bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Biological Traits into Conservation Strategies
Authors: Miatta Marta , Bates Amanda E. , Snelgrove Paul V.R.
Published: August 2020

Implementation of marine conservation strategies, such as increasing the numbers, extent, and effectiveness of protected areas (PAs), can help achieve conservation and restoration of ocean health and associated goods and services. Despite increasing recognition of the importance of including aspects of ecological functioning in PA design, the physical characteristics of habitats and simple measures of species diversity inform most PA designations. Marine and terrestrial ecologists have recently been using biological traits to assess community dynamics, functioning, and vulnerability to anthropogenic impacts. Here, we explore potential trait-based marine applications to advance PA design. We recommend strategies to integrate biological traits into ( a) conservation objectives (e.g., by assessing and predicting impacts and vulnerability), ( b) PA spatial planning (e.g., mapping ecosystem functions and functional diversity hot spots), and ( c) time series monitoring protocols (e.g., using functional traits to detect recoveries). We conclude by emphasizing the need for pragmatic tools to improve the efficacy of spatial planning and monitoring efforts.
Autonomous Cognitive Model and Analysis for Survivable System
Authors: Liao Yiwei , Zhao Guosheng , Wang Jian
Published: August 2020

The research on autonomous recognition mechanism for survivability has vigorously been growing up. A method of autonomous cognitive model and quantitative analysis for survivable system was proposed based on cognitive computing technology. Firstly, a cognitive model for survivable system with cross-layer perception ability was established, a self-feedback evolution mode of cognitive unit based on monitor-decide-execute loop structure was improved, and a self-configuration of cognitive unit is realized. Then, combined with the cognitive state transition graph, the analysis of cognitive performance for survivable systems based on dynamic cognitive behavioral changes was constructed. Finally, the cognitive processes of survivable system were described by using formal modeling. Simulation validated the influence degree of test parameters on system survivability from two perspectives of the probability of intrusion detection systems vulnerability and attacks detected. Results show that enhancing the rate of monitoring actions change and the rate of performing actions change obviously improved the cognitive performance of survivable system.
Using a Multilearner to Fuse Multimodal Features for Human Action Recognition
Authors: Tang Chao , Hu Huosheng , Wang Wenjian , Li Wei , Peng Hua , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2020

The representation and selection of action features directly affect the recognition effect of human action recognition methods. Single feature is often affected by human appearance, environment, camera settings, and other factors. Aiming at the problem that the existing multimodal feature fusion methods cannot effectively measure the contribution of different features, this paper proposed a human action recognition method based on RGB-D image features, which makes full use of the multimodal information provided by RGB-D sensors to extract effective human action features. In this paper, three kinds of human action features with different modal information are proposed: RGB-HOG feature based on RGB image information, which has good geometric scale invariance; D-STIP feature based on depth image, which maintains the dynamic characteristics of human motion and has local invariance; and S-JRPF feature-based skeleton information, which has good ability to describe motion space structure. At the same time, multiple K-nearest neighbor classifiers with better generalization ability are used to integrate decision-making classification. The experimental results show that the algorithm achieves ideal recognition results on the public G3D and CAD60 datasets.
Ocular Findings in COVID-19 Patients: A Review of Direct Manifestations and Indirect Effects on the Eye
Authors: Bertoli Federica , Veritti Daniele , Danese Carla , Samassa Francesco , Sarao Valentina , Rassu Nicolò , Gambato Tommaso , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: August 2020

The novel pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has challenged the medical community. While diagnostic and therapeutic efforts have been focused on respiratory complications of the disease, several ocular implications have also emerged. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in tears of the infected patients, and reports suggest that the ocular surface could serve as a portal of entry and a reservoir for viral transmission. Clinically, COVID-19 has been associated with mild conjunctivitis, which can be the first and only symptom of the disease. Subtle retinal changes like hyperreflective lesions in the inner layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT), cotton-wool spots, and microhemorrhages have also been reported. In addition, COVID-19 has been associated with an increased incidence of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and Kawasaki disease, which are particularly relevant for ophthalmologists due to their potentially severe ocular manifestations. Several treatment strategies are currently under investigation for COVID-19, but none of them have been proved to be safe and effective to date. Intensive care unit patients, due to risk factors like invasive mechanical ventilation, prone position, and multiresistant bacterial exposure, may develop ocular complications like ocular surface disorders, secondary infections, and less frequently acute ischemic optic neuropathy and intraocular pressure elevation. Among the array of drugs that have shown positive results, the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine has raised a concern due to their well-known retinal toxic effects. However, the risk of retinal toxicity with short-term high-dose use of antimalarials is still unknown. Ocular side effects have also been reported with other investigational drugs like lopinavir-ritonavir, interferons, and interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 inhibitors. The aim of this review was to summarize ophthalmological implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection to serve as a reference for eye care and other physicians for prompt diagnosis and management.
Shaking Table Test Study on Flexible and Rigid Immersed Tube Tunnel in Liquefiable Soil Layer
Authors: Ouyang Zhiyong , Li Peijie , Cui Jie , Luo Ruofan , Yuan Dandan
Published: August 2020

