bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Analysis of Coupled High‐Speed Train‐Bridge with the Isolation of Friction Pendulum Bearing
Authors: Hong Xinmin , Guo Wenhua , Wang Zihao
Published: February 2020

The paper presents a framework for the seismic analysis of the coupled high‐speed train‐bridge with the isolation of friction pendulum bearing (FPB). Taking the rail irregularities as system’s self‐excitation with the seismic as external excitation, the equation of motion of the train‐bridge coupled system under earthquake is built up. A five‐span simple‐supported railway bridge is taken as an example, and the computer simulation method is used to establish the dynamic model of the train‐bridge system with the isolation of FPB under earthquake. A train composed of eight 4‐axle coaches of 35 degrees‐of‐freedom (DOF) is considered, and FPB is simulated by a force element which includes both nonlinear spring and damper characteristics and a hysteresis function. Backward differentiation formula and the mode superposition method are adopted in the calculation of coupling vibration of the train‐bridge system. The dynamic responses of the train running on the bridge with the isolation of FPB and with the common spherical bearing (CSB) under earthquake are studied. The results show that FPB with a friction coefficient no less than 0.05, instead of CSB, can reduce the dynamic response of the train greatly; the faster the train speed and the higher the pier, the greater the effect of FPB. However, FPB may increase the dynamic response of the train when the seismic intensity exceeds 0.14 g.
A Quantitative Model to Calculate Gas Sealing Capacity and Design Sealing Parameters for Premium Connection
Authors: Xu Honglin , Yang Bin
Published: February 2020

The present research studies about sealability of premium connection almost focus on qualitative description by sealing contact stress distribution, which is not convenient for sealing capacity evaluation and sealing parameter design. This paper proposes a quantitative model to calculate directly gas sealing capacity of cone to cone premium connection, different from the usual finite element method with testing, which combines the elastic thick wall cylinder interference fit theory for calculating sealing stress with the gas sealing criterion obtained from Murtagian’s experimental results. With the proposed model, the effects of pipe wall thickness, seal cone taper, radial sealing interference, and axial sealing length on the gas sealing capacity have been investigated. Furthermore, the gas sealing capacity envelope curve based on radial sealing interference and axial sealing length is also calculated and a new sealing parameter design method is proposed for cone to cone premium connection. The results show that the internal upset pipe is good for sealability, and increasing both radial sealing interference and axial sealing length can significantly enhance gas sealability while seal cone taper has an unobvious effect on it. To meet sealing capacity, the designed sealing parameter combination (δd, Ld) should be located in the upper right region of the gas sealing capacity envelope curve.
Citron Rho‐Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase Promotes HIF1a‐CypA Signaling and Growth of Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cong Lin , Bai Zhile , Du Yang , Cheng Yong
Published: February 2020

In human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the cyclophilin A (CypA) is overexpressed and promotes the development of PDAC. However, the mechanism underlying cyclophilin A expression remains elusive. Here, we reported that the citron Rho‐interacting serine/threonine kinase (CIT) promotes the HIF1a‐CypA signaling and growth of PDAC cells. CIT expression was higher in PDAC cells compared with the normal epithelial cells, and clinical data showed that CIT was overexpressed in PDAC tissues and high expression of CIT predicted poor overall and disease‐free survival. In PDAC cells, knockdown of CIT expression repressed the rate of proliferation and capacity of colony formation, which were accomplished with an increased percentage of apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest. The knockdown of CIT in PDAC cells reduced the expression of CypA while overexpression of CIT promoted the expression of CypA. We observed that the effects of CIT on the expression of CypA relied on the transcriptional factor HIF1a, which was previously reported to transcriptionally activate the expression of CypA in PDAC cells. Furthermore, the effects of CIT on apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, and colony formation of PDAC cells relied on its role in the regulation of CypA expression. Collectively, our data showed that CIT promoted the activation of HIF1‐CypA signaling and enhanced the growth of PDAC cells.
An Experimental Study on the Slippage Effects of Sandstone under Confining Pressure and Low Pore Pressure Conditions
Authors: Li Zhengdai , Zuo Jianping , Shi Yue , Xu Fei , Yu Meilu , Mi Changning
Published: February 2020

Due to the influences of various factors, such as temperature, stress, and composition, the research regarding rock permeability has been complicated. This study examined the variation laws of sandstone specimens under changing rates of confining and pore pressures after high-temperature heat treatments. The results showed that the free water in the rock volatilized during the low-temperature heat treatments in the range of 100°C to 300°C, with the increase of the heat-treatment temperature above 500°C; the crystal water in the rock is gradually separated out; and the particles in the samples had undergone phase transformations resulting in increased permeability. According to ultrasonic wave velocity test results, the internal cracks of the samples expanded with the increases in the heat-treatment temperatures. In addition, the high-temperature heat treatments were found to improve the accuracy of the direction of the Earth’s stress when using circumferential wave velocity anisotropy methods. Under the influence of slippage effects, as the pore pressure increased, the measured permeability of the samples decreased and the slippage effect occurs in the rock samples with the permeability of 10-3 μm2~10-6 μm2. The experimental results showed that the contribution rate of the slippage effect decreases with the increase of the heat-treatment temperature of the specimen, and the contribution rates of the sandstone slippage effect were generally higher than 5%. Therefore, the impact effects on the permeability of sandstone slippage should be considered in practical engineering processes.
A New Reliable Operating Region Design Method
Authors: Chen Yue , Shi Jian , Yi Xiao-jian
Published: February 2020

