bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Scheduler Characterization
Authors: Pinxten Joost Van , Geilen Marc , Basten Twan
Published: October 2019

Schedulers assign starting times to events in a system such that a set of constraints is met and system productivity is maximized. We characterize the scheduler behaviour for the case where decisions are made by comparing affine expressions of design parameters such as task workload, processing speed, robot travelling speed, or a controller’s rise and settling time. Deterministic schedulers can be extended with symbolic execution, to keep track of the affine conditions on the parameters for which the scheduling decisions are made. We introduce a divide-and-conquer algorithm that uses this information to determine parameter regions for which the same sequence of decisions is taken given a particular scenario. The results provide designers insight in the impact of parameter changes on the performance of their system. The exploration can also be executed with the KLEE symbolic execution engine of the LLVM tool chain to extract the same results. We show that the divide-and-conquer approach provides the results much faster than the generic symbolic execution engine of KLEE. The results allow visualization of the sensitivity to all parameter combinations. The results of our approach therefore provide more insight in the sensitivity to parameters.
Specification Mining and Robust Design under Uncertainty
Authors: Kyriakis Panagiotis , Deshmukh Jyotirmoy V. , Bogdan Paul
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose Stochastic Temporal Logic (StTL) as a formalism for expressing probabilistic specifications on time-varying behaviors of controlled stochastic dynamical systems. To make StTL a more effective specification formalism, we introduce the quantitative semantics for StTL to reason about the robust satisfaction of an StTL specification by a given system. Additionally, we propose using the robustness value as the objective function to be maximized by a stochastic optimization algorithm for the purpose of controller design. Finally, we formulate an algorithm for parameter inference for Parameteric-StTL specifications, which allows specifications to be mined from output traces of the underlying system. We demonstrate and validate our framework on two case studies inspired by the automotive domain.
Statistical Verification of Hyperproperties for Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Wang Yu , Zarei Mojtaba , Bonakdarpour Borzoo , Pajic Miroslav
Published: October 2019

Many important properties of cyber-physical systems (CPS) are defined upon the relationship between multiple executions simultaneously in continuous time. Examples include probabilistic fairness and sensitivity to modeling errors (i.e., parameters changes) for real-valued signals. These requirements can only be specified by
hyperproperties
. In this article, we focus on verifying probabilistic hyperproperties for CPS. To cover a wide range of modeling formalisms, we first propose a general model of probabilistic uncertain systems (PUSs) that unify commonly studied CPS models such as
continuous-time Markov chains
(CTMCs) and
probabilistically parametrized Hybrid I/O Automata
(P
2
HIOA). To formally specify hyperproperties, we propose a new temporal logic,
hyper probabilistic signal temporal logic
(HyperPSTL) that serves as a hyper and probabilistic version of the conventional signal temporal logic (STL). Considering the complexity of real-world systems that can be captured as PUSs, we adopt a
statistical model checking
(SMC) approach for their verification. We develop a new SMC technique based on the direct computation of significance levels of statistical assertions for HyperPSTL specifications, which requires no
a priori
knowledge on the indifference margin. Then, we introduce SMC algorithms for HyperPSTL specifications on the joint probabilistic distribution of multiple paths, as well as specifications with nested probabilistic operators quantifying different paths, which cannot be handled by existing SMC algorithms. Finally, we show the effectiveness of our SMC algorithms on CPS benchmarks with varying levels of complexity, including the Toyota Powertrain Control System.
Timing-Anomaly Free Dynamic Scheduling of Conditional DAG Tasks on Multi-Core Systems
Authors: Chen Peng , Liu Weichen , Jiang Xu , He Qingqiang , Guan Nan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to schedule conditional DAG parallel tasks, with which we can derive safe response time upper bounds significantly better than the state-of-the-art counterparts. The main idea is to eliminate the notorious timing anomaly in scheduling parallel tasks by enforcing certain order constraints among the vertices, and thus the response time bound can be accurately predicted off-line by somehow “simulating” the runtime scheduling. A key challenge to apply the timing-anomaly free scheduling approach to conditional DAG parallel tasks is that at runtime it may generate exponentially many instances from a conditional DAG structure. To deal with this problem, we develop effective abstractions, based on which a safe response time upper bound is computed in polynomial time. We also develop algorithms to explore the vertex orders to shorten the response time bound. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated by experiments with randomly generated DAG tasks with different parameter configurations.
Ecology ofFrancisella tularensis
Authors: Telford Sam R. , Goethert Heidi K.
Published: October 2019