To study the seismic response law of the immersed tunnel under different structural stiffnesses, three groups of shaking table models of immersed tunnel are carried out, including free-field model, flexible tunnel model, and rigid tunnel model. The similarities and differences of the pore water pressure and acceleration time-history between the free site and liquefiable soil layer around the flexible and rigid immersed tube tunnel are analyzed. The results show that, compared with the soil layer at the same position in the free-field, both the amplitude of acceleration and frequency component in the surrounding soil layer are affected by the stiffness of tunnel, and the influence comes greater with the larger stiffness of tunnel. When the input amplitude of seismic ground motion is small, the soil layer in the free field and the flexible tunnels share the same acceleration amplification law. The development law of pore pressure in the soil layer of test 1 was similar to test 2 but was quite different from test 3. Specifically, when the tunnel stiffness is smaller, the surrounding soil layer is easier to liquefy, with greater influence of the tunnel stiffness on the development law of pore pressure in the surrounding soil layer. The lower the soil buried depth is, the faster the pore pressure dissipates. The growth rate of tunnel strain is related to the stiffness of the structure. Generally speaking, the strain growth rate of the structure with smaller stiffness is higher under moderate earthquakes. The smaller the tunnel stiffness is, the more adaptable the tunnel is to the movement of the surrounding soil layer.
Analysis of Internal Structure of Cement‐Stabilized Macadam Based on Industrial CT Scanning
Authors: Liang Chunyu , Wang Yinghan , Tan Guojin , Zhang Lidong , Zhang Yutong , Yu Zhihua
Published: August 2020

The composition and structure of cement‐stabilized macadam (CSM) is an important factor affecting its performance. Aiming at the typical suspension dense structure and skeleton dense structure, the static pressure and vibration methods were used to prepare the CSM samples. The three‐dimensional internal structure characteristics of CSM were analyzed and studied by industrial CT scanning technology. By using digital image and 3D reconstruction technology, the structural parameters such as the number of 3D voids, the gradation of voids, the distribution of voids along the height direction, and the coefficient of variation of the proportion of coarse aggregate area were obtained. The results show that more than 80% of the voids in CSM are less than 1 mm3, and the number of large voids of skeleton dense gradation is more than that of suspension dense gradation under the two compaction methods. The distribution of internal voids along the height of CSM specimens cannot be changed by the compaction mode, but the vibration method can reduce its void ratio. Under different compaction methods, the variation coefficient of the coarse aggregate area ratio of two kinds of CSM mixture generally has the same change trend, and the vibration method can make its inner structure more uniform.
Research on the Identification of Key Nodes in the Process of WeChat Epidemic Information Dissemination: A Supernetwork Perspective
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhao Di
Published: August 2020

It is of great significance to comprehensively and reasonably identify the key nodes in the WeChat epidemic information dissemination system. First, the recognition results can be used to guide the spread of epidemic-related information in WeChat, such as accelerating the spread of valuable information or monitoring the spread of rumors. Secondly, the analysis of key nodes helps us understand the evolution of the epidemic information dissemination network in WeChat, and the analysis of key nodes also helps us understand the modes and methods of epidemic-related information dissemination in WeChat. Finally, the results of these studies may be generalized to other fields of social life. This paper analyzes the composition of and relationship between epidemic-related information dissemination systems in WeChat and proposes a Supernetwork model for WeChat epidemic information dissemination on this basis. In this study, a comprehensive identification method of key nodes of the WeChat epidemic information dissemination system under the Supernetwork vision was constructed, and the method is analyzed and verified through examples in this paper.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Batra Akshee , Herz Allah Shatha , Thajudeen Bijin
Published: August 2020

Renal involvement in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a rare manifestation. Although most renal involvement is due to monoclonal immune deposits, pathology can also be unrelated to it. Here, we describe a 68-year-old female with a history of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who presented with generalized edema and nephrotic range proteinuria. A renal biopsy showed findings consistent with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Treatment with oral prednisone leads to the resolution of proteinuria. This case highlights the importance of identifying pathology that might not be directly related to monoclonal gammopathy, which could have implications on the management.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Pleurotus spp. Cultivated on Different Agricultural Wastes in Chiro, Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Getachew , Fassil Amare , Redi Fuad
Published: August 2020

