bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of patient experience in county-level public hospitals in China: a multicentred, cross-sectional study
Authors: Min Rui , Li Lu , Zi Chunyan , Fang Pengqian , Wang Biyan , Tang Changmin
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Patient experience is being widely considered in the evaluation of healthcare service quality, which is a key target for public hospitals under China’s New Healthcare Reform. This study aimed to illustrate patients’ experiences in county-level public hospitals, and identify aspects that need to be improved.

Setting and participants

Between 2016 and 2018, a cross-sectional study with 500 outpatients and 800 inpatients was conducted in 10 county-level public hospitals from Shandong Province, Hubei Province and Chongqing Municipality.

Method

A three-part questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ experiences during their visits to hospitals. It comprised a questionnaire for basic information, the Picker Patient Experience (PPE-15) Questionnaire and the overall evaluation (a 3-point Likert scale to express patients’ satisfaction and patient loyalty). Patients’ experiences were classified according to six dimensions (information transmission and patient education, respect for patient preference, emotional support, physical comfort, involvement of family or friends and continuity of medical service). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate patient experience.

Results

A total of 1241 valid questionnaires were analysed. The mean PPE-15 score was 41.33 (range, 23–56). The better the patient experience and satisfaction, the higher the patient loyalty (p<0.001). Except for hospital disparities, patients’ age and occupation status had a significant impact on patient experience (p<0.05). Of the six dimensions, the physical comfort score was the highest, while the respect for patient preference score was the lowest. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between the respect for patient preference dimension and patients’ overall satisfaction with their treatment experience.

Conclusions

Hospital managers and staff members should pay close attention to the preferences of patients and their families to improve patient experience.
Performing artist and Athlete Health Monitor: user experience, content and conditions for use of an online dance-health surveillance system in a professional ballet company
Authors: Karreman Daphne E , Keizer-Hulsebosch Stephanie C , Stubbe Janine H
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The user experience, content and conditions for use of an online dance-health surveillance system (Performing artist and Athlete Health Monitor, PAHM) was examined through a focus group interview with professional ballet dancers.

Methods

Nine professional dancers (56% female (n=5), average age=27.56± 5.17) completed biweekly questionnaires using the PAHM, including questions on health problems, injuries, mental complaints and illnesses. After 6 weeks, nine dancers participated in a focus group interview to investigate the user experience, content and conditions for use of the PAHM. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

25 of the 27 questionnaires were completed (response rate of 93%). Dancers were positive about using the PAHM. They recommend to clarifying the questions about pain and injury, expanding items on mental health, including items on workload, sleep, rest and nutrition, and receiving feedback regarding their own results. Dancers were reluctant regarding sharing their personal data with others. Data on an aggregated level can be shared because this might gain insight into the association between scheduling, workload and injury risk.

Conclusion

The user experience of the monitor contributes to the willingness of dancers to keep using the PAHM. Dancers recommended adjusting the content in the PAHM to match their dance activities and health problems. The conditions for using the PAHM effectively within a company are a safe and trusting culture. Even though the PAHM alone cannot change the culture in a ballet company, it can play a role in the communication between staff and dancers.
Detection of Campylobacter species in different types of samples from dairy farms
Authors: Hansson Ingrid , Olsson Engvall Eva , Ferrari Sevinc , Harbom Boel , Lahti Elina
Published: November 2019

Background

Livestock, domestic pets and wildlife can be intestinal carriers of thermotolerant Campylobacter species. These reservoirs can in turn contaminate the environment and food products, thus creating pathways to campylobacteriosis in human beings. The purposes of this study were to investigate sampling strategies applied for surveillance of Campylobacter on dairy cattle farms and to identify the presence and species of Campylobacter in different age groups.

Methods

Boot sock and faecal samples were collected from five dairy herds from three age groups—cows, heifers and calves younger than 12 months—and from milk filters.

Results

Campylobacter species were isolated in 152 of 250 samples, of which 93 isolates were identified as C jejuni, 51 as C hyointestinalis, two as C lari and one as C coli, whereas five isolates could not be identified to species level. Campylobacter species were isolated from 86 of 110 faecal samples, 60 of 97 sock samples and six of 43 milk filter samples.

