bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum ϕ4 theory in AdS4 and its CFT dual
Authors: Bertan Igor , Sachs Ivo , Skvortsov Evgeny
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We compute the two- and four-point holographic correlation functions up to the second order in the coupling constant for a scalar ϕ
4 theory in four-dimensional Euclidean anti-de Sitter space. Analytic expressions for the anomalous dimensions of the leading twist operators are found at one loop, both for Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Production of $$ t\overline{t} $$ pairs via γγ fusion with photon transverse momenta and proton dissociation
Authors: Łuszczak Marta , Forthomme Laurent , Schäfer Wolfgang , Szczurek Antoni
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We discuss the production of

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

quark-antiquark pairs in proton-proton collisions via the γγ fusion mechanism. We include topologies in which both protons stay intact or one or even both of them undergo dissociation. The calculations are performed within the k
T-factorisation approach, including transverse momenta of intermediate photons. Photon fluxes associated with inelastic (dissociative) processes are calculated based on modern parameterisations of proton structure functions. We find an integrated cross section of about 2.36 fb at

$$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$

s

=
13

TeV for all contributions (without requirement of rapidity gap). The cross section for the fully elastic process is the smallest. Inelastic contributions are significantly reduced when a veto on outgoing jets is imposed. We present several differential distributions in rapidity and transverse momenta of single t or

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

quarks/antiquarks as well as distributions in invariant mass of both the

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

and masses of dissociated systems. A few two-dimensional distributions are presented in addition.
Holographic glueballs from the circle reduction of Romans supergravity
Authors: Elander Daniel , Piai Maurizio , Roughley John
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We reconsider a one-parameter class of known solutions of the circle compactification of Romans six-dimensional half-maximal supergravity. The gauge-theory duals of these solutions are confining four-dimensional field theories. Their UV completions consist of the compactification on a circle of a higher-dimensional field theory that is flowing between two fixed points in five dimensions. We systematically study the bosonic fluctuations of the supergravity theory, corresponding to the bosonic glueballs of the dual field theory.

We perform numerically the calculation of the spectrum of excitations of all the bosonic fields, several of which had been disregarded in earlier work on the subject. We discuss the results as a function of the one parameter characterising the class of background solutions, hence further extending known results. We show how certain towers of states are independent of the background, and compare these states to existing lattice literature on four-dimensional Yang-Mills (pure) gauge theories, confirming the existence of close similarities.

For the aforementioned analysis, we construct gauge-invariant combinations of the fields appearing in the reduction to five dimensions of the supergravity theory, and hence focus on the 32 physical bosonic degrees of freedom. We show explicitly how to implement gauge-fixing of the supergravity theory. The results of such technical work could be used to analyse the spectra of other theories proposed in the context of top-down holography. For example, it could be applied to holographic realisations of composite-Higgs and light-dilaton scenarios.
Reverse Hawking-Page phase transition in de Sitter black holes
Authors: Mbarek Saoussen , Mann Robert B.
Published: February 2019

Abstract

In the context of black hole chemistry, we study the thermodynamics of asymptotically de Sitter black holes with conformal scalar hair in Einstein gravity. The hair parameter allows us to attain thermodynamic equilibrium between the event horizon and the cosmological horizon. We find that the system of the black hole and the de Sitter space surrounding it undergo a “Reverse” Hawking-Page phase transition provided we consider the grand-canonical ensemble.
Supersymmetric AdS6 black holes from matter coupled F(4) gauged supergravity
Authors: Suh Minwoo
Published: February 2019

Abstract

In matter coupled F(4) gauged supergravity in six dimensions, we study supersymmetric AdS
6 black holes with various horizon geometries. We find new

$$ Ad{S}_2\times {\varSigma}_{{\mathfrak{g}}_1}\times {\varSigma}_{{\mathfrak{g}}_2} $$

Ad

S
2

×

Σ

g
1

×

Σ

g
2

horizons with

$$ \mathfrak{g} $$

g

1
> 1 and

$$ \mathfrak{g} $$

g

2
> 1, and present the black hole solution numerically. The full black hole is an interpolating geometry between the asymptotically AdS
6 boundary and the

$$ Ad{S}_2\times {\varSigma}_{{\mathfrak{g}}_1}\times {\varSigma}_{{\mathfrak{g}}_2} $$