In the present study, mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus florida, were cultivated on different agricultural wastes namely coffee straw (CS), pea straw (PS), Sorghum Grain Residue (SGR), and Wheat Grain (WG) for the evaluation of antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial activity evaluation was carried out against human pathogenic microorganisms, namely, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi by using the disc diffusion method. Methanolic extracts of P. ostreatus cultivated on a Sorghum grain residue substrate were recorded for the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (19.8 mm) and P. aeruginosa (16.4 mm), and methanolic extracts of P. florida cultivated on a wheat grain substrate were recorded for the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (18.6 mm) and S. faecalis (14.8 mm). Therefore, results suggested that P. ostreatus and P. florida cultivated on the coffee straw and Sorghum grain substrate were found with the highest antimicrobial activity in comparison to other substrates. The results supported that the methanolic extracts of P. ostreatus and P. florida might indeed be potential sources of antibacterial agents.
Effects of Physical Sample Approval Practice on Performance and Competitiveness of Export-Oriented Garment Industries in Ethiopia
Authors: Abuhay Amare
Published: August 2020

The textile sector is one of the major economic pillars in Ethiopia. The sector is generating foreign currency by exporting textile and finished garments. However, the competitiveness of this sector is not as per the expectation due to the long delivery time and excessive manufacturing cost. This study aims to assess the main approval processes in handling garment samples between manufacturers and buyers. The study also examines the effect of physical sample approval process on export performance and competitiveness of the industry. The study employed an explanatory and exploratory multiple-case study research approach in four apparel exporting companies. Both primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and observation. Result from this study showed that the export performance and competitiveness of apparel industries are mainly affected by the traditional sample approval system due to long delivery time, unnecessary approval process cost, and poor inventory management of the sampling department. The result also indicates that long lead time and costly process system made the sector incompetent in international market. Therefore, it can be concluded that the apparel manufacturing and exporting industries in Ethiopia should modify their approach to nurture better speed and comparably lower process costs. Ethiopia’s apparel sector needs also to invest in creating a reliable quality manufacturing system to grow and meet government targets for expanding export sales.
Exercise Hemodynamics in the Prognosis of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Faure Morgane , Valentin Simon , Zysman Maeva , Sitbon Olivier , Peretti Laura , Guillaumot Anne , Gomez Emmanuel , Huttin Olivier , Selton-Suty Christine , Chabot François , Chaouat Ari
Published: August 2020

Background: Assessment of prognosis is of major importance when deciding on a therapeutic strategy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of pulmonary hemodynamics during exercise and changes during treatment in patients with PAH. Methods: Consecutive incident patients (n = 49) with PAH undergoing right heart catheterization at rest and during a constant workload cycle exercise in supine position were included. Predictors of survival were identified at baseline using Cox proportional hazard regression models in a univariate analysis unadjusted and adjusted for age and gender. Results: During a median follow-up period of 42 months, 13 (27%) of the 49 patients studied died. Two predictors of death were found: rest-to-exercise changes in heart rate and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Adjusted hazard ratios were 0.92 (95% CI 0.86–0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.99), respectively. These 2 variables were correlated with each other (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Rest-to-exercise changes in heart rate and systolic pulmonary artery pressure measured at diagnosis are predictors of survival in patients with PAH. These measurements taken from an exercise test reflect right ventricular function.
Identification of a Prognostic Signature Based on the Expression of Genes Related to the Insulin Pathway in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Gennari Alessandra , Sormani Mariapia , Puntoni Matteo , Martini Veronica , Amaro Adriana , Bruzzi Paolo , Pfeffer Ulrich
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Insulin and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family play a key role in breast cancer (BC). Objective: In this study, we evaluated on a genomic scale the potential prognostic value of insulin signaling in early BC. Methods: Candidate genes were selected from the published literature and gene expression profiling experiments. Three publicly available BC datasets, containing gene expression data on 502 cases, were used to test the prognostic ability of the score. The gene signature was developed on GSE1456, containing microarray data from 159 patients, split into a training set (102 breast tumors) and a validation set (n = 57). GSE3494 and GSE2990 (350 patients) were used for external validation. Univariate Mann-Whitney test was used to identify genes differentially expressed between relapsed and nonrelapsed patients. Expression of genes significantly correlated with relapse was combined in a linear score. Patients were classified as low or high risk with respect to the median value. Results: On the training set, 15 genes turned out to be differentially expressed: 8-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 51 and 91% in the high- and low-risk group (p < 0.001), respectively. In the validation set, DFS was 97 and 54% (p = 0.009), respectively. External validation: 8-year DFS was 72 and 61%, respectively, in GSE3494 (p = 0.03) and 74 and 55% in GSE2990 (p = 0.03). By multivariate analyses, the insulin signature was significantly associated with DFS, independently of age, hormone receptor status, nodal status, and grade. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the insulin pathway is involved in BC prognosis at a genomic level and provide a window of selectivity for preventive and treatment strategies targeting the insulin/IGF pathway in BC patients.
Retinale Komplikationen im Rahmen einer Tumortherapie mit Checkpoint-Inhibitoren
Authors: Feltgen Nicolas
Published: August 2020

