bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil respiration and net ecosystem productivity in a chronosequence of hybrid poplar plantations
Authors: Chang Scott X. , Shi Zheng , Thomas Barb R.
Published: August 2020

Forest stand age can affect ecosystem carbon (C) cycling and net ecosystem productivity (NEP). In Canada, establishment of short-rotation plantations on previously agricultural lands has been ongoing, but the effect of stand development on soil respiration (Rs) and NEP in such plantations is poorly understood. These types of data are essential for constraining ecosystem models that simulate C dynamics over the rotation of a plantation. We studied Rs (including autotrophic, Ra, and heterotrophic, Rh) and NEP in 2008 and 2009 in a chronosequence of 5-, 8-, 14-, and 16-yr-old (ages in 2009) hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus × petrowskyana var. Walker) plantations in northern Alberta. The highest Rs and NEP were generally found in the 14-yr-old stand. Seasonal variations in Rs were similar among the plantations, with most of the variation explained by soil temperature at the 10 cm depth in 2008 with far less explained in 2009, a much drier year. In diurnal measurements, hysteresis was found between soil respiration and soil temperature, with the patterns of hysteresis different among stand ages. Soil respiration in the 14-yr-old plantation had the greatest sensitivity to temperature changes. Stand age did not affect the Rh:Rs ratio, whereas the NEP exhibited strong inter-annual variability. We conclude that stand age was a major factor affecting Rs and NEP, and such effects should be considered in empirical models used to simulate ecosystem C dynamics to evaluate potentials for C sequestration and the C source–sink relationship in short-rotation woody crop systems.
Bhabha scattering in very special relativity at finite temperature
Authors: dos Santos Alesandro Ferreira , Khanna Faqir C.
Published: August 2020

In this paper the differential cross section for Bhabha scattering in the very special relativity (VSR) framework is calculated. The main characteristic of the VSR is to modify the gauge invariance. This leads to different types of interactions appearing in a non-local form. In addition, using the Thermo Field Dynamics formalism, thermal corrections for the differential cross section of Bhabha scattering in VSR framework are obtained.
JOB FORMALITY AND EARNINGS DIFFERENCES AMONG MIGRANTS AND NON-MIGRANTS: EVIDENCE FROM FOUR INDONESIAN CITIES
Authors: SENADHEERAGE PAMUDI BANJITHA ABEYNAYAKE , LEEVES GARETH DAVID , SIAH AUDREY K. L.
Published: August 2020

Informal employment is a critical source of income for both internal migrants and non-migrants. This study uses the Rural–Urban Migration in Indonesia (RUMiI) project data for 2008 and 2009 to investigate the role of informal employment in earnings among internal migrants and non-migrants in Indonesia while considering the broader nature of informal employment and remuneration. Results show that when using a detailed measure of informality, income consequences of more intensive informal employment are severe, which had not been recognised in the literature. Some of the largest earnings reductions resulting from moving to more informal employment were experienced by non-migrants.
TAX REFORM AND ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXUS IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM THE COINTEGRATION AND ROLLING-WINDOW CAUSALITY
Authors: SETHI NARAYAN , MOHANTY SAILEJA , SUCHARITA SANHITA , LOGANATHAN NANTHAKUMAR
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the impact of tax reform on the economic growth of India over the period 1975–2017. In order to measure the impact of tax reform on the economic growth, we have used various econometric tools like Maki and combined cointegration tests and the rolling-window causality test in this study. The study revealed that a stable long-run parameter stability relationship exists the series on tax reform but unable to obtain the short-run relationship. Results also revealed that growth-led taxation effects and tax-led-growth do not exist in India. Hence, India needs more policies which will help to remove inefficiencies created by the existing heterogeneous taxation system, revenue rate and inclusion of petroleum products, electricity, liquor and real estate and policymakers should adopt some policies for direct tax which reduce the imbalance in class.
Determination of the steady-state kinetics in a spin-1 Ising model using path probability method
Authors: Özüm Songül , Erdem Rıza
Published: August 2020

As a continuation of our previously published work, we propose a theoretical framework for the determination of steady-state kinetics in a spin-1 Ising model by the path probability method. The framework is based on the principles of non-equilibrium statistical physics and is quite different from the phenomenological approach. We construct a set of linear kinetic equations for the order parameters using the non-linear dynamic (or rate) equations in the presence of external magnetic field. From the steady-state solutions of the linear equations, an expression for the complex (or dynamic) magnetic susceptibility [Formula: see text] is derived. The temperature dependence of the magnetic dispersion relation [Formula: see text] and magnetic absorption factor [Formula: see text] has been studied in the ferromagnetic (FM) and paramagnetic (PM) phases as well as near the critical regime.
Forcing axioms and coronas of C∗-algebras
Authors: McKenney Paul , Vignati Alessandro
Published: August 2020

