bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects of Ningmitai Capsule in the Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis Rat Model
Authors: Chen Haicheng , Xie Yun , Deng Cuncan , Zhang Chi , Lv Linyan , Yao Jiahui , Sun Xiangzhou , Deng Chunhua , Liu Guihua
Published: May 2020

Objective. Ningmitai (NMT) capsule has been widely prescribed for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the NMT capsule in the experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) rat models and explore its possible mechanisms. Methods. A total of fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Prostate extract was obtained for the induction of EAP rat models. The EAP rats were randomly divided into the model group, NMT low‐dose group (0.45 g/kg/d), NMT medium‐dose group (0.90 g/kg/d), and NMT high‐dose group (1.80 g/kg/d), with six rats per group. Three NMT treatment groups were administered with the NMT capsule by gavage for 30 days. HE staining was used for histopathological analyses of prostate tissues. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of proinflammatory factors IL‐1β and TNF‐α. The MDA level was detected to reflect the level of oxidative stress. The bilateral dorsal root ganglia of T3/L1 to S4 were dissected to measure the substance P expression. Results. EAP rat models were successfully constructed, in which extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells was found. Treatment of NMT capsule for 30 days and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were significantly mitigated (P < 0.05), especially in the NMT medium‐dose group and NMT high‐dose group. Moreover, the expression of IL‐1β and the level of MDA were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, NMT treatment could significantly alleviate substance P expression in dorsal root ganglia. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that the NMT capsule can alleviate inflammatory response and oxidative stress and reduce the production of substance P in EAP rats. This provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of NMT capsule for CP/CPPS treatment.
Time Series Prediction Based on Complex-Valued S-System Model
Authors: Yang Bin , Bao Wenzheng , Chen Yuehui
Published: May 2020

Symbolic regression has been utilized to infer mathematical formulas in order to solve the complex prediction and classification problems. In this paper, complex-valued S-system model (CVSS) is proposed to predict real-valued time series data. In a CVSS model, input variables and rate constants are complex-valued. The time series data need to be translated into complex numbers. The hybrid evolutionary algorithm based on complex-valued restricted additive tree and firefly algorithm is proposed to search the optimal CVSS model. Three financial time series data and Mackey–Glass chaos time series are collected to evaluate our proposed method. The experiment results show that the predicted data are very close to the target ones and our method could obtain the better RMSE, MAP, MAPE, POCID, R2, and ARV performances than ARIMA, radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), flexible neural tree (FNT), ordinary differential equation (ODE), and S-system.
Splenic Complications ofBabesia microtiInfection in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dumic Igor , Madrid Cristian , Rueda Prada Libardo , Nordstrom Charles W. , Taweesedt Pahnwat Tonya , Ramanan Poornima
Published: May 2020

Splenic complications of acuteBabesia microtiinfection include splenomegaly, splenic infarct, and splenic rupture. These complications are relatively rarely reported, and the aim of this research was to synthetize data on this topic according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed database. In this review, we find that unlike other severe complications of babesiosis, splenic infarct and rupture occur in younger and immunocompetent patients, and they do not correlate with parasitemia level. Furthermore, admission hemoglobin of 10 mg/dl or less, platelet count of 50 × 10⁹/L or less, presence of hemodynamic instability, and splenic rupture were associated independently with an increased risk of requiring splenectomy. As babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis, we hope that this review will help to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare but potentially life-threatening complication.
Long-Term Undiagnosed Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Identified by Urgent Electroencephalography with Hyperventilation Activation
Authors: Taniguchi Go , Masaki Katsura , Kondo Shinsuke , Yumoto Masato , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: May 2020

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) might be underdiagnosed in cases where clinical symptoms are ambiguous. If a patient exhibits ictal psychiatric symptoms such as NCSE presentation and is misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder, the patient may be treated in psychiatry settings, where continuous electroencephalography (cEEG), the gold standard for NCSE diagnosis, is typically not used. Herein, we report our experience with a patient having NCSE who exhibited psychiatric symptoms and remained misdiagnosed for many years. We also included a brief review of the relevant literature. Our experience with this patient presents two clinically significant points: (1) clinicians should consider NCSE in the differential diagnosis of interictal psychosis when patients with epilepsy, in whom the seizure type is unknown, repeatedly present transient psychiatric symptoms, and (2) urgent EEG with hyperventilation activation during acute periods may help diagnose patients with suspected NCSE.
An additional record of the Tamdil Leaf-litter Frog Leptobrachella tamdil (Sengupta et al., 2010) (Amphibia: Megophryidae) from Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India
Authors: Vanlalsiammawii  , Remruatpuii  , V.L Malsawmhriatzuali  , Lalmuansanga  , Gospel Zothanmawia Hmar  , Saisangpuia Sailo  , Ht. Decemson  , Biakzuala Lal , H.T. Lalremsanga
Published: May 2020

