bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Improve Communicative Competence in a Lingua Franca: Reasons and Practices
Authors: Wakabayashi Shigenori
Published: December 2017

This paper has two aims: a) to describe how English is used as a lingua franca in Asia, and b) to discuss factors that are essential for successfully running a course collaboratively between two universities in different countries. First, I illustrate the ELT situation in Japan and hypothetical but plausible conversations among interlocutors with different proficiencies. Then, I present the conditions under which Japanese and Malaysian (or other) universities can implement an effective joint course where students can be expected to acquire genuine ‘communicative competence.’ I argue that relatively more proficient learners must make a concerted effort to engage in communicative activities in order for their less proficient interlocutors to persist in communicating in the lingua franca. Furthermore, all English speakers, whether they speak it as a foreign, second or even first language, should cultivate chances to interact with speakers with varied language backgrounds.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Saudi Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Mousa Wael
Published: December 2017

Traditionally, labor productivity has been modelled as driven by capital accumulation, and the technology issue is exogenous. However, this model has been unable to sufficiently explain growth, and recent thinking on growth has given prominence to other factors such as technological advancement, human capital, and research and development. This has led to new growth models. This study employed the conventional growth accounting framework and aimed to estimate the total factor productivity in Saudi Arabia from 1970 to 2015. Additionally, it aimed to explore the macroeconomic determinants that affect total factor productivity. The results confirmed that economic stability, trade openness, and human factor development have positive impacts on total factor productivity. Interestingly, private credit by banks has a negative impact on Saudi total factor productivity. Negative relationships were also found between total factor productivity and the variables of population growth and government consumption.
Territorios sonoros y músicos underground en la Ciudad de México: vínculos cooperativos y redes de trabajo
Authors: Hernández de la Cruz Luis Alberto
Published: December 2017

En el análisis de la música usualmente se conoce poco sobre los elementos que configuran esta actividad, en las explicaciones clásicas se tiende a considerar esta actividad artística exclusivamente desde una dimensión estética. Este artículo tiene como propósito presentar desde una perspectiva centrada en los actores algunas particularidades de los vínculos cooperativos y redes de trabajo de dos territorios sonoros y artistas (músicos) más representativos de la Ciudad de México, relacionados con géneros musicales underground. Buscamos analizar y entender cuáles son las estrategias, redes culturales y laborales que emplean. Nos preguntamos ¿cuáles son sus estrategias creativas? ¿qué tipo de redes laborales constituyen? ¿qué tanto buscan situarse a la periferia de las lógicas de mercados artísticos?. A partir de estas preguntas buscamos entender si su arte modifica el sentido de la cotidianidad artística comercial y hasta donde cuestiona a la gran industria cultural.
Cartografías de la sorpresa: prácticas artísticas y paisajes sonoros urbanos en Colombia
Authors: Jaramillo Arango Julian
Published: December 2017

Este texto se propone reseñar de manera crítica tres esfuerzos investigativos que proponen cartografías sonoras de espacios urbanos en Bogotá, Cali y Medellín. Estos trabajos manifiestan una evolución conceptual de las prácticas artísticas asociadas a la valoración del paisaje sonoro y discuten, desde el arte, la arquitectura y la cinematografía interactiva asuntos como la escucha, la identidad cultural y el patrimonio inmaterial. A lo largo del texto serán examinados algunos de los principales conceptos que rodean el paisaje sonoro identificando sus gestores y su adopción en las prácticas sonoras en Colombia. Además, serán discutidos aspectos subjetivos e individuales de la escucha y su relación con el paisaje sonoro, lo cual permitirá reconocer el alcance de los proyectos y sus conexiones con algunas contingencias de las ciudades contemporáneas. El criterio de utilización de los medios fonográficos es también tomado como un asunto de interés artístico que evidencia la diversidad de intenciones y procedimientos en las prácticas de mapeo sonoro en el país.

 
Para una estética de la presencia: cuerpo y sentido en “Lights in the City”, de Alfredo Jaar
Authors: Ferrada Sullivan Jorge
Published: December 2017

El propósito de este artículo gira en torno a la relación que se puede establecer entre la creación artística y el gesto estético del creador. En términos particulares, el artista chileno Alfredo Jaar propuso para Montreal la obra Lights in the City (1999) como la presentación de una impronta estético-política al vincular en un espacio arquitectónico emblemático la instalación de la luminosidad de la obra con un cuerpo marginal de la sociedad canadiense. Este gesto del artista se transforma en una práctica de enunciación como recurso de mediación entre los signos de la instalación y el espectador. Dicha obra, se ubica sobre la cúpula del Mercado Bonsecours (Marché Bonsecours). Este corresponde a un viejo edificio en la ciudad de Montreal que sufrió históricamente reiterados incendios y simultáneos deterioros por su desamparo arquitectónico. Lo interesante de esta instalación es que además se prolonga 100 m más allá del monumento como tal. En ese espacio a distancia, se encuentra una serie de hospederías para todos aquellos hombres de la marginalidad que el Estado canadiense mantiene “velados” en dicha ciudad. Montreal es una de las ciudades más privilegiadas del desarrollo capitalista norteamericano y una de las ciudades más prósperas y bellas del continente. Para Jaar, la elección del lugar no significa cualquier lugar, sino el espacio de ese ahí-lugar, donde la acción estética sería impensada como gesto político. Bajo una revisión bibliográfica —hermenéutica y explicativa— se vincula una serie de supuestos filosóficos y estéticos que permiten tensionar las maneras clásicas de abordar una obra de estas magnitudes, valorando finalmente el rol del arte como manifestación y presentación sensible de la realidad.
Analyzing the Relationship Between Burnout and Depression in Junior Elite Athletes
Authors: Frank Raphael , Nixdorf Insa , Beckmann Jürgen
Published: December 2017

