bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics in a Delayed Competition System on a Weighted Network
Authors: Tong Yaohua , Wang Xiaoling
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study the stability of positive steady states in a delayed competition system on a weighted network, which does not satisfy the comparison principle appealing to classical competitive systems. By introducing some auxiliary equations and constructing proper contracting rectangles, we present some sufficient conditions on the stability of the unique positive steady state. Moreover, some numerical examples are given to explore the complex dynamics of this nonmonotone model, which implies the nontrivial roles of weights and time delays.
Study on Stress Distribution Law of High‐Efficiency Paste Backfilling Working Face with Solid Waste in Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Zhang Meng , Fang Dan
Published: December 2020

The high‐efficiency paste backfilling mining technology of solid waste in thick coal seam above 6 m is a complex system engineering, which involves mining, backfilling, supporting, subsidence, safety, and other aspects, so it is of great strategic significance to study the technology. In this paper, on the basis of comprehensive research methods such as laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, computer programming, and other comprehensive research methods, aiming at the problems of low production capacity and high paste backfilling cost, taking the mining of No. 3 Coal Seam under buildings in Lu’an area as the research object, the stress distribution law of high‐efficiency paste backfilling working face with solid waste in more than 6‐meter‐thick coal seam was carried out. The main achievements are as follows: On the basis of the theoretical establishment of the program method for the instability discriminant analysis of roof rock beam failure with the change of backfilling body unit strength with time, a numerical calculation model considering the change process of backfilling body strength is established. The stress distribution analysis of the E1302 working face before and during the mining process plays a guiding role in the actual production of the whole working face and roadway. The research results support the sustainable development of coal mining enterprises from technology, which has great economic, social, and environmental benefits, and can promote the industrialization of green mining high‐tech in Shanxi Province and even the whole country and can promote the green mining technology progress of paste backfilling in coal mines in China, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of mining production and environmental construction.
Assessment of Soil Thermal Conductivity Based on BPNN Optimized by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chenyang , Hu Xinmin , Yao Ren , Han Yalu , Wang Yong , He Wentong , Fan Huabin , Du Lizhi
Published: December 2020

Thermal conductivity is a critical parameter playing an important role in the heat transfer process in thermal engineering and enormous other engineering fields. Thus, the accurate acquisition of thermal conductivity has significant meaning for thermal engineering. However, compared to density test, moisture content test, and other physical property tests, the thermal conductivity is hard and expensive to acquire. Apparently, it has great meaning to accurately predict conductivity around a site through easily accessible parameters. In this paper, 40 samples are taken from 37 experimental points in Changchun, China, and the BPNN optimized by genetic algorithm (GA‐BPNN) is used to evaluate the thermal conductivity by moisture content, porosity, and natural density of undisturbed soil. The result is compared by two widely used empirical methods and BPNN method and shows that the GA‐BPNN has better prediction ability for soil thermal conductivity. The impact weight is obtained through mean impact value (MIV), where the natural density, moisture content, and porosity are 30.98%, 55.57%, and 13.45%, respectively. Due to high complexity of different parameter on thermal conductivity, some remolded soil specimens are taken to study the influence of individual factors on thermal conductivity. The correlations between moisture content and porosity with thermal conductivity are studied through control variable method. The result demonstrates that the impact weight of moisture content and porosity can be explained by remolded soil experiment to some extent.
A Deep Random Forest Model on Spark for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Liu Zhenpeng , Su Nan , Qin Yiwen , Lu Jiahuan , Li Xiaofei
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on an important research problem of cyberspace security. As an active defense technology, intrusion detection plays an important role in the field of network security. Traditional intrusion detection technologies have problems such as low accuracy, low detection efficiency, and time consuming. The shallow structure of machine learning has been unable to respond in time. To solve these problems, the deep learning-based method has been studied to improve intrusion detection. The advantage of deep learning is that it has a strong learning ability for features and can handle very complex data. Therefore, we propose a deep random forest-based network intrusion detection model. The first stage uses a slide window to segment original features into many small pieces and then trains a random forest to generate the concatenated class vector as rerepresentation. The vector will be used to train the multilevel cascade parallel random forest in the second stage. Finally, the classification of the original data is determined by voting strategy after the last layer of cascade. Meanwhile, the model is deployed in Spark environment and optimizes cache replacement strategy of RDDs by efficiency sorting and partition integrity check. The experiment results indicate that the proposed method can effectively detect anomaly network behaviors, with high F1-measure scores and high accuracy. The results also show that it can cut down the average execution time on different scaled clusters.
Method of Entry Layout under Synergistic Effects of Abutment Stress and Dynamic Stress
Authors: Shen Wenlong , Shi Guocang , Wang Meng , Rong Tenglong , Wang Yungang , Zhang Ruifeng , Wang Xiangyu , Bai Jianbiao
Published: December 2020

