bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical family practices: LGBTQ+ young people, mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Gabb Jacqui , McDermott Elizabeth , Eastham Rachael , Hanbury Ali
Published: November 2019

This article will explore how LGBTQ+ young people sustain, and in some cases survive, family relationships. We develop the concept of ‘paradoxical family practices’ and use this to demonstrate the ways in which LGBTQ+ young people manage family life through everyday emotion work. This highlights: (1) how families ordinarily navigate heteronormativity and ‘issues’ of gender/sexuality; (2) the efficacy of ‘paradoxical family practices’ as a conceptual tool; (3) the value of emotion-centred multiple qualitative methods to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and mental health. Findings derive from a small-scale UK study funded by the Wellcome Trust (UNS39780) and were generated through a two-stage methodology comprising digital/paper emotion maps and qualitative interviews with LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–25 (n = 12) followed by diary methods and follow-up interviews (n = 9). Interviews were also completed with ‘family members’ (n = 7).
Utilization and Outcomes of Local Anesthesia and Peripheral Nerve Block for Hybrid Lower Extremity Revascularization
Authors: Fereydooni Arash , O’Meara Tess , Popescu Wanda M. , Dardik Alan , Ochoa Chaar Cassius Iyad
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To investigate the utilization of local anesthesia or peripheral nerve block with monitored anesthesia care (LPMAC) and its impact on the perioperative outcomes of hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) compared with general anesthesia (GA). Materials and Methods: A search of the ACS-NSQIP database between 2005 and 2017 identified 9430 patients who underwent hybrid LER for peripheral artery disease. Excluding 449 ineligible cases left 8981 hybrid LER patients for analysis. The patients were dichotomized based on the anesthetic technique: 8631 (96.1%) GA and 350 (3.9%) LPMAC. The GA patients were matched 3:1 based on propensity scores to patients in the LPMAC group based on gender, age, race, functional status, transfer status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dialysis status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, emergent surgery, preoperative sepsis, indication, and type of open and endovascular procedure. Outcomes including complications, mortality, procedure time, and hospital length of stay were compared between the matched groups (801 GA vs 267 LPMAC). Results: Comparing the unmatched groups, those treated under LPMAC were older (72.7±9 vs 68±8.4 years, p<0.001) and had higher rates of COPD (24.3% vs 17%, p=0.001), dialysis dependence (8.1% vs 4.2%, p=0.002), preoperative sepsis (6.6% vs 4.2%, p=0.029), and ASA class ≥IV (29.1% vs 24.1%, p=0.036) than in the unmatched GA cohort. In the matched comparison, LPMAC was associated with lower overall morbidity (25.5% vs 32.3%, p=0.042) and shorter operating time (202.7±98 vs 217.7±102 minutes, p=0.034) compared with GA. The rate of myocardial infarction was lower (1.1% vs 2.4%) and ventilator use for >48 hours was less frequent (0.4% vs 2.6%) for LPMAC patients, though statistical significance was not reached. There was no difference in mortality or hospital length of stay. Conclusion: LPMAC is an infrequent anesthetic technique for hybrid LER and is primarily used for patients with a high burden of comorbidities. LPMAC is associated with reduced overall morbidity and operating time. Further studies are needed to identify which patients undergoing hybrid LER benefit most from LPMAC.
Are Fair Weather Fans Affected by Weather? Rainfall, Habit Formation, and Live Game Attendance
Authors: Ge Qi , Humphreys Brad R. , Zhou Kun
Published: November 2019

We analyze habit formation in sports attendance utilizing rainfall as an unexpected, transitory shock to attendance costs. Using attendance data from Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather data, we analyze the impact of variation in game day weather conditions on current and future MLB attendance. The empirical strategy permits identification of both the formation and persistence of habit from exogenous weather shocks. Past adverse weather shocks increase future attendance by about 200 fans per game. This contributes to the literature developing empirical evidence of habit formation in the field and provides policy implications for optimal ticket-pricing strategies.
Endovascular Approach Versus Aortobifemoral Bypass Grafting: Outcomes in Extensive Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease
Authors: Rocha-Neves João , Ferreira André , Sousa Joel , Pereira-Neves António , Vidoedo José , Alves Hélio , Teixeira José , Azevedo Ana
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Compare technical, clinical, and economic outcomes between endovascular and open approaches in patients with type D aortoiliac occlusive disease according to the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus.

Methods:

Patients undergoing revascularization for type D aortoiliac lesions, either endovascular or open surgery approach, from 2 Portuguese institutions between January 2011 and October 2017 were included. The surgical technique was left to the surgeon discretion. Patients with common femoral artery affection, both obstructive and aneurysmatic, were excluded.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients underwent aortobifemoral bypass and 32 patients were submitted to endovascular repair. The patients undergoing endovascular procedure were more likely to present with chronic heart failure ( P = .001) and chronic kidney disease ( P = .022) and less likely to have a history of smoking ( P = .05). The mean follow-up period was 67.84 (95% confidence interval = 61.85-73.83) months. The open surgery approach resulted in a higher technical success ( P = .001); however, limb salvage and patency rates were not different between groups. Endovascular approach was associated with a shorter length-of-stay, both inpatient (6 vs 9 days; P = .041) and patients admitted in the intensive care unit (0 vs 3.81 days; P = .001) as well as lower hospital expenses (US$9281 vs US$23 038; P = .001) with a similar procedure cost (US$2316 vs US$1173; P = .6). No differences were found in the postsurgical quality of life.

