bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB-279: Multi-grain rice diet decreases risk of breast cancer in Korean women: Results from the Health Examinees study
Authors: Shin Woo-Kyoung , Lee Hwi-Won , Shin Aesun , Lee Jong-koo , Kang Daehee
Published: September 2020

Background: Several studies have examined associations between breast cancer risk and individual foods and nutrients. Most studies have evaluated risks associated with individual foods and nutrients, rather than measures of whole-diet. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk for breast cancer. Methods: A total of 93,306 women aged 40-69 years were enrolled in the prospective cohort study in the Health Examinees-Gem (HEXA-G) study between 2004 and 2013. Information on cancer diagnosis in the eligible cohort was retrieved from the Korea Central Cancer Registry through 31 December 2014. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis of data from a 106-item validated food frequency questionnaire. We conducted a multivariable Cox regression model to obtain the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of breast cancer according to the dietary pattern scores. Results: A total of 359 incident cases of breast cancer occurred over an average follow-up period of 6.3 years. Using a factor analysis, we identified three major dietary patterns, which explained 23.9% of the total variance, based on the daily total food intake (g/day) from 37 food groups: the Vegetables and seaweed pattern (greater intake of yellow-green and other vegetables, seaweed, lean fish, and shellfish), the Flour and meat pattern (greater intake of bread, pizza and hamburger, red meat, and poultry), the White rice and salt fermented fish pattern (greater intake of white rice and salt fermented fish). We found that the women who had higher white rice and salt fermented fish pattern scores tend to have higher risk of breast cancer. Multivariate HR (95% CI) comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles of White rice and salt fermented fish pattern scores was 1.35 (1.00, 1.84) (p for trend = 0.0384). Other two dietary patterns, the Vegetables and seaweed pattern and the Flour and meat pattern, showed no significant association with the breast cancer risk for women. Conclusion: The White rice and salt fermented fish pattern was associated with a increased risk of breast cancer, but further investigation involving subgroup analysis is warranted.

Citation Format: Woo-Kyoung Shin, Hwi-Won Lee, Aesun Shin, Jong-koo Lee, Daehee Kang. Multi-grain rice diet decreases risk of breast cancer in Korean women: Results from the Health Examinees study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-279.
Abstract LB-310: Whole-exome sequencing reveals genetic underpinnings of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and tongue carcinoma in Chinese population
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Shuhang , Yu Yue , Fang Yuan , Huang Huiyao , Wu Dawei , Fang Hong , Sun Chao , Yu Anqi , Fan Qi , Cheng Shi-Yuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) are rare malignancies with low incidence and dismal prognosis. The molecular underpinnings of these remain poorly understood, particularly in Asian population. Methods: Through a whole-exome sequencing analysis of 13 OTSCC and 30 ACC patients, a systematic overview of the mutational features in single-nucleotide variations, copy number variations and chromosomal variations were illustrated. Results: In addition to the well-characterized alterations previously reported in Caucasian patients, such as TP53 mutations (11/13, 84.6%) in OTSCC and MYB-NFIB fusion in ACC (11/30, 36.7%), we also observed several novel genetic changes, including FOXP1-TEX261 fusion (1/13, 7.7%) and MYB-FMO5 fusion (1/30, 3.3%) in OTSCC and ACC respectively, which might play a role in facilitating tumor progression. The data exhibited promising translational value as numerous actionable genes were identified with mutations. 76.9% OTSCC and 20% salivary ACC harbored at least one alteration in actionable genes, mutations in CDKN2A (4/13, 30.8%), NTRK3 (3/13, 23.1%) in OTSCC and FGFR2 (2/30, 6.7%), BRAF (2/30, 6.7%) in salivary gland ACC, suggesting targeted immunotherapy might be an effective intervention. Instead of MYB-independent NFIB fusions previously reported in ACC, only NFIB-independent MYB fusions were found in our cohort, indicating that alterations in NFIB rather than MYB might be essential to ACC tumorigenesis. Conclusions: This study reveals the genetic underpinnings of two rare malignancies in Chinese population, illustrating consistent mutational features with published literature as well as demonstrating several distinct genetic alterations, warranting further investigations.

