bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust integral-observer-based fault estimation for Lipschitz nonlinear systems with time-varying uncertainties
Authors: Zemzemi Ammar , Kamel Mohamed , Toumi Ahmed , Farza Mondher
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses the problem of state estimation and sensor fault reconstruction conjointly for a class of nonlinear systems with time-varying uncertainties for which the nonlinear characteristic satisfies the Lipschitz circumstance. A hybrid approach based on an integral observer and sliding-mode theory has been proposed in order to model sensor fault as a virtual actuator one. For the augmented model, the observer matching condition is not satisfied. To overcome this problem, a new method, which improves the design approach and enhances the rapidity of the fault estimation convergence, has been proposed. The fault estimation error effect is minimized by integrating the [Formula: see text] disturbance attenuation level. The proposed design is formulated and derived as a linear matrix inequality problem. Parameters of this observer are calculated through the linear matrix inequality technique. The proposed method has been validated through an example of a single-link manipulator robot. Simulation results show that this approach can estimate the state and the sensor fault successfully, despite the time-varying uncertainties and the presence of unknown inputs.
Fixed-order ℋ∞ controller design for MIMO systems via polynomial approach
Authors: Erol Bilal , Delibaşı Akın
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a fixed-order [Formula: see text]∞ controller design based on linear matrix inequalities for multi-input–multi-output systems. The main difficulty in the development of a fixed-order controller design is that the associated solution set of the problem is defined in a non-convex cluster, and that makes the problem computationally intractable. The convex inner approximation is used to deal with this non-convexity. The proposed controller design approach is applied to some elegant numerical problems taken from various previous works. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, the full-order [Formula: see text]∞ controller and fixed-order controllers are constructed for these models using the traditional method and popular toolboxes, respectively. Furthermore, in this paper, some strategies for choosing the central polynomial, which is the main conservatism of the proposed method, are discussed.
Stewardship Value of Income Statement Classifications: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Arya Avinash , Nagar Neerav
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the use of earnings components in setting CEO compensation and explores how persistence and controllability affect it. The results indicate that compensation committees do accord differential treatment to earnings components based on their persistence and controllability. Among above the line items, income from continuing items, the most persistent item, also receives the most weight, followed by special items, which have smaller persistence. Furthermore, these weights vary across firms in different stages of life cycle in a manner that mirrors variations in their informativeness and persistence. Weights on special items also exhibit contextual sensitivity based on their type and frequency. Among below the line items, discontinued items, which are at least under partial control of the CEO, receive a positive weight. Except extraordinary items, which are largely uncontrollable, we find no evidence that CEOs are shielded from the income-decreasing effects of any of the earnings components.
Immigration Builds a Nation: The Hybrid Impact of European Immigration on the Development of an Advertising Industry
Authors: Roth-Cohen Osnat
Published: August 2018

This research focuses on the nascent advertising industry in British Mandatory Palestine and how it was influenced and transformed by German Jewish immigrants, who arrived between 1933 and 1939, in a wave of immigration known as the Fifth Aliyah. At the time, local advertising was rather small and undeveloped until the mass wave of immigrants (over 200,000), many highly skilled and educated, came from Central Europe, mainly from Germany. These immigrants played a vital role in the local advertising industry. Their contributions were evaluated using a theoretical model consisting of primary analytical factors—mass communication, economy, technology, society, and international transfer. These factors influenced and continue to influence the form of Israeli advertising industry to this day. German immigration demonstrates a hybrid set of influences that played an instrumental role in the development of the local advertising industry in the Land of Israel. Functional-rational and creative aspects in the advertising industry were radically transformed by these new arrivals. Rethinking media history and centering the immigrant’s unique contribution is an important scholarly objective. This is achieved by shifting the discussion from dominant institutions to the local advertising history and focusing on the functional practices and creative methods imported by immigrants.
Cognitive and language intervention in primary language impairment: Studying the effectiveness of working memory training and direct language intervention on expansion of grammar and working memory capacities
Authors: Shahmahmood Toktam Maleki , Zahra Soleymani , AliPasha Meysami , Ali Mashhadi , Shahin Nematzadeh
Published: August 2018