A poorly known Tamdil Leaf-litter Frog Leptobrachella tamdil was collected from Tuilut stream in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, which represents the third specimen for the species after the original description a decade ago.  This report extends the species distribution range to ca. 59km west from the type locality, and also provides additional data on the morphometry with notes on the natural habitat.
Cardiovascular Health in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Breathett Khadijah , Sims Mario , Gross Marie , Jackson Elizabeth A. , Jones Emily J. , Navas-Acien Ana , Taylor Herman , Thomas Kevin L. , Howard Barbara V. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Over the past 50 years, the prevalence of CVD has been rising among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The objective of this statement is to summarize population-level risk factors and management techniques tailored for the American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Methods:

PubMed/MEDLINE, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report from the American Heart Association were used to identify risk factors and interventions specific to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Results:

Diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to disproportionately higher rates of coronary heart disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives compared with other racial and ethnic groups. Additional risk factors for CVD include low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension, renal disease, age, and sex. Smoking and exposure to toxic metals are risk factors for some subpopulations. A quarter of American Indians live below the federal poverty line, and thus, low socioeconomic status is an important social determinant of cardiovascular health. Community-based interventions have reduced CVD risk in American Indians and Alaska Natives. Underreporting of American Indian and Alaska Native race could underestimate the extent of CVD in this population.

Conclusions:

Prevention and treatment of CVD in American Indians and Alaska Natives should focus on control of risk factors and community-based interventions that address social determinants of health, particularly among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Accurate reporting of race/ethnicity is encouraged to address race-specific risk factors.
Experience With Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Implications for QT Interval Monitoring
Authors: Ramireddy Archana , Chugh Harpriya , Reinier Kyndaron , Ebinger Joseph , Park Eunice , Thompson Michael , Cingolani Eugenio , Cheng Susan , Marban Eduardo , Albert Christine M. , Chugh Sumeet S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite a lack of clinical evidence, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin are being administered widely to patients with verified or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (
COVID
‐19). Both drugs may increase risk of lethal arrhythmias associated with
QT
interval prolongation.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a case series of
COVID
‐19–positive/suspected patients admitted between February 1, 2020, and April 4, 2020, who were treated with azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, or a combination of both drugs. We evaluated baseline and postmedication
QT
interval (corrected QT interval [QTc]; Bazett) using 12‐lead
ECG
s. Critical
QT
c prolongation was defined as follows: (1) maximum
QT
c ≥500 ms (if
QRS
<120 ms) or
QT
c ≥550 ms (if
QRS
≥120 ms) and (2)
QT
c increase of ≥60 ms. Tisdale score and Elixhauser comorbidity index were calculated. Of 490
COVID
‐19–positive/suspected patients, 314 (64%) received either/both drugs and 98 (73
COVID
‐19 positive and 25 suspected) met study criteria (age, 62±17 years; 61% men). Azithromycin was prescribed in 28%, hydroxychloroquine in 10%, and both in 62%. Baseline mean
QT
c was 448±29 ms and increased to 459±36 ms (
P
=0.005) with medications. Significant prolongation was observed only in men (18±43 ms versus −0.2±28 ms in women;
P
=0.02). A total of 12% of patients reached critical
QT
c prolongation. Changes in
QT
c were highest with the combination compared with either drug, with much greater prolongation with combination versus azithromycin (17±39 ms versus 0.5±40 ms;
P
=0.07). No patients manifested torsades de pointes.

Conclusions

Overall, 12% of patients manifested critical
QT
c prolongation, and the combination caused greater prolongation than either drug alone. The balance between uncertain benefit and potential risk when treating
COVID
‐19 patients should be carefully assessed.
Examining the effect and safety of orthokeratology in controlling the development of myopia: Based on fluorosilicone acrylic breathable material
Authors: Song Yanxia , Tian Haixia , Yang Suling , Du Feifan , Sun Huihui , Yang Xiaoge , Wang Jiancang
Published: May 2020

