bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Franchising in Brazil: foreign entrants build a presence
Authors: Bretas Vanessa Pilla Galetti , Alon Ilan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the franchising sector in Brazil and highlight the opportunities and offer strategies for practitioners. It also points out some challenges and gives suggestions to overcome them and thrive in the Brazilian market through the franchising system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews both literature and practical sources providing primary data from interviews conducted with franchising experts from the Brazilian Franchising Association and a consultant company.

Findings

International franchisors willing to enter the Brazilian market might face some challenges, such as the language barrier, the complex tax system and the need for local adaptations. Foreign entrants should consider low control entry modes as master franchising and area development agreements, with local partners that know the Brazilian culture, business system and regulations.

Originality/value

Brazil presents a great market potential for international franchisors. It counts with an established franchising system and a stable regulatory environment. This paper provides relevant information about the characteristics, opportunities and challenges to operate in the Brazilian market, offering suggestions of strategies and several possibilities to explore different regions, locations and models across the country.
Método flash etapa por etapa para el cálculo de columnas de absorción
Authors: Sánchez Correa Cesar , Arturo Calvache Jaime , Álvarez Aguilar Esteban
Published: September 2020

Se presenta una estrategia de cálculo etapa por etapa para resolver el modelo de equilibrio aplicado a una columna de absorción. El algoritmo manipula las ecuaciones de la columna agrupándolas en conjuntos correspondientes a cada etapa. Cada grupo es tratado por separado mediante un cálculo de flash. Se trata de una generalización del algoritmo para cascadas de extracción dado por (Sánchez, Arturo y Cárdenas, 2009) que ahora cubre dos casos más: a) Con recirculación entre las etapas y b) La posibilidad de varias alimentaciones. Se presentan tres casos de estudio con énfasis en una conFiguración específica: a) columna con rehervidor parcial y flujo de calor especificado, b) columna con varias alimentaciones y c) columna con recirculación entre las etapas
Study on the Influence of Inlet Asymmetry on Aerodynamic Noise of Cooling Fan
Authors: Tian Jie , Sun Zonghan , Chai Pengfei , Ouyang Hua
Published: September 2020

Experimental and numerical studies on the aerodynamic noise characteristics of a variable-speed axial fan commonly used for electronic device heat dissipation were conducted. First, the far-field noise spectrum of the fan was measured using a microphone on the contour plane of the fan axis. The spectral analysis indicated that the discrete single-tone noise energy ratio was high, which indicates that it was the dominant aerodynamic noise. Afterward, the double-uniform sampling point mode correction technique, which is based on the circumferential acoustic mode measurement method, was used to obtain the modal distribution on the inlet and outlet sides of the cooling fan. The influence of inlet unevenness on the cooling fan was identified. The traditional Tyler–Sofrin rotor–stator interaction formula was modified to account for the nonaxisymmetric shape of the fan inlet bellmouth. The validity of the modified formula was verified by measuring the circumferential acoustic modes of three cooling fans with different rotor and strut counts. Furthermore, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical study was conducted using Fluent to understand the influence of uneven inlet flow. The results showed that uneven inlet flow significantly affects the size and distribution of unsteady pulses on the rotor blades, which cause regular, periodic changes as the rotor blades rotate. Interactions between rotor blades and inlet unevenness were observed via the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method as well. The discussion of the circumferential modes from aerodynamic noise of an axial flow cooling fan can act as a reference for further cooling fan noise reduction measures.
Manufacturing of Nanocomposites via Powder Injection Molding: Focusing on Thermal Management Systems—A Review
Authors: Hosseinpour Maryam , Abdoos Hassan
Published: September 2020