In underground mining engineering, rocks around the entry are always subjected to large plastic deformation disasters, such as supporting body failure, roof rock collapse, and even rock burst under abutment stress and dynamic stress. To improve the stability of these rocks, the entry layout under abutment stress and dynamic stress (ELAD) method was put forward to protect the entry from high abutment stress and dynamic stress. Dynamic disturbance intensity (DDI) was determined as the key evaluation index in ELAD, which was divided into “Slightly Disturbed Type,” “Moderately Disturbed Type,” and “Violent Impact Type” by the dynamic disturbance threshold (DDT) and dynamic large-deformation threshold (DLT). The established servo calculation algorithm was applied into a dynamic and static numerical analysis model with FLAC3D500 software for the solving of DDT and DLT by the method of zero growth DDI of plastic failure zone and the engineering-permitted limitation deformation. This model was validated by comparing the displacement of entry with the measured results in the field. The model results validated that the entry should keep away from the dynamic stress of Violent Impact Type firstly and then be arranged in the zone where the dynamic stress belongs to Slightly Disturbed Type. DDT increases linearly and DLT decreases with a power function as the increasing of the abutment stress. ELAD method is reliable to protect this kind of underground entry and its applicability will be improved by the support resistance by comparing the results from ELAD with those from the widely used methods for field investigation discussion. The analysis procedure can be repeatable and necessary since the rock and coal materials may be different in geological and engineering conditions.
Coordination Analysis of Environmental and Social Problems in Transportation System
Authors: Chen Zhiwen
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes the characteristics of the transportation system and constructs a multidimensional urban public transportation evaluation index system from the perspective of basic network evaluation. The DEA efficiency evaluation model is constructed based on the perspective of environmental and social issues in transportation systems. Environmental and social issues in transportation systems refer to the differences in the average number of people carried and their technical indicators such as environmental pollution and energy consumption for different modes of transportation, which will also lead to different consumption of natural resources per unit of transportation capacity. The multidimensional public transportation system efficiency evaluation system for different evaluation scenarios provides useful technical ideas and implementation methods. To provide a basis for decision-making for transportation system planning, the operation management can help to further promote the research results in practice.
Development of Fast Analytical Method for the Detection and Quantification of Honey Adulteration Using Vibrational Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Tools
Authors: Elhamdaoui Omar , El Orche Aimen , Cheikh Amine , Mojemmi Brahim , Nejjari Rachid , Bouatia Mustapha
Published: December 2020

In this study, the Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy technique combined with chemometrics methods was used to monitor adulteration of honey with sugar syrup. Spectral data were recorded from a wavenumber region of 4000–600 cm−1, with a spectral resolution of 4 cm−1. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used for qualitative analysis to discriminate between adulterated and nonadulterated honey. For quantitative analysis, we used partial least-squares regression (PLS-R) and the support vector machine (SVM) to develop optimal calibration models. The use of PCA shows that the first two principal components account for 96% of the total variability. PCA and HCA allow classifying the dataset into two groups: adulterated and unadulterated honey. The use of the PLS-R and SVM-R calibration models for the quantification of adulteration shows high-performance capabilities represented by a high value of correlation coefficients R2 greater than 98% and 95% with lower values of root mean square error (RMSE) less than 1.12 and 1.85 using PLS-R and SVM-R, respectively. Our results indicate that FT-MIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques can be used successfully as a simple, rapid, and nondestructive method for the quantification and discrimination of adulterated honey.
Nephroprotective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy of Kidney Disease Induced by Toxicants
Authors: Lin Shujun , Lin Wenshan , Liao Chunling , Zhou Tianbiao
Published: December 2020

Background. Renal damage caused by drug toxicity is becoming increasingly common in the clinic. Preventing and treating kidney damage caused by drug toxicity are essential to maintain patient health and reduce the social and economic burden. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the nephroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of kidney disease induced by toxicants. Methods. The Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched up to December 31, 2019, to identify studies and extract data to assess the efficacy of MSCs treatment of kidney disease induced by toxicants using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. A total of 27 studies were eligible and selected for this meta-analysis. Results. The results showed that a difference in serum creatinine levels between the MSC treatment group and control group was observed for 2, 4, 5, 6-8, 10-15, 28-30, and ≥42 days (2 days:

WMD
=
−
0.88

, 95% CI: -1.34, -0.42,

P
=
0.0002

; 4 days:

WMD
=
−
0.74

, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.54,

P
<
0.00001

; 5 days:

WMD
=
−
0.46

, 95% CI: -0.67, -0.25,

P
<
0.0001

; 6-8 days:

WMD
=
−
0.55

, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.26,

P
=
0.0002

; 10-15 days:

WMD
=
−
0.37

, 95% CI: -0.53, -0.20,

P
<
0.0001

; 28-30 days:

WMD
=
−
0.53

, 95% CI: -1.04, -0.02,

P
=
0.04

; ≥42 days:

WMD
=
−
0.22

, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.06,

P
=
0.007

). Furthermore, a difference in blood urea nitrogen levels between the MSC treatment group and control group was observed for 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and ≥28 days. The results also indicate that MSC treatment alleviated inflammatory cells, necrotic tubules, regenerative tubules, and renal interstitial fibrosis in kidney disease induced by toxicants. Conclusion. MSCs may be a promising therapeutic agent for kidney disease induced by toxicants.
Research on the Influence of Nanocarbon/Copolymer SBS/Rubber Powder Composite Modification on the Properties of Asphalt and Mixtures
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Xie Xiangbing , Li Guanghui , Geng Jiuguang , Bao Meng , Wang Mingwei
Published: December 2020

To expand the application range of modified asphalt and mixtures and effectively reduce the aggregation of nanomaterials in asphalt, nanocarbon/styrene butadiene styrene (SBS)/rubber powder composite‐modified asphalt is proposed. This paper presents a laboratory study on the performance of nanocarbon/copolymer SBS/rubber powder composite‐modified asphalt, and nanocarbon particles modified by titanate coupling agents as modifiers are selected. The nanocarbon/copolymer SBS/rubber powder composite‐modified asphalt was prepared by a high‐speed shearing method. The physical properties and rheological performance were assessed using ductility tests, softening point tests, penetration tests, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. Furthermore, the mixture properties, including the high‐temperature stability, low‐temperature cracking resistance, moisture stability, and freeze‐thaw splitting, were evaluated in the laboratory. The micromorphology of the base asphalt and composite‐modified asphalt was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the reactions between the modifiers and AH‐70 base asphalt were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results reveal that the surface‐modified nanocarbon and rubber powder additives substantially increased the softening point and penetration index of the base asphalt, with little obvious influence on the low‐temperature performance. In addition, when nanocarbon/copolymer SBS/rubber powder composite‐modified asphalt was used, the high‐temperature stability and low‐temperature cracking resistance of the nanocarbon/copolymer SBS/rubber powder composite‐modified asphalt mixture were approximately 1.3 times those of the nanocarbon/rubber powder asphalt mixture. In terms of the micromorphology and reaction, the addition of the nanocarbon can increase the compatibility between the base asphalt and rubber powder, and then the addition of copolymer SBS can improve the structure of nanocarbon (after surface modification)/rubber powder‐modified asphalt to form a stable network. Moreover, the physical reaction plays the dominant role in the modification process for the rubber powder and base asphalt, and chemical reactions occur in the modification process for the surface‐modified nanocarbon and base asphalt.
Existence and Uniqueness for a System of Caputo-Hadamard Fractional Differential Equations with Multipoint Boundary Conditions
Authors: Rao S. Nageswara , Msmali Ahmed Hussein , Singh Manoj , Ahmadini Abdullah Ali H.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study existence and uniqueness of solutions for a system of Caputo-Hadamard fractional differential equations supplemented with multi-point boundary conditions. Our results are based on some classical fixed point theorems such as Banach contraction mapping principle, Leray-Schauder fixed point theorems. At last, we have presented two examples for the illustration of main results.
Evaluation of Floods and Landslides Triggered by a Meteorological Catastrophe (Ordu, Turkey, August 2018) Using Optical and Radar Data
Authors: Kocaman Sultan , Tavus Beste , Nefeslioglu Hakan A. , Karakas Gizem , Gokceoglu Candan
Published: December 2020

This study explores the potential of photogrammetric datasets and remote sensing methods for the assessment of a meteorological catastrophe that occurred in Ordu, Turkey in August 2018. During the event, flash floods and several landslides caused losses of lives, evacuation of people from their homes, collapses of infrastructure and large constructions, destruction of agricultural fields, and many other economic losses. The meteorological conditions before and during the flood were analyzed here and compared with long-term records. The flood extent and the landslide susceptibility were investigated by using multisensor and multitemporal data. Sentinel-1 SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), Sentinel-2 optical data, and aerial photogrammetric datasets were employed for the investigations using machine learning techniques. The changes were assessed both at a local and regional level and evaluated together with available damage reports. The analysis of the rainfall data recorded during the two weeks before the floods and landslides in heavily affected regions shows that the rainfall continued for consecutive hours with an amount of up to 68 mm/hour. The regional level classification results obtained from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data by using the random forest (RF) method exhibit 97% accuracy for the flood class. The landslide susceptibility prediction performance from aerial photogrammetric datasets was 92% represented by the Area Under Curve (AUC) value provided by the RF method. The results presented here show that considering the occurrence frequency and immense damages after such events, the use of novel remote sensing technologies and spatial analysis methods is unavoidable for disaster mitigation efforts and for the monitoring of environmental effects. Although the increasing number of earth observation satellites complemented with airborne imaging sensors is capable of ensuring data collection requirement with diverse spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions, further studies are required to automate the data processing, efficient information extraction, and data fusion and also to increase the accuracy of the results.
Inequalities for Estimations of Integrals Related to Higher-Order Strongly
n
-Polynomial Preinvex Functions
Authors: Deng Yongping , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Talib Sadia , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Wu Shanhe
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we establish an integral identity associated with