Conclusion:

Endovascular approach is, at least, clinically equivalent to open surgery approach and is more cost-efficient. The “endovascular-first” approach should be considered for type D occlusive aortoiliac lesions.
Characterization of Stem Cells From Pulp Tissue of Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth, Impacted Third Molars and Apical Papilla of Impacted Third Molars With Open Apices: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Raut Sumeet , Somalapur Pradeep , Bopardikar Sujit , Kulkarni Rohit , Bopardikar Abhijit , Deshpande Shobha , Kumar Raghwendra
Published: November 2019

Background and Objective:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from many different dental tissues have enormous potential in tissue regeneration and immunotherapy. MSCs isolated and cultured in many different ways are known for their heterogenecity expressed through multiple phenotypes which in turn may reflect their distinct functional properties; it is important to analyze and compare the characteristics of each cell lines cultured. The objective of this study is to isolate MSCs from 3 different sources and analyze and compare their morphological and phenotypic characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

The samples were collected and mononuclear cells were isolated using enzymatic digestion method and the adherent cell cultures were maintained till passage 3 and the harvested cells were analyzed for different phenotypic markers such as CD34, CD45, CD29, CD105, CD73, CD90, SOX2, OCT3/4, and neuroectodermal stem cell marker (NESTIN). The comparative statistical analysis of characterized cells was done by standard deviation methods using SPSS software (Canada).

Results:

Our study was successful in isolation, culture, and characterization of stem cells from all the mentioned 3 sources. All established cultures were more than 95% positive for mesenchymal markers and less than 5% positive for hematopoietic markers. The cells also expressed pluripotency markers and neural markers. Further, the comparison of mean positive expressions among the groups using analysis of variance showed the different significance levels of expression of different markers in groups.

Conclusion:

MSCs from different sources show promising expression of different markers; therefore, it can be concluded that cells isolated from dental sources can be used for treating various neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
Factors Associated With Knee Pain and Heel Pain in Youth Soccer Players Aged 8 to 12 Years
Authors: Iwame Toshiyuki , Matsuura Tetsuya , Suzue Naoto , Iwase Joji , Uemura Hirokazu , Sairyo Koichi
Published: November 2019

Background:

Soccer is played by many children younger than 12 years. Despite its health benefits, soccer has also been linked to a high number of sport-related injuries.

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between clinical factors and knee or heel pain in youth soccer players.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Study participants included 602 soccer players aged 8 to 12 years who were asked whether they had experienced episodes of knee or heel pain. Data were collected on age, body mass index, years of playing soccer, playing position, and training hours per week. Associations of clinical factors with the prevalence of knee or heel pain were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Episodes of knee and heel pain were reported by 29.4% and 31.1% of players, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and more years of playing soccer were significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of knee pain ( P = .037 and P = .015 for trend, respectively) but did not identify any significant associations for heel pain.

Conclusion:

In this study of youth soccer players, knee pain was associated with older age and more years of play, but heel pain was not significantly associated with any factor.
Students With Disabilities From Migrant Farmworker Families: Parent Perspectives
Authors: Rivera-Singletary Georgina , Cranston-Gingras Ann
Published: November 2019

Children of migrant farmworkers change schools frequently and must navigate through a maze of confusing and often inconsistent academic policies. Migrant students are often identified as English learners and some have disabilities, which results in additional academic and federal policies that families must contend with as they seek to support their children’s educational endeavors. Further affecting the school experience is the difficulty parents often have in working with school personnel who are unable to support the cultural and linguistic needs of migrant families. This study sought to explore the parents’ understanding of their children’s disability and the special education process and to learn about how migrancy affects those experiences specifically when they attempt to obtain special education services. Through an interpretive perspective, four migrant parents of children with disabilities were interviewed using a semistructured interview to collect data related to their perception of the special education process. The findings of the study are discussed, and recommendations for policy and practice are provided.
Beneficial effects of endurance exercise training on skeletal muscle microvasculature in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Merlet Angèle N. , Messonnier Laurent A. , Coudy-Gandilhon Cécile , Béchet Daniel , Gellen Barnabas , Rupp Thomas , Galactéros Frédéric , Bartolucci Pablo , Féasson Léonard
Published: November 2019

In a Plenary Paper, Merlet et al report a provocative and elegant study demonstrating that exercise training leads to muscle capillary growth in patients with sickle cell disease, a finding with potential to improve their lives.
Distinct molecular profile of IRF4-rearranged large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ramis-Zaldivar Joan Enric , Gonzalez-Farré Blanca , Balagué Olga , Celis Verónica , Nadeu Ferran , Salmerón-Villalobos Julia , Andrés Mara , Martin-Guerrero Idoia , Garrido-Pontnou Marta , Gaafar Ayman , Suñol Mariona , Bárcena Carmen , Garcia-Bragado Federico , Andión Maitane , Azorín Daniel , Astigarraga Itziar , Sagaseta de Ilurdoz Maria , Sábado Constantino , Gallego Soledad , Verdú-Amorós Jaime , Fernandez-Delgado Rafael , Perez Vanesa , Tapia Gustavo , Mozos Anna , Torrent Montserrat , Solano-Páez Palma , Rivas-Delgado Alfredo , Dlouhy Ivan , Clot Guillem , Enjuanes Anna , López-Guillermo Armando , Galera Pallavi , Oberley Matthew J. , Maguire Alanna , Ramsower Colleen , Rimsza Lisa M. , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Jaffe Elaine S. , Campo Elías , Salaverria Itziar
Published: November 2019