Ad

S
2

×

Σ

g
1

×

Σ

g
2

horizon. We also find black holes with horizons of Kähler four-cycles in Calabi-Yau fourfolds and Cayley four-cycles in Spin(7) manifolds.
Two-Year Follow-Up of a Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Trial to Study Effectiveness of a Hospital-Based Work Support Intervention for Cancer Patients
Authors: Tamminga S. J. , Verbeek J. H. A. M. , Bos M. M. E. M. , Fons G. , Kitzen J. J. E. M. , Plaisier P. W. , Frings-Dresen M. H. W. , de Boer A. G. E. M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose Purpose is to: (1) study effectiveness of the hospital-based work support intervention for cancer patients at two years of follow-up compared to usual care and (2) identify which early factors predict time to return-to-work (RTW). Methods In this multi-center randomised controlled trial (RCT), 106 (self-)employed cancer patients were randomized to an intervention group or control group and provided 2 years of follow-up data. The intervention group received patient education and work-related support at the hospital. Primary outcome was RTW (rate and time) and quality of life (SF-36), and secondary outcomes were, work ability (WAI), and work functioning (WLQ). Univariate Cox regression analyses were performed to study which early factors predict time to full RTW. Results Participants were diagnosed with breast (61%), gynaecological cancer (35%), or other type of cancer (4%). RTW rates were 84% and 90% for intervention versus control group. They were high compared to national register-based studies. No differences between groups were found on any of the outcomes. Receiving chemotherapy (HR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.59–3.73 p < 0.001), low level of education (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.076–2.52 p = 0.02) and low work ability (HR = 1.09 [95% CI 1.04–1.17] p = 0.02) were associated with longer time to full RTW. Conclusions We found high RTW rates compared to national register-based studies and we found no differences between groups. Future studies should therefore focus on reaching the group at risk, which consist of patients who receive chemotherapy, have a low level of education and have a low work ability at diagnosis.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Registry (NTR) (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=1658): NTR1658.
Fractal Theory and its Implication for Acquisition, Processing and Interpretation (API) of Geophysical Investigation: A Review
Authors: Dimri V. P. , Ganguli Shib Sankar
Published: February 2019

It has been observed that the sources of geophysical anomalies, such as density, susceptibility, conductivity, reflectivity, etc. may be conveniently defined according to a scaling/fractal distribution. Acquisition, processing and interpretation (collectively known as API) are the three main steps in any geophysical investigation. The proper design of acquisition of data can enhance the signal to noise ratio of geophysical response. Fractal theory has been applied and found to be worthwhile in deciding a geophysical survey network. Similarly, the second step, geophysical data processing for interpolation of missing data is key to reduce spurious anomaly due to aliased-interpolated data, and fractal or multi-fractal concepts have been applied to improve data processing significantly. Finally, interpretation is the main step which depends on the nature of the source. This lead to the development of new interpretation methods such as scaling spectral method and modified centroid method to accommodate scaling/fractal distribution of source for scaling geology for improved results. In the present paper, in-depth review of the application of fractal/multi-fractal approach in geophysical API for better geophysical understanding, is presented. Also, the advancement in geophysical API for filling the gaps in our understanding of sub-surface source characterization with recent examples in seismology and heat flow is highlighted, which can be further helpful in conducting future research of scaling geology.
New Occurrence of Sapphirine–spinel–bearing Granulite from NW of Chilka Lake, Eastern Ghats Belt, Odisha
Authors: Prakash D. , Vishal B. , Naik A. S. , Yadav R. , Rai S. K. , Tewari S. , Yadav M. K. , Tiwari S. , Dash S. , Pattnaik C.
Published: February 2019

A new locality of sapphirine-spinel-bearing granulites from the Kaithapalli area which lies NW of Chilka Lake, Odisha is reported. The area tectonically forms a northern part of Eastern Ghats belt. It occurs as small enclaves within the khondalite and pelitic granulite. The mineral assemblage includes spinel-sapphirine-garnet-cordierite-orthopyroxene-sillimanite-biotite-k-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz. Development of reaction textures and symplectites are common in the sapphirine-spinel granulites which have been used to describe reaction history. The relative XMg values among various minerals are as follows: cordierite > biotite > sapphirine > orthopyroxene > garnet > spinel. The P-T evolution of these sapphirine-spinel granulites constrained through the pseudosection modelling in the NCKFMASH model system using Perple_X software indicate conditions of ultra-high temperature (UHT) metamorphism. The P-T estimates computed by isopleths define a retrograde trajectory with decompression of c.2.5 kbar from P-Tmax of c.10.5 kbar at c.950 °C. The sequence of reactions as deduced from the symplectite assemblages, together with pseudosection modelling, from the Kaithapalli area, offer greater opportunities for providing a better picture of petrological evolution of northern part of the Eastern Ghats Belt (EGB).
Mineralogical Characterisation of Beach Placers at Kantiaghar in Ganjam District, Odisha
Authors: Nayak Bhaktishree , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Mangaraj Manoranjan , Venkatesh A. S. , Behera P. N.
Published: February 2019

This paper details with the beach placer deposit of Kantiaghar area of Ganjam district, Odisha. In Odisha, Atomic Mineral Division (AMD) has explored a stretch of about 150 km from south of river Mahanadi to Orissa-Andhra Pradesh border. Here the potential deposits posses a grade range from 5 to 30%. The heavy minerals are present in the beach and dunes around Kantiaghar, which is in the NE of Rusikulya river mouth. The prospect extends in NE-SW direction having a width of about 1000m. Heavy minerals occur up to a depth of 10 m. A total of 12 samples were collected at an interval of half km along the shore of Bay of Bengal. The heavy minerals are mostly of 170 micron size. The average heavy mineral content of Kantiaghar beach is 67%. The heavy minerals constitute sillimanite, ilmenite, garnet, rutile, monazite and zircon. Along with these minerals trace amounts of magnetite and hornblende is also present. Leucoxene and anatase are reported from this beach. The average percentage of sillimanite is 50.15%, ilmenite is 19.47%, garnet is 13.5%, and rutile is 3.7%, monazite is 1.21% and zircon is 0.93%, the number percentage of the heavy minerals clearly shows that the concentration of sillimanite is high.