We aimed to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of orthokeratology in controlling the development of myopia. We assessed the changes in visual acuity, diopter change, axial length, corneal endothelium count, intraocular pressure, and corneal Q value in 30 adolescents with
60 years of wearing an orthokeratology lens. In this study, no significant difference was observed between the naked eye vision and corrected visual acuity before wearing the lens (t = –0.23, P = 0.59); furthermore, no significant difference was observed in diopter, axial
length, corneal endothelium count, and intraocular pressure 1 year before and after wearing the lens (t = 1.24, P = 0.45; t = –0.89, P = 0.25; t = –0.43, P = 0.57; t = 1.43, P = 0.61); by contrast, there was a significant
difference in the corneal Q value before and after wearing the lens (t = –8.37, P = 0.001). These results suggest that the fluorosilicone acrylic breathable material corneal orthopedic lens is safe and effective in controlling myopia, and has little effect on the
physiology of the eye.
Residual SYNTAX Score Is Associated With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With Preserved LVEF
Authors: Kucukosmanoglu Mehmet , İçen Yahya Kemal , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem , Koca Hasan , Koc Mevlut
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between residual SYNTAX score (rSS) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) development in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with normal or near-to-normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 306 patients who underwent PCI with NSTEMI were included in our study. SYNTAX scores were calculated for the periods before and after PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups as developed CIN following PCI (CIN +) and patients did not (CIN −). Fifty-four (17.6%) of patients who were included in the study developed CIN. Age ( P = .001) and rSS ( P = .002) were significantly higher and LVEF was lower ( P = .034) in the CIN (+) group. Age ( P = .031, odds ratio [OR]: 1.031, 95% CI, 1.003-1.059) and rSS ( P = .04, OR: 1.036, 95% CI, 1.002-1.071) were independent predictors for CIN. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, when the cutoff value of rSS was taken as 3.5, it determined CIN with 79% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Contrast-induced nephropathy may develop more frequently in patients with increased rSS value. The rSS may be useful to follow-up these patients for CIN development.
Marketization in a statist-corporatist nonprofit sector: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Wang Xiao Lu
Published: May 2020

In this article, an actor-centered approach was used to conceptualize marketization trends under statist-corporatist regimes and to critically examine theories on the trends and impact of marketization. A grounded theory method was used to guide data collection. A total of 65 critical incidents from the perspective of senior executives were collected from 18 nonprofit organizations in Hong Kong. Their annual budgets all exceeded US$6.5 million. Behavioral event interviews were conducted with the senior executives to understand how they conceptualized the organizational challenges and rationalized their decisions. The results show that commercialization was not a major marketization trend in statist-corporatist regimes. Nonprofit organizations were found enhancing self-governance capacities through building management competencies, articulating organizational policies and know-how, and adopting strategic management. It was not driven by institutional isomorphism. Second, strategic human resource management was revealed as another strategy to reduce resource dependence, which enriches the theory's current focus on earned-income strategies. Third, service expansions were observed as either directed at service gaps or driven by competition. By specifying the rationales for service expansion in exclusively nonprofit service markets, the study nuances the debate over the impact of marketization on nonprofit sectors.

Points for practitioners

For policymakers, it is important to be aware of the impact of market mechanisms on the nonprofit sector, which varies across countries due to the differences in the institutional framework for social service provision. For nonprofit managers, particularly those working in a statist-corporatist sector, they may benefit from self-governance strategies, revenue strategies such as active fundraising campaigns and regular donor programs, and strategic human resource management practices. More importantly, it is revealed that service expansions driven by competition for market shares and resources could render nonprofits, particularly those serve multiple types of target beneficiaries susceptible to the struggles of defining organizational identity and core competencies.
The Belt and Road Initiative and the Development of China’s Economic Statecraft: European Attitudes and Responses
Authors: Grimmel Andreas , Eszterhai Viktor
Published: May 2020

This article examines how states may be inclined to adapt to the policy goals of powerful economic partner states in acts of ‘anticipatory conformity’ or by adjusting their ‘common’ policy goals. It builds on two classical theoretical bases—the concept of economic statecraft and Hirschmanesque effects—to explore how economic power may be translated into far-reaching effects on other states’ behaviour without a clear goal or objective being proclaimed or even set by the economically powerful state. Our empirical findings suggest that the European Union still has an unparalleled influence on member states, and China’s growing economic presence in Europe alone—especially in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative—is insufficient to influence member states’ politics.
Production and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals/ acrylonitrile butadiene styrene nanocomposites
Authors: Leão Rosineide M , Jesus Luiz CC , Bertuoli Paula T , Zattera Ademir J , Maia João MLL , del Menezzi Claudio Henrique S , Amico Sandro C , da Luz Sandra M
Published: May 2020