We prove rigidity results for large classes of corona algebras, assuming the Proper Forcing Axiom. In particular, we prove that a conjecture of Coskey and Farah holds for all separable [Formula: see text]-algebras with the metric approximation property and an increasing approximate identity of projections.
Review on the Influence of Various Types Liquid Desiccants on the Performance of Dehumidification System
Authors: Murthy Krishna , Shetty Rahul , Kumar Shiva
Published: August 2020

Air conditioning is one of the large energy consuming sectors, as it comforts the human in closed environment. Especially, in coastal regions where both temperature and humidity are high, it demands for air conditioning. Usually, in such cases, cooling and dehumidification of outside air is done by cooling coils. Such cooling and dehumidification coils requires relatively large amount of energy. In the era of energy saving technologies, Liquid desiccant system (LDS) has proved to be one of the best alternatives for controlling the humidity, economically and efficiently. Different liquid desiccants are available for dehumidification purpose with their own advantages and disadvantages. This paper summarizes the different liquid desiccants used by researchers in their study and the performances analysis of dehumidification process. An attempt is also made to summarize the characteristics of the different hybrid or composite desiccants developed by researchers in order to improve the desiccant properties for the better dehumidification process.
Quantifying deformation processes in the SE Pyrenees using U–Pb dating of fracture-filling calcites
Authors: Cruset D. , Vergés J. , Albert R. , Gerdes A. , Benedicto A. , Cantarero I. , Travé A.
Published: August 2020

It is difficult to quantify the timing of the deformation processes in brittle fold–thrust belts because minerals suitable for dating and well-preserved growth strata sediments are scarce or absent. Here, we quantify the duration of thrust sheet emplacement and shortening rates in the SE Pyrenean thrust sequence using U–Pb dating of fracture-filling calcites. The obtained U–Pb dates reveal a minimum duration for the emplacement of each thrust unit (18.7 Ma for the Bóixols–Upper Pedraforca, 11.6 Ma for the Lower Pedraforca and 14.3 Ma for the Cadí thrust sheets) and show that piggy-back thrusting was accompanied by post-emplacement deformation of the upper thrust sheets above the lower sheets during their south-directed tectonic transport. We calculated shortening rates of 0.6, 3.1 and 1.1 mm a
−1
from the older to younger emplaced thrust sheets. Our results also reveal the formation of local normal faults during the late Oligocene as a result of the late stages of compression and exhumation in the SE Pyrenees. We observed that temperatures >110 °C could be a limiting factor when applying the U–Pb dating method.

Supplementary material: U-Pb analytical results, concordia plots and fracture data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5078862
An All-wireless SDN Framework for BLE Mesh
Authors: Murillo Yuri , Chiumento Alessandro , Reynders Brecht , Pollin Sofie
Published: August 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm combines the interconnection of massive amounts of battery-constrained and low-computational-power devices with low-latency and high-reliability network requirements. Additionally, diverse end-to-end services and applications with different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements are expected to coexist in the same network infrastructure. Software-defined Networking (SDN) is a paradigm designed to solve these problems, but its implementation in wireless networks and especially in the resource-constrained IoT systems is extremely challenging and has seen very limited adoption, since it requires isolation of data and control plane information flows and a reliable and scalable control plane. In this work, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh is introduced as an adequate technology for an all-wireless SDN-BLE implementation, which is a technology that has become the de-facto standard for IoT. The proposed SDN-BLE framework uses a routing network slice for the data plane information flow and a flooding network slice for the control plane information flow, ensuring their isolation while still being transmitted over the wireless medium. The design and implementation of all the classical SDN layers on a hybrid BLE mesh testbed is given, where the data plane is formed by the BLE nodes and the control plane can be centralized on a server or distributed over several WiFi gateways. Several controllers are described and implemented, allowing the framework to obtain end-to-end network knowledge to manage individual nodes over the air and configure their behavior to meet application requirements. An experimental characterization of the SDN-BLE framework is given, where the impact of the different parameters of the system on the network reliability, overhead, and energy consumption is studied. Additionally, the distributed versus centralized control plane operation modes are experimentally characterized, and it is shown that the distributed approach can provide the same performance as the centralized one when careful system design is performed. Finally, a proof of concept for the SDN-BLE framework is presented, where a network congestion is automatically detected and the nodes responsible of such congestion are identified and reconfigured over the air, bypassing the congested links, to resume regular network performance.
Parkinson's: A Disease of Aberrant Vesicle Trafficking
Authors: Singh Pawan Kishor , Muqit Miratul M.K.
Published: August 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a leading cause of neurodegeneration that is defined by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of protein aggregates called Lewy bodies (LBs). The unequivocal identification of Mendelian inherited mutations in 13 genes in PD has provided transforming insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. The mechanistic analysis of several PD genes, including α-synuclein (α-syn), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and Parkin, has revealed central roles for protein aggregation, mitochondrial damage, and defects in endolysosomal trafficking in PD neurodegeneration. In this review, we outline recent advances in our understanding of these gene pathways with a focus on the emergent role of Rab (Ras analog in brain) GTPases and vesicular trafficking as a common mechanism that underpins how mutations in PD genes lead to neuronal loss. These advances have led to previously distinct genes such as vacuolar protein–sorting-associated protein 35 (VPS35) and LRRK2 being implicated in a common signaling pathway. A greater understanding of these common nodes of vesicular trafficking will be crucial for linking other PD genes and improving patient stratification in clinical trials underway against α-syn and LRRK2 targets.
Refinancing, Monetary Policy, and the Credit Cycle
Authors: Amromin Gene , Bhutta Neil , Keys Benjamin J.
Published: August 2020