Ocular manifestations are very rarely reported as side effects to checkpoint inhibitors. We present a case of a 64-year-old Caucasian man in treatment with durvalumab for non-small-cell lung carcinoma who presented a retinal vasculitis with macular edema. After three boluses of methylprednisolone, the retinal vasculitis resolved and macular edema improved during follow-up. There was no need for durvalumab to be withdrawn.
Brain Volume Fractions in Mammals in Relation to Behavior in Carnivores, Primates, Ungulates, and Rodents
Authors: Grisham William , Greta Sarah , Schottler Natalie , Tomita William , Burre Anthony , Rostamian Dalar , Pishchalenko Olena , Thomas Sarah T.
Published: August 2020

The volume fraction (VF) of a given brain region, or the proper mass, ought to reflect the importance of that region in the life of a given species. This study sought to examine the VF of various brain regions across 61 different species of mammals to discern if there were regularities or differences among mammalian orders. We examined the brains of carnivores (n = 17), ungulates (n = 8), rodents (n = 7), primates (n = 11), and other mammals (n = 18) from the online collections at the National Museum of Health and Medicine. We measured and obtained the VF of several brain regions: the striatum, thalamus, neocortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and piriform area. We refined our analyses by using phylogenetic size correction, yielding the corrected (c)VF. Our groups showed marked differences in gross brain architecture. Primates and carnivores were divergent in some measures, particularly the cVF of the striatum, even though their overall brain size range was roughly the same. Rodents predictably had relatively large cVFs of subcortical structures due to the fact that their neocortical cVF was smaller, particularly when compared to primates. Not so predictably, rodents had the largest cerebellar cVF, and there were marked discrepancies in cerebellar data across groups. Ungulates had a larger piriform area than primates, perhaps due to their olfactory processing abilities. We provide interpretations of our results in the light of the comparative behavioral and neuroanatomical literature.
Prevalence of Onychomycosis among Patients with Transverse Overcurvature of the Nail: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Noriega Leandro Fonseca , Gioia Di Chiacchio Nilton , Borges Figueira de Mello Cristina Diniz , Suarez Maria Victoria , Bet Diego Leonardo , Di Chiacchio Nilton
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Transverse overcurvature of the nail (TON) represents one of the main reasons for dermatological consultations due to nail conditions. Association between TON and subungual hyperkeratosis is common and simulates onychomycosis, constituting a difficult differential diagnosis by clinical features. Many cases are treated in daily practice with antifungal therapy even without mycological confirmation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis among patients with TON associated with subungual hyperkeratosis. Methods: All subjects with clinical diagnosis of TON and subungual hyperkeratosis were subjected to a thorough clinical history, detailed clinical examination, digital photography, and collection of nail clipping and subungual debris for histopathological and microbiological examination (direct microscopy). Results: Sixty-five samples were collected from 62 female (95.4%) and 3 male (4.6%) participants. Age range was between 34 and 83 years (mean age, 61.2 years). Twenty-eight samples were positive for onychomycosis, giving a 43.07% prevalence rate of onychomycosis among TON associated with hyperkeratosis. Discussion/Conclusion: According to our data, the prevalence of onychomycosis in patients with TON associated with subungual hyperkeratosis was 43.07%, confirming the need to rule out fungal infection in TON associated with subungual hyperkeratosis prior to considering any unnecessary antifungal treatment.
First discovery of Sarcocornia perennis subsp. alpini (Chenopodiaceae) in Algeria with note on the distribution of Sarcocornia perennis subsp. perennis

Authors: BENSOUNA AMEL , SARI-ALI AMEL , BABALI BRAHIM
Published: August 2020

Sarcocornia perennis subsp. alpini (Chenopodiaceae) is recorded in Algeria (coastal region of Rachgoun , NW-Algeria) for the first time. A description of the species is provided as well as a morphological comparison with other closely related species which occur in the same rich and threatened biotope (a conservation policy is highly recommended).
First record of the genus Microstenus Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) from China, with description of one new species and a key to world species
Authors: LI TAO , SUN SHU-PING , SHENG MAO-LING
Published: August 2020

The genus Microstenus Szépligeti, 1916 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) is newly recorded from China based on a new species, Microstenus rufithorax Sheng, Li & Sun, sp. nov., collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oriental part of China. Illustrations of the new species are provided. A key to the world species of this genus is also provided.
The genus Parabaliothrips Priesner (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) with three new species from Japan and Taiwan, and two new records of related genera from Japan
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: August 2020

A new diagnosis of the genus Parabaliothrips is provided, together with a key to the nine recognized species and descriptions of the following: P. betulaceae n.sp., P. brevisetosus n.sp. and P. robustus n.sp. The European species Firmothrips firmus and Iridothrips mariae are newly recorded from Japan.
The Effectiveness of Adlerian Therapy for Hwa-Byung in Middle-Aged South Korean Women
Authors: Kim Eunha , Seo Jungsun , Paik Hyeyeong , Sohn Soohyung
Published: August 2020