The reliable operating region, which is the set of all possible points in the design space that satisfy the reliability requirement, is capable to improve the reliability of products in the design stage. However, the reliable operating region has an irregular geometry shape and it is hard to derive an explicit expression; therefore, its practicality is poor. In order to obtain a more convenient approach, this paper proposes a reliable hyperrectangle operating region, which is expressed by permissible intervals for each design parameter and has the advantage that design parameters are decoupled. An iterative algorithm that seeks an axis-parallel reliable hyperrectangle with maximum volume is proposed. Starting from a design point with target performance, the lengths of the sides of the reliable hyperrectangle are iteratively updated. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed algorithm is convergent. Furthermore, we extend the proposed methodology to deal with design space constraints. Some numerical examples and engineering cases demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve the requirement of reliability efficiently.
A QFD-Based Quality and Capability Design Method for Transboundary Services
Authors: Ma Chao , Liu Wei Dong , Tu Zhi Ying , Wang Zhong Jie , Xu Xiao Fei
Published: February 2020

The “transboundary”, an emerging phenomenon in the Internet service ecosystem, is leading to the flourishing of innovative services. A transboundary service incorporates services, resources, and technologies from multiple domains into its business to create a particular competitive advantage and unique user experiences. It is difficult to comprehensively consider all the constraints from multiple domains to precisely design the nonfunctional characteristics of transboundary services, such as quality attributes and capability attributes. We propose a two-phase quality design method for transboundary services called value quality deployment-quality capability deployment (VQD-QCD) based on quality function deployment (QFD). Given the restrictions of transboundary services, VQD-QCD translates the value expectations of multiple stakeholders into an optimal configuration for global quality parameters (GQPs), local quality parameters, and capability parameters. Details of VQD are illustrated. Considering the inherent vagueness and uncertainty of relationships between value expectations and GQPs, and among GQPs, fuzzy least absolute regression and fuzzy nonlinear programming methods are incorporated into QFD to identify the quantitative relations between value indicators and GQPs, and among GQPs, and obtain an optimal configuration scheme for GQPs. Usability of the proposed method is validated through a case study on the “DiDi mobile transportation service”, which is a representative transboundary service in China. Compared with the current method, which is inaccurate and inefficient because its translation between value expectations and relevant quality and capability parameters is artificial and subjective, the proposed method integrates fuzzy least absolute regression and fuzzy nonlinear programming methods into QFD, which facilitate transboundary service designers to precisely and efficiently design the quality and capability characteristics of innovative services in the manner of semiautomatisation, which promotes the innovative design of transboundary services.
HIV Prevalence and Factors Influencing the Uptake of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing among Older Clients of Female Sex Workers in Liuzhou and Fuyang Cities, China, 2016‐2017: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fu Yuan-Sheng , Liu Xue-Mei , Ding Zhi-Qiang , Li Ming-Qiang , Fan Yin-Guang
Published: February 2020

Objective. To compare the prevalence of HIV and associated factors for participating HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among older clients of female sex workers (CFSWs) in Liuzhou City and Fuyang City in China. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted and the study employed 978 male CFSWs, aged 50 years and above from October 2016 to December 2017. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire and provide blood samples for HIV testing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influential factors of using VCT program and tested for HIV. Results. The HIV infection prevalence rate was 1.2% and 0.5%, while 52.3% and 54.6% participants had ever utilized VCT service and tested for HIV in Liuzhou City and Fuyang City, respectively. The older CFSWs who ever heard of VCT program were more likely to uptake VCT program in both cities (ORLiuzhou = 2.224, ORFuyang = 2.421). Participants, whose marital status was married or cohabiting (ORLiuzhou = 0.548, ORFuyang = 0.495), who have stigma against individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS (ORLiuzhou = 0.273, ORFuyang = 0.371), whose monthly income is more than 500 yuan (ORLiuzhou = 0.622, ORFuyang = 0.600), and whose age is more than 60 years old (ORLiuzhou = 0.639, ORFuyang = 0.554), were less likely to visit VCT clinics. Those who are worried about HIV‐infected participants were more likely to utilize VCT services in Fuyang City (AOR = 1.838, 95%CI : 1.146‐2.948). Conclusion. Combine strategy will be needed to promote the utilization of VCT service, based on the socioeconomic characteristics of older male CFSWs in different cities of China.
Prospective Association of Energy Balance Scores Based on Metabolic Biomarkers with Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Guinter Mark A. , Gapstur Susan M. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Flanders W. Dana , Wang Ying , Rees-Punia Erika , Alcaraz Kassandra I. , Pollak Michael N. , Campbell Peter T.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Energy balance–related factors, such as body mass index (BMI), diet, and physical activity, may influence colorectal cancer etiology through interconnected metabolic pathways, but their combined influence is less clear.