m

-times differentiable functions. The result is then used to derive some integral estimations for higher-order strongly

n

-polynomial preinvex functions. Finally, we apply the obtained inequalities to construct new inequalities involving special means.
ANCA-Associated Intrahepatic Duct Injury Associated with Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine
Authors: Salabei Joshua K. , Khan Sara , Khan Afzal , Asnake Zekarias T. , Fishman Troy J. , Stromas Jonathan D. , Ismail Zeeshan H. , Leibach John R.
Published: December 2020

Damage to the liver or kidney can occur through direct toxic effects; however, damage can also be drug-induced immune-mediated. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine (LAC) is known to cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis leading to acute kidney injury and end-stage renal disease. It remains unclear whether LAC is associated with hepatic duct damage. Here, we report a case with biopsy-proven evidence of intrahepatic duct damage months after being diagnosed with ANCA-associated crescentic and sclerosing glomerulonephritis caused by LAC use. This case represents the first report of LAC-induced ANCA-associated hepatic duct cholestasis in the setting of previous LAC-induced ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis.
Acute Brucellosis and Cirrhosis: The Triggering Event of Fatal Liver Decompensation
Authors: Kosmidou Maria , Klouras Eleftherios , Rapti Iro , Filippas-Ntekouan Sebastien , Milionis Haralampos
Published: December 2020

Cirrhotic patients are known to be particularly susceptible to infectious complications that may vary according to regional endemic patterns. Brucellosis, a common zoonosis with worldwide distribution, exhibits a predilection for the reticuloendothelial system and thus resulting in hepatic involvement. We describe three cirrhotic patients in whom acute brucellosis and/or its treatment served as the triggering factor of hepatic decompensation, with deleterious effects. The patients suffered from alcoholic cirrhosis and culture-proven brucellosis. All patients came from an area endemic to brucellosis. The first patient exhibited a relapsing brucellosis course with progressive deterioration of his fragile liver function. The second patient progressed rapidly to jaundice, possibly partly attributed to antibiotic pharmacotoxicity, and died during liver transplantation. The third patient eventually succumbed to diffuse intravascular coagulation. Brucellosis can be a triggering event of fatal liver decompensation in cirrhotic patients. Enhancing health literacy of the patients, particularly in endemic areas, is of paramount importance for prevention of exposure to similar pathogens.
Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma from Transplanted Kidney with Complete Response to an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
Authors: Chiang Ryan S. , Connor Ashton A. , Inman Brant A. , Foo Wen-Chi , Howell David N. , Madden John F. , Ellis Matthew J. , Rege Aparna S. , Harrison Michael R.
Published: December 2020

Background. Donor-derived malignancy is a rare complication in patients who undergo organ transplant. Approaches to treatment have largely been individualized based on clinical circumstances given the lack of evidence-based guidelines, with therapeutic options ranging from discontinuation of immunosuppression and transplantectomy to the addition of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Case Presentation. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old woman with metastatic donor-derived upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) discovered nine years postrenal transplant. Molecular diagnostic studies using polymerase chain reaction amplification of short tandem repeat alleles and HLA tissue typing proved that the urothelial carcinoma originated from donor tissue. She achieved sustained complete remission with transplant nephroureterectomy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, immunosuppression withdrawal, and immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. Routine radiologic surveillance has demonstrated 15-month progression-free survival to date off pembrolizumab, and she is now under consideration for retransplantation. Conclusions. Immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors can serve as a novel treatment option for patients in the clinical predicament of having a solid organ transplant and simultaneous metastatic malignancy. In this report, we also discuss the oncogenic potential of BK virus, the use of checkpoint inhibitors in urothelial carcinoma, and the feasibility of retransplant for this patient population.
A New Method to Construct the KD Tree Based on Presorted Results
Authors: Cao Yu , Wang Huizan , Zhao Wenjing , Duan Boheng , Zhang Xiaojiang
Published: December 2020

Searching is one of the most fundamental operations in many complex systems. However, the complexity of the search process would increase dramatically in high-dimensional space. K-dimensional (KD) tree, as a classical data structure, has been widely used in high-dimensional vital data search. However, at present, common methods proposed for KD tree construction are either unstable or time-consuming. This paper proposed a new algorithm to construct a balanced KD tree based on presorted results. Compared with previous similar method, the new algorithm could reduce the complexity of the construction process (excluding the presorting process) from O (KNlog2N) level to O (Nlog2N) level, where K is the number of dimensions and N is the number of data. In addition, with the help of presorted results, the performance of the new method is no longer subject to the initial conditions, which expands the application scope of KD tree.
Detecting Dynamic States of Temporal Networks Using Connection Series Tensors
Authors: Cao Shun , Sayama Hiroki
Published: December 2020

