bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Flexural Fatigue Properties of Reinforced Concrete Beams after Salt Freezing
Authors: Yang Jianxi , Zhang Tianmei , Sun Quansheng
Published: January 2020

In order to study the fatigue behavior decay law of reinforced concrete structures in cold region under the action of chlorine salt and freeze‐thaw, 150‐time water freeze‐thaw and salt freeze‐thaw cycles of reinforced concrete beams were carried out by the quick freezing method, and then the fatigue properties of the test beams were obtained by the four‐point bending fatigue test. The fatigue life of the test beam without freeze‐thaw is 1,074,282 times, and the fatigue life of the test beam after freeze‐thaw is reduced; the minimum fatigue life of fatigue failure is 493,972. The test results show that the residual deflection of the test beam is similar to the relative dynamic elastic modulus, which accords with the damage and failure mechanism of concrete, and the growth rate of residual deflection accords with the law of the block model. The fatigue damage model of reinforced concrete specimens is established, the nonlinear fitting of the damage model is carried out according to the test data, the fitting correlation coefficient is more than 0.98, which indicates that the model can better reflect the damage degree of concrete, and the method of predicting the life of in‐service concrete beam is put forward in combination with the concrete damage model.
Optimization of High-Speed Railway Line Planning Considering Extra-Long Distance Transportation
Authors: Wang Ying , Peng Qi-Yuan , Liu Ling , Wang Jia-Kang
Published: January 2020

Network line planning optimal considering extra-long distance transportation can adapt to high-speed railway (HSR) network operation environment and meet the demand of extra-long distance travel. First, the distance of 1500 km or more is defined as extra-long transportation distance based on market competitiveness. The difficulties of direct or transfer transportation for extra-long distance transportation are analyzed. Direct method of extra-long distance is determined according to direct passenger volume and the number of important nodes while transfer method is represented considering transfer times, organization forms, varieties of schemes, and comfort. Then, ideas of optimizing line plan based on riding scheme is put forward. Network optimizing line plan model with riding scheme is developed considering extra-long distance transportation. The model which minimizes traveling cost and train running expense optimizes train frequency and train stop plan with riding scheme. Last, the method and optimizing model is verified by the network which took Baoji–Lanzhou HSR as the core. The optimal result is a benefit to improve operation efficiency and market competitiveness of HSR.
Efficacy and Safety of Tanshinone for Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yao , Jiang Shi-min , Li Li , Wang Ying , Ding Lei , Liu Chao-xia , Wu Qi , Gao Kun
Published: January 2020

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of tanshinone for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of CKD using tanshinone were searched using 4 Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Value In Paper (VIP), Wanfang, and Chinese Biology Medicine (CBM)) and 3 English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica Database (Embase)). The results included data on blood urine nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), 24 h urine protein, microalbuminuria (mALB), β2‐macroglobulin (β2‐MG), cystatin C (CysC), and safety events. The data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Results. Twenty‐one studies were entered into this meta‐analysis, which involved 1857 patients including 954 cases from the tanshinone treatment group and 903 cases from the control group. BUN levels in the tanshinone treatment group were significantly reduced compared with the control (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.81 to −0.49, p < 0.01). In addition, subgroup analysis indicated that tanshinone had a significant effect in reducing Scr levels at 14, 21, and 28 days. Scr levels in the tanshinone treatment group were significantly reduced compared with the control group (SMD = −1.40, 95% CI: −2.09 to −0.71, p < 0.01); subgroup analysis based on treatment time also yielded the same results. GFR in the tanshinone treatment group was better than that in the control group (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.07, p < 0.01). In terms of urine protein levels, 24 h urine protein level, mALB, and β2‐MG of CKD patients were reduced to some degree compared with controls, and CysC levels in the tanshinone treatment group were also significantly reduced compared with the control group (SMD = −0.24, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.03, p < 0.05). Safety in the tanshinone treatment group did not differ significantly from that of the control group (risk ratio (RR) = 7.78, 95% CI: 0.99 to 61.05, p > 0.05). Conclusion. This meta‐analysis showed that tanshinone could control urine protein level in CKD patients, improve kidney function, and delay the evolution of CKD without significant side effects. However, the results were limited and should be interpreted with caution because of the low quality of the included studies. In the future, more rigorous clinical trials need to be conducted to provide sufficient and accurate evidence.
Chronic Systemic Inflammation Exacerbates Neurotoxicity in a Parkinson’s Disease Model
Authors: Ugalde-Muñiz Perla , Fetter-Pruneda Ingrid , Navarro Luz , García Esperanza , Chavarría Anahí
Published: January 2020

