bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-Mode Photovoltaic Bidirectional Inverter Operation for Seamless Power Transfer to DC and AC Loads with the Grid Interface
Authors: Srikanth M. , Pakkiraiah B. , Upadhyay Poonam , Kalyani S. Tara
Published: December 2019

This paper develops the photovoltaic bidirectional inverter (BI) operated in dual mode for the seamless power transfer to DC and AC loads. Normal photovoltaic (PV) output voltage is fed to boost converter, but in space application, boost converter is not so preferable. To overcome this, buck and boost converters are proposed in this paper. Duty cycle to this converter is provided with the help of the outcome of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. This can be implemented by using perturbation and observation method. The MPPT will operate the switch between buck and boost modes. When the output voltage of a PV array is close to the dc bus voltage, then the bidirectional inverter can fulfill both rectification and grid connected mode. To control the power flow between dc bus and ac grid, a dc distribution system is used to regulate the dc bus voltage to a convinced level. Moreover, the bidirectional inverter must fulfill grid connection (sell power) and rectification (buy power) with power factor correction (PFC) to control the power flow between dc bus and ac grid. The simulations and hardware experimental results of a 2.5 kVA circuit are presented to validate the performance of the proposed dual-mode seamless power transfer.
Tumor Microenvironment in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Role and Prognosis
Authors: Cioroianu Alexandra Ioana , Stinga Patricia Irina , Sticlaru Liana , Cioplea Mirela Daniela , Nichita Luciana , Popp Cristiana , Staniceanu Florica
Published: December 2019

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents 30-40% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and is a disease with an aggressive behavior. Because about one-third of DLBCL patients will be refractory or resistant to standard therapy, several studies focused on identification of new individual prognostic and risk stratification biomarkers and new potential therapeutic targets. In contrast to other types of cancers like carcinomas, where tumor microenvironment was widely investigated, its role in DLBCL pathogenesis and patient survival is still poorly understood, although few studies had promising results. The composition of TME and its interaction with neoplastic cells may explain the role of several genes (beta2-microglobulin gene, CD58 gene), receptor-like programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), or other cell components (Treg) in tumor evasion of immune surveillance, resulting in tumor progression. Also, it was found that “gene expression profile” of the microenvironmental cells, the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), the expression of matricellular proteins like SPARC and fibronectin, the overexpression of several types of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) like MMP-2 and MMP-9, or the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may lead to a favorable or adverse outcome. With this review, we try to highlight the influence of microenvironment components over lymphoid clone progression and their prognostic impact in DLBCL patients.
A New CDK9 Inhibitor on the Block to Treat Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Alcon Clara , Manzano-Muñoz Albert , Montero Joan
Published: December 2019

CDK9-specific inhibition with AZD4573 impairs cancer-promoting gene expression such as MCL-1 and has been proven effective in hematologic malignancies preclinical models. This new clinical candidate should be further explored in the clinic not only as a monotherapy but also in combination with BH3 mimetics to prevent treatment resistance.

See related article by Cidado et al., p. 922
Blood Pressure Variability and Incidence of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lee So-Ryoung , Choi You-Jung , Choi Eue-Keun , Han Kyung-Do , Lee Euijae , Cha Myung-Jin , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: December 2019

Blood pressure variability is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and incident AF. This population-based cohort study used database from the Health Screening Cohort, which contained a complete set of medical claims and a biannual health checkup information of the Koran population. A total of 8 063 922 individuals who had at least 3 health checkups with blood pressure measurement between 2004 and 2010 were collected after excluding subjects with preexisting AF. Blood pressure variability was defined as variability independence of the mean and was divided into 4 quartiles. During a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, 140 086 subjects were newly diagnosed with AF. The highest blood pressure variability (fourth quartile) was associated with an increased risk of AF (hazard ratio, 95% CI; systolic blood pressure: 1.06, 1.05–1.08; diastolic blood pressure: 1.07, 1.05–1.08) compared with the lowest (first quartile). Among subjects in the fourth quartile in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability, the risk of AF was 7.6% higher than those in the first quartile. Moreover, this result was consistent in both patients with or without prevalent hypertension. In subgroup analysis, the impact of high blood pressure variability on AF development was stronger in high-risk subjects, who were older (≥65 years), with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease. Our findings demonstrated that higher blood pressure variability was associated with a modestly increased risk of AF.
Maternal Vascular Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum After Assisted Reproduction
Authors: von Versen-Höynck Frauke , Häckl Sebastian , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda , Conrad Kirk P. , Baker Valerie L. , Winn Virginia D.
Published: December 2019