Conclusion

Faecal samples were the optimal sample type for detection of Campylobacter on dairy farms. However, taking multiple types of samples could be recommended in order to optimise the recovery rate and variety of Campylobacter species detected when investigating the presence of Campylobacter on dairy farms.
Impact of chiral hyperonic three-body forces on neutron stars
Authors: Logoteta Domenico , Vidaña Isaac , Bombaci Ignazio
Published: November 2019

We study the effects of the nucleon-nucleon-lambda (NN$ \Lambda$Λ three-body force on neutron stars. In particular, we consider the NN$ \Lambda$Λ force recently derived by the Jülich-Bonn-Munich group within the framework of chiral effective field theory at next-to-next-to-leading order. This force, together with realistic nucleon-nucleon, nucleon-nucleon-nucleon and nucleon-hyperon interactions, is used to calculate the equation of state and the structure of neutron stars within the many-body non-relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach. Our results show that the inclusion of the NN$ \Lambda$Λ force leads to an equation of state stiff enough such that the resulting neutron star maximum mass is compatible with the largest currently measured ( $ \sim 2 M_\odot$∼2M⊙ neutron star masses. Using a perturbative many-body approach we calculate also the separation energy of the $ \Lambda$Λ in some hypernuclei finding that the agreement with the experimental data improves for the heavier ones when the effect of the NN$ \Lambda$Λ force is taken into account.
Synthesis of the porphyrin-calix[4]arene conjugatesviaPd-catalyzed amination and their evaluation as fluorescent chemosensors
Authors: Yakushev Alexei A. , Averin Alexei D. , Sakovich Maria V. , Vatsouro Ivan M. , Kovalev Vladimir V. , Syrbu Sergei A. , Koifman Oskar I. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: November 2019

The synthesis of the porphyrin-calix[4]arene conjugates was carried out using the Pd(0)-catalyzed amination of Zn(II) meso-(3-bromophenyl)porphyrinate with bis(3-aminopropoxy)substituted calix[4]arenes (in cone and 1,3-alternate conformations). One of the conjugates was demetalated to give free porphyrin base derivative. The investigation of the fluorescence of the conjugates was studied in the presence of 18 metal perchlorates. The zinc porphyrinate derivatives were found to quench fluorescence in the presence of Cu(II), Al(III) and Cr(III) cations as well as on protonation. Metal-free conjugate was shown to act as a molecular probe for Zn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) cations due to strong and different changes of the emission caused by these metals.
The average order of the Möbius function for Beurling primes
Authors: Neamah Ammar Ali , Hilberdink Titus W.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the counting functions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of a generalized prime system [Formula: see text]. Here, [Formula: see text] is the partial sum of the Möbius function over [Formula: see text] not exceeding [Formula: see text]. In particular, we study these when they are asymptotically well-behaved, in the sense that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], for some [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show that the two largest of [Formula: see text] must be equal and at least [Formula: see text].
Fixed point theorems of (α,ψ) G-contractive mappings in quasi-partial b-metric-like spaces endowed with a graph
Authors: Gupta Anuradha , Rohilla Manu
Published: November 2019

The notion of [Formula: see text] G-contractive mappings is defined and the existence and uniqueness of fixed points of such mappings on quasi-partial b-metric-like spaces endowed with a graph are obtained. An application and examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Evaluation of stiffness matrix in finite element analysis using element edge method for the 8-node brick element
Authors: Johnson Shyjo , Jeyapoovan T.
Published: November 2019

An element edge method is developed for the evaluation of stiffness matrix for the 8-node brick element. Handling of large data leads to take more computational time in finite element analysis. The new set of quadrature consist of 13 sampling points and weights out which 12 points are at the edges of the brick element and one point is considered at the center of the element. The new set of sampling points is a mimic of Gauss numerical integration method. Finally, the proposed element edge method is evaluated using the standard benchmarked problems and compared the results with conventional Gauss integration method and found that CPU execution time for the evaluation of finite element problems are found to be reduced considerably without compromising in the results mainly consist of accuracy of values and convergence rate.
Process, Analyze and Visualize Telecommunication Network Configuration Data in Graph Database
Authors: Lehotay-Kéry Péter , Kiss Attila
Published: November 2019

In network telemetry systems, nodes produce vast number of configuration files based on how they are configured. Steps were taken to process these files into databases to help the work of the developers, testers and customer support to focus on the development and testing and to be able to give advice to the customers about how to configure the nodes. However, the processing of these data in relational database manager system is slow, hard to query and the storage takes huge disk space.

In this paper, we are presenting a way to store the data produced by these nodes in graph database, changing from relational database to NoSQL environment. With our approach, one can easily represent and visualize the network of machines.

In the end, we are going to compare the inserting, querying time and storage size in different database manager systems. The results could also be used for other types of configuration data too from other kinds of machines to show the connection between them and query them easily.
The Use of Grey Literature Review as Evidence for Practitioners
Authors: Kamei Fernando Kenji
Published: November 2019

