bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric characteristics of older persons with medically unexplained symptoms: A comparison with older patients suffering from medically explained symptoms
Authors: Hanssen D. J. C. , van Driel T. J. W. , Hilderink P. H. , Benraad C. E. M. , Naarding P. , Olde Hartman T. C. , Lucassen P. L. B. J. , Oude Voshaar R. C.
Published: May 2020

Background.

Empirical studies on the clinical characteristics of older persons with medically unexplained symptoms are limited to uncontrolled pilot studies. Therefore, we aim to examine the psychiatric characteristics of older patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) compared to older patients with medically explained symptoms (MES), also across healthcare settings.

Methods.

A case–control study including 118 older patients with MUS and 154 older patients with MES. To include patients with various developmental and severity stages, patients with MUS were recruited in the community (n = 12), primary care (n = 77), and specialized healthcare (n = 29). Psychopathology was assessed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and by dimensional measures (e.g., psychological distress, hypochondriasis, and depressive symptoms).

Results.

A total of 69/118 (58.5%) patients with MUS met the criteria for a somatoform disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, with the highest proportion among patients recruited in specialized healthcare settings (p = 0.008). Patients with MUS had a higher level of psychological distress and hypochondriasis compared to patients with MES. Although psychiatric disorders (beyond somatoform disorders) were more frequently found among patients with MUS compared to patients with MES (42.4 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.008), this difference disappeared when adjusted for age, sex, and level of education (odds ratio = 1.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.0], p = 0.070).

Conclusions.

Although psychological distress is significantly higher among older patients with MUS compared to those with MES, psychiatric comorbidity rates hardly differ between both patient groups. Therefore, treatment of MUS in later life should primarily focus on reducing psychological distress, irrespective of the healthcare setting patients are treated in.
Outcomes of BRAF V600E Pediatric Gliomas Treated With Targeted BRAF Inhibition
Authors: Nobre Liana , Zapotocky Michal , Ramaswamy Vijay , Ryall Scott , Bennett Julie , Alderete Daniel , Balaguer Guill Julia , Baroni Lorena , Bartels Ute , Bavle Abhishek , Bornhorst Miriam , Boue Daniel R. , Canete Adela , Chintagumpala Murali , Coven Scott L. , Cruz Ofelia , Dahiya Sonika , Dirks Peter , Dunkel Ira J. , Eisenstat David , Faure Conter Cecile , Finch Elizabeth , Finlay Jonathan L. , Frappaz Didier , Garre Maria Luisa , Gauvain Karen , Bechensteen Anne Grete , Hansford Jordan R. , Harting Inga , Hauser Peter , Hazrati Lili-Naz , Huang Annie , Injac Sarah G. , Iurilli Valentina , Karajannis Matthias , Kaur Gurcharanjeet , Kyncl Martin , Krskova Lenka , Laperriere Normand , Larouche Valerie , Lassaletta Alvaro , Leary Sarah , Lin Frank , Mascelli Samantha , McKeown Tara , Milde Till , Morales La Madrid Andres , Morana Giovanni , Morse Helena , Mushtaq Naureen , Osorio Diana S. , Packer Roger , Pavelka Zdenek , Quiroga-Cantero Eduardo , Rutka James , Sabel Magnus , Salgado Duarte , Solano Palma , Sterba Jaroslav , Su Jack , Sumerauer David , Taylor Michael D. , Toledano Helen , Tsang Derek S. , Valente Fernandes Mariana , van Landeghem Frank , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Wilson Bev , Witt Olaf , Zamecnik Josef , Bouffet Eric , Hawkins Cynthia , Tabori Uri
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

Children with pediatric gliomas harboring a BRAF V600E mutation have poor outcomes with current chemoradiotherapy strategies. Our aim was to study the role of targeted BRAF inhibition in these tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected clinical, imaging, molecular, and outcome information from patients with BRAF V600E–mutated glioma treated with BRAF inhibition across 29 centers from multiple countries.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were treated with BRAF inhibition (pediatric low-grade gliomas [PLGGs], n = 56; pediatric high-grade gliomas [PHGGs], n = 11) for up to 5.6 years. Objective responses were observed in 80% of PLGGs, compared with 28% observed with conventional chemotherapy ( P < .001). These responses were rapid (median, 4 months) and sustained in 86% of tumors up to 5 years while receiving therapy. After discontinuation of BRAF inhibition, 76.5% (13 of 17) of patients with PLGG experienced rapid progression (median, 2.3 months). However, upon rechallenge with BRAF inhibition, 90% achieved an objective response. Poor prognostic factors in conventional therapies, such as concomitant homozygous deletion of CDKN2A, were not associated with lack of response to BRAF inhibition. In contrast, only 36% of those with PHGG responded to BRAF inhibition, with all but one tumor progressing within 18 months. In PLGG, responses translated to 3-year progression-free survival of 49.6% (95% CI, 35.3% to 69.5%) versus 29.8% (95% CI, 20% to 44.4%) for BRAF inhibition versus chemotherapy, respectively ( P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Use of BRAF inhibition results in robust and durable responses in BRAF V600E–mutated PLGG. Prospective studies are required to determine long-term survival and functional outcomes with BRAF inhibitor therapy in childhood gliomas.
V-ATPase subunit B plays essential roles in the molting process of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Hou Xin , Chen Xiaowen , Yang He , Yue Wucheng , Wang Jun , Han Hua , Wang Chenghui
Published: May 2020

Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is a proton pump driven by ATP hydrolysis, and it plays important roles in numerous biological processes, such as protein degradation and synthesis, cell growth, and cell autophagy. The V-ATPase subunit B (VATB) is a conservative and regulatory subunit required for ATP hydrolysis during proton pumping. The VATB of E. sinensis (EsVATB), which includes an open reading frame (ORF) length of 1467 bp encoding 489 amino acids, was cloned to unveil the biological function of VATB during the molting process of crustaceans. Spatial and temporal expression profiles showed that EsVATB was highly expressed in the posterior gill accompanied with the highest osmotic pressure in the premolt (PrM) stage. Meanwhile, the highest expression level of EsVATB was identified in the hepatopancreas and heart during the postmolt stage and epidermis in the intermolt stage, indicating that EsVATB may perform diverse biological functions in different tissues during the molting process. The individual crabs in the interference group showed a high mortality rate (74%) and a low molting rate (26%) and failed to form a new epicuticle in the PrM stage. Meanwhile, a significant difference in osmotic pressure was identified between the interference and control groups. Our results indicate that EsVATB is an indispensable functional gene that may participate in osmoregulation and help with the new epicuticle formation during the molting process of E. sinensis.
Trends and factors associated with long-acting reversible contraception in Kenya
Authors: Kungu Wambui , Khasakhala Anne , Agwanda Alfred
Published: May 2020

Background: Kenya has 12 million female adolescents and youths aged 10-34 years whose reproductive behavior will determine the growth and size of its population for the next decade. The anticipated momentum of births can be slowed by the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods as they are more effective, need no user adherence, and hence have no risk of incorrect or inconsistent use. However, in spite of the many health and social benefits, LARC is underutilized because of myths and misconceptions. Kenya is in the ultimate decade towards Vision 2030 and investing in LARC can save costs of health care and accelerate the achievement of the development goal. The objective of this study was to establish factors associated with LARC use, with a view of establishing the potential for increasing demand.

Methods: The study was national and used secondary data from the three waves of the Kenya Demographic Health Survey from 2003, 2008/09 and 2014 in a sample of all women of reproductive age who reported currently using modern contraceptive methods at the time of interview. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was employed to profile and examine LARC users.

Results: LARC use was low but picking up rapidly, especially among contraceptive users of higher social economic status in a major shift between 2008/09 and 2014. Consistent factors that influenced its use were age, wealth, and number of living children, while education and residence were of influence some of the time.

Conclusions: There is huge unexploited potential for more LARC uptake based on the identified predictors of its use. Scaling up of LARC uptake is critical to deal with issues of poor user adherence, incorrect and inconsistent use, and method failure that characterize short-acting contraception, resulting in increased unintended pregnancies, incidences of unsafe abortions and maternal and infant mortality.
The Effect of Monetary Policy on Bank Wholesale Funding
Authors: Choi Dong Beom , Choi Hyun-Soo
Published: May 2020

We study how monetary policy affects the funding composition of the banking sector. When monetary tightening reduces the supply of retail deposits, banks attempt to substitute wholesale funding for deposit outflows to smooth their lending. Because of financial frictions, banks have varying degrees of access to wholesale funding. Therefore, large banks, or those with greater reliance on wholesale funding, increase their wholesale funding more. Consequently, monetary tightening increases both the reliance on and the concentration of wholesale funding within the banking sector. Our findings also suggest that liquidity requirements could bolster monetary policy transmission through the bank lending channel.

This paper was accepted by Tyler Shumway, finance.
Unfiltered Market Access and Liquidity: Evidence from the SEC Rule 15c3-5
Authors: Chakrabarty Bidisha , Jain Pankaj K. , Shkilko Andriy , Sokolov Konstantin
Published: May 2020

In November 2011, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission implemented the final provision of Rule 15c3-5 curbing unfiltered market access. The provision mandated that brokers verify their clients’ order flow for compliance with credit and capital thresholds before routing to market centers. We find that the new checks introduce latency to order flow and force some latency-sensitive strategies out of the market. As a result, liquidity providers are better able to revise their quotes in response to new information, adverse selection declines, and liquidity improves. Consistent with the notion that the market for liquidity provision is competitive, our results show that the benefit of lower adverse selection is transferred entirely to liquidity demanders in the form of lower trading costs.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
Real and Nominal Equilibrium Yield Curves
Authors: Hsu Alex , Li Erica X. N. , Palomino Francisco
Published: May 2020