Tularemia is a Holarctic zoonosis caused by the gamma proteobacterium Francisella tularensis and is considered to be a vector-borne disease. In many regions, human risk is associated with the bites of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. But the biology of the agent is such that risk may be fomite related, and large outbreaks can occur due to inhalation or ingestion of contaminated materials. Such well-documented human risk factors suggest a role for these risk factors in the enzootic cycle as well. Many arthropods support the growth or survival of the agent, but whether arthropods (ticks in particular) are obligately required for the perpetuation of F. tularensis remains to be demonstrated. As with most zoonoses, our knowledge of the ecology of F. tularensis has been driven with the objective of understanding human risk. In this review, we focus on the role of the arthropod in maintaining F. tularensis, particularly with respect to long-term enzootic persistence.
The State and Future of Antarctic Environments in a Global Context
Authors: Chown Steven L. , Brooks Cassandra M.
Published: October 2019

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean comprise a critical part of the Earth System. Their environments are better understood than ever before, yet the region remains poorly considered among international agreements to improve the state of the global environment. In part the situation owes to isolated regional regulation within the Antarctic Treaty System, and in part to the dated notion that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are well conserved and relatively free from human impact. Here we review growth in knowledge of Antarctic environments and anthropogenic pressures on them. We show that the region's unusual diversity is facing substantial local and globally mediated anthropogenic pressure, on a par with environments globally. Antarctic environmental management and regulation is being challenged to keep pace with the change. Much benefit can be derived from consideration of Antarctic environmental and resource management in the context of global agreements.
Empirical Studies of Human Rights Law
Authors: Cope Kevin L. , Creamer Cosette D. , Versteeg Mila
Published: October 2019

A growing body of empirical studies has provided important insights into our understanding of the causes and effects of codified human rights. Yet empirical research has treated human rights treaties and constitutional rights as separate domains, even though the two regimes offer many of the same rights protections and can interact and reinforce each other. In this article, we review these two bodies of literature, focusing on two lines of inquiry: studies that ( a) treat rights commitments as the outcome to be explained and ( b) examine the consequences of these commitments for state behavior. Some broad insights emerge from these literatures. First, the literatures adopt different orientations to explaining why states commit themselves to legal rights. Second, the effect of both human rights treaties and constitutions is usually small and contingent on certain legal and political environments. This review concludes by synthesizing debates over the most effective methods for measuring rights performance and for gauging causal effects.
Effect of ischemic preconditioning and changing inspired O2fractions on neuromuscular function during intense exercise
Authors: Halley Samuel L. , Marshall Paul , Siegler Jason C.
Published: October 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC)-mediated effects on neuromuscular function are dependent on tissue oxygenation. Eleven resistance-trained males completed four exercise trials (6 sets of 11 repetitions of maximal effort dynamic single-leg extensions) in either normoxic [fraction of inspired oxygen ([Formula: see text]): 21%) or hypoxic [Formula: see text]: 14%] conditions, preceded by treatments of either IPC (3 × 5 min bilateral leg occlusions at 220 mmHg) or sham (3 × 5 min at 20 mmHg). Femoral nerve stimulation was utilized to assess voluntary activation and potentiated twitch characteristics during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Tissue oxygenation (via near-infrared spectroscopy) and surface electromyography activity were measured throughout the exercise task. MVC and twitch torque declined 62 and 54%, respectively (MVC: 96 ± 24 N·m, Cohen’s d = 2.9, P < 0.001; twitch torque: 37 ± 11 N·m, d = 1.6, P < 0.001), between pretrial measurements and the sixth set without reductions in voluntary activation ( P > 0.21); there were no differences between conditions. Tissue oxygenation was reduced in both hypoxic conditions compared with normoxia ( P < 0.001), with an even further reduction of 3% evident in the hypoxic IPC compared with the sham trial (mean decrease 1.8 ± 0.7%, d = 1.0, P < 0.05). IPC did not affect any measure of neuromuscular function regardless of tissue oxygenation. A reduction in [Formula: see text] did invoke a humoral response and improved muscle O2extraction during exercise, however, it did not manifest into any performance benefit.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ischemic preconditioning did not affect any facet of neuromuscular function regardless of the degree of tissue oxygenation. Reducing the fraction of inspired oxygen induced localized tissue deoxygenation, subsequently invoking a humoral response, which improved muscle oxygen extraction during exercise. This physiological response, however, did not manifest into any performance benefits.
A Novel Thiazolyl Schiff Base: Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects and In Vitro Oxidative Stress Modulation on Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Login Cristian Cezar , Bâldea Ioana , Tiperciuc Brînduşa , Benedec Daniela , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Decea Nicoleta , Suciu Şoimiţa
Published: October 2019

Schiff bases (SBs) are chemical compounds displaying a significant pharmacological potential. They are able to modulate the activity of many enzymes involved in metabolism and are found among antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative drugs. A new thiazolyl-triazole SB was obtained and characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal ability of the SB was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against three Candida strains. SB showed good antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa; it was two times more active than ciprofloxacin. Anti-Candida activity was twofold higher compared with that of fluconazole. The effect of the SB on cell viability was evaluated by colorimetric measurement on cell cultures exposed to various SB concentrations. The ability of the SB to modulate oxidative stress was assessed by measuring MDA, TNF-α, SOD1, COX2, and NOS2 levels in vitro, using human endothelial cell cultures exposed to a glucose-enriched medium. SB did not change the morphology of the cells. Experimental findings indicate that the newly synthetized Schiff base has antibacterial activity, especially on the Gram-negative P. aeruginosa, and antifungal activity. SB also showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Study on Banded Implicit Runge–Kutta Methods for Solving Stiff Differential Equations
Authors: Liu M. Y. , Zhang L. , Zhang C. F.
Published: October 2019