Citation Format: Ning Li, Shuhang Wang, Yue Yu, Yuan Fang, Huiyao Huang, Dawei Wu, Hong Fang, Chao Sun, Anqi Yu, Qi Fan, Shi-Yuan Cheng. Whole-exome sequencing reveals genetic underpinnings of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and tongue carcinoma in Chinese population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-310.
Abstract LB-315: Oncology research applications on an electrical impedance based, high accuracy sequencing platform
Authors: Paliwal Saurabh , Fallahi Mohammad , Nabi Ali , Clark Tyson A. , Dong Bin , Bagchi Srijeeta , Jouzi Maryam , Ritchie Hannah , Bonar Lydia , Thomas Anthony , Tangprasertchai Narin , Barmi Meysam R. , Gomes Xavier , Sankar Subra , Esfandyarpour Hesaam
Published: September 2020

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized basic biological and clinical research, especially in oncology. NGS cancer assays are used to determine cancer predisposition, identify tumor mutations, monitor treatment response and develop personalized therapies. Here, GenapSys presents a scalable, low cost, and high accuracy sequencing platform based on electrical impedance detection. We demonstrate that a single run with a 16M sensor chip generates up to 2 Gb of data, with greater than 99% raw accuracy and an average read length of about 150 bp. We highlight its applications for oncology research, using diverse cancer panels on reference and clinical samples. We tested hybrid-capture and multiplex PCR-based cancer panels on a range of DNA sources, including oncology reference standards derived from cell line DNA, cfDNA standards, as well as clinical samples: FFPE, fresh frozen tumor tissue, and blood. For hybrid-capture libraries, we used the IDT xGen Pan Cancer 1.5 and Exome Research panels. We detected low frequency mutations in the range of 1%-24.5% across multiple reference standards with the cancer panel, and observed high correlation in allele frequency with expected values (R2 > 0.99). Similar results were obtained with an amplicon panel, the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2. Whole exome sequencing and pan cancer sequencing of clinical FFPE, fresh frozen and blood samples showed high concordance (F1-score > 95%) of SNV mutation calling with commonly used NGS technology. Thus, we demonstrate that the GenapSys Sequencing Platform is an accurate, scalable, and low cost solution for oncology research on a wide range of sample types and NGS assays.

Citation Format: Saurabh Paliwal, Mohammad Fallahi, Ali Nabi, Tyson A. Clark, Bin Dong, Srijeeta Bagchi, Maryam Jouzi, Hannah Ritchie, Lydia Bonar, Anthony Thomas, Narin Tangprasertchai, Meysam R. Barmi, Xavier Gomes, Subra Sankar, Hesaam Esfandyarpour. Oncology research applications on an electrical impedance based, high accuracy sequencing platform [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-315.
The Role of 2D/3D Ultrasound to Assess the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Perniola Giorgia , Tomao Federica , Graziano Marialida , Palaia Innocenza , Fischetti Margherita , Lecce Francesca , Casorelli Assunta , Di Donato Violante , Giancotti Antonella , Battaglia Francesco Antonio , Muzii Ludovico , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Different imaging techniques were introduced to improve preoperative clinical staging of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) with transvaginal ultrasound (TV-US) or transrectal ultrasound (TR-US) representing a promising staging technique in the evaluation of the local extension of the disease for invasive tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in LACC by 2D/3D ultrasound examination. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients affected by histologically and clinically confirmed LACC. All patients were scheduled for 3 cycles of platinum-based NACT followed by radical surgery. The ultrasound examination was performed at every cycle and within 10 days before surgery. The parameters evaluated were: the volume (automatically computed by the VOCAL software) and the mass vascularization. Results: From March 2010 to March 2019, 157 women were recruited. Among these patients, 12 of them were excluded: 6 for the presence of distant metastases, 4 for rare histology, and 2 for severe comorbidities not allowing the protocol treatment. Seventeen patients after NACT were excluded because they were not amenable to radical surgery. Thus, 128 were considered for the final analysis of whom 106 (83%) were considered responders to NACT by histology. The sensibility and specificity of ultrasound with regard to the response to chemotherapy compared to histological specimen were 94 and 82%, respectively, with an accuracy of 92%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 96 and 75%, respectively. Finally, we found that nonetheless there was a trend towards a continuous response to chemotherapy among patients who were considered responders to NACT at pathological examination; the major volume and vascularization index (VI) reduction were observed during the first 2 cycles (74, 71% and 47, 63%, respectively). On the contrary, non-responders showed an initial reduction of the VI (4.86 consisting of 33%, 95% CI 0.79–8.92, p = 0.013), but no significant modification in tumour volume along NACT. Conclusion: 2D/3D ultrasound is useful in assessing early response to NACT in patients with LACC.
Rituximab Monotherapy or in Combination with Bendamustine Is Not Inferior to Rituximab-CHOP Regimen in the Treatment of Patients with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma in the Real Life
Authors: Mulas Olga , Caocci Giovanni , Dessì Daniela , Mantovani Daniela , Moi Giulia , Cabras Maria Giuseppina , La Nasa Giorgio
Published: September 2020