This paper quantitatively explores the role of external habits, nominal rigidities, and monetary policy for real and nominal bond yields in an asset-pricing endogenous growth model. The calibration captures the reported average positive slopes of U.S. real and nominal yield curves with sizable positive real and nominal bond risk premia. Habits are critical to generate positive real premia by altering the comovement of real rates and productivity shocks. Nominal rigidities generate monetary policy effects on real bonds. Stronger policy rule inflation responses or weaker output responses increase real term premia and reduce inflation risk premia. Relative to standard models, the paper provides an alternative interpretation of real and nominal bond risks.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.
Approaches for Developing Generic Skills in Building Technology Graduates for Global Competitiveness
Authors: Oviawe Jane Itohan , Uwameiye R.
Published: May 2020

The need to inculcate generic skills into graduates to meet the demands of the ever dynamic workplace has been of concern to stakeholders in education and the world of work. This concept of a global competitiveness, and generic skills were reviewed and discussed. This paper also examined the importance of generic skills; and factors influencing generic skills development among graduates were highlighted. This factors calls for different approaches and shift in pedagogy in developing generic skills for global competitiveness which include: change in instructional delivery, from the traditional method of instruction to cooperative learning model. It also involves integration and contextualized learning, creating world class spaces for learning, enhanced utilization of technology and inclusive learning and teaching environment for producing global workers in building technology.
Development of Learning Devices of Basic Electronic Virtual Laboratory Based on PSPICE Software
Authors: Muchlas Muchlas , Budiastuti Pramudita
Published: May 2020

The availability of modules to support basic electronic practices based on virtual laboratories has not yet met the needs. The purpose of this development research is to produce basic electronic practice learning devices based on the PSPICE application program. The development procedure uses ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation). ADDIE is used to direct the design process as specified. Product performance was tested using ongoing formative evaluation. The product feasibility test uses a comparative analysis of the results of the PSPICE experiment against the theory. The results show that all modules developed can display the same characteristics as their theoretical character. The results show that the modules have very good performance. Modules are suitable for use as a medium for basic electronic practice using PSPICE-based virtual laboratories. The products are in the form of electronic circuits with 31 schematic PSPICE formats. Product results to support basic electronic practices covering topics: capacitor filling and discharging, RC circuits, diode characteristics, wave forming circuits, rectifier circuits, voltage clamp, voltage circuits, transistor characteristics, and amplifier transistor.
Automotive Vocational High School: How Career Guidance and Parents Support Impact the Students’ Work Readiness
Authors: Purnawan Purnawan , Santosa Budi , Kurniawan Arief
Published: May 2020

This study aims to determine the contributions of career guidance and parents support to the vocational high school students' work readiness. This research is survey. The sampling technique used a proportional random sampling method. The data collection used the questionnaire method to obtain career guidance data, support parents, and students’ work readiness. The data analysis included descriptive analysis, prerequisite analysis including normality test, linearity test, and multi-collinearity test, and multiple analysis with F-test, determination test, and partial correlation analysis. The results showed that (1) career guidance and parents’ support influenced positively and significantly to work readiness of vocational students, (2) career guidance influenced positively and significantly to work readiness of students in vocational school, and (3) the parental support influenced positively and significantly on work readiness of students in vocational high schools.
Does the location of short-arm cast univalve effect pressure of the three-point mould?
Authors: Montgomery Blake K. , Perrone Kenneth H. , Yang Su , Segovia Nicole A. , Rinsky Lawrence , Pugh Carla M. , Frick Steven L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Forearm and distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures in children. Many fractures are definitively treated with closed reduction and casting, however, the risk for re-displacement is high (7% to 39%). Proper cast application and the three-point moulding technique are modifiable factors that improve the ability of a cast to maintain the fracture reduction. Many providers univalve the cast to accommodate swelling. This study describes how the location of the univalve cut impacts the pressure at three-point mould sites for a typical dorsally displaced distal radius fracture.

Methods

We placed nine force-sensing resistors on an arm model to collect pressure data at the three-point mould sites. Sensory inputs were sampled at 15 Hz. Cast padding and a three-point moulded short arm fibreglass cast was applied. The cast was then univalved on the dorsal, volar, radial or ulnar aspect. Pressure recordings were obtained throughout the procedure.

Results

A total of 24 casts were analyzed. Casts univalved in the sagittal plane (dorsal or volar surface) retained up to 16% more pressure across the three moulding sites compared with casts univalved in the coronal plane (radial or ulnar border).

Conclusion

Maintaining pressure at the three-point mould prevents loss of reduction at the fracture site. This study shows that univalving the cast dorsally or volarly results in less pressure loss at moulding sites. This should improve the chances of maintaining fracture reductions when compared with radial or ulnar cuts in the cast. Sagittal plane univalving of forearm casts is recommended.
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of distal-alluvial and lacustrine deposits of the western-central Ebro Basin (NE Iberia) reflecting the onset of the middle Miocene Climatic Optimum
Authors: Larena Z. , Arenas C. , Baceta J.I. , Murelaga X. , Suarez-Hernando O.
Published: May 2020