The implicit Runge–Kutta method with A‐stability is suitable for solving stiff differential equations. However, the fully implicit Runge–Kutta method is very expensive in solving large system problems. Although some implicit Runge–Kutta methods can reduce the cost of computation, their accuracy and stability are also adversely affected. Therefore, an effective banded implicit Runge–Kutta method with high accuracy and high stability is proposed, which reduces the computation cost by changing the Jacobian matrix from a full coefficient matrix to a banded matrix. Numerical solutions and results of stiff equations obtained by the methods involved are compared, and the results show that the banded implicit Runge–Kutta method is advantageous to solve large stiff problems and conducive to the development of simulation.
An Active Network-Based Open Framework for IoT
Authors: Amjad Mahwish , Iradat Faisal
Published: October 2019

Major benefits of wireless sensor nodes of IoT like low cost and easy deployment are advocating their usage in variety of applications. Some of them are health monitoring, agriculture, environmental and habitant monitoring, and water monitoring. These nodes are autonomous in nature. It follows that they like to operate in a dynamic and adaptive network environment. So, the communication mechanism between IoT nodes must be robust and adaptive with respect to the environmental change. Unfortunately, the traditional networking architecture supports limited and fixed network computations. These limitations inhibit flexible and robust IoT nodes communication. In addition, the energy consumption in communication nodes is high due to limited processing. To address these issues, this paper gives rebirth to the active system. The proposed active network framework brings a novel integration of the active system with recent technologies (software-defined networking and network function virtualization). As a result of integration, the active system runs as a network function virtualization under the control of software-defined networking. In our view, the amalgam of recent technologies with the active system will promote a robust and flexible IoT nodes communication along with reduced energy consumption. Moreover, various design benefits such as security, flexibility, usability, cost, and performance will be added to the system. Additionally, the proposed framework is open and generalized. It can be extended to other networks such as mobile, satellite, and vehicular networks.
Profound Iron Deficiency Anemia and Irreversible Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Child
Authors: Wittekind Samuel G. , Martinez Hugo R. , Villa Chet , Bacon Matthew , Hammill Adrienne M. , Lorts Angela
Published: October 2019

Iron deficiency anemia has been associated with a secondary and potentially reversible cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiologic paradigm has been that the hematologic disease begets cardiac dysfunction. There may be, however, a point at which myocardial injury is irreversible in susceptible individuals. We present the case of a 4-year-old, developmentally normal, child who presented with iron deficiency anemia and a dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. Despite appropriate correction of the anemia, the patient developed decompensated heart failure requiring milrinone therapy and eventual heart transplantation. This report will alert clinicians to the potential for irreversible adverse cardiac remodeling and the importance of close pediatric cardiology consultation and serial assessment in order to implement appropriate heart failure therapy.
One-Year Outcomes of 1 Dose versus 3 Loading Doses Followed by Pro Re Nata Regimen Using Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The ARTIS Trial
Authors: Wang Fenghua , Yuan Yuanzhi , Wang Ling , Ye Xiaofeng , Zhao Jingke , Shen Mengxi , Zhang Qi , Xu Ding , Qin Guoyou , Zhang Wei , Yuan Fei , Chang Qing , Zhao Peiquan , Wang Fang , Sun Xiaodong
Published: October 2019

Purpose. To compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of one dose and three loading doses followed by the pro re nata (PRN) regimen in Chinese neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) (including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)) patients. Methods. In this multicenter, prospective, open-label, controlled, 12-month study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02810808), patients were randomized (1 : 1) to 1 dose + PRN (PRN group) or 3 loading doses + PRN (LD group) using intravitreal ranibizumab treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated. The main outcome was the change in BCVA. The noninferiority limit was 5 letters. Results. Forty-five patients in the PRN group and 49 patients in the LD group finished 12-month follow-up. Each group included 4 PCV patients. The mean change in BCVA from baseline was 7.8 letters in the PRN group, compared with 10.9 letters in the LD group (P=0.344). There were no significant differences between two groups in the mean change of CRT (−159.3 μm vs. −120.5 μm) at month 12. The mean number of injections during the 12-month follow-up was 6.0 in the PRN group and 6.8 in the LD group. The proportion of patients who gained an improvement in visual acuity by 15 or more letters was 28.9% in the PRN group and 44.9% in the LD group (P=0.066). Conclusion. One dose + PRN showed noninferior visual gains than 3 loading doses + PRN regimen using ranibizumab in Chinese nvAMD and PCV patients. Number of injections in the PRN group was similar as that in the LD group but remained a potential risk of vision instability during one-year follow-up using OCT-guided retreatment criteria. This trial is registered with NCT02810808.
Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerosis With Nanobodies
Authors: Punjabi Mukesh , Xu Lifen , Ochoa-Espinosa Amanda , Kosareva Alexandra , Wolff Thomas , Murtaja Ahmed , Broisat Alexis , Devoogdt Nick , Kaufmann Beat A.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging (CEUMI) of endothelial expression of VCAM (vascular cell adhesion molecule)-1 could improve risk stratification for atherosclerosis. The microbubble contrast agents developed for preclinical studies are not suitable for clinical translation. Our aim was to characterize and validate a microbubble contrast agent using a clinically translatable single-variable domain immunoglobulin (nanobody) ligand.