Although most pregnancies after assisted reproduction are associated with a favorable outcome for the mother and infant, reports of abnormal vascular adaptation in early pregnancy and emerging maternal and perinatal pathology warrant further investigations. Herein we extended our previous work and further examined whether perturbations of blood pressure and endothelial function during the first trimester in conceptions with nonphysiological corpus luteum (CL) numbers would persist through the third trimester of pregnancy and into the postpartum period. We investigated both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Participants were grouped according to CL number and method of conception: 0 CL (programmed autologous frozen-thawed embryo transfer, N=10–18); 1 CL (spontaneous conception [N=16] and natural cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer [N=12]); or >3 CL associated with autologous fresh embryo transfer [N=8–12]. Augmentation index was higher during the third trimester in the absence of a CL compared to 1 CL (
P
=0.03) and in frozen-thawed embryo transfer in a programmed compared to a natural cycle (
P
=0.02). Moreover, baseline pulse-wave amplitude was higher in >3 CL conceptions at all time points (all
P
<0.05). The incidence of preeclampsia and preeclampsia with severe features was significantly higher in the absence of a CL compared to the presence of one or >3 CL (
P
=0.045 and
P
=0.03). Infants from conceptions with >3 CL had lower birth weights (
P
=0.02) and a higher rate of low birth weight offspring (
P
=0.008). Deficient vascular adaptation during early gestation in conceptions with nonphysiological CL numbers might predispose women to adverse pregnancy outcomes, for example, preeclampsia.
Long‐Term Comparison Between Pulmonary Homograft Versus Bioprosthesis for Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Cocomello Lucia , Meloni Marco , Rapetto Filippo , Baquedano Mai , Ordoñez Maria Victoria , Biglino Giovanni , Bucciarelli‐Ducci Chiara , Parry Andrew , Stoica Serban , Caputo Massimo
Published: December 2019

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot repair results in late occurrence of pulmonary regurgitation, which requires pulmonary valve replacement in a large proportion of patients. Both homografts and bioprostheses are used for pulmonary valve replacement as uncertainty remains on which prosthesis should be considered superior. We performed a long‐term imaging and clinical comparison between these 2 strategies.

Methods and Results

We compared echocardiographic and clinical follow‐up data of 209 patients with previous tetralogy of Fallot repair who underwent pulmonary valve replacement with homograft (n=75) or bioprosthesis (n=134) between 1995 and 2018 at a tertiary hospital. The primary end point was the composite of pulmonary valve replacement reintervention and structural valve deterioration, defined as a transpulmonary pressure decrease ≥50 mm Hg or pulmonary regurgitation degree of ≥2. Mixed linear model and Cox regression model were used for comparisons. Echocardiographic follow‐up duration was longer in the homograft group (8 [interquartile range, 4–12] versus 4 [interquartile range, 3–6] years;
P
<0.001). At the latest echocardiographic follow‐up, homografts showed a significantly lower transpulmonary systolic pressure decrease (16 [interquartile range, 12–25] mm Hg) when compared with bioprostheses (28 [interquartile range, 18–41] mm Hg; mixed model
P
<0.001) and a similar degree of pulmonary regurgitation (degree 0‐4) (1 [interquartile range, 0–2] versus 2 [interquartile range, 0–2]; mixed model
P
=0.19). At 9 years, freedom from structural valve deterioration and reintervention was 81.6% (95%
CI
, 71.5%–91.6%) versus 43.4% (95%
CI
, 23.6%–63.2%) in the homograft and bioprosthesis groups, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.27; 95%
CI
, 0.13–0.55;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

When compared with bioprostheses, pulmonary homografts were associated lower transvalvular gradient during follow‐up and were associated with a significantly lower risk of reintervention or structural valve degeneration.
Does Knowing Your FICO Score Change Financial Behavior? Evidence from a Field Experiment with Student Loan Borrowers
Authors: Homonoff Tatiana , O'Brien Rourke , Sussman Abigail B.
Published: December 2019

One in five consumer credit accounts incurs late fees each quarter. Evidence on the efficacy of regulations to improve behavior through enhanced disclosure of financial product attributes is mixed. We test a novel form of disclosure that provides borrowers with a personalized measure of their creditworthiness. In a field experiment with over 400,000 student loan borrowers, treatment group members received communications about the availability of their FICO Score. The intervention significantly reduced late payments and increased borrowers' FICO Scores. Survey data show treatment group members were less likely to overestimate their FICO Scores, suggesting the intervention may correct for overoptimism.
Entomotourism: The Allure of the Arthropod
Authors: Lemelin Raynald Harvey , Boileau Elizabeth Y. S. , Russell Constance
Published: December 2019