Methods:

We used reduced rank regression to derive three energy balance scores that associate lifestyle factors with combinations of prediagnostic, circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), C-peptide, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among 2,498 participants in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. Among 114,989 participants, we verified 2,228 colorectal cancer cases. We assessed associations of each score with colorectal cancer incidence and by tumor molecular phenotypes using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

The derived scores comprised BMI, physical activity, screen time, and 14 food groups, and explained 5.1% to 10.5% of the variation in biomarkers. The HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for quartile 4 versus 1 of the HbA1c+C peptide–based score and colorectal cancer was 1.30 (1.15–1.47), the hsCRP-based score was 1.35 (1.19–1.53), and the hsCRP, C-peptide, and HbA1c-based score was 1.35 (1.19–1.52). The latter score was associated with non-CIMP tumors (HRQ4vsQ1: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.17–2.16), but not CIMP-positive tumors (Pheterogeneity = 0.04).

Conclusions:

These results further support hypotheses that systemic biomarkers of metabolic health—inflammation and abnormal glucose homeostasis—mediate part of the relationship between several energy balance–related modifiable factors and colorectal cancer risk.

Impact:

Results support cancer prevention guidelines for maintaining a healthful body weight, consuming a healthful diet, and being physically active. More research is needed on these clusters of exposures with molecular phenotypes of tumors.
microRNA-422a Inhibits DCC Expression in a Manner Dependent on SNP rs12607853
Authors: Li Yunxiao , Shi Xugang , Cai Xintong , Zhu Yongsheng , Chen Yuanyuan , Lai Jianghua
Published: February 2020

DCC netrin 1 receptor (DCC) affects the structure and function of the dopamine circuitry, which in turn affects the susceptibility to developing addiction. In a previous study, we found that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12607853 in the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of DCC was significantly associated with heroin addiction. In the current study, we first used bioinformatics prediction to identify the DCC rs12607853 C allele as a potential hsa-miR-422a and hsa-miR-378c target site. We then used vector construction and dual-luciferase reporter assays to investigate the targeting relationship of DCC rs12607853 with hsa-miR-422a and hsa-miR-378c. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that the C allele of rs12607853 in combination with hsa-miR-422a led to repressed dual-luciferase gene expression. Moreover, gene expression assays disclosed that hsa-miR-422a inhibited DCC expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that morphine inhibited the expression of hsa-miR-422a but increased the expression of DCC mRNA, and this change in the expression of hsa-miR-422a could not be reversed by naloxone, which suggested that the role of DCC in opioid addiction might be regulated by hsa-miR-422a. In summary, this study improves our understanding of the role of hsa-miR-422a and identifies the genetic basis of rs12607853, which might contribute to the discovery of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for opioid addiction.
Efficacy and Safety of Treatments to Improve Dyspareunia in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mendoza Nicolás , Carrión Rosalía , Mendoza-Huertas Loreto , Jurado Ana Rosa
Published: February 2020

Objective: To analyse all available evidence to validate the effectiveness of a local intervention in the treatment of dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: We searched the Institute of Scientific Information Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for all articles published in peer-reviewed journals up to April 2019. The PICOS standards were: (population) BCS with dyspareunia; (intervention) any type of vulvovaginal treatment; (main outcome) frequency and severity of dyspareunia; (study design) clinical studies. Results: The literature search strategy identified 252 articles, of which 233 were excluded at various stages of the search. Finally, we systematically reviewed 19 studies, 8 with local hormonal therapies, 7 with local non-hormonal therapies, 3 with laser therapy, and 1 with other interventions. Of the studies, 7 were randomized control trials and 11 were prospective observations. Most of the interventions were shown to be effective and safe in the improvement of dyspareunia. Conclusion: In addition to the traditional options already analysed in other current reviews, other interesting options are highlighted (such as laser or local dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]). Further work on dyspareunia should make use of high-quality trials with large numbers of samples to obtain evidence that could adequately demonstrate key methodological characteristics and harmful effects.
Heteromorphic Sex Chromosomes and Their DNA Content in Fish: An Insight through Satellite DNA Accumulation in Megaleporinus elongatus
Authors: Crepaldi Carolina , Parise-Maltempi Patricia P.
Published: February 2020

