bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching for navigation map building for automated guided robot based on laser navigation without a reflector
Authors: Zhang Ke , Gui Hao , Luo Zhifeng , Li Danyang
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Laser navigation without a reflector does not require setup of reflector markers at the scene and thus has the advantages of free path setting and flexible change. This technology has attracted wide attention in recent years and shows great potential in the field of automatic logistics, including map building and locating in real-time according to the environment. This paper aims to focus on the application of feature matching for map building.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an improved linear binary relation algorithm was proposed to calculate the local similarity of the feature line segments, and the matching degree matrix of feature line segments between two adjacent maps was established. Further, rough matching for the two maps was performed, and both the initial rotation matrix and the translation vector for the adjacent map matching were obtained. Then, to improve the rotation matrix, a region search optimization algorithm was proposed, which took the initial rotation matrix as the starting point and searched gradually along a lower error-of-objective function until the error sequence was nonmonotonic. Finally, the random-walk method was proposed to optimize the translation vector by iterating until the error-objective function reached the minimum.

Findings

The experimental results show that the final matching error was controlled within 10 mm after both rotation and translation optimization. Also, the algorithm of map matching and optimization proposed in this paper can realize accurately the feature matching of a laser navigation map and basically meet the real-time navigation and positioning requirements for an automated-guided robot.

Originality/value

A linear binary relation algorithm was proposed, and the local similarity between line segments is calculated on the basis of the binary relation. The hill-climbing region search algorithm and the random-walk algorithm were proposed to optimize the rotation matrix and the translation vector, respectively. This algorithm has been applied to industrial production.
A system dynamics model to forecast the population aging in Iran
Authors: Vahidi Monfared Hossein , Moini Alireza
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The last reformation in Iran’s population policy was announced inside “General Population Policy” (GPP) in 2013. One of the main objectives of the GPP is controlling population aging. The aim was to designing and evaluating different scenarios for achieving this objective.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a system dynamics model was built from cohort age groups. The model simulated Iran’s population structure from 2000 to 2050. The system dynamics model was validated in 2000 till 2011 period (R2 = 94%). Data were extracted from the United Nations population division repository and represent a reducing trend in the fertility rate of Iran. This situation was named the “base” scenario. The simulation results for this scenario showed that Iran will face aging such that between 2000 and 2050 the median age will increase from 25 to 43 years. Based on these results, the base scenario could not achieve the GPP objective. So three alternative scenarios were designated: stabilization, increasing and hyper increasing.

Findings

The median age and the aging index are descending only in the hyper increasing scenario which means controlling aging. Therefore, the hyper increasing scenario is the only way to realize the GPP’s objective. To realize the hyper increasing scenario, it is essential to consider the total dependency ratio which shows the level of pressure on the workforce. Reducing this pressure increases the propensity to have more children (fertility index) and this is essential for maintaining high fertility rate.

Originality/value

The value of the research rests on a precise simulation model to forecast the population structure and aging. The research will serve as a guide for Iranian policymaker and support strong recommendations to bring the GPP along with supporting policies such as childbearing and child care assistance.
Impact of carbon permit allocation rules on incentive contracts for carbon emission reduction
Authors: Li Qinqin , Xiao Yujie , Qiu Yuzhuo , Xu Xiaoling , Chai Caichun
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of carbon permit allocation rules (grandfathering mechanism and benchmarking mechanism) on incentive contracts provided by the retailer to encourage the manufacturer to invest more in reducing carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider a two-echelon supply chain in which the retailer offers three contracts (wholesale price contract, cost-sharing contract and revenue-sharing contract) to the manufacturer. Based on the two carbon permit allocation rules, i.e. grandfathering mechanism and benchmarking mechanism, six scenarios are examined. The optimal price and carbon emission reduction decisions and members’ equilibrium profits under six scenarios are analyzed and compared.

Findings

The results suggest that the revenue-sharing contract can more effectively stimulate the manufacturer to reduce carbon emissions compared to the cost-sharing contract. The cost-sharing contract can help to achieve the highest environmental performance, whereas the implementation of revenue-sharing contract can attain the highest social welfare. The benchmarking mechanism is more effective for the government to prompt the manufacturer to produce low-carbon products than the grandfathering mechanism. Although a loose carbon policy can expand the total emissions, it can improve the social welfare.