We assess the complicated reality of monetary policy transmission through mortgage markets by synthesizing the existing literature on the role of refinancing in policy implementation. After briefly reviewing mortgage market institutions in the USA and documenting refinance activity over time, we summarize the links between refinancing and consumption and describe the frictions impeding the refinancing channel. The review draws heavily on research emerging from the experience of the financial crisis of 2008–2009, as it highlights a combination of market, institutional, and policy-making factors that dulled the transmission mechanism. We conclude with a discussion of potential mortgage market innovations and the applicability of lessons learned to the ongoing stresses induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Bacterial Activity
Authors: Tanabe So , Sun Shuyi , Itagaki Satohiro , Urai Kazuki , Shiigi Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

For the efficient utilization of bacterial bioresources, the quantitative evaluation of metabolic activity in live bacterial cells is required. Using potentiometric measurements, we quantitatively evaluated the electron generation rate of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 based on individual enzymatic reactions. We evaluated intracellular electron generation in bacterial suspensions supplemented with different carbon sources utilized in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In bacterial suspensions, ferricyanide was almost completely reduced to ferrocyanide by cell-generated electrons, without an effect on bacterial cell viability. Focusing on this reduction reaction, quantitative evaluations were possible by potentiometry based on the Nernst equation.
An indisputable role of NHE8 in mucosal protection
Authors: Bernardazzi Claudio , Xu Hua , Tong Huan , Laubitz Daniel , Figliuolo da Paz Vanessa , Curiel Leslie , Ghishan Fayez K.
Published: August 2020

Loss of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 8 (NHE8), a Slc9 family of exchanger that contributes to sodium uptake, cell volume regulation, and intracellular pH homeostasis, resulted in dysbiosis with reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and decrease of Muc2 production in the intestine in mice. Introducing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and VSL#3 in NHE8 knockout (NHE8KO) mice failed to rebalance the microbiota in these mice. Furthermore, administration of FMT, VSL#3, and sodium butyrate was unable to restore mucin production in the absence of NHE8 in the intestine.
Analysis of Driver Decisions at the Onset of Yellow at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Li Juan , Jiang Boyu , Dong Chunjiao , Wang Jue , Zhang Xuan
Published: August 2020

Drivers’ decisions to either slow and stop or go at the onset of yellow signal impact on intersection safety. This novel study contributes to the new classification scheme for drivers. Two driving style indexes (i.e., the driving reliability index and dangerous driving index) are adopted, along with other known factors to analyze stop/go decision-making. Initially, the driving reliability index is extracted using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The dangerous driving index is calculated based on statistics extracted from dangerous driving records. A latent class logit model is then proposed to explore the factors which influence drivers’ decisions. Drivers are classified for analytical purposes into “low-risk” and “high-risk” categories according to driving styles and age. Results indicate that those considering “low-risk” tend to stop, while drivers considering “high-risk” are inclined to pass intersections. Furthermore, distractions from cell phones have different influences on each group of drivers. These findings help to determine driver preferences and may be used to formulate strategies to reduce unsafe driving occurring at signalized intersections.
The Intricate Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Insulin Resistance (IR), and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Tanase Daniela Maria , Gosav Evelina Maria , Costea Claudia Florida , Ciocoiu Manuela , Lacatusu Cristina Mihaela , Maranduca Minela Aida , Ouatu Anca , Floria Mariana
Published: August 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain as one of the most global problematic metabolic diseases with rapidly increasing prevalence and incidence. Epidemiological studies noted that T2DM patients have by two-fold increase to develop NAFLD, and vice versa. This complex and intricate association is supported and mediated by insulin resistance (IR). In this review, we discuss the NAFLD immunopathogenesis, connection with IR and T2DM, the role of screening and noninvasive tools, and mostly the impact of the current antidiabetic drugs on steatosis liver and new potential therapeutic targets.
Effect of Airflow Field in the Tangential‐Longitudinal Flow Threshing and Cleaning System on Harvesting Performance
Authors: Xu Taibai , Li Yaoming
Published: August 2020