Approach and Results:

Microbubble with a nanobody targeting VCAM-1 (MB
cAbVcam1-5
) and microbubble with a control nanobody (MB
VHH2E7
) were prepared and characterized in vitro. Attachment efficiency to VCAM-1 under continuous and pulsatile flow was investigated using activated murine endothelial cells. In vivo CEUMI of the aorta was performed in atherosclerotic double knockout and wild-type mice after injection of MB
cAbVcam1-5
and MB
VHH2E7
. Ex vivo CEUMI of human endarterectomy specimens was performed in a closed-loop circulation model. The surface density of the nanobody ligand was 3.5×10
5
per microbubble. Compared with MB
VHH2E7
, MB
cAbVcam1-5
showed increased attachment under continuous flow with increasing shear stress of 1-8 dynes/cm
2
while under pulsatile flow attachment occurred at higher shear stress. CEUMI in double knockout mice showed signal enhancement for MB
cAbVcam1-5
in early (
P
=0.0003 versus MB
VHH2E7
) and late atherosclerosis (
P
=0.007 versus MB
VHH2E7
); in wild-type mice, there were no differences between MB
cAbVcam1-5
and MB
VHH2E7
. CEUMI in human endarterectomy specimens showed a 100% increase in signal for MB
cAbVcam1-5
versus MB
VHH2E7
(20.6±27.7 versus 9.6±14.7,
P
=0.0156).

Conclusions:

CEUMI of the expression of VCAM-1 is feasible in murine models of atherosclerosis and on human tissue using a clinically translatable microbubble bearing a VCAM-1 targeted nanobody.
CRISPR-Cas9 and the Promise of a Better Future
Authors: Raposo Vera Lúcia
Published: October 2019

Due to its simplicity, low cost and accuracy, CRISPR-Cas9 has become a promising new technique in the field of gene editing. However, despite its virtues, it is not yet immune to scientific hazards and ethical legal concerns. These concerns have been used to justify opposition to genetic manipulation, and have led to some regulations to ban or impose a moratorium based on the precautionary principle. In Europe, regulation mostly comes from the European Union and the Council of Europe, both very cautious towards gene editing. In this article, two arguments on the future legal framework of CRISPR-Cas9 are made. The first is that continued research will contribute to more scientific accuracy; thus, the precautionary principle should promote regulated research to achieve this aim. The second is that most of the legal and ethical concerns surrounding CRISPR-Cas9 are based on unfounded prejudice emanating from a mystical understanding of the human genome.
Moneta e cultura giuridica
Authors: De Concilio David
Published: October 2019

Summary
The International Regulation and Governance of Time
Authors: Witte Andreas
Published: October 2019

The paper examines the system for the regulation and governance of time, both with respect to the time of day (i.e., clock readings), and calendar dates. Sub-topics of the two areas include the definition of Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), time zones, daylight saving time, and the International Date Line (IDL). The analysis begins, for both areas, by briefly sketching out the scientific background—without which the subsequent legal and institutional discussion would not be meaningful—and the historical development. It then goes on to describe the present-day mechanism for the regulation of both areas. This examination will reveal noteworthy differences: whereas the regulation of clock readings is based on a complex interplay between national statutes and government laboratories, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, hardly any formal legal or institutional framework is in place for the regulation of calendars. An explanation for this discrepancy is suggested. The paper then proceeds to address questions of interpretation where international legal instruments make reference to time without specifying the relevant time reckoning system; a solution is proposed which builds on 19th-century domestic litigation, adapted to the context of public international law. A final paragraph draws more general conclusions and undertakes a brief outlook into the future.
The Election of S.A. Zhebelev as Full Member of the Academy of Sciences of the ussr
Authors: Ananiev Vitalii Gennad’evich , Bukharin Mikhail Dmitrievich
Published: October 2019