Wildlife tourism is often associated with charismatic megafauna in the public imagination (e.g., safaris, whale watching, bear viewing). Entomotourism (insect-focused tourism) typically is not on the radar, but each year thousands of peoples visit monarch butterfly congregations and glow worm caves, and participate in guided firefly outings. Elsewhere, millions of peoples visit butterfly pavilions, insectariums, and bee museums. Calculations of visitation numbers aside, researchers in tourism studies have largely ignored the appeal of these animals, relegating these types of activities to the recreational fringe. By highlighting the popularity of entomotourism, this article challenges the vertebrate bias prevalent in the social sciences and seeks to move entomotourism from the margins to the mainstream of research on tourism in human/animal studies.
A unique mating pattern of Panorpodes kuandianensis (Mecoptera: Panorpodidae)
Authors: Tong Xin , Jiang Lu , Hua Bao-Zhen
Published: December 2019

Sexually reproductive insects exhibit diverse mating behaviors. However, the mating pattern remains unknown for Panorpodes of Panorpodidae to date. In this study, we investigated the mating behavior and copulatory mechanism of the short-faced scorpionfly Panorpodes kuandianensis Zhong, Zhang and Hua, 2011 for the first time. The results show that the male provides a salivary mass as a nuptial gift to the female and starts to copulate with the female in a V-shaped position, then changes to an end-to-end position by temporarily twisting the female abdominal segments VII−IX by 180°. During mating the basal processes and the basal teeth of the gonostyli and the hypandrium are used to obtain copulation and sustain the coupling of genitalia to secure successful sperm transfer. This unique mating pattern is greatly different from that of other Mecoptera reported and is likely evolved as an adaptation in the context of sexual conflict.
Molecular systematics of Haploginglymus, a genus of subterranean amphipods endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Amphipoda: Niphargidae)
Authors: Jurado-Rivera José A. , Álvarez Genaro , Caro José A. , Juan Carlos , Pons Joan , Jaume Damià
Published: December 2019

The molecular systematics of the subterranean amphipod genus Haploginglymus is addressed through the phylogenetic analysis of three DNA gene fragments (nuclear ribosomal 28S and protein- coding Histone 3, plus mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I). We take advantage of the description of a new species from southern Spain (Haploginglymus geos sp. nov.) to assess the singularity of this genus endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and the inclusion of the morphologically aberrant H. morenoi within Haploginglymus. Our results corroborate the monophyly of the family Niphargidae but shows Niphargus to be paraphyletic as it currently stands, with Haploginglymus appearing nested within it. A strongly supported sister-group relationship between niphargids and the (thalassoid) pseudoniphargids is recovered as well, but we propose the Niphargidae should continue to be considered as a primary limnic group for biogeographic purposes despite its presumed marine derivation. Our findings are in agreement with previous studies that suggest the family Niphargidae originated in the late Cretaceous in the NE Atlantic, from where it eventually expanded across continental Europe.
Comparative vegetative anatomy of the genera Grammosciadium, Caropodium and Vinogradovia (Apiaceae) in Turkey

Authors: MAVİ İDMAN DUDU ÖZLEM , KARAKAYA MUHAMMET ALİ , ULUSOY FATMA , BANİ BARIŞ
Published: December 2019

This study includes the anatomical characters of the vegetative organs (stems, leaf sheats and leaf segments) of the genera Grammosciadium, Caropodium and Vinogradovia. All samples, collected from different localities in Turkey, were sectioned from the same part of the corresponding tissue. The results show that, although those three genera are closely related based on the studied characters, several features (such as the wing appearance, the presence of sclerenchyma above floem and the collenchyma under the epidermal layer of the stems) are the most prominent characters for genera differentiation. Similarly, the leaf sheath and leaf segments shown anatomical similarities, but they display remarkable differences in size that help to distinguish among genera.
Loaches of Homatula (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the upper Salween River in Yunnan, China with description of three new species
Authors: LI XU , CHE XING-JIN , ZHOU WEI
Published: December 2019

Seven loaches of Homatula are distributed in a narrow geographical area between the upper Black River (or Song Da in Vietnam, that is a major tributary of the Red River, including the tributaries Lixian-jiang and Tengtiao-jiang in Yunnan, China) and the upper Salween River drainage (including tributaries of the Nu-jiang and Nanding-he, the latter is a major tributary of the Salween River in Yunnan, China). These seven species are distinguished from other Homatula by the combination of having the body densely-scaled, the lateral line complete, and a short adipose crest along the dorsal midline of the caudal peduncle that does not reach the posterior end of anal-fin base or does not extend beyond the middle of the anal-fin base. Based on a comparison with the described species of the densely-scaled group of Homatula, we can confirm that the specimens collected from the Nu-jiang drainage in western Yunnan are different from known species and are described herein as Homatula anteridorsalis sp. nov., Homatula cryptoclathrata sp. nov., and Homatula nigra sp. nov.
Three new Brazilian species of the sharpshooter genus Amblyscarta Stål, 1869 and redescription of A. unifasciata (Fabricius, 1803) comb. nov.
(Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)
Authors: MEJDALANI GABRIEL , DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE C. , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY R.
Published: December 2019