Many temporal networks exhibit multiple system states, such as weekday and weekend patterns in social contact networks. The detection of such distinct states in temporal network data has recently been studied as it helps reveal underlying dynamical processes. A commonly used method is network aggregation over a time window, which aggregates a subsequence of multiple network snapshots into one static network. This method, however, necessarily discards temporal dynamics within the time window. Here we propose a new method for detecting dynamic states in temporal networks using connection series (i.e., time series of connection status) between nodes. Our method consists of the construction of connection series tensors over nonoverlapping time windows, similarity measurement between these tensors, and community detection in the similarity network of those time windows. Experiments with empirical temporal network data demonstrated that our method outperformed the conventional approach using simple network aggregation in revealing interpretable system states. In addition, our method allows users to analyze hierarchical temporal structures and to uncover dynamic states at different spatial/temporal resolutions.
Changing the Prognosis of Metastatic Cervix Uteri Adenosquamous Carcinoma through a Multimodal Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Georgescu Mihai Teodor , Georgescu Dragos Eugen , Georgescu Teodor Florin , Serbanescu Luiza Georgia
Published: December 2020

Adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma (AS) are 2 rare histological types of cervix uteri cancer constituting almost 20% of all cervix cancers, leading to a lack in patient management guidelines. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with an oligometastatic cervix AS for which a multimodal treatment approach was used. Despite the patient’s bad prognosis, a complete response was achieved, which further resulted in excellent local control and prolonged survival. This case report serves the purpose of encouraging multidisciplinary team work and out-of-the-box thinking that should result in an individualized treatment for rare cancer subtypes.
Que nos diluísse em materia de nojo: moeda viva e a (de)sacralização da casa-grande em Crônica da casa assassinada de Lúcio Cardoso
Authors: Temple Leo Stephen Merlin
Published: December 2020

Colocando o livro em diálogo com as teorias hermenêuticas do autor, inspiradas por Nietzsche, o presente ensaio almeja analisar os efeitos tanto temporais quanto económicos ligados à estética de fragmentação em Crônica da Casa Assassinada de Lúcio Cardoso. Recorrindo ao pensamento de Marilena Chauí e Gilberto Freyre, o foco do ensaio expande do vulto da casa-grande, na qual a vida espiritual de habitantes entrelaçava com a economia de escravidão. Cardoso escrevia numa época quando divisões políticas refletava aumentos no interesse por materialidade e marxismo brasileiro, num lado, e afiliações ressurgentes com a Igreja Católica, no outro. Por salientar a relação entre essa arquitetura colonial no romance e suas leituras de Gênesis, o ensaio procura questionar a categorização simples de Cardoso entre os católicos e, além disso, establecê-lo como um autor que, invocando filosofias de repetição, se recusa de periodização.
Desenovelamento
Authors: Baranski Julia Almeida
Published: December 2020

Texto de criação literária.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE PROGNOSTIC ABILITY OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Akhmetzyanova Anna I. , Khakimullina R. R.
Published: December 2020

Background. This article considers the prediction ability (anticipation of future events) in preschool children with hearing impairment. The ability to anticipate the results of their interaction with the surrounding social world is by no means unimportant in the social adaptation of children with hearing impairment. Prediction in preschool children with hearing impairment is a rather poorly studied topic. There are studies about particular types of anticipation, such as emotional anticipation. Based on analysis of previous studies, a detailed study of the structural and functional characteristics of the prognostic ability of children with hearing impairment compared with children with neurotypical development is significant. Objective. To learn about the ability of hearing-impaired preschoolers to anticipate future situations. Design. The empirical study involved 50 children aged 5–7 years with hearing impairment and without developmental disabilities, attending preschool educational institutions of the Republic of Tatarstan. The following methods were used: “Ugadaika” [“Guessing Game”] (L.I. Peresleni, V.L. Podobed) and the authors’ methodology “Prognostic Stories”, developed by teachers at Kazan Federal University. Results. In children with hearing impairment, we identified ineffective methods of carrying out predictive activities, irrational forecasting strategies, forecasting difficulties in certain areas of relationships and activities, as well as problems of mastering the rules in a normative situation. Conclusion. The study confirmed the importance of external regulation in the social life of a child with a hearing impairment, which helps the children to predict more successfully in organized activities than in free ones. The most developed relationships in children with hearing impairment are in the child — parent domain. In their own forecasting, children with hearing impairment are more characterized by a passive position; in most situations, the children pointed to other participants, most often adults, as the subjects of future events.
Regulating, Recognizing, and Religionizing Nike in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: McBrien Julie
Published: December 2020

