bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-tree complex wavelet transform technique-based optimal threshold tuning system to deliver denoised ECG signal
Authors: Prashar Navdeep , Sood Meenakshi , Jain Shruti
Published: January 2020

The primary output for any health monitoring system that offers telecardiology services is the recovery of the electrocardiographic (ECG) signal from the noised signal. The mechanized investigation of the ECG signal is the most inspiring challenge for accurate detection of cardiac disease. This could be accomplished by eliminating the various noises from the acquired signal. In this paper, a noise reduction approach employing DTCWT is executed on an ECG signal by proposing a noise estimator along with a detailed assessment of the effect of the choice of the threshold value, threshold algorithm and distribution function. The thresholding technique is executed by varying the threshold value ( γ) and its function ( fn) applied to the proposed estimator (α*). The proposed estimator is scaled by 2n factor to study its impact on performance metrics and the nature of the reconstructed signal utilizing different distribution functions. The best combination of threshold function with threshold value selection has been chosen in this work from eight different sets of threshold value selection rules along with six distinct threshold functions. The experimental results show that the proposed noise reduction approach using a universal modified threshold level-dependent threshold with non-negative garrote threshold function for normal distribution with n = 3 delivers 80.72dB SNR with a subsequent reduction in MSE and PRD as compared with other standard techniques. An elaborate empirical analysis for selecting the distribution function for obtaining the best possible threshold function and technique is the prime objective and novelty of this research work.
Verbal working memory resources and comprehension of relative clauses in children with cochlear implants
Authors: Volpato Francesca
Published: January 2020

Verbal working memory resources may impact syntax comprehension. Thirteen Italian children with cochlear implants (CIs) were assessed in relative clause (RC) comprehension, digit span and nonword repetition and compared to 13 chronological age peers (CA) and 13 younger controls (LA) with normal hearing (NH). The RC comprehension task tested subject relatives (SR), object relatives with preverbal (OR) and postverbal subjects (ORp) where number features were manipulated. Children with CIs show worse performance than controls in RC comprehension and nonword repetition. In the RC task, number features facilitated comprehension by children with NH, but not by children with CIs. The memory measure that predicted RC comprehension was digit span. In the LA group, backward digit span predicted comprehension of all RC types. Forward digit span predicted comprehension of ORs with number mismatch in the CA group, and comprehension of ORs with number mismatch and ORps in children with CIs. In these conditions, high memory resources are needed to exploit number features in theta-role assignment.
Postcarbon Amnesia: Toward a Recognition of Racial Grief in Renewable Energy Futures
Authors: Lennon Myles
Published: January 2020

Climate justice activists envision a “postcarbon” future that not only transforms energy infrastructures but also redresses the fossil fuel economy’s long-standing racial inequalities. Yet this anti-racist rebranding of the “zero emissions” telos does not tend to the racial grief that’s foundational to white supremacy. Accordingly, I ask: can we address racial oppression through a “just transition” to a “postcarbon” moment? In response, I connect today’s postcarbon imaginary with yesterday’s postcolonial imaginary. Drawing from research on US-based climate activism, I explore how the utopic rhetoric of a “just transition” is instantiated in practice. I argue that the racialized absences constitutive of what scholars call “postcolonial amnesia” are operative in the anti-racist move to a postcarbon moment. This postcarbon imaginary formulates the vulnerability of people of color to biophysical disasters as the raison d’être for infrastructural transformation. This, I argue, has the effect of overlooking the ways in which racial grief inheres in such vulnerability and the capacity of energy infrastructures to uphold racist hierarchies. I situate this “postcarbon amnesia” in Anne Cheng’s framework for differentiating “grief” from “grievance,” calling for renewable energy transitions that move away from enumerative grievances and toward a sobering recognition of racial grief.
Is Technology Value-Neutral?
Authors: Miller Boaz
Published: January 2020

According to the Value-Neutrality Thesis (VNT), technology is morally and politically neutral, neither good nor bad. A knife may be put to bad use to murder an innocent person or to good use to peel an apple for a starving person, but the knife itself is a mere instrument, not a proper subject for moral or political evaluation. While contemporary philosophers of technology widely reject the VNT, it remains unclear whether claims about values in technology are just a figure of speech or nontrivial empirical claims with genuine factual content and real-world implications. This paper provides the missing argument. I argue that by virtue of their material properties, technological artifacts are part of the normative order rather than external to it. I illustrate how values can be empirically identified in technology. The reason why value-talk is not trivial or metaphorical is that due to the endurance and longevity of technological artifacts, values embedded in them have long-term implications that surpass their designers and builders. I further argue that taking sides in this debate has real-world implications in the form of moral constraints on the development of technology.
Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage in type B aortic dissection: a rare presentation
Authors: Subbiah Meenakshi M , Velayudhan Bashi V
Published: January 2020