Systemic inflammation is a crucial factor for microglial activation and neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration. This work is aimed at assessing whether previous exposure to systemic inflammation potentiates neurotoxic damage by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and how chronic systemic inflammation participates in the physiopathological mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease. Two different models of systemic inflammation were employed to explore this hypothesis: a single administration of lipopolysaccharide (sLPS; 5 mg/kg) and chronic exposure to low doses (mLPS; 100 μg/kg twice a week for three months). After three months, both groups were challenged with MPTP. With the sLPS administration, Iba1 staining increased in the striatum and substantia nigra, and the cell viability lowered in the striatum of these mice. mLPS alone had more impact on the proinflammatory profile of the brain, steadily increasing TNFαlevels, activating microglia, reducing BDNF, cell viability, and dopamine levels, leading to a damage profile similar to the MPTP modelper se. Interestingly, mLPS increased MAO-B activity possibly conferring susceptibility to MPTP damage. mLPS, along with MPTP administration, exacerbated the neurotoxic effect. This effect seemed to be coordinated by microglia since minocycline administration prevented brain TNFαincrease. Coadministration of sLPS with MPTP only facilitated damage induced by MPTP without significant change in the inflammatory profile. These results indicate that chronic systemic inflammation increased susceptibility to MPTP toxic effect and is an adequate model for studying the impact of systemic inflammation in Parkinson’s disease.
Evolution Regularity Mining and Gating Control Method of Urban Recurrent Traffic Congestion: A Literature Review
Authors: Ma Changxi , Zhou Jibiao , Xu Xuecai (Daniel) , Xu Jin
Published: January 2020

To understand the status quo of urban recurrent traffic congestion, the current results of recurrent traffic congestion, and gating control are reviewed from three aspects: traffic congestion identification, evolution trend prediction, and urban road network gating control. Three aspects of current research are highlighted: (a) The majority of current studies are based on statistical analyses of historical data, while congestion identification is performed by acquiring small-scale traffic parameters. Thus, congestion studies on the urban global roadway network are lacking. Situation identification and the failure to effectively warn or even avoid traffic congestion before congestion forms are not addressed; (b) correlation studies on urban roadway network congestion are inadequate, especially regarding deep learning, and considering the space-time correlation for congestion evolution trend prediction; and (c) quantitative research methods, dynamic determination of gating control areas, and effective countermeasures to eliminate traffic congestion are lacking. Regarding the shortcomings of current studies, six research directions that can be further explored in the future are presented.
Neuroprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Lysimachia christinae against Glutamate Toxicity in HT22 Cell and Its Protective Mechanisms
Authors: Ryu Gahee , Ma Choong Je
Published: January 2020

Purpose. Excessive glutamate amount can give oxidative stress to neuronal cells, and the accumulation of cell death can trigger the neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we discovered the neuroprotective effect of Lysimachia christinae Hance in the mouse hippocampal HT22 cell line. Method. Overnight incubated HT22 cells were pretreated with L. christinae extract dose dependently (1, 10, and 100 μg/ml). Followed by then, glutamate was treated. These treated cells were incubated several times again, and cell viability, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and glutathione‐related enzyme amount were measured. Results. As a result, L. christinae increases the cell viability by inhibiting the ROS and Ca2+ formation, recovering the level of MMP and enhancing the activity of glutathione production compared with only vehicle‐treated groups. Conclusion. These draw that L. christinae may remarkably decelerate the neurodegeneration by minimizing neuronal cell damage via oxidative stress.
A Mixed Stress/Displacement Approach Model of Homogeneous Shells for Elastodynamic Problems
Authors: Domínguez Alvarado Axel Fernando , Díaz Díaz Alberto
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the development of a model of homogeneous, moderately thick shells for elastodynamic problems. The model is obtained by adapting and modifying SAM-H model (stress approach model of homogeneous shells) developed by Domínguez Alvarado and Díaz in (2018) for static problems. In the dynamic version of SAM-H presented herein, displacements and stresses are approximated by polynomials of the out-of-plane coordinate. The stress approximation coincides with the static version of SAM-H when dynamic effects are neglected. The generalized forces and displacements appearing in the approximations are the same as those involved in a classical, moderately thick shell model (CS model) but the stress approximation adopted herein is more complex: the 3D motion equations and the stress boundary conditions at the faces of the shell are verified. The generalized motion and constitutive equations of dynamic SAM-H model are obtained by applying a variant of Euler–Lagrange equation which includes pertinently Hellinger–Reissner functional. In the constitutive equations, Poisson’s effect of out-of-plane normal stresses on in-plane strains is not ignored; this is one important feature of SAM-H. To test the accuracy of dynamic SAM-H model, the following structures were considered: a hollow sphere and a catenoid. In each case, eigenfrequencies are first calculated and then a frequency analysis is performed applying a harmonic load. The results are compared to those of a CS model, MITC6 (mixed interpolation of tensorial components with 6 nodes per element) shell element calculations, and solid finite element computations. In the two problems, CS, MITC6, and dynamic SAM-H models yield accurate eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes. Nevertheless, the frequency analysis performed in each case showed that dynamic SAM-H provides much more accurate amplitudes of stresses and displacements than the CS model and the MITC6 shell finite element technique.
An Improved Automatic Traffic Incident Detection Technique Using a Vehicle to Infrastructure Communication
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Sameer , Liang Jun , Wang Wensong
Published: January 2020