The repetitive DNA content of fish sex chromosomes provides valuable insights into specificities and patterns of their genetic sex determination systems. In this study, we revealed the genomic satellite DNA (satDNA) content of Megaleporinuselongatus, a Neotropical fish species with Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1W1Z2W2 multiple sex chromosomes, through high-throughput analysis and graph-based clustering, isolating 68 satDNA families. By physically mapping these sequences in female metaphases, we discovered 15 of the most abundant satDNAs clustered in its chromosomes, 9 of which were found exclusively in the highly heterochromatic W1. This heteromorphic sex chromosome showed the highest amount of satDNA accumulations in this species. The second most abundant family, MelSat02-26, shared FISH signals with the NOR-bearing pair in similar patterns and is linked to the multiple sex chromosome system. Our results demonstrate the diverse satDNA content in M. elongatus, especially in its heteromorphic sex chromosome. Additionally, we highlighted the different accumulation patterns and distribution of these sequences across species by physically mapping these satDNAs in other Anostomidae, Megaleporinusmacrocephalus and Leporinusfriderici (a species without differentiated sex chromosomes).
Hobbes, Holbach e a teoria das paixões
Authors: Avila Fabio Rodrigues de
Published: February 2020

Trata-se de um artigo que visa a comparar as teorias das paixões entre dois autores materialistas: Hobbes e barão de Holbach. O objetvo é verificar em que medida ambos os autores consideram as paixões de uma perspectiva metafísica e fisiológica e quais as implicações que elas têm nas respectivas teorias políticas e morais de cada um, buscando assim traçar um percurso que leva de um ao outro, uma vez que Holbach seja notadamente influenciado por Hobbes, apesar de pontuais divergências em suas doutrinas.
Apresentação de textos selecionados de Preleções sobre a filosofia da religião, de G. W. F. Hegel
Authors: Del Mastro Fabiana
Published: February 2020

Apresentação de textos selecionados de Preleções sobre a filosofia da religião, de G. W. F. Hegel, traduzidos por Fabiana Del Mastro
A recusa do projeto do engenheiro Rebouças: Tietê, um rio abandonado à própria sorte
Authors: Vilar Dalmo Dippold , Fonseca Filomena Pugliese
Published: February 2020

Neste artigo apresentamos o projeto do engenheiro José Pereira Rebouças que em 1904 propunha captar as águas do rio Tietê como solução para o problema do abastecimento de água para a cidade de São Paulo. A recusa desse projeto condenou o rio Tietê a ser abandonado a própria sorte. A opção pelos reservatórios da serra da Cantareira se mostrou equivocada e os habitantes de São Paulo continuaram sofrendo com a falta do precioso líquido.
Newly Developed Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anatomic and Physiological Classification: First Predictive Validity Evaluation
Authors: Ombelet Fouke , Goossens Eva , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Budts Werner , Moons Philip
Published: February 2020

Background

Risk stratification for adults with congenital heart disease is usually based on the anatomic complexity of the patients’ defect. The 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease proposed a new classification scheme, combining anatomic complexity and current physiological stage of the patient. We aimed to investigate the capacity of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anatomic and Physiological classification to predict 15‐year mortality.

Methods and Results

Data on 5 classification systems were collected for 629 patients at the outpatient clinic for a previous study. After 15 years, data on mortality were obtained through medical record review. For this assessment, we additionally collected information on physiological state to determine the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anatomic and Physiological classification. Harrell's concordance statistics index, obtained through a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression, was 0.71 (95%
CI
, 0.63−0.78) for the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anatomic and Physiological classification. Harrell's concordance statistics index of the congenital heart disease anatomic component only was 0.67 (95%
CI
, 0.60−0.74). The highest Harrell's concordance statistics index was obtained for the anatomic complexity in combination with the Congenital Heart Disease Functional Index (0.79; 95%
CI
, 0.73–0.84).

Conclusions

This first investigation of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anatomic and Physiological classification system provides empirical support for adding the physiological component to the anatomic complexity in the prediction of 15‐year cardiac mortality.
APOE-ε4 Genotype and Dementia Before and After Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke
Authors: Pendlebury Sarah T. , Poole Debbie , Burgess Annette , Duerden Julia , Rothwell Peter M. ,   for the Oxford Vascular Study
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose—

APOE-ε4 genotype is a risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer disease and reduced recovery from brain injury. Since data on APOE genotype and dementia associated with transient ischemic attack/stroke are sparse, we determined the associations in a longitudinal population-based cohort.

Methods—

All patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke (2002–2012) in a defined population of 92 728 OxVASC (Oxford Vascular Study) had follow-up to 5-years. Pre-event and incident postevent dementia were ascertained through direct patient assessment and follow-up, supplemented by review of hospital/primary care records. Associations between pre- and post-event dementia and APOE genotype (ε4/ε4-homozygous and ε4/ε3-heterozygous versus ε3/ε3) were examined using logistic regression and Cox regression models, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, education, cerebrovascular burden (stroke severity, prior stroke, white matter disease), diabetes mellitus, and dysphasia.