Stratigraphic and sedimentological study of distal alluvial and lacustrine deposits in the Plana de la Negra-Sancho Abarca area (western-central Ebro Basin, NE Iberia) within the early and middle Miocene allows five main lithofacies to be characterized and mapped within two tectosedimentary units, construction of a sedimentary facies model and discussion on allogenic controls on sedimentation. In this area, the boundary between tectosedimentary units T5 and T6 appears to be conformable and is marked by the change from dominant clastics to carbonates. Correlation of the studied outcrops with nearby sections that already had magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data allows the studied succession to be dated from C5Dr to C5Cn (Burdigalian-Langhian), placing the boundary T5/T6 at ca. 16.1-16.05Ma. Seven vertical facies sequences document deposition of distal alluvial clastics and palustrine and lacustrine carbonates. Sandstones and mudstones represent low-sinuosity channels and lateral and terminal splays by unconfined flows runnig across the alluvial plain, associated to the Pyrenean-derived Luna fluvial system. The carbonates contain charophytes, ostracods, bivalves and gastropods, indicating deposition in 2-4m deep lakes. Laminated carbonate facies record reworking of shore carbonates and the influx fine-siliciclastic sediment offshore. Abundant bioturbation and desiccation features indicate episodic submergence and subaerial exposure. Four main episodes of alluvial and associated palustrine/lacustrine facies belt shifts are identified. Alluvial deposition in the studied T5 unit is related to low lake level conditions, rather than to a Pyrenean uplift. The maximum extent of the freshwater carbonates occur at the base of unit T6. This is consistent with conditions of increasing humidity of the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum.
Indoor daylighting using Fresnel lens solar-concentrator-based hybrid cylindrical luminaire for illumination and water heating
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Kumar Dubey Atul , Kumar Virendra , Singh Mehta Dalip
Published: May 2020

Abundant availability of sunlight during daytime and the broad spectrum of solar energy has attracted much attention from researchers. The photometric parameters of sunlight such as color coordinates, color rendering index, and color temperature are most appropriate for human vision as compared to artificial light sources. This is due to the fact that visible portion of sunlight is almost uniform and matches perfectly with the human eye sensitivity curve. Further, it is well known that sunlight also has great health benefits. To exploit these advantages, we have developed a solar concentrator system based on a large Fresnel lens and a light guide to transport sunlight indoors. The infrared portion of solar energy is utilized for water heating, and the visible portion of sunlight is transmitted via a plastic optical fiber (POF) bundle which guides sunlight into the rooms. One end of the POF is coupled with a light guide, and another end is coupled with a cylindrical rod-shaped luminaire made up of acrylic. POFs are low cost, flexible, and easily available compared to glass fibers, and therefore are generally used for transporting sunlight indoors. However, the spectral profile of transmitted sunlight does not remain uniform in the visible portion while propagating via long POF. To achieve optimum spectral profile, a blue LED is ingrooved into the cylindrical luminaire. The design of the system, experimental details, thermal efficiency, and photometric parameters such as color coordinates, illuminance, optical efficiency, and spectrum of indoor lighting are reported. The proposed hybrid system will reduce the requirement of electricity consumption during the daytime, improve indoor illumination quality, and be useful for sustainable development.
Towards cavity-free ground-state cooling of an acoustic-frequency silicon nitride membrane
Authors: Pluchar Christian M. , Agrawal Aman R. , Schenk Edward , Wilson Dalziel J.
Published: May 2020

We demonstrate feedback cooling of a millimeter-scale, 40 kHz SiN membrane from room temperature to 5 mK (3000 phonons) using a Michelson interferometer, and discuss the challenges to ground-state cooling without an optical cavity. This advance appears within reach of current membrane technology, positioning it as a compelling alternative to levitated systems for quantum sensing and fundamental weak force measurements.
On special relativistic effects via classical physics
Authors: Woodruff Robert A.
Published: May 2020

We present an analytic study of light propagation in a simple Michelson–Morley interferometer as observed by inertial observers to understand any connections among classical physics, optical physics, and special relativity. To that end, we develop coordinate transformations of wave propagation as observed in inertial frames (i.e., non-accelerating reference frames). We find that relativistic and other effects appear naturally as a result of finite light speed. Such effects include wavefront tilt relative to the normal of energy flow with the wavefront normal tilting relative to the Poynting vector.
Experimental observation of three-dimensional non-paraxial accelerating beams
Authors: Li L. , Jiang Y. , Jiang P. , Li X. , Qiu Y. , Jia P. , Pi Z. , Hu Y. , Chen Z. , Xu J.
Published: May 2020

We experimentally realize three-dimensional non-paraxial accelerating beams associated with different coordinate systems. They are obtained by Fourier transforming a phase-modulated wave front in an aberration-compensated system. The phase pattern is encoded to include the phase and amplitude modulation for the accelerating beams with additional correction phase for the aberration compensation. These beams propagate along a circular trajectory, but they exhibit rather complex intensity patterns corresponding to the shape-invariant solutions in parabolic, prolate spheroidal and oblate spheroidal coordinate systems.
Optical quantum frequency filter based on generalized eigenstates
Authors: Ju Chia-Yi , Chou Ming-Hsun , Chen Guang-Yin , Chen Yueh-Nan
Published: May 2020