Context: In the last years, diverse research areas increased their interest in Grey Literature (GL). In Software Engineering (SE), SE practitioners became heavy consumers of GL, by way of contrast to traditional research papers. Problem: This is unfortunate, in particular, although the increase of Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) published, researchers, claim to the lack of them of connection to the practice. Goal: Propose and evaluate a set of guidelines to help SE researchers to conduct a Grey Literature Review (GLR) that are more in line with practitioners' needs. Method: First, we are conducting a tertiary study to understand how secondary studies use GL. Second, we plan to employ qualitative research with researchers of SLRs and SE practitioners. Third, we plan to review and analyze the use of GL source according to the context in SE. Fourth, we plan to conduct a GLR. Finally, we plan to perform and evaluate our guideline. Preliminary Results: The tertiary study retrieved a total of 14,043 papers. We removed the duplicate studies and also which were not peer-reviewed articles. Currently, we are solving the conflicts of disagreement of the selection process. Conclusions: We present preliminary findings, show our proposed approach and the next steps.
Report on the 2nd International Workshop on Robotics Software Engineering (RoSE'19)
Authors: Ciccozzi Federico , Hochgeschwender Nico , Malavolta Ivano , Wortmann Andreas
Published: November 2019

The 2nd edition of the 2nd International Workshop on Robotics Software Engineering (RoSE) was held at the International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) in the city of Montreal, Canada, on the 27th of May 2019. The focus of this edition of the workshop was on multi-robot systems and facilitating robot programming. In this report, we rst present an overview of the workshop sessions before we highlight challenges identi ed in workshop's interactive discussion sessions.
The Impact of Group Size on the Discovery of Hidden Profiles in Online Discussion Groups
Authors: Tausczik Yla , Huang Xiaoyun
Published: November 2019

Online discussions help individuals to gather knowledge and make important decisions in diverse areas from health and finance to computing and data science. Online discussion groups exhibit unique group dynamics not found in traditional small groups, such as staggered participation and asynchronous communication, and the effects of these features on knowledge sharing is not well understood. In this article, we focus on one such aspect: wide variation in group size. Using a controlled experiment with a hidden profile task, we evaluate online discussion groups’ capacity to share distributed knowledge when group size ranges from 4 to 32 participants. We found that individuals in medium-sized discussions performed the best, and we suggest that this represents a tradeoff in which larger groups tend to share more facts, but have more difficulty than smaller groups at resolving misunderstandings.
An Improved Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm Using the Heuristical Normal Distribution and Direction-Based Crossover
Authors: Wang Jiquan , Zhang Mingxin , Ersoy Okan K. , Sun Kexin , Bi Yusheng
Published: November 2019

A multi-offspring improved real-coded genetic algorithm (MOIRCGA) using the heuristical normal distribution and direction-based crossover (HNDDBX) is proposed to solve constrained optimization problems. Firstly, a HNDDBX operator is proposed. It guarantees the cross-generated offsprings are located near the better individuals in the population. In this way, the HNDDBX operator ensures that there is a great chance of generating better offsprings. Secondly, as iterations increase, the same individuals are likely to appear in the population. Therefore, it is possible that the two parents of participation crossover are the same. Under these circumstances, the crossover operation does not generate new individuals, and therefore does not work. To avoid this problem, the substitution operation is added after the crossover so that there is no duplication of the same individuals in the population. This improves the computational efficiency of MOIRCGA by leading it to quickly converge to the global optimal solution. Finally, aiming at the shortcoming of a single mutation operator which cannot simultaneously take into account local search and global search, a Combinational Mutation method is proposed with both local search and global search. The experimental results with sixteen examples show that the multi-offspring improved real-coded genetic algorithm (MOIRCGA) has fast convergence speed. As an example, the optimization model of the cantilevered beam structure is formulated, and the proposed MOIRCGA is compared to the RCGA in optimizing the parameters of the cantilevered beam structure. The optimization results show that the function value obtained with the proposed MOIRCGA is superior to that of RCGA.
Policy-Based Security Management System for 5G Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Alquhayz Hani , Alalwan Nasser , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim , Al-Bayatti Ali H. , Sharif Mhd Saeed
Published: November 2019

Advances in mobile phone technology and the growth of associated networks have been phenomenal over the last decade. Therefore, they have been the focus of much academic research, driven by commercial and end-user demands for increasingly faster technology. The most recent generation of mobile network technology is the fifth generation (5G). 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020 and to work with existing 3G and 4G technologies to provide extreme speed despite being limited to wireless technologies. An alternative network, Y-Communication (Y-Comm), proposes to integrate the current wired and wireless networks, attempting to achieve the main service requirements of 5G by converging the existing networks and providing an improved service anywhere at any time. Quality of service (QoS), vertical handover, and security are some of the technical concerns resulting from this heterogeneity. In addition, it is believed that the Y-Comm convergence will have a greater influence on security than was the case with the previous long-term evolution (LTE) 4G networks and with future 5G networks. The purpose of this research is to satisfy the security recommendations for 5G mobile networks. This research provides a policy-based security management system, ensuring that end-user devices cannot be used as weapons or tools of attack, for example, IP spoofing and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. The results are promising, with a low disconnection rate of less than 4% and 7%. This shows the system to be robust and reliable.
Study on Physical‐Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Expansive Soil Stabilized with Fly Ash and Lime
Authors: Zhou Sheng-quan , Zhou Da-wei , Zhang Yong-fei , Wang Wei-jian
Published: November 2019