Results—

Among 1767 genotyped patients (mean/SD age, 73.0/13.0 years, 901 [51%] male, 602 [34%] transient ischemic attack), 1058 (59.9%) were APOE-ε3/ε3, 403 (22.8%) were ε4/ε3 and 30 (1.7%) were ε4-homozygous. Homozygosity was associated with both pre-event (adjusted odds ratio, 5.81 [95% CI, 1.93–17.48];
P
=0.002) and postevent dementia (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.64 [95% CI, 1.90–7.00];
P
<0.0001). Association with postevent dementia was maintained after further adjustment for baseline cognitive impairment (hazard ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.19–4.89];
P
=0.01). There were no associations overall between ε4/ε3 and pre-event dementia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 0.88–2.45];
P
=0.14) or postevent dementia (hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.84–1.48];
P
=0.47).

Conclusions—

In patients with transient ischemic attack and stroke, APOE-ε4 homozygosity was associated with both pre- and post-event dementia. Associations were independent of cerebrovascular burden and may be mediated through increased neurodegenerative pathology or vulnerability to injury.
Mocking the Wasps or the Meaning of Homeric kertomia Again
Authors: Kucharski Janek
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide a new theoretical framework for the understanding of an otherwise controversial Homeric notion: kertomia. So far, all systematic treatments of this term have been based on the model of classical definition, and sought to find a set of essential criteria which would account for all its instances in Homer. Given its very wide application, to phenomena so diverse as gentle, off-record mockery in Il. 24.649-658, and playful teasing of insects in Il. 16.259-265, I argue that such an approach will never do justice to all its Homeric instances. My paper therefore seeks to provide a new way of describing this notion, making use of prototype theory developed by cognitive linguists. I argue that this theoretical framework is capable of accommodating all its diverse meanings without sacrificing the important nuances of any of them.
Iseilema kunhikannanii (Poaceae: Panicoideae), a new species from Rajasthan, India

Authors: CHANDRA MOHAN KOLAGANI , MAHESH Y. , SUBRAMANYAM P. , SHARMA SUSHANT , PRASAD KOTHAREDDY
Published: February 2020

Iseilema kunhikannanii (Poaceae), a new species from the Bundi forest division, Rajasthan, India, is described and illustrated. It is similar to Iseilema holei, but differs mainly by having tubercles on both keels and marginal nerves of spatheole, involucral spikelets lanceolate, lower glumes 5-nerved, upper glumes 1-nerved, central pedicel shorter than the involucral spikelets, lower glume deep cleft at apex and glabrous keels.
A new species of the genus Leeonychiurus Sun & Arbea, 2014 (Collembola, Onychiurinae, Onychiurini) from China, with a checklist of Chinese Onychiurini
Authors: ZHANG SHAOQING , SUN XIN , WU DONGHUI
Published: February 2020

The new species Leeonychiurus zijinensis sp. nov. is described from east China. It is similar to L. fusongensis Sun & Arbea, 2014 and L. mai (Wray, 1950) sensu Bernard (2015) as having the same dorsal pso formula (32/133/33343). However, the new species can be distinguished by pso formula on Abd. sterna II–IV as 111 (112 in L. fusongensis, and 001 in L. mai), presence of the unpaired axial chaetae m0 on Abd. tergum V (absent in L. fusongensis and L. mai), and more vesicles of postantennal organ (18–20 in the new species, 13–16 in L. fusongensis, and 15 in L. mai). A key to the world known species of the genus Leeonychiurus and a checklist of Chinese Onychiurini species are provided.
A Comparative Study of Feature Detection Techniques for Navigation of Visually Impaired Person in an Indoor Environment
Authors: Jeyapal Akilandeswari , Ganesan Jothi , Savarimuthu Sabeenian Royappan , Perumal Iyyanar , Eswaran Paramasivam Muthan , Subramanian Lakshmanan , Anbalagan Naveenkumar
Published: February 2020

A development of automatic location identification and tracking system for visually impaired/ challenged person is a very challenging task in an indoor environment. In this paper, the comprehensive study of different feature detection and matching techniques namely, Minimum Eigenvalue
(MinEigen) algorithm, Harris–Stephens (Harris) algorithm, Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF), Features from Accelerated Segment Test (FAST), Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints (BRISK) and Maximally Stable Extremal Regions (MSER) is presented. These algorithms are employed to detect
and match the features of an image and retrieve the best matched image. Based on our experiments, we compare those algorithms on parameters such as sum of square difference (SDD), precision, recall, number of detected, matched features and processing time. Empirically, we have found that SURF
algorithm produce minimum SSD score to achieve best matching. The MSER and MinEign algorithm extracts high and low number of features respectively. In respect of processing time, BRISK takes maximum and FAST method takes minimum time when compared to the other algorithms.
A Successive Approximation Register Analog to Digital Converter for Low Power Applications
Authors: Al-Naamani Yahya Mohammed Ali , Lokesh Krishna K. , Guna Sekhar A. M.
Published: February 2020