In October 2016, the Kyrgyzstani parliament passed a new law regulating marriage amidst a growing debate on gender, sexuality, and the integrity of the Kyrgyzstani nation. The amendment, which aimed to tackle the already illegal practices of underage and forced marriage, criminalized involvement in these acts by targeting the practice that in Kyrgyzstan is colloquially called nike, or what might be referred to as a religious or non-state registered marriage. The amendment regulated and recognized nike for the first time. By adopting novel language and using terminology whose meaning differed significantly from common usage, the amendment also subtly religionized nike. The vociferous public debate surrounding the passage of the bill similarly marked nike as something done by the particularly pious explicitly outside of the state’s purview, producing a spurious and politicized reading of the quotidian practice in Kyrgyzstan.
Temporary Marriages, Mahramiyat, and the Rights of the Child in Shiʿi Adoption
Authors: Rahbari Ladan
Published: December 2020

Iran accepts temporary marriage to facilitate and sanctify sexual relationships. The concession of temporary marriage has, however, been the subject of controversy in the past four decades. One significant refutation of temporary marriage is related to its attempted usage in the case of child-adoption, sanctioned by both the state and some Shiʿi mujtahids. The explicated rationale is that an adopted child does not benefit from mahramiyat and is, therefore, non-mahram to members of the adoptive family after reaching puberty. To establish mahramiyat, Shiʿi jurisprudence allows for temporary marriage between the adoptee and a member of the adoptive family. By performing a temporary marriage, new familial ties are established, and mahramiyat limitations are lifted. This proposed solution, however, can lead to other significant legal and social complications. This paper investigates Shiʿi jurisprudence allowing temporary marriage in child-adoption scenarios in contemporary Twelver Shiʿa by exploring relevant fiqh/ijtihad and legal perspectives in Iran.
Contemporary Issues in Marriage Law and Practice in Qatar
Authors: Akhtar Rajnaara C.
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses changing marriage practices in modern-day Qatar, drawing on empirical data gathered in a sociolegal study involving interviews with individual citizens and residents about their marriage and family experiences, and with legal personnel and experts in family law. It presents a unique insight into evolving relationship behaviours occurring within and on the periphery of Qatar’s family-law framework in the context of its population make-up, historic traditions, trends in education, and globalisation. Changing practices examined include ‘late’ first marriages and ‘marrying out.’ The empirical research findings are used to analyse the link between the administrative process of obtaining permission to marry out and non-state-registered marriages, the gender imbalance in the treatment of those marrying out, and the link between child custody rights and unofficial marriages. The emerging narrative depicts couples navigating marriage laws and utilising non-state-registered ‘religious-only’ marriages as a temporary measure to overcome legal and administrative hindrances.
Moving Towards Decent Work for Street Vendors in Tanzania
Authors: Mramba Nasibu Rajabu , Mhando Nandera Ernest
Published: December 2020

Street vending is an important employment opportunity for the millions of youth, women, anyone with very few resources and the least-skilled people in low-income countries. Its popularity is due to the ease of entry into the business as far as costs, legal eligibility, and level of education. Despite their importance to local economies, street vendors operate in challenging environments that limit the productivity, the decency, and the sustainability of this kind of work. Governments should play a central role in improving the quality of work in this sector, particularly in countries where it constitutes a large proportion of the nation’s work force, and provides goods and services to so many people.
A new species of the genus Lefroyothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from India
Authors: RACHANA R.R. , KENCHANNAVAR MANJUNATH
Published: December 2020

An identification key is provided to three species of Lefroyothrips recorded from India, including a new species L. varatharajani collected from flowers of Mimusops elengi. Although similar to L. lefroyi in having short ocellar setae on the head, the new species has only a single row of postocular setae.
Assessing the Relationship between Low-Frequency Oscillations of Global Hydroclimate Indices and Long-Term Precipitation throughout the United States
Authors: Giovannettone Jason
Published: December 2020