Findings on burnout and depression in athletes highlight their potential severity. Although both constructs are discussed in similar, stress-based concepts, it is unclear how they relate to each other. To address this issue, we conducted a crosssectional multiple linear regression analysis (MLR; N = 194) and a longitudinal analysis of a three-wave cross-lagged panel (CLP; n = 92) in German junior elite athletes. MLR showed that depression and burnout were both associated with chronic stress. Stress was a significant better predictor for both burnout and depression than each was for the other. CLP analysis on the constructs of burnout and depression revealed support for cross-paths in both directions. Thus, burnout and depression might cause each other to some degree, with no distinct direction of this link. However, as both syndromes do not fully explain each other, interchanging both terms and syndromes should be avoided. Preferably, future research might consider the transfer of knowledge between both syndromes to draw founded conclusions.
Rescue of Pompe disease in mice by AAV-mediated liver delivery of secretable acid α-glucosidase
Authors: Puzzo Francesco , Colella Pasqualina , Biferi Maria G. , Bali Deeksha , Paulk Nicole K. , Vidal Patrice , Collaud Fanny , Simon-Sola Marcelo , Charles Severine , Hardet Romain , Leborgne Christian , Meliani Amine , Cohen-Tannoudji Mathilde , Astord Stephanie , Gjata Bernard , Sellier Pauline , van Wittenberghe Laetitia , Vignaud Alban , Boisgerault Florence , Barkats Martine , Laforet Pascal , Kay Mark A. , Koeberl Dwight D. , Ronzitti Giuseppe , Mingozzi Federico
Published: December 2017

Liver delivery of engineered
GAA
transgenes to mice with Pompe disease rescued glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues.
Single-cut genome editing restores dystrophin expression in a new mouse model of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Amoasii Leonela , Long Chengzu , Li Hui , Mireault Alex A. , Shelton John M. , Sanchez-Ortiz Efrain , McAnally John R. , Bhattacharyya Samadrita , Schmidt Florian , Grimm Dirk , Hauschka Stephen D. , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: December 2017

Single-cut correction of a dystrophin gene mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 restored dystrophin expression in skeletal and cardiac muscles in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Irisin protects mitochondria function during pulmonary ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Ken , Xu Zaicheng , Liu Yukai , Wang Zhen , Li Yu , Xu Xuefei , Chen Caiyu , Xia Tianyang , Liao Qiao , Yao Yonggang , Zeng Cindy , He Duofen , Yang Yongjian , Tan Tao , Yi Jianxun , Zhou Jingsong , Zhu Hua , Ma Jianjie , Zeng Chunyu
Published: December 2017

Irisin protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury to the lung by improving mitochondrial function.
Whole-Cell Screen of Fragment Library Identifies Gut Microbiota Metabolite Indole Propionic Acid as Antitubercular
Authors: Negatu Dereje A. , Liu Joe J. J. , Zimmerman Matthew , Kaya Firat , Dartois Véronique , Aldrich Courtney C. , Gengenbacher Martin , Dick Thomas
Published: December 2017

Several key antituberculosis drugs, including pyrazinamide, with a molecular mass of 123.1 g/mol, are smaller than the usual drug-like molecules. Current drug discovery efforts focus on the screening of larger compounds with molecular masses centered around 400 to 500 g/mol. Fragment (molecular mass < 300 g/mol) libraries have not been systematically explored for antitubercular activity. Here we screened a collection of 1,000 fragments, present in the Maybridge Ro3 library, for whole-cell activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Twenty-nine primary hits showed dose-dependent growth inhibition equal to or better than that of pyrazinamide. The most potent hit, indole propionic acid [IPA; 3-(1
H
-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid], a metabolite produced by the gut microbiota, was profiled
in vivo
. The molecule was well tolerated in mice and showed adequate pharmacokinetic properties. In a mouse model of acute
M. tuberculosis
infection, IPA reduced the bacterial load in the spleen 7-fold. Our results suggest that IPA should be evaluated as an add-on to current regimens and that fragment libraries should be further explored to identify antimycobacterial lead candidates.
Adverse Effects of Intravenous Vancomycin-Based Prophylaxis during Therapy for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Sun Yilun , Huskey Rachael L. , Tang Li , Inaba Hiroto , Gaur Aditya H. , Ribeiro Raul , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Wolf Joshua
Published: December 2017