The threshing and cleaning device in the grain combine harvester is located in the same airtight space, and the air flow field in it should also be studied and tested as a whole system. In order to study the distribution of air flow field and the influence of working parameters on the air flow field in the internal space of threshing and cleaning system, the method of predicting harvest performance indexes (grain loss rate and grain impurity rate) by air flow field analysis was explored. First of all, taking the longitudinal grain combine harvester of our research group as the test object and taking the rotating speed of centrifugal fan, the angle of fan plate, the opening of chaffer, and the rotating speed of threshing cylinder as the research factors, the internal space flow channel model of threshing and cleaning system under different working conditions was established and CFD software was used to simulate and analyze the air flow field. At the same time, the hot wire anemometer is used to measure and verify the distribution of air flow field in the threshing and cleaning system under various working conditions. Then, the harvest performance index of the threshing and cleaning system under the rated feeding rate is tested under the corresponding working conditions to find the relationship between the distribution of air flow field and harvest performance, put forward the corresponding analysis and prediction methods, and establish the mathematical relationship model between the simulated air flow field and harvest performance index. The results of simulation and experiment show that the average air velocity can more accurately reflect the cleaning performance. The mathematical function of the relation curve is Y = 11.71X − 4.76, and the prediction error is within 9.4%. The air velocity in the middle area of the vibrating screen is approximately in proportion to the cleaning performance, which provides the theoretical and experimental basis for the design of the threshing and cleaning device and the adjustment of the working parameters in the field harvest. In addition, it can save the design time and cost and reduce the seasonal impact of field experiment.
Complicated Posterior Cervical Skin and Soft Tissue Infections at a Single Referral Center
Authors: Zhao Jing-Chun , Zhang Xiu-Hang , Zhang Nan , Wu Zhen-Dong , Wang Jian , Yu Qing-Hua , Hong Lei , Shi Kai , Yu Jia-Ao
Published: August 2020

Background. Although the incidence and mortality of complicated skin and soft tissue infections have decreased, this infection is still relatively frequent and can be associated with lethal complications. In this study, the authors present our clinical experience of patients with complicated posterior cervical skin and soft tissue infections (CPCSSTIs) diagnosed and treated in a reconstructive unit in northeastern China. Methods. A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with CPCSSTIs from January 2009 to December 2018 was performed. To make the results objective and convincing, a data analysis was performed relating to demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, predisposing factor, bacterial culture, laboratory and radiographic evaluations, diagnostic clues, management, and complications as well as the clinical course and outcome. Results. During the ten‐year period, there were 174 consecutive patients admitted to our reconstructive center with final diagnosis of CPCSSTIs included. All the patients were adults, and the majority were male (67.2%). The patient’s mean age was 51.3 years (range, 15‐88 years). There were 114 patients (65.5%) that had associated systemic diseases, with diabetes mellitus (40.2%) as the most common predisposing factor. Common presented clinical symptoms were pain (90.8%), swelling (85.1%), and erythema (77%) of the neck. Surgical treatment was performed in all the patients, and most of them (83.9%) received the first surgery within 24 h. The most commonly isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (30%). Vancomycin (21.3%) was the most commonly used antibiotics, followed by cefepime (18.4%). All the patients survived and were discharged with a mean duration of hospitalization of 28.7 days. Those patients with predisposing factors (31.4 ± 12.35 days) or complications (41.0 ± 12.5 days) tended to have a longer hospital stay. The mean total costs of admission per patient were 47 644 RMB. Conclusion. This study highlights the high cost burden of CPCSSTI patients. Those patients with predisposing factors or complications tended to have a longer hospital stay.
The Effects of Age, Cigarette Smoking, Sex, and Race on the Qualitative Characteristics of Lung Transcriptome
Authors: Guan Qingzhou , Zhang Juan , Guo You , Xia Jie , Zhang Jiahui , Xie Jiajing , Cai Hao , Yan Haidan , Wang Xianlong , Guo Zheng
Published: August 2020

The within‐sample relative expression orderings (REOs) of genes, which are stable qualitative transcriptional characteristics, can provide abundant information for a disease. Methods based on REO comparisons have been proposed for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the individual level and for detecting disease‐associated genes based on one‐phenotype disease data by reusing data of normal samples from other sources. Here, we evaluated the effects of common potential confounding factors, including age, cigarette smoking, sex, and race, on the REOs of gene pairs within normal lung tissues transcriptome. Our results showed that age has little effect on REOs within lung tissues. We found that about 0.23% of the significantly stable REOs of gene pairs in nonsmokers’ lung tissues are reversed in smokers’ lung tissues, introduced by 344 DEGs between the two groups of samples (RankCompV2, FDR <0.05), which are enriched in metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, glutathione metabolism, and other pathways (hypergeometric test, FDR <0.05). Comparison between the normal lung tissue samples of males and females revealed fewer reversal REOs introduced by 24 DEGs between the sex groups, among which 19 DEGs are located on sex chromosomes and 5 DEGs involving in spermatogenesis and regulation of oocyte are located on autosomes. Between the normal lung tissue samples of white and black people, we identified 22 DEGs (RankCompV2, FDR <0.05) which introduced a few reversal REOs between the two races. In summary, the REO‐based study should take into account the confounding factors of cigarette smoking, sex, and race.
Significance of Serum Angiopoietin‐2 in Patients with Hemorrhage in Adult‐Onset Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Yu Jianbo , Huang Kaiyuan , Pan Jianwei , Shen Jian , Zhan Renya
Published: August 2020