Deficits in working memory (WM) have been reported repeatedly in children with primary language impairment (PLI) and may significantly contribute to the language difficulties that are experienced by these children. However, interventional studies within the field regarding the cross-domain effects between working memory and language are limited, and their results are contradictory. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to explore whether WM training can improve the WM skills of these children and whether the effects of training could be transferred to language, specifically to grammatical skills. The second aim of this study was to investigate the near and far transfer effects of direct language intervention on grammar and WM, respectively, as this is the most (and sometimes the only) considered treatment programme for children with PLI. Using a single-subject experimental design, ten 6–8-year-old children with PLI received WM training and language intervention, respectively, in two consecutive phases of study. The treatment gains on targeted areas and generalization to the other domain were tracked by repeated measurements of some WM and language tasks and were completed by a set of pre- and post-intervention measures. Regarding the results, it appears that if sufficient time is spent on WM training, WM-related skills improve and the effects also transferred to morpho-syntactic language skills. However, a cross-domain effect in the reverse direction is questionable. Though the language intervention programme resulted in good gains in grammatical skills, it did not improve participant performance in WM tasks, with the exception of non-word repetition (NWR). The observed participant gains in non-word repetition were likely due to the improvement in higher-level linguistic processing, rather than the actual enhancement of WM skills.
Increased blood transfusion and its impact in patients having tracheostomy while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Harris Dwight D. , Shafii Alexis E. , Baz Maher , Tribble Thomas A. , Ferraris Victor A.
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Tracheostomy has been utilized in combination with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) to enable early spontaneous breathing and minimize sedation requirements. Tracheostomy has been previously reported to be safe in patients supported on VV-ECMO; however, the impact of tracheostomy on blood loss in VV-ECMO patients is unknown.

Methods:

We analyzed VV-ECMO patients with and without tracheostomy over a 5-year period. In order to avoid other potential sources of blood loss not related to tracheostomy or ECMO-related blood loss, patients who underwent a recent surgery prior to ECMO or during ECMO (other than tracheostomy) were excluded.

Results:

Sixty-three patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified (tracheostomy n=30, non-tracheostomy n=33). Tracheostomy patients were found to require more daily transfusions of red blood cells (RBC) (0.47 [0.20-1.0] vs. 0.23 [0.06-0.40] units/day, p=0.02) and total blood products (0.60 [0.32-1.0] vs. 0.31 [0.10-0.50] units/day, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that tracheostomy while on VV-ECMO predisposes patients to increased transfusion burden. Based on previous research, this increased transfusion burden could potentially be linked to increased complications and mortality.
Systematic Instruction of Early Math Skills for Preschoolers at Risk for Math Delays
Authors: Hardy Jessica K. , Hemmeter Mary Louise
Published: August 2018

Early math instruction is the subject of increasing attention by early childhood researchers. There is evidence to suggest that early math skills are highly predictive of later academic achievement but that there are disparities in early math skills among young children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a systematic instructional procedure on early math skills with two preschoolers who were at risk for math delays. Target math skills were selected based on the individual needs of each child and included sorting, patterning, and shape manipulation. The instructional procedure was effective for helping two children acquire early math skills, with a functional relation demonstrated for each participant. There were mixed results for generalization and maintenance. Contributions to the literature, limitations, and implications for research and practice are discussed.
Exploring the Effects of Early Censoring and Analysis of Clinical Trial Survival Data on Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness Estimation through a Case Study in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Bagust Adrian , Beale Sophie J.
Published: August 2018

Interim analyses of clinical trial data are frequently used to provide evidence to obtain marketing authorization for new drugs. However, results from such analyses may not reflect true estimates of relative effectiveness when trial follow-up is complete. Survival results, available at 2 time points from a breast cancer clinical trial, were compared to test the hypothesis that using immature data and a widely used right-censoring rule leads to biased survival estimates. Kaplan-Meier progression-free and overall survival data from 2 published CLEOPATRA trial reports (2012 and 2014) were digitized. Overlaying these results highlighted divergent trends. Parametric functions were fitted to both data sets but did not indicate consistent patterns that could be used as a basis for long-term extrapolation. Heavy censoring of patients in the early data cut coincides with sudden changes in hazard trends and survival patterns, supporting the hypothesis of censoring bias. This challenges the validity of estimates of clinical benefit (progression-free survival and overall survival) based on extrapolation of results from interim analyses of trial data, using a commonly employed censoring rule.
Outcomes of percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary lesions using a dedicated forceps system
Authors: Inchingolo Riccardo , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Nestola Massimiliano , Nardella Michele
Published: August 2018

Background

Distinction between benign and malignant biliary obstruction is always challenging.

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes of percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary strictures using a dedicated forceps system.

Material and Methods

This prospective, single-center, single-arm study, included 29 consecutive patients (17 men [56.6%]; mean age = 60 ± 9 years), who underwent 30 transluminal biopsies during percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) due to obstructive jaundice, between September 2014 and January 2017, using a transluminal biliary access and biopsy forceps set. The study’s primary efficacy endpoint was technical success and the primary safety endpoint was the procedure-related major complications rate. The study’s secondary endpoints were procedure-related minor complication rate, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the characterization of malignancy.