Children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at risk of life-threatening bacterial infections, especially with viridans group streptococci. Primary antibacterial prophylaxis with vancomycin-based regimens reduces this risk but might increase the risks of renal or liver toxicity or
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI). A retrospective review of data for patients treated for newly diagnosed AML at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 2002 and 2008 was conducted. Nephrotoxicity was classified according to pediatric risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal disease (pRIFLE) criteria and hepatotoxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria. The risks of nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and CDI were compared between patients receiving vancomycin-based prophylaxis, no intravenous prophylaxis, or other prophylaxis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to address potential confounding. A total of 392 chemotherapy courses (108 with no intravenous prophylaxis, 218 with vancomycin-based prophylaxis, and 66 with other prophylaxis) for 111 patients were included. Development of pRIFLE risk, injury, and failure occurred in 190, 44, and 2 courses, respectively. Increases of at least one, two, and three grades for hepatotoxicity occurred in 189, 52, and 19 courses, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, vancomycin-based prophylaxis was not associated with nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity and reduced the risk of CDI, compared to no intravenous prophylaxis (0.9% versus 6.5%;
P
= 0.007) or other prophylactic regimens (0.9% versus 3.0%;
P
= 0.23). Despite concerns about vancomycin toxicity, vancomycin-based prophylaxis in pediatric patients with AML did not increase the risk of nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity and reduced the risk of CDI. Caution is advised to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Plasmodium falciparum Recrudescence Two Years after Treatment of an Uncomplicated Infection without Return to an Area Where Malaria Is Endemic
Authors: Malvy Denis , Torrentino-Madamet Marylin , L'Ollivier Coralie , Receveur Marie-Catherine , Jeddi Fakhri , Delhaes Laurence , Piarroux Renaud , Millet Pascal , Pradines Bruno
Published: December 2017

We report evidence, confirmed by the lack of travel activity outside of France and genetic diversity analysis using polymorphic microsatellite markers, that
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria infection effectively treated with an artemisinin-based combination can remain dormant and relapse during pregnancy at least 2 years after treatment.
Cystatins 9 and C as a Novel Immunotherapy Treatment That Protects against Multidrug-Resistant New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Holloway Alex J. , Yu JiehJuen , Arulanandam Bernard P. , Hoskinson Sarah M. , Eaves-Pyles Tonyia
Published: December 2017

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pneumonia can induce dysregulated pulmonary and systemic inflammation leading to morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics to treat MDR pathogens do not function to modulate the extent and intensity of inflammation and can have serious side effects. Here we evaluate the efficacy of two human cysteine proteinase inhibitors, cystatin 9 (CST9) and cystatin C (CSTC), as a novel immunotherapeutic treatment to combat MDR New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Our results showed that mice infected intranasally (i.n.) with a 90% lethal dose (LD
90
) challenge of NDM-1
K. pneumoniae
and then treated with the combination of human recombinant CST9 (rCST9) and rCSTC (rCSTs; 50 pg of each i.n. at 1 h postinfection [p.i.] and/or 500 pg of each intraperitoneally [i.p.] at 3 days p.i.) had significantly improved survival compared to that of infected mice alone or infected mice treated with individual rCSTs (
P
< 0.05). Results showed that both of our optimal rCST treatment regimens modulated pulmonary and systemic proinflammatory cytokine secretion in the serum, lungs, liver, and spleen in infected mice (
P
< 0.05). Treatment also significantly decreased the bacterial burden (
P
< 0.05) while preserving lung integrity, with reduced inflammatory cell accumulation compared to that in infected mice. Further, rCST treatment regimens reduced lipid peroxidation and cell apoptosis in the lungs of infected mice. Additionally,
in vitro
studies showed that rCSTs (50 or 500 pg of each) directly decreased the viability of NDM-1
K. pneumoniae
. In conclusion, the data showed that rCST9/rCSTC worked synergistically to modulate host inflammation against MDR NDM-1
K. pneumoniae
pneumonia, which significantly improved survival. Therefore, rCST9/rCSTC is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia.
Protocol for the specialist supervised individualised multifactorial treatment of new clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes in general practice (IDA): a prospective controlled multicentre open-label intervention study
Authors: Stidsen Jacob Volmer , Nielsen Jens Steen , Henriksen Jan Erik , Friborg Søren Gunnar , Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Olesen Thomas Bastholm , Olsen Michael Hecht , Beck-Nielsen Henning
Published: December 2017

Introduction

We present the protocol for a multifactorial intervention study designed to test whether individualised treatment, based on pathophysiological phenotyping and individualised treatment goals, improves type 2 diabetes (T2D) outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a prospective controlled multicentre open-label intervention study, drawing on the longitudinal cohort of the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2). New clinically diagnosed patients with T2D in the intervention group will be assigned to receive individualised treatment by their general practitioner. Intervention patients will be compared with a matched control cohort of DD2 patients receiving routine clinical care. Among intervention patients, we will first do pathophysiological phenotyping to classify patients into WHO-defined T2D or other specific types of diabetes (monogenic diabetes, secondary diabetes etc). Patients with WHO-defined T2D will then be further subcharacterised by their beta-cell function (BCF) and insulin sensitivity (IS), using the revised homeostatic assessment model, as having either insulinopaenic T2D (high IS and low BCF), classical T2D (low IS and low BCF) or hyperinsulinaemic T2D (low IS and high BCF). For each subtype, a specific treatment algorithm will target the primary pathophysiological defect. Similarly, antihypertensive treatment will be targeted at the specific underlying pathophysiology, characterised by impedance cardiography (relative importance of vascular resistance, intravascular volume and cardiac inotropy). All treatment goals will be based on individual patient assessment of expected positive versus adverse effects. Web-based and face-to-face individualised lifestyle intervention will also be implemented to empower patients to make a sustainable improvement in daily physical activity and to change to a low-carbohydrate diet.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will use well-known pharmacological agents according to their labels; patient safety is therefore considered high. Study results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02015130; Pre-results.
Investigation of time to first presentation and extrahospital factors in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Sim Peng Yong , Gajree Sonul , Dhillon Baljean , Borooah Shyamanga
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To assess the time from symptom onset to treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) and to measure the awareness of AMD in Southeast Scotland.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Secondary care, Southeast of Scotland.