Traffic incident detection is one of the major research areas of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). In recent years, many mega-cities suffer from heavy traffic flow and congestion. Therefore, monitoring traffic scenarios is a challenging issue due to the nature and the characteristics of a traffic incident. Reliable detection of traffic incidents and congestions provide useful information for enhancing traffic safety and indicate the characteristics of traffic incidents, traffic violation, driving pattern, etc. This paper investigates the estimation of traffic incident from a hybrid observer (HO) method, and detects a traffic incident by using an improved automatic incident detection (AID) technique based on the lane-changing speed mechanism in the highway traffic environment. First, we developed the connection between vehicles and roadside units (RSUs) by using a beacon mechanism. Then, they will exchange information once the vehicles get access to a wireless medium. Second, we utilized the probabilistic approach to collect the traffic information data, by using a vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication. Third, we estimated the traffic incident by using an HO method which can provide an accurate estimation of an event occurring. Finally, in order to detect traffic incident accurately, we applied the probabilistic data collected through V2I communication based on lane-changing speed mechanism. The experimental results and analysis obtained from simulations show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in terms of obtaining a better estimation of traffic incident which agrees well with the theoretical incident, around 30% faster detection of traffic incidents and 25% faster dissipation of traffic congestion. With regard to duration of an incident, the proposed system obtained a better Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve, influenced by the shortest duration of time to clear the traffic incident, in comparison with the other methods.
Predominance of Central Memory T Cells with High T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity is Associated with Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibition in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Spassova Ivelina , Ugurel Selma , Terheyden Patrick , Sucker Antje , Hassel Jessica C. , Ritter Cathrin , Kubat Linda , Habermann Daniel , Farahpour Farnoush , Saeedghalati Mohammadkarim , Peiffer Lukas , Kumar Rajiv , Schrama David , Hoffmann Daniel , Schadendorf Dirk , Becker Jürgen C.
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, which can be effectively controlled by immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. However, a significant proportion of patients are characterized by primary therapy resistance. Predictive biomarkers for response to immunotherapy are lacking.

Experimental Design:

We applied Bayesian inference analyses on 41 patients with MCC testing various clinical and biomolecular characteristics to predict treatment response. Further, we performed a comprehensive analysis of tumor tissue–based immunologic parameters including multiplexed immunofluorescence for T-cell activation and differentiation markers, expression of immune-related genes and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire analyses in 18 patients, seven objective responders, and 11 nonresponders.

Results:

Bayesian inference analyses demonstrated that among currently discussed biomarkers only unimpaired overall performance status and absence of immunosuppression were associated with response to therapy. However, in responders, a predominance of central memory T cells and expression of genes associated with lymphocyte attraction and activation was evident. In addition, TCR repertoire usage of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) demonstrated low T-cell clonality, but high TCR diversity in responding patients. In nonresponders, terminally differentiated effector T cells with a constrained TCR repertoire prevailed. Sequential analyses of tumor tissue obtained during immunotherapy revealed a more pronounced and diverse clonal expansion of TILs in responders indicating an impaired proliferative capacity among TILs of nonresponders upon checkpoint blockade.

Conclusions:

Our explorative study identified new tumor tissue–based molecular characteristics associated with response to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in MCC. These observations warrant further investigations in larger patient cohorts to confirm their potential value as predictive markers.
Using business intelligence solutions for forecasting in marketing researches
Authors: Rayed Christina Albert
Published: January 2020

Business intelligence comprises of tools and applications that are leverages software and services to translate data into intelligent actions for strategic, tactical and operational decisions. The intelligent business solution facilitates and develops the service provided to the market researchers, saves time and effort needed to identify the customers predict demand and manage production more efficiently, ability to explore possibilities to increase revenue. The purpose of this paper is using business intelligence solutions for forecasting in Marketing Researches. The intelligence solutions are helping the market researchers to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and differentiation.
Efficient datamining model for prediction of chronic kidney disease using wrapper methods
Authors: A Ramaswamyreddy , S Shiva Prasad , Rangarao K V , Saranya A
Published: January 2020