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare lymphoma belonging to the marginal zone lymphoproliferative disorders. Usually, SMZL occurs with indolent presentation and, when required, the standard of care is represented by rituximab-based regimens. No direct comparison of different rituximab-based combinations and polychemotherapy regimens has been conducted to date. In a monocentric cohort of 68 SMLZ patients, we showed that rituximab in monotherapy or in combination with bendamustine, compared with rituximab associated with the polychemotherapy cycle cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP), resulted in a higher 5-year progression-free survival (91.3 ± 9% and 75 ± 15.7% vs. 30.8 ± 12.1%, p < 0.001). Platelets at diagnosis <100 ×109/L (p = 0.034, HR = 4.3) and transformation into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (p = 0.031, HR = 4.3) were associated with a lower overall survival.
Analysis of HVDC breakdown characteristic of LLDPE-natural rubber added with biofiller as high voltage insulating material
Authors: Mohd Salleh Nor Izzati , Mohd Jamail Nor Akmal , Suntharasaka Nishanti , Mohd Jamail Nor Shahida , Farid Sies Mohamad , Ezani Kamarudin Qamarul , Mohamed Piah Mohamed Afendi
Published: September 2020

The influence of solid insulation has been investigated by few researchers.
The mechanism of solid breakdown is important in insulation studies. In this
research, testing on Linear-Low Density Polythylene (LLDPE) with Natural
Rubber (NR) and different weight concentration of biofiller are conducted
under High Voltage Direct Voltage (HVDC) by using needle and sphere
types of electrode arrangements. Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) and
Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) are the biofillers used for the samples
development. The LLDPE-NR samples consists of different weight
percentages of biofiller which are 0%, 2.5%. 5.0%. 7.5% and 10% with 3mm
thickness. The voltage has been increased until the breakdown occurs. Based
on the results obtained, OPEFB and PALF with the highest weight
percentages of 10% showed the highest damage voltages of 59.09kV and
59.36kV. It has been proven that both samples with the highest filler content
have appropriate insulating properties. In conclusion, the addition of biofiber
to LLDPE-NR has improved the breakdown properties compared to pure
LLDPE.
New voltage and temperature scalable gate delay model applied to a 14nm technology
Authors: Charafeddine Kenza , Ouardi Faissal
Published: September 2020

The following work shows an innovative approach to model the timing of
standard cells. By using mathematical models instead of the classical SPICE-based characterization, a high amount of CPU (Central Processing Unit) cores is saved and less amount of data is stored. In the present work,
characterization of cells of a standard cell library is done in an hour whereas
it is done in 650 hours with the classical method. Also, a method for
validating and verification of the precision of the modelled data is presented
by comparing them on a implemented circuit. The output of implementations shows less than 3% of error between the two methods.
The nonlinear computed torque control of a quadrotor
Authors: Meddahi Y. , Zemalache Meguenni K. , Aoued H.
Published: September 2020