Pediatric large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) share morphological and phenotypic features with adult types but have better prognosis. The higher frequency of some subtypes such as LBCL with IRF4 rearrangement (LBCL-IRF4) in children suggests that some age-related biological differences may exist. To characterize the genetic and molecular heterogeneity of these tumors, we studied 31 diffuse LBCLs (DLBCLs), not otherwise specified (NOS); 20 LBCL-IRF4 cases; and 12 cases of high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), NOS in patients ≤25 years using an integrated approach, including targeted gene sequencing, copy-number arrays, and gene expression profiling. Each subgroup displayed different molecular profiles. LBCL-IRF4 had frequent mutations in IRF4 and NF-κB pathway genes (CARD11, CD79B, and MYD88), losses of 17p13 and gains of chromosome 7, 11q12.3-q25, whereas DLBCL, NOS was predominantly of germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and carried gene mutations similar to the adult counterpart (eg, SOCS1 and KMT2D), gains of 2p16/REL, and losses of 19p13/CD70. A subset of HGBCL, NOS displayed recurrent alterations of Burkitt lymphoma–related genes such as MYC, ID3, and DDX3X and homozygous deletions of 9p21/CDKN2A, whereas other cases were genetically closer to GCB DLBCL. Factors related to unfavorable outcome were age >18 years; activated B-cell (ABC) DLBCL profile, HGBCL, NOS, high genetic complexity, 1q21-q44 gains, 2p16/REL gains/amplifications, 19p13/CD70 homozygous deletions, and TP53 and MYC mutations. In conclusion, these findings further unravel the molecular heterogeneity of pediatric and young adult LBCL, improve the classification of this group of tumors, and provide new parameters for risk stratification.
Neutrophil and monocyte adherence to and migration across monolayers of cytokine-activated endothelial cells: the contribution of CD18, ELAM-1, and VLA-4
Authors: Hakkert BC , Kuijpers TW , Leeuwenberg JF , van Mourik JA , Roos D
Published: November 2019

Pretreatment of endothelial cells with cytokines enhances the adherence of leukocytes, a process that is mediated by surface proteins expressed on both cell types. A three-dimensional model system for the simultaneous determination of leukocyte adherence and migration was used to study the contribution of CD11/CD18, endothelial leukocyte- adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) and VLA-4 in neutrophil and monocyte adherence to and migration through cytokine-activated endothelial cells. Pretreatment of endothelial cells for 4 hours with recombinant interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) was found to enhance neutrophil adherence and migration to a much greater extent than monocyte adherence and migration. Neutrophil adherence was almost completely prevented by the combined use of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against ELAM-1 and CD18. Although ELAM-1 has been designated an endothelial cell-specific cytokine-inducible receptor for neutrophils, we observed that ENA2, an anti-ELAM-1 MoAb, significantly reduced monocyte adherence about 30%. MoAbs against VLA-4, the ligand of the cytokine- inducible receptor VCAM-1, did not affect monocyte adherence. However, the combined use of the MoAbs against CD18, ELAM-1, and VLA-4 had a very strong and additive inhibitory effect on rIL-1 beta-induced monocyte adherence. The anti-CD18 MoAb reduced both rIL-1 beta-induced neutrophil and monocyte migration far below the level of the unstimulated controls, whereas neither the anti-ELAM-1 nor the anti-VLA- 4 MoAb significantly affected the process of migration. Our results indicate that neutrophils and monocytes initially adhere to cytokine- activated endothelial cells by CD18-independent and (to a lesser extent) by CD18-dependent mechanisms and subsequently change gears to a completely CD18-dependent migratory mechanism.
Activated neutrophils exert myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity damaging T cells beyond repair
Authors: Aarts Cathelijn E. M. , Hiemstra Ida H. , Béguin Eelke P. , Hoogendijk Arjan J. , Bouchmal Souhailla , van Houdt Michel , Tool Anton T. J. , Mul Erik , Jansen Machiel H. , Janssen Hans , van Alphen Floris P. J. , de Boer Jan-Paul , Zuur Charlotte L. , Meijer Alexander B. , van den Berg Timo K. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Activated neutrophils can suppress T-cell proliferation in a CD11b-dependent multistep process involving ROS production and degranulation. MDSC activity results in nonapoptotic T-cell damage.
Genetic parameters and genomic breeding values for digital dermatitis in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle: host susceptibility, infectivity and the basic reproduction ratio
Authors: Biemans Floor , de Jong Mart C. M. , Bijma Piter
Published: November 2019