Methods

Patients treated with intravitreal therapy (IVT) for nvAMD in Southeast Scotland between 2013 and 2015 were identified using a treatment register. Notes were retrospectively reviewed. We measured time from: (A) symptom onset to first presentation at primary care, (B) referral to ophthalmic clinic appointment and (C) ophthalmic clinic appointment to first IVT treatment. To investigate AMD awareness, we performed a cluster random sample survey of patients visiting non-AMD ophthalmic clinics using a previously validated 12-item questionnaire.

Results

195 patients (mean age 78 years) were included in the study. The mean delays between the different stages—A, B and C—were 54.2 (95% CI ±13), 28.2 (95% CI ±4.0) and 31.5 (95% CI ±3.6) days, respectively. There was an additional mean delay of 7.5 (95% CI ±1.6) days when patients were indirectly referred by optometrists via general practitioners (P<0.05). 140 patients (mean age 78) participated in the awareness survey; 62.1% reported being ‘aware’ of AMD but only 37.3% described AMD symptoms correctly.

Conclusions

There was a significant delay at every step of the nvAMD care pathway. The causes for this were multifactorial and included delays in first presentation to a healthcare provider, referral from primary care and initiation of secondary care treatment. Our data are likely to underestimate prehospital delays as a large number of cases are likely to have undefined symptoms and onset. We also identified suboptimal awareness of AMD which could account for a substantial delay in presentation from symptom onset. These findings highlight the need to address AMD awareness and the need for urgent treatment to prevent avoidable vision loss resulting from nvAMD.
Adapting the emergency first aid responder course for Zambia through curriculum mapping and blueprinting
Authors: Pigoga Jennifer L , Cunningham Charmaine , Kafwamfwa Muhumpu , Wallis Lee A
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Community members are often the first to witness and respond to medical and traumatic emergencies, making them an essential first link to emergency care systems. The Emergency First Aid Responder (EFAR) programme is short course originally developed to help South Africans manage emergencies at the community level, pending arrival of formal care providers. EFAR was implemented in two rural regions of Zambia in 2015, but no changes were originally made to tailor the course to the new setting. We undertook this study to identify potential refinements in the original EFAR curriculum, and to adapt it to the local context in Zambia.

Design

The EFAR curriculum was mapped against available chief complaint data. An expert group used information from the map, in tandem with personal knowledge, to rank each course topic for potential impact on patient outcomes and frequency of use in practice. Individual blueprints were compiled to generate a refined EFAR curriculum, the time breakdown of which reflects the relative weight of each topic.

Setting

This study was conducted based on data collected in Kasama, a rural region of Zambia’s Northern Province.

Participants

An expert group of five physicians practising emergency medicine was selected; all reviewers have expertise in the Zambian context, EFAR programme and/or curriculum development.

Results

The range of emergencies that Zambian EFARs encounter indicates that the course must be broad in scope. The refined curriculum covers 54 topics (seven new) and 25 practical skills (five new). Practical and didactic time devoted to general patient care and scene management increased significantly, while time devoted to most other clinical, presentation-based categories (eg, trauma care) decreased.

Conclusions

Discrepancies between original and refined curricula highlight a mismatch between the external curriculum and local context. Even with limited data and resources, curriculum mapping and blueprinting are possible means of resolving these contextual issues.
Molecular evolution and expression of oxygen transport genes in livebearing fishes (Poeciliidae) from hydrogen sulfide rich springs
Authors: Barts Nicholas , Greenway Ryan , Passow Courtney N. , Arias-Rodriguez Lenin , Kelley Joanna L. , Tobler Michael
Published: December 2017