Based on field relationships and mineralogy it can be interpreted that the river systems draining the Eastern Ghat, their metamorphic associates and basic intrusives account for these deposits.
Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability Risk in Shallow Aquifers of Kandaihimmat Watershed, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Malik Mohammad Subzar , Shukla J. P.
Published: February 2019

Currently, groundwater contamination has become a challenging problem, because of its susceptibility to pollution both by natural and anthropogenic processes. The study focused on the appraisal of vulnerability chances of shallow aquifers of Kandaihimmat watershed. Employing the DRASTIC model which is based on seven hydrogeological data layers viz.: depth to water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. By integrating all these data layers within GIS environment vulnerability index of groundwater was prepared. The estimated vulnerability index varies between 121 and 206 and was divided into three vulnerable zones namely high, moderate and low. The results of the study reveal that 38.28 % area of the watershed is coming under low risk, 34.32 % under medium risk and 27.39 % to high risk. Furthermore, validation of the model was done by nitrate contamination in groundwater of the watershed. Results have shown that in high vulnerable zone nitrate was found >10 mg/l, in moderate zone 5-10 mg/l, while in low vulnerable zone 0-5 mg/l. The model has been found applicable for the existing watershed and will help local authorities for managing the groundwater resources of the studied area.
Investigation of Ignition Delay for Low Molecular Weight Hydrocarbon Fuel by Using Shock Tube in Reflected Shock Mode
Authors: Sundararaj Aldin Justin , Pillai B. C. , Guna K. R. , Subash A. N. , Haran A. P. , Kumar Pradeep
Published: February 2019

Shock tube facility in the Propulsion and High Enthalpy laboratory, Aerospace Engineering Department, has been extensively used to study the ignition characteristics of fuels by measuring the ignition delay times for various hydrocarbon fuels at high temperatures. Initially a systematic method has been followed to calibrate the shock tube for ignition delay time measurements by measuring the delay times of C2H6 – O2 gas mixture diluted with argon. The results show good agreement with earlier reported works of Ethane ignition. Ignition times of low molecular weight liquefied petroleum gas, a fuel used in many industrial and household applications has been studied in the temperature range of 1250-1880 K and in the pressure range of 6-11 atm at equivalence ratios (Φ = 0.5 & 1). The ignition delay was measured in the reflected shock region by recording the ignition-induced pressure rise and emission from CH radical simultaneously. From the present study it is noted that the ignition delay time for liquefied petroleum gas reduces with increase in temperature and its activation energy lies in the range of 40 kcal/mol.
Discrete Element Modeling of Strength and Failure Behavior of Transversely Isotropic Rock under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Yin Peng-Fei , Yang Sheng-Qi
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a discrete element modeling (DEM) with particle flow code 2D (PFC2D) for simulating the mechanical behavior of artificial transversely isotropic rock under uniaxial compression. The DEM model is established with the approach of synthetic rock mass (SRM) modeling, i.e. embedding joints of weak plane to the bonded particle model (BPM) of intact rock for simulating the joint rock. Sensitivity of joint micro-parameters is analyzed to provide references for calibrating micro-parameters of artificial transversely isotropic rock in PFC2D. The uniaxial compression test of DEM model displays U-shape variation of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) along with bedding angle which is same to that of artificial transversely isotropic rock, a non-ignorable diversity in UCS value compared with the artificial transversely isotropic rock is also presented, while the normalized values of them are of well-matching. The obtained information of type, counts and distribution of micro-crack in PFC2D after DEM model failure indicate a remarkable impact on failure behavior of transversely isotropic rock, which cannot be surveyed in laboratory test. Farther more, the bond force field and particle displacement field reveal that separation zones caused by tension arise at bedding angle below 45°, while the shear zone occurs at bedding angle above 45°.
Colorectal cancer epidemiology and clinical study in Misan
Authors: Alhilfi Haider Saadoon Qasim , Almohammadawi Khalid Obiad Mohsin , Alsaad Rasha Khalil Abduljalil , Ameen Nyaz Ahmed , Aliedani Basima Kadhim Abbood , Aldubaisi Husam Jihad Imran , Alshewered Ahmed Salih Hussien
Published: February 2019

Introduction Colorectal carcinoma is commonest cancer of gastrointestinal tract. It is represent third cancer in man worldwide beyond lung and prostate cancers. It is fourth cancer in woman beyond breast, lung and uterus cancers. Deaths from colorectal cancer are more in compare with other GIT cancers.