Fly ash and lime have been frequently employed to reduce the swelling potential of expansive soils. Laboratory experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used in this study to investigate the stabilizing effect of fly ash and lime on expansive soils in the Jianghuai undulating plain area. The comparison was drawn between the variation laws of physical parameters, mechanical properties, microstructure, and mineral composition of expansive soil before and after being stabilized. Experimental results suggest that, after 5% lime is added based on fly ash, the plasticity index of the expansive soil decreases by 64.9%, the free swelling ratio is reduced to about 10%, the unloading swelling ratio is reduced to nearly 4%, and the stabilized soil no longer exhibits the expansive property. The unconfined compressive and tensile strengths of the stabilized soil increase first and then decrease with the rising in fly ash content. After the addition of 5% lime, both the unconfined compressive and tensile strengths increase significantly. The optimum modifier mixture ratio is obtained as 10% fly ash + 5% lime. The SEM images reveal that the microstructures of the stabilized expansive soil vary from an irregular flake‐like and flocculent structures to blocky structures, and the soil samples compactness is enhanced. XRD results indicate that quartz is the main component of the stabilized soil. These are the underlying causes of the rise in the strength. The conclusions of this study can be referenced for the engineering design and construction of expansive soil in Jianghuai undulating plain area.
Hyperspectral Wavelength Selection and Integration for Bruise Detection of Korla Pears
Authors: Fang Yiming , Yang Fan , Zhou Zhu , Lin Lujun , Li Xiaoqin
Published: November 2019

Wavelength selection is a challenging job for the detection of the bruises on pears using hyperspectral imaging. Most modern research used the feature wavelength set selected by a single selection method which is generally unable to handle the wide variability of the hyperspectral data. A novel framework was proposed in this work to increase the performance of the bruise detection, through combining three state-of-the-art variable selection methods and the concept of feature-level integration. Successive projection algorithm, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling, and RELIEF were first applied to the spectra of the Korla pear, respectively. Then, the corresponding feature wavelength subsets were integrated and an optimal feature wavelength set was constructed. An ELM-based classifier was employed for the pear bruise identification finally. Experimental results demonstrated that the feature wavelength integration resulted in lower detection errors. The proposed method is simple and promising for bruise detection of Korla pears, and it can be utilized for other types of defects on fruits.
Stabilization of Expansive Soil with Polyvinyl Alcohol and Potassium Carbonate
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Zhang Lei , Hong Wangxi
Published: November 2019

Expansive soils have great volume change potentials with water content changes, which is problematic to facilities. Great efforts have been spent on finding proper methods to stabilize expansive soils, but these stabilizers all had limitations. The Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and K2CO3 combination was proposed in this paper. Free swell tests, oedometric tests, unconfined compression tests, and direct shear tests were performed to investigate the effectiveness of the PVA and K2CO3 combination to control the volume change and increase the soil strength. Microstructures of the natural expansive soil and the stabilized soil were also studied with SEM photos. SEM photos showed a homogenous and dense microstructure after stabilization. In addition, a laboratory soil column model was built to study the ability of this stabilizer combination to stabilize expansive soils by directly spraying the solution on the ground surface. All these test results show that the combination of PVA and K2CO3 is able to effectively stabilize the natural expansive soil and increase the shear strength. It is possible to directly spray the stabilizer solution on the soil surface to form a relatively thick layer of the stabilized expansive soil.
Dichloroacetate (DCA) and Cancer: An Overview towards Clinical Applications
Authors: Tataranni Tiziana , Piccoli Claudia
Published: November 2019

An extensive body of literature describes anticancer property of dichloroacetate (DCA), but its effective clinical administration in cancer therapy is still limited to clinical trials. The occurrence of side effects such as neurotoxicity as well as the suspicion of DCA carcinogenicity still restricts the clinical use of DCA. However, in the last years, the number of reports supporting DCA employment against cancer increased also because of the great interest in targeting metabolism of tumour cells. Dissecting DCA mechanism of action helped to understand the bases of its selective efficacy against cancer cells. A successful coadministration of DCA with conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, other drugs, or natural compounds has been tested in several cancer models. New drug delivery systems and multiaction compounds containing DCA and other drugs seem to ameliorate bioavailability and appear more efficient thanks to a synergistic action of multiple agents. The spread of reports supporting the efficiency of DCA in cancer therapy has prompted additional studies that let to find other potential molecular targets of DCA. Interestingly, DCA could significantly affect cancer stem cell fraction and contribute to cancer eradication. Collectively, these findings provide a strong rationale towards novel clinical translational studies of DCA in cancer therapy.
Tiptoeing on Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Kochar Arupreet , Winters Harrison D. , Zhang Li , Zhang Bin , Thakur Kamia , Essrani Rajesh
Published: November 2019

Lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Metastases to the distal phalanges are rare. This case illustrates an interesting presentation of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung that was mistaken for a benign condition of the toe.
The Interaction of Platelets with Colorectal Cancer Cells Inhibits Tumor Growth but Promotes Metastasis
Authors: Plantureux Léa , Mège Diane , Crescence Lydie , Carminita Estelle , Robert Stéphane , Cointe Sylvie , Brouilly Nicolas , Ezzedine Walid , Dignat-George Françoise , Dubois Christophe , Panicot-Dubois Laurence
Published: November 2019

Platelets promote metastasis, however, their role in tumor growth remains controversial. Here, we investigated the effect of platelet interactions with colorectal tumor cells. Platelets extravasated into the tumor microenvironment and interacted with tumor cells in a cadherin-6–dependent manner. The interaction induced platelet spreading, release of their granule content, and the generation of three types of microparticles (iMP) that expressed platelet markers, tumor markers, or both. The presence of iMPs was confirmed in colorectal cancer tissue specimens. Platelets significantly reduced tumor growth and increased intratumoral macrophages. This was mediated by iMP recruitment of macrophages via the chemoattractants RANTES, MIF, CCL2, and CXCL12 and activation of their tumor cell killing capacity through IFNγ and IL4, which led to cell-cycle arrest of tumor cells in a p21-dependent manner. In contrast, in the bloodstream, iMPs activated endothelial cells and platelets and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells, promoting metastasis. Altogether, these results indicate that depending on the environment, local or bloodstream, the consequences of the interactions between platelets and a tumor may promote or prevent cancer progression.

Significance:

Tumor cell interaction with platelets produces chimeric extracellular vesicles that suppress primary tumor growth by activating tumor-eliminating macrophages, while promoting metastasis through EMT and endothelial activation.
Botulinum Toxin Type A Improves Function According to Goal Attainment in Adults with Poststroke Lower Limb Spasticity in Real Life Practice
Authors: López de Munain Lourdes , Valls-Solé Josep , Garcia Pascual Irene , Maisonobe Pascal ,   on behalf of the VALGAS investigators group
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for adult lower limb spasticity. However, data are inadequate to determine BoNT-A efficacy for active function. This study evaluated functional goal achievement (measured by goal attainment scaling [GAS]) following lower limb BoNT-A injection in clinical practice. Methods: Phase 4, postmarketing, multicenter, prospective, observational study (NCT01444794) in adults with poststroke lower limb spasticity receiving one BoNT-A injection cycle. Assessments were at baseline (pretreatment), 1 month ±7 days (visit 1), and 3–5 months posttreatment (visit 2). Primary outcome measure was GAS; additional assessments included Modified Ashworth Scale, Demeurisse Motricity Index, 10-meter walk test, and Disability Assessment Scale. Results: Of 100 enrolled patients, 94 completed the study. Most common primary treatment goals at baseline were improving mobility (57.5%) and positioning (18.1%). At visit 2, 88.3% achieved their primary goal; 87.0% (n = 47/54) for mobility, and 100.0% (n = 17/17) for positioning. In total, 79.1% of patients achieved their secondary goals. Two factors were predictive of primary goal achievement: time since stroke onset (OR 0.907; 95% CI 0.827–0.995; p = 0.038); and absence of stiff knee spasticity pattern (OR 0.228; 95% CI 0.057–0.911; p = 0.036). All functional scales showed improvements; walking speed (mean [SD]) improved by 0.06 (0.13) and 0.05 (0.20) m/s at visits 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions: BoNT-A injection for lower limb spasticity led to high goal achievement rates in patient-centered GAS evaluation and functional and symptomatic improvements. BoNT-A may therefore deliver clinically meaningful functional improvements in real-life practice.
Thick Concepts and Moral Revisionism in Plato’s Gorgias: Arguing About Something There Can Be No Argument About
Authors: Brüllmann Philipp
Published: November 2019

David Furley has suggested that we think of Callicles’ immoralism as attacking a thick concept. I take up this suggestion and apply it to the argument of Plato’s Gorgias more generally. I show that the discussion between Socrates, Gorgias and Polus, which prepares the ground for Callicles, is precisely addressing the thickness of the concept of justice: it reveals that this concept is both descriptive and evaluative and that formulating a revisionist position about justice is therefore extremely difficult. Callicles’ strategy is best read as a response to this difficulty, which sets the stage for Socrates’ revisionist account of justice.
Aristotle and the Origins of Evil
Authors: Müller Jozef
Published: November 2019

Why do human beings, on Aristotle’s view, have an innate tendency to badness, that is, to developing desires that go beyond and against their natural needs? Given Aristotle’s teleological assumptions (including the thesis that nature does nothing in vain), such tendency should not be present. I argue that the culprit is to be found in the workings of rationality, in particular in the (necessary) presence of theoretical reason. As theoretical reason requires that human beings have unlimited non-rational desires for the fine (to kalon), it also gives rise to a tendency to form unlimited non-rational desires for other things.
The Virtual Hand Illusion in Obesity: Dissociation Between Multisensory Interactions Supporting Illusory Experience and Self-Location Recalibration
Authors: Tagini Sofia , Scarpina Federica , Bruni Francesca , Scacchi Massimo , Mauro Alessandro , Zampini Massimiliano
Published: November 2019

The Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) is used widely to investigate the multisensory integration mechanisms that support bodily self-consciousness and, more specifically, body ownership and self-location. It has been reported that individuals affected by obesity show anomalous multisensory integration processes. We propose that these obesity-induced changes could lead to an unusual susceptibility to the RHI and anomalous bodily self-experience. To test this hypothesis, we administered a modified version of the RHI (using a picture of the participant’s hand) to individuals affected by obesity and participants with a healthy weight. During synchronous and asynchronous stimulation, we compared the subjective experience of the illusion (using a questionnaire) and the effect of the illusion on self-location (i.e., proprioceptive drift). In accordance with the illusion phenomenology, both groups had a comparable subjective illusory experience after the synchronous stimulation. Nevertheless, individuals affected by obesity showed less recalibration of self-location than healthy weight participants. In light of a recent interpretation of the multisensory integration mechanisms that underpin the RHI, our findings suggest that in obesity visuo-tactile integration supporting the subjective experience of the illusion is preserved, whereas visuo-proprioceptive integration for self-location is reduced.
Bryoflora Salvadorensis 3. An updated checklist and new records of Pottiaceae for El Salvador

Authors: BÚCARO ROSA DELIA , SOLLMAN PHILIP , STECH MICHAEL
Published: November 2019

An updated list of the taxa of the moss family Pottiaceae recorded for El Salvador is presented, based on literature reports and own investigations. At present, 20 genera of Pottiaceae are known from El Salvador, of which four (Barbula, Scopelophila, Trichostomum, Weissia) are reported as new for the country. Eight species and two varieties are reported as new for El Salvador: Barbula orizabensis, Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens, B. inaequalifolium, Chionoloma tenuirostre, Didymodon acutus var. icmadophilus, Hyophila nymaniana, Leptodontium viticulosoides var. viticulosoides, Scopelophila cataractae, Trichostomum brachydontium, and Weissia jamaicensis, increasing the total number of species to 35. Information on the distribution, main substrate types, and approximate elevational range in Mesoamerica as well as the general distribution are provided for all taxa.
A new species of Ombrophytum (Balanophoraceae), a genus not previously recorded for Colombia

Authors: GUZMÁN-GUZMÁN SANTIAGO
Published: November 2019

A new species of Balanophoraceae, Ombrophytum villamariensis Guzmán-Guzmán, is described for Colombia, where the genus has not previously been recorded. At least the first part of the development of the inflorescence is underground. Inflorescences have simple lateral branches, bearing male flowers in the upper part of the inflorescence and female flowers in the lower part. The apical parts (peltas) of the inflorescence branches are morphologically different in the two areas. The first stages of the plants are ball-shaped, within which inflorescences are formed endogenously. When the latter finally emerge, they lift the ball’s surface layer which usually splits, leaving an irregular volva at the base of the inflorescence.
An Intuitive Metric to Quantify and Communicate Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Hazard
Authors: Bosma Christopher D. , Wright Daniel B. , Nguyen Phu , Kossin James P. , Herndon Derrick C. , Shepherd J. Marshall
Published: November 2019

Recent tropical cyclones (TCs) have highlighted the hazards that TC rainfall poses to human life and property. These hazards are not adequately conveyed by the commonly used Saffir–Simpson scale. Additionally, while recurrence intervals (or, their inverse, annual exceedance probabilities) are sometimes used in the popular media to convey the magnitude and likelihood of extreme rainfall and floods, these concepts are often misunderstood by the public and have important statistical limitations. We introduce an alternative metric—the extreme rain multiplier (ERM), which expresses TC rainfall as a multiple of the climatologically derived 2-yr rainfall value. ERM allows individuals to connect (“anchor,” in cognitive psychology terms) the magnitude of a TC rainfall event to the magnitude of rain events that are more typically experienced in their area. A retrospective analysis of ERM values for TCs from 1948 to 2017 demonstrates the utility of the metric as a hazard quantification and communication tool. Hurricane Harvey (2017) had the highest ERM value during this period, underlining the storm’s extreme nature. ERM correctly identifies damaging historical TC rainfall events that would have been classified as “weak” using wind-based metrics. The analysis also reveals that the distribution of ERM maxima is similar throughout the eastern and southern United States, allowing for both the accurate identification of locally extreme rainfall events and the development of regional-scale (rather than local-scale) recurrence interval estimates for extreme TC rainfall. Last, an analysis of precipitation forecast data for Hurricane Florence (2018) demonstrates ERM’s ability to characterize Florence’s extreme rainfall hazard in the days preceding landfall.
Claiming and Framing Youth in the Public Domain During Times of Increasing Inequalities
Authors: Kousis Maria , Giugni Marco
Published: November 2019