The rapid evolution of electronic and information technology has increased the performance of the electronic processors significantly. Achieving the optimal performance in a smart electronic device poses a serious challenge as the heat generated during operation will reduce the performance of the device which makes thermal management a determinant factor. Powder injection molding (PIM) is an appropriate and relatively new technology used for mass production of small delicate parts with complex shapes and desired properties. One of the latest advances in the PIM process is the production of metal matrix nanocomposites with huge industrial applications, particularly in electronics manufacturing. Manufacturing of efficient complex-shaped nanocomposites, as thermal management components (passive heatsink), could be achieved through the PIM process. On the other hand, what could pose a challenge is the presence of nanoparticles affecting on the different stages of PIM process including feedstock preparation, molding, debinding, and sintering. In this paper, the effect of nanoparticles on different stages of PIM for the production of heatsinks is investigated. Then, the manufacturing of Cu-, Al-, and Mg-based nanocomposites by powder injection molding, as heatsinks, is reviewed followed by investigating the related advantages and limitations.
Postexercise Inflammasome Activation and IL-1β Production Mitigated by Flavonoid Supplementation in Cyclists
Authors: Nieman David C. , Ferrara Francesca , Pecorelli Alessandra , Woodby Brittany , Hoyle Andrew T. , Simonson Andrew , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Inflammasomes are multiprotein signaling platforms of the innate immune system that detect markers of physiological stress and promote the maturation of caspase-1 and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-18, and gasdermin D. This randomized, cross-over trial investigated the influence of 2-week mixed flavonoid (FLAV) versus placebo (PL) supplementation on inflammasome activation and IL-1β and IL-18 production after 75-km cycling in 22 cyclists (42 ± 1.7 years). Blood samples were collected before and after the 2-week supplementation, and then 0 hr, 1.5 hr, and 21 hr postexercise (176 ± 5.4 min, 73.4 ± 2.0 %VO2max). The supplement (678 mg FLAVs) included quercetin, green tea catechins, and bilberry anthocyanins. The pattern of change in the plasma levels of the inflammasome adaptor oligomer ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain) was different between the FLAV and PL trials, with the FLAV ASC levels 52% lower (Cohen’s d = 1.06) than PL immediately following 75-km cycling (interaction effect, p = .012). The plasma IL-1β levels in FLAV were significantly lower than PL (23–42%; Cohen’s d = 0.293–0.644) throughout 21 hr of recovery (interaction effect, p = .004). The change in plasma gasdermin D levels were lower immediately postexercise in FLAV versus PL (15% contrast, p = .023; Cohen’s d = 0.450). The patterns of change in plasma IL-18 and IL-37 did not differ between the FLAV and PL trials (interaction effects, p = .388, .716, respectively). These data indicate that 2-week FLAV ingestion mitigated inflammasome activation, with a corresponding decrease in IL-1β release in cyclists after a 75-km cycling time trial. The data from this study support the strategy of ingesting high amounts of FLAV to mitigate postexercise inflammation.
Caffeinated Chewing Gum Improves Bicycle Motocross Time-Trial Performance
Authors: Daneshfar Amin , Petersen Carl J. , Koozehchian Majid S. , Gahreman Daniel E.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to identify the acute effects of caffeinated chewing gum (CAF) on bicycle motocross (BMX) time-trial (TT) performance. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over design, 14 male BMX riders (age = 20.0 ± 3.3 years; height = 1.78 ± 0.04 m; body mass = 72 ± 4 kg), consumed either (300 mg; 4.2 ± 0.2 mg/kg) caffeinated (300 mg caffeine, 6 g sugars) or a placebo (0 mg caffeine, 0 g sugars) gum, and undertook three BMX TTs. Repeated-measure analysis revealed that CAF has a large ergogenic effect on TT time, F(1, 14) = 33.570, p = .001, ; −1.5% ± 0.4 compared with the placebo. Peak power and maximal power to weight ratio also increased significantly compared with the placebo condition, F(1, 14) = 54.666, p = .001, ; +3.5% ± 0.6, and F(1, 14) = 57.399, p = .001, ; +3% ± 0.3, respectively. Rating of perceived exertion was significantly lower F(1, 14) = 25.020, p = .001, in CAF (6.6 ± 1.3) compared with the placebo (7.2 ± 1.7). Administering a moderate dose (300 mg) of CAF could improve TT time by enhancing power and reducing the perception of exertion. BMX coaches and riders may consider consuming CAF before a BMX race to improve performance and reduce rating of perceived exertion.
Role of brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) in the management of subarachnoid haemorrhage: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fiore Marco , Bogossian Elisa , Creteur Jacques , Oddo Mauro , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: September 2020

Introduction

In patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), the initial brain oedema and increased blood volume can cause an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) leading to impaired cerebral perfusion and tissue hypoxia. However, ICP monitoring may not be enough to detect tissue hypoxia, which can also occur in the absence of elevated ICP. Moreover, some patients will experience tissue hypoxia in a later phase after admission due to the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischaemia. Therefore, the measurement of brain oxygenation using invasive techniques has become of great interest. This scoping review seeks to examine the role of brain tissue oxygenation in the management of patients with SAH, mapping the existing literature to identify areas for future research.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review has been planned following the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The literature search will be performed using several databases: Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Grey literature. The database searches are planned from the inception to May 2020. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening of potentially relevant articles with a standardised data extraction. Articles eligible for the inclusion will be discussed with a third reviewer.