Bound eigenstates and generalized eigenstates (scattering eigenstates) are two kinds of eigenstates in quantum mechanics. In this work, we first introduce a systematic way to regularize a generalized eigenstates by using the Wick rotation. The states that can be regularized are, in fact, Gamow states since they form poles in the scattering matrix but not localized before the Wick rotation. We then demonstrate an example where a bosonic field interacting with an array of two level systems can have Gamow states with positive real eigenenergies, and the scattering spectrum diverges at the eigenenergy. Since the eigenenergies of this kind locate in a real continuous scattering spectrum, from the scattering matrix point of view, these states resemble the bound states in the continuum (BIC). Unlike BIC, however, these states are non-localized in space and possess the frequency-filtering nature which may lead to potential applications in tunable quantum frequency filters for scattering states.
Phase unwrapping based on adaptive image in-painting of fringe patterns in measuring gear tooth flanks by laser interferometry
Authors: Wang Xian , Fang Suping , Zhu Xindong , Kou Ke , Liu Yun , Jiao Mingxing
Published: May 2020

Phase unwrapping in regions of abnormal fringes remains an unresolved issue. In this paper, we present an approach that combines an image-inpainting strategy based on an adaptive window which is obtained according to the density and orientation of fringe patterns and a quality-guided algorithm for phase unwrapping. First, a threshold is set to a quality map to detect the target region. Second, the target region is filled with new phase values by the adaptive image-inpainting method. Then, a quality-guided phase unwrapping algorithm is applied to this newly generated wrapped phase map. Finally, postprocessing of the unwrapped result is performed. The method is validated through several simulation and experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective in the presence of abnormal fringes.
Fabrication and characterization of machined multi-core fiber tweezers for single cell manipulation: erratum
Authors: Anastasiadi Georgia , Leonard Mark , Paterson Lynn , Macpherson William N.
Published: May 2020

We have found an error in our work reported in [Opt. Express 26(3), 3557 (2018)], which we correct in this erratum. We used incorrect data for the experimentally measured values of power of the fibre trap and power of the conventional optical tweezers (OT) used to ‘break’ the fibre trap. Using the correct data, Ffibre and Q (force and quality) of the multicore fibre tweezer are re-calculated. In this erratum, we communicate the correct values of Ffibre and Q and publish a revised Fig. 7 that contains results based on the correct data. Based on the revised result, two statements, in the abstract and conclusions, are also revised. The fabrication method, technique and general conclusion remain unaffected.
Packaged Graphene Photodetectors with 50 GHz RF bandwidth operating at 1550 nm and 2 µm wavelength
Authors: Hepgüler Galip Reha , Madani Abbas , Wagner Stefan , Schall Daniel
Published: May 2020

In this demonstration we show packaged graphene photodetectors operating at 1550 nm and 2 µm wavelength with a bandwidth of 50 GHz. We are presenting the first graphene photonic device prototypes approaching TRL 5 level.
Strategic framework for resident’s participation in housing provision in Akure, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Fakere Alexander Adeyemi , Folorunso Clement Oluwole , Arayela Olatunde , Omole Felix Kayode
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper furthered the work done by Choguill (1996) in developing a framework for community participation in housing provision for Akure, Southwest Nigeria. The study tests the ladder for suitability in the City, and accounted for residential satisfaction as an important result of resident’s participation, which was not considered in Choguill’s ladder.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a cross-sectional doctoral research on residents’ participation in housing in Akure. The data for this study were obtained through questionnaire and focus group discussions. Data was analysed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation and Content Analysis.

Findings

The findings show a significant positive relationship between the levels of participation and satisfaction. Though similar to the levels of participation, Choguill’s Ladder does not totally explain the phenomenon of participation in the study area. Thus, it was modified to be more appropriate and suitable for the study area, also accounting for residential satisfaction.

Practical implications

The findings imply that adoption of the new ladder by policy makers and professionals in the building sector would enhance residential satisfaction in the study area and in similar areas. It concludes that the knowledge gained from this modified framework will enable policy makers and developers plan appropriately for resident’s participation in housing to achieve better residential environments for users.

Originality/value

The study developed a ladder of residents’ participation in housing provision from Choguill’s Framework that is more suited to Akure City and similar cities in Nigeria.
Learning Representations from Spatio-Temporal Distance Maps for 3D Action Recognition with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Naveenkumar M. , Domnic S.
Published: May 2020

This paper addresses the action recognition problem using skeleton data. In this work, a novel method is proposed, which employs five Distance Maps (DM), named as Spatio-Temporal Distance Maps (ST-DMs), to capture the spatio-temporal information from skeleton data for 3D action recognition. Among five DMs, four DMs capture the pose dynamics within a frame in the spatial domain and one DM captures the variations between consecutive frames along the action sequence in the temporal domain. All DMs are encoded into texture images, and Convolutional Neural Network is employed to learn informative features from these texture images for action classification task. Also, a statistical based normalization method is introduced in this proposed method to deal with variable heights of subjects. The efficacy of the proposed method is evaluated on two datasets: UTD MHAD and NTU RGB+D, by achieving recognition accuracies91.63% and 80.36% respectively.
IoT based intelligent irrigation support system for smart farming applications
Authors: Nawandar Neha Kailash , Satpute Vishal
Published: May 2020