This paper work focused on the study of the nonlinear computed torque
control of a quadrotor helicopter. In order to model the dynamic of the
vehicles, kinematics and dynamics modeling of the X4 is presented. Euler
angles and parameters are used in the formulation of this model and the
technique of Computed Torque control is introduced. In the second part of
the paper, we develop a methodology of control that allows the quadrotor to
accomplish a prospecting mission of an environment, as the follow-up of a
trajectory by the simulation. Results show that Computed Torque control
method is suitable for X4.
Disturbance rejection using IMC tuned PID controller with improved filter
Authors: Mabu Sarif B. , Ashok Kumar D. V. , Gopala Rao M. Venu
Published: September 2020

IMC-PID controllers supply exceptional set point tracking but slow
disturbance refutation, because of introduction of slow process pole
introduced by the conventional filter. Disturbance rejection is important in
many industrial applications over set point tracking. An enhanced IMC filter
cascaded with PID controller with Internal Model Control Tuning System
(IMC-PID) is presented right now for efficient disruption rejection and
reliable first order process operation with time delay (FOPTD). The optional
filter does away with the sluggish dominant pole. The present learning shows
that the recommended IMC filter provide excellent trouble rejection
irrespective of where the trouble enters the procedure and provide high-
quality robustness to duplicate deviation in surroundings of accepting in
difference with other method cited in the text. Reenactment study was led to
show the feasibility of the suggested approach on processes with different 0/r ratios by measuring the controller parameters while retaining the same
robustness as regards maximal sensitivity. His efficiency of the closed loops
was assessed utilizing integral error parameters. Viz. ISE, ITAE, IAE. The
recommended filter provides excellent response pro lag dominant processes.
Dynamic real-time capacity constrained routing algorithm for evacuation planning problem
Authors: Abusalama Jawad , Razali Sazalinsyah , Choo Yun-Huoy , Momani Lina , Alkharabsheh Abdelrahman
Published: September 2020

Usually, disasters occurred over a relatively short time in anytime and anywhere. Most occupancies haven’t absolute knowledge about the prevention or safety consciousness to deal with disasters. During disaster occurred, evacuation processes are conducted to save people life, and if there is no appropriate evacuation plan, the situation will become worse. Thus, finding optimal planning to evacuate the occupancy people is critical in many cases i.e. emergency evacuation. In this paper, a Dynamic Real-Time Capacity Constrained Routing (DRTCCR) Algorithm has been proposed and analyzed. Such algorithm will investigate the capacity constraints of the evacuation network in real-time by modelling the capacities at the time of series to improve current solutions of the evacuation planning problem.  Such algorithm will produce an optimal solution for evacuation planning problem. Performance evaluation on many network models illustrates that the DRTCCR algorithm improves the previous evacuation planning by reducing the evacuation time as well as the computational cost. In addition, DRTCCR algorithm has the ability to recalculate and find out the optimal path dynamically in real-time irrespective the number of trapped people as well as the transportation network size. Analytical experiments have been done and illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
A beamforming study of the linear antenna array using grey wolf optimization algorithm
Authors: Issa Mohsin Asma , S. Daghal Asaad , Hasan Sallomi Adheed
Published: September 2020

The grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is considered an inspired meta-heuristic algorithm, which inspired by the social hierarchy and hunting behavior of the grey wolves. GWO has a high-performance capability of solving constrained, as well as unconstrained optimization problems. In this paper, the beamforming of smart antennas in a code division multiple access system based on the GWO algorithm is investigated. The sidelobe level (SLL) is minimized along with peak sidelobe level reduction, as well as an optimal beam pattern has been accomplished by using GWO to uniform linear antenna arrays. In this work, an amplitude is introduced as constant, while the interspacing distance between antenna array elements and the number of elements in a linear array are variables. The simulation results show that a faster convergence and likely high accurate beamforming are gained using GWO based method. Finally, it is shown that the GWO outperforms the genetic algorithm (GA) based method.
Naïve Bayes and linear discriminate analysis based diagnostic analytic of harmonic source identification
Authors: Jopri M. H , Ghani MR Ab , Abdullah A.R , Sutikno Tole , Manap M , Too J.
Published: September 2020

