bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Predictors of 3- and 6-Month Outcome for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients with a Negative Head CT Scan in the Emergency Department: A TRACK-TBI Pilot Study
Authors: Madhok Debbie , Yue John , Sun Xiaoying , Suen Catherine , Coss Nathan , Jain Sonia , Manley Geoffrey ,   the TRACK-TBI Investigators
Published: May 2020

A considerable subset of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients fail to return to baseline functional status at or beyond 3 months postinjury. Identifying at-risk patients for poor outcome in the emergency department (ED) may improve surveillance strategies and referral to care. Subjects with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale 13–15) and negative ED initial head CT < 24 h of injury, completing 3- or 6-month functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended; GOSE), were extracted from the prospective, multicenter Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) Pilot study. Outcomes were dichotomized to full recovery (GOSE = 8) vs. functional deficits (GOSE < 8). Univariate predictors with p < 0.10 were considered for multivariable regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were reported for outcome predictors. Significance was assessed at p < 0.05. Subjects who completed GOSE at 3- and 6-month were 211 (GOSE < 8: 60%) and 185 (GOSE < 8: 65%). Risk factors for 6-month GOSE < 8 included less education (AOR = 0.85 per-year increase, 95% CI: (0.74–0.98)), prior psychiatric history (AOR = 3.75 (1.73–8.12)), Asian/minority race (American Indian/Alaskan/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) (AOR = 23.99 (2.93–196.84)), and Hispanic ethnicity (AOR = 3.48 (1.29–9.37)). Risk factors for 3-month GOSE < 8 were similar with the addition of injury by assault predicting poorer outcome (AOR = 3.53 (1.17–10.63)). In mTBI patients seen in urban trauma center EDs with negative CT, education, injury by assault, Asian/minority race, and prior psychiatric history emerged as risk factors for prolonged disability.
Effects of Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Cognitive Training in Girls with Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fabio Rosa , Gangemi Antonio , Semino Martina , Vignoli Aglaia , Priori Alberto , Canevini Maria , Di Rosa Gabriella , Caprì Tindara
Published: May 2020

Background: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) combined with traditional rehabilitative techniques has not been widely applied to Rett Syndrome (RTT). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of combined cognitive traditional training with tDCS applied to attention and language measures in subjects with RTT. Methods: 31 subjects with RTT were randomly allocated into two groups: non-sham tDCS (n = 18) and sham tDCS (n = 13). The former received the integrated intervention non-sham tDCS plus cognitive empowerment during the treatment phase. The latter received sham stimulation plus cognitive empowerment. All participants underwent neurological and cognitive assessment to evaluate attention and language measures: before integrated treatment (pre-test phase), at the conclusion of the treatment (post-test phase), and at 1 month after the conclusion of the treatment (follow-up phase). Results: the results indicated longer attention time in the non-sham tDCS group compared to the sham tDCS group with a stable trend also in the follow-up phase; an increase of the number of vowel/phoneme sounds in the non-sham tDCS group; and an improvement in the neurophysiological parameters in the non-sham tDCS group. Conclusions: This study supports the use of tDCS as a promising and alternative approach in the RTT rehabilitation field.
Investigating U.S. Industry Practitioners’ Perspectives towards the Adoption of Emerging Technologies in Industrialized Construction
Authors: Qi Bing , Razkenari Mohamad , Li Jiaxuan , Costin Aaron , Kibert Charles , Qian Shuyu
Published: May 2020

In recent years, a growing amount of research has focused on improving the performance of industrialized construction using emerging technologies. It is still necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the industry practitioners’ perspectives on the application of emerging technologies. Thus, a well-designed survey was distributed to industry practitioners who have been involved in industrialized construction projects. Then, a set of data analysis methods were utilized on the collected data to address the proposed four specific research questions. Results indicate that 3D and nD models, sensing techniques, and business information models are the technologies with the highest current utilization level. Extended reality, additive manufacturing, and advanced data analytics are the technologies with the highest development potential. Project inputs (e.g., cost, time, and labor), as well as implementation cost and software constraints (e.g., capital costs, software upgrading, and compatibility), are the main factors that affect practitioners’ decisions to adopt emerging technologies in industrialized projects. Inter-group comparison results indicate that company background has little significant influence on practitioners’ perspectives, while personal career profiles can significantly affect practitioners’ perspectives. Significantly, by uncovering the suggestions and viewpoints of practitioners, this paper aligns academic research with industry needs, ultimately providing guidance on future research directions and applications.
A New Proposal for the Shear Strength Prediction of Beams Longitudinally Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars
Authors: Bywalski Czesław , Drzazga Michał , Kamiński Mieczysław , Kaźmierowski Maciej
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates composite reinforcement with regard to its use as longitudinal reinforcement. The methods used to calculate the shear strength of concrete members reinforced with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars are analysed. The main parameters having a bearing on the shear strength of beams reinforced with composite bars are defined. A comparative analysis of the shear strength calculating algorithms provided in the available design recommendations concerning FRP reinforcement and formulas derived by others researchers is carried out. A synthesis of the research to date on sheared concrete members reinforced longitudinally with FRP bars is made. The results of the studies relating to shear strength are compared with the theoretical results yielded by the considered algorithms. A new approach for estimating the shear capacity of support zones reinforced longitudinally with FRP bars without shear reinforcement was proposed and verified. A satisfactory level of model fit was obtained—the best among the available proposals. Taking into account the extended base of destructive testing results, the estimation of the shear strength in accordance with the proposed model can be used as an accompanying (non-destructive) method for the empirical determination of shear resistance of longitudinally reinforced FRP bars.
Editorial Catalysts: Special Issue on Catalytic Pyrolysis
Authors: Lopez Gartzen
Published: May 2020