Three new Brazilian species of the sharpshooter genus Amblyscarta Stål, 1869 are described and illustrated: A. elianeae sp. nov. (states of Paraná and Minas Gerais), A. souzalopesi sp. nov. (State of Rio de Janeiro), and A. pinna sp. nov. (State of Mato Grosso). The first two species are from the Atlantic Forest, whereas the third is from the Amazon Forest. Cicada unifasciata Fabricius, 1803 is redescribed and transferred to Amblyscarta based on specimens from Guyana and northern Brazil (Amazon Forest). This Fabrician species is the type of the monobasic genus Strictogonia Melichar, 1926, which is thus considered a junior synonym of Amblyscarta. A diagnosis of Amblyscarta is added, as well as brief notes on the phenology of A. elianeae. This paper provides the first detailed descriptions and illustrations of the female terminalia of Amblyscarta species.
Description of female adult and praniza larva of Tenerognathia visus Tanaka, 2005 (Crustacea; Isopoda; Gnathiidae) with notes on mating behavior
Authors: OTA YUZO
Published: December 2019

Male adults of gnathiid isopods (Crustacea; Isopoda; Gnathiidae) have remarkably developed rectangular-shaped cephalosomes and mandibles in most species. Tenerognathia visus Tanaka, 2005 belongs to a monospecific genus having remarkable characters in male morphology; reduced mandibles and large eyes occupying the whole of an elliptical cephalosome. The original description of T. visus is based on male adult specimens from coral rubble. This study found adult males and their larvae of T. visus attracted by light. Furthermore, specimens of female adults were observed by laboratory rearing of praniza larvae. In this study, morphologies of larvae and female adults of T. visus are described and notes on mating behavior in a laboratory aquarium are provided.
Improved neuroendocrine intelligent control for a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor
Authors: Shu Shuangbao , Liu Chao , Xing Chenyao , Wang Xiaoxu , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: December 2019

Given the complex characteristics of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors and the external interference encountered during their operation, controlled precision and efficiency are necessary. In this paper, the mechanism of biological endocrine hormone regulation is analyzed, and an intelligent controller based on the obtained neuroendocrine algorithm is implemented in the control system of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor. The controller mainly includes a hypothalamic regulation module, a single-neuron proportion integration differential module, and an ultrashort feedback module. It is designed and referenced to the long feedback, short feedback, and ultrashort feedback loop mechanisms of neuroendocrine hormone regulation and abides by the principle of human neuroendocrine hormone regulation. The antagonistic hormone regulation module achieves rapid and stable elimination of errors through the fusion of enhanced regulation with regulation inhibition, and the single-neuron proportion integration differential module enhances the adaptive and self-learning capabilities of the control system. The proposed control is successfully used in a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor, and the experimental results show that the controller presents many advantages, such as fast dynamic responses, strong online adjustment ability, and good running stability in the control system, all of which improve the robustness of the control system.
Perceptions of Palliative Care Nurses Related to Death and Palliative Care Practices
Authors: Temelli Gülnur , Cerit Birgül
Published: December 2019

This study has been conducted with the purpose of identifying the perceptions of palliative nurses about death and determining palliative care practices. We conducted qualitative interviews with 23 palliative care nurses in Turkey. Content analysis was used in the evaluation of the data. Three themes have been identified about perception of death. Furthermore, three themes have been identified about palliative care practices. It was concluded that the palliative nurses perceive death as a natural and inevitable process and that as long as their working period increases, they become desensitized. It was identified that the participants generally perform the following procedures in palliative care practices.
Preparation and properties of polyimide air-jet textured yarns and their woven fabrics
Authors: Huang Shuting , Sun Lina , He Mengjuan , Tang Jingli , Huang Liqian
Published: December 2019

Two kinds of air-textured polyimide yarns with different overfeed ratios (0.5/2 and 8/8) were prepared by air-jet texturing technique, and three kinds of woven fabrics with similar tightness and thickness were produced with the same warp yarn but different weft yarns (polyimide flat yarn and the two air-jet textured polyimide yarns, respectively). The influence of air-jet textured yarn on the wearing properties of the fabrics was explored. The results show that, compared with the fabric containing polyimide flat yarn, the fabrics woven with polyimide air-jet textured yarns possess lower mechanical properties but have better air permeability, moisture permeability, heat resistance and luster. In addition, the smaller contact angle and larger wicking height of polyimide air-jet textured yarn fabrics indicate that the hydrophilicity of polyimide fabrics was improved. The effect of air-jet textured yarn on the hydrophilicity of polyimide fabrics was explained by Wenzel rough model and fabric surface roughness characteristics.
The clinical and public health implications and risks of widening the definition of chronic migraine
Authors: Guglielmetti Martina , Raggi Alberto , Ornello Raffaele , Sacco Simona , D’Amico Domenico , Leonardi Matilde , Martelletti Paolo
Published: December 2019

Background

The definition of chronic migraine has long been debated. Recently, it was suggested to define subjects with at least 8/migraine days as chronic migraine; that is, incorporating so-called high frequency episodic migraine (eight or more migraine days but less than 15 headache days per month).