Background. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive occlusive cerebrovascular disease that is characterized by abnormal angiogenesis at the base of the brain. This pathological abnormal angiogenesis is susceptible to disturbances, including spontaneous hemorrhage and vasogenic edema. However, the underlying mechanisms of pathological angiogenesis and occurrence of hemorrhage are unclear. Angiopoietins play a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of central nervous system disorders in angiogenesis. This study was aimed at examining whether angiopoietins are associated with formation of abnormal collateral vessels and the occurrence of hemorrhage in adult‐onset moyamoya disease (HMMD). Methods. A total of 27 consecutive adult patients with HMMD were enrolled from June 2011 to May 2017. Serum levels of angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with HMMD were compared with those with spontaneous hemorrhage (controls) and nonhemorrhagic‐onset MMD (NHMMD). Results. Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in patients with adult HMMD than in those with spontaneous hemorrhage and NHMMD. The ROC curve identified that a baseline serum Ang‐2 level > 1230 ng/ml may be associated with adult HMMD with 88.39% sensitivity and 70.37% specificity (area under the curve (AUC), 0.89; 95% CI, 0.808‐0.973; P < 0.001). Moreover, serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly elevated in stages II, III, and IV. In subgroup analysis of a high and low degree of moyamoya vessels, serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in the high moyamoya vessel group than in the low moyamoya vessel group. Serum Ang‐2 levels were also significantly higher in the low moyamoya vessel group compared with the control group. Serum Ang‐1 levels were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion. Increased serum Ang‐2 levels may contribute to pathological abnormal angiogenesis and/or to the instability of vascular structure and function, thus causing brain hemorrhage in adult HMMD.
Refined Upper Solution Bound of the Continuous Coupled Algebraic Riccati Equation
Authors: Wang Li
Published: August 2020

The continuous coupled algebraic Riccati equation (CCARE) has wide applications in control theory and linear systems. In this paper, by a constructed positive semidefinite matrix, matrix inequalities, and matrix eigenvalue inequalities, we propose a new two-parameter-type upper solution bound of the CCARE. Next, we present an iterative algorithm for finding the tighter upper solution bound of CCARE, prove its boundedness, and analyse its monotonicity and convergence. Finally, corresponding numerical examples are given to illustrate the superiority and effectiveness of the derived results.
A Tool-Based Perspective on Software Code Maintainability Metrics: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ardito Luca , Coppola Riccardo , Barbato Luca , Verga Diego
Published: August 2020

Software maintainability is a crucial property of software projects. It can be defined as the ease with which a software system or component can be modified to be corrected, improved, or adapted to its environment. The software engineering literature proposes many models and metrics to predict the maintainability of a software project statically. However, there is no common accordance with the most dependable metrics or metric suites to evaluate such nonfunctional property. The goals of the present manuscript are as follows: (i) providing an overview of the most popular maintainability metrics according to the related literature; (ii) finding what tools are available to evaluate software maintainability; and (iii) linking the most popular metrics with the available tools and the most common programming languages. To this end, we performed a systematic literature review, following Kitchenham’s SLR guidelines, on the most relevant scientific digital libraries. The SLR outcome provided us with 174 software metrics, among which we identified a set of 15 most commonly mentioned ones, and 19 metric computation tools available to practitioners. We found optimal sets of at most five tools to cover all the most commonly mentioned metrics. The results also highlight missing tool coverage for some metrics on commonly used programming languages and minimal coverage of metrics for newer or less popular programming languages. We consider these results valuable for researchers and practitioners who want to find the best selection of tools to evaluate the maintainability of their projects or to bridge the discussed coverage gaps for newer programming languages.
Study on Impact Characteristics of Multistage Double Crown Face Gear Pairs considering Ratio Switching under Variable Conditions
Authors: Chen Xingbin , Min Xinhe , Zhang Peng , Li Nini , Zhong Zhihong , Wu Yuansheng
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a new transmission mechanism with multistage face gears as the core components for realizing variable speeds with differential meshing. To improve face gear transmission smoothness, suppress meshing resonance, reduce noise, and optimize power transmission performance during the gear shifting process, load distribution between meshing teeth during the transmission process and impact loads during various shifting stages must be determined. Herein, we present a gear impact model considering double crown gear meshing configuration, contact deformation, variable working conditions, and jump impact at meshing points. A single-stage face gear pair is considered as object that the impact characteristics are comparatively studied under four conditions: with/without load and constant/variable speed. The results were used to analyze transient characteristics of the crown gear under contact deformation or frequent shifting impact. Based on this, the impact characteristics of multistage face gear pairs between ratio switching were extendedly investigated under four input conditions: constant/variable torque or constant/variable speed. The results were used to determine the meshing force and impact force fluctuation characteristics of multistage face gear pairs while adapting to various loads and continuous acceleration/deceleration. The proposed model can be beneficial to evaluate the feasibility of multistage gear structures with crown configuration and to obtain boundary conditions for transmission systems.
Patient-Centered Outcomes of Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Treatments of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Observational, Intention-to-Treat Study at Twelve Months
Authors: Heidari Nima , Noorani Ali , Slevin Mark , Cullen Angela , Stark Laura , Olgiati Stefano , Zerbi Alberto , Wilson Adrian
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) has been shown to benefit osteoarthritic patients by reducing pain and supporting tissue regeneration through a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-related paracrine mechanism. This observational study of 110 knees assessed patient-centered outcomes of pain, functionality, and quality of life, analyzing their variation at twelve months following one ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of autologous MFAT for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Method. Inclusion criteria were as follows: VAS >50, and the presence of KOA as diagnosed on X-ray and MRI. Exclusion criteria included the following: recent injury (<3 months) of the symptomatic knee, intra-articular steroid injections performed within the last three months, and hyaluronic acid injections prior to this treatment. Changes in VAS, OKS, and EQ-5D were scored at baseline and twelve months following a single intra-articular injection of autologous MFAT. Score variation was analyzed utilizing a nonparametric paired samples Wilcoxon test. The statistical analysis is reproducible with Open Access statistical software R (version 4.0.0 or higher). The study was carried out with full patient consent, in a private practice setting. Results. Median VAS (pain) improved from 70 (IQR 20) to 30 (IQR 58) (p<0.001); median OKS (function) improved from 25 (IQR 11) to 33.5 (IQR 16) (p<0.001); and median EQ-5D (quality of life) improved from 0.62 (IQR 0.41) to 0.69 (IQR 0.28) (p<0.001). No adverse events were reported during the intraoperative, recovery, or postoperative periods. Conclusions. For patients with all grades of knee osteoarthritis who were treated with intra-articular injections of MFAT, statistically significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life were reported. Although further research is warranted, the results are encouraging and suggest a positive role for intra-articular injection of MFAT as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
A Review of Methods Used to Reduce the Effects of High Temperature Associated with Polyamide 12 and Polypropylene Laser Sintering
Authors: Mwania Fredrick M. , Maringa Maina , van der Walt Kobus
Published: August 2020