The article examines the history of the May 1927 elections of full members of the Academy of Sciences of the ussr. At the center of attention are issues such as the procedure of the electoral campaign and the criteria that ought to have guided the Academy of Sciences in electing new members – particularly the attitude of academicians to “improper borrowing of materials” (plagiarism) in candidates’ works. The article introduces several dozen documents – private letters, meeting protocols, reports and the like – illustrating the complex system of personal relationships within the Academy, the sharp disagreements of its members over crucial matters of scholarly ethics, and the archaic nature of the Academy’s organizational structure. These documents enable the authors to suggest that, in the 1927 elections of full members of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, all participants ignored fundamental principles of scholarly ethics. The last elections to occur before the scandalous “Academy affair” showed that the Academy of Sciences badly needed organizational reforms: the cumbersome nature of the structure and the ease with which electoral manipulations occurred were too obvious to be ignored. Yet the reforms which followed the 1927 elections led to establishment of total state control over the Academy.
Catherine the Great’s Foreign Policy Reconsidered
Authors: Kamenskii Alexander
Published: October 2019

Catherine ii’s foreign policy has been traditionally considered very successful. She won three wars and incorporated large territories into the Russian Empire making her country one of Europe’s great powers. But arguments for this kind of evaluation miss Catherine’s own perspective. The article argues that the empress failed to reach any of the initial goals she had put forward. Her foreign policy lacked a considered long-term strategy and from the very start was characterized by a series of mistakes. Catherine did turn Russia into a great power but with quite a different reputation from what she initially had planned.
The Power of the Weak Opponent: The Diplomacy of Alexander I in Tilsit
Authors: Scharf Claus
Published: October 2019

Not only in Soviet patriotic historiography the conduct of war and the foreign policy of Alexander i were regarded as heroic only from the battle of Borodino onward. The earlier years of the Napoleonic Era and the retreat of Russian armies during the summer of 1812 appeared in a negative light. Revisionist research in Russia and abroad offers another interpretation. When the French army in 1807 after some victorious battles reached the Russian border Alexander maintained a much better bargaining position in talks with Napoleon than disappointed critics among the Russian elite recognized. The emperor of the French was not prepared to continue the war on Russian soil and did not make territorial demands on Russia. Napoleon wanted not only an armistice and peace, but also an alliance with Russia against Britain. Thus Alexander, using the power of the weak opponent, succeeded in winning time. Russia was able not only to maintain her strategic goals against the Ottoman Empire in the Rumanian principalities and in the Black Sea, but also to defend the political existence of Prussia as a possible Russian ally in a future coalition with Austria against Napoleon, which meant a sacrifice of Polish interests by Russia.
A taxonomic revision of Oberonia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Malaxideae) in Thailand

Authors: BUNPHA KANOK-ON , SRIDITH KITICHATE , PEDERSEN HENRIK Æ.
Published: October 2019

The methods and results of a taxonomic revision of Oberonia in Thailand are presented following a historical outline. The traditional methods and techniques of morphology-based botanical revision work were used, and the revision relied on examination of dried as well as liquid-preserved specimens from 13 herbaria, supplemented with observations of live plants made during 25 field trips to five of the seven floristic regions of Thailand. The taxonomic value of selected morphological characters is surveyed, as are ecological aspects, occurrence patterns in Thailand and the overall geographic affinities of the Oberonia species represented in the Thai flora. Fourty-two species are accepted, whereas the only report of O. latipetala from Thailand is considered dubious. Full taxonomic accounts are provided for the genus and species, including a dichotomous key to the species. Whereas all morphological descriptions have been prepared from Thai material only, the synonymies are intended to be complete; O. acaulis, O. dolichostachys, O. falcata, O. longirachis, O. nitida and O. rasmussenii are proposed as new taxonomic (heterotypic) synonyms. The accepted names O. denticulata, O. hosseusii and O. lotsyana are lectotypified, and solutions are provided for long-standing taxonomic/nomenclatural problems, especially in relation to the name O. iridifolia. All accepted species are illustrated by line drawings, and references are provided to additional good illustrations in the literature.
The identity of Anemone weixiensis (Ranunculaceae) from northwestern Yunnan, China

Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: October 2019

Examination of herbarium specimens (including type material) has shown that Anemone weixiensis, recently described from Weixi County in northwestern Yunnan, China, is conspecific with A. flaccida, a species widely distributed in China, Japan and Russia (Far East) and fairly common in northwestern Yunnan. We therefore place A. weixiensis in synonymy with A. flaccida. As A. flaccida belongs to A. sect. Keiskea based on molecular work, we reduce A. sect. Deinostigma, which was established to accommodate A. weixiensis, to the synonymy of A. sect. Keiskea.
Our Intertwined Animality: Forgoing Ultimacy for Intimacy in Dialogue with Eschatology and Science
Authors: Harvie Timothy
Published: October 2019

This article examines some epistemological issues arising in eschatology when read in dialogue with scientific projections for the cosmos. In noting the problematic of traditional Christian eschatologies, affirmations pertaining to human participation in transcendence, it is argued that exchanging notions of eternity for those of embodied, evolutionary relations is a productive avenue to pursue. In dialogue with Maurice Merleau-Ponty the article develops an eschatological conception of evolved animal flesh and its import for human relations with other species. The article concludes in proposing the concept of enactivism in constructing future eschatologies in dialogue with the natural sciences.
Acute Bronchiolitis: A Study of 207 Cases
Authors: Ackerman Bruce D.
Published: October 2019

Acute bronchiolitis is an important clinical syndrome seen in infants and young children. It is most common in infants between the ages of two and seven months.