Results

Tissue samples allowed histological diagnosis in 27/30 procedures (technical success rate 90.0%), as in three cases (10.0%) the sample was characterized as non-diagnostic: one case was suspicious for pancreatic cancer and two cases were cholangiocarcinoma. In one case, biopsy was successfully repeated. The diagnosis was cholangiocarcinoma in 16 cases (53.3%), colorectal metastasis in three cases (10%), pancreatic adenocarcinoma in three cases (10.0%), and inflammation in five cases (16.6%). There were two false-negative cases of inflammation proven to be cholangiocarcinoma, resulting in sensitivity of 91.67%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 92.59%. No major complications were noted. There were four cases of hemobilia (13%) which auto-resolved within 48 h.

Conclusion

Percutaneous transluminal biopsy of biliary strictures during PTBD using the specific forceps system was proven safe and resulted in high technical success and diagnostic accuracy rates.
Effect of a single dose of mannitol on hydration status and electrolyte concentrations in patients with tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna , Grygorczuk Sambor , Pancewicz Sławomir , Dunaj Justyna , Król Monika , Borawski Karol , Zajkowska Joanna
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study was performed to assess the effect of a single dose of 15% mannitol on the hydration status and electrolyte balance in patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Methods

Forty-one patients with TBE were treated with 0.25 g/kg of 15% mannitol. The electrolyte concentrations (Na, K, and Cl), creatinine concentration, and hydration status were measured before and after mannitol infusion.

Results

After mannitol administration, 7 patients had hyponatremia, 3 had hypokalemia, 1 had hyperkalemia, and 17 had hypochloremia. The total body water volume (TBW) changed by 0.44% ± 0.55%, the external body water volume (EBW) changed by 0.12% ± 0.15%, and the internal body water volume (IBW) changed by 0.19% ± 0.40%. The mean ECW/ICW ratio was 0.7694 ± 0.07 before treatment and 0.7699 ± 0.07 after treatment. Age was correlated with the TBW change in men (R = 0.42, p < 0.05) and with the potassium change in women (R = 0.66, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with TBE should receive mannitol two to four times daily depending on the clinical manifestation. Administration of a single dose of mannitol (0.25 g/kg) requires at least 300 mL of fluid supplementation. Bioimpedance might be useful for individual evaluation of dehydration. Additionally, patients require monitoring for potential hyponatremia. Older men may be more prone to dehydration after receiving mannitol.
Optimal concentration of the transversus abdominis plane block in enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for patients of advanced age undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Ping-Chen  , Lin Qing-Song , Lin Xian-Zhong
Published: August 2018

Objective

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block ameliorates visual analogue scale scores and decreases morphine requirements, but its role remains unclear. Patients of advanced age are susceptible to local anesthetic intoxication. We aimed to identify an optimal concentration that can be used in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) without compromising analgesic efficacy.

Methods

In total, 120 patients aged ≥65 years undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery received general anesthesia combined with a TAP block using 0.25% ropivacaine (Group A), 0.50% ropivacaine (Group B), or 0.75% ropivacaine (Group C) in a 40-mL volume. Group D only received general anesthesia. Epinephrine, plasma cortisol, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured at baseline, skin incision, celiac exploration, and tracheal extubation. The proportions of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells were measured at baseline and postoperative days 1 and 3.

Results

The TAP block relieved the stress response and accelerated intestinal functional recovery as shown by significant reductions in VAS scores and anesthetic requirements. However, there was no significant difference between Groups B and C.

Conclusion

The TAP block plays an important role in ERAS in older patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, and 0.5% ropivacaine is an optimal concentration that can reduce toxicity without undermining analgesia.
Subcostal artery bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ding Xiaobo , Guan Jingjing , Tian Jingyan , Hou Yuchuan , Wang Chunxi , Wang Yanbo
Published: August 2018

Postoperative bleeding is a dangerous complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and arterial laceration are the three most common causes of post-PCNL bleeding. Subcostal artery bleeding is a rare cause. We herein present a clinical case involving a 43-year-old man who presented with right renal complex calculi and was managed by PCNL in the prone position using an inferior calyceal puncture approach. Intermittent extreme bleeding occurred 1 day postoperatively, and immediate renal angiography was performed. However, we found no sign of a pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, or arterial laceration. Another well-trained and experienced doctor also found no pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, or arterial laceration. After adjusting the catheter position, subcostal artery bleeding finally appeared and was successfully controlled by coils. This finding indicates that subcostal artery damage is one cause of post-PCNL bleeding. We suggest that clinicians should carefully and patiently perform angiography and/or embolization to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Binglu , Zheng Chaoji , Chang Xiaoyan , Zhang Taiping , He Xiaodong , Zhao Yupei
Published: August 2018

Objective

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) has been increasingly recognized and reported. However, its clinical features are still controversial because of its low incidence. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of IPNB.