The polymer laser sintering (PLS) process is one of the most promising additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for polymeric materials. However, the technique has challenges because the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the polymeric powder deteriorate due to the high temperatures prevailing in the build chamber during manufacture. These high temperatures cause agglomeration of powder, which leads to a decrease in the flowability of powder. There is also a related drop in the coalescence of the powder granules during PLS, which results in porosity that undermines the mechanical integrity of printed parts. Moreover, the viscosity of the melt increases due to cross-linking of molecular chains. This, in turn, increases the tensile strength of the printed components at the expense of the percentage elongation at break. Thus, high prolonged processing temperatures decrease the reusability of polymeric materials used in PLS. In this paper, a review of the studies conducted to investigate ways of reducing the effects of high temperature on polymeric powders is presented.
Wolfgang R. von Kempelen,
Le Mécanisme de la Parole, Suivi de la Description d’une Machine Parlante
. Vienne, ed. Bauer, 1791
Authors: Pettorino Massimo
Published: August 2020

Strange as it may seem, von Kempelen’s speaking machine from 1791 is the best result obtained in various attempts to build a mechanism similar to the speech apparatus, capable of producing a vocal signal. In this book discussion, we will illustrate von Kempelen’s work, along with the attempts, across history, to build talking devices. We will highlight the 2 paths that have been followed over the centuries: “vocal transport” and “artificial voice.” The first case was a trick, because the voice was produced by a hidden subject and transported through an artifice to a head or a statue. The other path, that of research, has tried to imitate the phonatory apparatus to produce sequences of sounds somewhat similar to those that make up the speech chain. Which of the 2 paths led to the production of today’s synthesized speech? The trick or the research? We will try to answer this question.
Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for the Treatment of Nonlesional Insular Epilepsy in Pediatric Patients: Technical Considerations
Authors: Alexander Hepzibha , Cobourn Kelsey , Fayed Islam , Oluigbo Chima O.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The insula presents anatomic challenges to surgical exploration and intervention. Open neurosurgical intervention is associated with high rates of complications despite improved seizure control. Minimally invasive techniques using novel energy delivery methods have gained popularity due to their relative safety and ability to overcome access-related barriers. The goal of this paper is to present an operative technical report and methodological considerations on the application of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) for the treatment of nonlesional, medically refractory, insular epilepsy in pediatric patients. Methods: Visualase laser probe(s) were implanted using ROSA robotic stereotactic guidance into the insula using a parasagittal trajectory. After confirmation of placement using intraoperative MRI, thermal energy was delivered under real-time MR guidance. Laser wire pullback was performed when the initial dose of thermal energy was insufficient to ablate the target in its entirety. Thermal ablation within the intended target was confirmed using gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI. Following removal of laser wires, a final T1-weighted axial brain MRI was performed to confirm no evidence of hemorrhage. Results: Three patients underwent MRgLITT of nonlesional insular epilepsy over an 11-month period. The epileptogenic focus was localized to the insula using stereoelectroencephalography. The anterior and middle portions of the insula were accessed using a parasagittal trajectory. Laser ablation was performed for up to 3 min using an output of 10.5 W. No complications were encountered, and all patients were discharged within 24 h after the surgery. At the most recent follow-up, all patients had an Engel I outcome without any new neurologic deficits. Conclusion: This small cohort shows that insular ablation can be achieved safely with promising seizure outcomes in the short term.
Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): A Review of the Current Position
Authors: Abdu Fuad A. , Mohammed Abdul-Quddus , Liu Lu , Xu Yawei , Che Wenliang
Published: August 2020