Background

For infectious diseases, the probability that an animal gets infected depends on its own susceptibility, and on the number of infectious herd mates and their infectivity. Together with the duration of the infectious period, susceptibility and infectivity determine the basic reproduction ratio of the disease ($$ R_{0} $$R0).$$ R_{0} $$R0is the average number of secondary cases caused by a typical infectious individual in an otherwise uninfected population. An infectious disease dies out when$$ R_{0} $$R0is lower than 1. Thus, breeding strategies that aim at reducing disease prevalence should focus on reducing$$ R_{0} $$R0, preferably to a value lower than 1. In animal breeding, however,$$ R_{0} $$R0has received little attention. Here, we estimate the additive genetic variance in host susceptibility, host infectivity, and$$ R_{0} $$R0for the endemic claw disease digital dermatitis (DD) in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle, and estimate genomic breeding values (GEBV) for these traits. We recorded DD disease status of both hind claws of 1513 cows from 12 Dutch dairy farms, every 2 weeks, 11 times. The genotype data consisted of 75,904 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 1401 of the cows. We modelled the probability that a cow got infected between recordings, and compared four generalized linear mixed models. All models included a genetic effect for susceptibility; Models 2 and 4 also included a genetic effect for infectivity, while Models 1 and 2 included a farm*period interaction. We corrected for variation in exposure to infectious herd mates via an offset.

Results

GEBV for$$ R_{0} $$R0from the model that included genetic effects for susceptibility only had an accuracy of ~ 0.39 based on cross-validation between farms, which is very high given the limited amount of data and the complexity of the trait. Models with a genetic effect for infectivity showed a larger bias, but also a slightly higher accuracy of GEBV. Additive genetic standard deviation for$$ R_{0} $$R0was large, i.e. ~ 1.17, while the mean$$ R_{0} $$R0was 2.36.

Conclusions

GEBV for$$ R_{0} $$R0showed substantial variation. The mean$$ R_{0} $$R0was only about one genetic standard deviation greater than 1. These results suggest that lowering DD prevalence by selective breeding is promising.
A single factor dominates the behavior of rhythmic genes in mouse organs
Authors: Cheng Yang , Chi Yuhao , Zhang Luoying , Wang Guang-Zhong
Published: November 2019

Background

Circadian rhythm, regulated by both internal and external environment of the body, is a multi-scale biological oscillator of great complexity. On the molecular level, thousands of genes exhibit rhythmic transcription, which is both organ- and species-specific, but it remains a mystery whether some common factors could potentially explain their rhythmicity in different organs. In this study we address this question by analyzing the transcriptome data in 12 mouse organs to determine such major impacting factors.

Results

We found a strong positive correlation between the transcriptional level and rhythmic amplitude of circadian rhythmic genes in mouse organs. Further, transcriptional level could explain over 70% of the variation in amplitude. In addition, the functionality and tissue specificity were not strong predictors of amplitude, and the expression level of rhythmic genes was linked to the energy consumption associated with transcription.

Conclusion

Expression level is a single major factor impacts the behavior of rhythmic genes in mouse organs. This single determinant implicates the importance of rhythmic expression itself on the design of the transcriptional system. So, rhythmic regulation of highly expressed genes can effectively reduce the energetic cost of transcription, facilitating the long-term adaptive evolution of the entire genetic system.
Decadal epidemiology of malaria in KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa targeting elimination
Authors: Maharaj Rajendra , Seocharan Ishen , Qwabe Bheki , Mkhabela Moses , Kissoon Sunitha , Lakan Vishan
Published: November 2019

Background

Although malaria remains a noteworthy disease in South Africa, the provinces are at differing stages of the malaria elimination continuum. KwaZulu-Natal has consistently reported the lowest number of cases over the past 5 years and it is expected that the goal of elimination will be achieved in this province over the next few years. The study reports on few key indicators that realistically represents the provinces progress over the past decade. Local and imported morbidity and mortality is seen as the key indicator as is malaria in children under the age of five and pregnant women. The only vector control intervention in the province is indoor residual spraying (IRS) and this gives an estimate of the population protected by this intervention.

Methods

Trend analysis was used to examine the changing epidemiology in KwaZulu-Natal over the past decade from 2008 to 2018. The data used in this decadal analysis was obtained from the provincial Department of Health. Since malaria is a medically notifiable disease, all malaria cases diagnosed in the province are reported from health facilities and are captured in the malaria information system in the province.

Results

The results have shown that imported cases are on the increase whilst local cases are decreasing, in keeping with an elimination objective. Preventing secondary cases is the key to reaching elimination. Only 10% of the cases reported occur in children under 5 years whereas the cases in pregnant women account for about 1% of the reported cases. Over 85% of the houses receive IRS and this is also the same proportion of the population protected by the intervention.

Conclusion

Several challenges to elimination have been identified but these are not insurmountable. Although there are major impediments to achieving elimination, the changing epidemiology suggests that major strides have been made in the past 10 years and KwaZulu-Natal is on track to achieving this milestone in the next few years.
Time trends (1995–2008) in dietary habits among adolescents in relation to the Norwegian school fruit scheme: the HUNT study
Authors: Hovdenak Ingrid Marie , Bere Elling , Stea Tonje Holte
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The importance of healthy eating in adolescence is well established. The present study examined possible effects of the free Norwegian School Fruit Scheme (NSFS), changes in dietary habits between 1995 and 2008, and whether secular changes in dietary habits differed among schools who implemented the NSFS during September 2007.