The increase of environmental concern is currently promoting the development of sustainable and green chemistry [...]
Effect of Support and Chelating Ligand on the Synthesis of Ni Catalysts with High Activity and Stability for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Shanmugam Vetrivel , Neuberg Stefan , Zapf Ralf , Pennemann Helmut , Kolb Gunther
Published: May 2020

Carbon dioxide methanation was carried out over Ni-based catalysts on different supports and chelating ligands in microreactors. To investigate the influence of chelating ligands and supports, the Ni catalysts were prepared using different support such as CeO2, Al2O3, SiO2, and SBA-15 by a citric acid (CA)-assisted impregnation method. The properties of the developed catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement, and the results show that the addition of CA in the impregnation solution improved the dispersion, refines the particle size, and enhanced the interaction of nickel species. The catalytic performance of the developed Ni catalysts were evaluated by CO2 methanation in microreactors in the temperature range of 275 °C–375 °C under 12.5 bar pressure. All the catalysts exhibit high CO2 conversion and extremely high selectivity to methane. However, the catalysts prepared via CA-assisted method exhibited excellent activity and stability, compared with Ni catalysts prepared by a conventional impregnation method, which could be attributed to highly dispersed nickel particles with strong metal–support interaction. The activity of CO2 methanation followed the order of Ni/CeO2-CA > Ni/SBA-15-CA > Ni/Al2O3-CA > Ni/SiO2-CA > Ni/CeO2. The Ni/CeO2 catalysts have also been prepared using different chelating ligands such as ethylene glycol (EG), sucrose (S), oxalic acid (OA) and ethylene diamine tetra acidic acid (EDTA). Among the tested catalysts prepared with different support and chelating ligands, the Ni/CeO2 catalyst prepared via CA-assisted method gave superior catalytic performance and it could attain 98.6% of CO2 conversion and 99.7% methane selectivity at 325 °C. The partial reduction of the CeO2 support generates more surface oxygen vacancies and results in a high CO2 conversion and methane selectivity compared with other catalysts. The addition of CA as promoter favored the synergistic effect of Ni and support, which led to high dispersion, controls the size, and stabilizes the Ni nanoparticles. Furthermore, the Ni/CeO2-CA catalyst yields high CO2 conversion in a time-on-stream study due to the ability of preventing the carbon deposition and sintering of Ni particles under the applied reaction conditions. However, the Ni/Al2O3-CA and Ni/SBA-15-CA catalysts showed stable performance for 100 h of time on stream.
Ni-Based Complexes in Selective Ethylene Oligomerization Processes
Authors: Bekmukhamedov Giyjaz E. , Sukhov Aleksandr V. , Kuchkaev Aidar M. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G.
Published: May 2020

Linear alpha-olefins are widely used in the petrochemical industry and the world demand for these compounds increases annually. At present, the main method for producing linear alpha-olefins is the homogeneous catalytic ethylene oligomerization. This review presents modern nickel catalysts for this process, mainly systems for obtaining of one of the most demanded oligomer—1-butene—which is used for the production of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). The dependence of the catalytic performance on the composition and the structure of the used activated complexes, the electronic and coordination states of the nickel center was considered.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Terpenoids through Lipase-Mediated Resolution Approaches
Authors: Serra Stefano , De Simeis Davide
Published: May 2020

This review article focuses on the scientific developments concerning the lipase-mediated synthesis of terpenoids that have been reported in the literature during the last twenty years. More specifically, this review describes in depth the resolution approaches that allow the preparation of the chiral building blocks used for the stereoselective synthesis of bioactive terpenoids. The synthetic methods that have given new and innovative perspectives from a scientific standpoint, and the preparative approaches that possess industrial importance, are described thoroughly.
Grief and Bereavement in Parents After the Death of a Child in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: McNeil Michael J. , Namisango Eve , Hunt Jennifer , Powell Richard A. , Baker Justin N.
Published: May 2020