Practical implications

These results can provide operational insights for the retailer in how to use incentive contract to encourage the manufacturer to curb carbon emissions and offer managerial insights for the government to make policy decisions on carbon permit allocation rules.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature regarding to firm’s carbon emissions reduction decisions under cap-and-trade policy and highlights the importance of carbon permit allocation methods in curbing carbon emissions.
Effective approach of microprocessor throughput enhancement
Authors: Samake Adama , Kocanda Piotr , Kos Andrzej
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an effective approach to integrated circuit (IC) throughput enhancement, called TΔT thermal control. It does not require any micro-architectural change of the IC. The only modification is the attachment of an additional temperature sensor at the heatsink boundary. TΔT control technique enables assessment of changes in the dimension of cooling conditions and quick reaction to the dynamic changes in the surrounding environment. As a result, the chip can operate flexibly while minimizing thermal violation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using additional knowledge about the surroundings, the on-chip temperature is regulated. The approach is first investigated theoretically. To validate the utilized thermal model, the measured temperature values of the designed and fabricated testing device are compared with the simulated one. The authors evaluated the impact of the additional sensor location on the reaction time (RT). Using the Spice model, further investigation helps to verify the hypothesis.

Findings

The control technique described in this paper showed that the temperature of the chip can be regulated using an additional knowledge of the surrounding environment. It has also been demonstrated that the attachment of an additional temperature sensor close to the cooled surface of the package enables TΔT thermal control technique to react faster (rapid powering up/down of the IC). Therefore, this lowers the risk of shutdown while keeping the temperature close to the thermal limit (the maximal temperature of the chip) for a significant period. The simulation results showed that a higher ambient temperature leads to diminution of the interval in which the on-chip temperature stays almost constant when TΔT technique is used (time shift).

Originality/value

In this study, a new thermal throttling technique that uses the full physical ability of the chip operating under thermal constraint has been evaluated.
Lady first? The gender difference in the influence of service quality on online consumer behavior
Authors: Wang Weihua , Kim Saebum
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to articulate the gender differences in the influence of service quality on online consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Through data collected via a Web-based questionnaire survey from 330 consumers in China, this study builds and analyzes a structural equation model, using five dimensions of E-service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, and focuses on the moderation test of gender.

Findings

This study finds that first, efficiency dimension of e-service quality is of same importance for male and female customers; second, there are significant gender differences in the responsiveness and reliability dimensions of E-service quality, which affect customer satisfaction; third, the impact of female customer satisfaction on customer loyalty is stronger than for male customers.

Practical implications

Online retailers with limited service resources should preferentially respond to service requests from male customers and provide more reliable services for female consumers under the same condition.

Originality/value

The research validated the applicability of self-regulation theory in online consumer behavior, explored the occurrence stage and characteristics of gender differences in online consumer behavior under influence of SRT and first found some apparent gender differences in the influence of different dimensions of e-service quality on online consumer behavior.
Assessing Trade–Labor Linkages: A Big Step Forward
Authors: Elliott Kimberly Ann
Published: January 2019

Labor Provisions in Preferential Trade Agreements (LABPTA) are an important and necessary step forward in being able to better assess the role of these trade‐labor linkages in improving workers’ lives.
Butyrylcholinesterase deficiency and its clinical importance in anaesthesia: a systematic review
Authors: Andersson M. L. , Møller A. M. , Wildgaard K.
Published: January 2019

Butyrylcholinesterase deficiency prolongs the effects of the drugs it degrades; succinylcholine and mivacurium. Existing literature on butyrylcholinesterase deficiency is dominated by genetic and biochemical studies. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Biosis to systematically review the causes and clinical consequences of butyrylcholinesterase deficiency. We considered outcomes clinically relevant if neuromuscular blockade, induced by succinylcholine or mivacurium, was assessed using clinical criteria or neuromuscular monitoring. We included 66 studies: 25 randomised controlled trials; 13 clinically controlled trials; 26 prospective observational studies; 1 retrospective study; and 1 qualitative study. Data heterogeneity precluded quantitative synthesis. Studies described genetic, physiological, acquired or pharmacologically induced causes of butyrylcholinesterase deficiency. The prolongation of neuromuscular blockade by butyrylcholinesterase deficiency was most pronounced with homozygosity of a genetic variant, but other more common factors included increasing age, pregnancy, severe liver disease, burn injuries and drug interactions.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a history of osteoporotic fractures but not with low bone mineral density
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Dauriz Marco , Gatti Davide , Viapiana Ombretta , Zoppini Giacomo , Lippi Giuseppe , Byrne Christopher D. , Bonnet Fabrice , Bonora Enzo , Targher Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Background

Several studies have explored the effect of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of osteoporotic fractures in adults. However, the extent to which NAFLD adversely affects bone health remains uncertain.

Aim

To provide a quantitative estimation of the magnitude of the association of NAFLD with BMD or history of osteoporotic fractures in adults.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using predefined keywords to identify all observational studies, published up to 31 August 2018, in which NAFLD was diagnosed by imaging or histology; BMD was measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry; and a self‐reported history of osteoporotic fractures was collected with interviewer‐assisted questionnaires. Data from selected studies were extracted, and meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects modelling.