In recent years and continuing, widespread research work is carried out on medical implantable devices placed inside the human body. The essential and vital electronic circuit in implantable devices is the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). The essential requirements in these applications
such as long battery life-time, low power consumption and less die area poses a stringent requirement in designing and fabricating an ultra-low power ADCs. Among the diverse converter architectures existing, Successive Approximation Register (SAR) type converter architecture has shown better
capabilities in terms of ultra-low power operation, medium resolution, less form factor and less silicon area. In this described paper a novel power effective, better resolution SAR type ADC to be used for biomedical related applications. The proposed work consists of capacitive type Digital
to Analog Converter (DAC) based on charge distribution, a CMOS comparator, and SAR logic implemented using D-flip-flops. The different blocks of SAR architecture are simulated using EDA tools in CMOS 180 nm N-well process operated at VDD = 1.5 V voltage (VDD).
The circuit is measured under various input frequencies with a sampling speed of 50 MHz and it consumes 22.6 μW. The proposed ADC technology shows SNDR of 48.6 dB and occupies a circuit area of 0.11 mm2 and the measured INL and DNL is calculated to be fewer than 0.54 LSB
and 0.45 LSB respectively.
Computer Vision Based Asset Surveillance for Smart Buildings
Authors: Gautam K. S. , Parameswaran Latha , Thangavel Senthil Kumar
Published: February 2020

Unraveling meaningful pattern form the video offers a solution to many real-world problems, especially surveillance and security. Detecting and tracking an object under the area of video surveillance, not only automates the security but also leverages smart nature of the buildings.
The objective of the manuscript is to detect and track assets inside the building using vision system. In this manuscript, the strategies involved in asset detection and tracking are discussed with their pros and cons. In addition to it, a novel approach has been proposed that detects and
tracks the object of interest across all the frames using correlation coefficient. The proposed approach is said to be significant since the user has an option to select the object of interest from any two frames in the video and correlation coefficient is calculated for the region of interest.
Based on the arrived correlation coefficient the object of interest is tracked across the rest of the frames. Experimentation is carried out using the 10 videos acquired from IP camera inside the building.
An Observational Case Study of Synergies between an Intense Heat Wave and the Urban Heat Island in Beijing
Authors: An Ning , Dou Jingjing , González-Cruz Jorge E. , Bornstein Robert D. , Miao Shiguang , Li Lin
Published: February 2020

The focus of this study is an intense heat episode that occurred on 9–13 July 2017 in Beijing, China, that resulted in severe impacts on natural and human variables, including record-setting daily electricity consumption levels. This event was observed and analyzed with a suite of local and mesoscale instruments, including a high-density automated weather station network, soil moisture sensors, and ground-based vertical instruments (e.g., a wind profiler, a ceilometer, and three radiometers) situated in and around the city, as well as electric power consumption data and analysis data from the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction. The results show that the heat wave originated from dry adiabatic warming induced by the dynamic downslope and synoptic subsidence. The conditions were aggravated by the increased air humidity during subsequent days, which resulted in historically high records of the heat index (i.e., an index representing the apparent temperature that incorporates both air temperature and moisture). The increased thermal energy and decreased boundary layer height resulted in a highly energized urban boundary layer. The differences between urban and rural thermal conditions throughout almost the entire boundary layer were enhanced during the heat wave, and the canopy-layer urban heat island intensity (UHII) reached up to 8°C at a central urban station at 2300 local standard time 10 July. A double-peak pattern in the diurnal cycle of UHIIs occurred during the heat wave and differed from the single-peak pattern of the decadal average UHII cycles. Different spatial distributions of UHII values occurred during the day and night.
Determining Stationary Periods across Multiple Sensors: An Application to Observed Canopy Turbulence Response to Atmospheric Stability
Authors: Pan Ying , Patton Edward G.
Published: February 2020

A recently proposed multisensor stationarity analysis technique (MSATv1) is improved to eliminate the initial interrogation of time-averaged wind directions, a redundant and potentially biasing procedure for a technique capable of detecting changes in mean wind directions. The new technique, MSATv2, satisfies two basic expectations that are not guaranteed in MSATv1: 1) a nonstationary event should not belong to any stationary interval identified with a given stringency, and 2) nonstationary events identified with an arbitrary stringency should continue to be identified as nonstationary with increasing stringency. These expectations are confirmed by applying MSATv2 to two long periods, during the defoliated phase of the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (CHATS), whose durations are determined solely by data availability. MSATv2 successfully determines visually trivial and nontrivial nonstationary transitions, uncovering details of the time evolution of dynamic processes. MSATv2 yields ensemble-average estimates of mean wind speeds and directions with well-controlled and quantifiable uncertainties for atmospheric stability conditions ranging from near neutral to free convection. These results enable interrogation of the observed canopy turbulence response to atmospheric stability in isolation from contamination by spatial variation with position relative to canopy elements. MSATv2 results also reveal the connection between the presence of organized convective structures and variability in mean shear, showing the role of organized convective structures in the observed relationship between the bulk drag coefficient and atmospheric instability.
Lezioni sull’etimologia di Paolo Zolli (1972)
Authors: Acciarino Damiano , Rinaldin Anna
Published: February 2020