Methods

In total, 28 patients with IPNB were treated at our institution from January 2000 to December 2016. Clinical data were collected and a retrospective accurate database was constructed. Demographic characteristics, perioperative management, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Abdominal discomfort was the most common symptom. Preoperative imaging revealed biliary tract dilatation in 23 patients. Left lateral or left hepatic lobectomy was the most frequently performed surgical procedure. Histological analysis revealed malignancy in 17 patients. Eighty-eight lymph nodes were swept from the patients with malignant disease, but only three were metastatic. Twenty-one patients were followed up for 3 to 60 months (mean, 29.4 ± 18.2 months). Seven patients died during the follow-up period. Patients with benign tumors had significantly greater disease-free survival.

Conclusions

IPNB is a rare biliary disease that occurs mainly in patients of advanced age. The most common symptom is abdominal discomfort. Lymphatic metastasis is uncommon. Patients with benign tumors may have a better prognosis than those with malignant tumors.
e-mission: An Open-Source, Smartphone Platform for Collecting Human Travel Data
Authors: Shankari K. , Bouzaghrane Mohamed Amine , Maurer Samuel M. , Waddell Paul , Culler David E. , Katz Randy H.
Published: August 2018

GPS-equipped smartphones provide new methods to collect data about travel behavior, including travel survey apps that incorporate automated location sensing. Previous approaches to this have involved proprietary or one-off tools that are inconsistent and difficult to evaluate. In contrast, e-mission is an open-source, extensible software platform that consists of ( a) an app for survey participants to install on their Android or iOS smartphones and ( b) cloud-hosted software for managing the collected data. e-mission collects continuous location data, user-initiated annotations, and responses to contextual, platform initiated survey questions. New studies can be set up using the existing University of California, Berkeley, infrastructure with no additional coding, or the platform can be extended for more complex projects. This paper reviews the requirements for smartphone travel data collection, describes the architecture and capabilities of the e-mission platform, and evaluates its performance in a pilot deployment. The results show that the platform is usable, with over 150 installations in a month; stable, with over 85% of users retaining it for more than 3 days; and extensible, with interface and survey customizations accomplished in a little over a week of full-time work by a transportation engineering researcher. We hope that e-mission will be a useful tool for app-based data collection and will serve as a catalyst for related research.
Electrophysiological Measure of Impaired Information Processing in Drivers with Hematological Malignancy
Authors: Anderson David E. , Bhatt Vijaya R. , Schmid Kendra , Lunning Matthew , Holstein Sarah A. , Rizzo Matthew
Published: August 2018

The broad goal of this study is to measure remote effects of cancer on brain physiology and behaviors that underpin instrumental activities of daily living such as automobile driving. Studies of hematological malignancies (HM) have demonstrated impairments in multiple brain functions shown to be critical for safe automobile driving. In the current pilot study, brain physiology during driving simulation was examined in 14 HM patients and 13 healthy comparison drivers. Electroencephalography was used to measure the eye fixation-related potential (EFRP)—a positive amplitude deflection evoked approximately 100 milliseconds after eye movement termination. Previous studies have demonstrated sensitivity of EFRP activity to information-processing capacity. All drivers completed visual search tasks to evaluate the relationship between driving-related changes in performance and EFRP activity. Results showed smaller EFRP amplitudes in drivers who had: (1) greater driving-related changes in visual search performance ( p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.91); and (2) HM diagnosis ( p = 0.18, Cohen’s d = 0.54). Extending previous studies, these results provide neural evidence of reduced information-processing capacity associated with cancer diagnosis. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results, given the high level of uncertainty and small sample size. This study provides a novel platform for linking changes in brain physiology and safety-critical driving behaviors.
BART Perks: Using Incentives to Manage Transit Demand
Authors: Greene-Roesel Ryan , Castiglione Joe , Guiriba Camille , Bradley Mark
Published: August 2018

BART Perks, offered by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA), was a six-month test program that provided incentives to riders for traveling during the shoulder hours of the morning peak period. The main goals of the Perks program were to: (1) reduce peak period and peak direction crowding, and improve person throughput; (2) improve BART customer satisfaction; (3) increase employer support for flexible work schedules; and (4) identify implementation challenges and solutions to provide lessons learned. About 17,800 participants enrolled, and about 2,600 of them were frequent weekday peak hour travelers. During the trial, an average of 250 participants, or about 10% of those who previously traveled during the peak hour, shifted their ride to one of the shoulder hours. Recommendations for future programs include recruiting a larger number of riders in the targeted travel market, structuring it to better reward behavior change rather than preexisting behavior, and considering more efficient methods of participant recruitment and retention.
Cross-Vendor and Cross-State Analysis of GPS Probe Data Latency
Authors: Wang Zhongxiang , Hamedi Masoud , Sharifi Elham , Young Stanley
Published: August 2018