Methods

We addressed the possible problems that might arise based on this proposal accounting for clinical, pathophysiological, impact and public health aspects.

Results and conclusions

Defining chronic migraine on the basis of headache frequency alone does not account for clinical and pathophysiological aspects, as well as for the impact of chronic migraine in terms of disability and quality of life. Moreover, it is potentially harmful for patients in terms of allocation of resources. These issues are discussed in the present manuscript, and we support the idea of defining high frequency episodic migraine as an independent entity as a viable path to follow.
A Randomized Trial to Encourage Healthy Eating Through Workplace Delivery of Fresh Food
Authors: Feuerstein-Simon Rachel , Dupuis Roxanne , Schumacher Ryan , Cannuscio Carolyn C.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

This study aimed to increase the consumption of home-cooked meals among employees at a large urban worksite through a fully subsidized Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Design:

Randomized trial.

Setting:

Worksite in a large northeast city.

Participants:

Employees were recruited through flyers, e-mail listservs, and outreach from departmental administrators (n = 60).

Intervention:

Intervention participants received 8 biweekly fresh food deliveries through a CSA program. They also received cooking education and support. Control participants received usual employee benefits.

Measures:

Consumption of meals prepared at home was the primary end point. Increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables was the secondary end point, and food insecurity was an exploratory end point.

Analysis:

Poisson regression was used to assess mean differences in weekly consumption of home-cooked meals. To assess differences in fruit and vegetable consumption and food insecurity, binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios.

Results:

Compared to the control group, intervention participants consumed 29% more home-cooked meals per week ( P < .01). Fruit and vegetable consumption also increased among intervention participants. The odds of at least twice-daily fruit consumption were 3.8 times higher among intervention participants than among controls, and the odds of at least twice-daily vegetable consumption were 6.2 times higher among intervention participants than among controls. Compared to control participants, intervention participants experienced a statistically significant 89% reduction in the odds of reporting food insecurity at follow-up, when controlling for baseline food insecurity. Participants reported perceived intervention benefits, including the opportunity to experiment with new, healthful foods without financial risk, as well as the social value of sharing recipes, food, and related conversation with colleagues.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated the feasibility and potential positive effects of a subsidized workplace CSA program, augmented with cooking education and support.
A helical gear with discrete ring-involute teeth
Authors: Yang Hsueh-Cheng , Liang Wen-Jun
Published: December 2019

This study produces a skewed-imaginary planar rack cutter with discrete conical teeth that is used to create a helical gear with discrete ring-involute teeth. A mathematical equation for the skewed-imaginary rack cutter with discrete conical teeth is firstly solved. The coordinate system for the rack cutter and gear pair is then established and a family of the rack-cutter surfaces is obtained using homogeneous coordinate transformation. The relative velocity method is used to produce the equation for meshing between the rack cutter and the gear pair. Substituting the equation of meshing into the family of the rack-cutter surfaces gives the mathematical models for the gear pair with discrete ring-involute teeth. The transmission error for the gear pair is calculated using the assembly error and a tooth contact analysis. A computer-aided design software package is used to establish solid model for the gear pair. A software interference function is used to simulate the contact condition for the gear pair for various assembly errors. Finite element analysis software is then used to determine the contact stress for the gear pair. The transmission error and the contact stress for the gear pair are insensitive to any horizontal misalignment in the assembly errors.
Investigation on bolt initial tensioning of inner-diameter saw blade
Authors: Pei Yong-Chen , Wang Jun-Heng , Zhang Hang
Published: December 2019

Inner-diameter slicing based on a thin inner-diameter saw blade is one of the main hard and brittle material slicing methods. The inner-diameter saw blade needs to be tensioned for increasing its slicing stiffness and stability before working, and the tensioning quality affects the performance of subsequent material slicing directly and severely. In this paper, through finite element theoretical simulation and specialized experimental testing, the tensioning operation schemes are investigated systematically in the view of tensioning state and quality of the inner-diameter saw blade. By including mechanical equipment and electrical instruments, a specialized automatic experiment system is designed and manufactured with control and measurement function. Effects of bolts pre-tightening force, tightening sequence and rounds, and tensioning amount on the inner-diameter saw blade cutting-edge unevenness, lateral thrust stiffness, and transversal vibration response are investigated by theoretical simulation and experimental observation. A guideline on the optimization and improvement of initial tensioning is proposed for the inner-diameter saw blade practical engineering production.
What does it mean when we ask the public if they are ‘confident’ in policing? The trust, fairness, presence model of ‘public confidence’
Authors: Morrell Kevin , Bradford Ben , Javid Basit
Published: December 2019