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) remains a puzzling clinical entity that is characterized by clinical evidence of myocardial infarction (MI) with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on angiography (stenosis <50%). Major advances in understanding this condition have been made in recent years. The precise pathogenesis is poorly understood and is being studied and examined further. Guidelines indicate that MINOCA is a group of heterogeneous diseases with different mechanisms of pathology. Since there are multiple possible pathological mechanisms, it is not certain that the classical secondary prevention and treatment strategy for MI with obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) is optimal for MINOCA patients. The prognosis and predictors for MINOCA patients remain unclear. Although the prognosis is slightly better for MINOCA patients than for MI-CAD patients, MINOCA isn’t always benign. The aim of this paper was to review the literature and evaluate MINOCA epidemiology, clinical features, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Moral Distress and Considering Leaving in NICU Nurses: Direct Effects and Indirect Effects Mediated by Burnout and the Hospital Ethical Climate
Authors: Barr Peter
Published: August 2020

Background: Moral distress in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses predicts burnout, the hospital ethical climate, and considering leaving the position. However, the direct effect of moral distress on considering leaving and the indirect effects mediated by burnout and the hospital ethical climate remain unexamined in these nurses. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the direct effect of moral distress on considering leaving and the indirect effects mediated by burnout and the hospital ethical climate in NICU nurses. Methods: This is an observational, multicentre, self-report questionnaire study of NICU nurses currently providing direct newborn care on 6 Level 3–4 NICUs in New South Wales, Australia. Results: Of the estimated 585 eligible nurses, 136 (23%) participated in the study. Twenty-one percent of the nurses were considering leaving. After controlling for the other predictor variables, moral distress did not predict considering leaving (p = 0.651). Burnout (odds ratio [OR] 4.25, p < 0.001) and the hospital ethical climate (OR = 0.29, p = 0.020) were significant predictors of considering leaving. The direct effect of moral distress on considering leaving was not significant, but the indirect effects mediated by burnout (B = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.147–0.611]) and the hospital ethical climate (B = 0.19, 95% CI [0.085–0.382]) were significant. Conclusions: The support of NICU nurses considering leaving should include preventing and resolving moral distress, managing burnout, and enriching the ethical climate of the hospital. This support may reduce psychological distress in NICU nurses and maintain or enhance the standard of care for sick newborns.
A computational forensic framework for detection of hidden applications on android
Authors: Rasul Tahira , Latif Rabia , Mohd Jamail Nor Shahida
Published: August 2020

Smartphones, since their emergence has become a significant part of our lives and Android is popular of all. They are successful due to the increasing availability of user applications to answer every possible need, so it is of great importance to ensure security and privacy when handling personal and sensitive information of the user. To secure the data on mobile devices, users use applications available on the Google Play store, which help to hide data on their devices known as Hidden Applications. Hidden applications are categorized as one of the major applications used for data hiding and storing. These applications can be used to hide date from snooping, intrusion and against the data theft. Therefore, the proposed framework in this research helps to find either they store and hide data in efficient manner or not and if they do so either it is encrypted or not. In this paper, main objective is to identify the privacy threats which end users face by using such applications, analyse these application’s behaviour, working, their code to understand how data is hidden and if the information is encrypted, it can be retrieved or not. The work not only focuses on the identification of hidden data/apps; it also provides a mechanism to recover and reconstruct the data from these hidden parts of the memory. In the end, present the results obtained by using the proposed framework in a case file so that it can be used in a criminal court case.
Performance assessment of a 619kW photovoltaic power plant in the northeast of peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Raj M. Nirrmahl , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh
Published: August 2020