Because many locations throughout the United States have recently experienced periods of extreme wet and dry conditions, an attempt is made to better understand the relationships between long-term total precipitation and climate variability. Correlations between total precipitation at over 1200 U.S. sites and low-frequency oscillations of the mean activity of 30 hydroclimate indices (HCIs) are analyzed using correlation analysis and sliding window sizes on the order of years to reduce the effects of high-frequency variability in the time series. The strength and significance of each relationship are assessed using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient r, leave-one-out cross validation, and a Monte Carlo approach. The sliding window size, lag time, and beginning month were varied to produce the optimal correlation at each site; a 60-month sliding window and lag times of 12 and 48 months resulted in the strongest correlations. Correlations with 7 and 8 HCIs at each lag time, respectively, were regionally delineated. The Madden–Julian oscillation represents the dominant HCI at the 12-month lag time throughout most of the western half of the United States, whereas El Niño–Southern Oscillation revealed strong links to annual and longer-term total precipitation in the eastern and western United States, respectively. Other HCIs, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Pacific decadal oscillation, demonstrated dominance over much smaller and more well-defined regions within the Southwest and the South, respectively. The final results of this study allow a greater understanding of potential links between climate variability and long-term precipitation in the United States, leading to potentially improved predictions of the onset and persistence of future extreme meteorological events at longer lead times.
Assessment of the analytical performance of point-of-care faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin
Authors: O’Driscoll Shane , Carroll Magdalen , Maclean William , Piggott Carolyn , Jourdan Iain , Benton Sally C
Published: December 2020

Background

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) in faeces. It is used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) and increasingly to triage patients presenting with symptoms of CRC. A number of quantitative point-of-care (POC) FIT systems marketed for professional use and intended for use in a clinical setting are available. Here we reviewed the POC FIT systems available; three (Eurolyser Cube, OC-Sensor iO and QuikRead go) were evaluated to assess their performance against manufacturers’ claims and suitability for use in a clinical setting.

Methods

The analytical evaluation of the POC FIT systems was undertaken using Hb lysates, patient samples and an external quality assessment sample. The evaluation focused on linearity, recovery, imprecision, prozone effect, Hb variant detection and suitability for use in a clinical setting.

Results

All three POC FIT systems performed to their manufacturer’s claims and demonstrated good analytical performance with acceptable linearity, recovery, within- and between-run imprecision. The QuikRead go and OC-Sensor iO were able to accurately detect samples with results above their measuring range. However, because of a prozone effect the Eurolyser Cube gave falsely low results when using high concentrations of Hb. The QuikRead go performed best in the usability assessment due to portability and timeliness of result.

Conclusion

Each system performed according to their manufacturers’ claims. The QuikRead go and OC-Sensor iO are suitable for use. The Eurolyser Cube is not recommended because of the risk of falsely low results.
Climate and cohesion: The effects of droughts on intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic trust
Authors: De Juan Alexander , Hänze Niklas
Published: December 2020

While a large body of research has highlighted the conflict-inducing effects of climate change, we still know very little about the mechanisms linking environmental conditions to violent conflict. This article investigates the plausibility of a prominent channel according to which scarcity of natural resources can foster violent conflict through deteriorating intergroup relations. In addition to assessing the direct effects of adverse environmental conditions on intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic trust, we suggest a conditional argument on the role of horizontal inequality of hazard exposure. Environmental hazards are ‘unequal’ if they systematically affect ethnic groups differently. While inequality may reinforce intra-ethnic ties and out-group suspicion, equal hazard exposure may create a sense of unity among diverse victims in their collective struggle to cope with harsh environmental conditions. We test these arguments in the context of the severe drought periods that affected most East African countries in the years 2004 and 2005. The empirical analysis combines gridded information on drought severity with geo-located survey data across six countries in the region (Afrobarometer survey 2005/2006). Our main analyses find that exposure to drought hazards correlates positively with self-reported trust within and across ethnic groups. The latter association, however, depends on the degree of intergroup equality of hazard exposure and wanes as inequality increases. Taken together, these findings indicate that if droughts increase the risk of violent conflict, they seem to do so through mechanisms other than intergroup polarization and despite their positive association with ethnic trust. This is most likely the case in contexts where there is pronounced horizontal inequality of drought hazards.
Increasing Praise Delivery Within Dorms of a Juvenile Justice Facility
Authors: Luna Odessa , Rapp John T.
Published: December 2020