Middle-aged South Korean women are at greater risk of developing hwa-byung (South Korean anger syndrome) as compared to men and women of other age groups. In this study, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a group counseling program informed by Adlerian individual psychology. Outcome measures included hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety. We used a cohort-controlled design that compared an intervention condition ( n = 22) and a wait-list control group ( n = 16), with a 4-week follow-up. Group comparisons showed statistically significant treatment effects for all three outcome measures, which were maintained at follow-up. Mediational analyses revealed that changes in hwa-byung symptoms and depression were mediated by increased social interest. The findings support the effectiveness of a group Adlerian program for middle-aged South Korean women in alleviating hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety.
Social work in the social distancing era in Korea: A reflective essay
Authors: Park Tae In , Yang Dong Hun
Published: August 2020

As COVID-19 has created an unprecedented world, social workers in Korea are also dealing with the enormous changes. This reflective essay presents an update on current social work in the country in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The essay also addresses challenges and concerns in the social welfare scenes in Korea, provides critical commentary and calls for action in international contexts.
Children’s rights in Taiwan: A qualitative study on social workers’ perspectives
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yi , Tang I-Chen
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of social workers in Taiwan on children’s rights. Among the 94 social workers who were interviewed, most were familiar with children’s rights terminology. From the results of this study, parental needs and the inability of young children to communicate effectively hindered the balance between protection of and participation by children. To better implement children’s rights, social workers should gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and develop skills for communicating well with children and parents.
The Impact of Alcohol on L1 versus L2
Authors: Offrede Tom F. , Jacobi Jidde , Rebernik Teja , de Jong Lisanne , Keulen Stefanie , Veenstra Pauline , Noiray Aude , Wieling Martijn
Published: August 2020

Alcohol intoxication is known to affect many aspects of human behavior and cognition; one of such affected systems is articulation during speech production. Although much research has revealed that alcohol negatively impacts pronunciation in a first language (L1), there is only initial evidence suggesting a potential beneficial effect of inebriation on articulation in a non-native language (L2). The aim of this study was thus to compare the effect of alcohol consumption on pronunciation in an L1 and an L2. Participants who had ingested different amounts of alcohol provided speech samples in their L1 (Dutch) and L2 (English), and native speakers of each language subsequently rated the pronunciation of these samples on their intelligibility (for the L1) and accent nativelikeness (for the L2). These data were analyzed with generalized additive mixed modeling. Participants’ blood alcohol concentration indeed negatively affected pronunciation in L1, but it produced no significant effect on the L2 accent ratings. The expected negative impact of alcohol on L1 articulation can be explained by reduction in fine motor control. We present two hypotheses to account for the absence of any effects of intoxication on L2 pronunciation: (1) there may be a reduction in L1 interference on L2 speech due to decreased motor control or (2) alcohol may produce a differential effect on each of the two linguistic subsystems.
The Gender Gap: Who Is (and Is Not) Included on Graduate-Level Syllabi in Social/Personality Psychology
Authors: Skitka Linda J. , Melton Zachary J. , Mueller Allison B. , Wei Kevin Y.
Published: August 2020

We contacted a random sample of social/personality psychologists in the United States and asked for copies of their graduate syllabi. We coded more than 3,400 papers referenced on these syllabi for gender of authors as well as other characteristics. Less than 30% of the papers referenced on these syllabi were written by female first authors, with no evidence of a trend toward greater inclusion of papers published by female first authors since the 1980s. The difference in inclusion rates of female first-authored papers could not be explained by a preference for including classic over contemporary papers in syllabi (there was evidence of a recency bias instead) or the relative availability of female first-authored papers in the published literature. Implications are discussed.
Significance of ICP-related parameters for the treatment and outcome of severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Pan Yuchun , Xue Yuanfeng , Zhao Penglai , Ding Junhong , Ren Zhiwen , Xu Jian
Published: August 2020

Objective

To analyze the significance of intracranial pressure (ICP)-related parameters on outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The ICP-related parameters included ICP, ICP dose (DICP), regression of the correlation coefficient between amplitude and pressure (RAP), pressure reactivity index (PRx), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical information from 29 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery from January 2018 to January 2019. All patients underwent ICP probe implantation after admission. Patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge, and were categorized into either the favorable or unfavorable outcome group based on their Glasgow Outcome Scale score. The differences in ICP, DICP, RAP, PRx, and CPP between the two groups were analyzed for their effects on outcome.

Results

The average ICP, DICP, PRx, and RAP values in patients with favorable outcomes were significantly lower than in patients with unfavorable outcomes, while CPP values were significantly higher in the favorable outcome group.