The disease is characterized by recurrent epidemics during which a large number of cases are seen over a period of one to two months.

The presenting history is usually dominated by the symptom of cough. Physical examination reveals an acutely ill infant with a characteristic cough, labored respirations, an emphysematous chest, and high-pitched expiratory wheezes.

The clinical course is typically characterized by severe respiratory difficulty for one to two days followed by sudden improvement. Respiratory embarrassment is sometimes extreme and on rare occasions fatal.

The etiology most often appears to be infection with a viral agent.
Occult Phenylketonuria
Authors: Mabry C. Chablton , Nelson Thomas L. , Horner Frederick A.
Published: October 2019

1. An infant with phenylketonuria who has never had a positive urine FeCl3 test is reported.

2. Some of the problems concerning the diagnosis of phenylketonuria are discussed.
Particle swarm optimization–based adaptive super-twisting sliding mode control design for 2-degree-of-freedom helicopter
Authors: Humaidi Amjad J , Hasan Alaq F
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a novel design of adaptive super-twisting sliding mode controller for two-axis helicopter with model uncertainties. The high-order super-twisting sliding mode control strategy is used to guarantee that the sliding surface can reach the equilibrium point in a shorter time and to avoid the chattering problem. The adaptive control algorithm has been developed based on Lyapunov theory to estimate the unknown parameters of 2-degree-of-freedom helicopter such that the global stability of the controlled system based on adaptive super-twisting sliding mode is guaranteed. A comparison study between conventional and adaptive super-twisting sliding mode controllers is made and the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified via computer simulation.
Treason Versus Outraging Public Decency: Over-Criminalisation and Terrorism Panics
Authors: Baker Dennis J
Published: October 2019

In this article, I shall try to outline some grounds for resisting enacting new treason-type offences. It shall be argued that an offence of treason based on the wrongness of ‘betrayal’ would add nothing extra to the protection that is already provided for in a plethora of terrorism offences that cover preparation, inchoate acts concerning terrorism as well as consummated terrorism attacks. I shall try to demonstrate that what supplies the normative case for criminalisation in these sorts of cases is culpability plus harm, not betrayal in itself. Betrayal is a minor aggravating feature that can be dealt with by sentencing judges. I also argue that there is no evidence that the sentences available in our terrorism legislation are not ample to deal with those who go abroad to fight in armed conflicts involving British forces. Finally, it is argued that while the common law offence of outraging public decency might plug gaps where returning Islamic State of Iraq and Syria brides make outrageous comments, it should be used only as a last resort when the speech involves hate speech of a serous kind.
Developing Teachers as Critical Curators: Investigating Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Inspirations for Lesson Planning
Authors: Sawyer Amanda G. , Dredger Katie , Myers Joy , Barnes Susan , Wilson Reece , Sullivan Jesse , Sawyer Daniel
Published: October 2019

Internet resources abound for preservice teacher (PST) use today, but we do not know how they choose and describe their implementation of them. This study investigates 158 elementary PSTs’ lesson plans across eight courses to describe plan inspiration and justification. PSTs reported being inspired by cooperating teachers (CTs), friends and family members, university courses, and Internet resources. In some cases, these PSTs simply followed lesson plans given to them. In other cases, they collected, curated, synthesized, and applied ideas based on inspirations, showing dispositions of New Literacies Theory. This study provides evidence that teacher educators need to engage PSTs in intentionally developing the skills of curation by acknowledging and modeling the depth and breadth of resources, including those that are not necessarily sanctioned. Implications include ways that teacher educators can frame PSTs’ understandings as they critically consume online resources through Critical Curation Theory.
Endorsement of Animal Research: Incorporation of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) Guidelines/Gold Standard Publication Checklist (GSPC) by Chinese journals: A survey of journals' instructions for authors and editors
Authors: Zhang Ting , Yang Jingjing , Bai Xi , Liu Hongyan , Cheng Fang , Ma Zhanjun , Ma Bin
Published: October 2019