Crowd sourced GPS probe data have become a major source of real-time traffic information applications. In addition to traditional traveler advisory systems such as dynamic message signs (DMS) and 511 systems, probe data are being used for automatic incident detection, integrated corridor management (ICM), end of queue warning systems, and mobility-related smartphone applications. Several private sector vendors offer minute by minute network-wide travel time and speed probe data. The quality of such data in terms of deviation of the reported travel time and speeds from ground-truth has been extensively studied in recent years, and as a result concerns over the accuracy of probe data have mostly faded away. However, the latency of probe data—defined as the lag between the time at which disturbance in traffic speed is reported in the outsourced data feed, and the time at which the traffic is perturbed—has become a subject of interest. The extent of latency of probe data for real-time applications is critical, so it is important to have a good understanding of the amount of latency and its influencing factors. This paper uses high-quality independent Bluetooth/Wi-Fi re-identification data collected on multiple freeway segments in three different states, to measure the latency of the vehicle probe data provided by three major vendors. The statistical distribution of the latency and its sensitivity to speed slowdown and recovery periods are discussed.
Effect of Initial Graft Tension During Calcaneofibular Ligament Reconstruction on Ankle Kinematics and Laxity
Authors: Sakakibara Yuzuru , Teramoto Atsushi , Takagi Tetsuya , Yamakawa Satoshi , Okada Yohei , Shoji Hiroaki , Kobayashi Takuma , Fujimiya Mineko , Fujie Hiromichi , Watanabe Kota , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: August 2018

Background:

Although a variety of surgical procedures for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction have frequently been reported, little is known about the effects of initial graft tension.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to investigate the effects of initial graft tension in calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) reconstruction. It was hypothesized that a high degree of initial graft tension would cause abnormal kinematics, laxity, and excessive graft tension.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve cadaveric ankles were tested with a 6 degrees of freedom robotic system to apply passive plantarflexion-dorsiflexion motion and multidirectional loads. A repeated-measures experiment was designed with the CFL intact, CFL transected, and CFL reconstructed with 4 initial tension conditions (10, 30, 50, and 70 N). The 3-dimensional path and reconstructed graft tension were simultaneously recorded.

Results:

The calcaneus in CFL reconstruction with an initial tension of 70 N had the most eversion relative to the intact condition (mean eversion translations of 1.2, 3.0, 5.0, and 6.2 mm were observed at initial tensions of 10, 30, 50, and 70 N, respectively). The calcaneus also moved more posteriorly with external rotation as the initial tension increased. The reconstructed graft tension tended to increase as the initial tension increased.

Conclusion:

Ankle kinematic patterns and laxity after CFL reconstruction tended to become more abnormal as the initial graft tension increased at the time of surgery. Moreover, excessive initial graft tension caused excessive tension on the reconstructed graft.

Clinical Relevance:

This study indicated the importance of initial graft tension during CFL reconstruction. Overtensioning during CFL reconstruction should be avoided to imitate a normal ankle.
Public Housing Matters: Public Housing Policy in Sweden, the United States, and Israel
Authors: Hananel Ravit , Krefetz Sharon Perlman , Vatury Ami
Published: August 2018

During the past decade, many countries have returned to public housing to meet the demand for affordable housing. Using the Esping-Anderson typology, this study examines how differences in a country’s political economic regime influence the implementation and outcomes of public housing policies over time and the extent to which and how the differences change over time. The analysis focuses on Sweden, the United States, and Israel, representing three different regime types. In light of the renewed worldwide recognition of the importance of public housing, such an analysis can help shape more effective public housing policies.
The Etappe Kanaren: A case study of the secret supply of the German Navy in Spain during the Second World War
Authors: Díaz Benítez Juan J.
Published: August 2018

The secret supply of the German Navy during the Second World War has scarcely been studied until now. The goal of this article is to study one of the more active supply areas of the Etappendienst at the beginning of the war, the one known as Etappe Kanaren, as part of the Grossetappe Spanien-Portugal. In this research primary sources from German Naval War Command have been consulted. Among the main conclusions, it should be pointed out, on the one hand, the intense activity to support the Kriegsmarine during the first years of the war, despite the distance from mainland Spain and the British pressure, which finally stopped the supply operations. On the other hand, we have confirmed the active role of the Spanish government in relation to the Etappendienst: Spanish authorities allowed the supply operations, but pressure from the Allies forced the Spanish government to impede these activities.
The Imperial Society for the Promotion of Russian Trade and Shipping and the ‘oil issue’, 1875–1900
Authors: Kulikova Maria
Published: August 2018