India is an agricultural country with an ample amount of arable land that produces wide variety of crops. Growing population and urbanization puts up challenges: more and quality yield in limited area, effective utilization of water resources, inculcating technology with traditional mechanisms, to be faced. A crop irrigation management system with sensor data fetch, transfer and operate functionalities is proposed to meet the expectations. The system comprises of: sensing, data processing and actuator sections, with a network of ambient temperature and humidity at a height and, soil moisture sensor placed at the root zone of the subject. The sensor generated data is compressed and then sent to an FTP server for processing. At the server, a 2-layer Neural Network with 4-Inputs, plant growth, temperature, humidity and soil moisture is used for decision making that controls water supply, fertilizer spray, etc. and a plant is used as the test object. Results show that there is tolerable error in the reconstructed data and 62.5% and 67.5% compression is achieved for ambient temperature, humidity and soil moisture respectively. The decisions are only 2% erroneous when done using Neural Networks using this data. Thus, due to its good data handling, decision making capabilities for precise water usage, being portable and user-friendly, this system proves beneficial in home gardens, greenhouses.
How To Harvest the Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap
Authors: Atmodiwirjo Parintosa , Ramadan Mohamad Rachadian , Triatmoko Sara Ester , Ralena Nadhira Anindita
Published: May 2020

Summary: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the flap with various components based on perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. This flap has a number of advantages and disadvantages. It can be used to reconstruct defects after oncologic resection and coverage following amputation or to preserve limb length. The contraindications include unsuitable donor sites, inadequately debrided recipient sites, and morbid obesity. Preparations for ALT procedure consist of history taking, physical examinations, and supporting examinations.
Distingsi dan Identitas Islam pada Madrasah: Tinjauan Kebijakan Kurikulum Madrasah
Authors: Hakiemah Ainun , Sudirman Siswoyo Aris Munandar
Published: May 2020

Madrasa was born as the answer for the restlessness of pesantren on the existence of schools established by the dutch. After the independence of Indonesia, madrasas were still regarded as fringe classes. In early 1970s, the transformation of madrasa began to be initiated. In 1975, SKB 3 ministers which sets the content of religious lessons in declining madrasa appeared. This research is a literature study that examines the  distinction and Islamic identity of the madrasa by reviewing the curriculum policy since the inception until the decline of KMA No. 184 in 2019. The results showed that the distinction and Islamic identity of the madrasa was still not optimal in producing the output of the Tafaqquh Fiddin, due to the large amount of subjects inserted within the curriculum by the ruling government. Although the equal position of madrasa in the national education constellation has been achieved, the marginalization of religious sciences in Madrasa has not ended. Meanwhile, students who strongly hold Tafaqquh Fiddin are needed at the time of the teenage radicalism.
Enfermedad y metáfora
Authors: Cardona Suárez Luis Fernando
Published: May 2020

En el presente texto abordamos a la luz de la antropología filosófica la pregunta por nuestra experiencia de la enfermedad. Como seres dotados de palabra, esta experiencia está mediada siempre por nuestra manera de hablar sobre ella. El poder nombrar lo que nos pasa nos configura como individuos orgánicos peculiares, frente a otras formas de vida. Pero al hablar sobre nuestras enfermedades caemos en una profunda paradoja: tenemos la necesidad de comunicar a otros nuestra vivencia, que es algo tan íntimo y privado que individualiza; de otra parte, la comprensión de los otros de lo que nos pasa encuentra, sin embargo, un límite casi infranqueable. A menudo, este límite suele ser bordeado por la metáfora y su lenguaje traslaticio. Queremos examinar, a continuación, la relación que podemos establecer entre enfermedad, dolor y metáfora.
La precariedad y su constelación léxico-semántica
Authors: Azaovagh de la Rosa Anisa
Published: May 2020

Este artículo está dedicado a enmarcar la categoría de precariedad en un contexto amplio constituido por un conjunto de autores como J. Butler, G. Vattimo, J. Habermas o M. Nussbaum. Todos ellos convergen, desde intereses diferentes, en rechazar lo que Vattimo denomina «pensamiento fuerte», que proporciona solidez y seguridad teórica, pero que está abocado a justificar la violencia. Frente a este rechazo optan por el «pensamiento débil» que, desde su fragilidad o vulnerabilidad teóricas, es más abierto a una política y una interacción ética no violenta.
2D tellurene/black phosphorus heterojunctions based broadband nonlinear saturable absorber
Authors: Yan Bingzheng , Li Guoru , Shi Bingnan , Liu Junting , Nie Hongkun , Yang Kejian , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang
Published: May 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) mono-elemental materials (Xenes) show remarkable potential in the fields of fundamental science and technology, have been regarded as a wide range of building blocks for electronic technologies due to their unique chemical, physical, electrical, and optical properties. Here, 2D tellurene/black phosphorus (Te/BP) heterojunctions are successfully fabricated through liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) method. Their nonlinear optical absorption properties at 1.0, 2.0, and 2.8 μm have been studied by an open-aperture Z-scan method. The results revealed the excellent broadband saturable absorption responses of the prepared BP/Te heterojunctions, which are further confirmed by using them as saturable absorbers (SAs) for passively Q-switched all-solid-state lasers operating at 1.0, 2.0, and 2.8 μm, respectively. In particular, 1.04 μm continuous-wave (CW) mode-locked lasers with a pulse width of 404 fs is realized for the first time, to our best knowledge. Our work indicates that 2D Xenes especially 2D Xenes based heterojunctions have great potential in the fields of pulsed laser generation/modulation and other optoelectronic and photonic devices.
Decoding Neurotransmitter Switching: The Road Forward
Authors: Li Hui-quan , Pratelli Marta , Godavarthi Swetha , Zambetti Stefania , Spitzer Nicholas C.
Published: May 2020