While great strides have been made in improving childhood mortality, millions of children die each year with significant health-related suffering. More than 98% of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts have been made to increase access to pediatric palliative care (PPC) services to address this suffering in LMICs through policy measures, educational initiatives, and access to essential medicines. However, a core component of high-quality PPC that has been relatively neglected in LMICs is grief and bereavement support for parents after the death of their child. This paper reviews the current literature on parental grief and bereavement in LMICs. This includes describing bereavement research in high-income countries (HICs), including its definition, adverse effect upon parents, and supportive interventions, followed by a review of the literature on health-related grief and bereavement in LMICs, specifically around: perinatal death, infant mortality, infectious disease, interventions used, and perceived need. More research is needed in grief and bereavement of parents in LMICs to provide them with the support they deserve within their specific cultural, social, and religious context. Additionally, these efforts in LMICs will help advance the field of parental grief and bereavement research as a whole.
Health Locus of Control in Parents of Children with Leukemia and Associations with Their Life Perceptions and Depression Symptomatology
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Taverna Livia , Bonichini Sabrina , Putti Maria Caterina , Pillon Marta , Biffi Alessandra
Published: May 2020

In childhood cancer, parents have an important role in the promotion of their children’s wellbeing and in their adoption of a locus of control style towards their children’s health. The current study aimed at identifying types of locus of control in parents of children with leukemia and the possible association with depressive symptomatology and current life perception. One hundred and four parents were recruited at the Hematology–Oncology Clinic of the Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padua, one month after a leukemia diagnosis. Participants were Caucasian with a mean age of 37.28 years (SD = 5.89), mostly mothers (87.5%) and with a mean of 12.16 years of education (SD = 3.82). After signing the informed consent, they filled in the Ladder of Life, the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and the Parental Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) questionnaires. Paired-samples t-test (t = −14.42; df = 103; p = 0.0001) showed that parents of children with leukemia were more inclined to have an external locus of control than an internal one. The hierarchical regression analysis model (R2 = 0.34; F = 4.32; p = 0.0001) identified health professional influence (ß = −0.28; p = 0.004), current life perception (ß = −0.3; p = 0.013) and future life perception (ß = −0.26; p = 0.012) as significant predictors of parental depression. Current life perception was best predicted (R2 = 0.25; F = 3.96; p = 0.01) by the parental influence locus of control style (ß = 0.25; p = 0.03). Improving trust in the medical staff care and strengthening the internal locus of control in parents could be a preventive program to cope with parental depression symptomatology.
Design of Corrosion Protective and Antistatic Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings on 6XXX AlMgSi Alloys for Aerospace Application
Authors: Agustín-Sáenz Cecilia , Santa Coloma Patricia , Fernández-Carretero Francisco J. , Brusciotti Fabiola , Brizuela Marta
Published: May 2020

An inorganic–organic coating based on glycidyl-functionalized silica and zirconia was synthesized by sol-gel technology to protect three types of AlMgSi (6XXX series) alloys against corrosion in aerospace applications. Different parameters such as the solid content, the organic/inorganic ratio of the sols and the deposition conditions were studied with the aim to achieve a tradeoff between the corrosion protection, antistatic performance and low vacuum-induced outgassing. Those parameters directly influence the thickness and the density of the coatings, and therefore the barrier effect against corrosion and the contact electrical resistance, which are affected in opposite ways. To obtain a low contact electrical resistance, silver nanowires (NW) with a high aspect ratio were loaded in the sol-gel matrix with the aim to create a conductive path through the hybrid coating with a low concentration of NWs. The coatings were adapted for AA6063, AA6061 and AA6082, and they all showed an outstanding anti-corrosion performance in different artificial weathering tests, whereas electrochemical impedance spectroscopy permitted the identification of the most critical parameters affecting water uptake. An antistatic performance was demonstrated by the low contact electrical resistance of the coated AA6061 and AA6063 alloys, although the incorporation of NWs showed a detrimental effect on the corrosion protection compared with the unloaded coating.
A Simple Method to Determine Critical Coagulation Concentration from Electrophoretic Mobility
Authors: Galli Marco , Sáringer Szilárd , Szilágyi István , Trefalt Gregor
Published: May 2020