Method

We used data from the Young-HUNT1 survey conducted from 1995 to 1997 and the Young-HUNT3 survey conducted from 2006 to 2008, which are part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal population health study. To evaluate the NSFS, the date Young-HUNT3 participants answered the questionnaire was used to identify affiliation to the intervention group (post-September 2007, n = 1892) or control group (pre-September 2007, n = 2855). To explore dietary habits over time, adolescents attending the same schools in Young-HUNT1 (n = 4137) and Young-HUNT3 (n = 4113) were included. Further, we investigated secular changes in dietary habits according to school type (intervention schools vs control schools). In all analysis, we explored possible differential effects according to socioeconomic status (SES) and gender. A questionnaire measured adolescents’ consumption of fruit, vegetables, candy, potato chips, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASB). Educational intention was used as a proxy for SES. Multilevel logistic regression was used.

Results

Within Young-HUNT3, the intervention group showed increased odds of daily consumption of fruit (aOR 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3–2.4) compared to the control group. Over time, adolescents were more likely to consume fruit (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.28–1.71), vegetables (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.28–1.53), potato chips (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.26–2.04) and SSB (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.66–2.45). Secular changes for fruit differed by school type: adolescents in intervention schools had higher odds of daily consumption (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.38–2.38) than those in control schools (aOR 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07–1.47).

Conclusion

The results indicated that the NSFS increased adolescents’ fruit consumption. In the period assessed, the study identified positive and negative changes in adolescents’ dietary habits.
The interaction between standards development and economic growth of China
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Jiadong , Zheng Liwei , Li Xiangzhen
Published: November 2019

China has been participating in the international standards activities since the reform and opening up period. China’s standards action has not only brought about significant changes in the way of international trade, but also changed the connotation and manifestation of economic growth, which has further affected China’s position in the world standards development. On the basis of qualitative analysis of the interaction between standards development and economic growth, this paper quantitatively analyzes the degree of interaction between them. The results indicate that the higher standards in a country, the stronger its economic strength and the higher its position in world standards development. This conclusion is helpful for the government, industry authorities, and enterprises to pay more attention to standards in quality management and improve the standards level.
Spatio-temporal silhouette sequence reconstruction for gait recognition against occlusion
Authors: Uddin Md. Zasim , Muramatsu Daigo , Takemura Noriko , Ahad Md. Atiqur Rahman , Yagi Yasushi
Published: November 2019

Gait-based features provide the potential for a subject to be recognized even from a low-resolution image sequence, and they can be captured at a distance without the subject’s cooperation. Person recognition using gait-based features (gait recognition) is a promising real-life application. However, several body parts of the subjects are often occluded because of beams, pillars, cars and trees, or another walking person. Therefore, gait-based features are not applicable to approaches that require an unoccluded gait image sequence. Occlusion handling is a challenging but important issue for gait recognition. In this paper, we propose silhouette sequence reconstruction from an occluded sequence (sVideo) based on a conditional deep generative adversarial network (GAN). From the reconstructed sequence, we estimate the gait cycle and extract the gait features from a one gait cycle image sequence. To regularize the training of the proposed generative network, we use adversarial loss based on triplet hinge loss incorporating Wasserstein GAN (WGAN-hinge). To the best of our knowledge, WGAN-hinge is the first adversarial loss that supervises the generator network during training by incorporating pairwise similarity ranking information. The proposed approach was evaluated on multiple challenging occlusion patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the existing state-of-the-art benchmarks.
Designing Pricing Strategy for Operational and Technological Transformation
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Sun Yacheng
Published: November 2019

We examine how operational or technological transformation impacts consumer value, as well as the effectiveness of a firm’s pricing strategies. We develop a model of multidimensional screening featuring forward-looking consumers who make short-run consumption and long-run purchase decisions. Using a detailed panel of consumer data from a rental-by-mail firm, we estimate consumer utility for current consumption, obtaining heterogeneous preferences for bunching and smoothing consumption. Using counterfactual analysis, we evaluate the impact of improving service time. We find that the firm with improved service time might create more value for all consumers, but its profits and even revenues could diminish because value extraction becomes more difficult. We find a novel mechanism that causes this effect, which is driven by increased consumer heterogeneity in the valuation for each product and reduced differentiation across products. This result persists even when the firm can reoptimize its price levels based on the service time. We find that a change in the pricing strategy might be required for the firm to obtain higher revenue with improved service time.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Uso de ferramentas preditivas para detecção de epidemias de Dengue
Authors: Silva Eliane Oliveira da , Scripnic Denise S C Oliveira
Published: November 2019