Results

Twelve cross‐sectional or case‐control studies with aggregate data on 30 041 adults of predominantly Asian ethnicity (30% with NAFLD) were included in the final analysis. No significant differences in BMD at different skeletal sites (whole body, lumbar spine, or femur) were observed between individuals with and without NAFLD. Conversely, NAFLD was associated with increased odds of osteoporotic fractures, especially in older Chinese men (n = 2 studies; random‐effects odds ratio 2.10, 95% CI 1.36‐3.25; I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings. The funnel plot and Egger test did not reveal significant publication bias.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that imaging‐defined or biopsy‐proven NAFLD is associated with a self‐reported history of osteoporotic fractures (principally in Chinese men), but not with low BMD, in middle‐aged and elderly individuals.
Clinical and translational pharmacology of drugs for the prevention and treatment of bone metastases and cancer‐induced bone loss
Authors: Dionísio Maria Rita , Mansinho André , Abreu Catarina , Cavaco‐Silva Joana , Casimiro Sandra , Costa Luís
Published: January 2019

Bone disease is a frequent event in cancer patients, both due to cancer spread to bone and to cancer therapies. Bone is the organ most frequently affected by metastatic disease when considering the two most frequent cancers in the Western world (breast and prostate cancers). Bone metastases can have a substantial detrimental effect on patients' quality of life, as well as significant morbidity due to complications collectively known as skeletal‐related events (SREs), which include hypercalcaemia, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and need of radiotherapy or surgery to the bone. These have been successfully mitigated with the development of bone‐targeted agents (BTAs; bisphosphonates and denosumab), focused on inhibiting osteoclast activity. The potential direct antitumour effect of bisphosphonates, as well as the impact of osteoclast inhibition with subsequent decrease in bone metabolism, have also propelled investigation on the role of BTAs in preventing cancer relapse in bone. In this review, the authors aimed to discuss the role of BTAs in the treatment and prevention of bone metastases, as well as their potential value in preventing cancer treatment‐induced bone loss (CTIBL). The review will focus on breast and prostate cancers, with the aim of providing the most relevant clinical data emerging from bench to bedside translational research in the field of cancer‐induced bone disease.
Genetic uniformity characterizes the invasive spread of Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia sapinea in the Western Balkans
Authors: Zlatković Milica , Wingfield Michael J. , Jami Fahimeh , Slippers Bernard
Published: January 2019

In the past decade, trees and shrubs in the Western Balkans region have been damaged by canker and die‐back disease caused by Botryosphaeriaceae species. These pathogens include Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia sapinea. In this study, we determine genetic diversity and structure between populations of N. parvum and D. sapinea from Serbia and Montenegro (Western Balkans) using DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA, translation elongation factor 1‐alpha, β‐tubulin‐2 and microsatellite markers. The relationship of both pathogens was compared for populations from the Continental (CR) and Mediterranean (MR) regions and for isolates of D. sapinea from Cedrus spp. and Pinus spp. Neofusicoccum parvum and D. sapinea were shown to have a low gene and genotypic diversity across the regions and hosts. All genotypes of D.  sapinea found on Pinus spp. were also present on Cedrus spp. The CR and MR populations of both species were found to be only slightly separated from one another by a geographical barrier. Low genetic diversity and dominance of N. parvum and D. sapinea on non‐native trees suggests that these species have most likely been introduced into Western Balkans, possibly through the movement of infected plants.
Modelling the residual strength of fatigue damage at a single semicircular edge notch: Semielliptical crack and through‐the‐thickness crack
Authors: Boljanović Slobodanka , Carpinteri Andrea
Published: January 2019

In the present paper, computational framework for fatigue performance analysis of a semicircular edge notch with a through‐the‐thickness crack or a semielliptical crack is discussed. The failure behaviour of such configurations is theoretically examined through the stress‐intensity analysis and residual life estimation. The stress field of a damaged notch configuration is herein investigated by employing analytical and numerical approaches. Further, a fracture mechanics–based methodology, developed for fatigue life assessment, is taking into account the crack growth model proposed by Huang and Moan in which the stress ratio is involved. The efficiency of the obtained fatigue damage assessments, related to the edge notch configurations, is verified through appropriate experimental observations.
Are Hope and Possibility Achievable in Prison?
Authors: LIEBLING ALISON , LAWS BEN , LIEBER ELINOR , AUTY KATHERINE , SCHMIDT BETHANY E. , CREWE BEN , GARDOM JUDITH , KANT DEBORAH , MOREY MARTHA
Published: January 2019