Ethics and dissemination

This paper does not require ethics approval. The results of our evaluation will be disseminated on author’s web sites. Additional dissemination will occur through presentations at conferences, such as courses and science education conferences, regionally and nationally, and through articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

Scoping review registration

Open Science Framework Registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZYJ7R.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03754114.
Perioperative management for people with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis undergoing major surgery: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Harrison Tyrone G , Hemmelgarn Brenda R , Farragher Janine F , O'Rielly Connor , Donald Maoliosa , James Matthew , McCaughey Deirdre , Ruzycki Shannon M , Zarnke Kelly B , Ronksley Paul E
Published: September 2020

Introduction

People with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis (CKD G5D) have an increased risk of poor postoperative outcomes and a high incidence of major surgery. Despite the high burden of these combined risks, there is a paucity of evidence to support tailored perioperative strategies to manage this population. A comprehensive evidence synthesis would inform the management of these patients in the perioperative period and identify knowledge gaps. We describe a protocol for a scoping review of the literature to identify existing perioperative strategies, protocols, pathways and interventions for people with CKD G5D undergoing major surgery.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and report per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. In February 2020, we will complete our search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry for published literature from inception to present. All study types are eligible for inclusion, without language restriction. Studies reporting a perioperative intervention in adult patients with CKD G5D are eligible for inclusion. Studies in prevalent kidney transplant patients or patients with acute kidney injury, and studies that report on surgical approaches without consideration of perioperative management strategies, will be excluded. Reviewers will independently assess abstracts for all identified studies in duplicate, and again at the full-text stage. Following published literature searches, a search of the grey literature will be developed. We will extract and narratively report study, participant and intervention details. This will include a summary table outlining the strategies employed, organised into post hoc developed perioperative domains.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical considerations do not apply to this scoping review. Findings will be disseminated through relevant conference presentations and publications.
Clinical and genomic characterisation of mismatch repair deficient pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Grant Robert C , Denroche Robert , Jang Gun Ho , Nowak Klaudia M , Zhang Amy , Borgida Ayelet , Holter Spring , Topham James T , Wilson Julie , Dodd Anna , Jang Raymond , Prince Rebecca , Karasinska Joanna M , Schaeffer David F , Wang Yifan , Zogopoulos George , Berry Scott , Simeone Diane , Renouf Daniel J , Notta Faiyaz , O'Kane Grainne , Knox Jennifer , Fischer Sandra , Gallinger Steven
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical, pathological and genomic characteristics of pancreatic cancer with DNA mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD) and proficiency (MMRP).

Design

We identified patients with MMRD and MMRP pancreatic cancer in a clinical cohort (N=1213, 519 with genetic testing, 53 with immunohistochemistry (IHC)) and a genomic cohort (N=288 with whole-genome sequencing (WGS)).

Results

12 out of 1213 (1.0%) in the clinical cohort were MMRD by IHC or WGS. Of the 14 patients with Lynch syndrome, 3 (21.4%) had an MMRP pancreatic cancer by IHC, and 4 (28.6%) were excluded because tissue was unavailable for testing. MMRD cancers had longer overall survival after surgery (weighted HR after coarsened exact matching 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.78, p=0.001). One patient with an unresectable MMRD cancer has an ongoing partial response 3 years after starting treatment with PD-L1/CTLA-4 inhibition. This tumour showed none of the classical histopathological features of MMRD. 9 out of 288 (3.1%) tumours with WGS were MMRD. Despite markedly higher tumour mutational burden and neoantigen loads, MMRD cancers were significantly less likely to have mutations in usual pancreatic cancer driver genes like KRAS and SMAD4, but more likely to have mutations in genes that drive cancers with microsatellite instability like ACV2RA and JAK1. MMRD tumours were significantly more likely to have a basal-like transcriptional programme and elevated transcriptional markers of immunogenicity.

Conclusions

MMRD pancreatic cancers have distinct clinical, pathological and genomic profiles. Patients with MMRD pancreatic cancer should be considered for basket trials targeting enhanced immunogenicity or the unique genomic drivers in these malignancies.
Postgraduate students’ perceptions of what makes for effective assessment feedback: a case study of a clinical masters course
Authors: Hadjieconomou Sofia , Tombs Michal
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine postgraduate students’ perceptions of assessment feedback. Using the Critical Incident Technique, students enrolled on a taught clinical course were asked for their perceptions of effective and ineffective examples of assessment feedback. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and nine themes emerged that capture perceptions associated with feedback content and feedback process. Students perceived effective feedback if it was specific and clear, using positive tone of language. They expressed a preference for feedback that is delivered in a standardised format, reflecting the grades given, individualised, and when the marking criteria is explicit and enables dialogue with the marker. Students perceived feedback to be ineffective when it focused on grammatical errors rather than content, when it was provided by anonymous graders and if it was too personal. Timeliness of feedback was also important to participants. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are highlighted in this paper.
Radiological approach to cavitary lung lesions
Authors: Canan Arzu , Batra Kiran , Saboo Sachin S , Landay Michael , Kandathil Asha
Published: September 2020