Critical coagulation concentration (CCC) is a key parameter of particle dispersions, since it provides the threshold limit of electrolyte concentrations, above which the dispersions are destabilized due to rapid particle aggregation. A computational method is proposed to predict CCC values using solely electrophoretic mobility data without the need to measure aggregation rates of the particles. The model relies on the DLVO theory; contributions from repulsive double-layer forces and attractive van der Waals forces are included. Comparison between the calculated and previously reported experimental CCC data for the same particles shows that the method performs well in the presence of mono and multivalent electrolytes provided DLVO interparticle forces are dominant. The method is validated for particles of various compositions, shapes, and sizes.
Feature Selection of Non-Dermoscopic Skin Lesion Images for Nevus and Melanoma Classification
Authors: Damian Felicia Anisoara , Moldovanu Simona , Dey Nilanjan , Ashour Amira S. , Moraru Luminita
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: In this research, we aimed to identify and validate a set of relevant features to distinguish between benign nevi and melanoma lesions. (2) Methods: Two datasets with 70 melanomas and 100 nevi were investigated. The first one contained raw images. The second dataset contained images preprocessed for noise removal and uneven illumination reduction. Further, the images belonging to both datasets were segmented, followed by extracting features considered in terms of form/shape and color such as asymmetry, eccentricity, circularity, asymmetry of color distribution, quadrant asymmetry, fast Fourier transform (FFT) normalization amplitude, and 6th and 7th Hu’s moments. The FFT normalization amplitude is an atypical feature that is computed as a Fourier transform descriptor and focuses on geometric signatures of skin lesions using the frequency domain information. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were employed to ascertain the relevance of the selected features and their capability to differentiate between nevi and melanoma. (3) Results: The ROC curves and AUC were employed for all experiments and selected features. A comparison in terms of the accuracy and AUC was performed, and an evaluation of the performance of the analyzed features was carried out. (4) Conclusions: The asymmetry index and eccentricity, together with F6 Hu’s invariant moment, were fairly competent in providing a good separation between malignant melanoma and benign lesions. Also, the FFT normalization amplitude feature should be exploited due to showing potential in classification.
Study and Modeling of the Magnetic Field Distribution in the Fricker Hydrocyclone Cylindrical Part
Authors: Avdeev Boris , Dema Roman , Chernyi Sergei
Published: May 2020

The magnetic field distribution along the radius and height in the working chamber of a hydrocyclone with a radial magnetic field is studied. One of the most important parameters of magnetic hydrocyclones is the magnetic field distribution along the radius and height of the working chamber. It is necessary for calculating the coagulation forces and the magnetic force affecting the particle or flocculus. The magnetic field strength was calculated through magnetic induction, measured by a teslameter at equal intervals and at different values of the supply DC current. The obtained values for the magnetic field strength are presented in the form of graphs. The field distribution curves produced from the dependences found earlier were constructed. The correlation coefficients were calculated. It was proven that the analyzed dependences could be used in further calculations of coagulation forces and magnetic force, because theoretical and experimental data compared favourably with each other. The distribution along the radius and height in the cylindrical part of the magnetic hydrocyclone was consistent with data published in the scientific literature.
Advanced Convolutional Neural Network-Based Hybrid Acoustic Models for Low-Resource Speech Recognition
Authors: Fantaye Tessfu Geteye , Yu Junqing , Hailu Tulu Tilahun
Published: May 2020

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have shown a great achievement in acoustic modeling for speech recognition task. Of these networks, convolutional neural network (CNN) is an effective network for representing the local properties of the speech formants. However, CNN is not suitable for modeling the long-term context dependencies between speech signal frames. Recently, the recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have shown great abilities for modeling long-term context dependencies. However, the performance of RNNs is not good for low-resource speech recognition tasks, and is even worse than the conventional feed-forward neural networks. Moreover, these networks often overfit severely on the training corpus in the low-resource speech recognition tasks. This paper presents the results of our contributions to combine CNN and conventional RNN with gate, highway, and residual networks to reduce the above problems. The optimal neural network structures and training strategies for the proposed neural network models are explored. Experiments were conducted on the Amharic and Chaha datasets, as well as on the limited language packages (10-h) of the benchmark datasets released under the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Babel Program. The proposed neural network models achieve 0.1–42.79% relative performance improvements over their corresponding feed-forward DNN, CNN, bidirectional RNN (BRNN), or bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BGRU) baselines across six language collections. These approaches are promising candidates for developing better performance acoustic models for low-resource speech recognition tasks.
Polaronic States and Superconductivity in WO3-x
Authors: Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: May 2020

Superconducting domain boundaries were found in WO3-x and doped WO3. The charge carriers in WO3-type materials were identified by Schirmer and Salje as bipolarons. Several previous attempts to determine the electronic properties of polarons in WO3 failed until Bousque et al. (2020) reported a full first principle calculation of free polarons in WO3. They confirmed the model of Schirmer and Salje that each single polaron is centred around one tungsten position with surplus charges smeared over the adjacent eight tungsten positions. Small additional charges are distributed further apart. Further calculations to clarify the coupling mechanism between polaron to form bipolarons are not yet available. These calculations would help to identify the carrier distribution in Magneli clusters, which were shown recently to contain high carrier concentrations and may indicate totally localized superconductivity in non-percolating clusters.
Proximity Array Device: A Novel Photon Detector Working in Long Wavelengths
Authors: Rezvani S. Javad , Gioacchino Daniele Di , Gatti Claudio , Ligi Carlo , Guidi Mariangela Cestelli , Cibella Sara , Fretto Matteo , Poccia Nicola , Lupi Stefano , Marcelli Augusto
Published: May 2020