Neurotransmitter switching is a form of brain plasticity in which an environmental stimulus causes neurons to replace one neurotransmitter with another, often resulting in changes in behavior. This raises the possibility of applying a specific environmental stimulus to induce a switch that can enhance a desirable behavior or ameliorate symptoms of a specific pathology. For example, a stimulus inducing an increase in the number of neurons expressing dopamine could treat Parkinson's disease, or one affecting the number expressing serotonin could alleviate depression. This may already be producing successful treatment outcomes without our knowing that transmitter switching is involved, with improvement of motor function through physical activity and cure of seasonal depression with phototherapy. This review presents prospects for future investigation of neurotransmitter switching, considering opportunities and challenges for future research and describing how the investigation of transmitter switching is likely to evolve with new tools, thus reshaping our understanding of both normal brain function and mental illness.
Zofia Lissa, Wartime Trauma, and the Evolution of the Polish “Mass Song”
Authors: Pierce J. Mackenzie
Published: May 2020

Scholars have primarily seen the musicologist Zofia Lissa (1908–80) as a communist ideologue and key instigator of the Sovietization of Polish musical culture after World War II. An examination of materials from seven archives in three countries related to her life reveals a more complex picture of her views and of how she deployed her power. Before World War II she was a fierce advocate for both modernist aesthetics and communist politics, as well as a cutting-edge thinker about issues of social identity. World War II, which forced her to flee deep into the Soviet Union to avoid the Holocaust, transformed her thinking about these topics. Working in Moscow with a Polish and Polish-Jewish diaspora, she saw how popular song could mobilize war-wearied exiles despite seemingly unbridgeable political and social fissures. These ideas became the core of Lissa’s postwar advocacy for the mass song, a genre of accessible socialist music that had deep roots in the USSR. Viewing the Polish mass song from Lissa’s perspective reveals how she believed that the genre could reflect the experiences of widespread loss among Poles and harness these reactions in service of a communist musical culture. In showing how musical performance can enunciate collective identities founded in the experience of trauma, Lissa’s views shed light on a cultural logic that continues to inform commemorations of World War II in Poland to this day.
CAPIZZI, Antonio: Introducción a Parménides, trad. cast. Nacho Duque, Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 2016, 179p.
Authors: Fernández Guerrero Olaya
Published: May 2020

Se trata de una recensión, por lo que no se incluye resumen.
QTG-Finder2: A Generalized Machine-Learning Algorithm for Prioritizing QTL Causal Genes in Plants
Authors: Lin Fan , Lazarus Elena Z , Rhee Seung Y
Published: May 2020

Linkage mapping has been widely used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in many plants and usually requires a time-consuming and labor-intensive fine mapping process to find the causal gene underlying the QTL. Previously, we described QTG-Finder, a machine-learning algorithm to rationally prioritize candidate causal genes in QTLs. While it showed good performance, QTG-Finder could only be used in Arabidopsis and rice because of the limited number of known causal genes in other species. Here we tested the feasibility of enabling QTG-Finder to work on species that have few or no known causal genes by using orthologs of known causal genes as the training set. The model trained with orthologs could recall about 64% of Arabidopsis and 83% of rice causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered, which is similar to the performance of models trained with known causal genes. The average precision was 0.027 for Arabidopsis and 0.029 for rice. We further extended the algorithm to include polymorphisms in conserved non-coding sequences and gene presence/absence variation as additional features. Using this algorithm, QTG-Finder2, we trained and cross-validated Sorghum bicolor and Setaria viridis models. The S. bicolor model was validated by causal genes curated from the literature and could recall 70% of causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered. In addition, we applied the S. viridis model and public transcriptome data to prioritize a plant height QTL and identified 13 candidate genes. QTL-Finder2 can accelerate the discovery of causal genes in any plant species and facilitate agricultural trait improvement.
Engaging Indigenous Communities in Higher Education: An Analysis of Collaboration and Ownership in Alaska Native Teacher Preparation
Authors: Carpluk Lenora , Leonard Beth
Published: May 2020