Objective The aim is prove epidemiological and clinical data of colorectal cancer.

Method Our study conducted in Misan Province, Iraq. The data collected from 2013 to 2016. Seventy one patients that found have colorectal cancer. Gender, age, residency, site of cancer, family history, past history, year of onset, smoking history, alcohol intake, presentation, staging and histopathology pattern are get.

Results Prevalence of colon and rectum carcinoma is 3.75%. The most age group affected was 51–60 years as 30.99%. The gender and residency of patients have no effect on cancer percent. Obesity, Family history, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption risk factors. In 42.25% of patients had family history of cancer.

Conclusion Most common site of colorectal carcinoma left colon, which present in 61.97%. There is increase in new cases detection of colorectal carcinoma from 2013 to 2016. Advanced stages cancer were most common stages description as IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV in 12.67%, 16.90%, 19.72% and 15.49%. The common histopathological pattern is differentiated adenocarcinoma as 53.52%.
Development of facial emotion recognition and empathy test (FERET) for primary school children
Authors: Coskun Kerem
Published: February 2019

This article reports on the development of the Facial Emotion Recognition and Empathy Test (FERET) as a reliable and valid tool for assessing facial emotion recognition and empathy skills in primary school-aged children. Pictures of human faces developed by the researcher were used as response options for the children. The range of response options and their associated scores were constructed based on the Two Factorial Consensual Mood Structure, which indicates dimensions of emotions. Four hundred and twenty-two primary school children participated in the research. The children were asked to recognise emotions and display the appropriate empathetic response. Data were analysed through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT). As a result of item analysis, FERET has been designed to include 6 items related to facial expressions of key emotions and has been found to have an internal consistency coefficient of .82 and be unidimensional. Results from the IRT indicated that all the items in FERET discriminate better responders from poor responders. It was concluded that FERET can produce reliable and valid results in measuring facial emotion recognition and empathy skills among primary school children.
Young person’s well-being: Exploring material, subjective and relational factors
Authors: Rawsthorne Margot , Kinsela Grace , Paxton Karen , Luscombe Georgina
Published: February 2019

Young people’s well-being has attracted significant policy and research attention in Australia and internationally for at least three decades. Despite this, there is no consensus about what it means, how it can be measured or, most importantly, what supports young people’s well-being. This paper adopts a definition of well-being as a multidimensional process, comprising subjective, material and relational factors. Drawing on self-report data collected at two time points from young people (aged 9–14 years) living in rural and regional New South Wales (N= 342 at baseline andN= 217 Wave 2), this paper seeks to identify the salience of these factors to well-being, measured through Perceived Self-Efficacy. Our analysis suggests that a sense of belonging, safety and the presence of supportive adults all appear to support enhanced well-being. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy makers and communities wishing to better support the development of young people’s well-being.
A Cognitive Analysis of the PrepositionOVER: Image-schema transformations and metaphorical extensions
Authors: Mori Souma
Published: February 2019

Dewell (1994), following Brugman (1981) and Lakoff (1987), provides a semantic analysis ofoverby relying more exclusively on image-schema transformations than did Brugman and Lakoff. The Brugman-Lakoff-Dewell analysis, however, can be improved by using simpler image-schemas, more natural image-schema transformations, and metaphorical extensions. A key idea adopted in the present article is to capture both trajectors and landmarks three-dimensionally and topologically. This modification brings about the elimination of unessential features such as the shape and size of the trajector and the landmark, contact/non-contact between the trajector and the landmark, and physical properties of the trajector. Its main advantage is that a central image-schema for a semicircular path provides the basis for explaining all of the senses ofoverusing natural image-schema transformations and metaphorical extensions. The proposed image-schema transformations include: segment profiling, profiling the endpoint of access paths, the profiled peak position of the semicircular path with the constraint that the rest of the semicircular path is excluded, and the extension of the semicircular path-trajectory to an image of covering. The proposed metaphorical senses aretime, means,andcontrol.In addition, the radial category relating each sense ofoveris presented.
Analyzing the impact of duration of ventilation, hospitalization, and ventilation episodes on the risk of pneumonia
Authors: Wolkewitz Martin , Palomar-Martinez Mercedes , Alvarez-Lerma Francisco , Olaechea-Astigarraga Pedro , Schumacher Martin
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To study the impact of duration of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization and multiple ventilation episodes on the development of pneumonia while accounting for extubation as a competing event.

Design:

A multicenter data base from a Spanish surveillance network was used to conduct a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected intensive care patients followed from admission to discharge.

Setting:

Spanish intensive care units (ICUs).

Patients:

Mechanically ventilated adult patients from 158 ICUs with 45,486 admissions, 48,705 ventilation episodes, and 314,196 ventilator days.