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a natural toxicant in some aquatic environments that has diverse molecular targets. It binds to oxygen transport proteins, rendering them non-functional by reducing oxygen-binding affinity. Hence, organisms permanently inhabiting H2S-rich environments are predicted to exhibit adaptive modifications to compensate for the reduced capacity to transport oxygen. We investigated 10 lineages of fish of the family Poeciliidae that have colonized freshwater springs rich in H2S—along with related lineages from non-sulfidic environments—to test hypotheses about the expression and evolution of oxygen transport genes in a phylogenetic context. We predicted shifts in the expression of and signatures of positive selection on oxygen transport genes upon colonization of H2S-rich habitats. Our analyses indicated significant shifts in gene expression for multiple hemoglobin genes in lineages that have colonized H2S-rich environments, and three hemoglobin genes exhibited relaxed selection in sulfidic compared to non-sulfidic lineages. However, neither changes in gene expression nor signatures of selection were consistent among all lineages in H2S-rich environments. Oxygen transport genes may consequently be predictable targets of selection during adaptation to sulfidic environments, but changes in gene expression and molecular evolution of oxygen transport genes in H2S-rich environments are not necessarily repeatable across replicated lineages.
SPPC/CEPC lattice design and beam dynamics study
Authors: Su Feng , Gao Jie , Chen Yukai , Tang Jingyu , Wang Yiwei , Wang Dou , Bai Sha , Bian Tianjian , Zhang Yuan , Geng Huiping
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we introduced the parameter choice and the first version lattice design for a 61 km and 100-km Super Proton–Proton Collider (SPPC). We started the lattice design and the beam dynamics study from last year and showed the preliminary dynamic aperture result of these two SPPC lattice versions. We also showed the layout, the lattice design and the dynamic aperture study of a CEPC partial double ring, an advanced partial double ring and a fully partial double ring schemes.
100 km CEPC parameters and lattice design
Authors: Wang Dou , Gao Jie , Yu Chenghui , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yiwei , Su Feng , Zhai Jiyuan , Bai Sha , Geng Huiping , Bian Tianjian , Wang Na , Cui Xiaohao , Zhang Chuang
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a consistent calculation method for the CEPC parameter choice with a crab waist scheme is reported. A crosscheck of luminosity with beam–beam simulations has been done. With this new scheme, a higher Higgs luminosity (+[Formula: see text]170%) can be reached while keeping Pre-CDR beam power or the beam power (19 MW) can be reduced while keeping the same Pre-CDR luminosity. CEPC is compatible with W and Z experiment. The luminosity for Z is at the level of [Formula: see text]. Requirement for energy acceptance of Higgs has been reduced to 1.5% by enlarging the ring to 100 km. The arc optics and the Final Focus System (FFS) with crab sextupoles have been designed, and also some primary Dynamic Aperture (DA) results were introduced.
Impact of additional bosons on the exploration of the Higgs boson at the LHC
Authors: Fang Yaquan , Kumar Mukesh , Mellado Bruce , Zhang Yu , Zhu Maosen
Published: December 2017

The LHC is making strides in the exploration of the properties of the newly discovered Higgs boson, [Formula: see text]. In Refs. 7–9 the compatibility of the proton–proton data reported in the Run I period with the presence of a heavy scalar, [Formula: see text], with a mass around 270 GeV and its implications were explored. This boson would decay predominantly to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], is a lighter scalar boson. The production cross-section of [Formula: see text] is considerable and it would significantly affect the inclusive rate of [Formula: see text]. The contamination from this new production mechanism would depend strongly on the final state used to measure the rate of [Formula: see text]. The contamination in the rate measurement of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is estimated to be small. This statement does not depend strongly on assumptions made on the decay of [Formula: see text]. The impact on other channels related to the search of Vector Boson Fusion and [Formula: see text] production with the diphoton decay is evaluated, where the dependence on assumption on the decay of [Formula: see text] is expected to be significant.
NMSSM light decoupled Higgs singlet at CEPC
Authors: Potter C. T.
Published: December 2017

We describe the phenomenology of light singlet Higgs bosons in the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetry Model (NMSSM) which are mostly decoupled from the rest of Supersymmetry. Noting that the Large Hadron Collider has not excluded this scenario, we describe previous searches for light Higgs bosons at the Large Electron Positron collider and evaluate the sensitivity to neutralino production and decay to light singlet Higgs bosons at the proposed [Formula: see text] GeV Circular Electron Positron Collider.
RF MEMS for Reconfigurable Antenna Using Gravitational Search Optimization and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Balarajuswamy T. A. , Nakkeeran R.
Published: December 2017

The projected method explains about the problems occurred in the combination of the MEMS switches and the complete scheme plan is resolved through choosing the finest devise limits for the plan. The devise limits, namely, length of beam, width of beam, torsion arm length, switch thickness, holes and gap were measured. At this point, the finest value of the devise limit is forecast by the aid of artificial neural network (ANN). Furthermore, the method contains the optimization method of Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) to optimize the input signal and so dropping the Mean Square Error (MSE). The complete scheme is executed in the operational platform of MATLAB and the outcomes were examined.
PROPERTIES OF LOW-LEVEL Sn-DOPED In2S3FILMS DEPOSITED BY SPRAY PYROLYSIS TECHNIQUE
Authors: BOUGUILA N. , KRAINI M. , KOAIB J. , HALIDOU I. , VÁZQUEZ-VÁZQUEZ C. , LÓPEZ-QUINTELA M. A. , ALAYA S.
Published: December 2017

