ten university routes were evaluated twice for 24 key walkability characteristics. Eighty-three campus member surveys (62 students, 21 faculty/staff) were administered and assessed campus members’ familiarity with walkability, attitudes about walking as a form of physical activity, and perceptions of whether specific elements of the campus layout encouraged physical activity. At least 90% of routes had sidewalks, curb cuts, and crosswalks. Likewise, over 85% of participants perceived the campus layout to encourage physical activity. Faculty/staff members were more familiar with the term walkability and considered walking as a form of physical activity than students ( p < .05). Both campus members’ perceptions and environmental audits identified strengths and weaknesses for diverse walkability attributes. Results will be used to improve campus infrastructure and promote increased walking and physical activity at the university.
A Meta-Analysis of Special Education Teachers’ Burnout
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Shin Mikyung
Published: May 2020

This meta-analysis verifies associations between three dimensions of special education teachers’ (SET) burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and student-, teacher-, and school-related variables. Altogether, 28 peer-reviewed English articles and 13 dissertations (total sample of teachers = 6,623) published between 1983 and December 2018 were analyzed. The degree of correlation effect sizes between special education teachers’ burnout and its related variables was extensive. Results revealed distinct relations by each burnout dimension: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment and student-, teacher-, and school-related variables. Student age (Fisher’s Z = .316) was significantly associated with SET depersonalization. Self-efficacy (Fisher’s Z = −0.390, emotional exhaustion; −0.321, depersonalization; 0.633, personal accomplishment), stress (0.366, emotional exhaustion; 0.340, depersonalization; −0.110 personal accomplishment), and support from school personnel (−0.119, emotional exhaustion; −0.140, depersonalization; 0.172, personal accomplishment) were also significantly related to each burnout dimension. Support programs to relieve SET burnout must consider these variables.
The Mechanism of Word-of-Mouth for Tourist Destinations in Crisis
Authors: Xu Feng , Niu Wenxia , Li Shuaishuai , Bai Yuli
Published: May 2020

In an era of mobile internet, word-of-mouth marketing has become a powerful tool for optimizing tourist destination marketing. Extensive research studies on the mechanism of word-of-mouth have been carried out. However, there is little research on the mechanism of word-of-mouth concerning tourist destinations in crisis. This article focuses on the influence mechanism of word-of-mouth in the relationship between perceived images and behavioral intentions. A structural equation model was established, with “perceived image” as the independent variable, “word-of-mouth” and “psychological distance” as mediating variables, and “behavioral intention” as the dependent variable. Our study is based on a survey in Southern Xinjiang. The final results show that word-of-mouth plays a mediating role in the relationship between perceived image and behavioral intentions. The moderating effect of word-of-mouth plays two roles in the mechanism of the perceived image on the behavioral intention: the promotion mechanism and the repression mechanism. Tourists’ sense of psychological distance significantly mediates the relationship between perceived image and behavioral intention. The findings enrich word-of-mouth and the marketing theories for the destinations in crisis, which provide enlightening insights for the sustainable development of the destinations in crisis.
Identification of Measurement Variables for Understanding Vulnerability to Education Inequality in Developing Countries: A Conceptual Article
Authors: Obasuyi Folorunso Obayemi Temitope , Rasiah Rajah , Chenayah Santha
Published: May 2020

The article reviews the concept of vulnerability and develops a framework for vulnerability to education inequality (VEI). It further reviews the concept of education inequality and develops a framework for the cumulative measuring instruments of inequality of education. The schooling vulnerability processes are developed to understand the migration of susceptible children in susceptible compartment to tragedy compartment and later migrate to resilience compartment. For statistical testing, the article develops tangible hypotheses arising from the VEI framework. These theoretical hypotheses could serve as valuable guidelines for predicting the degree of susceptibility that triggers the prevalence of inequality of education among the school-age children. The findings show that the VEI framework contains various stimuli, arranged in cubicles, attributable to within-education (WE), socioeconomic status (SES), and school physical environmental (SPE) stimulus. Consequently, a VEI structural model (VEISM) is proposed, representing a structural equation framework that captures the latent and manifest indicators of the VEI cubicles. Because intervention was built into the VEI framework, the mediation and moderation effects are captured in the VEISM for examination. Nevertheless, further research should be concentrated on macroeconomic indicators, for example, sociopolitical instability, war and economic upturn risks that could trigger a school-age child been vulnerable to education inequality. Finally, susceptibility → tragedy → resilience discovered in the article, with epidemiological properties, requiring a further mathematical and epidemiological modeling.
Traffic Safety Factors in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Tit Ahmad A. , Ben Dhaou Imed , Albejaidi Fahad M. , Alshitawi Mohammed S.
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the factors that affect traffic safety in the Qassim region. A questionnaire was developed on the basis of the Handbook of road safety and consisted of 85 items measuring seven dimensions: area-wide traffic calming (22 items), vehicle design and protective devices (26 items), road design (24 items), road maintenance (three items), traffic education (four items), police campaigns and sanctions (three items), and post-accident care (three items). A sample encompassing 1,500 Qassim University students, and visitors was randomly selected to collect data. A total of 1,500 questionnaires were distributed to students, and visitors of which 1,053 were retrieved. The elimination of data outliers resulted in a sample of 909 subjects. The results pointed out a moderate level of traffic safety in the Qassim region. Furthermore, 10 leading causes of road traffic accidents emerged, namely, excess speed, irregular bypasses, irregular rotations, lack of prioritization of other drivers, irregular stops, lack of road readiness, driver carelessness, use of a mobile phone while driving, noncompliance with traffic signals, and, finally, nonuse of seat belts. On the basis of these results, conclusions and policy implications were provided.