The objective was to determine the rate at which Chinese journals include Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) Guidelines/Gold Standard Publication Checklist (GSPC) in their instructions for authors, and the awareness and recognition of editors. The survey was performed on Chinese journals. The most recent versions each journal's instructions for authors were downloaded, and the information related to the ARRIVE/GSPC was collected. A self-developed questionnaire was used to conduct the survey among the editors. Questionnaires were sent to 238 qualified journals and 198 of them returned them, achieving an 83.2% response rate. The results showed that none of the journals included the ARRIVE/GSPC in their instructions for authors, and the awareness rate was only 13.1% (26/198). The participants who were unaware of the ARRIVE/GSPC were less likely than those who were aware of them to believe it was necessary to include the ARRIVE/GSPC in the instructions for authors (23.3% vs. 61.5%), and less likely to request authors in their manuscript preparation (28.5% vs. 88.5%), editors in the editing and processing (28.5% vs. 84.6%) and reviewers in peer review stage (28.5% vs. 92.3%) to follow the ARRIVE/GSPC. Currently no Chinese journals include the ARRIVE/GSPC in their instructions for authors. The recognition rate of the ARRIVE/GSPC was low among the editors. So, we suggest that Chinese journals should promote inclusion of the ARRIVE/GSPC in journals' instructions for authors. It is also important to educate researchers and editors alike to increase their understanding of the ARRIVE/GSPC, so that the quality of reporting of animal study can be improved.
US Adult Smokers’ Perceived Risk of Fire or Explosion-Related Injury Caused by Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Nyman Amy L. , Weaver Scott R. , Huang Jidong , Slovic Paul , Ashley David L. , Eriksen Michael P.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Publicity on incidents of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) exploding or catching fire may influence smokers’ risk perceptions and decisions about using ENDS for quitting smoking. We examined combustible cigarette smokers’ perceptions of the possibility of injury from exploding ENDS and the relationship of those perceptions to ENDS use, perceived risk relative to smoking, and perceived costs and benefits of ENDS use.

Methods:

We used data from the 2017 Tobacco Products and Risk Perceptions Survey of a national probability sample of US adults, conducted online in August and September 2017. The analytic sample consisted of 1181 current combustible cigarette smokers aware of ENDS.

Results:

Among combustible cigarette smokers aware of ENDS, a medium/high perceived risk of injury from exploding ENDS was associated with lower odds of current ENDS use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.86; P = .01), perceiving ENDS to be at least as harmful as cigarettes (aOR = 3.22; 95% CI, 2.11-4.93; P < .001), and feeling that the negatives of ENDS use outweighed the positives (aOR = 3.50; 95% CI, 2.00-6.14; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Product standards, improved product labeling, and education about how to properly use, charge, and store ENDS can help protect consumers from injury. Communication efforts should seek to fully inform combustible cigarette smokers about both the absolute health risks of ENDS, including risk of explosions, and their relative risks compared with those of cigarette smoking.
Generation and characterization of ultra-precision compound freeform surfaces
Authors: Kong Lingbao , Ma Yingao , Ren Mingjun , Xu Min , Cheung Chifai
Published: October 2019

Compound freeform surfaces are widely used in bionic and optical applications. The manufacturing and measurement of such surfaces are challenging due to the complex geometry with multi-scale features in a high precision level with sub-micrometer form accuracy and nanometer surface finish. This article presents a study of ultra-precision machining and characterization of compound freeform surfaces. A hybrid machining process by combining slow slide servo and fast tool servo is proposed to machine compound freeform surfaces. The machining process for this hybrid tool servo is explained, and tool path generation is presented. Then, a normal template-based matching and characterization method is proposed to evaluate such compound freeform surfaces. Experimental studies are undertaken to machine a compound freeform surface using the proposed method based on a four-axis ultra-precision machine tool. The machined compound freeform surface is also measured and characterized by the proposed analysis and characterization method. The experimental results are presented, and the machining errors for compound freeform surfaces are also discussed.
Trajectory optimization of the 6-degrees-of-freedom high-speed parallel robot based on B-spline curve
Authors: Mei Jiangping , Zhang Fan , Zang Jiawei , Zhao Yanqin , Yan Han
Published: October 2019

According to the problem that the existing high-speed parallel robot cannot satisfy the operation requirements of non-planar industrial production line, a 6-degrees-of-freedom high-speed parallel robot is proposed to carry out the kinematic and dynamic analyses. Combining with the door-type trajectory commonly used by the parallel robot, it adopts 3-, 5-, and 7-time B-spline curve motion law to conduct the trajectory planning in operation space. Taking the average cumulative effect of joint jerky as the optimization target, a trajectory optimization method is proposed to improve the smoothness of robot end-effector motion with the selected motion law. Furthermore, to solve the deformation problem of the horizontal motion stage of the trajectory, a mapping model between the control point subset of B-spline and the motion point subset of trajectory is established. Based on the main diagonally dominant characteristic of the coefficient matrix, the trajectory deformation evaluation index is constructed to optimize the smoothness and minimum deformation of the robot motion trajectory. Finally, compared to without the optimization, the maximum robot joint jerk decreases by 69.4% and 72.3%, respectively, and the maximum torque decreases by 51.4% and 38.9%, respectively, under a suitable trajectory deformation.
Family Genealogies and Religious Ideology
Authors: Jonker Louis C.
Published: October 2019