The use of cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcement in polymers brings challenges mainly related to the dry thermal processing, and their adhesion and dispersion in the matrix. In this work, cellulose nanocrystals from sugarcane bagasse was used as reinforcement in nanocomposites of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Thus, the main objective of this work is to evaluate the mechanical and thermal performance of cellulose nanocrystals/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (CNC/ABS) nanocomposites as a function of cellulose nanocrystals type and content. More specifically, to study the effects of the chemical interaction between acrylonitrile groups from ABS and hydroxyl groups from cellulose. The ABS and the nanocomposites, reinforced with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt% nanocrystals, were obtained by extrusion and then injection molded to obtain specimens for testing. Mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology and thermogravimetric analysis were used for characterization. The main results are related to increased impact strength, elastic modulus, storage modulus and viscosity of the nanocomposite compared to ABS. However, tensile strength and thermal stability decreased. Therefore, if higher tensile properties are needed, the CNC220/ABS nanocomposites should be preferred whereas, for impact, CNC150/ABS. Thus, there is a general improvement in properties up to 0.5% cellulose nanocrystals content, which is followed by a loss in properties for higher content.
The Bacterial Connection between the Oral Cavity and the Gut Diseases
Authors: Kitamoto S. , Nagao-Kitamoto H. , Hein R. , Schmidt T.M. , Kamada N.
Published: May 2020

More than 100 trillion symbiotic microorganisms constitutively colonize throughout the human body, including the oral cavity, the skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. The oral cavity harbors one of the most diverse and abundant microbial communities within the human body, second to the community that resides in the gastrointestinal tract, and is composed of >770 bacterial species. Advances in sequencing technologies help define the precise microbial landscape in our bodies. Environmental and functional differences render the composition of resident microbiota largely distinct between the mouth and the gut and lead to the development of unique microbial ecosystems in the 2 mucosal sites. However, it is apparent that there may be a microbial connection between these 2 mucosal sites in the context of disease pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that resident oral bacteria can translocate to the gastrointestinal tract through hematogenous and enteral routes. The dissemination of oral microbes to the gut may exacerbate various gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. However, the precise role that oral microbes play in the extraoral organs, including the gut, remains elusive. Here, we review the recent findings on the dissemination of oral bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract and their possible contribution to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. Although little is known about the mechanisms of ectopic colonization of the gut by oral bacteria, we also discuss the potential factors that allow the oral bacteria to colonize the gut.
Interdental Cleaning and Oral Health Status in an Adult Cohort, 2015 to 2018
Authors: Chaffee B.W. , Persai D. , Vora M.V.
Published: May 2020

Interdental cleaning is routinely recommended, despite limited evidence supporting efficacy to prevent advanced oral disease endpoints, such as caries and periodontal disease. We aimed to examine associations between interdental cleaning and oral health in a large, generalizable prospective cohort of adults in the United States. Data were drawn from wave 3 (2015 to 2016, n = 26,086 included in analysis) and wave 4 (2016 to 2018, n = 22,585) of the adult component (age ≥18 y) of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Survey-weighted multivariable regression models estimated the associations between wave 3 weekly interdental cleaning frequency and 6 measures of self-reported oral health—overall rating, tooth extractions, gum bleeding, loose teeth, bone loss around teeth, and gum disease—cross-sectionally and prospectively, with adjustment for established periodontal disease risk factors. As compared with no interdental cleaning, interdental cleaning ≥7 times/wk was prospectively associated with greater odds of excellent self-rated oral health (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.62), lower odds of bleeding gums (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.70), but not statistically significantly lower odds of other oral health conditions in the following 12 mo. Older age, lower socioeconomic status, diabetes, and cigarette smoking were consistently associated with worse oral health across all outcome measures. Findings were largely robust to alternative model and variable specifications. Interdental cleaning is associated with better perceived oral health and less self-reported gingivitis. Prevention of more advanced disease states was not demonstrated. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the self-reported nature of the measures and relatively short follow-up period.
A Snapshot of RTI Implementation a Decade Later: New Picture, Same Story
Authors: Berkeley Sheri , Scanlon David , Bailey Tessie R. , Sutton Jason C. , Sacco Donna M.
Published: May 2020

Response to intervention (RTI) has evolved from its first decade of implementation. Because states guide and regulate policy and practice at the state and local education agency levels, it is important to understand their critical role in RTI implementation. A systematic review of all 50 state education agency websites was conducted to provide an updated “snapshot” of states’ interpretation of RTI a decade after IDEA regulations were finalized. Findings revealed substantive progress towards developing approaches to systematic supports to students, with a major trend in adoption of multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) models. Findings also documented continued variation in how states are communicating about tiered systems on such matters as the roles of tiered systems in schoolwide prevention frameworks, meeting special education requirements, and aligning multiple systems within schools. Implications for special education services for students with learning disabilities are discussed.
Determination of basal bone mineral density in the femur bones of male and female Wistar rats
Authors: Hernandez-Becerra Ezequiel , Londoño-Restrepo Sandra M , Hernández-Urbiola Margarita I , Jimenez-Mendoza Daniel , Aguilera-Barreiro Ma de los Ángeles , Perez-Torrero Esther , Rodríguez-García Mario E
Published: May 2020