We present here an innovative photon detector based on the proximity junction array device (PAD) working at long wavelengths. We show that the vortex dynamics in PAD undergoes a transition from a Mott insulator to a vortex metal state by application of an external magnetic field. The PAD also evidences a Josephson I-V characteristic with the external field dependent tunneling current. At high applied currents, we observe a dissipative regime in which the vortex dynamics is dominated by the quasi-particle contribution from the normal metal. The PAD has a relatively high photo-response even at frequencies below the expected characteristic frequency while, its superconducting properties such as the order parameter and the Josephson characteristic frequency can be modulated via external fields to widen the detection band. This device represents a promising and reliable candidate for new high-sensitivity long-wavelength detectors.
Single-Crystal Growth and Small Anisotropy of the Lower Critical Field in Oxypnictides: NdFeAsO1 − xFx
Authors: Hanna Abanoub , Abdel-Hafiez Mahmoud
Published: May 2020

High-quality single crystals of the unconventional superconductor NdFeAsO1 − xFx were grown. We developed a new optimized flux technique to overcome the difficulties in single-crystal growth and the sample quality limitations of NdFeAsO1 − xFx. The normal state of the F-doped samples exhibits simple metallic behavior upon cooling down from room temperature, followed by a sharp superconducting transition. The values of residual resistivity ratio (RRR) is 3.2, 6.4, and 10.3 for x = 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2, respectively. Both the large RRR and the narrow superconducting transition signpost the high quality of the crystals. We have examined the in- and out-of-plane lower critical fields, and the field at which vortices penetrate the sample of NdFeAsO1 − xFx (x = 0.1). The anisotropy ratio [γHc1 (0)] increased slightly with increasing temperature from 0.8 Tc to Tc. The temperature dependence of the first vortex penetration field was obtained under the static magnetic field, H, parallel to the c- and ab- axis, and pronounced changes in the Hc1(T) curvature were observed, which are attributed to the multi-band superconductivity.
Advantages of Liquid Nitrogen Quick Freezing Combine Gradient Slow Thawing for Quality Preserving of Blueberry
Authors: Cheng Lina , Wu Weijun , An Kejing , Xu Yujuan , Yu Yuanshan , Wen Jing , Wu Jijun , Zou Ying , Liu Haocheng , Zhu Jieli , Xiao Gengsheng
Published: May 2020

Berries are perishable fruits with high nutritional value. Freezing is an effective way for food preservation. Freezing and thawing methods play key roles in preserving edible values and commodity values of food. This study investigated the effects of spray liquid nitrogen quick freezing (NF−20~−100 °C) and gradient thawing on the physical and functional characteristics of blueberries by using immersion and refrigerator freezing and microwave, ultrasonic, room- and low-temperature, and static-water thawing as comparisons. The results show that NF−80 °C freezing combined with −20~−5~4 °C. gradient thawing can retain more than 95% of polyphenols and other nutritional compounds (including pectin, soluble sugar, and vitamin C) in thawed blueberries compared with fresh blueberries. Besides, this method shows the best results in preserving the hardness, cell structure, and water distribution of blueberries. It is also revealed that the ultralow temperature (−100 °C) freezing does not bring a significant advantage in preserving blueberries. Rapid thawing methods such as microwave and ultrasound thawing are not suitable for blueberries, which might be due to their small size and thin skin. The results suggested that the combination of NF−80 °C freezing and −20~−5~4 °C gradient thawing is the optimal process for blueberry preservation. The outcomes of this study will serve as theoretical guidance for improving the industrial process for freezing and thawing blueberries.
Single Nucleotide and Copy-Number Variants in IL4 and IL13 Are Not Associated with Asthma Susceptibility or Inflammatory Markers: A Case-Control Study in a Mexican-Mestizo Population
Authors: Ambrocio-Ortiz Enrique , Galicia-Negrete Gustavo , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Escobar-Morales Areli J. , Abarca-Rojano Edgar , Del Angel-Pablo Alma D. , Castillejos-López Manuel D. J. , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés
Published: May 2020

Background: Asthma is a complex and chronic inflammatory airway disease. Asthma’s etiology is unknown; however, genetic and environmental factors could affect disease susceptibility. We designed a case-control study aimed to evaluate the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and copy-number variants (CNV) in the IL4 and IL13 genes in asthma susceptibility and their participation in plasma cytokine levels depending on genotypes Methods: We include 486 subjects, divided into asthma patients (AP, n = 141) and clinically healthy subjects (CHS, n = 345). We genotyped three SNP, two in the IL4 and two in the IL13 gene; also, two CNVs in IL4. The IL-4, IL-13 and IgE plasma levels were quantified. Results: Biomass-burning smoke exposure was higher in the AP group compared to CHS (47.5% vs. 20.9%; p < 0.01, OR = 3.4). No statistical differences were found in the genetic association analysis. In both CNV, we only found the common allele. For the analysis of IL-4, IL-13, and IgE measures stratified by genotypes, no significant association or correlation was found. Conclusion: In the Mexican-mestizo population, SNPs neither CNVs in IL4 nor IL13 are associated with asthma susceptibility or involved serum cytokine levels. Biomass-burning smoke is a risk factor in asthma susceptibility.
Ultrasound Signs in the Diagnosis and Staging of Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Tamburrini Stefania , Serra Nicola , Lugarà Marina , Mercogliano Giuseppe , Liguori Carlo , Toro Gabriella , Somma Francesco , Mandato Ylenia , Guerra Maria Vittoria , Sarti Giuseppe , Carbone Roberto , Tammaro Pasquale , Ferraro Andrea , Abete Roberta , Marano Ines
Published: May 2020