Methods:

Competing-risk models were applied to account for extubation plus 48 hours as a competing event for acquiring ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Results:

Time in the ICU before mechanical ventilation was associated with an increased VAP hazard rate and with longer intubation time. This indirect prolongation of intubation increased the cumulative risk to eventually acquire VAP. For instance, comparing 3–4 versus 0 days, the adjusted VAP hazard ratio was 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.64) and the adjusted extubation hazard ratio was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.61–0.68), which leads to an adjusted VAP subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) of 2.13 (95% CI, 1.83–2.50). Similarly, due to prolonged intubation, multiple ventilation episodes increase the risk for VAP; the adjusted sHR is 1.52 (95% CI, 1.35–1.72) for the second episode compared to the first episode, and the adjusted sHR is 1.54 (95% CI, 1.03–2.30) for the third episode compared to the first episode. The Kaplan-Meier method produced an upward biased estimated cumulative risk for VAP.

Conclusions:

A competing-risk analysis is necessary to receive unbiased risk estimates and to quantify the indirect effect of intubation time on the cumulative VAP risk. Our findings may guide physicians to improve medical decisions related to the harms and benefits of the duration of ventilation.
Electric field mediated von Kármán vortices in stratified microflows: transition from linear instabilities to coherent mixing
Authors: Dutta Satarupa , Ghosh Abir , Pattader Partho Sarathi Gooh , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: February 2019

Application of an electric field across the pressure-driven stratified flow of a pair of miscible fluids inside a microchannel manifests interesting electrohydrodynamic (EHD) instabilities. Experiments uncover distinctive instability regimes with an increase in electric field Rayleigh number ($Ra^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}}$) – a linear-onset regime, a time-periodic nonlinear regime analogous to the von Kármán vortex street in the downstream and a regime with coherent flow patterns. The experiments also reveal that such linear and nonlinear instabilities can be stimulated non-invasively in a microchannel to mix or de-mix fluids simply by turning the electric field on or off, indicating the suitability of the process for on-demand micromixing. The characteristics of these instabilities have been theoretically investigated with the help of an Orr–Sommerfeld framework, which discloses the possibility of five distinctive finite-wavenumber modes for the instability. The EHD stresses originating due to the application of electric field stimulate a pair of shorter-wavelength electric field modes beyond a critical value of $Ra^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}}$. Increase in the levels of charge injection and EHD stresses lower the critical $Ra^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}}$ of these modes. The relatively longer-wavelength viscous mode is found to appear when the viscosity stratification between the fluid layers is high. Beyond a threshold Schmidt number ($Sc$), a diffusive mode is also found to appear near the mixed interfacial region. A thinner interface between the fluids at a higher $Sc$ helps this mode to behave as the interfacial mode of immiscible fluids. Contrast of ionic mobility in the fluids leads to the appearance of the K-mode of instability at much shorter wavelengths. The reported phenomena can be of significance in the domains of microscale mixing, pumping, heat exchange, mass transfer and reaction engineering.
Parametric subharmonic instability in a narrow-band wave spectrum
Authors: Onuki Yohei , Hibiya Toshiyuki
Published: February 2019

Parametric subharmonic instability arising in a narrow-band wave spectrum is investigated. Using a statistical equation that describes weakly nonlinear interactions in a random wave field, we perform analytical and numerical stability analyses for a modulating wave train. The analytically obtained growth rate $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=(-\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}+\sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}^{2}+4CE_{B}})/2$ agrees favourably with the results from direct numerical experiments, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ is the half-value width of the background wave frequency spectrum, $E_{B}$ is the background wave energy density, and $C$ is a constant. This expression has two asymptotic limits: $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\sim \sqrt{CE_{B}}$ for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\ll \sqrt{CE_{B}}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\sim CE_{B}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\gg \sqrt{CE_{B}}$. In the terms of weak turbulence, these two growth rates correspond to the ones occurring in the dynamic and kinetic time scales. In this way, our formulation successfully unifies the two conventional types of parametric subharmonic instability and offers a new criterion to determine the applicability of the classical kinetic equation in three-wave systems.
Psychometric Properties and Structures of the IAT, GPIUS and GAS Scales: A Bifactor Approach
Authors: Xu Lingling , Cai Yan , Tu Dongbo
Published: February 2019

This study applied a bifactor approach to investigate the structures and simultaneously compare the psychometric properties of three popular self-report internet addiction (IA) instruments. A bifactor confirmatory factor analysis was used to address the structures of the three scales, while the bifactor multidimensional item response model was employed to compare the psychometric properties of the three scales. Results of bifactor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the bifactor structures were suitable for the three scales. These corresponding bifactor structures were used in the subsequent bifactor multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) analysis. Results of the bifactor MIRT showed that: three instruments of IA performed well as a whole; the Generalised Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) provided more test information and had less standard error of measurement, which ranged from −3 to −1 standard deviations of theta or IA severity; the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) performed better than the other two scales in that it can provide more test information in the large area of IA severity (from −1 to +3 SDs). These suggest that the GPIUS and IAT may be the best choice for epidemiological IA studies and for measuring those with lower IA severity. Meanwhile, the GAS may be a good choice when we recruit those with various levels of IA severity.
Ecology and paleoenvironmental application of testate amoebae in peatlands of the high-elevation Colombian páramo
Authors: Liu Bing , Booth Robert K. , Escobar Jaime , Wei Zhiqiang , Bird Broxton W. , Pardo Andres , Curtis Jason H. , Ouyang Jun
Published: February 2019