There is both hope and frustration in this article. A recent research exercise in a prison found it to be inspirational in its ethos, relationships and mission. Prisoners talked passionately about their experiences in it and its impact on their personal development. But prisoners received very little resettlement support and things sometimes went wrong as soon as they were released, not because of any ‘moral failings’ on their part, but because they could not even navigate the journey ‘home’. It looked like everything we know cumulatively about ‘better prisons’, but its prisoners were failed as they transitioned out. More ‘tragic imagination’ is required in penal policy.
The role of internal migration in accessing a first job: A case study of Uganda
Authors: BOUTIN Delphine
Published: January 2019

Does experiencing internal migration hasten access to the labour market? This article studies the gap in length of transition to a first job between internal migrant and non‐migrant youth in Uganda. According to the specific context of this developing country, three transition starting points are considered: date of birth, minimum legal working age and school exit. Extended Cox proportional hazard models suggest that migrants experience shorter transitions. However, when excluding child labourers or measuring school‐to‐work transitions, significant gaps disappear. Decomposition of transition length gaps reveals the importance of observable and unobservable factors related in particular to area of origin, gender and access to education.
Evaluating the effectiveness of labour provisions in trade agreements: An analytical and methodological framework
Authors: AISSI Jonas , PEELS Rafael , SAMAAN Daniel
Published: January 2019

This article puts forward an analytical and methodological framework for examining the effectiveness of labour provisions in trade agreements, illustrated by indicative case studies. Developing the notion of capacity at three levels (state, civil society and firms), the authors differentiate between proximate outcomes (legal, institutional and political) and distant, socio‐economic outcomes (improving labour rights and working conditions). They thus consider labour provisions in trade agreements as a multifaceted “policy mix” to be evaluated through qualitative and/or quantitative methods, depending on the aspect of capacity that is of interest, and on the available data. Some policy recommendations are also provided.
Is the Education of Local Children Influenced by Living near a Refugee Camp? Evidence from Host Communities in Rwanda
Authors: Bilgili Özge , Loschmann Craig , Fransen Sonja , Siegel Melissa
Published: January 2019

This article studies the extent to which educational services and schooling outcomes of local children are influenced by the presence of a refugee camp in or near their community. Investigating Congolese refugees in Rwanda and relying on a mixed‐method approach, we examine schooling rates and access to school‐based feeding programmes in communities closer to and further away from three refugee camps. We conduct cohort analyses to compare the schooling outcomes of Rwandans residing at different distances from each of these camps. Our results highlight that children residing closer to the camps have better schooling outcomes and that locals residing closer to the camps have mostly positive views regarding the effects of refugees on local education. These results contribute to the literature on the effects of refugees on host communities and inform policy debates on how refugees need not be a “burden” if a long‐term vision shapes educational investments.
Talking across Borders: Successful Re‐entry in Different Strands of Re‐entry Literature
Authors: Lietaert Ine , Gorp Lore Van
Published: January 2019

The processes of re‐entering a society after an international move have been studied in several fields. In this article, we argue that the existing differences in conceptualizations of a “successful re‐entry” for different returning groups are created by particular social, political or theoretical ideas about mobility, which lead to biases in the understanding of re‐entry processes and influence support practices for returning groups. A critical analysis of the conceptualization of successful re‐entry of two extreme cases of returning people who both play to the interests of institutions that seek successful re‐entry, namely returned refugees and asylum seekers on the one hand and repatriates on the other, enables us to bring these assumptions to the fore. Our analysis reveals how the permeation of economic and spatial understanding and the absence of temporal and relational understanding distorts insights into re‐entry processes and creates blind spots in support practices for returning populations.
HOMA‐IR: An independent predictor of advanced liver fibrosis in nondiabetic non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Nakahara Takashi , Hyogo Hideyuki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Hara Tasuku , Tanaka Saiyu , Sumida Yoshio , Eguchi Yuichiro , Chayama Kazuaki , Nakajima Atsushi , Nishimoto Naoki , Kawada Norifumi ,   Japan Study Group of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim

Although non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in the general population, identifying patients with advanced fibrosis remains a challenge. We investigated whether the homeostasis model assessment parameter of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), an index of IR and one of the most important metabolic factors, is an independent predictive factor for advanced fibrosis in nondiabetic patients with NAFLD.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional multicenter study. We included 361 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD who had not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus: 175 (48%) were women and 48 (13%) had advanced fibrosis. We used simple random sampling; the sampling ratio of the estimation and validation groups was 7:3. A logistic model was constructed for both the estimation and validation groups. The explanatory variables were age ≥ 49 years, sex (women), body mass index ≥ 26.7 kg/m2, the presence of hypertension, presence of dyslipidemia, fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 98 mg/dL, fasting immune reactive insulin level ≥ 12.0 μU/mL, and HOMA‐IR ≥ 2.90. The median HOMA‐IR of the patients was 2.88 (interquartile range: 2.1–4.8).

Results

In the estimation group, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age, dyslipidemia, and HOMA‐IR were independent predictors of advanced fibrosis. In the validation group, only age and HOMA‐IR were found to be independent predictors of advanced fibrosis.