Tin-doped indium sulfide films were grown on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique at low different Sn:In atomic ratio in the starting solution and optimum experiment conditions ([Formula: see text]C, S:[Formula: see text]). The tin to indium molar ratio Sn:In was varied from 0 to [Formula: see text] in the solution. The obtained films with 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m of thickness, are perfectly adhered, homogenous and uniform on the substrates. X-ray diffraction study reveals that all the films are formed in [Formula: see text] phase grown preferentially along (400). These films lose the orientation with increasing tin doping level. The crystallite size of undoped film was 48.8[Formula: see text]nm, which increases to 59.2[Formula: see text]nm corresponding to the film grown with Sn:[Formula: see text]. Raman analysis shows different peaks related to In2S3phase. Optical analysis shows that these films are transparent in the visible and near IR with a transmittance higher than 85%. The optical gap energy is found to be direct and varies from 2.61[Formula: see text]eV to 2.76[Formula: see text]eV with the increase of Sn:In ratio from 0 to [Formula: see text]. The films are [Formula: see text] type and Sn doping improves considerably their conductivity. The photoluminescence behavior of In2S3:Sn films was also studied.
Stable Marketing Cooperation in a Differential Game for an Oligopoly
Authors: García-Meza Mario A. , Gromova Ekaterina Viktorovna , López-Barrientos José Daniel
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we develop a dynamic model of an oligopoly playing an advertising game of goodwill accumulation with random terminal time. The goal is to find a cooperative solution that is time-consistent, considering a dynamic accumulation of goodwill with depreciation for a finite number of firms.
Effects of Players’ Nullification and Equal (Surplus) Division Values
Authors: Kongo Takumi
Published: December 2017

We provide axiomatic characterizations of the solutions of transferable utility (TU) games on the fixed player set, where at least three players exist. We introduce two axioms on players’ nullification. One axiom requires that the difference between the effect of a player’s nullification on the nullified player and on the others is relatively constant if all but one players are null players. Another axiom requires that a player’s nullification affects equally all of the other players. These two axioms characterize the set of all affine combinations of the equal surplus division and equal division values, together with the two basic axioms of efficiency and null game. By replacing the first axiom on players’ nullification with appropriate monotonicity axioms, we narrow down the solutions to the set of all convex combinations of the two values, or to each of the two values.
On Lyapunov Game Theory Equilibrium: Static and Dynamic Approaches
Authors: Clempner Julio B.
Published: December 2017

This paper suggests a game theory problem in which any feasible solution is based on the Lyapunov theory. The problem is analyzed in the static and dynamic cases. Some properties of Nash equilibria such as existence and stability are derived naturally from the Lyapunov theory. Remarkable is that every asymptotically stable equilibrium point (Nash equilibrium point) admits a Lyapunov-like function and if a Lyapunov-like function exists it converges to a Nash/Lyapunov equilibrium point. We define a Lyapunov-like function as an Lp-norm from the multiplayer objective function to the utopia minimum as a cost function. We propose multiple metrics to find the Nash/Lyapunov equilibrium and the strong Nash/Lyapunov equilibrium. Finding a Nash/Lyapunov equilibrium is reduced to the minimization problem of the Lyapunov-like function. We prove that the equilibrium point properties of Nash and Lyapunov meet in game theory. In order to validate the contributions of the paper, we present a numerical example.
Siver Nanoparticles Toxicity in Brine Shrimp and its Histopathological Analysis
Authors: Kachenton Supicha , Whangpurikul Varanut , Kangwanrangsan Niwat , Tansatit Tawewan , Jiraungkoorskul Wannee
Published: December 2017

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are interesting nanotechnology materials with borderless applications in medical science, environmental science, material science and are also used in various kinds of industrial household products. Increasing usage of Ag NPs every year leads to increased risk of nanomaterial contamination in the environment, especially natural water sources with harmful effects in aquatic animals, and to ecosystem disruption. In the present study, Ag NPs toxicity was determined using brine shrimp Artemia salina as a model. A total of 10 adult brine shrimps were incubated in solutions containing various Ag NPs concentrations for 24[Formula: see text]h at room temperature. Percentages of brine shrimp dead were recorded and calculated to determine the lethal concentration. We found the LC[Formula: see text] of Ag NPs is 3521.13[Formula: see text]mg/L. Histopathology study was done using survival brine shrimps after 24[Formula: see text]h of incubation with 25% LC[Formula: see text] Ag NPs concentration. Tissue processing and H&E staining to remark pathological areas with emphasis on intestinal tract, were also done. Ag NPs obstruction was found in intestinal lumen. The intestinal epithelial cells showed hyperplasia and blebbing, increased mucous thickening, detachment from basement muscle lining, and necrosis area. These findings indicated the effect of Ag NPs and their negative impact on aquatic animals which might lead to further disruption of ecosystem.
Quantum mechanics under X-rays in the Gran Sasso underground laboratory
Authors: Curceanu Catalina , Sirghi Diana , Sirghi Florin , Bartalucci Sergio , Bazzi Massimiliano , Clozza Alberto , De Paolis Luca , Guaraldo Carlo , Iliescu Mihai , Miliucci Marco , Pietreanu Dorel , Scordo Alessandro , Shi Hexi , Sperandio Laura , Bassi Angelo , Donadi Sandro , Milotti Edoardo , Bertolucci Sergio , Bragadireanu Mario , Cargnelli Michael , Marton Johann , Pichler Andreas , Zmeskal Johann , Di Matteo Sergio , Egger Jean Pierre , Laubenstein Matthias , Piscicchia Kristian , Doce Oton Vazquez
Published: December 2017