Changes in bone mineral content of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium and potassium for male and female Wistar rats during their development from 3 weeks old to adulthood (27 weeks old) were measured. Bone mineral content was related to areal bone mineral density (BMD) which was measured in vivo at the femoral neck using a calibrated X-ray transmission system to obtain basal curves as a function of the age of the specimen. Diagnostic curves were built to determine low BMD (osteopaenia) and osteoporosis in female rats fed a Ca-depleted diet (50%) based on the obtained data and the criteria established by the World Health Organization. Bone mineral content is directly related to sex and age, but P did not change throughout the experimental period. P content did not exhibit significant changes with growing, while Ca was greatest in male rats, producing significant differences in the Ca:P ratio. Male rats reach the Ca:P ratio peak before female rats. However, areal BMD does not follow the same trend. On the other hand, osteoporosis produced a 45% decrease in this parameter for young and mature adults. These results make Z-score values available to diagnose bone-mass losses and hence the possibility of improving the conditions of non-contact measurement of BMD in vivo. This technique can be used for future experiments with Wistar rats.
Blocking the progressive city: How state pre-emptions undermine labour rights in the USA
Authors: Kim Yunji , Aldag Austin M , Warner Mildred E
Published: May 2020

While some US cities and states have taken the lead in protecting labour rights, a counter-trend is found in state pre-emptions – state laws that prohibit cities from making any ordinances or laws related to certain policy areas. What drives these state-level actions that undermine progressive city leadership in the USA? We examine recent state legislations that pre-empt city authority to regulate labour conditions and protect labour rights in the private and public sectors (i.e. minimum wage, paid leave, fair scheduling, right to work, prevailing wage). We use a 50-state regression model to explore what differentiates states with more pre-emption of labour rights and potential sources of pushback. States with low minimum wages, which have never had strong labour protections, pre-empt more. Unions can be sources of pushback – greater unionisation is linked to fewer pre-emptions. However, in Republican-controlled states, more unionisation is linked to more pre-emptions. We use Wisconsin as an example of a state that adopted anti-union policies – despite strong pushback from the public – to explore how strong labour protections can act as a ‘trigger’ for states to undermine labour rights.
Tools and Techniques for Teaching Computer Programming: A Review
Authors: Kanika  , Chakraverty Shampa , Chakraborty Pinaki
Published: May 2020

Courses on computer programming are included in the curricula of almost all engineering disciplines. We surveyed the research literature and identified the techniques that are commonly used by instructors for teaching these courses. We observed that visual programming and game-based learning can enhance computational thinking and problem-solving skills in students and may be used to introduce them to programming. Robot programming may be used to attract students to programming, but the success of this technique is subjected to the availability of robots. Pair and collaborative programming allows students to learn from one another and write efficient programs. Assessment systems help instructors in evaluating programs written by students and provide them with timely feedback. Furthermore, an analysis of citations showed that Scratch is the most researched tool for teaching programming. We discuss how these techniques may be used to teach introductory courses, advanced courses, and massive open online courses on programming.
Categories of the ‘Art of the Impossible’: Achieving Sustainable Uniformity in Harmonised Legislation in the Australian Federation
Authors: Hill Guzyal
Published: May 2020

National uniform legislation links the federal distribution of powers achieved more than 119 years ago with the challenges and opportunities faced by Australia in an interconnected world. Over this span of time, developing national uniform legislation has been described as the ‘art of the impossible’. The main objective of this article is to critically examine the database of national uniform legislation with a view to applying public policy and federalist theory to explain how sustainable uniformity has been achieved. Rather than focusing on why an individual set of uniform Acts has not achieved a high level of uniformity or has diverged through unilateral amendment, this article examines national uniform legislation by analysing the factors at play. This approach allows the common patterns impacting sustainable uniformity to be identified. From among 84 sets of uniform Acts, four discernible links with theory have been found: (1) the ‘incrementalism and policy cycle’ model—to explain harmonisation that may take decades (31 sets); (2) the ‘multiple streams’ framework, explaining legislation that emerges as sustainably uniform from the outset due to an ‘open policy window’ (16 sets); (3) ‘pragmatic federalism’ solutions, such as skeletal legislation and the conferral of powers, which are developed in the course of inter-jurisdictional negotiations when uniformity is required but is particularly difficult to achieve (14 sets); and (4) the ‘advocacy coalition’ framework, which in contrast, explains situations where jurisdictions hold firm views about retaining diversity (23 sets). Developing and drafting national uniform legislation can become the ‘art of the possible’ with this improved understanding.
Chicago’s Other Skyscrapers: Grain Elevators and the City, 1838-1957
Authors: Leslie Thomas
Published: May 2020