Paraplegia is a common complication encountered during surgical and endovascular repair of aortic diseases. At times, it is also a presenting feature of aortic dissection. Involvement of more than one spinal blood supply system is the most common cause of spinal cord ischemia. Proper planning is needed to prevent and treat spinal cord ischemia. We report this rare case of acute type B aortic dissection that presented with paraplegia due to a spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Synergetic effect of nanoclay and nano-CaCO3 hybrid filler systems on the foaming properties and cellular structure of polystyrene nanocomposite foams using supercritical CO2
Authors: Lian Xinghan , Mou Wenjie , Kuang Tairong , Liu Xianhu , Zhang Shuidong , Li Fangfang , Liu Tong , Peng Xiangfang
Published: January 2020

Supercritical fluids have been widely used to prepare various polymer nanocomposite foams due to their high-efficiency, rich-resource, and environment-friendly characteristics. In this work, we prepared polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites with different contents of hybrid fillers of nanoclay and nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) and then were foamed by batch foaming method using supercritical carbon dioxide as a physical blowing agent. The effect of hybrid nanofillers components and foaming temperature and pressure on the foaming properties and cellular structure of PS nanocomposite foams was systematically investigated. Dynamic rheology results indicated that the complex viscosity and storage modulus were enhanced with the addition of hybrid fillers. Scanning electron microscopic images show that all samples foamed uniformly macrocells under the given conditions. More importantly, the hybrid fillers of nano-CaCO3 and nanoclay exhibit a significant synergistic effect in improving PS foaming properties, which can be ascribed to the different roles of the two fillers during cell nucleation and cell growth. For instance, the PS/0.22/0.88 nanocomposite foamed under the conditions of 20 MPa and 130°C has shown the finest cell structure (higher cell density of 1.91 × 1010 and smaller cell diameter of 2.28 µm) due to the coeffect of the hybrid nanofillers. Finally, the synergistic mechanism of these two nanofillers on PS foaming behavior was discussed.
Exploring how employment schemes for young offenders aid desistance from crime
Authors: Oswald Rebecca Jayne
Published: January 2020

Criminological literature investigating the association between employment and desistance presents largely mixed findings. This article uses the Skill Mill employment scheme for young offenders as a case study to advance our understanding of how participating in work programmes can influence youth reoffending. Participant observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted with young attendees of the scheme and their supervisors. The findings suggest that employment schemes that offer remuneration, that influence how attendees are perceived by others, that encourage friendships between individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement and that employ supervisors who manage the dynamics of the work group and support young people to change can aid desistance.
Effects of an individually targeted multicomponent counseling and home-based rehabilitation program on physical activity and mobility in community-dwelling older people after discharge from hospital: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Turunen Katri M , Aaltonen-Määttä Laura , Törmäkangas Timo , Rantalainen Timo , Portegijs Erja , Keikkala Sirkka , Kinnunen Marja-Liisa , Finni Taija , Sipilä Sarianna , Nikander Riku
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of multicomponent rehabilitation on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and mobility in older people recently discharged from hospital.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Home and community.

Participants:

Community-dwelling people aged ⩾60 years recovering from a lower limb or back musculoskeletal injury, surgery, or disorder were recruited from local health center hospitals and randomly assigned into an intervention ( n = 59) or a control (standard care, n = 58) group.

Intervention:

The six-month intervention consisted of a motivational interview, goal attainment process, guidance for safe walking, a progressive home exercise program, physical activity counseling, and standard care.

Measurements:

Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using an accelerometer and a single question. Mobility was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery, self-reported use of a walking aid, and ability to negotiate stairs and walk outdoors. Intervention effects were analyzed with generalized estimating equations.

Results:

Daily physical activity was 127 ± 78 minutes/day and 121 ± 70 at baseline and 167 ± 81 and 164 ± 72 at six months in the intervention and control group, respectively; mean difference of 3.4 minutes (95% confidence interval (CI) = −20.3 to 27.1). In addition, no significant between-group differences were shown in physical performance.