Conclusion

Average ICP, DICP, PRx, RAP, and CPP values may indicate disease status and relate to patient outcomes. It is important to use multiple parameters to predict patients’ disease severity and prognosis.
Childhood Environmental Instability and Social-Emotional Outcomes in Emerging Adults
Authors: Babad Sara , Zwilling Amanda , Carson Kaitlin W. , Fairchild Victoria , Nikulina Valentina
Published: August 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can negatively affect social-emotional functioning. The association between individual and cumulative ACEs and social-emotional domains of self-esteem, loneliness, and negotiation in intimate partner relationships has not been explored in low-risk emerging adults, a gap this study aims to fill. An online survey was administered to undergraduate emerging adults, ages 18 to 25 years ( Mage = 19.73, SD = 1.83; N = 436; 20.60% Hispanic; 63.80% female). The ACEs Survey, Child Abuse Potential Inventory, and Conflict Tactics Scale–2nd Edition were used. Three multivariate ordinary least squares regressions were run, each including predictors significant in bivariate analyses and outcomes of self-esteem, loneliness, and negotiation for each regression. Emotional abuse, B = −.20, p < .01; emotional neglect, B = −.21, p < .001; and substance using family member, B = −.12, p < .05, were negatively associated with self-esteem; emotional neglect, B = .11, p < .01, and cumulative ACEs, B = .16, p < .01, were positively associated with loneliness; and incarcerated family member was positively associated with negotiation, B = .12, p < .05. Overall, these findings suggest that individual ACEs associated with environmental instability (e.g., emotional abuse) are strong predictors of social-emotional outcomes, relative to ACEs associated with more direct physical harm (e.g., sexual abuse).
Employer-Sponsored Benefits in the United States: The Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Lester Gretchen V. , Brock Baskin Meagan E. , Clinton Mary S.
Published: August 2020

In early 2020, the COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions across the globe. As of this writing, 40 million Americans had filed first-time unemployment claims U.S. Department of Labor (2020, March 26). Employment and Training Administration. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta . The United States, with its historical reliance upon employers to cover many basic benefits, must overcome unique challenges in its recovery from this global crisis. In this article, we briefly describe the initial federal response; we then present the history of US benefits along with recent yet prepandemic benefit trends, and we conclude by presenting a potential path forward that may allow for both employers and workers to recover in a postpandemic society.
Event-triggered particle filtering and Cramér–Rao lower bound computation
Authors: Sadeghzadeh-Nokhodberiz Nargess , Davoodi Mohammadreza , Meskin Nader
Published: August 2020

In this article, an event-triggered particle filtering method is presented to estimate the states of stochastic nonlinear systems with the ultimate goal to reduce the information exchange in networked systems. In the event-triggered estimation, measurements are transferred to an estimator only if certain event conditions are satisfied. Using these event-triggered measurements leads to non-Gaussianity of the conditional posterior distribution in minimum mean square error estimators even in the presence of Gaussian process and measurement noises. Therefore, in this article, a particle filter–based method is employed to solve the non-Gaussianity issue in nonlinear systems due to event-triggered measurements. In the proposed scheme, when no information is sent to the estimator, particles weight update role is modified according to the event-triggering probability density function. To evaluate the performance of the proposed state estimation scheme, the conditional posterior Cramér–Rao lower bound is obtained using Monte Carlo simulations. The bound is also computed for nonlinear Gaussian systems with a Gaussian event-triggering mechanism as a special case. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated for a networked interconnected four-tank system through simulation and a comparison study is also provided.
Mechanical performance of in-situ coated fumed silica in hybrid composite partition sheets
Authors: BG Bavithran , VA Nagarajan , KP Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2020

This paper involves the utilization of waste fishing nets as one of the reinforcements in the manufacturing of fumed silica coated composite partition sheets. Hybrid Fishing Net Reinforced Plastic (HFNRP) composite sheets developed by sandwiching various layers of used fishing net between the two glass fiber layers and in-situ coated with the AEROSIL®200 nano powder, were tested for mechanical properties. Appreciable values for mechanical properties were seen for all the HFNRP sheets; more pronounced when the number of fishing net layers was increased. On the contrary, the light transmission through the sheets decreases. The nylon content of the fishing nets in the sheets increased the linear thermal expansion with highest value of 2.01 inches/100 feet (0.168%). Moreover, water absorbing properties of the coated HFNRP sheets revealed to be moisture resistant due to the coating of polyester/nano powder resin mixture. Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Thermal Analysis revealed the mass change and phase change for the various manufactured specimens. The wear analysis with the pin on disk experiment revealed the wear resistance through the allied action of the flexible fishing net nylon and the friction resistant nano coating over the specimens. These, low cost and less weight composite sheets were successfully developed and implemented as the partition sheets for affordable buildings and fishing nets were efficiently reused.
Consensus PCR protocols for the detection of amphibian herpesviruses (Batrachovirus)
Authors: Licheri Matthias , Origgi Francesco C.
Published: August 2020