Studies of interconnections between social, technological, economic and cultural forces belong to the trend of modernisation studies in the Russian Empire in the second half of the nineteenth century. Modernisation implies the establishment and growth of institutions and infrastructures that are examined as a set of communication practices between different actors – the state, experts and various offices. This research is an historical study of interconnections between technologies and society. It is focused on the significance of materiality (namely natural oil resources) in these processes.
The trade of the port of Muziris in ancient times
Authors: Kunnappilly Anitta G.
Published: August 2018

The ancient port-town of Muziris was situated on the western coast of Kerala in present-day India. It was famed for its spice trade, notably the shipment of pepper and cinnamon, which were indigenous to the Malabar region. The significance of this port town in the ancient spice route is evident in literary sources, from Pliny (Natural History) and Strabo (Geographica) to the Sangam epic works of Chithalai Chathanar (Silapadikaram) and Illango Adigal (Manimekalei). The Muziris economy depended on the spice trade. The Sangam works describe the wars that were waged between Chera and the Pandyan kingdoms to win monopoly rights to the ancient spice routes. The Muziris-Vienna Papyrus, a second century AD parchment, speaks of the huge quantity of pepper that was traded from Muziris to Alexandria through Koptos and Berneike in a ship named Hermopollen. The parchment also describes the taxes that were imposed on these commodities, and the well-organised merchant guilds based at Muziris. This substantiates the claims of the Peutinger Tablet regarding Roman soldiers being stationed at Muziris to protect their commodities from pirates. Literary sources are therefore invaluable to an understanding of the trans-oceanic trade of Muziris, which not only conveyed goods, religion, architecture and culture to and from the port, but also underpinned the state and economy of this particular place.
Impact of Financial Incentives on Diabetes Prevention Class Attendance and Program Completion: Evidence From Minnesota, Montana, and New York
Authors: Alva Maria L. , Romaire Melissa , Acquah Joseph
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

To test the role of financial incentives to motivate engagement in diabetes prevention programs (DPPs).

Design:

Minnesota, Montana, and New York randomized 3 different approaches to providing incentives: incentivizing class attendance and weight loss (all states), class attendance only (NY), and weight loss only (NY). We used New York to test how different approaches to providing incentives influence DPP completion and attendance.

Setting:

Health-care facilities and local young men’s Christian association.

Participants:

Eight hundred thirty one Medicaid enrollees in Minnesota, 204 in Montana, and 560 in New York.

Intervention Measure:

Impact of the financial incentives on DPP program completion rates. We measured completion of DPP classes in 2 ways: completing 9 or more or 16 or more DPP classes.

Analysis:

Multivariate logistic model to compare completion of DPP classes between participants randomized into receiving financial incentives and controls.

Results:

Receipt of incentives was associated with higher odds at attending 9 or more classes (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; P < .01) in Minnesota, Montana (OR: 2.2; P < .05), and New York (OR: 1.9; P < .01) as well as attending 16 or more classes in Minnesota (OR: 3.1; P < .01), Montana (OR: 2.1; P < .01), and New York (OR: 2.9; P < .01). In New York, individuals paid to attend classes attended more classes than individuals paid based on results only.

Conclusion:

Among Medicaid beneficiaries, financial incentives improve DPP class attendance.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Tai Chi and Electronic Tablet Use on Older Adults’ Cognition and Health
Authors: Mastel-Smith Beth , Duke Gloria , He Zhaomin
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of Tai Chi (TC) and electronic tablet (ET) interventions on older adults’ cognition and health and to explore participants’ perceptions of intervention activities. Design: An emergent embedded experimental mixed methods design was used in which the qualitative strand helped explain intervention results. Method: Older adults who participate in TC classes will have improved cognition and health compared with older adults who participate in ET classes. Twenty-six participants from two assisted living residences were recruited and randomized to receive nine TC or ET classes. The Modified Mini Mental State Exam was used to measure cognition and the SF-12v2 assessed perceived health before and after the intervention. Participants were invited to share perceptions of the two interventions. Institutional review board approval was obtained and participants provided signed consent for both quantitative and qualitative strands. Findings: There was no significant difference within or between groups on cognition and health scores. Conclusions: TC and ET use are activities that can be delivered in the community and have the potential to promote compensatory scaffolding as described by the revised scaffolding theory of aging and cognition. Future research should involve larger samples and teaching methods that promote learning postures.
A state–behavior–function model for functional modeling of multi-state systems
Authors: Zhao Meng , Chen Yong , Chen Linfeng , Xie Youbai
Published: August 2018