Ultrasound (US) is highly accurate in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO). Because the indications for and timing of surgical intervention for SBO have changed over the past several decades, there is a widespread assumption that the majority of patients with simple SBO may be conservatively managed; in this scenario, staging SBO is crucial. This study evaluated the association between morphological and functional US signs in the diagnosis and staging (simple, decompensated and complicated), and the associations and prevalence of US signs correlated with clinical or surgical outcome. The US signs were divided into diagnostic (dilated bowel loops and altered kinesis) and staging criteria (extraluminal free fluid, parietal and villi alterations). We performed a retrospective, single-center cohort, observational study examining the prevalence of morphologic and functional US signs in the staging of simple, decompensated and complicated SBO. The most significant US signs were dilated bowel loops (100%), hypokinesis (90.46%), thickened walls (82.54%) and free fluid (74.60%). By linear regression, free fluid was positively correlated to US staging in both univariate and multivariate analysis; that is, the more advanced the stage of SBO, the more probable the presence of free fluid between the bowel loops. In univariate analysis only, we found a positive correlation between US staging/thickened walls and the prominence of valvulae conniventes. Additionally, the multivariate analysis indicated that parietal stratification and bowel jump kinesis were negative predictors for US staging in comparison to other US signs. In addition, we found significant associations between conservative treatment or surgery and hypokinesis (p = 0.0326), akinesis (p = 0.0326), free fluid (p = 0.0013) and prominence of valvulae conniventes (p = 0.011). Free fluid in particular was significantly less present in patients that were conservatively treated (p = 0.040). We conclude that the US staging of SBO may be crucial, with a valuable role in the initial diagnosis and staging of the pathology, saving time and reducing total radiation exposure to the patient.
Development of a Simplified Radiometric Calibration Framework for Water-Based and Rapid Deployment Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations
Authors: Zarzar Christopher M. , Dash Padmanava , Dyer Jamie L. , Moorhead Robert , Hathcock Lee
Published: May 2020

The current study sets out to develop an empirical line method (ELM) radiometric calibration framework for the reduction of atmospheric contributions in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) imagery and for the production of scaled remote sensing reflectance imagery. Using a MicaSense RedEdge camera flown on a custom-built octocopter, the research reported herein finds that atmospheric contributions have an important impact on UAS imagery. Data collected over the Lower Pearl River Estuary in Mississippi during five week-long missions covering a wide range of environmental conditions were used to develop and test an ELM radiometric calibration framework designed for the reduction of atmospheric contributions from UAS imagery in studies with limited site accessibility or data acquisition time constraints. The ELM radiometric calibration framework was developed specifically for water-based operations and the efficacy of using generalized study area calibration equations averaged across variable illumination and atmospheric conditions was assessed. The framework was effective in reducing atmospheric and other external contributions in UAS imagery. Unique to the proposed radiometric calibration framework is the radiance-to-reflectance conversion conducted externally from the calibration equations which allows for the normalization of illumination independent from the time of UAS image acquisition and from the time of calibration equation development. While image-by-image calibrations are still preferred for high accuracy applications, this paper provides an ELM radiometric calibration framework that can be used as a time-effective calibration technique to reduce errors in UAS imagery in situations with limited site accessibility or data acquisition constraints.
Sharkeye: Real-Time Autonomous Personal Shark Alerting via Aerial Surveillance
Authors: Gorkin Robert , Adams Kye , Berryman Matthew J , Aubin Sam , Li Wanqing , Davis Andrew R , Barthelemy Johan
Published: May 2020