The diagnostic analytic type of harmonic source is a vital research due to diagnose and identify type of harmonic source that exist in the power system. This paper presents a comparison of machine learning (ML) algorithm namely as the Naïve Bayes (NB) and linear discriminate analysis (LDA) in identifying and diagnosing the harmonic sources.  The MLs inputs are the voltage and current feature sets that estimated from the time-frequency representation (TFR) of S-transform analysis. Four specific cases of harmonic source location are considered in this research, whereas harmonic voltage (HV) and harmonic current (HC) source type-load are used in the diagnosing process. The sufficiency of the proposed methodology is tested and verified on the IEEE 4-bust test feeder, and to prevent overfitting, the K-fold cross-validation technique is implemented for performance evaluation. To identify the best ML, the performance measurement consist of the accuracy, precision, geometric mean, F-measure, sensitivity, and specificity are conducted.
Trayectoria delincuente de Cecilia: estudio de caso desde una perspectiva psicoanalítica
Authors: de Oliveira Moreira Jacqueline , Ferreira Rodrigues Bianca , da Costa Júlia Dainez , Wermelinger Silva Claudia Serra , Matos Camila Anunciação , de Sena Camila Luiza , Couto Marinho Frederico , Campos Guerra Andréa Máris , Alves da Silva Bráulio Figueiredo
Published: September 2020

En vista de la escasez de trabajos que aborden la participación de niñas y mujeres en el crimen, nuestro objetivo es presentar un estudio de caso de delincuencia femenina, extraído de los resultados parciales de la investigación «Curso de vida y trayectoria delincuente: un estudio exploratorio de eventos y narrativas de jóvenes vulnerables». Usaremos la perspectiva teórica del psicoanálisis para analizar el Plan de Servicio Individual, la entrevista semiestructurada y la narrativa memorialista de una joven que llamamos Cecilia, en honor a la poeta brasileña Cecilia Meireles. Es una mujer morena que sufrió abusos sexuales en la infancia, se convirtió en madre en la adolescencia y asesinó a sus parejas por participar en delitos. También enredada en la criminalidad, busca refugio y orientación en una religión afro.
Comparative assessment of pollen micromorphology of Salvia assurgens (Lamiaceae), an endemic sage from Mexico

Authors: BEDOLLA-GARCÍA BRENDA Y. , CASTRO-MORALES MAYRA , CULTID-MEDINA CARLOS A.
Published: September 2020

The present study provides novel information about the pollen of Salvia assurgens. Pollen grains were collected and described based on their observed characters by light microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The species is distinguished from other Mexican salvias by having small pollen grains (14.2 × 18.2 µm), thin primary muri (0.2 µm thick), elongated primary lumina (1.03 µm long) and secondary lumina with relatively few perforations (9, range 5–14). Pollen characters are similar to those of the majority of American salvias. Regarding Mexican sages, there has been little palynological research, and only 23 species of 32 examined have been quantitatively studied. Standardization is needed in different aspects of palynological studies, especially in relation to measurement protocols and data analysis, as well as the increased use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), since the majority of differences among species are provided by SEM microscope observation.
Phlebia nigrodontea sp. nov. in Meruliaceae (Polyporales) with a black hymenial surface

Authors: HUANG RUO-XIA , LUO KAI-YUE , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: September 2020

A new wood-inhabiting fungus, Phlebia nigrodontea, is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. The species is characterized by a grandinioid hymenophore with vinaceous brown to black colour, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and ellipsoid, colourless, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores (3.9–4.9 × 2.3–3.1 µm). Sequences of ITS and LSU nrRNA gene regions of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses carried out using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic analyses based on the molecular data of ITS+nLSU sequences showed that P. nigrodontea nested within the phlebioid clade. A further investigation of more representative taxa from Phlebia, based on ITS+nLSU sequences, demonstrated that the species P. nigrodontea formed a monophyletic lineage with strong support (100% BS, 100% BT, 1.00 BPP) and closely grouped with P. chrysocreas.
Response of Global Tropical Cyclone Activity to Increasing CO2: Results from Downscaling CMIP6 Models
Authors: Emanuel Kerry
Published: September 2020