Cavitary lesions in the lung are not an uncommon imaging encounter and carry a broad differential diagnosis that includes a wide range of pathological conditions from cancers, infections/inflammatory processes to traumatic and congenital lung abnormalities. In this review article, we describe a comprehensive approach for evaluation of cavitary lung lesions and discuss the differential diagnosis in the light of radiological findings.
Acute traumatic injuries of the adrenal gland: results of analysis of the Pennsylvania trauma outcomes study registry
Authors: DiGiacomo Jody C , Gerber Noam , Angus L D George , Munnangi Swapna , Cardozo-Stolberg Sara
Published: September 2020

Background

Blunt injuries to the adrenal glands are considered rare, associated with severe injury, and highly mortal, based on autopsy series and earlier retrospective reviews. Recent studies have reported higher incidence rates associated with lower injury severity and mortality rates.

Methods

A 3-year review of the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study Registry of adults with intra-abdominal injuries after blunt trauma was performed and associated organ injuries, injury parameters and in-hospital mortality were compared between those with and those without adrenal gland injury.

Results

5679 patient records were identified, 439 with adrenal gland injuries and 5240 without. The liver and the kidney were the intra-abdominal organs most frequently associated with injuries to an adrenal gland, and the spleen was the intra-abdominal organ most frequently injured in those without an adrenal gland injury. There was no difference in mortality rates.

Discussion

Injuries to the adrenal gland occur with an incidence of 0.43% after blunt force trauma. The presence of a blunt adrenal gland injury is not a marker of severe injury or associated with an increased mortality rate.

Level of evidence

II, Retrospective Study.
Towards an analytical description of active microswimmers in clean and in surfactant-covered drops
Authors: Sprenger Alexander R. , Shaik Vaseem A. , Ardekani Arezoo M. , Lisicki Maciej , Mathijssen Arnold J. T. M. , Guzmán-Lastra Francisca , Löwen Hartmut , Menzel Andreas M. , Daddi-Moussa-Ider Abdallah
Published: September 2020

Geometric confinements are frequently encountered in the biological world and strongly affect the stability, topology, and transport properties of active suspensions in viscous flow. Based on a far-field analytical model, the low-Reynolds-number locomotion of a self-propelled microswimmer moving inside a clean viscous drop or a drop covered with a homogeneously distributed surfactant, is theoretically examined. The interfacial viscous stresses induced by the surfactant are described by the well-established Boussinesq-Scriven constitutive rheological model. Moreover, the active agent is represented by a force dipole and the resulting fluid-mediated hydrodynamic couplings between the swimmer and the confining drop are investigated. We find that the presence of the surfactant significantly alters the dynamics of the encapsulated swimmer by enhancing its reorientation. Exact solutions for the velocity images for the Stokeslet and dipolar flow singularities inside the drop are introduced and expressed in terms of infinite series of harmonic components. Our results offer useful insights into guiding principles for the control of confined active matter systems and support the objective of utilizing synthetic microswimmers to drive drops for targeted drug delivery applications.

Graphical abstract
Evolving Toward a Balanced Cyber Strategy in East Asia: Cyber Deterrence or Cooperation?
Authors: YAU HON-MIN
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the limits of implementing a cyber deterrence strategy in East Asia. Given that national security documents from both Taiwan and Japan indicate the need to deter state-sponsored cyberattacks, there is very little literature that empirically and theoretically investigates the utility of such an approach in this region. This paper looks into the various deterrence constructs and argues that none of them can be implemented without problems. The paper looks further into a deeper level of the conceptual issues upon which deterrence thinking is based and argues that an alternative strategy promoting regional cooperation is not only possible but also desirable in the current political climate. It is later concluded that looking for a one-size-fits-all solution is idealistic, and policymakers should develop security countermeasures that align with the threats posed by the actors they wish to confront.
The People’s Republic of China’s Cyber Coercion: Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea
Authors: MANANTAN MARK BRYAN
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the increasing use of cyber coercion by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) among its core interests: Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. It argues that the PRC’s deployment of sophisticated attacks in the form of cyber coercion continues to be part of its geostrategic playbook to exert its influence and prosecute its wider interests as a rising power in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it observes that cyber coercion will be employed by the PRC in concert with all the other tools — diplomatic, economic, and the political — across the spectrum. The paper has two broad goals: first to unpack the trends or patterns in the PRC-sponsored cyber coercion by accentuating contextual and operational dimensions using Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea as analytical case studies; second, to highlight the opportunities and limitations of using cyber coercion as an asymmetrical capability in the changing threat landscape. The paper concludes that the PRC’s cyber coercion is characterized by blurring the distinction on what constitutes compellence and deterrence. The boundaries are not clear cut, and to a certain degree both are even mutually reinforcing. The in-depth analysis of the case studies reveals the growing prominence of disinformation campaigns in close coordination with cyber operations (malware, phishing, and DDoS attack). This emboldens the PRC with a myriad of coercive strategies in shaping its external environment and realizing its ambition of national rejuvenation across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
Approximate Spintronic Memories
Authors: Sayed Nour , Bishnoi Rajendra , Tahoori Mehdi B.
Published: September 2020