Aiming to contribute to research on youth representation in the mainstream media, this special issue provides eight articles offering fresh empirical comparative analyses of the ways in which young people as well as issues concerning them are dealt with in the public domain. Applying political claims analysis on original data from the EURYKA project (European Commission, Horizon 2020), the special issue is focused on how youth-related claims are raised in the media by youth and nonyouth actors during a period of increasing inequalities and social and political exclusion, how young people’s ways of doing politics are dealt with in the media, and to what extent organized youth and contestation are visible in the public domain.
Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy (2D-COS) of Gas-Phase Pyrrole Clusters in a Supersonic Jet: Treatment of Sharp Bands on a Broad Background
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshiteru , Tezuka Souichi
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) is a useful technique to analyze any intensity behavior of optical spectra that exhibit a complicated feature with overlapped bands. In this study, we apply 2D-COS to the infrared (IR) spectra of gas-phase pyrrole (Py) clusters. The NH stretching vibrations of the Py clusters are measured by cavity ringdown spectroscopy. The observed IR spectra of the Py clusters consist of sharp bands, full width half-maximum (FWHM) ∼1 cm−1, and a broad background (FWHM >50 cm−1). The 2D asynchronous correlation spectra reveal that the sharp bands and a broad background are assigned to small clusters of dimer to pentamer and large clusters with bulk-like structures, respectively, which support the results of our previous study. The sharp bands are also analyzed using another 2D asynchronous correlation spectrum, which is obtained by decomposing the observed IR spectra into sharp and broad components. Because the asynchronous signals are consistent with those obtained from the IR spectra without decomposition, the result would suggest that we need not to decompose the IR spectra into sharp and broad components before applying 2D-COS. However, our model simulations of 2D-COS showed a counterexample that gives an incorrect result without removing a broad background component from the IR spectra. This study strongly suggests that we need to undertake a careful treatment of the complicated IR spectrum with various widths of bands.
New Astronomy in Service of Old Astrology: Close Planetary Conjunctions in Pre-Modern China
Authors: Li Liang
Published: November 2019

This article introduces various definitions and criteria for the astronomical phenomena of “encroachments” (close lunar and planetary conjunctions) in pre-modern China. With improvements in observations and mathematical astronomy, the standard of encroachments began to undergo many changes leading to more precise explanations of the phenomena. Before the adoption of Huihui Lifa (Islamic-Chinese calendrical astronomy), traditional Chinese methods could not predict the phenomena of encroachments, and records of encroachments were mainly based on actual observations. These records abound in Chinese dynastic histories, and they play an essential role in the interpretation of astrological omens. In the first half of the seventeenth century, the prediction of encroachments became an effective approach for examining the accuracy of different elements of calendrical astronomy besides solar and lunar eclipses. In the meantime, with the introduction of western astronomical knowledge into China, people had a better understanding of the principle of encroachments, and they began to question its rationality in astrology. Moreover, new knowledge of encroachments also brought new insights and inspired some philosophical discussions on the structure of the cosmos. However, these new astronomical methods still served the old astrology, due to the continued requirements that astronomers interpret astrological omens.
Paris 1676: The Discovery of the Velocity of Light and the Roles of Rømer and Cassini
Authors: Fabricius Claus
Published: November 2019

It is often claimed that the 1676 discoveries at the Paris Observatory of a new irregularity in the orbit of Jupiter’s first satellite and of the velocity of light were not due to Rømer alone but that Cassini played a major role or even that Rømer took over these ideas from Cassini. These claims indirectly accuse Rømer and Cassini of dishonesty. We investigate the foundations of these allegations through an analysis of apparent contradictions in the primary, historical sources. The minutes from a meeting of the Academy on 22 August 1676 are especially important. Our analysis shows no reason to believe that Cassini took part in the discoveries, but his criticism incited Rømer to argue his case better. We conclude that the discoveries were due to Rømer alone and that the accusations against the two scientists of dishonesty are ill founded.
A Possible Date for Ptolemy’s Development of a Model for the Second Lunar Anomaly
Authors: Carman Christián C.
Published: November 2019

Ptolemy explicitly claims in the Almagest to have made 36 observations. For most of them, the date of the observation is determined by the kind of phenomenon observed, for example, the observation of a lunar eclipse or of an equinox. There are six observations, however, in which a particular date is not required by the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. In five of them, Ptolemy measures the longitude of each planet, without any particular requirement. In the sixth, he measures the longitude of a star. The aim of this paper is to show that these six observations belong to the set of observations that Ptolemy could have used for discovering the second lunar anomaly. Because all of them took place in the first half of year 139, one can presume that it was then when Ptolemy developed his model for the second lunar anomaly.
Ibn al-Ḥadib’s Tables for Finding True Syzygy
Authors: Goldstein Bernard R. , Chabás José
Published: November 2019