Global models comprising the sixth-generation Coupled Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) are downscaled using a very high-resolution but simplified coupled atmosphere–ocean tropical cyclone model, as a means of estimating the response of global tropical cyclone activity to increasing greenhouse gases. As with a previous downscaling of CMIP5 models, the results show an increase in both the frequency and severity of tropical cyclones, robust across the models downscaled, in response to increasing greenhouse gases. The increase is strongly weighted to the Northern Hemisphere, and especially noteworthy is a large increase in the higher latitudes of the North Atlantic. Changes are insignificant in the South Pacific across metrics. Although the largest increases in track density are far from land, substantial increases in global landfalling power dissipation are indicated. The incidence of rapid intensification increases rapidly with warming, as predicted by existing theory. Measures of robustness across downscaled climate models are presented, and comparisons to tropical cyclones explicitly simulated in climate models are discussed.
Fear of crime examined through diversity of crime, social inequalities, and social capital: An empirical evaluation in Peru
Authors: Hernández Wilson , Dammert Lucía , Kanashiro Lilian
Published: September 2020

Latin America is a violent region where fear of crime is well spread but still not fully understood. Using multilevel methods for a large and subnational representative household survey (N = 271,022), we assess the determinants of fear of crime in Peru, the country with the highest fear of crime and crime victimization in the region. Our results show that body-aimed victimization (physical or sexual abuse from a member of their household, and sexual offenses) is the strongest driver of fear of crime, even higher than armed victimization. Moreover, safety measures based on social capital are negatively related to fear of crime, suggesting that they are palliatives rather than real protections. Finally, our study shows that people in a higher socioeconomic status are more likely to fear more because they have more (resources) to lose. Policy implications address Latin America as a whole and punitive policies against crime are common in the region, while evidence-based decisions are scarce.
Modeling and adaptive robust wavelet control for a liquid container system under slosh and uncertainty
Authors: Al-Mashhadani Mohammad Abdulrahman
Published: September 2020

Liquid sloshing in moving or stationary containers and flexible uncertainty caused by the slosh are considered to be the most probable causing unexpected coupling effects on the dynamics of many systems such as aerospace, ground vehicles, and high speed industries arms.

The coupling of dynamic liquid slosh in a container system with the uncertainty caused by the sensors or dampers is rare documented and this coupling can be considered as a highly nonlinear system.

In this paper, an investigation is presented to demonstrate a new approach for enabling the reduction of the liquid slosh and uncertainty by implementing adaptive robust wavelet control technique.

Starting by creating the mathematical dynamic model for the nonlinear slosh coupled by uncertainty, adaptive robust control based wavelet transform is applied for calculating optimal motion that minimize residual slosh and uncertainty.

Subsequently the adaptive robust control based wavelet network approximation and the appropriate parameter algorithms for the container system with slosh and uncertainty are derived to achieve the feedback linearization, adaptive control, and H∞ tracking performance.

The simulation results show that the effects of slosh errors and external uncertainty can be successfully attenuated within a desired attenuation level.
Carbon particulate and controlled-hydrolysis assisted extrusion foaming of semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate for the enhanced thermal insulation property
Authors: Pan Junjie , Chen Feng , Cabrera Eusebio Duarte , Min Zhiyu , Ruan Shilun , Wu Min , Zhang Dan , Castro Jose M , Lee L James
Published: September 2020