Various applications, such as multimedia, machine learning, and signal processing, have a significant intrinsic error resilience. This makes them preferable for approximate computing as they have the ability to tolerate computations and data errors along with producing acceptable outputs. From the technology perspective, emerging technologies with inherent non-determinism and high failure rates are candidates for the realization of approximate computing.
Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memories
(STT-MRAM) is an emerging non-volatile memory technology and a potential candidate to replace SRAM due to its high density, scalability, and zero-leakage. The write operation in this technology is inherently stochastic and increases the rate of write errors. Moreover, this technology is associated with other failure mechanisms such as read-disturb and failures due to data retention. These errors are highly dependent on the STT-MRAM parameters (i.e., thermal stability, read/write current, and read/write latency), which varies with the operating temperature and the process variation effects. Fast and energy-efficient STT-MRAM designed for on-chip memories can be easily achieved by relaxing the device parameters at the cost of increased error rate, which can be addressed by approximating memory accesses. In this work, a detailed study of reliability and gains (i.e., performance and energy) tradeoff at the device and system-level of the STT-MRAM-based data cache system is presented in the scope of approximate memories.
Polynomial Evaluation on Superscalar Architecture, Applied to the Elementary Function
e

x
Authors: Ewart Timothée , Cremonesi Francesco , Schürmann Felix , Delalondre Fabien
Published: September 2020

The evaluation of small degree polynomials is critical for the computation of elementary functions. It has been extensively studied and is well documented. In this article, we evaluate existing methods for polynomial evaluation on superscalar architecture. In addition, we have completed this work with a factorization method, which is surprisingly neglected in the literature. This work focuses on out-of-order Intel processors, amongst others, of which computational units are available. Moreover, we applied our work on the elementary function
e

x

that requires, in the current implementation, an evaluation of a polynomial of degree 10 for a satisfying precision and performance. Our results show that the factorization scheme is the fastest in benchmarks, and that latency and throughput are intrinsically dependent on each other on superscalar architecture.
The Cultural Foundation of Human Memory
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: September 2020

Human memory, as a product of the mind and brain, is inherently private and personal. Yet, arising from the interaction between the organism and its ecology in the course of phylogeny and ontogeny, human memory is also profoundly collective and cultural. In this review, I discuss the cultural foundation of human memory. I start by briefly reflecting on the conception of memory against a historical and cultural background. I then detail a model of a culturally saturated mnemonic system in which cultural elements constitute and condition various processes of remembering, focusing on memory representation, perceptual encoding, memory function, memory reconstruction, memory expression, and memory socialization. Then I discuss research on working memory, episodic memory, and autobiographical memory as examples that further demonstrate how cultural elements shape the processes and consequences of remembering and lay the foundation for human memory. I conclude by outlining some important future directions in memory research.
Optimality Conditions and Scalarization of Approximate Quasi Weak Efficient Solutions for Vector Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Zhang Yameng , Yu Guolin , Han Wenyan
Published: September 2020

This paper is devoted to the investigation of optimality conditions for approximate quasi weak efficient solutions for a class of vector equilibrium problem (VEP). First, a necessary optimality condition for approximate quasi weak efficient solutions to VEP is established by utilizing the separation theorem with respect to the quasirelative interior of convex sets and the properties of the Clarke subdifferential. Second, the concept of approximate pseudoconvex function is introduced and its existence is verified by a concrete example. Under the assumption of introduced convexity, a sufficient optimality condition for VEP in sense of approximate quasi weak efficiency is also presented. Finally, by using Tammer’s function and the directed distance function, the scalarization theorems of the approximate quasi weak efficient solutions of the VEP are proposed.
Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta‐Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Wei-Li , Hung Hao-Yuan , Chen Ying-Ren , Chen Kuang-Huei , Yang Szu-Nian , Chu Chi-Ming , Chan Yuan-Yu
Published: September 2020