O estudo avaliou a evolução no tempo da dengue, entre 2009 e 2014, e o uso da temperatura média como indicador preditivo de epidemias, confrontando dois modelos de diagramas de controle. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo descritivo de corte transversal entre os anos de 2009 e 2014, utilizando casos confirmados, notificados de dengue e temperatura média por semana epidemiológica, proposto pelo método Shewhart e Canal Endêmico. Foram notificados, 54.589 mil casos de dengue, e a incidência variou entre 23,2 e 802,2 casos por 100.000 habitantes. Ondas epidêmicas foram observadas, entre os anos de 2010 e 2012 e ao final de 2014, em períodos distintos. A temperatura média variou entre 25,7°C e 26,2°C e mostrou riscos de alarme em todos os anos. As Epidemias foram recorrentes e não apresentaram um padrão sazonal. O uso da temperatura média juntamente com casos notificados são indicadores preditivos úteis para o monitoramento da dengue.
Antimicrobial Activity of Copper(II) and Cobalt(II)
Complexes of Citral-Valine Derived Schiff Base
Authors: Kumari S. Sudha
Published: November 2019

In present work, the screening of antimicrobial activities of copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation of citral with valine (amino acid) was carried out on agar plates are reported. The antibacterial activity of Schiff base and its copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes were evaluated against two bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and fungus Candida albicans. The results revealed that the Schiff base ligand exhibited the poor antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans except for Staphylococcus aureus. Generally, Gram-negative bacteria shows rigid outer membrane, well enough to defend against the drug but Schiff base (citral with valine derived) impregnated cobalt(II) complex seem to be more active against Escherichia coli organisms in comparison to copper(II) complex, which exhibits higher activity than uncomplexed ligand. The antimicrobial results revealed that cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes have a considerable antibacterial activity than antifungal activity and suggest their potential application as antibacterial agents.
Oil Extraction from Trichosanthes tricuspidata Seed using Conventional Soxhlet Apparatus
Authors: Jayakumar C. , Devi V. Mansa , Reddy Prasad D.M. , Sridar R.
Published: November 2019

Soxhlet set up is used for the extraction of bio-oil from the seeds of Trichosanthes tricuspidata using various solvents (methanol, hexane, isopropyl alcohol). In the present study, the oil from solvent extraction method is investigated for the presence of fatty acid groups and also tested for suitability of this oil being used as a cheap source for producing bio-oil. The bio-oil extraction is influenced by various factors like time of extraction, types of solvent used for extraction and the production rate is also predominately influenced by the particle size of the sample (seed) for extraction. The analysis of the constituents in bio-oil produced is done through a GC-MS and the functional group is determined by FT-IR. This work is carried out in a lab scale and hence the extraction process is initiated with the particle size ranging from 1 mm, 0.55 mm and 3 mm with a variable time period of extraction such as 1, 2, 3 and 7 h. Particle size of 3 mm was selected in order to study the effect of solvent type. The experimental results have indicated the optimal condition for the highest yield of oil extraction of 20 % (w/w). The optimum values of extraction time and particle size are 180 min and 0.55 mm, respectively and also the experimental results have revealed isopropyl alcohol as the suitable extraction solvent.
Synthesis, Characterization and Enzyme Inhibition Activity of
Organophosphorus Trichalcones Containing Core-Phosphate Moiety
Authors: Khapate Sunil R. , Wankhede Dnyaneshwar S. , Deshpande Anitha S. , Khillare Neeta S. , Khandagale Anil
Published: November 2019

Facile synthesis of various organophosphorus trichalcones, possessing substantial insecticidal activity, by using tris(4-acetylphenyl)-phosphate (3) and substituted benzaldehydes as a precursor has been reported. Key precursor 3 has been prepared under mild conditions in presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as a phase transfer catalyst. All the synthesized compounds (5a-h) were screened for their antibacterial activity and inhibition of α-amylase of insect pest, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionadeae). Biological activity evaluation study revealed that among all the compounds screened, compound 5g found to have promising inhibition of α-amylase of insect pest, Tribolium castaneum. All the synthesized compounds revealed insignificant antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria even at 500 μg/mL.
Novel Triazine Centred Manganese Based Complex: A Photophysical and Biological Studies
Authors: Alphonse L. , Tharmaraj P. , Josephine B. Avila , Teresita V. Mary
Published: November 2019

In this work, Mn(II) complex of triazine based ligand has been synthesized and characterized using various physico-chemical methods including C,H,N elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and EI-mass analysis. The synthesized compounds serve as potential photoactive material as indicated from its characteristic fluorescent properties. The ligand and its metal complex were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity on four bacterial strains (S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and K. pneumoniae) using well-diffusion method and it was observed that metal complex showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against all tested strains as compared to ligand.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Gum Arabic Polymer Blend Membranes
Authors: ayan Larny Mary J , Karthikeyan S. , Sheeba D. Joice , Angel G.R. , Kripa E.V. , Madeswaran S. , Stephen A.
Published: November 2019

Membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), gum arabic (GA) homopolymer and their blends of six different compositions (w/w) were prepared using solution casting method. Mixing of synthetic polymer e.g., PVA and natural polymer e.g., gum arabic can give a new class of polymer blend with better mechanical properties and biocompatibility than those of single components. The structural, optical and conductivity studies of these prepared membranes were examined by XRD, FTIR, UV and EIS. The XRD diffraction patterns for the polymer blend samples showed that they are more amorphous in nature as compared to pure PVA and pure gum arabic. The FTIR analysis of the samples gave information about various functional groups present in the samples. The energy band gap of various samples were obtained from UV-visible analysis. The conductivity of polymer membrane was analyzed by electronics impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Addition of natural polymer gum arabic has resulted slight increase in the conductivity of blend polymer.
An Electrochemical Sensor based on Electrodeposited CTAB Film on Glassy Carbon Electrode for Detection of Morphine
Authors: Abraham Pinky , Renjini S. , Anithakumary V. , Chithra P.G.
Published: November 2019