Conclusion:

The rehabilitation program was not superior to standard care for increasing physical activity or improving physical performance. Mobility-limited older people who had recently returned home from hospital would have needed a longer and more frequently monitored comprehensive geriatric intervention.
Use of intraoperative ultrasonography for identification and management of pneumothorax caused by iatrogenic diaphragm defect: a case report and literature review
Authors: Han Qiang , Wang Beibei , Xu Aijun
Published: January 2020

Transthoracic ultrasound has been widely accepted for the evaluation of many thoracic diseases, including pleural effusion, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and pneumonia with subpleural effusion. Application of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax is an effective and timely intraoperative technique. We herein present a patient who developed pneumothorax following diaphragmatic injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The pneumothorax was rapidly identified by bedside ultrasound. The compressed lung was successfully re-expanded using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation under real-time ultrasound monitoring, and closed thoracic drainage was avoided. Therefore, the correct use of ultrasound can identify the adequate PEEP level that is able to promote resolution of pneumothorax induced by diaphragmatic injury.
Anti-angiogenesis effect and mechanism study of Huangzhi Neiyi capsule in a rat endometriosis model
Authors: Liu Henglian , Sun Xianli , Zhao Yan , Xia Min , Wang Caixia
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects and possible mechanism of Huangzhi Neiyi capsule (HZNY) on angiogenesis in rats with endometriosis.

Methods

Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish an endometriosis model by autologous transplantation and were randomly divided into sham operation, model, gestrinone (0.25 g/kg), and HZNY (4.5 and 9 g/kg) groups. All drugs were administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CD31 in ectopic endometrial tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peritoneal fluid was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1α ( HIF1A) in ectopic endometrium was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR.

Results

HZNY suppressed the expression of PCNA and CD31 in ectopic endometrium, reduced concentrations of VEGF in peritoneal fluid, and reduced mRNA expression of VEGF and HIF1A in ectopic endometrium.

Conclusions

HZNY suppressed angiogenesis in endometriosis rats, perhaps by inhibiting expression of VEGF and HIF1A.
Impact of an Electronic Decision-Support System on Nursing Triage Process: A Usability and Workflow Analysis
Authors: Agnihotri Tanya , Fan Mark , McLeod Shelley , Borgundvaag Bjug , Ovens Howard , McCarron Joy , Trbovich Patricia
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To qualitatively contrast emergency department triage workflow using a paper-based triage system and an electronic decision-support tool (electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (eCTAS)).

Methods

Triage nurses from a single institution were invited to perform triage assessments of mock patients using a paper-based triage system and eCTAS. These assessments were completed using simulation scenarios, some of which involved facilitators probing triage nurses’ thoughts on the design of the eCTAS system. Participants were asked to “think aloud,” describing their thought patterns as they completed the triage process. Similar patient scenarios with the same Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS) presenting complaint and triage score were used for comparison between paper-based triage and electronic decision-support tool (eCTAS) conditions.

Results

Eight participants completed at least two simulation scenarios for each condition and at least one usability scenario with eCTAS. The simulated encounters showed eCTAS provided several advantages to paper-based triage assessment process by shortlisting possible CEDIS complaints and preselecting relevant modifiers. However, usability concerns were identified with eCTAS including challenges related to data entry and eCTAS score overrides.

Conclusions

Our study highlights several positive features of eCTAS and usability issues that should be addressed to enhance the intended use of eCTAS and support user adoption.
Emerging sexually transmitted viral infections: Review of human T-lymphotropic virus-1 disease
Authors: Caswell RJ , Manavi K
Published: January 2020

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 is a preventable sexually transmitted infection. In the majority of people it is asymptomatic, remaining undiagnosed and thereby contributing to its silent transmission. When it does manifest it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review summarises the existing evidence for its role in sexual transmission and offers suggestions for those working in the area of sexual health. This is the third part of a series looking at novel sexually transmitted infections.
Dilemmas of sexual citizenship: A critical social psychological analysis of Civil Union law representations in Greek Cypriot newspapers
Authors: Kadianaki Irini , Avraamidou Maria , Andreouli Eleni
Published: January 2020

In this article we bring a critical social-psychological approach to the study of sexual citizenship. This approach seeks to understand how citizenship is constructed through ideological resources and negotiated in local contexts. We do so by studying newspaper representations of the Civil Union (CU) law in the Cypriot context. This law represented a major legal development for a largely heteronormative, patriarchic social context and sparked debate around sexual rights in general. We analysed 82 opinion articles that appeared in four newspapers of different political orientations between 2011 and 2015, through thematic and critical discourse analysis. The analysis revealed that CU was debated in terms of two oppositional themes. The first theme debated whether CU protects universal rights or introduces special rights, which are either not deserved or create inequality. The second theme approached the CU law as a sign of a much-needed societal progress or as a sign of decline and national degeneration. We show how these themes draw upon two broader ideological dilemmas, that of universalism versus particularism and that of Occidentalism versus Orientalism, and discuss the implications of these ideological streams in constructing the boundaries of citizenship for LGBT+ in this context.
Current and research therapies for the prevention and treatment of delayed neurological syndrome associated with carbon monoxide poisoning: A narrative review
Authors: del Moral-Barbudo B , Blancas R , Ballesteros-Ortega D , Quintana-Díaz M , Martínez-González Ó
Published: January 2020