Conclusions

Homeostasis model assessment parameter of insulin resistance was an independent predictor of advanced liver fibrosis in nondiabetic patients with NAFLD. Given that most patients with NAFLD are nondiabetic, it is important to set goals with respect to improving IR to subsequently reduce liver fibrosis.
Immune evasion‐related extranodal large B‐cell lymphoma: A report of six patients with neoplastic PD‐L1‐positive extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Suzuki Yuka , Sakakibara Ayako , Shimada Kazuyuki , Shimada Satoko , Ishikawa Eri , Nakamura Shigeo , Kato Seiichi , Takahara Taishi , Asano Naoko , Satou Akira , Kohno Kei
Published: January 2019

We identified six patients with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐negative extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and immunohistochemical expression of PD‐L1 on their tumor cells by examining 283 DLBCL cases with the PD‐L1 SP142 clone between 2015 and 2017. They consisted of two men and four women with a median age of 71 years, and were examined in an autopsy (n = 1) and biopsies from the adrenal gland (n = 2), skin (n = 1), pelvic cavity (n = 1), and kidney (n = 1). All showed a monomorphic population of large transformed B‐cells leading to diagnoses of DLBCL with two intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) and one de novo CD5+ type and were featured by an invariable immunephenotype: CD3‐, CD20+, BCL‐2+, and MUM1+. In addition, CD5 and CD10 were each detected in one case. All cases expressed PD‐L1 on >10% to >90% of tumor cells, which was confirmed with two other PD‐L1 antibodies (E1J2J and 28‐8). Three untreated patients had a rapid, lethal clinical course within 7 months after diagnosis; while, the remaining three achieved complete remission after treatment and were alive at the last follow‐up. We suggest immune evasion‐related extranodal large B‐cell lymphoma should be recognized beyond the currently identified entities of IVLBCL and de novo CD5+ DLBCL.
A Study on a Sequential One‐Defender‐N‐Attacker Game
Authors: Xu Zhiheng , Zhuang Jun
Published: January 2019

Government usually faces threat from multiple attackers. However, in the literature, researchers often model attackers as one monolithic player who chooses whether to attack, how much investment to spend, and on which target, instead of treating multiple attackers as independent agents. This modeling strategy may potentially cause suboptimal defense investment if the attackers have vastly different interests and preferences and may not be combined as one in theory. In this article, we develop a sequential game with complete information. This model considers one defender explicitly dealing with multiple unmergeable attackers. Thorough numerical experiments are conducted using ratio and exponential contest success functions under different scenarios. The result is also contrasted with the corresponding single attacker model to study the effect of mishandling multiple attackers. The propositions and observations drawn from the numerical experiments provide insights for government decision making with a better understanding of the attackers' behavior.
Married women's labor supply and economic development: Evidence from Sri Lankan household data
Authors: Seneviratne Prathi
Published: January 2019

Women's labor supply in Sri Lanka has increased steadily since the early 1990s following economic reforms, but remains well below the level predicted by national income, a feature shared by a number of Asian and Latin American countries that have undergone similar reforms and economic growth. To understand the microeconomic determinants of women's work in Sri Lanka's growing economy, this paper estimates a binary‐choice model of married women's labor supply using household survey data spanning a 23‐year period. Decomposition and cohort analysis reveal that women have been drawn into the workforce through falling fertility rates, rising tertiary education, and declining income effects among younger generations, but other factors have undermined this positive trend. Educational attainment reduces married women's labor supply except at the tertiary level, consistent with social stigmas associated with married women in non‐white‐collar employment. The strict sectoral segregation of married women by education level supports this hypothesis. In addition, growth has been concentrated in low‐skilled sectors with self‐employment more prevalent, reducing employment prospects of educated women and prompting their labor force withdrawal. This suggests it is the structure of economic development, rather than speed, that matters for women's labor force activity.
A grey wolf optimizer–cellular automata integrated model for urban growth simulation and optimization
Authors: Cao Min , Huang Mengxue , Xu Ruqi , Lü Guonian , Chen Min
Published: January 2019

This article proposes a grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and cellular automata (CA) integrated model for the simulation and spatial optimization of urban growth. A new grey wolf‐inspired approach is put forward to determine the urban growth rules of CA cells by using the GWO algorithm, which is suitable for solving optimization problems. The inspiration for GWO comes from the social leadership of wolf groups, as well as their hunting behavior. The GWO‐optimized urban growth rules for CA describe the relationship between the spatial variables and the urban land‐use status for each cell in the formation of “if–then.” The GWO algorithm and CA model are then integrated as the GWO–CA model for urban growth simulation and optimization. By taking Nanjing City as an example, the simulation accuracy in terms of urban cells is 86.6%, and the kappa coefficient is 0.715, indicating that the GWO algorithm is efficient at obtaining urban growth rules from spatial variables. The validation of the GWO–CA model also illustrates that it performs well in terms of the simulation and spatial optimization of urban growth, and can further contribute to urban planning and management.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: January 2019