‘Confidence’ is widely taken to be a crucial measure of the relationship between citizens and public services such as policing. It is acknowledged that confidence is multifaceted and hard to measure, but often discussions are based on one ‘headline’ rating of a single item, for instance: ‘What is your level of confidence in…’. The subsequent focus for research is explaining what might drive ‘confidence’, or what it might predict. We are interested in a more fundamental question: what does it mean when we ask the public if they are ‘confident’ in policing? To answer this, we analyse extensive and detailed survey data specifically designed to measure public confidence, within the jurisdiction of a UK police force – West Midlands Police. We develop then validate a three-part model of confidence as trust, fairness and presence, and find good evidence to support this model across different waves of the survey. This extends existing literature with implications for policy.
The other side of freedom: On the sociality of ethics
Authors: Miller Katherine J. L. , Lukes Steven
Published: December 2019

The social character of ethics is best revealed by exploring the complex dynamics linking individuals’ freedom to moral requirements. In this article, we consider James Laidlaw’s influential proposal that an anthropology of ethics makes freedom central to what is distinctively ethical in human life, but we argue that it unduly restricts the proposed scope of anthropology. This account of freedom is both overly cognitive, focusing on reflection, viewed as involving distance, decision, reasoning and doubt, and too individualistic, downplaying the importance of freedom’s normative background and excluding from consideration many documented forms of ethical experience. We propose instead an alternative, more open-ended conceptualization of freedom, distinguishing a concept of freedom that differs from its widely varying conceptions, and drawing on ethnographic material from the Hunza Valley in Northern Pakistan and elsewhere to illustrate multiple ways in which the constitution of selves and normative constraints impinge on one another.
Relational analysis of the phenomenon of early school leaving: A habitus typology
Authors: Nairz-Wirth Erna , Gitschthaler Marie
Published: December 2019

Although there is an extensive body of literature on the causes and consequences of early school leaving (ESL), little is known of how early school leavers cope with their situation after having left the education system. This paper’s main objective is to fill this research gap. At first we look at developments in the social positioning of early school leavers in Austria that show that their situation has deteriorated not only because of changes in the labour market (e.g. due to globalization) but also because of displacement processes that are influenced by habitus formation and capital endowment. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and capital, we explored the situation of young people who had left school early. We used a multi-perspective approach and conducted 123 narrative interviews which we analysed by grouping cases that demonstrated similar social practice and perception patterns generated by a set of socially learned dispositions. Thus we were able to reconstruct a habitus typology consisting of seven different types: the ‘ambitious’, the ‘status-oriented’, the ‘non-conformist’, the ‘disoriented’, the ‘resigned’, the ‘escapist’ and the ‘caring’. How young people experience stigmatization is the common thread that runs through all seven habitus types.
Thin films of cellulose acetate nanofibers from cigarette butt waste
Authors: Arroyo F Delgado , Castro-Guerrero CF , León-Silva U
Published: December 2019

Cigarette waste pollutes the environment and is a desired problem to be addressed by humans. However, such waste can be recycled by converting it into raw material for the manufacture of new products. In this study, cigarette butt waste was collected and used for fabricating thin films of cellulose acetate nanofibers (TFCAN) through electrospinning or acid hydrolysis processes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterize the structural and thermal properties of TFCAN. FTIR and TGA results for the TFCAN obtained from acid hydrolysis process showed similar behavior for cellulose nanocrystals. The images from scanning electron and atomic force microscope confirmed the obtaining of TFCAN.
Impact of Affect on Lung Transplant Candidate Outcomes
Authors: Pennington Kelly M. , Benzo Roberto P. , Schneekloth Terry D. , Budev Marie , Chandrashekaran Satish , Erasmus David B. , Lease Erika D. , Levine Deborah J. , Thompson Karin , Stevens Elizabeth , Novotny Paul J. , Kennedy Cassie C.
Published: December 2019

Background:

We examined the association of adult lung transplant candidates’ self-reported affect with transplant-related outcomes, evaluating whether a positive (vs negative) frame of mind might be protective.

Method:

Consenting waitlisted candidates from 6 centers completed the questionnaires including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule annually and posttransplant. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of baseline affect with outcomes of death or delisting. Models were subsequently adjusted for age, marital status, and education.

Results:

Questionnaires were completed by 169 candidates (77.9% participation). Mean positive affect, negative affect, and positive-to-negative affect ratio (positivity ratio) were similar to expected norms. The scores of the questionnaire did not change significantly over time. Fifteen (8.9%) waitlisted participants died. Candidates who died while waiting had lower positivity ratios compared to those who survived (1.82 vs 2.45; P = .02). A more negative affect was associated with increased death on the waiting list (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.10; P = .021). Conversely, a higher positivity ratio was associated with decreased death while waiting (adjusted OR: 0.45; P = .027).