In the present generation, majority of the people are highly affected by kidney diseases. Among them, chronic kidney is the most common life threatening disease which can be prevented by early detection. Histological grade in chronic kidney disease provides clinically important prognostic information. Therefore, machine learning techniques are applied on the information collected from previously diagnosed patients in order to discover the knowledge and patterns for making precise predictions. A large number of features exist in the raw data in which some may cause low information and error; hence feature selection techniques can be used to retrieve useful subset of features and to improve the computation performance. In this manuscript we use a set of Filter, Wrapper methods followed by Bagging and Boosting models with parameter tuning technique to classify chronic kidney disease. The capability of Bagging and Boosting classifiers are compared and the best ensemble classifier which attains high stability with better promising results is identified.
Design and architecture of wireless body area network using android application
Authors: Keshamoni Kumar
Published: January 2020

Patients in hospitals have issue with health instrumentality that's connected with wires to their body. Wired health instrumentality restricts the quality of the patient. Moreover, health caretaker’s area unit compelled to work the instrumentality and take the measurements. Hence, wireless observance of patient is incredibly effective resolution thereto drawback. The most target of this study was to analysis the present trend and prospect of wireless observance of patients within the hospitals. This study conjointly aims to create the epitome system to implement wireless observance. Additionally to that, this thesis conjointly studies most fitted technique for building the foremost effective wireless observance system. The sensing element nodes and receiver of the epitome were designed. Golem phone was used as entranceway to receive the information from sensing element node and forward the information into receiver. Bluetooth Low energy was wont to communicate between sensing element nodes and golem phone. LAN is employed to speak between golem phone and also the receiver that is connected to laptop. The sensing element readings were initially ascertained in Arduino Serial Monitor so sent to sink node. The sensing element readings of a body were displayed in golem phone and yet as within the web site. Real time information of sensing element was created and with success updated within the web site. The study of results and project showed that wireless observance would be terribly effective by exploitation Interference free, short vary and extremely secure suggests that of communication. Bluetooth low energy that is appropriate choice for the system. Style of sensing element nodes ought to be terribly tiny as a result of it's to be worn round the body. Therefore smaller parts ought to be used.
Random routing scheme with misleading dead ends
Authors: Rajarama Chitra , Sugatoor Jagadeesha Narasimhamurthy , T Yerri Swamy
Published: January 2020

A new method of sink location security in a Wireless Sensor Network is proposed. In the proposed scheme, all the node addresses are encrypted and an attacker cannot determine the real sink address by capturing the packets and analyzing its contents for the final destination. The main contribution of our proposed method is to use random routing scheme with misleading dead ends. This provides security against traffic analysis attack.
Carta póstuma a José Marques de Melo
Authors: Medina Cremilda
Published: January 2020

Memória e homenagem de Cremilda Medida a José Marques de Melo (1943-2018).
Big data
Authors: MATRIZes Editores , Schroeder Ralph
Published: January 2020

Este artigo discute a novidade do big data, argumentando que ela pode ser definida em relação ao tipo de conhecimento que é criado. Destaca a importância do big data na pesquisa em ciências sociais e, especialmente, na pesquisa em comunicação, apesar de essa investigação ser em parte limitada pelas fontes (comerciais, muitas vezes) de dados. Outro impedimento é que essa pesquisa está avançando em muitas direções, mas sem integrar o conhecimento descoberto em relatos gerais do papel da mídia na mudança social. E a maior parte desse conhecimento não está sendo produzido nas ciências sociais, mas sim no setor privado e em contextos políticos. O big data recoloca também, em novas perspectivas, certas questões como a da privacidade e a da vigilância social.
Versus
Authors: Crespo Regina Aída
Published: January 2020

A revista Versus, editada em São Paulo de 1975 a 1979, partiu de um projeto formal e tematicamente inovador, concebido por Marcos Faerman e colaboradores, baseado na opção pela cultura como forma de ação e na adoção da América Latina como eixo temático. O periódico conquistou um espaço próprio no campo cultural brasileiro, destacando-se entre as publicações alternativas. A partir de um breve panorama sobre a imprensa alternativa na década de 1970, este artigo pretende analisar a trajetória de Versus que, de uma postura cultural inicialmente inovadora sobre a inserção do Brasil na América Latina e a busca de uma unidade e identidade latino-americanas, rumou a uma paulatina instrumentalização política que a levou ao seu fim.
Os modos de existência do gameplay
Authors: Fragoso Suely
Published: January 2020

Este texto apresenta uma aplicação de ideias propostas em Investigação sobre os modos de existência, de Bruno Latour, como chave de leitura do gameplay, tendo como base uma situação de jogo com Cities: Skylines. Após uma revisão dos fundamentos teóricos e uma breve apresentação da situação de jogo, a análise destaca os modos de existência mais proeminentes no gameplay de Cities: Skylines ([FIC], [TEC] e [HAB]) e seus cruzamentos ([FIC-TEC], [FIC-HAB] e [TEC-HAB]).
A new species and a new section of Astragalus (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) from Mexico