L'articolo presenta introduzione ed edizione di un inedito, databile al 1972, del linguista veneziano Paolo Zolli. Attraverso una disamina di storia degli studi, Zolli delinea il contesto metodologico e scientifico che prelude alla pubblicazione dei grandi dizionari etimologici italiani nell’ultimo quarto del Ventesimo secolo – su tutti il DELI, di cui Zolli fu autore assieme a Manlio Cortelazzo, e il LEI. Probabilmente volto a scopi didattici, l’inedito zolliano si configura come prezioso documento che aggiunge aspetti nuovi e dettagli significativi alla storia delle discipline etimologiche e storico linguistiche.
Prenatal Substance Use Disorders and Dental Caries in Children
Authors: Auger N. , Low N. , Lee G. , Ayoub A. , Nicolau B.
Published: February 2020

Substance use is common in women of reproductive age, but limited data exist on the dental health of their children, including risk of caries. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 790,758 infants born between 2006 and 2016 in Quebec, Canada. We identified women with substance use disorders before or during pregnancy. The main outcome measure was hospitalization for dental caries in offspring up to 12 y after birth. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of maternal substance use with pediatric dental caries, adjusted for potential confounders. Children exposed to maternal substance use had a higher incidence of hospitalization for dental caries than unexposed children (105.2 vs. 27.0 per 10,000 person-years). Maternal substance use was associated with 1.96 times the risk of childhood dental caries (95% CI, 1.80–2.14), including a greater risk of caries of enamel, dentin, or cementum (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.82–2.19) and dental pulp (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07–2.70), relative to no substance use. Associations were elevated for alcohol (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 2.03–2.64) but were also present for cocaine, cannabis, opioids, and other substances. Substance use during pregnancy was more strongly associated with dental caries hospitalization than prepregnancy substance use. Associations were stronger in early childhood. Maternal substance use is associated with the future risk of dental caries hospitalization in children. Targeting substance use early in the lives of women may contribute to dental caries prevention in offspring.
Learning Spaces Matter: Student Engagement in New Learning Environments
Authors: Oliveras-Ortiz Yanira , Bouillion Dalane E. , Asbury Lizzy
Published: February 2020

Through a conceptual framework focused on student engagement, this article explores students’ perceptions about the impact the design of learning environments has on student engagement. The current mixed-methods study was conducted at two Texas replacement elementary schools where the entire learning community, all teachers, administrators, staff, and students, moved from an old building to a new building. Through the qualitative component of the study, student focus groups, the study explores the attributes of design and spaces that students value and perceive as having an impact on their learning and engagement. Students’ perceptions demonstrate that learning environments impact student engagement.
Making the Complex Work of Teaching Visible
Authors: Grossman Pam
Published: February 2020

Previous efforts to strengthen the teaching profession have aimed to copy the ways in which law, medicine, and architecture achieved that status — for example, by carving out decision-making autonomy, controlling who enters the field, and building a specialized knowledge base. What has been missing, however, have been efforts to clarify precisely what it is that accomplished teachers do in the classroom and to develop a common language with which to describe and discuss teaching practice.
How teachers view their own professional status: A snapshot
Authors: García Emma , Weiss Elaine
Published: February 2020

The question of whether teaching is a profession, with all the status and responsibilities that entails, is not as settled as some believe. Emma García and Elaine Weiss look at the requirements and characteristics of a profession and examine data from teachers and find that teaching, as currently experienced by teachers, does not measure up to the traits of a profession, though it would merit the status,. Although teaching has credentialing requirements, many teachers lack the credentials associated with effectiveness. In addition, teachers do not receive the professional support needed to grow professionally, and they lack the societal respect and influence other professions enjoy. Teachers also receive lower pay than their peers, and many experience emotionally and physically damaging work environments.
Should standardized testing define our profession?
Authors: Borden-King Lisa , Gamas Warren , Hintz Kathy , Hultz Chelsie
Published: February 2020

Accreditation agencies and organizations calling for higher academic standards in the teaching profession have called for increasing minimum grade point averages and scores on standardized tests. However, it’s not clear that these requirements actually improve teaching. Lisa Borden-King, Warren Gamas, Kathy Hintz, and Chelsie Hultz researched whether teacher candidates’ scores on the Core Academic Skills Tests for Educators or their grade point averages correlated with scores on final student-teaching evaluations. They found no correlation between test scores and GPAs and how well teacher candidates performed as student teachers. They propose that, instead of focusing on standardized tests as admission criteria, teacher education programs should incorporate more clinical practice time, with opportunities for feedback that candidates can use to improve their teaching or decide not to enter the profession.
Perverse incentives? A cautionary tale about coaching evaluation
Authors: Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie , Lubienski Sarah Theule
Published: February 2020

Little attention has been given to better understanding how to effectively evaluate the work of instructional coaches. This study by Evthokia Stephanie Saclarides and Sarah Theule Lubienski illustrates how a new evaluation system for coaches was implemented in one mid-size, urban district. They describe two ways in which the Evaluation Tool detracted from the coaches’ work to foster teacher improvement. Furthermore, they provide suggestions for school districts to consider when evaluating their coaches.
Collaboration, Coordination, and Cooperation Among Organizations: Establishing the Distinctive Meanings of These Terms Through a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Castañer Xavier , Oliveira Nuno
Published: February 2020