A simple, effective and rapid method for the electrochemical detection of morphine is described based on glassy carbon modified electrode with poly(CTAB). In this work, poly(CTAB) thin film was generated through elecropolymerization of the surfactant CTAB. The formation of nanoporous thin film of poly(CTAB) was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical behavior of morphine is explained in terms of the anodic oxidation of its tertiary amino group. The limit of detection was calculated as 0.2 μM with a good regression between concentration and peak current of morphine by using differential pulse voltammetry within the range of 50 nM to 20 μM. The poly(CTAB)/GCE based sensor shows excellent electrochemical performance for the detection of morphine and this sensing platform can be effective for the detection of similar molecules.
La agricultura familiar en Argentina y Uruguay frente al avance del modelo de agronegocios
Authors: Orsini German , Weidmann Gabriel , Serfaty Néstor , Domínguez Néstor
Published: November 2019

En el marco de las grandes transformaciones que se han desarrollado en el sector agropecuario en las últimas décadas, este trabajo analiza los impactos que a nivel estructura ha tenido la expansión del modelo de agronegocios sobre la agricultura familiar en Argentina y Uruguay. Se busca describir las particularidades y generalidades que ha tenido este fenómeno en la región baja análisis a partir de un estudio comparativo enfatizado las políticas públicas hacia el sector, tomando como unidades de análisis los casos de Argentina y Uruguay. Se utilizaron fuentes estadísticas de organismos nacionales oficiales, entidades intermedias y estudios sectoriales. Como variables de análisis se tomaron: la concentración económica, la composición de la estructura agraria, la intervención pública.
Enseñando a construir modelos explicativos de física en torno a juguetes
Authors: Castiblanco Olga , Vizcaíno Arévalo Diego Fabián , Salinas Xavier Parmenio
Published: November 2019

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación cuya pregunta central fue ¿cómo fomentar en los niños de un curso de grado quinto de primaria el desarrollo de modelos explicativos de la física, basados en el diseño y uso de juguetes? La metodología de investigación fue de tipo intervención en cooperación entre el grupo de investigación en Enseñanza y Aprendizaje de la Física y un colegio público de la ciudad de Bogotá. Entre los resultados a destacar está la ganancia observada por la maestra titular en el desarrollo de un discurso científico alternativo en el aula y mayor integración con el proceso de aprendizaje de sus alumnos. Los niños, por su parte, dieron muestras de haber evolucionado en la construcción de sus modelos explicativos en torno al fenómeno de caída libre y de equilibrio, abordando conceptos como masa, peso, volumen, equilibrio, fuerza de fricción y empuje.
La dilución de las asignaturas escolares en el preescolar público bogotano (1990-2000)
Authors: Cárdenas Forero Leonardo , Benítez Agudelo María Liliana
Published: November 2019

El presente artículo de reflexión es una apuesta por describir las condiciones de existencia que se con­jugaron durante la década de 1990 para iniciar la dilución de ciertos saberes escolares, a modo de asignaturas académicas; el florecimiento y fortaleci­miento de otros, como estrategia de poder incluida para adelantar los procesos de preescolarización y la enseñanza de niños y niñas en el preescolar público bogotano. Lo anterior, desde el enfoque cualitativo, método arqueo-genealógico, apoyado en la analítica de la gubernamentalidad. A través de estas explora­ciones se busca no solo mostrar el carácter histórico, fluctuante, móvil y mutable de los saberes escolares sino enriquecer el campo conceptual de la Historia de los Saberes Escolares. Para lograr este objetivo, se recurrió a la identificación en archivos de la época de los enunciados y regularidades que permitieron visi­bilizar objeto de estudio, juegos de acciones sobre acciones, tensiones, poderes y conflictos suscitados.
La construcción del infante a través del libro ilustrado
Authors: Iñigo Dehud Laura Silvia , Garcés Poo Fernando
Published: November 2019

El artículo trata sobre la inclusión de los temas tabú dentro del libro ilustrado infantil como una necesi­dad social que coadyuva en la construcción de la autonomía moral en los niños; del mismo modo, lo­gra la resignificación de las problemáticas sociales que enfrentan los mismos. De esta forma, debemos alejarnos de los preceptos ideológicos implantados desde la moral establecida por los sistemas dominan­tes para apoyar a los infantes y formarlos como acto­res sociales activos. Dado que el libro ilustrado es el centro de la investigación, se presenta la importancia de la alfabetidad visual en la educación de los niños para que adquieran las habilidades para reflexionar sobre las imágenes a las que son expuestos. Final­mente, la propuesta resalta el trabajo transdisciplinar en la creación de libros ilustrados infantiles que fun­cionen como herramientas de apoyo para el manejo de problemáticas complejas que enfrentan los niños.
Creación de textos corpo-sonoros como otra forma de expresión estética
Authors: Velásquez Martínez María José
Published: November 2019