Authors: Estrada Castillón EDUARDO , VILLARREAL QUINTANILLA JOSÉ ÁNGEL , ENCINA DOMÍNGUEZ JUAN ANTONIO
Published: January 2020

We describe and illustrate Astragalus sagitticarpus A.E. Estrada, Villarreal & Encina (Fabaceae) as a new species from south-central Mexico. Its annual habit, free stipules, few leaves, small calyx teeth, and pendulous, persistent, stipitate, dorsoventrally compressed pod characterize this species. Added to other characteristics related to the other sections, but not in the same combination of them, such as habit, flower size, and union of the stipules allow recognizing a new section also.
Monitoring and capturing patient identification errors in laboratory medicine
Authors: Leonard Ann , Boran Gerard , Kane Anne , Cornes Michael
Published: January 2020

Background

Specimen labelling and patient identification are significant contributors to the rate of error in the preanalytical phase of laboratory medicine. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of preanalytical quality monitoring practices for patient identification and specimen labelling errors in Irish clinical laboratories.

Methods

A survey was developed by the Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Trinity College Dublin and the Irish External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS), with the intention of gathering key information from each laboratory. Thirty-nine questions were organized into seven subsections covering general information, labelling requirements, information availability, rejection criteria, error monitoring, error reporting and interest in participation in an external quality assessment scheme. The survey was sent electronically to 63 laboratory quality managers at 55 laboratories in Ireland.

Results

A total of 39 responses (61% response rate) provided information on 94 separate laboratory departments or disciplines. Laboratories reported varying practices and requirements for labelling specimens and all accepted handwritten preprinted request forms. All (100%) respondents had defined rejection criteria both for specimen labelling and request form completion. Unsurprisingly, the rejection criteria differed between the various laboratory disciplines. Almost all respondents provided information to clinical staff on labelling requirements, but just over half provided training on the same. A large percentage of laboratories (74%) monitored the rate of specimen-labelling errors; however, only 46% had defined target limits for acceptable rates of error.

Conclusion

The survey observed a wide variation in collection, recording and monitoring of errors but also confirmed significant interest in improving preanalytical monitoring and data collection.
Global Production Networks, New Trade Technologies and the Challenge for International Institutions
Authors: Pomfret Richard
Published: January 2020

In the twenty-first century, production processes and international trade in goods and services are being revolutionized by developments in information and communications technology. For many products, global production networks have rendered the label Made in Country X meaningless. With an increasing number of services, both for end-users and as inputs, being provided online, it becomes increasingly difficult to locate where value-added is being produced. This article seeks to document the impact of new technologies on international trade and to analyse the policy implications at the national and global level. A turning point is identified in the mid-1990s; up to 1995 there is no statistically significant relationship between internet usage and trade, but after 1997 the relationship is statistically significant. Use of the internet reduced trade costs, increased the size of trade flows and permitted greater fragmentation along global value chains. It also created opportunities for new international transactions, for example, based on ‘big data’. The article concludes with analysis of attempts to reach WTO agreements with respect to e-commerce and digitalization and of alternative fora in which these issues are being addressed, and relates the outcomes to the phenomenon of mega-regionalism.

JEL Codes: F02, F68, 038
Discomfort/Pain and Tissue Oxygenation at the Lower Limb During Circumferential Compression: Application to Soft Exoskeleton Design
Authors: Kermavnar Tjasa , O’Sullivan Kevin J. , de Eyto Adam , O’Sullivan Leonard W.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To establish the relationship between circumferential compression on the lower limb during simulated ramp and staircase profile loading, and the resultant relationship with discomfort/pain and tissue oxygenation.

Background

Excessive mechanical loading by exoskeletons on the body can lead to pressure-related soft tissue injury. Potential tissue damage is associated with objective oxygen deprivation and accompanied by subjective perception of pain and discomfort.

Method

Three widths of pneumatic cuffs were inflated at the dominant thigh and calf of healthy participants using two inflation patterns (ramp and staircase), using a computer-controlled pneumatic rig. Participants rated discomfort on an electronic visual analog scale and deep tissue oxygenation was monitored using near infrared spectroscopy.

Results

Circumferential compression with pneumatic cuffs triggered discomfort and pain at lower pressures at the thigh, with wider cuffs, and with a ramp inflation pattern. Staircase profile compression caused an increase in deep tissue oxygenation, whereas the ramp profile compression decreased it.

Conclusion

Discomfort and pain during circumferential compression at the lower limb is related to the width of pneumatic cuffs, the inflation pattern, and the volume of soft tissue at the assessment site. The occurrence of pain is also possibly related to the decrease in deep tissue oxygenation during compression.