Severe carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes fulminant deaths in common environment as well as neurological sequelae to survivors. Prevention of delayed neurological syndrome (DNS) after exposure to CO, the most important sequela, is based up to date on hyperbaric oxygen administration. Nevertheless, its use remains controversial due to the lack of evidence regarding its efficacy. The aim of this review is to report therapies under investigation for preventing or improving DNS, some of them with promising results in humans.
Variegated Europeanization and urban policy: Dynamics of policy transfer in France, Italy, Spain and the UK
Authors: Carpenter Juliet , González Medina Moneyba , Huete García María Ángeles , De Gregorio Hurtado Sonia
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the dynamics of urban policy transfer in the European Union (EU), critically examining the process of Europeanization in relation to urban issues. The paper takes a comparative approach, analysing the evolution of urban policy and Europeanization in four member states: France, Italy, Spain and the UK from the 1990s up to the current Cohesion Policy period (2014–2020). Using an analytical framework based on three dimensions of Europeanization (direction, object and impact), we examine the extent to which urban policies are moving towards an integrated approach to sustainable urban development, as supported by the EU. The paper highlights the contradictions between processes of convergence through Europeanization, and path-dependent systems and trajectories that forge alternative paths. In doing so, it advances wider debates on the impact of Europeanization in a neo-liberal context by arguing that member states more likely to be affected by Europeanization are those most impacted by national austerity measures. A process of ‘variegated Europeanization’ is proposed to capture the differential practices taking place within the EU with regard to the circulation of the EU’s approach to urban policy.
Stressors and Coping Methods of Turkish Adolescents With High and Low Risk of Depression: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Özkul Burcu , Günüşen Neslihan Partlak
Published: January 2020

Background:

Stress and coping skills are essential factors in the etiology of depression. Understanding the stressors and coping strategies of adolescents in Turkey may help determine the content of the country-specific depression prevention program.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to understand the stressors of adolescents with a high or low risk of depression and how they coped with these stressors.

Method:

This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in a high school in western Turkey. The data were collected via semistructured individual interviews. Eleven adolescents with high risk of depression and 10 adolescents with low risk of depression were included in the study. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The stressors of adolescents and their coping were grouped into three themes: stressors, factors affecting coping strategies of adolescents, and coping. Stressors theme consists of three subthemes: family relationship, peer relationship, and telephone/internet usage. The factors affecting coping strategies of adolescents theme consists of four subthemes: cognitive distortions, self-perception, family relationships, and peer relationships. The coping theme consists of two subthemes: engagement coping and disengagement coping.

Conclusions:

It was determined that adolescents with a high risk of depression had more stressors and used more disengagement-coping techniques. It is recommended that to prevent depression among adolescents, school nurses should take initiatives to strengthen the coping strategies of adolescents with high risk of depression.
The Placebo Response in Adult ADHD as Objectively Assessed by the TOVA Continuous Performance Test
Authors: Rotem Ann , Ben-Sheetrit Joseph , Newcorn Jeffrey , Danieli Yaron , Peskin Miriam , Golubchik Pavel , Ben-Hayun Rachel , Weizman Abraham , Manor Iris
Published: January 2020

Objective: We compared the placebo response (PR) as measured by the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) and the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) scores. Method: A retrospective data analysis from a double-blind placebo-controlled study of metadoxine-ER in adults with ADHD. An additional database was used for comparison to TOVA response after methylphenidate challenge (TOVA-MPH-R). Results: PR was highest when calculated from the TOVA-Attention Composite Score (ACS). The PR showed significantly fewer variables improving concomitantly compared with MPH-R. The most prominent correlation between the CAARS-PR and the TOVA-PR was in the Omissions score ( p = .032), which was age-dependent ( b = .0007, p <.001). Discussion: TOVA-PR has an index-specific profile compared with CAARS-PR and TOVA-MPH-R. The partial correlation of TOVA-PR with CAARS-PR suggests that a composite score of TOVA specific indices and CAARS could have a synergic impact to improve the reliability of the response assessment in adult ADHD.
Sex Differences in Use of Smoking Cessation Services and Resources: A Real-World Study
Authors: Jayakumar Navitha , Chaiton Michael , Zhang Bo , Selby Peter , Schwartz Robert
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Smoking cessation interventions with sex considerations have been found to effectively increase cessation rates. However, evidence is limited and weak. This study examined sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among Ontario adults.