Since functional modeling can be very useful in conceptual design, it has received considerable attention from engineering design community. However, existing functional models still cannot effectively assist designers in analyzing the functionalities of multi-state systems during conceptual design. As a result, designers often have to manually carry out functionality analysis according to their experiences, which are not only tedious, but also error-prone. Therefore, this paper proposes a state–behavior–function model for functional modeling of multi-state systems, which can provide designers with automated functional analysis support. The approach involves not only a state–behavior–function model for representing components, but also a model for representing the functionalities of multi-state systems. A prototype software is then developed for demonstrating the proposed model, with the functional modeling of a peeler centrifuge as an example to illustrate the proposed functional modeling approach.
Task-level time-optimal collision avoidance trajectory planning for grinding manipulators
Authors: Diao Shipu , Chen Xindu , Wu Lei , Zhong Zhanqi , Lin Zeqin
Published: August 2018

A computational framework that can plan the task-level time-optimal collision avoidance trajectory (TOCAT) of grinding manipulators is constructed based on the improved simulated annealing algorithm. When the workpiece surface has a plurality of discrete non-connected areas that need to be polished by grinding manipulators, the planning of TOCAT for a given grinding task is crucial, because it has a direct impact on the processing efficiency and intelligence of the automatic grinding system. Although many planning algorithms can be used to plan collision avoidance trajectories between any two points, the planning of the task-level TOCAT with multiple collision avoidance sub-trajectories is more difficult because it involves the permutation of the collision avoidance sub-trajectories for connecting several grinding areas. This paper proposes a task-level TOCAT planning framework based on the improved simulated annealing algorithm. Its key point is to plan the time-optimal sub-trajectory between any two points based on the trajectory evaluation mechanism. Its innovation lies in that the simulated annealing algorithm generates new solutions based on the combined stochastic perturbation method. The experimental results show that this framework can effectively solve the task-level TOCAT planning problem in multiple grinding areas, and the duration of the task-level collision avoidance trajectory is not only less discrete but also approximately globally optimal.
A winding machine for polarized wire grid of microwave radiometer calibration
Authors: Hu Yong , Shen Xin , Hu Ye , Wang Maosen , Zhang Qichao , Zou Qing , Li Bin
Published: August 2018

Polarized wire grid has been used as a low-energy polarization separator in many calibration systems. A novel machine was developed for winding the polarized wire grids with different sizes and shapes. In this paper, the process of design including parameters calculation, structural analysis, and the calibration for the winding device is presented. Finally, taking an oval grid as an example, the fabrication and the testing results is shown. A 250 mm×350 mm oval polarized wire grid is fabricated by using this machine, with 0.1 mm diameter molybdenum wires at the distance of 0.3 ± 0.02 mm. And it achieved the 01. mm flatness requirement. The machine used is robust and can be easily extended to even 200 × 200 mm2 – 500 mm × 500 mm grids with 0.08–0.2 mm diameter wires at the distance of 0.1–0.5 mm.
Study on flight safety manipulation space under complex conditions
Authors: Li Zhe , Xu Haojun , Xue Yuan , Pei Binbin
Published: August 2018

This study considers the situational awareness under complex conditions like aircraft failures or adverse environments. To enhance pilot’s situational awareness, flight safety manipulation space is proposed based on risk prediction. Current methods normally predict the occurrence of accidents by estimating whether the safety-related parameters exceed their limitations. The complex dynamics of pilot–vehicle–environment simulation models are built and the safety-related flight data are represented by risk colors according to their limits. The safety spectrum is then obtained by the integration of the flight data under a certain manipulation action, and the colored risk value for the single flight condition is further acquired. The colored two-dimensional and three-dimensional distribution topology maps can be calculated by a parallel flight simulation platform. The flight safety manipulation space for one-side engine failure and main surface jams are researched and the disaster-causing mechanism is analyzed. Simulation results show that the outbreak failure may lead to the shrink and even distortion of the safety manipulation space. The proposed method could provide a theoretical support for pilots to enhance situational awareness under complex adverse conditions, an engineering tool for aircraft designers to optimize the aircraft performance, and a visualization analysis method to reveal the accident evolution.
The views of Wilhelm Griesinger (1817–68) on suicidality or ‘self-murder’
Authors: Gnoth Mareike , Glaesmer Heide , Steinberg Holger
Published: August 2018