While aerial shark spotting has been a standard practice for beach safety for decades, new technologies offer enhanced opportunities, ranging from drones/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that provide new viewing capabilities, to new apps that provide beachgoers with up-to-date risk analysis before entering the water. This report describes the Sharkeye platform, a first-of-its-kind project to demonstrate personal shark alerting for beachgoers in the water and on land, leveraging innovative UAV image collection, cloud-hosted machine learning detection algorithms, and reporting via smart wearables. To execute, our team developed a novel detection algorithm trained via machine learning based on aerial footage of real sharks and rays collected at local beaches, hosted and deployed the algorithm in the cloud, and integrated push alerts to beachgoers in the water via a shark app to run on smartwatches. The project was successfully trialed in the field in Kiama, Australia, with over 350 detection events recorded, followed by the alerting of multiple smartwatches simultaneously both on land and in the water, and with analysis capable of detecting shark analogues, rays, and surfers in average beach conditions, and all based on ~1 h of training data in total. Additional demonstrations showed potential of the system to enable lifeguard-swimmer communication, and the ability to create a network on demand to enable the platform. Our system was developed to provide swimmers and surfers with immediate information via smart apps, empowering lifeguards/lifesavers and beachgoers to prevent unwanted encounters with wildlife before it happens.
Neural Computing Enhanced Parameter Estimation for Multi-Input and Multi-Output Total Non-Linear Dynamic Models
Authors: Liu Longlong , Ma Di , Azar Ahmad Taher , Zhu Quanmin
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a gradient descent algorithm is proposed for the parameter estimation of multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) total non-linear dynamic models. Firstly, the MIMO total non-linear model is mapped to a non-completely connected feedforward neural network, that is, the parameters of the total non-linear model are mapped to the connection weights of the neural network. Then, based on the minimization of network error, a weight-updating algorithm, that is, an estimation algorithm of model parameters, is proposed with the convergence conditions of a non-completely connected feedforward network. In further determining the variables of the model set, a method of model structure detection is proposed for selecting a group of important items from the whole variable candidate set. In order to verify the usefulness of the parameter identification process, we provide a virtual bench test example for the numerical analysis and user-friendly instructions for potential applications.
Objective Bayesian Inference in Probit Models with Intrinsic Priors Using Variational Approximations
Authors: Li Ang , Pericchi Luis , Wang Kun
Published: May 2020

There is not much literature on objective Bayesian analysis for binary classification problems, especially for intrinsic prior related methods. On the other hand, variational inference methods have been employed to solve classification problems using probit regression and logistic regression with normal priors. In this article, we propose to apply the variational approximation on probit regression models with intrinsic prior. We review the mean-field variational method and the procedure of developing intrinsic prior for the probit regression model. We then present our work on implementing the variational Bayesian probit regression model using intrinsic prior. Publicly available data from the world’s largest peer-to-peer lending platform, LendingClub, will be used to illustrate how model output uncertainties are addressed through the framework we proposed. With LendingClub data, the target variable is the final status of a loan, either charged-off or fully paid. Investors may very well be interested in how predictive features like FICO, amount financed, income, etc. may affect the final loan status.
Nonadiabatic Energy Fluctuations of Scale-Invariant Quantum Systems in a Time-Dependent Trap
Authors: Beau Mathieu , del Campo Adolfo
Published: May 2020

We consider the nonadiabatic energy fluctuations of a many-body system in a time-dependent harmonic trap. In the presence of scale-invariance, the dynamics becomes self-similar and the nondiabatic energy fluctuations can be found in terms of the initial expectation values of the second moments of the Hamiltonian, square position, and squeezing operators. Nonadiabatic features are expressed in terms of the scaling factor governing the size of the atomic cloud, which can be extracted from time-of-flight images. We apply this exact relation to a number of examples: the single-particle harmonic oscillator, the one-dimensional Calogero-Sutherland model, describing bosons with inverse-square interactions that includes the non-interacting Bose gas and the Tonks-Girdardeau gas as limiting cases, and the unitary Fermi gas. We illustrate these results for various expansion protocols involving sudden quenches of the trap frequency, linear ramps and shortcuts to adiabaticity. Our results pave the way to the experimental study of nonadiabatic energy fluctuations in driven quantum fluids.
Towards Social Capital in a Network Organization: A Conceptual Model and an Empirical Approach
Authors: Alqithami Saad , Budiarto Rahmat , Alzahrani Musaad , Hexmoor Henry
Published: May 2020

Due to the complexity of an open multi-agent system, agents’ interactions are instantiated spontaneously, resulting in beneficent collaborations with one another for mutual actions that are beyond one’s current capabilities. Repeated patterns of interactions shape a feature of their organizational structure when those agents self-organize themselves for a long-term objective. This paper, therefore, aims to provide an understanding of social capital in organizations that are open membership multi-agent systems with an emphasis in our formulation on the dynamic network of social interactions that, in part, elucidate evolving structures and impromptu topologies of networks. We model an open source project as an organizational network and provide definitions and formulations to correlate the proposed mechanism of social capital with the achievement of an organizational charter, for example, optimized productivity. To empirically evaluate our model, we conducted a case study of an open source software project to demonstrate how social capital can be created and measured within this type of organization. The results indicate that the values of social capital are positively proportional towards optimizing agents’ productivity into successful completion of the project.
Stock Market Volatility and Return Analysis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bhowmik Roni , Wang Shouyang
Published: May 2020