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 4 Andrzej Niemiec, Poznań University of Economics and Business, PolandAshford Chea, Benedict College, USAFábio Albergaria de Queiroz, Catholic University of Brasília, BrazilFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoHung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, ChinaIulia Cristina Muresan, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaJason Caudill, King University, USAJulia Stefanova, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BulgariaLucie Andreisová, University of Economics in Prague, CzechMichael Okoche, University of South Africa, UgandaMike Rayner, University of Portsmouth, UKOzgur Demirtas, Inonu University, TurkeyRocsana Tonis, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, TurkeyZoran Mastilo, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina         Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Mechanisms of postsynaptic localization of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and their regulation during long-term potentiation
Authors: Buonarati Olivia R. , Hammes Erik A. , Watson Jake F. , Greger Ingo H. , Hell Johannes W.
Published: January 2019

Postsynaptic anchoring of AMPA receptors determines synaptic strength as related to learning.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 268 Isolated from a Patient with a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Voegtly Logan J. , Rice Gregory K. , Cer Regina Z. , Frey Kenneth G. , Biswas Biswajit , Hamilton Theron , Aslam Saima , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A.
Published: January 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is known to cause persistent bloodstream infections associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Here, we present the high-quality draft genome assembly for a clinical isolate,
P. aeruginosa
268.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Lantibiotic-Producing Strain Streptococcus salivarius HS0302
Authors: Geng Mengxin , Deng Peng , Mire Timothy , Austin Frank , Smith Leif
Published: January 2019

Streptococcus salivarius
is a prevalent commensal species of human oral mucosal surfaces.
S. salivarius
strain HS0302 produces the type AII lantibiotic salivaricin A2. Here, we report its draft genome sequence, revealing its potential to produce a variety of bacteriocins.
Draft Genome Sequences of Azole-Resistant and Azole-Susceptible Aspergillus turcosus Clinical Isolates Recovered from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Samples
Authors: Parent-Michaud Maxime , Dufresne Philippe J. , Fournier Éric , Martineau Christine , Moreira Sandrine , Perkins Vincent , de Repentigny Louis , Dufresne Simon F.
Published: January 2019

We present the draft genome sequences of two clinical strains of
Aspergillus turcosus
, one azole-susceptible (strain HMR-AF-23/LSPQ-01275) and the other azole-resistant (strain HMR-AF-1038/LSPQ-01280), isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of two adult patients. These two strains are the first reported clinical isolates of
A. turcosus
.
Genome Sequences of Three
Microbacterium
Phages Isolated from Flowers
Authors: Iles Kerry S. , Zack Kira M. , Betsko Alyssa J. , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Fetters Andrea , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Ashman Tia-Lynn , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: January 2019

Bacteriophages Balsa, Golden, and Lucky3 are cluster EA phages isolated from flowers and infect
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL B-24224. The genomes of Golden and Lucky3 (subcluster EA1) are closely related, whereas Balsa (subcluster EA4) is a more distant relative.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis 5RB, an Overproducer of 2,3-Butanediol
Authors: Petrova Penka , Velikova Petya , Petrov Kaloyan
Published: January 2019

Bacillus velezensis
5RB is capable of producing large amounts of 2,3-butanediol. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the strain contains one circular chromosome of 3.91 Mbp without plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Novonestmycin-Producing Strain Streptomyces sp. Z26, Isolated from Potato Rhizosphere in Morocco
Authors: Buchmann Anina , Cano-Prieto Carolina , Nafis Ahmed , Barakate Mustapha , Baz Mohamed , Hassani Lahcen , Ortlieb Nico , Niedermeyer Timo H. J. , Gross Harald
Published: January 2019

Streptomyces
sp. strain Z26 exhibited antifungal activity and turned out to be a producer of the secondary metabolites novonestmycin A and B. The 6.5-Mb draft genome gives insight into the complete secondary metabolite production capacity and builds the basis to find and locate the biosynthetic gene cluster encoding the novonestmycins.
Genomic Sequence of the Prophage-Free Lactococcus lactis Strain IL6288
Authors: Bolotin Alexander , Aucouturier Anne , Sorokin Alexei , Bidnenko Elena
Published: January 2019

We report here the genome sequence of IL6288, a prophage-free derivative of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
strain IL1403, and confirm precise deletion of all prophages.
Dome-shaped macula: a potential protective factor for visual acuity after cataract surgery in patients with high myopia
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , He Wenwen , Zhang Shaohua , Rong Xianfang , Fan Qi , Lu Yi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate whether the presence of dome-shaped macula (DSM) is a protective factor for visual acuity after cataract surgery in patients with high myopia.