More than one hundred major structures for warehousing grain were built in Chicago between the city’s founding decade and the 1960s. These were vital to the city’s status as a transportation and financial capital as they provided the impetus for Chicago’s commodities market and enabled smooth transfer to points east by rail or ship. The city’s grain elevators also served as markers of changing economic geography, as precincts developed throughout the city that related to railroad development, river and lake access, and commercial pressures. Chicago’s decline as a grain market in the late twentieth century is reflected in their abandonment. While elevator structures in Buffalo and Montreal have attracted attention from architectural and urban historians, those in Chicago have been largely ignored, but they show how construction, infrastructure, politics, labor, and trade were uniquely enmeshed with one another due to that city’s position within in networks of rail and water transportation.
Refugee Admissions and Public Safety: Are Refugee Settlement Areas More Prone to Crime?
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Bansak Cynthia , Pozo Susan
Published: May 2020

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the number of refugees worldwide rose to 25.9 million in 2018. Despite the increased need for refugee resettlements, resistance to the welcoming of refugees appears to have grown. The perception that refugees may engage in criminal behavior has served as fuel for closing the door to refugees in the United States and Europe. Is there any basis for this fear? We exploit variation in the geographic and temporal distribution of refugee resettlements across counties to ascertain if their presence can be linked to greater local violence in the case of the United States. We fail to find any statistically significant evidence of refugee resettlements raising local arrest or offense rates. Institutions that help refugees assimilate into the US labor market may contribute to these favorable outcomes. Overall, these findings widen our understanding of refugee resettlement in the United States and suggest that the adoption of humanitarian efforts to support these international flows need not be discouraged.
Probation staff supervision: Valuing ‘me time’ within congested spaces
Authors: Coley David
Published: May 2020

Probation staff supervision is an established professional practice tool, documented historically through the lens of the Probation Journal. This article charts Journal discussions surrounding staff supervision and places them alongside a recent research study examining current practice. Study findings indicate that staff value dedicated time and space for structured supervision that contains significant elements of a more clinical approach. Nevertheless, supervision functions within congested spaces in which managerial aspects of staff engagement encroach. Finding an accommodation between differing approaches appears challenging. More broadly, competing views resound within a landscape of looming professional registration and associated requirements of continuous professional development.
Ultra-low-dose CT-guided lung biopsy in clinic: radiation dose, accuracy, image quality, and complication rate
Authors: Liang Ting , Du Yonghao , Guo Chenguang , Wang Yuan , Shang Jin , Yang Jian , Niu Gang
Published: May 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is usually performed by helical scanning. However, there are no studies on radiation dose, diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and complications based on axial scan mode.

Purpose

To determine radiation dose, accuracy, image quality, and complication rate following an ultra-low-dose (ULD) protocol for CT-guided lung biopsy in clinic.

Material and Methods

A total of 105 patients were enrolled to receive CT-guided lung biopsy. The use of an ULD protocol (axial scan) for CT-guided biopsy was initiated. Patients were randomly assigned to axial mode (Group A) and conventional helical mode (Group B) CT groups. 64-slice CT was performed for CT-guided pulmonary biopsy with an 18-G coaxial cutting biopsy needle. The radiation dose, accuracy, image quality, and complication rate were measured.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were selected for the final phase of the study. There was no significant difference between the two groups for pulmonary nodule characteristics ( P > 0.05). The mean effective dose in group A (0.077 ± 0.010 mSv) was significantly reduced relative to group B (0.653 ± 0.177 mSv, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in accuracy, image quality, and complication rate ( P > 0.050) between the two modes.

Conclusion

An ULD protocol for CT-guided lung nodule biopsy yields a reduction in the radiation dose without significant change in the accuracy, image quality, and complication rate relative to the conventional helical mode scan.
The physical environment of office work: Future open plan offices
Authors: Ayoko Oluremi B , Ashkanasy Neal M
Published: May 2020

Different configurations of the physical environment of office work are rapidly changing the way office workers behave and perform at work. In particular, organisations today are progressively accommodating their employees in open plan offices (OPOs). In this article, we focus on the OPO and discuss its future and implications for research and practice. Specifically, we build on recent advances in the field to propose that new OPO configurations will require new forms of work behaviour involving new processes and practices, and new research approaches. In addition, we discuss possible areas of work that OPO environments of the future might affect; for example, work design, interpersonal processes, noise and distractions, human resource management (HRM) practices and leadership. Along these lines, we suggest future research directions and make recommendations to navigate the intersection of organisational behaviour (OB) and OPO research and practice.