We investigated the ecology and paleoecology of testate amoebae in peatlands of the Colombian páramo to assess the use of testate amoebae as paleoenvironmental indicators. Objectives were to (1) identify environmental controls on testate amoebae, (2) develop transfer functions for paleoenvironmental inference, and (3) examine testate amoebae in a Holocene peat core and compare our findings with other proxy records. Results from 96 modern samples indicate that testate amoebae are sensitive to pH and surface moisture, and cross-validation of transfer functions indicates potential for paleoenvironmental applications. Testate amoebae from the Triunfo Peatland in the Central Cordillera provided a proxy record of pH and water-table depth for the late Holocene, and inferred changes were correlated with peat C/N measurements during most of the record. Comparison with a lake-level reconstruction suggests that at least the major testate amoeba–inferred changes were driven by climate. Our work indicates that testate amoebae are useful paleoenvironmental indicators in high-elevation tropical peatlands.
DYING IS HARD TO DESCRIBE: METONYMIES AND METAPHORS OF DEATH IN THEILIAD
Authors: Horn Fabian
Published: February 2019

Homer'sIliadis an epic poem full of war and battles, but scholars have noted that ‘[t]he Homeric poems are interested in death far more than they are in fighting’. Even though long passages of the poem, particularly the so-called ‘battle books’ (Il.Books 5–8, 11–17, 20–2), consist of little other than fighting, individual battles are often very short with hardly ever a longer exchange of blows. Usually, one strike is all it takes for the superior warrior to dispatch his opponent, and death occurs swiftly. The prominence of death in Homeric battle scenes raises the question of how and in which terms dying in battle is being depicted in theIliad: for while fighting can be described in a straightforward fashion, death is an abstract concept and therefore difficult to grasp. Recent developments in cognitive linguistics have ascertained that, when coping with difficult and abstract concepts, such as emotions, the human mind is likely to resort to figurative language and particularly to metaphors.
A Reality of Vulnerability and Dependence: Internet Access as a Human Right
Authors: Shandler Ryan , Canetti Daphna
Published: February 2019

We are faced with a new reality where our reliance on internet access to fulfil basic civil tasks is threatened by increasing personal and societal cyber vulnerability. This dichotomy of dependence and vulnerability requires a new framework for understanding the legal and human rights status of this evolving technological reality. A number of theories have sought to explain how internet access could attain the status of a human right. These include reliance on the freedom of expression protection offered by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. More recent approaches have suggested that international customary law could apply, or that internet access could attain the status of an auxiliary human right. Despite repeated demands by international institutions to address modern cyber challenges through a human rights lens, this assortment of legal approaches has failed to garner a consensus view in the international community. The article reviews the merits of each of these arguments, and grounds the debate in the lens of this reality of dependence and vulnerability. Of the four options surveyed, we find that auxiliary righthood is the most promising approach, but that additional research is required to substantiate the claims.
Bulk Surveillance in the Digital Age: Rethinking the Human Rights Law Approach to Bulk Monitoring of Communications Data
Authors: Murray Daragh , Fussey Pete
Published: February 2019

The digital age has brought new possibilities and potency to state surveillance activities. Of significance has been the advent of bulk communications data monitoring, which involves the large-scale collection, retention and subsequent analysis of communications data. The scale and invasiveness of these techniques generate key questions regarding their ‘necessity’ from a human rights law perspective and they are the subject of ongoing human rights-based litigation. This article examines bulk communications data surveillance through the lens of human rights law, undertaking critical examination of both the potential utility of bulk communications surveillance and – drawing on social science analysis – the potential human rights-related harm. It argues that utility and harm calculations can conceal the complex nature of contemporary digital surveillance practices, rendering current approaches to the ‘necessity’ test problematic. The article argues that (i) the distinction between content and communications data be removed; (ii) analysis of surveillance-related harm must extend beyond privacy implications and incorporate society-wide effects; and (iii) a more nuanced approach to bulk communications data be developed. Suggestions are provided as to how the ‘necessity’ of bulk surveillance measures may be evaluated, with an emphasis on understanding the type of activity that may qualify as ‘serious crime’.
Molecular detection of natural infection ofLymnaea(Pseudosuccinea)columella(Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) withFasciola gigantica(Digenea: Fasciolidae) from two provinces of South Africa
Authors: Malatji M.P. , Mukaratirwa S.
Published: February 2019