Amphibians have been disappearing at an unprecedented rate worldwide. Among the proposed contributing factors are infectious diseases. Investigations have focused mainly on ranavirus and chytrids; however, additional agents may be relevant stressors. Two novel batrachoviruses have been discovered (ranid herpesvirus 3 [RaHV-3] and bufonid herpesvirus 1 [BfHV-1]). Their clinical role is still to be clarified; however, both have been associated with obvious skin lesions in their respective hosts. Herein we present 2 consensus PCR protocols that can be used to detect all of the known and, possibly, yet to be discovered batrachoviruses. We targeted a 200 nt long, highly conserved region of the DNA terminase gene. We established a sensitive protocol, which can detect both European batrachoviruses (European batrachovirus PCR protocol; RaHV-3 and BfHV-1) and a panbatrachovirus PCR protocol detecting all known batrachoviruses, including ranid herpesvirus 1 and 2 (RaHV-1, -2). The limit of detection (LOD) for the European batrachovirus protocol was 101 copies of RaHV-3 and 102 copies of BfHV-1 per reaction. The panbatrachovirus protocol could detect all known batrachoviruses with LODs of 103 (RaHV-3, BfHV-1, RaHV-1) to 104 copies (RaHV-2) per reaction. These novel detection tools can be used as a first line of detection when herpesviral infection in amphibians is suspected, followed by additional PCRs with herpesvirus-specific primers in the case of known viral species, or sequencing as in the case of novel batrachoviruses.
Creative Musical Activities in Undergraduate Music Education Curricula
Authors: Piazza Erik S. , Talbot Brent C.
Published: August 2020

Music education majors report low exposure to creative musical activities (CMAs) despite increased discourse surrounding the inclusion of CMAs in standards, curricula, publications, and practice. The purpose of this study was to compare preservice music teachers’ (PMT) and music teacher educators’ (MTE) experiences with CMAs. We used an anonymous survey instrument to explore definitions, perceived importance and preparedness, and the incorporation of CMAs within undergraduate music education curricula. MTEs and PMTs valued the inclusion of CMAs in preK–12 curricula, PMTs felt most prepared to teach arranging and least prepared to teach composing with their future preK–12 students, and PMTs valued and desired more opportunities to practice CMAs in undergraduate curricula. MTEs should consider integrating these activities as regular components in undergraduate music curricula.
Bayesian Hypothesis Testing for Hospitality and Tourism Research
Authors: Assaf A. George , Tsionas Mike
Published: August 2020

In hospitality and tourism research, p-values continue to be the most common approach to hypothesis testing. In this article, we elaborate on some of the misconceptions associated with p-values. We discuss the advantages of the Bayesian approach and provide several important practical recommendations and considerations for Bayesian hypothesis testing. With the main challenge of Bayesian hypothesis testing being the sensitivity of the results to prior distributions, we present in this article several priors that can be used for that purpose and illustrate their performance in a regression context.
For safe and compliant interaction: an outlook of soft underwater manipulators
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Cui Weicheng
Published: August 2020

As underwater missions become more and more complex, novel underwater manipulators with better performance are demanding. Soft underwater manipulators are judged to be the development direction and expected to have better performance in safe and compliant interaction with the target in underwater operations such as biological sampling. This paper provides an overview on the state-of-the-art of both hard and soft underwater manipulators to give a prospect for soft underwater manipulators. Key technologies in the design of soft underwater manipulators are identified, including the configuration design, actuator design and stiffening design of them.
Teens’ Motivations to Spread Fake News on WhatsApp
Authors: Herrero-Diz Paula , Conde-Jiménez Jesús , Reyes de Cózar Salvador
Published: August 2020

Younger people are exposed to misinformation that circulates rapidly on their mobile devices through instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp. Under the guise of news, an attractive format and outrage discourse, fake news appeal to their emotions by inviting them to distribute them impulsively. All of this is supported by a device—the mobile phone—in which the action of sharing is a matter of trust. Therefore, they are less likely to check a piece of content before resending it if it comes from a contact in their personal address book. To understand young people’s habits when receiving informative content through WhatsApp and the reasons why they choose to share it or not, this study designed a “Questionnaire on Student Habits for Sharing Fake News on the Mobile” (CHECK-M), to measure young teenagers’ exposure to “fake news” and their behavior. Empirical data, from a sample of 480 adolescents, confirmed that (1) they are more likely to share content if it connects with their interests, regardless of its truthfulness, that (2) trust affects the credibility of information, and that (3) the appearance of newsworthy information ensures that, regardless of the nature of the content, this information is more likely to be shared among young people.
Rohingya Refugee Repatriation from Bangladesh: A Far Cry from Reality
Authors: Mallick Abdullah Hossain
Published: August 2020