Methods

Included were 891 highly myopic cataract eyes (600 patients) that were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) through the central fovea and underwent cataract surgery in our hospital. DSM was defined as an inward bulge >50 µm in horizontal or vertical OCT sections. The incidences of various maculopathies were compared between eyes with and those without DSM. The influences of age, sex, eye laterality, axial length and DSM on postoperative visual acuity were evaluated by multivariate linear regression.

Results

Of the 891 eyes, 123 (13.8%) had DSM. There was a greater association of DSM with extrafoveal retinoschisis (RS) than with other vision-threatening complications such as foveal RS and choroidal neovascularisation. In addition to axial length and age, sex was associated with the presence of DSM (p=0.016). In bilateral high myopia, the incidence of DSM increased with the degree of anisometropia and was more common in the longer eye of patients with anisometropia. Younger age, male sex, shorter axial length and the presence of DSM were associated with better postoperative visual acuity in highly myopic cataract eyes (β=0.124, p=0.002; β=0.142, p<0.001; β=0.275, p<0.001 and β=−0.088, p=0.038, respectively).

Conclusion

Associated with fewer visual threatening macular complications, presence of DSM may be a protective factor for visual function after cataract surgery in highly myopic eyes.
Utilization rates of tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke and underlying malignancy
Authors: Rinaldo Lorenzo , Cloft Harry J , Rangel Castilla Leonardo , Rabinstein Alejandro A , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: January 2019

Objective

Relatively little is known about the effect of malignancy on patient outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or utilization rates of stroke interventions in this population. We aimed to assess the effect of underlying malignancy on outcomes and treatment of AIS at a population level.

Methods

Outcomes after AIS between patients with and without malignancy were compared using a national database of hospital reported outcomes.

Results

There were 351 institutions reporting the outcomes of 3 18 127 admissions for AIS. Of these admissions, 16 141 patients carried a pre-existing diagnosis of malignancy at the time of admission. Administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) was less common in patients with malignancy compared with patients without malignancy (7.3% vs 10.7%; P<0.001) but there was no difference in the rate of mechanical thrombectomy (3.1% vs 3.1%; P=0.967). Mortality rates were higher among patients with malignancy (7.1% vs 3.7%; P<0.001), a relationship which persisted when analysis was restricted to patients receiving IV tPA (10.8% vs 6.1%; P<0.001) or thrombectomy (20.3% vs 13.5%; P<0.001). Rates of both IV tPA administration (2.5% vs 10.5%; P<0.001) and mechanical thrombectomy (2.1% vs 5.4%; P<0.001) were lower in patients with brain malignancy relative to patients with malignancy of non-CNS origin.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of malignancy on admission for acute stroke was associated with a higher rate of mortality. Malignancy was also associated with a lower rate of IV tPA administration but no difference in mechanical thrombectomy utilization.
Respiratory motoneuron properties during the transition from gill to lung breathing in the American bullfrog
Authors: Janes Tara A. , Fournier Stéphanie , Chamberland Simon , Funk Gregory D. , Kinkead Richard
Published: January 2019

Amphibian respiratory development involves a dramatic metamorphic transition from gill to lung breathing and coordination of distinct motor outputs. To determine whether the emergence of adult respiratory motor patterns was associated with similarly dramatic changes in motoneuron (MN) properties, we characterized the intrinsic electrical properties of American bullfrog trigeminal MNs innervating respiratory muscles comprising the buccal pump. In premetamorphic tadpoles (TK stages IX–XVIII) and adult frogs, morphometric analyses and whole cell recordings were performed in trigeminal MNs identified by fluorescent retrograde labeling. Based on the amplitude of the depolarizing sag induced by hyperpolarizing voltage steps, two MN subtypes (I and II) were identified in tadpoles and adults. Compared with type II MNs, type I MNs had larger sag amplitudes (suggesting a larger hyperpolarization-activated inward current), greater input resistance, lower rheobase, hyperpolarized action potential threshold, steeper frequency-current relationships, and fast firing rates and received fewer excitatory postsynaptic currents. Postmetamorphosis, type I MNs exhibited similar sag, enhanced postinhibitory rebound, and increased action potential amplitude with a smaller-magnitude fast afterhyperpolarization. Compared with tadpoles, type II MNs from frogs received higher-frequency, larger-amplitude excitatory postsynaptic currents. Input resistance decreased and rheobase increased postmetamorphosis in all MNs, concurrent with increased soma area and hyperpolarized action potential threshold. We suggest that type I MNs are likely recruited in response to smaller, buccal-related synaptic inputs as well as larger lung-related inputs, whereas type II MNs are likely recruited in response to stronger synaptic inputs associated with larger buccal breaths, lung breaths, or nonrespiratory behaviors involving powerful muscle contractions.
Functionally distinct language and Theory of Mind networks are synchronized at rest and during language comprehension
Authors: Paunov Alexander M. , Blank Idan A. , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: January 2019