The main intermediate host ofFasciola giganticain sub-Saharan Africa isLymnaea(Radix)natalensis.Lymnaea(Pseudosuccinea)columellais capable of transmitting bothF. giganticaandF. hepaticaand has been reported to be present in South Africa. To date, no natural infection withF. giganticahas been reported despite the wide distribution of the snail. The aim of this study was to confirm whetherL.(P.)columellawas transmittingF. giganticaand/orF. hepaticain selected locations of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.Lymnaea(Pseudosuccinea)columellasnails were collected from two locations in two provinces of South Africa and screened for cercariae shedding. This was followed by humanely sacrificing the screened snails, and whole tissue of each individual snail was homogenized and amplified using primers designed to amplify the ITS-1 region ofFasciolaspp. No cercariae were shed from the screened snails and molecular analysis showed that snails from the two locations were infected withF. gigantica. This study confirms natural infection ofL.(P.)columellawithF. giganticain South Africa, whereF. giganticaandF. hepaticahave already been reported to coexist. AlthoughL.(P.)columellais able to transmit the two species, surprisingly no infection withF. hepaticawas detected from the screened snails. The natural intermediate host ofF. giganticain southern Africa, including South Africa, isLymnaea(Radix)natalensisand comparative studies are needed to determine the competence of the two snail species in the transmission ofF. gigantica.
Chronic maxillary atelectasis (including silent sinus syndrome) can present bilaterally
Authors: Ho J P K , Wong E , Gunaratne D A , Singh N
Published: February 2019

Objective

Chronic maxillary atelectasis is a rare and underdiagnosed condition in which there is a persistent and progressive decrease in maxillary sinus volume secondary to inward bowing of the antral walls. Chronic maxillary atelectasis is typically unilateral. Simultaneous bilateral chronic maxillary atelectasis is extremely uncommon.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patient data collected by the senior clinician over a three-year period (2015–2018). A comprehensive literature search was conducted to locate all documented cases of chronic maxillary atelectasis in English-language literature. Abstracts and full-text articles were reviewed.

Results

Three patients presented with sinonasal symptoms. Imaging findings were consistent with bilateral chronic maxillary atelectasis. The literature review revealed at least nine other cases of bilateral chronic maxillary atelectasis. Management is typically via endoscopic middle meatus antrostomy.

Conclusion

Chronic maxillary atelectasis was initially defined as a unilateral disorder, but this description has been challenged by reports of bilateral cases. Further investigation is required to determine the aetiology and pathophysiology of the disease.
Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in a proposed Marine Protected Area off east Lewis (Scotland, UK), 2010–2017
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Hodgins Nicola K. , Dolman Sarah J. , Walters Alice E. M.
Published: February 2019

The coastal waters of east Lewis from the Butt of Lewis to Loch Erisort are a proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) for Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). A total of 100.4 h (2006.4 km) of active search effort (Beaufort sea states ≤3) was collected during 72 dedicated boat surveys between 2010 and 2017 (primarily in August and September) in the southern part of the MPA and south to the Shiant Isles. Forty Risso's dolphin sightings and 24.1 h of encounter effort were recorded, predominantly along the southern and eastern Eye Peninsula in 20–40 m water depths and at distances <1 km from shore. Group size ranged from one to 50 animals (mean = 11.8 dolphins) and calves occurred in 37.5% of sightings. A total of 2404 shore-based scans (Beaufort sea states ≤3) carried out from Tiumpan Head between September 2011 and December 2017 resulted in 271 (11.3%) ‘dolphin-present’ scans. Dolphins were present year-round, with a seasonal increase between May and October. ‘Calf-present’ scans only occurred between April and October. Photo-identification images from 28 boat surveys produced a minimum population size of 117 animals. There was evidence of high inter- and intra-annual site fidelity, with individual dolphins photographically captured in up to six of the eight survey years, and between two and seven capture dates being recorded for over 45% of individuals within most years. The combined datasets support the importance of east Lewis for Risso's dolphins, and recommendations are made for ongoing monitoring of dolphin occurrence throughout the wider MPA.
A new species of pea crab from south-western Europe (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura): species description, geographic distribution and population structure with an identification key to European Pinnotheridae
Authors: Cuesta Jose A. , García Raso J. E. , Abelló Pere , Marco-Herrero Elena , Silva Luis , Drake Pilar
Published: February 2019

After the recent detection, by both morphology and DNA barcodes, of the larval stages of an unknown species of pea crab (Pinnotheres sp.) in European waters, adults of this crab are herein reported and described as a new species. The current known geographic distribution of the species comprises the Gulf of Cádiz in the eastern Atlantic and the adjacent Mediterranean waters of the south of the Iberian Peninsula (Alboran Sea), where this crab is well-established inside the anomiid bivalve Anomia ephippium. In the Gulf of Cádiz, the species displayed a relatively high prevalence: on average, 55.6–77.7%, in A. ephippium samples. The dominant demographic categories of the new species were soft females (61.8–77.0%) with fewer males (17.7–21.10%). Most of the host bivalves carried only one crab; in bivalves harbouring two crabs, heterosexual pairs were collected more frequently than expected by chance, which suggests that they could be mated pairs. A strong correlation between host size and soft female size was found (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) indicating that space availability within hosts seems to be relevant in determining the size of the sedentary phase of the new crab species.
Protein O- and C-Glycosylation pathways in Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Bandini Giulia , Albuquerque-Wendt Andreia , Hegermann Jan , Samuelson John , Routier Françoise H.
Published: February 2019