Photovoltaic (PV) power plants are becoming widely implemented and in larger scale around the world. Understanding performance criteria is crucial in the benchmark of PV plants and ascertaining performance requirements during both design and operational stage of a PV plant. Performance Ratio (PR) and Capacity Factor (CF) are two generally accepted benchmarks for the assessment of a grid connected PV plant. However, within the South East Asia region, and especially within Malaysia, there is a lack of compilation and benchmark for the PR and CF values of existing and operational PV plants. This lack of data is disadvantageous for the designing and assessment of performance of any PV plants in the area. Thus, the focus of this study is to assess the PR and CF performance a 619kW PV plant in the Northeast of Peninsular Malaysia, with the ultimate goal of proposing a standard. From the continuous operation of the said PV plant for the duration of one year, the plant energy production has been obtained and is compared with the simulated energy generation model. Based on the comparison, the plant is determined to be operating with PR value of 0.77 and CF value of 12%. The plant is evaluated to be operating within benchmark values. These values not only verify the performance of the studied PV plant, they also present a form of comparison for future studies.
Effects of lightning impulse front time on substation grounding system performance
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Adul Malek Zulkurnain , Din Nur Syazwani Mohd , Jambak Muhammad Irfan , Nawawi Zainuddin , Sidik Muhammad Abu Bakar
Published: August 2020

The role of the grounding system in the safety of the power system and protection of personnel is obvious during an unexpected short circuit or lightning discharge at the substation. The aim of this work is to analyze the effects of several parameters: lightning impulse front time, soil resistivity and types of grid materials on the grounding system of the Substation. The ground potential rise (GPR), touch voltage and step voltage of a 50 m x 60 m grounding grid buried at a depth of 0.5 m were computed using CDEGS when injected by impulse with different front times. Results show that the shorter the front time of lightning impulse waveform, the higher the value of GPR, touch voltage and step voltage. Meanwhile, when the value of soil resistivity is increased, the value of GPR, touch voltage and step voltage is also increased. Lastly, different types of grid conductor materials give different values of GPR, touch voltage and step voltage. However, it can be said that the differences are too small to be of any significance.

 
Choques fiscais e salários reais: uma análise para os estados brasileiros
Authors: Arruda Elano Ferreira , Bastos Felipe De Sousa , Silva João Paulo Rios e
Published: August 2020

Os efeitos da política fiscal sobre os salários reais, tanto em sua abordagem teórica quanto na empírica, não são consensuais. Este trabalho procura contribuir com a análise dos efeitos de choques fiscais sobre os salários reais para os estados brasileiros considerando as despesas orçamentárias, correntes e de investimento. Os resultados são extraídos das funções de impulso resposta, obtidas de modelos VAR em painel. As evidências apontam para o impacto positivo das despesas sobre PIB e salários reais. Esses resultados indicam que a síntese novo keynesiana parece explicar melhor a resposta do mercado de trabalho dos estados brasileiros a choques fiscais.
New substitute name Attenboroughctena nom. nov. for the genus Ceroctena Carré & Carré, 1991 (Ctenophora: Cydippida: Pleurobrachiidae)
Authors: CECCOLINI FILIPPO , CIANFERONI FABIO
Published: August 2020

Attenboroughctena Ceccolini & Cianferoni nom. nov. is established as the new name for the genus Ceroctena Carré & Carré, 1991 (Ctenophora: Cydippida: Pleurobrachiidae), preoccupied by Ceroctena Guenée, 1852 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Review of the genus Odontomutilla Ashmead, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Indian subcontinent, with description of two new species
Authors: LELEJ ARKADY S. , TERINE JOSHUA B. , KUMAR GIRISH P. , DAS DIPANWITA , SURESHAN PAVITTU M.
Published: August 2020

Review of the 12 species and one subspecies of the genus Odontomutilla of the Indian subcontinent is provided. Two new species, O. sairandhriensis Terine, Girish Kumar & Lelej, sp. nov., ♀ (Kerala part of Southern Western Ghats) and O. fletcheri Lelej, Terine & Girish Kumar, sp. nov. ♀, ♂ (Sri Lanka), and the hitherto unknown male of O. trichocondyla (André, 1894) are described and illustrated. Mutilla indiga Bingham, 1908, ♂ (India: Uttar Pradesh) is transferred from the genus Odontomutilla to Smicromyrme Thomson, 1870 (comb. nov.). Odontomutilla speciosa (Smith, 1855), ♀ is excluded from the Indian subcontinent fauna as misidentified O. spectra (Bingham, 1908). Keys to the 12 species and one subspecies (males and females) of the genus are given.
Welcoming Refugees and Migrants: Catholic Narratives and the Challenge of Inclusion
Authors: Hollenbach David
Published: August 2020

Faith communities play important roles in welcoming migrants into their new home societies. This article examines the history of the Roman Catholic community’s role in integrating immigrants into U.S. society, showing how the Church has created a large network of parishes, schools, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies that have helped immigrants to integrate into U.S. social life. It presents the normative stance of Catholicism concerning refugees and migrants, which stresses that respect for the dignity of persons requires enabling them to participate in a community they can call home, thus facilitating the integration of refugees and migrants. Survey data highlight some contemporary challenges to the continuing Catholic role in immigrant integration, suggesting new ways to strengthen Catholic contributions to the integration of immigrants by recalling both the Catholic community’s memory of its immigrant past and the values of its normative tradition. The article sketches several areas where further research could help to strengthen the Catholic contribution.