Isaac ben Solomon Ibn al-Ḥadib (or al-Aḥdab) emigrated from Castile to Sicily no later than 1396. In astronomy, his most important work, written in Hebrew, is The paved way ( Oraḥ selula), a set of tables for the motions of the Sun and the Moon. Here, we focus attention on his unusual tables for finding the difference in time and the difference in longitude between mean and true syzygy, where syzygy refers to the conjunction and opposition of the Sun and the Moon. It is shown that he took into account the effect of Ptolemy’s second lunar model on the velocity of the Moon at syzygy, which was done by very few astronomers in the Middle Ages. It is also noteworthy that he took some parameters from the zij of al-Battānī and others from the Parisian Alfonsine Tables, using them inconsistently in these tables.
Sex-Specific Associations Between Area-Level Poverty and Cardiometabolic Dysfunction Among US Adolescents
Authors: Williams Andrew D. , Shenassa Edmond D.
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Cardiometabolic disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Cardiometabolic function during adolescence predicts future cardiometabolic disease, yet few studies have examined early determinants of cardiometabolic function. Informed by evidence of sex differences in the prevalence and severity of cardiometabolic disorders and evidence of sexual dimorphism in the stress response, we examined sex differences in the association between living in poverty and cardiometabolic function during adolescence, a precursor of later cardiometabolic disorders.

Methods:

We linked data from 10 415 adolescents aged 12-19 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2012) with US Census–tract data on area-level poverty (percentage of the population living in poverty, grouped into quartiles). We parameterized cardiometabolic dysfunction by summing the z scores of 6 cardiometabolic biomarkers, grouped into quintiles. Hierarchical ordinal models estimated associations.

Results:

Compared with residents in low-poverty areas, residents in high-poverty areas had elevated odds of cardiometabolic dysfunction (highest quartile of poverty odds ratio [OR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.50). This association was more pronounced among boys than girls (highest quartile of poverty for boys: OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70; highest quartile of poverty for girls: OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 0.94-1.47).

Conclusion:

Our study supports the existence of sex-specific associations. These results highlight the potential for community-based programs, such as housing assistance, to improve population health.
Beyond the Facts: Limited Empirical Diversity and Causal Inference in Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thiem Alrik
Published: November 2019

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a relatively young method of causal inference that continues to diffuse across the social sciences. However, recent methodological research has found the conservative (QCA-CS) and the intermediate solution type (QCA-IS) of QCA to fail fundamental tests of correctness. Even under conditions otherwise ideal for causal discovery, both solution types frequently committed causal fallacies by presenting inferences that were in direct disagreement with the underlying data-generating structure to be discovered by QCA. None of these problems affected the parsimonious solution type (QCA-PS). These findings conflict with conventional wisdom in the QCA literature, which has it that QCA-CS uses empirical information only and that QCA-IS is preferable to both QCA-CS and QCA-PS. The present article resolves these contradictions. It shows that QCA-CS and QCA-IS systematically supplement empirical data with matching artificial data. These artificial data, however, regularly induce causal fallacies of severe magnitude. Researchers who employ QCA-CS or QCA-IS in empirical analyses thus always risk moving further away from the truth rather than closer to it.
The Plenary Power Meets the Police Power: Federalism at the Intersection of Health & Immigration
Authors: Parmet Wendy E.
Published: November 2019

On January 8, 2019, shortly after his inauguration, California's Governor Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to provide health coverage to undocumented immigrants up to age 26. That same day, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio offered a $100 million plan to cover 600,000 uninsured New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. These proposals from public officials on opposite sides of the continent stood in stark contrast to the Trump Administration's demand for a wall at the southern border, and its proposed public charge regulations that are expected to lead millions of lawfully present immigrants and their families to forego health insurance.
From Mother’s Ruin to Ginaissance: Emergence, settlement and resettlement of the gin category
Authors: Pedeliento Giuseppe , Andreini Daniela , Dalli Daniele
Published: November 2019

This article provides a historically grounded explanation of category emergence and change by using the gin category as an example. Formerly a standardized spirit produced by a narrow group of large England-based producers, gin has become a premium craft spirit made by thousands of big and small producers in every corner of the world – a categorical shift that commentators have dubbed the ‘ginaissance’. We approach product categories as socially constructed entities and make informed use of history to explain the successive categorical dynamics. Strategic action field theory is applied to explain how internal and external category actors interact to create and change product meanings and affect categorical configurations. Our results show how the intricate, complex and historically embedded processes that the product category underwent first triggered stigmatization and then put conditions in place that led to concentration and made the current ginaissance possible. Findings drawn from this study of gin contribute to research on product categories by revealing some peculiar dynamics of concentration and partitioning, status recategorization and categorical stigma, which are summarized in an empirically grounded process model of category emergence and change.