Apicomplexan parasites are amongst the most prevalent and morbidity-causing pathogens worldwide. They are responsible for severe diseases in humans and livestock and are thus of great public health and economic importance. Until the sequencing of apicomplexan genomes at the beginning of this century, the occurrence of N- and O-glycoproteins in these parasites was much debated. The synthesis of rudimentary and divergent N-glycans due to lineage-specific gene loss is now well established and has been recently reviewed. Here, we will focus on recent studies that clarified classical O-glycosylation pathways and described new nucleocytosolic glycosylations in Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agents of toxoplasmosis. We will also review the glycosylation of proteins containing thrombospondin type 1 repeats by O-fucosylation and C-mannosylation, newly discovered in Toxoplasma and the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The functional significance of these post-translational modifications has only started to emerge, but the evidence points towards roles for these protein glycosylation pathways in tissue cyst wall rigidity and persistence in the host, oxygen sensing, and stability of proteins involved in host invasion.
Principle of Force Analysis of Overconstrained Parallel Mechanisms Considering Link Weight
Authors: Xu Yundou , Lu Ling , Liu Wenlan , Guo Jinwei , Yao Jiantao , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: February 2019

The fundamental cause for the statically indeterminate problem in the force analysis of overconstrained parallel mechanisms (PMs) is found to be the presence of the linearly dependent overconstrained wrenches. Based on the fundamental cause, a unified expression of the solution for the magnitudes of the constraint wrenches of both the limb stiffness decoupled and limb stiffness coupled overconstrained PMs is derived. When the weight of each link is considered, depending on whether additional component forces are generated along the axes of the overconstrained wrenches, two different situations should be considered. One situation is that no additional component force is generated along the axes of the overconstrained wrenches under the weight of the links in the corresponding limb. In this case, the added constraint wrenches at the limb’s end can be calculated directly, and used as a part of the generalized external wrench. The other situation is that additional component forces are generated. In this case, the elastic deformations in the axes of the overconstrained wrenches generated by those component forces should be considered, and the deformation compatibility equations between the overconstrained wrenches are reformulated.
The Italian Words and Sentences MB-CDI: normative data and concordance between complete and short forms
Authors: RINALDI Pasquale , PASQUALETTI Patrizio , STEFANINI Silvia , BELLO Arianna , CASELLI Maria Cristina
Published: February 2019

One of the most popular and widely used parent report instruments for assessing early language acquisition is the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI). This study compares normative data of the Italian Words and Sentences complete form (WS-CF) and short form (WS-SF). The samples included 752 children for the WS-CF and 816 children for the WS-SF designed for children aged 18–36 months. The concordance between WS-SF and WS-CF is analyzed in a subgroup of 65 children. The results revealed strong correlations between WS-CF and WS-SF in both lexical and grammar skills as well as strong relationship between lexical and grammar skills. There was a high percentage agreement (97%) between the two forms for scores below the 10th percentile, suggesting that the two forms may be used interchangeably in order to describe vocabulary and grammatical development.
Language activities in a minority–majority language context: book-reading at home is more important for Frisian than for Dutch
Authors: BOSMA Evelyn , BLOM Elma
Published: February 2019

Previous research has shown that in a minority–majority language context, the quantity of language input at home is more important for the development of the minority language than for the development of the majority language. In the current study, we examined whether the same holds true for the frequency of specific language activities at home. In a group of five- and six-year-old Frisian–Dutch bilingual children (n= 120), we investigated to what extent vocabulary and morphology knowledge were predicted by reading activities, watching TV, and story-telling activities in both languages. The results showed that reading in Frisian predicted both Frisian vocabulary and morphology, while reading in Dutch only predicted Dutch vocabulary. This shows that reading at home is most important for the development of the minority language. This especially holds true for the acquisition of Frisian morphology, a domain that is known to be vulnerable in language acquisition.
Social Implications of Unburied Corpses from Intergroup Conflicts: Postmortem Agency Following the Sandby borg Massacre
Authors: Alfsdotter Clara
Published: February 2019

A massacre took place inside the Sandby borg ringfort, southeast Sweden, at the end of the fifth century. The victims were not buried, but left where they died. In order to understand why the corpses were left unburied, and how they were perceived following the violent event, a theoretical framework is developed and integrated with the results of osteological analysis. I discuss the contemporary normative treatment of the dead, social response to death and postmortem agency with emphasis on intergroup conflict and ‘bad death’. The treatment of the dead in Sandby borg deviates from known contemporary practices. I am proposing that leaving the bodies unburied might be viewed as an aggressive social action. The corpses exerted postmortem agency to the benefit of the perpetrators, at the expense of the victims and their sympathizers. The gain for the perpetrators was likely political power through redrawing the victim's biographies, spatial memory and the social and territorial landscape. The denial of a proper death likely led to shame, hindering of regeneration and an eternal state of limbo.