State-backed systematic persecution in 2017 forcibly displaced more than 700,000 Rohingya people from Rakhine State, Myanmar, to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar have become a matter of worry for the Bangladesh government. The conditions in the camps are appalling, raising the possibility of an epidemic, and there has been a spike in crime, including rape, murder, abduction and drug and human trafficking. Seeking a better future, some Rohingya refugees have attempted to move from Bangladesh to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through various illegal routes. But these attempts have either failed or the refugees faced an even worse situation, since these Southeast Asian states refused to confer refugee status on the Rohingyas. Therefore, to bring normalcy back to the lives of the Rohingya people, a repatriation process from Bangladesh to Rakhine State, Myanmar, must be created and implemented. This would require the Government of Myanmar to guarantee a conducive living environment for the Rohingyas in the Rakhine State, uphold their basic human rights and provide Myanmar citizenship to the Rohingyas. As regional powers with major economic and political interests in Myanmar, India and China could play a constructive role and bring pressure on the Myanmar government to agree to take back the Rohingyas from Bangladesh. But so far, both New Delhi and Beijing have been reluctant to get involved in resolving the Rohingya refugee issue.
Temporal and spatial pattern of endophytic fungi diversity of Camellia sinensis (cv. Shu Cha Zao)
Authors: Wu Zhenzhen , Su Qingqing , Cui Yuchen , He Hongzhu , Wang Jiali , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yu , Abul Hassan , Yang Yunqiu , Long Yanhua
Published: August 2020

Background

The experimental materials were a 60-year-old tea tree (Camellia sinensis cv. Shu Cha Zao; SCZ) (the mother plant) and 1-year-old and 20-year-old plants of SCZ that originated as mother plant cuttings. The aim of this study was to use high-throughput sequencing to study the spatial and dynamic distribution of endophytic fungi in different leaf niches (upper leaves, middle leaves, lower leaves) and rhizosphere soil on tea plants of different ages in the same garden.

Results

Ascomycota (83.77%), Basidiomycota (11.71%), and Zygomycota (3.45%) were the dominant fungal phyla in all samples. Cladosporium (12.73%), Zymoseptoria (9.18%), and Strelitziana (13.11%) were the dominant genera in the leaf. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that endophytic communities in leaves differed from those in rhizosphere soil and different leaf niches had similar fungal diversity. Shannon’s indices and NMDS analysis indicated significant differences in fungal diversity and composition among the SCZ trees of different ages (p ≤ 0.01). The abundance of Cladosporium and Zymoseptoria decreased with increasing SCZ age, whereas the abundance of Strelitziana increased.

Conclusions

The results illustrate variation in endophytic fungi among different niches on tea plants of different ages. The distribution of endophytic fungi in leaves of C. sinensis shows spatiotemporal variation.
Artery of Percheron infarction presenting as nuclear third nerve palsy and transient loss of consciousness: a case report
Authors: Ranasinghe K. M. I. U. , Herath H. M. M. T. B. , Dissanayake D. , Seneviratne M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Thalamic blood supply consists of four major vascular territories. Out of them paramedian arteries supply ipsilateral paramedian thalami and occasionally rostral mid brain. Rarely both paramedian arteries arise from a common trunk that arise from P1 segment of one sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA). This is usually due to hypoplastic or absent other P1 and this common trunk is termed Artery of Percheron (AOP). Its prevalence is in the range of 7–11% among the general population and AOP infarcts account in an average of 0.4–0.5% of ischemic strokes. Clinical presentation of AOP infarction is characterized by impaired arousal and memory, language impairment and vertical gaze palsy. It also can present with cerebellar signs, hemi paresis and hemi sensory loss. We herein present a case of AOP infarction presenting as transient loss of consciousness and nuclear third nerve palsy.

Case presentation

A 51 year old previously healthy male, was brought to us, with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 7/15. GCS improved to 11/15 by the next day, however he had a persisting expressive aphasia. Right sided nuclear third nerve palsy was apparent with the improvement of GCS. He did not have pyramidal or cerebellar signs. Thrombolysis was not offered as the therapeutic window was exceeded by the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was done after the initial normal non-contrast computer tomography (NCCT) brain. He was enrolled in stroke rehabilitation. Aspirin and atorvastatin was started for the secondary prevention of stroke. He achieved independency of advanced daily living by 1 month, however could not achieve full recovery to be employed as a taxi driver.

Conclusions

Because of the rarity and varied clinical presentation with altered levels of consciousness, AOP infarcts are easily overlooked as a stroke leading to delayed diagnosis. Timely diagnosis can prevent unnecessary investigations and the patient will be benefitted by early revascularization. As it is seldom reported, case reports remain a valuable source of improving awareness among physicians about this clinical entity.