In 2008, our institution was awarded an Office of Indian Education pre-service teacher preparation grant intended to increase the number of Alaska Native/ American Indian teachers in Alaska. Our research examines grant objectives and outcomes, specifically related to the institution’s stated focus on “culturally responsive teacher preparation” and “preserving and advancing” Alaska Native languages and cultures. We also explore challenges and opportunities encountered during the development of a cultural mentoring community for Alaska Native pre-service teachers, facilitated through collaboration with two Alaska Native teacher community organizations. Our work is informed by foundational literature in Indigenous culture-based pedagogy (Demmert & Towner, 2003), Indigenous higher education (Brayboy, 2012), and culturally responsive/ culturally relevant pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1994). Decolonizing methodologies and TribalCrit (Castagno, 2012) are particularly significant in our analysis, as the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic directions initiatives appear to be at odds with outcomes that suggest a continuation of top-down, colonized practices that perpetuate marginalization of Alaska Native students.
A Resident-Led QI Initiative to Improve Pediatric Emergency Department Boarding Times
Authors: Kouo Theodore , Kleinman Keith , Fujii-Rios Hanae , Badaki-Makun Oluwakemi , Kim Julia , Falco Lucas , Canares Therese L.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric emergency department (PED) overcrowding and prolonged boarding times (admission order to PED departure) decrease quality of care. Timely transfer of patients from the PED to inpatient units is a key driver that relieves overcrowding. In 2015, PED boarding time at our hospital was 10% longer than the national benchmark. We described a resident-led quality-improvement initiative to decrease PED mean boarding times by 10% (from 173 to 156 minutes) within 6 months among general pediatric admissions.

METHODS:

We applied Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology. PDSA 1 (October 2016) interventions were bundled to include streamlined mobile communications, biweekly educational presentations, and reminder signs. PDSA 2 (August 2017) provided alternative workflows for senior residents. Outcomes were mean PED boarding times for general pediatrics admissions. The proportion of PICU transfers within 12 hours of admission served as a balancing measure. Statistical process control charts were used to analyze boarding times and PICU transfer rates.

RESULTS:

Leading up to PDSA 1, monthly mean boarding times decreased from 173 to 145 minutes and were sustained throughout the study period and up to 1 year after study completion. The X-bar chart demonstrated a shift with 57 consecutive months of mean boarding times below the preintervention mean. There were no changes in PICU transfer rates within 12 hours of admission.

CONCULSIONS:

Resident-led quality improvement efforts, including education and streamlined workflow, significantly improved PED boarding time without causing harm to patients.
Assessment of the State of Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain Water Reservoirs by Various Indices of Zoobenthos in the Conditions of the Growing Season of 2018
Authors: Schukina Angelina , Gorelov Vladimir , Zenkina Tatjana
Published: May 2020

The conducted research allows to evaluatethe ecological and biological status of waterbodies of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain on the structural characteristics of pentosanase, which is the basis for further research. When conducting biological research of any nature, it is always important to know what species and in what quantityare part of this natural community. This allows to reflect the state of the ecosystem better and obtain objective materials from which long-term changes taking place in itcan be observed. Zoobenthos is one of the most important elements of the ecosystems of continental water bodies and streams. In the course of the work, 12 reservoirs have been investigated and 72 hydrological samples processed. To assess the state of the water bodies of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, the authors have used such indicators as: abundance, biomass, species richness (number of species) and have calculated Shannon index, Shannon evenness index, and Simpson dominance index. Based on the ranked values of the obtained indicators, five-point scales have been compiled for the assessment of water bodies. On the basis of the obtained data, a five-point scale has been developed to simplify the assessment of the state of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. Scores for this work were built separately for each season. This is due to the fact that the overall score scale distorts the gradation of indicators and gives an insufficiently correct assessment. Analysis and visualization of data has been carried out using the programming language R, which is used for statistical data processing and graphics. The R language is a free open-source computing environment that implements the most advanced data analysis methods. Environment R is the most versatile biodiversity analysis software. Using this language, the indicators have been calculated, as well as their graphic processing of the obtained values. On the basis of the obtained data and compiled point scales, the authors present the assessment of water bodies by seasons.
Electrical properties of alkali-activated materials against Portland cement
Authors: Rashad Alaa M. , Haraz Osama M. , Elboushi Ayman , Morsi Wafaa M.
Published: May 2020

A first attempt was made to study the electrical properties of pastes and mortars prepared from the most common alkali-activated materials against those of Portland cement (PC). The properties included electrical conduction, dielectric constant, the real part of dielectric permittivity and loss tangent factor. The frequencies measured ranged from 100 MHz to 3 GHz. The most common starting materials such as slag, fly ash (FA) and metakaolin (MK) were used and activated with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution to prepare geopolymer pastes and mortars. After curing, the specimens were tested under compression to determine the compressive strength. In addition, electrical properties were measured. The results showed that FA-based geopolymer and PC specimens exhibited similar electrical properties. MK- and slag-based geopolymer specimens also exhibited similar electrical properties but with lower conductivity compared with the other two types. The results also confirmed similar electrical properties of pastes compared to mortars.