Application

Our findings can be used to inform safe and comfortable design of soft exoskeletons to avoid discomfort and possible soft tissue injury.
A Cauchy mutant pigeon-inspired optimization–based multi-unmanned aerial vehicle path planning method
Authors: Wang Bo Hang , Wang Dao Bo , Ali Zain Anwar
Published: January 2020

To improve the performance of multi-unmanned aerial vehicle path planning in plateau narrow area, a control strategy based on Cauchy mutant pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm is proposed in this article. The Cauchy mutation operator is chosen to improve the pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm by comparing and analyzing the changing trend of fitness function of the local optimum position and the global optimum position when dealing with unmanned aerial vehicle path planning problems. The plateau topography model and plateau wind field model are established. Furthermore, a variety of control constrains of unmanned aerial vehicles are summarized and modeled. By combining with relative positions and total flight duration, a cooperative path planning strategy for unmanned aerial vehicle group is put forward. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed Cauchy mutant pigeon-inspired optimization method gives better robustness and cooperative path planning strategy which are effective and advanced as compared with traditional pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm.
What Matters to Kansas: Small Business and the Defeat of the Kansas Tax Experiment
Authors: Alvord Daniel R.
Published: January 2020

Why would businesses advocate for a tax increase? They may take such a position, this article argues, when tax cuts threaten their long-term economic interests. In 2012, Kansas eliminated taxes on many business owners but destabilized the economy and exposed small business to the harshness of market forces. Small businesses rely more on state services than large businesses and are more situated in local communities. The literature suggests two main reasons for small businesses’ “enlightened self-interest” perspective. First, many benefited only marginally from the tax cuts. Second, the savings were offset by fiscal damage to state services that small businesses rely on. They advocated for higher taxes on themselves neither out of altruism nor entirely out of self-interest but recognizing that they had to pay taxes in order to stabilize the economic environment. In that position, small businesses in Kansas may occupy the moderating political role once occupied by a now-fractured corporate elite.
Gendered mobility and violence in the São Paulo metro, Brazil
Authors: Moreira Gustavo Carvalho , Ceccato Vania Aparecida
Published: January 2020

With about 12 million inhabitants, São Paulo, Brazil, is the largest city in South America. As in many other major southern hemisphere cities, this extreme concentration of people imposes a number of mobility and security challenges. The objective of this article was to investigate the space-time patterns of mobility and violent victimisation in São Paulo’s metro stations from a gender perspective. The methodology combines use of a Geographical Information System (GIS), statistical analysis through negative binomial regression modelling and hypothesis testing. Results indicate that mobility and the level of victimisation are gender dependent. Women are at higher risk of victimisation than men in São Paulo’s central metro station, while men run higher risk of violence at end stations – both notably during late night periods. The presence of employees reduces the risk of violence, except during the mornings. The article suggests that crime prevention initiatives need to be gender informed and sensitive to the particular spatial and temporal features of rapid transit environments.
To Help or To Harm? Assessing the Impact of Envy on Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviors
Authors: Behler Anna Maria C. , Wall Catherine S. J. , Bos Adriana , Green Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2020

Two studies examined how envy influences prosocial and antisocial behavior. In Experiment 1, participants in an envious state (relative to a neutral state) were less helpful: They picked up fewer dropped pencils in their immediate vicinity. We expanded upon these findings by examining how envy affected both helping and harming behavior in a competitive scenario. In Experiment 2, individuals in envious or neutral states assigned puzzle tasks to another student in a prisoner’s dilemma style scenario. Prosocial and antisocial behaviors were assessed via the difficulty of the assigned puzzles (easy puzzles were considered helpful and difficult puzzles were harmful). We hypothesized that experiencing envy would result in greater motive to harm as well as greater likelihood of engaging in harmful behavior. The hypothesis was supported, suggesting that envy has detrimental ramifications that go beyond the individual and extend to interpersonal relationships.
Taking Responsibility for Others and Use of Mental Contrasting
Authors: Sevincer A. Timur , Musik Tanja , Degener Alina , Greinert Annika , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: January 2020

Mentally contrasting a desired future with present reality fosters selective goal pursuit: People pursue feasible desired futures and let go from unfeasible ones. We investigated whether people are more inclined to spontaneously use mental contrasting when they feel responsibility. Studies 1 and 2 provided correlational evidence: Employees who felt responsible for completing an important team project (Study 1) and MTurk users who felt and actively took social responsibility (Study 2) were more inclined to use mental contrasting. Studies 3 and 4 added experimental evidence: Students who were instructed to imagine responsibility for giving an excellent class presentation in a group or alone (Study 3) and participants who elaborated on an idiosyncratic wish that involved responsibility for others or themselves tended to use mental contrasting (Study 4). Apparently, people who feel or take responsibility for others, the society, or themselves are more likely to use mental contrasting as a self-regulation tool.
A Social Learning Model of Antisocial Coaching Behavior
Authors: Kabiri Saeed , Shadmanfaat Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) , Smith Hayden , Cochran John
Published: January 2020