Objectives. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review, meta‐analysis, and metaregression to determine the current best available evidence of the efficacy and safety of foot reflexology for adult depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Methods. Electronic databases (PubMed, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) were searched till August, 10, 2020, and the validity of the eligible studies was critically appraised. Randomized controlled trials comparing foot reflexology groups with control groups for adult depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were included. Twenty‐six eligible studies were included to assess the effect of foot reflexology intervention on the reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving quality of sleep, respectively, as the primary outcome. Results. Twenty‐six randomized controlled trials involving 2,366 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analyses showed that foot reflexology intervention significantly improved adult depression (Hedges’ g = −0.921; 95% CI: −1.246 to −0.595; P < 0.001), anxiety (Hedges’ g = −1.237; 95% CI −1.682 to −0.791; P < 0.001), and sleep quality (Hedges’ g = −1.665; 95% CI −2.361 to −0.970; P < 0.001). Metaregression reveals that an increase in total foot reflexology time (P = 0.002) and duration (P = 0.01) can significantly improve sleep quality. Conclusions. Foot reflexology may provide additional nonpharmacotherapy intervention for adults suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance. However, high quality and rigorous design RCTs in specific population, along with an increase in participants, and a long‐term follow‐up are recommended in the future.
Strong Consistency of Estimators in a Partially Linear Model with Asymptotically Almost Negatively Associated Errors
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Xinsheng , Sief Mohamed
Published: September 2020

This paper studies a heteroscedastic partially linear regression model in which the errors are asymptotically almost negatively associated (AANA, in short) random variables with not necessarily identical distribution and zero mean. Under some mild conditions, we establish the strong consistency of least squares estimators, weighted least squares estimators, and the ultimate weighted least squares estimators for the unknown parameter, respectively. In addition, the strong consistency of the estimator for nonparametric component is also investigated. The results derived in the paper include the corresponding ones of independent random errors and some dependent random errors as special cases. At last, two simulations are carried out to study the numerical performance of the strong consistency for least squares estimators and weighted least squares estimators of the unknown parametric and nonparametric components in the model.
Removal of Phosphate from Aqueous Solutions Using Chemically Synthesized Vaterite Polymorph of Porous Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles under Optimized Conditions
Authors: Darshana Senarathna D. D. T. T. , Namal Abeysooriya K. H. D. , Dunuweera S. P. , Ekanayake B. P. K. , Wijenayake W. M. H. K. , Rajapakse R. M. G.
Published: September 2020

Eutrophication is one of the most adverse impacts of nutrient contamination of water bodies where the phosphate is considered to be the primary limiting factor. The vaterite polymorph of porous calcium carbonate nanoparticles (VPCCNPs) were synthesized and used to remove orthophosphate ions in water. In this study, the VPCCNPs were synthesized chemically, using calcium acetate and sodium bicarbonate in a water-ethylene glycol media, at a temperature of 100°C, in a reaction time of 24 hours. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry to confirm that the crystalline phase of calcium carbonate formed is spherical vaterite polymorph. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis further confirms the spherical shape of the vaterite nanoparticles and the presence of only calcium, carbon, and oxygen thus showing high purity of the synthesized calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The dynamic laser light scattering-based particle size analysis (DLS) shows the average particle size to be 25.5 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to find functional groups before and after the adsorption of phosphate by vaterite nanoparticles. The phosphate removal efficiency of synthesized nanoparticles was tested with different concentrations of phosphate solutions (2–80 mg/L), pH levels (5–12), adsorbent dosages (0.025–0.250 g), and contact times (5–120 min). Ion chromatography was used to analyse the phosphate concentrations in water samples. The maximum phosphate removal percentage of 100% was obtained with 50 mL of 2 mg/L phosphate solution and 0.15 g of the synthesized nanoparticle. Adsorption data were well fitted with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with R2 of 0.99 and 0.98 (rate constant -0.083 g g-1 min-1), respectively. The presence of F−, NO3−, and SO42− has no effect on phosphate adsorption since 100% phosphate removal is obtained in the presence of these ions. Furthermore, the particle shows a 100% removal of orthophosphate ions available in eutrophic water regardless of the presence of many other ions in natural water bodies. The study presents a viable option for removing excess phosphate in natural water to desirable levels as a means for controlling eutrophication.
Monitoring Implementation Impact of the EU-Indonesia’s VPA on SME Livelihood
Authors: Setiahadi Rahmanta , Sari S. R. Kartika , Maryudi Ahmad , Kalmirah Julia , Baskorowati Liliana
Published: September 2020