JEL Classification: M19
A Qualitative Research Synthesis of the “No Excuses” Charter School Model
Authors: Ellison B. Scott , Iqtadar S.
Published: May 2020

The “no excuses” charter school model is widely regarded in public debate as an effective policy intervention to politically and economically empower historically marginalized student populations. The organizing principle of the “no excuses” model is to do whatever it takes to close the achievement gap and to prepare students for university education and the professional job market. This article seeks to critically evaluate the “no excuses” model through a qualitative research synthesis of an emerging body of qualitative research literature. The findings from this synthesis raise serious questions about the desirability of the “no excuses” charter school model.
A new method for optimizing process parameters of active measurement grinding based on grey target decision making
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liu Dongliang , Guo Junke , Zhi Zhanxin
Published: May 2020

Active measurement technology is used widely in the modern precision-grinding process; currently, however, it is tedious and time consuming to adjust the process parameters of grinding process. This process usually depends on the experience of operators, which directly affects the processing efficiency and intelligent control level. Aiming to optimize these grinding-process parameters, we propose a grey target decision-making method based on the uniform effect measure to realize the intelligent optimization of process parameters. First, we obtain the experimental data of process parameters and evaluation parameters using the orthogonal experimental method, and then we calculate and analyze the degree of relation between process parameters and evaluation parameters based on grey system theory. Then we can obtain the process parameters that have the greatest influence on the workpiece surface roughness, workpiece roundness, and grinding process time. Second, through the proposed grey target decision-making method based on the uniform effect measure, and combined with grey relation analysis, we assign the weights of different evaluation parameters. By optimizing the calculation of multigroup evaluation parameters, we obtain the group of evaluation parameters with the best synthetic effect and identify the optimal combination of parameters to guide production. Through a large number of experimental verifications and analyses, we find that the proposed grinding process parameters optimization method can obtain the best combination of process parameters and can effectively improve processing quality and processing efficiency. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of grinding process parameters and enhance the intelligent degree of precision grinding.
Individualized and controlled laser beam pretreatment process for adhesive bonding of fiber-reinforced plastics—Part I: Optical detection of impurities on the component surface
Authors: Weiland J , Kunze B , Dittmar H , Marx B , Schiebahn A , Jäschke P , Overmeyer L , Reisgen U
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the detection and localization of impurities such as release agent residues and fingerprints on fiber-reinforced plastic surfaces in an inline process step. This information can be used to carry out a locally individual and controlled surface pretreatment using laser radiation in order to improve the adhesion conditions. In this paper, surfaces from polyamide 6 reinforced with glass fiber are considered. To detect the impurities, inline images of the joining surfaces are taken using a laser line triangulation system. These image data are then examined with a specially developed algorithm of digital image processing. The real-time algorithm is based on the method of material-specific threshold values. In addition to real impurities, the algorithm was validated with artificial impurities. The central result of this work is the detection and local impurities of release agent residues and fingerprints down to a detail size of 0.3 mm.
Exploring the correlation between city size and residential segregation: comparing Chilean cities with spatially unbiased indexes
Authors: Garreton Matias , Basauri Agustin , Valenzuela Luis
Published: May 2020

Urban segregation is a widespread phenomenon with profound social implications, and one that presents difficult measurement challenges. Segregation indexes may be affected by scale or zoning biases of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). In this article, we develop a methodology that relies on spatial clustering algorithms to simultaneously cope with both kinds of MAUP biases, and we test it with complete census data for most Chilean cities. We find a robust correlation between segregation and city size, contesting previous claims about the spuriousness of this relationship. We also show that socioeconomic polarization is a widespread phenomenon in Chile and that it is not just a problem of disadvantaged groups’ concentration. Based on these results, we suggest that area-based desegregation policies should be generally reinforced, and complemented in big Chilean cities with housing-mix policies. We argue that using spatially unbiased segregation indexes could improve comparative urban studies.
Study on radial force characteristics of double-suction centrifugal pumps with different impeller arrangements under cavitation condition
Authors: Song Yu , Fan Honggang , Huang Zhenwei
Published: May 2020