Studies of antisocial behavior in sports are important, although most lack a theoretical framework. The current study examines the endorsement of antisocial behavior in a sample of coaches using social learning theory. This features a survey of 268 Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches in the Tehran Provincial League, Iran. Results indicate that differential association, differential reinforcement, definitions, and imitation have a significant impact on antisocial behavior, with differential association being the most influential construct. Higher education in coaches was associated with lower levels of antisocial behavior. This suggests that antisocial coaching behavior is learned in a similar manner to prosocial behaviors, and that desistance requires assessment of the learning process.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Haiti: Understanding Household, Individual, Partner, and Relationship Characteristics
Authors: Occean James R. , Thomas Nicholas , Lim Andrew C. , Lovett Sharonda M. , Michael-Asalu Abimbola , Salinas-Miranda Abraham A.
Published: January 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue with detrimental consequences for women’s reproductive, mental, and physical health. In Haiti, IPV is a major obstacle to women’s development. Yet, the determinants of IPV victimization are still not well understood. In this study, we utilized the 2016–2017 Haiti Demographic and Health Survey to determine the prevalence of IPV victimization and its subtypes (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) among married or cohabiting women ( N = 3,805) of reproductive age (15–49) by their current husband/partner. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the association between IPV and household, individual, husband/partner, and relationship characteristics. The prevalence of IPV victimization was 32.5% with the majority reporting emotional (24.7%) followed by physical (16.8%) and sexual (10.5%) violence. Increased odds of IPV victimization were found among women with children in the household (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.03, 2.02]), with attitudinal acceptance of wife-beating (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI = [1.05, 2.02]), and those who witnessed their father beating their mother (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = [1.18, 2.67]). Higher odds of reporting IPV victimization were also found among women whose partner drank alcohol (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI = [2.29, 3.65]), who were in a polygynous relationship (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = [1.23, 2.40]), and displayed one or more controlling behaviors (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = [1.42, 2.59]). Women who reported being afraid of their partner had greater odds of IPV victimization (AOR = 16.22, 95% CI = [8.38, 31.39]). Decreased odds of reporting IPV were associated with women living in rural areas (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI = [0.53, 1.00]) and those unmarried, but living with their partner (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = [0.43, 0.90]). Our findings identify subgroups of women in Haiti that may be vulnerable to IPV victimization. Thus, we recommend a differentiated approach to IPV prevention strategies and interventions that consider women’s family structure in the household as well as individual, partner, and relationship characteristics.
The Effect of Sedation, Oral Examination, and Odontoplasty on Systemic Inflammation as Measured by Serum Amyloid A in the Adult Performance Horse
Authors: Birmingham Sheri S. W. , Mason Rocky M.
Published: January 2020

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is one of the major acute phase proteins in horses. It serves as a marker for systemic inflammation and infection, as the concentration can increase 100- to even 1000-fold during systemic disease processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sedation, oral examination, and odontoplasty on systemic inflammation as measured by SAA in the adult performance horse. This study included 32 clinically healthy adult performance horses. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to sedation, oral examination, and odontoplasty and 48 and 72 hours afterward. Serum amyloid A levels were measured directly after venipuncture using a commercially available stall-side lateral flow immunoassay test developed and validated for equine SAA levels. Serum amyloid A values were within normal limits for each of the time periods and there were no significant differences in SAA values between the time periods. The results of this study suggest that sedation, oral examination, and odontoplasty have no systemic inflammatory effects as measured by SAA.
Power in Black and Pentecostal: An Engagement with Bretherton
Authors: Muir R. David
Published: January 2020

This article focuses on Bretherton’s treatment of Pentecostalism and Black Power and how they conceive and challenge notions of democracy, citizenship and capitalism. Recognising the ‘tensional’ relationship between democracy and Christianity, I explore his treatment of Pentecostalism and capitalism. I am sympathetic to Bretherton’s analysis of the socio-political transformation Pentecostalism offers, but point to regressive influences associated with the ‘prosperity gospel’. Relating his treatment of Black Power to the wider ‘Black radical tradition’, I conclude with reference to political activism in the UK.
Judicial analytics and Australian courts: A call for national ethical guidelines
Authors: Stewart Pamela , Stuhmcke Anita
Published: January 2020

Judicial analytics is the use of data to monitor, understand and predict judicial behaviour. This is a global phenomenon and a cause for both celebration and concern. Given the unique role of courts and the potential for judicial analytics to undermine the rule of law, there is a need to review and revise the current inertia in the Australian regulatory approach to this issue. This article calls for the development of professional ethical guidelines for law and other disciplines, to assist and guide the creation and dissemination of predictive judicial analytics.
Design and experiment of a jetting dispenser with compact amplifying mechanism and low stress in piezostack
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Huang Xiang , Lin Siying , Bu Zhenxiang , Jin Hang , Lin Xiaolong , Lin Zhihong , Xie Peiqin
Published: January 2020