The Chronicler starts his historiographical work with nine chapters of family and name lists. Lay readers of the book often skip these “boring” chapters to get to the “real” narrative, starting with the death of Saul in chapter 10. Scholars have indicated, however, that these genealogies actually form a portal (“Vorhalle”) through which the Chronicler’s historiography should be approached. In the genealogies, we already find the basic themes of the book, and the ideologies operative in the book, introduced. A close study of the structure of the genealogies, as well as of the sources used in the genealogies, reveals that the family lists are not merely provided as a documentation of family relationships, but rather to give clear expression of the religious and identity ideologies which form the main focus of the whole book of Chronicles.
From oeconomia to Nordic Welfare Societies
Authors: Gregersen Niels Henrik
Published: October 2019

In the Nordic countries, Martin Luther’s doctrine of the three estates ( ecclesia, oeconomia, politia) has significantly shaped social imaginaries about what makes a society workable and proficient for its citizens. While already Luther used the idea of the household ( oeconomia) as a third zone between civil government ( politia) and church ( ecclesia), Danish-Norwegian receptions of Luther’s concept of oeconomia emphasized the mutual obligations between superiors and subordinates. Arguably, the parental expectation to the worldly government in early Nordic Lutheranism—together with the institutionalization of school education, public healthcare, and care for the poor—constitute a background condition for the emergence of Nordic welfare states in the twentieth century.
“The Times They Are a Changin’”
Authors: Mikoski Gordon S.
Published: October 2019

Dramatic demographic shifts in patterns of partnering and parenting in the United States since the 1970s pose serious theological questions and confront churches with pressing dilemmas. Fresh theological reflections on parenting and partnering in light of far-reaching changes of American behavior patterns must arise from careful consideration of sociological “facts on the ground.” This article served as the basis for a brief presentation on changing patterns of partnering and parenting in the American context at the third conference of the Global Network that took place in Hong Kong in January 2019.
Family and Hope in Finland
Authors: Saarinen Risto
Published: October 2019

This article reports on a survey regarding the importance of family life in contemporary Finland. The “sacred” character of the domestic sphere is interpreted as a feature that generates and sustains hope and meaning in everyday human life. While marriage and procreation rates decrease in Scandinavian societies, family and home values are nevertheless given a high priority. The article also claims that many current philosophical and theological explanations of hope are outdated. New approaches to hope are needed to understand how ecological matters shape the evaluation of home and family.
Some Influences of Confucianism on Korean Christian Family Life
Authors: Baik Chung-Hyun
Published: October 2019

This article investigates some influences of Confucianism on Korean Christian family life, mainly based on Martina Deuchler’s highly elaborate sociological research. It examines some characteristics of Choseon society (1392–1910) in contrast to those of Koryeo society (918–1392), thereby enabling us to see more clearly how Confucianism had some influences on Christian family life in Korea, and to determine whether those influences were Confucian, Christian, or Confucian-Christian. In so doing, this article argues that, on the one hand, Korean Christianity has changed and transformed some previous neo-Confucian traditions and customs within family life. On the other hand, however, Korean Christianity might have strengthened, intensified, or at least justified neo-Confucian patrilineal traditions and customs in some areas of family life. Thus now it is time to reexamine the mutual influences and interrelations between Confucianism and Christianity, in order to transmit Christian faith to the next generation in Korea. This task is the more necessary because the Korean church today witnesses a steep decrease of the number of believers and especially of younger believers, and also an increase in the number of so-called “Canaan Believers” in Korea, namely, those who are “believing without belonging,” and because such changes are directly or indirectly related to the younger generation’s strong antipathy towards Korean Christianity’s traces of Confucianism and the patriarchal and hierarchical streams within it.
“Family Values” in the Gospel Tradition
Authors: Frey Jörg
Published: October 2019

This article discusses the idea of “family values,” developed in modern Western Protestantism, within the horizon of family-related sayings in the Gospel tradition. In accord with general tendencies of the Hellenistic period, early Christianity opened up the possibility of a religious affiliation different from that suggested by ethnic, tribal, or familial tradition. A first challenge to traditional family obligations can be seen in the lifestyle of Jesus and his earliest disciples: In Mark, Jesus is depicted in a strong distance from his physical family. Common family obligations are questioned, and those who follow him and God’s word are called his real family. In Matthew and Luke, the distance is softened due to the idea that Jesus’ family is already aware of his mission and destiny. In John, his earthly mother is present under his cross, and also Joseph as his father is openly mentioned, but his true origins are in the realm of God, and for his Galilean contemporaries, knowledge of his earthly origins is rather an argument not to believe him. In John, finally, family aspects are transferred to the community which is the new family of God, shaped by the mutual love and support of the disciples. In a global context of theology, the various biblical views on family matters and also the different patterns of community structures have to be negotiated, and the challenge of the radical questioning of traditional values in Jesus’ ministry should not be ignored.