Methods:

Data are from the Smokers’ Panel, an ongoing online survey of Ontario adult smokers and recent quitters. The analysis included 1009 male and 1765 female participants. Bivariate analysis was used to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables by use of cessation services/resources. Logistic regression was then used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables associated with the use of cessation services/resources.

Results:

The analysis shows that there were significant sex differences in the use of individual interventions. Female participants were more likely to use nicotine patch (63% vs 58%; adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.67), varenicline (29% vs 24%; AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.13-1.66), Smokers’ Helpline phone (14% vs 10%; AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.79), Smokers’ Helpline online (27% vs 21%; AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18-1.74), self-help materials (23% vs 16%; AOR: 1.81 95% CI: 1.46-2.26), and alternative methods (23% vs 19%; AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.14-1.73) compared with male participants, after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion:

Consistent with other findings, the study shows sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among adult smokers. Women are more likely to use recommended cessation resources such as nicotine patch, varenicline, and Smokers’ Helpline than men. Health professionals should use this increased willingness to help female smokers quit. However, men may be underserved and more men-specific interventions need to be developed and evaluated.
Metabolomics in multiple sclerosis disease course and progression
Authors: Bhargava Pavan , Anthony Daniel C.
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with changes in the metabolome. Numerous studies employing varying metabolomics platforms have examined a range of biological material ranging from brain tissue to urine and demonstrated consistently alterations in multiple metabolic pathways in MS. We review not only the studies that describe the ability of metabolomics to differentiate MS patients from healthy controls and other neurological disease but also discuss the potential of metabolomics-based methods to build predictive models that are able to stage disease, monitor progression, and select the most appropriate therapy. The increasing number of impressive claims for the capacity of metabolomics to distinguish between different types of demyelinating disease suggests that the provision of such tests may be close at hand. Besides the ability to provide potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, metabolomics also provides us with unique insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and helps identify metabolic pathways that may be potential therapeutic targets. Future studies will integrate metabolomics data with other omics techniques to provide further insight into the source of these metabolic abnormalities and help with identification of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score: Concept and applications
Authors: Kister Ilya , Kantarci Orhun H
Published: January 2020

Severity score represents disease duration–adjusted mean rank of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from the reference population. This measure allows one to compare the relative rates of disease progression among patients, patient subgroups, and across epochs, which opens up new question of what accounts for the observed differences in severity, and can be used to assess correlation between disease severity and clinical, radiologic, immunologic, genetic, and environmental variables of interest. Severity score can also prove useful for developing prognostic tools in MS. This article discusses the diverse applications of severity score concept in MS research, and (re)introduces Herbert’s proposal of severity-based MS classification in the context of variability of MS severity.
Simulation study on shear resistance of new cold-formed-steel-framed shear walls sheathed with steel sheet and gypsum boards
Authors: Feng Ruo-Qiang , Cai Qi , Ma Ying , Liu Shen , Yan Gui-Rong
Published: January 2020

The objective of this article is to present finite element modelling protocols and validation studies for the new cold-formed-steel-framed shear walls sheathed with steel sheet and gypsum boards. In this model, the nonlinear behaviours of the tapping screw connectors are represented by employing the ‘Pinching4’ material along with ‘zeroLength’ elements. The constitutive relationship parameters of the ‘Pinching4’ material were determined based on experimental data from the self-tapping screw connector shear test performed by the authors. The proposed procedure is implemented to generate the analytical specimens of seven full-scale cold-formed steel shear walls in the OpenSees platform. The load–deformation relationships, hysteresis curves and skeleton curves are compared with the test results performed by the authors. The results show that the finite element models can accurately simulate the shear characteristics of the new cold-formed steel shear walls. Finally, the effects of steel sheet thickness, stud thickness, sheathed material and height-to-width ratio of walls on the shear resistance were investigated.
Firm-Level Economic Activity Before, During, and After Local Events: A Case Study
Authors: Depken Craig A. , Fore Benjamin L.
Published: January 2020

This case study investigates how various sporting and cultural events impact economic activity at a single full-service restaurant in center-city Charlotte, NC. We find no evidence of significant changes in daily revenue, customers served, and revenue per customer on the day before, day of, and day after many of the events. The exceptions are National Football League (NFL) home games, swimming events, events at the Charlotte Convention Center, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, NASCAR races, PGA tournaments, and entertainment events at the Spectrum Center. The results invite future research using firm-level data to better understand the disparate impact of events on business enterprises.
Chasing Disparity: Economic Development Incentives and Income Inequality in the U.S. States
Authors: Jansa Joshua M.
Published: January 2020