This article introduced a piezostack-driven jetting dispenser for a microelectronic packaging process. The dispenser had a compact displacement amplification module using two piezostack actuators for achieving compact design and maintaining high jetting performance and improving internal stress on the piezostack actuators. In this article, a working principle of a jetting dispenser configuration was introduced and was followed by the presentation of a displacement amplification mechanism using a cylindrical pivot. The dimensions of the amplification mechanism were determined based on a theoretical calculation of the system and the finite element analysis results. The internal stress of the piezostack and the output displacement of the dispenser were investigated at different operational frequencies. The experimental system with the jetting dispenser was manufactured, and the system performance was verified experimentally. For evaluating the performance, a mixed glycerol/ethanol was used for the dispensing fluid. The jetting system in this study achieved an ideal jetting performance at a jetting frequency of 350 Hz and a droplet diameter of 0.42 mm.
Play&Tune: User Feedback in the Development of a Serious Game for Optimizing Hearing Aid Orientation
Authors: Hallewell Madeline , Patel Harshada , Salanitri Davide , Picinali Lorenzo , Cobb Sue , Velzen Jeena , D’Cruz Mirabelle , Simeone Luca , Simeone Mauro
Published: January 2020

Many hearing aid (HA) users are dissatisfied with HA performance in social situations. One way to improve HA outcomes is training the users to understand how HAs work. Play&Tune was designed to provide this training and to foster autonomy in hearing rehabilitation. We carried out two prototype evaluations and a prerelease evaluation of Play&Tune with 71 HA users, using an interview or online survey. Users gave detailed feedback on their experiences with the app. Most participants enjoyed learning about HAs and expressed a desire for autonomy over their HA settings. Our case study reinforces the importance of user feedback during app development.
Military Cohorts, Substance Use, and Male-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cancio Roberto
Published: January 2020

This study considers variations of intimate partner violence (IPV) from the point of the perpetrator to test the impact of demographic factors on the type of IPV most prevalent among pre-9/11 and post-9/11 military families from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994–2008): Waves I and IV in-home interviews ( N = 499). Study findings indicate that the perpetration of physical and sexual IPV depends on the context of veteran cohort and race/ethnicity. Models for substance use and IPV patterns were not similar across military cohorts and/or racial/ethnic groups.
Public University Use of Social Infrastructure Public–Private Partnerships (P3s): An Exploratory Examination
Authors: Levey Richard L. , Connors Ashley W. , Martin Lawrence L.
Published: January 2020

Using data from the 50 states, this exploratory study looks at public university use of public–private partnerships (P3s) for a particular type of social infrastructure, student housing. The relation between state social infrastructure P3s enabling legislation and public university P3 student housing project closures is analyzed. A deep dive is conducted into the legislative requirements of four states (California, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia) that have specific enabling legislation governing public university use of P3s for social infrastructure. The study finds that public universities have a 20-year history of utilizing social infrastructure P3s for student housing. A relationship is found between state social infrastructure P3 enabling legislation and increased public university use of P3s for student housing. The study also finds that states with specific public university P3 social infrastructure enabling legislation place decidedly different requirements on their use.
Feasibility for arteriovenous fistula creation with Ellipsys®
Authors: Franco Gilbert , Mallios Alexandros , Bourquelot Pierre , Hebibi Hadia , Jennings William , Boura Benoit
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation in consecutive patients screened for first access creation.

Methods:

Prospective study of ultrasound mapping based on the following minimal anatomic requirements: a patent proximal radial artery and adjacent elbow perforating vein with straight trajectory, each greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter and within 1.5 mm of each other. In addition, the same population was evaluated for feasibility of a distal radiocephalic fistula established.

Results:

One hundred consecutive patients were examined between November 2018 and January 2019. Sixty-seven were male (67%) and mean age was 61 years. Sixty-three patients (63%) and a total of 100 limbs (50%) were found to be eligible for a percutaneous fistula creation with Ellipsys®. Thirty-seven percent of patients were ineligible because of the absence of both median cephalic and median cubital veins (15%), absence or inadequate elbow perforating vein and/or smaller than 2 mm proximal radial artery (14%), and/or distance greater than 1.5 mm (8%). We found suitable vessels for a surgical distal fistula creation in 91 extremities (45%), but this percentage dropped to 17% in patients over 70 years old. Among the 100 limbs eligible for percutaneous arteriovenous fistula, only 30 (30%) were eligible for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula.

Conclusion:

More than 60% of patients were eligible for Ellipsys. The absence of veins at the elbow and a large distance between vessels were the most common limiting factors. Less than one half of the patients were candidates for surgical fistula and this percentage dropped significantly for older individuals.