To date, little attention has been paid to the fact that a whole section in Wilhelm Griesinger’s textbook is devoted to suicidality. Griesinger perceived suicide as a distinct entity. In his opinion, only one-third of all suicides were committed by people suffering from mental disorders; heredity and brain anomalies could also be involved. Therapeutically, Griesinger recommended removing all potential means for suicide and admitting people at risk to a psychiatric hospital. Since his textbook was a standard work, his views reveal what young doctors could have learned about suicidality in German psychiatry of the second half of the nineteenth century.
Prediction of wind speed using a new Grey-extreme learning machine hybrid algorithm: A case study
Authors: Qolipour Mojtaba , Mostafaeipour Ali , Saidi-Mehrabad Mohammad , Arabnia Hamid R
Published: August 2018

Wind energy is becoming one of the most important sources of renewable energy for many countries in the future. The purpose of this study is to predict wind speed using different algorithms. In this study, a new hybrid algorithm is developed to predict the wind speed behavior, and 24 h predictions of changes in wind speed are obtained with the aid of Homer software. The proposed algorithm is a combination of a well-known artificial neural network predictor called extreme learning machine as an artificial neural network algorithm and the Grey model (1, 1) as a method of Grey systems theory. Long-term wind speed forecasts are obtained using three-year data (2013–2016) of eight variables: TMAX, TMIN, VP, RHMIN, RHMAX, WINDSPEED, SUNSHINE HOURS, and PERCIPITATION for the Zanjan city in Iran, and 24 h wind speed forecast is obtained using 10-year data (2005–2015) pertaining to this city. The results show that proposed algorithm with relative measure of fit R2 of 0.99376 and mean square error of 0.000376 provides better predictions of wind speed in the study area than ordinary extreme learning machine algorithm with R2 of 0.98075 and mean square error of 0.00720. Also, the 24 h prediction of changes in wind speed is done using Homer software. The methodology in this research is more efficient in terms of execution performance and accuracy.
Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental analysis for various inlet air cooling methods on Shahid Hashemi-Nezhad gas turbines refinery
Authors: Deymi-Dashtebayaz Mahdi , Kazemiani-Najafabad Parisa
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the effects of various compressor inlet air cooling methods to increase the performance of Shahid Hashemi-Nezhad gas turbines refinery were investigated. These methods included media, fogging, and absorption chillers as common inlet air cooling methods and pressure drop station as novel cooling method. By using the exergy, environmental, and economic analysis, the best method for compressor inlet air cooling was selected. Based on the results, the absorption chiller system had the highest compressor inlet air temperature drop and increased the thermal and exergy efficiencies of cycle by about 2.5 and 3%, respectively, in hot season. Using absorption chiller, pressure drop station, fogging, and media had further reduction in CO2 and CO than simple gas turbine, respectively. Finally based on the net present value and internal rate of return coefficients, the pressure drop station method is the most economically feasible option.
The manufacturing sector: Still an anchor for pattern bargaining within and across countries?
Authors: Müller Torsten , Dølvik Jon Erik , Ibsen Christian , Schulten Thorsten
Published: August 2018

This article investigates the development of collective wage bargaining systems in manufacturing in five countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden. We illustrate the responses of collective actors to two key challenges: first, increased cross-country competition between Northern European companies operating within the same high-value/high-cost segment of the market; second, the competitive pressures resulting from increased east-north integration. Our analytical framework sets out different forms and outcomes of institutional change, with a focus on how the responses of collective actors to these two challenges shaped the development of wage bargaining systems.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate protects myocardium against paraquat-induced toxicity through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in rats
Authors: Zhang WX , Xiao XY , Peng CG , Chen WL , Xie S , Wang DW
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) on paraquat (PQ)-induced myocardial injuries in a rat model.

Methods:

Healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, PQ, and PQ + STS groups. PQ group was given a single intragastric administration of PQ (80 mg/kg). PQ + STS group was intraperitoneally injected with STS (1 ml/kg) at 30 min following PQ exposure. Rats in control and PQ groups were injected with equal amount of saline. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, rats were killed, and the apoptosis of myocardial cells was detected. Myocardial expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. The activity of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway was assessed by Western blot.

Results:

The apoptotic cells in PQ group were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner compared with the control group ( p < 0.01). The rats in PQ group exhibited significantly lower Bcl-2 expression, but notably higher Bax expression at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after PQ exposure ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). STS intervention markedly reduced the proportion of apoptotic myocardial cells, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). The expression of phosphorylated Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 in PQ + STS group was significantly increased compared with PQ and control groups ( p < 0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusion:

STS effectively inhibits PQ-induced myocardial cell apoptosis in rats via modulating the Nrf2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for PQ-induced myocardium damage.