Political scientists and policy scholars have traditionally looked at the role of welfare and tax policies in shaping income inequality. Less attention has been paid to the key policy area of economic development. But states spend billions on economic development incentives each year to encourage firms to locate in their state. The few studies that have examined the impact of economic development policy on inequality have found mixed results, and have not considered who shapes and benefits from economic development policy when identifying possible causal mechanisms. I argue that increased incentive spending leads to increased inequality through either a market conditioning effect (incentives disproportionately boost the incomes of top earners prior to taxes) or a redistributive effect (incentives allow wealthy firms, investors, and employees to keep income that would otherwise be taxed and transferred). These mechanisms are tested using data on incentive spending and inequality across the 50 states from 1999 to 2014. The findings demonstrate that incentives increase income inequality via a redistributive effect only. This effect, though, is relatively large, long-lasting, and robust to different measures of incentive spending. Despite using economic development incentives to try to generate greater prosperity, state governments may be inadvertently exacerbating inequality.
Minimizing the average arriving distance in carpooling
Authors: Zhao Tianlu , Yang Yongjian , Wang En
Published: January 2020

The massive use of cars in cities brings several problems such as traffic congestion and air pollution. Carpooling is an effective way to reduce the use of cars on the premise of meeting passenger transport needs. However, route planning will influence the efficiency of carpooling. By now, most researches on the route planning of carpooling mainly pay attention to minimizing the total driving distance of cars, but for passengers, the most crucial thing is to get to the destination as soon as possible. And in most cases, the minimum total driving distance of cars does not mean the minimal average arriving distance of all passengers. To address this issue, in this article, we formulate a novel carpooling route calculation problem with the objective of minimizing the average arriving distance of all passengers in carpooling. Then, we prove that this problem is NP-hard. To solve this problem, for the situation that the vehicle capacity is sufficient to deliver all passengers, we propose a heuristic algorithm named SimilarDirection with [Formula: see text] approximation ratio in delivery order calculation phase, where [Formula: see text] is the capacity of each vehicle. For the situation that the vehicle capacity is insufficient, we provide three algorithms named DelFar, Unchanged, and DelRan. Experimental results show that our SimilarDirection algorithm can produce less average arriving distance of all passengers than other three contrast algorithms in both the real-world dataset experiments and the synthetic dataset experiments, and DelFar has the best performance in producing less average arriving distance when the vehicle capacity is insufficient.
Robot vision application on embedded vision implementation with digital signal processor
Authors: Guan Xiaochun , Huang Jianlin , Tang Tinglong
Published: January 2020

The great development of robot vision represented by deep learning places urgent demands on embedded vision implementation. This article introduces a hardware framework for implementation of embedded vision based on digital signal processor, which can be widely used in robot vision applications. Firstly, the article discusses implementation of a pretrained typical convolutional neural network on the digital signal processor embedded system for real-time handwritten digit recognition. Then, the article introduces the migration of OpenCV software packages to digital signal processor embedded system and the implementation flow of face detection algorithms with OpenCV on digital signal processor. The experimental results are remarkable with convolutional neural networks for handwritten digit recognition. This article provides a convenient and feasible design scheme of digital signal processor system for implementation of embedded vision.
Mechanical defect detection of porcelain column high-voltage disconnector based on operating torque
Authors: Zhou Taotao , Ruan Jiangjun , Yang Zhifei , Liu Yufei
Published: January 2020

Currently, there is no effective detection and diagnosis technology for the frequently happened mechanical defects of disconnectors. A porcelain column high-voltage disconnector is taken as the object to study the influence of mechanical defects, including bearing jamming, axle pin jamming, and three-phase position asynchrony on the operating torque through geometric mechanics deduction. An operating torque detection technology is proposed, which could accurately measure the operating torque of the disconnector without destroying its original shafting. Using this technology, the operating torque curves of the disconnector in normal state and typical mechanical defect simulation states are measured and compared. The results indicate that the operating torque changes with the mechanical state of disconnector, and these changes could be quantified through the proposed detection technology. And the types of mechanical defects can be distinguished according to their different effects on the operating torque curve. Based on this, a practical mechanical defects diagnosis method is summarized to provide reference for maintainers to diagnose the mechanical defects of disconnectors.
Three-dimensional nonrigid reconstruction based on probability model
Authors: Wang Yaming , Shen Deming , Huang Wenqing , Han Yonghua
Published: January 2020