Conclusion:

Negative affect may represent a novel risk factor for death on the waitlist. Enhancing positive affect may represent a useful target for psychological optimization in lung transplant candidates.
Emotions and Affective Polarization: How Enthusiasm and Anxiety About Presidential Candidates Affect Interparty Attitudes
Authors: McLaughlin Bryan , Holland Derrick , Thompson Bailey A. , Koenig Abby
Published: December 2019

In the context of an increasingly divided populace, this article considered how the emotions (enthusiasm and anxiety) partisans feel toward U.S. presidential candidates may heighten or diminish affective polarization. In Study 1 (American National Election Studies [ANES] 2008–2009 panel data), we found that enthusiasm for the in-group candidate and anxiety about the out-group candidate were related to higher levels of affective polarization, whereas enthusiasm for the out-group candidate was related to lower levels of affective polarization. In Study 2 (2016 panel data), we found that in-group enthusiasm was related to higher levels of affective polarization and out-group enthusiasm was related to lower levels of affective polarization, but neither in-group nor out-group anxiety was significantly related to affective polarization. These findings highlight that enthusiasm about out-group candidates may have a unique ability to disrupt affective polarization and that it is important to consider the source of an emotion response, not just the type of emotion.
Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Vibration Perception Threshold in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Maiya Arun G. , Parameshwar Anche , Hande Manjunath , Nandalike Vinayak
Published: December 2019

Foot ulcers, infections, and deformity are some of the major sources of mortality and morbidity among the diabetic population. The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has been well established. There is a dearth of literature on the relationship between vibration perception threshold (VPT) and HbA1c values. So, the objective of the study was to determine the strength of linear relationship between HbA1c levels and vibration perception threshold in DPN. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and diabetic foot screening camps held at various parts of Udupi district. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal (IEC:281/2017). A total of 534 participants ranging from 30 to 70 years of age and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus on medications were included in the study. Neuropathy assessment consisting of monofilament and vibration perception threshold was done using Neurotouch beta version (Yostra Labs, Bengaluru, India). HbA1c measurement was done using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay technique (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Pearson correlation coefficient showed a moderate to good correlation between HbA1c and VPT ( r = .0.753, P < .001). Linear regression result has shown a significant relationship of VPT with HbA1c (4.033 [95% confidence interval = 3.67-4.39]). The present study has concluded that there is strong relationship between HbA1c values and VPT and could be a predictor for complications in the foot following DPN.
Age Is Just a Number: Adults Deserve the Same Access to Genetic Testing as Children
Authors: Perry M. Scott
Published: December 2019

[Box: see text]
Wavelet transform and cyclic cumulant based modulation classification in wireless network
Authors: Li Wenwen , Dou Zheng , Qi Lin
Published: December 2019

With the development of Internet of things, a large number of embedded devices are interconnected by ad hoc and wireless network. The embedded devices can work correctly, only by ensuring correct communication between them. Identifying modulation scheme is the precondition to ensure the correct communication between embedded devices. However, in the multipath channel, ensuring the correct communication between embedded devices is a great challenge. Multipath channel always exists in the wireless network. However, most of the available modulation classification algorithms are based on ideal channel. It leads to the low-modulation classification probability in multipath channel. To resolve this problem, we propose a novel modulation classification algorithm. The proposed algorithm can classify signal without prior information about multipath channel. We calculate feature by high-order cyclic cumulant and wavelet transform. The feature is robust to multipath channel. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the much better classification accuracy than the available method in multipath channel.
Double cracks with single-inclusion fatigue propagation of surface-quenched large modulus rack
Authors: Cheng Xionghao , Shi Duanwei , Liu Chen , Xia Re , Zhang Yang , Zhou Ji
Published: December 2019

A connectivity criterion based on the analysis of the stress intensity factor for the double cracks and inclusion was developed to study the residual life of large modulus crack. Applying the moving load, the finite element model in FRANC3D was proposed to study the variation law of the spacing ratio [Formula: see text] and stress intensity factor amplification coefficient [Formula: see text]. Also, the spacing ratio threshold and the initial spacing threshold for the law of propagation of the double cracks and inclusion were obtained. After the analysis of the threshold, the initial equivalent single crack [Formula: see text] was obtained based on the function [Formula: see text] and stress intensity factor for circular mode I crack [Formula: see text]. The final equivalent single crack [Formula: see text] was obtained by innovative use of the fatigue load cycle correction coefficient [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the residual fatigue life of surface-quenched large modulus rack is analyzed to be 55 years. It is revealed that the design of the large modulus crack is safe for the normal operation of the Three Gorges Shiplift.
Improving children’s and their visitors’ hand hygiene compliance
Authors: Lary Dina , Calvert Aaron , Nerlich Brigitte , Segal Joel , Vaughan Natalie , Randle Jacqueline , Hardie Kim R
Published: December 2019

Background:

Numerous interventions have tried to improve healthcare workers’ hand hygiene compliance. However, little attention has been paid to children’s and their visitors’ compliance.