Communication requires the abilities to generate and interpret utterances and to infer the beliefs, desires, and goals of others (“Theory of Mind”; ToM). These two abilities have been shown to dissociate: individuals with aphasia retain the ability to think about others’ mental states; and individuals with autism are impaired in social reasoning, but their basic language processing is often intact. In line with this evidence from brain disorders, functional MRI (fMRI) studies have shown that linguistic and ToM abilities recruit distinct sets of brain regions. And yet, language is a social tool that allows us to share thoughts with one another. Thus, the language and ToM brain networks must share information despite being implemented in distinct neural circuits. Here, we investigated potential interactions between these networks during naturalistic cognition using functional correlations in fMRI. The networks were functionally defined in individual participants, in terms of preference for sentences over nonwords for language, and for belief inference over physical-event processing for ToM, with both a verbal and a nonverbal paradigm. Although, across experiments, interregion correlations within each network were higher than between-network correlations, we also observed above-baseline synchronization of blood oxygenation level-dependent signal fluctuations between the two networks during rest and story comprehension. This synchronization was functionally specific: neither network was synchronized with the executive control network (functionally defined in terms of preference for a harder over easier version of an executive task). Thus, coordination between the language and ToM networks appears to be an inherent and specific characteristic of their functional architecture.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans differ from nonhuman primates in their abilities to communicate linguistically and to infer others’ mental states. Although linguistic and social abilities appear to be interlinked onto- and phylogenetically, they are dissociated in the adult human brain. Yet successful communication requires language and social reasoning to work in concert. Using functional MRI, we show that language regions are synchronized with social regions during rest and language comprehension, pointing to a possible mechanism for internetwork interaction.
A Forgotten Cause of Allergy at ER That Is Still Difficult to Diagnose and Treat at Poor Resource Setting: Angioedema after Using Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors for 4 Years
Authors: Nishad A. A. Nilanga , Arulmoly K. , Priyankara S. A. S. , Abeysundara P. K.
Published: January 2019

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are the most commonly used antihypertensives. Therefore, ACEI induced angioedema (ACEi-AE) is not uncommon. Physicians tend to miss the diagnosis whenever a patient is taking the drug for years due to misbelief of “a drug that was taken for years may not be the cause for an allergic reaction or an angioedema”. But ACEi can induce angioedema after many years of usage as well as sometimes after stopping the drug even. Most of the emergency physicians and centers are not aware of clinical diagnosis and diagnostic criteria including available diagnostic tests and more importantly the treatment options of ACEi-AE. Therefore not only the diagnosis is delayed or missing but also proper treatment options are not practiced at many emergency rooms and at wards.
Robust Controllability and Observability of Boolean Control Networks under Different Disturbances
Authors: Wang Yuanhua , Zhang Xiao , Hao Yaqi
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates robust controllability and observability of Boolean control networks under disturbances. Firstly, under unobservable disturbances, some sufficient conditions are obtained for robust controllability of BCNs. Then an algorithm is proposed to construct the least control sequences which drive the trajectory from a state to a given reachable state. If the disturbances are observable, by defining the order‐preserving system, an efficient sufficient condition is obtained for robust controllability of BCNs. Finally, the robust observability problem is converted into an equivalent robust controllability via set controllability and is solved by using the results obtained for set controllability. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the obtained results.
Decomposition of Bis(N-benzyl-salicydenaminato)zinc (II) Complex for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles to Fabricate ZnO-Chitosan Nanocomposite for the Removal of Iron (II) Ions from Wastewater
Authors: Xaba Thokozani , Mongwai Patli Phillia , Lesaoana Mahadi
Published: January 2019

The whole world is faced with a huge challenge of the shortage of clean water due to industrialization and the intimidation of climate change. Poor water quality distresses many areas of human’s well-being. Although there are existing technologies for water treatments, many of these methods utilize toxic substances which create more problems into the environment. The preparation of bis(N-benzyl-salicydenaminato)zinc (II) complex and the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via the thermal decomposition of zinc complex together with the fabrication of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites for the removal of iron (II) ions from wastewater is reported. The optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles showed band edges that are red-shifted in wavelengths when the decomposition temperature was increased. The XRD patterns displayed the hexagonal ZnO phase for the synthesized nanoparticles. TEM images revealed spherical-shaped particles which became agglomerated when the temperature was increased. The parameters such as pH, contact time, and initial concentration were investigated during the water treatment. The pH = 6 was found to be optimum, and the highest percentage removal was recovered after three hours for both adsorbents.