By performing X-ray measurements in the “cosmic silence” of the underground laboratory of Gran Sasso, LNGS-INFN, we test a basic principle of quantum mechanics: the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP) for electrons. We present the achieved results of the VIP experiment and the ongoing VIP2 measurement aiming to gain two orders of magnitude improvement in testing PEP. X-ray emission can also be used to put strong constraints on the parameters of the Continuous Spontaneous Localization Model, which was introduced as a possible solution to the measurement problem in Quantum Mechanics. A Bayesian analysis of the data collected by IGEX will be presented, which allows to exclude a broad region of the parameter space which characterizes this model.
A Study on the Compressive Performance of C/SiC Lattice Sandwich Panel at High Temperature
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Ai Shigang , He Rujie , Wei Kai , Fang Daining
Published: December 2017

In this study, the mechanical properties and failure behaviors of a C/SiC lattice sandwich panel were investigated by numerical simulation approach. On the bases of Hashin’s criteria, a novel failure criterion for 2D C/SiC textile composite was proposed. An UMAT subroutine based on Abaqus code was constructed to demonstrate the fracture mechanism of the C/SiC composite, in which fiber fracture and buckling, matrix failure and the laminate delamination were considered. Out-of-plane compressive experiments of the C/SiC lattice sandwich panels at room temperature were performed to give verifications of the numerical programmer. Based on the simulation method proposed, the mechanical properties and failure features of the C/SiC lattice sandwich panels at high temperatures were studied. It was found that the junction between struts and the panels of the core firstly damaged due to fiber rupture and matrix cracking. Then fiber tensile fracture and matrix cracking occurred in struts sequentially. Finally, delamination took place at junctions and struts and it trigged the collapse of the sandwich structure.
Application of Nanocomposites in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Wenhan , Wang Zejun , Luo Yao , Chen Nan
Published: December 2017

Despite the clinical advances in oncology, cancer is still the major cause of death worldwide. Recent research demonstrates that the immune system plays a critical role in preventing tumor occurrence and development. The focus on cancer treatment has been shifted from directly targeting the tumor cells to motivating the immune system to achieve this goal. However, the activity of immune system is often suppressed in cancer patients. To boost the anti-tumor immunity against cancers, various nanocomposites have been developed to enhance the efficacy of immunostimulatory agents. Here, we review current advances in nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer, with an emphasis on applications of nanocomposites as immunoadjuvants in cancer therapy.
Multilateral Trade Liberalization, Export Share in the International Trade Market and Aid for Trade
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: December 2017

This paper adds to the existing literature on the macroeconomic determinants of Aid for Trade (AfT). It investigates the impact of both multilateral trade policy liberalization and the export share of AfT-recipient countries in global trade market on the AfT amounts that accrue to these countries. Using a panel dataset comprising 133 AfT-recipient-countries, over the period 1995–2015, the empirical analysis shows that both the impact of multilateral trade policy liberalization and of the recipient countries’ export share in the world trade market on AfT depend on recipient-countries’ level of development as well as on their domestic trade policy. Additionally, in the context of multilateral trade liberalization, donors tend to reward recipient-countries’ effort to secure a higher export share in the international trade market.
Revitalizing China’s Economy by Improved Corporate Governance and State-Owned Enterprise Reforms
Authors: Molnar Margit
Published: December 2017

With persisting slower growth worldwide and in China, over-capacity in some heavy industry sectors, declining profitability, and intensifying competition from other, lower-cost emerging economies, corporate behavior in China needs to change and focus more on efficiency and sustainability. A larger proportion of firms, including state-owned enterprises, should improve corporate governance practices. To this end, fraudulent corporate practices must be halted and State assets need to be better managed. Reforms are under way or envisaged that will help improve corporate performance and, more broadly, deliver more resilient and environmentally sustainable growth and continuing progress in living standards.
10 Years after the Global Financial Crisis: What Have We Learnt About International Capital Flows?
Authors: Guichard Stephanie
Published: December 2017

Making the most of international capital flows by allowing countries to reap their benefits while reducing associated risks has always been a challenge and has led to considerable economic research over the past 30 years. This challenge became even more acute following the Global Financial Crisis, as new concerns emerged related to the complexity of global financial relations, their role in shock transmission as well as how to protect countries from financial instability. Against this background, recent research has focussed on understanding better the implications of financial globalization for economic stability and the design of policies. This literature review takes stock of these recent developments including the discussion on the risks associated with corporate foreign indebtedness, the role of the global financial cycle in driving financial instability, new findings on the real impact of international capital flows and ongoing debates on the role of capital controls.
Inverse of the flow and moments of the free Jacobi process associated with one projection
Authors: Demni Nizar , Hamdi Tarek
Published: December 2017