Researchers have shown that adolescents in residential treatment facilities benefit from behavior-analytic intervention. However, it remains unclear whether practitioners can apply behavioral interventions to increase staff members’ appropriate interactions with residents within a juvenile justice facility. In Study 1, researchers compared direct measures of staff behavior in three target dorms (D1, D2, and D3) containing high levels of resident disruptive behavior to a dorm (D4) with consistently low levels of resident disruptive behavior. Results indicated that staff members in the target dorms engaged in significantly higher rates of reprimands and negative statements than in D4. In Study 2, researchers used didactic and video instruction to train staff members in D1, D2, and D3 to increase contingent and noncontingent praise delivery. Results indicated praise delivery by staff members increased slightly in each target dorm. In Study 3, researchers first evaluated the extent to which measures of staff members’ and residents’ behaviors improved following training within each dorm. Subsequently, researchers compared the post-training behavioral measures from D1, D2 and D3 to D4 to determine the extent to which staff behavior in the training dorms was distinguishable from D4. Results of Study 3 indicated that one or more staff behaviors improved in each training dorm. Nevertheless, residents’ disruptive behavior was unchanged in each target dorm. In addition, staff members’ behavior in each target dorm continued to be distinguishable from staff members’ behavior in D4 on most behavioral measures.
Cognition and Its Association with Psychosocial and Occupational Functioning during Treatment with Escitalopram in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A CAN-BIND-1 Report: La Cognition Et Son Association Avec Le Fonctionnement Psychosocial Et Professionnel Durant Le Traitement Par Escitalopram Chez Des Patients Souffrant De Trouble Dépressif Majeur: Une Étude Can-Bind-1
Authors: McInerney Shane J. , Chakrabarty Trisha , Maciukiewicz Malgorzata , Frey Benicio N. , MacQueen Glenda M. , Milev Roumen V. , Ravindran Arun V. , Rotzinger Susan , Kennedy Sidney H. , Lam Raymond W. ,   On behalf of the CAN-BIND Investigator Team
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with impairments in both cognition and functioning. However, whether cognitive deficits significantly contribute to impaired psychosocial and occupational functioning, independent of other depressive symptoms, is not well established. We examined the relationship between cognitive performance and functioning in depressed patients before and after antidepressant treatment using secondary data from the first Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression-1 study.

Methods:

Cognition was assessed at baseline in unmedicated, depressed participants with MDD ( n = 207) using the Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized battery, psychosocial functioning with the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and occupational functioning with the Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS). Cognition ( n = 181), SDS ( n = 175), and LEAPS ( n = 118) were reassessed after participants received 8 weeks of open-label escitalopram monotherapy. A series of linear regressions were conducted to determine (1) whether cognitive functioning was associated with psychosocial and occupational functioning prior to treatment, after adjusting for overall depressive symptom severity and (2) whether changes in cognitive functioning after an 8-week treatment phase were associated with changes in psychosocial and occupational functioning, after adjusting for changes in overall symptom severity.

Results:

Baseline global cognitive functioning, after adjusting for depression symptom severity and demographic variables, was associated with the SDS work/study subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.03) and LEAPS productivity subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.05), but not SDS total (β = 0.19; P = 0.12) or LEAPS total (β = 0.41; P = 0.17) scores. Although LEAPS and SDS scores showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.001), there were no significant associations between changes in cognitive domain scores and functional improvements.

Conclusion:

Cognition was associated with occupational functioning at baseline, but changes in cognition were not associated with psychosocial or occupational functional improvements following escitalopram treatment. We recommend the use of more comprehensive functional assessments to determine the impact of cognitive change on functional outcomes in future research.
Pandémie COVID-19, sommeil et séquelles psychologiques: au nom du Réseau canadien du sommeil et des rythmes circadiens* et de la Société canadienne du sommeil**
Authors: Godbout Roger , Carrier Julie , Bastien Célyne , Morin Charles M.
Published: December 2020

Les données recueillies lors de crises et tragédies passées prouvent que les problèmes de sommeil survenant durant ou peu de temps après un événement traumatique sont reliés à une probabilité accrue de développer des symptômes psychiatriques durables. Or la pandémie COVID-19 et ses conséquences à moyen et long-terme combinent plusieurs facteurs de risque pour le sommeil, tant pour les intervenants de la santé que la population générale. Notre relevé mensuel des publications scientifiques qui combinent COVID-19 et sommeil/insomnie entre janvier et juillet 2020 révèle un taux de croissance comparable pour les articles qui portent plus précisément sur la santé mentale mais aucune ne porte sur les résultats d’une intervention. Nous proposons qu’il faille agir rapidement sur les difficultés de sommeil en cette période de pandémie afin de protéger l’équilibre psychologique individuel à moyen et long terme, d’autant plus que les outils nécessaires à la prévention de l’insomnie, sa détection et son traitement sont à la portée de tous les professionnels de la santé mentale.
Desperate Housewives and Happy Working Mothers: Are Parent-Couples with Equal Income More Satisfied throughout Parenthood? A Dyadic Longitudinal Study
Authors: Langner Laura
Published: December 2020

Are parent-couples with equal income more satisfied as their children grow up, than those who prioritize the father’s career (specialize)? For the first time, 384 German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) study couples were categorized into life-course coupled earnings types, by tracing how earnings were divided within couples between the ages of 1 to 15 of their youngest child. Multivariate, multilevel analysis showed that, unlike mothers pursuing an (eventually) equal earnings division, mothers in an (eventually) specialized arrangement experienced a strong decline in life satisfaction. Hence, particularly high-status mothers (having invested heavily into their career) were eventually up to two life satisfaction points less satisfied if they prioritized their partner’s earnings, than those who shared earnings equally with their partner. Paternal life satisfaction was not significantly different between patterns of earnings (in)equality. For most couples, earnings equality led to a win-win situation: mothers’ life satisfaction was higher than for specialized mothers without negatively affecting paternal satisfaction.