La creación de textos corpo-sonoros surge como una propuesta investigativa cuya finalidad es expresar emociones y sentimientos que germinan de la his­toria de vida de cada participante del curso 301 de la jornada tarde en la I.E.D. Antonio Nariño, sede A. Para guiar este proceso de creación, nos pregunta­mos cómo potenciar la creación corpo-sonora para la exteriorización de emociones y sentimientos para así permitir otras formas de expresión estética, desa­rrollada por medio de actividades relacionadas con el conocimiento del cuerpo y la gran variedad de emociones que albergamos. Esto permite ampliar el vocabulario referente a las emociones, reconocer la potencia que es la historia de vida para crear e iden­tificar al cuerpo como parte del ser que somos, para expresar de una forma estética, es decir, contemplan­do las producciones de los demás compañeros como una posibilidad de disfrute y gozo de lo creado a partir de la vida misma.
REKONSTRUKSI PENCATATAN PERKAWINAN BAGI PENGHAYAT KEPERCAYAAN KOMUNITAS ADAT
Authors: Sukirno Sukirno
Published: November 2019

Artikel ini dilatar-belakangi oleh kesulitan penghayat kepercayaan komunitas adat untuk memperoleh kutipan Akta Perkawinan. Tujuan dari penulisan ini adalah untuk mengungkap peraturan perundang-undangan yang mempersulit komunitas penghayat kepercayaan untuk mencatatkan perkawinannya, dan mengusulkan konstruksi baru yang bisa mempermudah komunitas penghayat kepercayaan untuk mencatatkan perkawinannya. Dalam pembahasan terungkap bahwa peraturan perundangan-undangan yang mengatur pencatatan perkawinan penghayat kepercayaan tidak mengandung norma affirmative action bagi komunitas adat, tetapi justru mempersulit dengan syarat pembentukan organisasi modern. Rekonstruksi dari peraturan perundang-undangan yang mengatur pencatatan perkawinan komunitas adat adalah dengan menambahkan formulasi yang mengandung norma affirmative action, yakni mengakui adanya eksistensi hukum adat yang mengatur organisasi tradisional komunitas adat sehingga dikecualikan dari syarat membentuk organisasi modern untuk mendapatkan kutipan Akta Perkawinan.
Struktur Semantis Verba Kiru ‘Potong’: Kajian Metabahasa Semantik Alami
Authors: Dewi Sifta Sari , Mulyadi Mulyadi , Pujiono Mhd
Published: November 2019

(Title: Semantic Structures Of Kiru ‘Cut’ Verbs) This study aims to analyze the categorization and meaning of the kiru "cut" verbs by Natural Semantic Metalangue theory.This research uses a qualitative approach. The categorization and meaning are analyzed by the Natural Semantic Metalangue Theory. Data collection is done by competent methods. Data analysis uses the identity and distributional methods. The presentation of data results is done by formal and informal methods. There are 21 kiru ‘cut’ verbs. The results showed that the kiru ‘cut’ verbs consisted of two categories seen from the Indonesian and Japanese semantic prime table, namely 1) 'X does something to someone’ divided into two subcategories, namely 1.1) 'X does something to someone with something’ and 1.2)'X does something on someone in a certain time' and 2) 'X doing something on something’ is divided into two subcategories, namely 2.1)'X does something on something with something’ and 2.2) 'X does something on something in a certain time'. Furthermore, the meaning of the kiru ‘cut’ verbs are formed by the original meaning of doing (suru) and happening (okoru/okiru) which combine to form the syntax of universal meaning ‘X do something on Y, something happens to Y’.
Effective segmentation and classification of tumor on liver MRI and CT images using multi-kernel K-means clustering
Authors: Krishan Abhay , Mittal Deepti
Published: November 2019

Our proposed research technique intends to provide an effective liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan image classification which would play a significant role in medical dataset especially in feature selection and classification. There are a number of existing research works classifying the liver tumor disease. Early detection of liver tumor will help the patients to get cured rapidly. Our proposed research focuses on the classification of medical images with respect to the classification technique artificial neural network (ANN) to classify an image as normal or abnormal. In the pre-processing step, the input image is selected from the database and adaptive median filtering is used for noise removal. For better enhancement, histogram equalization (HE) is done in the noise-removed images. In the pre-processed images, the texture feature such as gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and statistical features are extracted. From the extensive feature set, optimal features are selected using the optimal kernel K-means (OKK-means) clustering algorithm along with the oppositional firefly algorithm (OFA). The proposed method obtained 97.5% accuracy in the classification when compared to the existing method.
Clouded reality: News representations of culturally close and distant ethnic outgroups
Authors: Kroon Anne C. , Trilling Damian , Meer Toni G. L. A. van der , Jonkman Jeroen G. F.
Published: November 2019

The current study explores how the cultural distance of ethnic outgroups relative to the ethnic ingroup is related to stereotypical news representations. It does so by drawing on a sample of more than three million Dutch newspaper articles and uses advanced methods of automated content analysis, namely word embeddings. The results show that distant ethnic outgroup members (i. e., Moroccans) are associated with negative characteristics and issues, while this is not the case for close ethnic outgroup members (i. e., Belgians). The current study demonstrates the usefulness of word embeddings as a tool to study subtle aspects of ethnic bias in mass-mediated content.