Cavitation phenomenon is inevitable in pumps with strong transient characteristics. Due to the presence of vapors, the pressure distribution in the impeller changes greatly, resulting in a different radial force distribution from that in non-cavitation condition. In the present article, the cavitation performance of double-suction pumps with different impeller–vane arrangements is studied using the renormalization group k–& turbulence model and the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model. The radial force on the two impellers and the whole pump are calculated and compared under critical cavitation conditions. The radial force on different parts of impellers is investigated in detail. A strong influence of the radial force on the blades is detected for different impeller–vane arrangements. Then, the flow characters are analyzed in the mid-span of volute. The results show that axial flows are detected in volute near the outlet of the impellers, which is the main cause of the “two-impeller-interaction”.
Short-term Forecasting for Airline Industry: The Case of Indian Air Passenger and Air Cargo
Authors: Madhavan Meena , Ali Sharafuddin Mohammed , Piboonrungroj Pairach , Yang Ching-Chiao
Published: May 2020

This study aims to forecast air passenger and cargo demand of the Indian aviation industry using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) models. We utilized 10 years’ (2009–2018) air passenger and cargo data obtained from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA-India) website. The study assessed both ARIMA and BSTS models’ ability to incorporate uncertainty under dynamic settings. Findings inferred that, along with ARIMA, BSTS is also suitable for short-term forecasting of all four (international passenger, domestic passenger, international air cargo, and domestic air cargo) commercial aviation sectors. Recommendations and directions for further research in medium-term and long-term forecasting of the Indian airline industry were also summarized.
Why do Indian Firms Borrow in Foreign Currency?
Authors: Pradhan Ashis Kumar , Hiremath Gourishankar S.
Published: May 2020

We investigate why firms in emerging economies such as India borrow in foreign currency. The results of a dynamic panel regression approach suggest that both firm-specific factors and macroeconomic factors are significant in explaining the corporate sector dollarization. Export revenue and tangible assets are primary drivers of the external commercial borrowings (ECBs) of non-financial firms, whereas the ECBs of financial firms are sensitive to interest rates in global markets. The policy measures to relax restrictions on firm borrowing in foreign currency facilitate the denomination of corporate debt in foreign currency, but such exposure was adversely affected by the global financial crisis. The findings of the study suggest the vital need to develop the domestic bond market to reduce firms’ dependency on external finance. The results also call for competitive interest rates in the domestic fixed income segment through monetary policy intervention.

JEL Classification: G300, G320, F310
Technology Shocks and Non-stationary Hours in Emerging Countries and DSVAR
Authors: Coskun Sevgi
Published: May 2020

We test a standard DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium) model on impulse responses of hours worked and real GDP after technology and non-technology shocks in emerging market economies (EMEs). Most dynamic macroeconomic models assume that hours worked are stationary. However, in the data, we observe apparent changes in hours worked from 1970 to 2013 in these economies. Motivated by this fact, we first estimate a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model with a specification of hours in difference (DSVAR) and then set up a DSGE model by incorporating permanent labour supply (LS) shocks that can generate a unit root in hours worked, while preserving the property of a balanced growth path. These LS shocks could be associated with very dramatic changes in LS which look permanent in these economies. Hence, the identification restriction in our models comes from the fact that both technology and LS shocks have a permanent effect on GDP yet only the latter shocks have a long-run impact on hours worked. For inference purposes, we compare empirical impulse responses based on the EMEs data to impulse responses from DSVARs run on the simulated data from the model. The results show that a DSGE model with permanent LS shocks that can generate a unit root in hours worked is required to properly evaluate the DSVAR in EMEs as this model is able to replicate indirectly impulse responses obtained from a DSVAR on the actual data.

JEL Classification: C32, E32
Enhanced magnetorheological effect and sedimentation stability of bimodal magnetorheological fluids doped with iron nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Wanning , Dong Xufeng , Huang Hao , Qi Min
Published: May 2020

The improvement of properties of magnetorheological fluids and mechanism study has long been a classic area within the field of magnetorheological materials. This article was undertaken to dope the iron nanoparticles synthesized by direct current electric arc discharge with the traditional carbonyl iron powders to prepare bimodal magnetorheological fluids with different doping ratios. Their rheological properties and sedimentation stability were evaluated to explore the influence rules and mechanisms. The results indicate that the effect of the addition of iron nanoparticles on rheological properties under magnetic field is a combination of two opposing factors such as the strengthening of the structure and the weakening of magnetization. The sedimentation stability of the bimodal magnetorheological fluids improved significantly with the increase in the proportion of iron nanoparticles, which is attributed to the help of both free state and adsorbed state iron nanoparticles in magnetorheological fluids. Furthermore, within a specific magnetic field strength range, the bimodal magnetorheological fluids with a small proportion of iron nanoparticles can achieve an improvement in both rheological property and sedimentation stability compared with carbonyl iron particles–based magnetorheological fluids.