Most nonrigid motions use shape-based methods to solve the problem; however, the use of discrete cosine transform trajectory-based methods to solve the nonrigid motion problem is also very prominent. The signal undergoes discrete transformation due to the transform characteristics of the discrete cosine transform. The correlation of the data is well extracted such that a better compression of data is achieved. However, it is important to select the number and sequence of discrete cosine transform trajectory basis appropriately. The error of reconstruction and operational costs will increase for a high value of K (number of trajectory basis). On the other hand, a lower value of K would lead to the exclusion of information components. This will lead to poor accuracy as the structure of the object cannot be fully represented. When the number of trajectory basis is determined, the combination form has a considerable influence on the reconstruction algorithm. This article selects an appropriate number and combination of trajectory basis by analyzing the spectrum of re-projection errors and realizes the automatic selection of trajectory basis. Then, combining with the probability framework of normal distribution of a low-order model matrix, the energy information of the high-frequency part is retained, which not only helps maintain accuracy but also improves reconstruction efficiency. The proposed method can be used to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of sparse data under more precise prior conditions and lower computational costs.
A system of radiological criteria for grading and prognosticating temporal lobe contusions
Authors: Nigam Pulak , Krishnan Shyam S , Pande Anil , Vasudevan MC
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Temporal contusions are common in patients with head injuries and require close monitoring due to the propensity of these patients to deteriorate rapidly and fatally. This study attempts to introduce a radiological grading system for temporal lobe contusions and analyse its prognostic value so as to better identify patients at risk of deterioration.

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional observational study from April 2011–March 2017 on 42 patients with temporal lobe contusion. Each patients was graded according to the proposed system from a minimum of four to a maximum of 13 and then further grouped in three grades – grade 1 (score = 4), grade 2 (score 5–7) and grade 3 (score > 7) – and their clinical course was closely observed.

Results

The minimum and maximum scores observed were four and 11 respectively. The proposed grading system has statistically significant correlation to the Glasgow Coma Scale ( p-value < 0.05). All patients in grade 1 (17) could be managed conservatively, while all those in grade 3 (five) needed immediate surgical intervention. Of 20 patients in grade 2, 11 had a score of 5–6 and did not require surgery, whereas nine patients had a score of seven and of these eight required delayed surgical intervention. This correlation was statistically significant ( p-value < 0.05)

Conclusion

The proposed temporal lobe contusion grading system is a good radiological tool to predict the clinical course of patients and thereby identify patients at higher risk of delayed deterioration.
Mediators of the association of limited English health literacy with medication non-adherence among Singaporean elderly
Authors: Suppiah Sumithra , Tan Yi Wen , Cheng Grand H-L , Tang Wern Ee , Malhotra Rahul
Published: January 2020

Background:

In Singapore, English is predominantly used on prescription medication labels (PMLs). However, many older Singaporeans cannot read English, and among those who read English, their English health literacy (EHL) proficiency varies. It is thus pertinent to examine the link between EHL and medication use outcomes in this population. The present research aims to address this question.

Methods:

Data from a national survey, on 1167 home-dwelling elderly on ⩾1 prescribed medication was analysed. The validated Health Literacy Test for Singapore was used to determine EHL. Medication non-adherence was self-reported. Path analysis examined the association between limited EHL and medication non-adherence and tested possible mediators.

Results:

Limited EHL was associated with medication non-adherence (total effect=0.35; p-value: 0.032), and ‘uncertainty in taking medications correctly due to difficulty in understanding written information on PMLs’ was a significant mediator (indirect effect=0.23, 95% confidence interval (0.12–0.39)).

Conclusions:

Elderly people with limited EHL were significantly more likely than those with adequate EHL to report that they were uncertain about taking medications correctly because they had difficulty understanding the information on PMLs and this misunderstanding contributed to medication non-adherence. Interventions focused on incorporating bilingual text and/or pictograms on PMLs may reduce uncertainty in taking medication correctly and improve medication adherence among the elderly.
‘Outsourcing’ the integrated approach to interpretation: The implications of Association of Academics v Iceland
Authors: Thorsteinsson Halldor Kr.
Published: January 2020

The European Court of Human Rights has recognised the right to strike as falling within the ambit of Article 11 ECHR. The Strasbourg Court has expanded the scope of the provision by applying the so-called integrated approach, integrating materials of other international bodies into the interpretation of the Convention. Recently, the protection of the right to strike under Article 11 (1) ECHR has been threatened by the expansion of Article 11 (2). The concurrent expansion of the two provisions has created a rift in the jurisprudence of the Court. The inconsistent application of the integrated approach poses a further threat to the protection of the right to strike. This article focuses on a recent verdict of the Strasbourg Court, Association of Academics v Iceland. The decision raises questions about the interpretative approach of the Court. It has been criticised for neglecting the integrated approach. It is argued that the integrated approach was not completely abandoned in Association of Academics. Instead, the Court granted discretion to the national courts once it had established that the integrated approach was applied at a national level. The ‘outsourcing’ of the integrated approach in the case led to unfortunate results for the right to strike, as the Court permitted extensive restrictions to the right on weak substantial grounds. The essay concludes with discussing the possible implications of the decision.
Children’s education in ‘good’ nature: Perceptions of activities in nature spaces in mobile preschools
Authors: Harju Anne , Balldin Jutta , Ekman Ladru Danielle , Gustafson Katarina
Published: January 2020