In the field of business research method, a literature review is more relevant than ever. Even though there has been lack of integrity and inflexibility in traditional literature reviews with questions being raised about the quality and trustworthiness of these types of reviews. This research provides a literature review using a systematic database to examine and cross-reference snowballing. In this paper, previous studies featuring a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) family-based model stock market return and volatility have also been reviewed. The stock market plays a pivotal role in today’s world economic activities, named a “barometer” and “alarm” for economic and financial activities in a country or region. In order to prevent uncertainty and risk in the stock market, it is particularly important to measure effectively the volatility of stock index returns. However, the main purpose of this review is to examine effective GARCH models recommended for performing market returns and volatilities analysis. The secondary purpose of this review study is to conduct a content analysis of return and volatility literature reviews over a period of 12 years (2008–2019) and in 50 different papers. The study found that there has been a significant change in research work within the past 10 years and most of researchers have worked for developing stock markets.
On the Trade-Off between the Main Parameters of Planar Antenna Arrays
Authors: Pinchera Daniele
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is two-fold. First, the trade-off between directivity, beam-width, side-lobe-level, number of radiating elements, and scanning range of planar antenna arrays is reviewed, and some simple ready-to-use formulas for the preliminary dimensioning of equispaced planar arrays are provided. Furthermore, the synthesis of sparse planar arrays, and the issue of their reduction in directivity, is analyzed. Second, a simple, yet effective, novel approach to overcome the directivity issue is proposed. The presented method is validated by several synthesized layouts; the examples show that it is possible to synthesize sparse arrays, able to challenge with equispaced lattices in terms of directivity, with a significant reduction of the number of radiators.
Examination of the Protection Offered by Current Accessibility Acts and Guidelines to People with Disabilities in Using Information Technology Devices
Authors: Kim Hyun K. , Park Jaehyun
Published: May 2020

Today, information technology (IT) products are extensively used in everyday life; however, disabled people still experience difficulties in using them. To ensure the equal use of IT products by people with disabilities, various laws/guidelines/standards have been established. In particular, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, 21st-Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, the European Accessibility Act, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines strongly influence IT product sales and, hence, have been included in the scope of this research. This study analyzed the main accessibility provisions/guidelines from the user experience (UX) perspective and the IT device difficulties that are addressed by the provisions/guidelines. Accordingly, the study used the IT interaction disability concept, which analyzes the comprehensive difficulties associated with the use of an IT device from the perspective of interaction, to map each task–user interface–context factor. Finally, this study suggests the aspects to be considered while establishing accessibility provisions/guidelines. Moreover, it clarifies the provisions and guidelines for IT product designers and developers by analyzing them from the UX perspective.
EANN: Energy Adaptive Neural Networks
Authors: Hassan Salma , Attia Sameh , Salama Khaled Nabil , Mostafa Hassan
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes an Energy Adaptive Feedforward Neural Network (EANN). It uses multiple approximation techniques in the hardware implementation of the neuron unit. The used techniques are precision scaling, approximate multiplier, computation skipping, neuron skipping, activation function approximation and truncated accumulation. The proposed EANN system applies the partial dynamic reconfiguration (PDR) feature supported by the FPGA platform to reconfigure the hardware elements of the neural network based on the energy budget. The PDR technique enables the EANN system to remain functioning when the available energy budget is reduced by factors of 46.2% to 79.8% of the total energy of the unapproximated neural network. Unlike the conventional operation that only uses certain amount of energy and cannot function properly if the energy budget falls below that energy level, the EANN system remains functioning for longer time after energy drop at the expense of less accuracy. The proposed EANN system is highly recommended in limited-energy applications as it adapts the hardware units to the degraded energy at the expense of some accuracy loss.
Trajectory Prediction and Channel Monitoring Aided Fast Beam Tracking Scheme at Unlicensed mmWave Bands
Authors: Li Pengru , Liu Danpu , Hou Xiaolin , Wang Jing
Published: May 2020

Unlicensed 60 GHz millimeter band has a great potential in industrial Internet of things (IIoT) owing to its continuous large bandwidth. However, the signal transmission in this band suffers from high propagation loss, thus beamforming is adopted to provide directional gain. With the increasing number of beams, beam alignment and tracking in mobility scenario may incur unacceptable latency and overhead, and the existing beam management mechanism is no longer suitable. To reduce the latency and signaling overhead during beam tracking, we propose a fast beam tracking scheme with the help of trajectory prediction and channel monitoring. More specifically, we firstly quantify the beam coherent time to reduce the frequency of beam searching. Then, a two-stage heuristic trajectory prediction and channel monitoring aided fast beam tracking scheme is proposed to obtain the optimal beam pairs in the process of terminal movement and make sure that the interference on the directional beam is under the limit. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the beam coherent time and the advantages of the proposed scheme in terms of complexity, outage probability, and effective spectrum efficiency.