Collaboration, coordination, and cooperation lie at the core of interorganizational activities. To address the confusion regarding the definitions of these three terms, recent works have proposed redefinitions. Although these proposals address an important concern, we believe that they might be premature because (1) they do not build on a systematic examination of how these terms have been used in the literature and (2) they seem to narrow the focus to a given theory and alliances only, which might unduly restrict the meaning of the terms defined. In this paper, we review the definitions of the three terms as they appear in nine top journals in the general management literature (1948-2017). By studying the definitions, we identify three interactional dimensions that are present to different extents in collaboration, coordination, and cooperation: attitude, behavior, and outcome. Our systematic review confirms the confusion and lack of parsimony in the extant definitions. The overlap in the content of these dimensions across the three terms does not provide a basis for distinctively defining collaboration, coordination, and cooperation. Thus, we further draw on our review to identify two discriminating dimensions that allow us to distinguish these three terms: the temporal stage and the type of goal. Our review contributes to theoretical development by offering a conceptual redefinition of the three terms that renders them distinct and thus facilitates knowledge accumulation and theory development. Moreover, the set of interactional and discriminating dimensions generates a host of managerially relevant research questions about a wide range of interorganizational relationships.
An Estimate of the Number of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes Worldwide in 2015
Authors: Taylor Katy , Alvarez Laura Rego
Published: February 2020

Few attempts have been made to estimate the global use of animals in experiments, since our own estimated figure of 115.2 million animals for the year 2005. Here, we provide an update for the year 2015. Data from 37 countries that publish national statistics were standardised against the definitions of ‘animals’ and ‘procedures’ used in the European Union (EU) Directive 2010/63/EU. We also applied a prediction model, based on publication rates, to estimate animal use in a further 142 countries. This yielded an overall estimate of global animal use in scientific procedures of 79.9 million animals, a 36.9% increase on the equivalent estimated figure for 2005, of 58.3 million animals. We further extrapolated this estimate to obtain a more comprehensive final global figure for the number of animals used for scientific purposes in 2015, of 192.1 million. This figure included animals killed for their tissues, normal and genetically modified (GM) animals without a harmful genetic mutation that are used to maintain GM strains and animals bred for laboratory use but not used. Since the 2005 study, there has been no evident increase in the number of countries publishing data on the numbers of animals used in experiments. Without regular, accurate statistics, the impact of efforts to replace, reduce and refine animal experiments cannot be effectively monitored.
Emotions, Creativity, and the Arts: Evaluating a Course for Children
Authors: Hoffmann Jessica D. , Ivcevic Zorana , Maliakkal Nadine
Published: February 2020

Art-based programming has been proposed to be one of the most promising approaches for teaching creativity because it provides meaningful learning through a pleasurable activity. We describe a course for children that sought to increase both creativity skills (problem finding and idea generation) and emotion skills (abilities to perceive one’s emotions accurately, use one’s emotions to guide creative thinking, and understand emotions). Sixty-four children were recruited from primary schools in Santander, Spain (mean age = 9.73 years, 59% females) to test a six-session course at Centro Botín, an art center based in Santander, Spain. Significant effects were found for the creativity skills of problem finding and idea generation, as well as for self-reported creative behavior, though several effects were not sustained at 2-month follow-up. We discuss potential solutions for sustained creativity training and transfer of skills outside of the course setting.
Digit ratio as a risk factor for muscle dysfunction and acute exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jin Jing , Li Guan-Jian , Li Feng-Sen , Wang Jing , Jing Jing , Li Zheng , Xin Xiao-Yi , Zheng Qian , Wang Kun-Ling , Liu Hui-Fang , Tao Si-Ming
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study investigated the correlations of digit ratio (relative length of second and fourth fingers, 2D: 4D) and muscular strength with the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

In total, 164 patients with COPD were enrolled in this prospective study. In all patients, the following parameters were measured: body compartments, pulmonary function, digit ratio (i.e., 2D: 4D), muscle function, and levels of partial pressure of oxygen and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

Results

The right-hand digit ratio (R2D: 4D) was associated with dominant hand muscle dysfunction, non-dominant hand muscle dysfunction, and inspiratory muscle dysfunction. Logistic regression analysis showed that right-hand 2D: 4D (odds ratio [ OR] = 0.01) and dominant hand muscle dysfunction ( OR = 5.60) were significantly associated with past hospital admission. After adjustment for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the following factors were associated with present acute exacerbations: right-hand 2D: 4D ( OR = 0.01), dominant hand muscle dysfunction ( OR = 3.83), expiratory muscle dysfunction ( OR = 3.80), and inspiratory muscle dysfunction ( OR = 3.61).

Conclusions

Lower digit ratio may be associated with higher prevalence of muscle dysfunction. This factor could be used to identify patients with COPD who are at higher risk of acute exacerbation.