In the Nordic countries, there is a culturally rooted understanding of nature as a ‘good’ place for children. The aim of the article is to deconstruct this understanding by exploring how different mobile preschools – buses that bring children to different places on a daily basis – relate to nature spaces and children’s learning and well-being in them. Based on critical theorization of place and the nature/culture divide, we argue that, while there exists an idealization of nature within the mobile preschool tradition, the ways that nature is viewed as ‘good’ for children differ depending on the children’s ethnic background and residential area. The results show that compensatory ideas are especially vivid when it comes to migrant children who live in multi-ethnic neighbourhoods. Education in nature, aiming at freedom and agency, brought forward in the preschool curriculum in the Nordic countries, seems more reserved for children who already have the right kind of cultural background and language. The ‘other’ children, however, are more likely to receive an education aiming to compensate for something perceived as missing – that is, the ‘right’ kind of capital regarding ‘nature’.
Predictors of exercise capacity following septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Smith Joshua R , Layrisse Veronica , Medina-Inojosa Jose R , Berg Jessica D , Ommen Steve R , Olson Thomas P
Published: January 2020

Aims

Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) have impaired exercise capacity. The gold standard therapy for patients with HOCM is septal myectomy surgery; however, changes in maximum oxygen uptake (VO2peak) following myectomy are variable, with VO2peak decreasing in some patients. Therefore, we evaluated changes in VO2peak following surgical myectomy to determine clinical predictors of those exhibiting decreased VO2peak post-myectomy.

Methods

HOCM patients ( N = 295) who performed symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to and following surgical myectomy were included for analysis. The VO2peak non-responder group ( n = 128) was defined as <0% change in VO2peak from pre- to post-myectomy. Step-wise regression models using demographics, clinical, and physiologic characteristics were created to determine predictors of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients in the VO2peak non-responder group.

Results

Independent predictors of the VO2peak non-responder group included higher pre-myectomy VO2peak (% predicted), older age, women, history of dyslipidemia, lack of cardiac rehabilitation enrollment, and lower body mass index (all p < 0.03). Forty-three (14.6%) patients reached the primary end-point of all-cause mortality during a median follow up of 11.25 years (interquartile range 6.94 to 16.40). After adjustment for age, sex, beta-blocker use, coronary artery disease history, and body mass index, the VO2peak non-responder group had greater risk of death compared with the VO2peak responder group (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–3.34, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This large hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cohort demonstrated that demographic (i.e. female sex), lack of cardiac rehabilitation enrollment, and cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. history of dyslipidemia) are predictive of those patients that did not exhibit increases in VO2peak following septal myectomy surgery.
High-intensity interval training is effective and superior to moderate continuous training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Donelli da Silveira Anderson , Beust de Lima Juliana , da Silva Piardi Diogo , dos Santos Macedo Débora , Zanini Maurice , Nery Rosane , Laukkanen Jari A , Stein Ricardo
Published: January 2020

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent syndrome, with exercise intolerance being one of its hallmarks, contributing to worse quality of life and mortality. High-intensity interval training is an emerging training option, but its efficacy in HFpEF patients is still unknown.

Design

Single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Single-blinded randomized clinical trial with exercise training 3 days per week for 12 weeks. HFpEF patients were randomly assigned to high-intensity interval training or moderate continuous training. At baseline and after 12 week follow-up, patients underwent clinical assessment, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Results

Mean age was 60 ± 9 years and 63% were women. Both groups ( N = 19) showed improved peak oxygen consumption (VO2), but high-intensity interval training patients ( n = 10) had a significantly higher increase, of 22%, compared with 11% in the moderate continuous training ( n = 9) individuals (3.5 (3.1 to 4.0) vs. 1.9 (1.2 to 2.5) mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.001). Ventilatory efficiency and other CPET measures, as well as quality of life score, increased equally in the two groups. Left ventricular diastolic function also improved with training, reflected by a significant reduction in E/e′ ratio by echocardiography (−2.6 (−4.3 to −1.0) vs. −2.2 (−3.6 to −0.9) for high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous training, respectively; p < 0.01). There were no exercise-related adverse events.

Conclusions

This randomized clinical trial provided evidence that high-intensity interval training is a potential exercise modality for HFpEF patients, being more effective than moderate continuous training in improving peak VO2. However, the two strategies were equally effective in improving ventilatory efficiency and other CPET parameters, quality of life score and diastolic function after 3 months of training.