Aim:

To test whether interactive educational interventions increase children’s and visitors’ compliance with hand hygiene.

Methods:

This was a cluster randomised study of hand hygiene compliance before and after the introduction of educational interventions. Observations were compared for different moments of hygiene and times of the day. Qualitative data in the form of questionnaire-based structured interviews were obtained.

Findings:

Hand hygiene compliance increased by 24.4% ( P < 0.001) following the educational interventions, with children’s compliance reaching 40.8% and visitors’ being 50.8%. Compliance varied depending on which of the five moments of hygiene was observed ( P < 0.001), with the highest compliance being ‘after body fluid exposure’ (72.7%). Responses from questionnaires showed educational interventions raised awareness of the importance of hand hygiene (69%, 57%) compared to those who had not experienced the educational intervention (50%).

Conclusion:

Educational interventions may result in a significant increase in children’s and visitors’ hand hygiene ( P < 0.001).
How Polarized Are Online and Offline News Audiences? A Comparative Analysis of Twelve Countries
Authors: Fletcher Richard , Cornia Alessio , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: December 2019

Polarization is a key area of interest for media and communication scholars. We develop a way of measuring how polarized news audience behaviour is at the national level. Then, we analyze survey data from twelve countries and find (1) that cross-platform (online and offline) news audience polarization is highest in the United States, and within Europe, higher in polarized pluralist/southern countries than in democratic corporatist countries. Furthermore, (2) in most countries, online news audience polarization is higher than offline, but in a small number it’s lower. Taken together, our findings highlight that, despite the well-documented fears associated with algorithmic selection, news audience polarization is not inevitable in environments that are increasingly characterized by digital news consumption, and that the historical, economic, and political factors emphasized by the comparative tradition remain critically important for our understanding of global trends.
Cadaveric Assessment of the Efficacy of Sinus Irrigation After Staged Clearance of the Medial Maxillary Wall
Authors: Wong Eugene , Sansoni E. Ritter , Do Timothy Quy-Phong , Matchett Ian , Kalish Larry H. , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Nasal irrigation is a significant component of effective medical management in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Irrigations facilitate distribution of topical medical therapies to affected mucosal surfaces and lavage of hypersecretory mucin and inflammatory products.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of cadaveric nasal irrigation distribution and force following different surgical techniques commonly used to open the maxillary sinus.

Methods

Fresh human cadaver heads were dissected sequentially with uncinectomy, maxillary antrostomy, endoscopic maxillary mega-antrostomy, and modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy. After each surgical technique was performed, the corresponding nasal cavity was irrigated with 240 mL irrigation bottles containing 1/1000 10% fluroscein-labeled free water. A nasal endoscope passed through the canine fossa into a fixed position in the maxillary sinus recorded the extent of sinus irrigation. These videos then underwent blinded assessment by 2 observers assessing for irrigation sinus penetration (scored as 0–4) and force (0–2). Ordinal correlation scores were assessed using Kendall’s tau-B.

Results

A total of 17 sinuses (age 53.4 ± 12.6, 36.4% female) were assessed. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between increasing extent of maxillary sinus dissection and both sinus penetration and force as assessed by both observers (Kendall’s tau-B P < .0001).

Conclusion

Increasing the extent of surgical dissection appears to improve penetration and force of the nasal irrigation into the maxillary sinus. This study suggests that while a standard maxillary antrostomy may be sufficient to achieve good topical therapy distribution, more extensive surgery such as a modified medial maxillectomy may be required for sufficient force of sinus lavage.
When and Why Do Third Parties Punish Outside of the Lab? A Cross-Cultural Recall Study
Authors: Pedersen Eric J. , McAuliffe William H. B. , Shah Yashna , Tanaka Hiroki , Ohtsubo Yohsuke , McCullough Michael E.
Published: December 2019

Punishment can reform uncooperative behavior and hence could have contributed to humans’ ability to live in large-scale societies. Punishment by unaffected third parties has received extensive scientific scrutiny because third parties punish transgressors in laboratory experiments on behalf of strangers that they will never interact with again. Often overlooked in this research are interactions involving people who are not strangers, which constitute many interactions beyond the laboratory. Across three samples in two countries (United States and Japan; N = 1,294), we found that third parties’ anger at transgressors, and their intervention and punishment on behalf of victims, varied in real-life conflicts as a function of how much third parties valued the welfare of the disputants. Punishment was rare (1–2%) when third parties did not value the welfare of the victim, suggesting that previous economic game results have overestimated third parties’ willingness to punish transgressors on behalf of strangers.