The Europe Union (E.U.) has agreed to grant the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license to Indonesia as the first country in the world to receive it. FLEGT VPA (Voluntary Partnership Agreement) is a bilateral agreement between the European Union (E.U.) and wood exporting countries, to improve forest governance sector and ensure that timber and wood products imported into the E.U. are produced by the laws and regulation of partner countries. The Indonesian government has obliged to implement Article 12 relating to social safeguards. Indonesia has to periodically monitor to see the extent to which the VPA has an environmental and social impact that affect the lives and welfare of vulnerable and marginalised groups. The purpose of this study is to analyse how the effect of implementation of the Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) as part of VPA in the small and medium forestry industry sector. Methodology survey with focus group discussions, structured interviews, and semistructured interviews to find out the response and opinion of SME’s owner and employee addressed the effect of SVLK in East Java and Central Java, Indonesia. The theory of change (ToC) was used to consider the implications of SVLK implementation on the sustainable livelihood of small and medium enterprises (SME’s). The results of this study showed that SVLK had a more significant impact on livelihoods, as follows. First, the vulnerable and marginalised groups need to be supported by stakeholders to encourage readiness in faces of SVLK impact. Second, SVLK is susceptible to the effects and at risk of losing livelihoods for women and disabled groups in a short time. This group includes vulnerable groups of aspects of adaptability and sensitivity to the effect. Third, SME’s worker groups who do not have a labour organisation are sensitive to the impact on the workplace company. This group is classified as a group that is quite vulnerable if the effect lasts long enough and on a large scale of impact.
A Novel Method to Evaluate Patient-Ventilator Synchrony during Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Hao Liming , Ren Shuai , Shi Yan , Wang Na , Wang Yixuan , Luo Zujin , Xie Fei , Xu Meng , Zhang Jian , Cai Maolin
Published: September 2020

The synchrony of patient-ventilator interaction affects the process of mechanical ventilation which is clinically applied for respiratory support. The occurrence of patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) not only increases the risk of ventilator complications but also affects the comfort of patients. To solve the problem of uncertain patient-ventilator interaction in the mechanical ventilation system, a novel method to evaluate patient-ventilator synchrony is proposed in this article. Firstly, a pneumatic model is established to simulate the mechanical ventilation system, which is verified to be accurate by the experiments. Then, the PVA phenomena are classified and detected based on the analysis of the ventilator waveforms. On this basis, a novel synchrony index SIhao is established to evaluate the patient-ventilator synchrony. It not only solves the defects of previous evaluation indexes but also can be used as the response parameter in the future research of ventilator control algorithms. The accurate evaluation of patient-ventilator synchrony can be applied to the adjustment of clinical strategies and the pathological analyses of patients. This research can also reduce the burden on clinicians and help to realize the adaptive control of the mechanical ventilation and weaning process in the future.
Semantic Segmentation under a Complex Background for Machine Vision Detection Based on Modified UPerNet with Component Analysis Modules
Authors: Huang Jian , Liu Guixiong , Wang Bodi
Published: September 2020

Semantic segmentation with convolutional neural networks under a complex background using the encoder-decoder network increases the overall performance of online machine vision detection and identification. To maximize the accuracy of semantic segmentation under a complex background, it is necessary to consider the semantic response values of objects and components and their mutually exclusive relationship. In this study, we attempt to improve the low accuracy of component segmentation. The basic network of the encoder is selected for the semantic segmentation, and the UPerNet is modified based on the component analysis module. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method improves from 48.89% to 55.62% and the segmentation time decreases from 721 to 496 ms. The method also shows good performance in vision-based detection of 2019 Chinese Yuan features.
Sirtuin 3 Inhibits Airway Epithelial Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Cigarette Smoke-Induced COPD
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Yeli , Roth Michael , Zhang Li , Shi Rong , Yang Xia , Li Yali , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2020

Mitochondrial damage in airway epithelial cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is a mitochondrial deacetylase regulating mitochondrial function, but its role in the pathogenesis of COPD is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Sirt3 on airway epithelial mitochondria in cigarette smoke-induced COPD. Our present study has shown serious airway inflammation, alveolar space enlargement, and mitochondrial damage of the airway epithelium in COPD rats. Compared to the control rats, Sirt3 protein expression was significantly decreased in the airway epithelium and lung tissue homogenate from COPD rats. In airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of Sirt3 and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), as well as MnSOD activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Sirt3 siRNA further significantly intensified the decreases in MnSOD expression and activity and aggravated mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell injury when airway epithelial cells were treated with 7.5% CSE. In contrast, Sirt3 overexpression significantly prevented the decrease of MnSOD expression and activity and improved mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell injury in CSE-treated airway epithelial cells. These data suggest that Sirt3 inhibits airway epithelial mitochondrial oxidative stress possibly through the regulation of MnSOD, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of COPD.
Analysis on the Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Urban Expansion and the Complex Driving Mechanism: Taking the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration as a Case
Authors: Liu Luo , Liu Jianmei , Liu Zhenjie , Xu Xuliang , Wang Binwu
Published: September 2020