This paper is a companion to a series of papers devoted to the study of the spectral distribution of the free Jacobi process associated with a single projection. Actually, we note that the flow derived in [N. Demni and T. Hmidi, Spectral distribution of the free Jacobi process associated with one projection, Colloq. Math. 137(2) (2014) 271–296] solves a radial Löwner equation and as such, the general theory of Löwner equations implies that it is univalent in some connected region in the open unit disc. We also prove that its inverse defines the Aleksandrov–Clark measure at [Formula: see text] of some Herglotz function which is absolutely-continuous with an essentially bounded density. As a by-product, we deduce that [Formula: see text] does not belong to the continuous singular spectrum of the unitary operator whose spectral dynamics are governed by the flow. Moreover, we use a previous result due to the first author in order to derive an explicit, yet complicated, expression of the moments of both the unitary and the free Jacobi processes. The paper is closed with some remarks on the boundary behavior of the flow’s inverse.
Symbolic Multi-Level Loop Mapping of Loop Programs for Massively Parallel Processor Arrays
Authors: Tanase Alexandru , Witterauf Michael , Teich Jürgen , Hannig Frank
Published: December 2017

Today’s MPSoCs (multiprocessor systems-on-chip) have brought up massively parallel processor array accelerators that may achieve a high computational efficiency by exploiting multiple levels of parallelism and different memory hierarchies. Such parallel processor arrays are perfect targets, particularly for the acceleration of nested loop programs due to their regular and massively parallel nature. However, existing loop parallelization techniques are often unable to exploit multiple levels of parallelism and are either I/O or memory bounded. Furthermore, if the number of available processing elements becomes only known at runtime—as in adaptive systems—static approaches fail. In this article, we solve some of these problems by proposing a hybrid compile/runtime
multi-level symbolic parallelization technique
that is able to: (a) exploit multiple levels of parallelism as well as (b) different memory hierarchies, and (c) to match the I/O or memory capabilities of the target architecture for scenarios where the number of available processing elements is only known at runtime. Our proposed technique consists of two compile-time transformations: (a) symbolic hierarchical tiling followed by (b) symbolic multi-level scheduling. The tiling levels scheduled in parallel exploit different levels of parallelism, whereas the sequential one, different memory hierarchies. Furthermore, by tuning the size of the tiles on the individual levels, a tradeoff between the necessary I/O-bandwidth and memory is possible, which facilitates obeying resource constraints. The resulting schedules are symbolic with respect to the problem size and tile sizes. Thus, the number of processing elements to map onto does not need to be known at compile time. At runtime, when the number of available processors becomes known, a simple prologue chooses a feasible schedule with respect to I/O and memory constraints that is latency-optimal for the chosen tile size. In summary, our approach determines the set of feasible, latency-optimal symbolic loop schedule candidates at compile time, from which one is dynamically selected at runtime. This approach exploits multiple levels of parallelism, is independent of the problem size of the loop nest, and thereby avoids any expensive re-compilation at runtime. This is particularly important for low cost and memory-scarce embedded MPSoC platforms that may not afford to host a just-in-time compiler.
Analysis and Design of Adders for Approximate Computing
Authors: Dutt Sunil , Nandi Sukumar , Trivedi Gaurav
Published: December 2017

The concept of approximate computing, that is, to sacrifice computation quality for computation efforts, has recently emerged as a promising design approach. Over the past decade, several research works have explored approximate computing at both the software level and hardware level of abstraction with encouraging results. At the hardware level of abstraction, adders (being the fundamental and most widely used data operators in digital systems) have attracted a significant attention for approximation. In this article, we first explain briefly the need/significance of approximate adders. We then propose four
Approximate Full Adders
(AFAs) for high-performance energy-efficient approximate computing. The key design objective behind the proposed AFAs is to curtail the length of carry propagation subjected to minimal error rate. Next, we exploit one of the proposed AFAs (optimal one) to construct an
N
-bit approximate adder that hereinafter is referred as “ApproxADD.” An emergent property of ApproxADD is that carries do not propagate in it, and, consequently, it provides bit-width-aware constant delay (
O
(1)). ApproxADD also provides improvement in dynamic power consumption by 46.31% and in area by 28.57% w.r.t.
Ripple Carry Adder
(RCA), which exhibits the lowest power and area. Although ApproxADD provides a significant improvement in delay, power, and area, it may not be preferred for some of the error-resilient applications because its: (i)
Error Distance
(ED) is too high; and (ii)
Error Rate
(ER) increases rapidly with bit-width (
N
). To improve ED and ER, we exploit the concept of
carry-lifetime
and
Error Detection and Correction
logic, respectively. In this way, we introduce two more (improved) versions of ApproxADD--ApproxADD
υ
1 and ApproxADD. We call these as ApproxADD
υ
1 and ApproxADD
υ
2 with existing approximate adders based on conventional design metrics and approximate computing design metrics. Furthermore, to inspect effectiveness of the proposed approach in real-life applications, we demonstrate image compression and decompression by replacing the conventional addition operations in
Discrete Cosine Transform
(DCT) and
Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform
(IDCT) modules with ApproxADD
υ
2.
Impact of the new @sigmm records
Authors: Cesar Pablo , Montagud Mario , Griwodz Carsten
Published: December 2017

The SIGMM Records have renewed, with the ambition of continue being a useful resource for the multimedia community. The intention is to provide a forum for (open) discussion and to become a primary source of information (and of inspiration!).
ACM International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval (ICMR) 2017s
Authors: Redi Miriam
Published: December 2017

ACM ICMR is the premier International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval, and from 2011 it "illuminates the state of the arts in multimedia retrieval".