Rapid urbanization on a global scale leads to a number of issues such as arable land occupation and ecological degradation. In this context, analyzing the driving mechanism of urban land expansion in complex urban systems facilitates sustainable urban development. Most relevant studies focused on the role of each driving factor and less considered the interaction between different factors spatially and temporally. In order to provide a deep insight into the complex driving mechanism of urban expansion, this study began with an analysis of the spatio-temporal characteristics of urban expansion in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration in different periods. Then, the driving mechanism of urban expansion intensity (UEI) and urban expansion landscape pattern were analyzed, based on the interaction of different driving factors over space and time. The result showed as follows. (1) During the period of 2000–2008, the overall UEI in the PRD was higher than that of the period of 2008–2015. From 2000 to 2015, the most important source of urban land expansion was farmland, followed by forest land. Meanwhile, the decline in the proportion of outlying expansion type indicated that the urban land has gradually become more compact. (2) From 2000 to 2015, the socio-economic factors had a greater effect on UEI than natural factors. And the interaction between the pairs of factors on UEI during 2000–2008 was significantly stronger than that during 2008–2015. (3) The driving factors of the urban landscape expansion index during the period from 2008 to 2015 were far more powerful than 2000–2008. And the interaction between the pairs of factors on urban landscape expansion index during 2000–2008 was significantly stronger than that during 2008–2015.
An Exponential Varying-Parameter Neural Network for Repetitive Tracking of Mobile Manipulators
Authors: Kong Ying , Tang Qingqing , Lei Jingsheng , Zhang Ruiyang
Published: September 2020

A novel exponential varying-parameter neural network (EVPNN) is presented and investigated to solve the inverse redundancy scheme of the mobile manipulators via quadratic programming (QP). To suspend the phenomenon of drifting free joints and guarantee high convergent precision of the end effector, the EVPNN model is applied to trajectory planning of mobile manipulators. Firstly, the repetitive motion scheme for mobile manipulators is formulated into a QP index. Secondly, the QP index is transformed into a time-varying matrix equation. Finally, the proposed EVPNN method is used to solve the QP index via the matrix equation. Theoretical analysis and simulations illustrate that the EVPNN solver has an exponential convergent speed and strong robustness in mobile manipulator applications. Comparative simulation results demonstrate that the EVPNN possesses a superior convergent rate and accuracy than the traditional ZNN solver in repetitive trajectory planning with a mobile manipulator.
A New Private Information Encryption Method in Internet of Things under Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Ma Haiyun , Zhang Zhonglin
Published: September 2020

The existence of Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates the collection and transmission of urban data information. However, it can leak users’ personal privacy information in smart cities. Therefore, we propose a new private information encryption method in IoT under cloud computing environment. Under IoT, according to the properties and acquisition time, privacy information can be divided into many subspaces. Then, we analyze the private information encryption with different levels. Based on the stream cipher mechanism, we design an encryption system model of information collection. In the subspace, the privacy information is encrypted and transferred to the relay node. After encrypting, they are segmented and restructured. The long privacy information is divided into smaller slices. Then, they are reintegrated after conversion. Finally, we use stream cipher and dual-key algorithm to complete freedom nondestructive transformation between plaintext and ciphertext to ensure the integrity of the encrypted private information. Experimental results show that the proposed method takes less time in the encryption and decryption process, which has better ciphertext conversion output effect and suffers fewer network attacks in the same encryption time. The message encryption and decryption time is less than that of other methods. In terms of calculation cost, the proposed method decreases by approximately 14%. What is more, it has higher security and improves the security and integrity of the privacy information collection process.
Effects of LOX Particle Diameter on Combustion Characteristics of a Gas-Liquid Pintle Rocket Engine
Authors: Jin Xuan , Shen Chibing , Zhou Rui , Fang Xinxin
Published: September 2020

LOX/GCH4pintle injector is suitable for variable-thrust liquid rocket engines. In order to provide a reference for the later design and experiments, three-dimensional numerical simulations with the Euler-Lagrange method were performed to study the effect of the initial particle diameter on the combustion characteristics of a LOX/GCH4pintle rocket engine. Numerical results show that, as the momentum ratio between the radial LOX jet and the axial gas jet is 0.033, the angle between the LOX particle trace and the combustor axial is very small. Due to the large recirculation zones, premixed combustion mainly occurs in the injector wake region. As the initial LOX particle diameter increases, the LOX evaporation rate and the combustion efficiency decrease until the combustion terminates with the initial LOX particle diameter greater than 110 μm. The oscillation amplitude of the combustor pressure increases significantly along with the increase of the initial LOX particle diameter, and the low-frequency unstable combustion occurs when the initial LOX particle diameter exceeds 60 μm. The combustor pressure oscillation at about 40 Hz couples with the swinging process of spray and flame, while the unsteady LOX evaporation amplifies the combustor pressure oscillations at 80 Hz and its harmonic frequency.