This work presents a facile method to produce low-density PET foams using pristine semi-crystalline resin by moisture-induced controlled-hydrolysis in a tight processing window (moisture content ∼ 0.12 wt.%). We investigated the effect of moisture and moisture containing activated carbon (AC) on the foam expansion ratio, cell morphology, and PET resin degradation and crystallization properties. Controlled-hydrolysis increased the melt-flow rate of PET resin (intrinsic viscosity: 0.52 to 0.54 dL/g) without losing crystallinity, and thus the PET foams possess better tensile properties (∼2 MPa stress and ∼100% strain) and higher thermal stability (>200°C) than chemically modified PET foams. The foam density could be made as low as ∼ 0.15 g/cm3 using a lab scale twin-screw extruder. A strand array die was also designed to produce plate-shaped foam samples. AC allowed easier control of the moisture content and delayed resin degradation in extrusion. Both AC and micrographite (mGr) could stabilize the PET foam morphology in extrusion and serve as good infrared attenuation agents (IAAs) in a simulated housing thermal insulation experiment.
Health Care Today: Whom Do We Really Care About?
Authors: Perkins Brother Ignatius
Published: September 2020

Health services in the United States, driven by moral relativism, technology, financial algorithms, present draconian threats to the ability of these services to respond to the health care needs of the American people. Critical moral issues must be addressed, resolved, and serve as the foundation for a renewed health care system that fulfills the call for the common good and provides services in response to the question “who do we really care about.” Millions of our brothers and sisters continue to join the ranks of the uninsured and unemployed. What is urgently needed is a fair, equitable, accessible, affordable, and, most importantly, an ethical system of health care where the dignity and freedom of the human person, across the continuum of life from conception to natural death, is once again recognized as the summit of the work before us.
Professionals’ Attitudes Towards the Importance of Core Principles for the Mental Health Treatment of Offenders in Correctional Facilities
Authors: Noll Thomas , Borchard Bernd , Rosseger Astrid , Endrass Jérôme , Habermeyer Elmar , Gonçalves Leonel C.
Published: September 2020

The efficacy of offender therapy depends on professionals’ sharing common attitudes regarding basic principles of offender treatment. Research in this area is lacking. This study explored attitudes of 264 professionals involved in or collaborating with the largest correctional system in Switzerland. The very encouraging findings are that the core ideas and general principles have been assimilated due to the long-lasting collaboration between professionals and institutions, as well as the alignment of standardized methods of intervention.
Planetary Silicon Valley: Deconstructing New York’s innovation complex
Authors: Zukin Sharon
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital platforms and software for operating remotely and encouraged employers to reshape the workplace for social distancing. But it is not at all clear what these arrangements will mean for cities that have spent the past decade building an ‘innovation complex’ around physical density, digital technology and real estate development. On the one hand, many parts of the tech ecosystem that relied on face-to-face interaction – such as coworking spaces, hackathons and venture capitalists’ mentoring of start-up founders – have already moved online. On the other hand, cutting tech ecosystems loose from place-based offices, labour markets and institutional networks puts cities’ economic future at risk. This could drastically weaken the value of the city’s fixed capital of buildings and land, its social capital of institutional networks and communities, and its human capital of workers with tech skills. Yet partnering with tech leaders to ‘reimagine’ the city could advance the power of Big Tech. To try to understand which parts of the urban tech ecosystem will likely survive the pandemic, I take a critical look at how the discursive, organisational and geographical spaces of a planetary Silicon Valley culture became embedded in New York between 2010 and 2020.
Meaning in medicine groups as part of faculty development
Authors: Fazio Lindsay T , Huffman Miranda M
Published: September 2020

Health care workers engaged in work that they find personally meaningful are less likely to experience professional burnout. However, health care often involves tedious and burdensome tasks. While physicians are often asked to complete tasks that are less satisfying, creating space to focus on the meaningful parts of patient care is helpful to changing the focus of the mind. We report on the integration of Meaning in Medicine groups in a faculty development program at family medicine residency programs. These groups were created to increase faculty satisfaction, team cohesion, and engagement. Each session starts with an item for reflection – a video, article, or story – and is designed to provide a safe space for discussion of the joys in medicine. Group sizes of 8 to 15, dedicated time, and establishment of ground rules have been essential for success of these meetings.
Cultivating change: Engaging residents in research
Authors: Arora Vikram , Bell Paul F , Hagberg Stephen
Published: September 2020

Background

The American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines for scholarly activities by family medicine residents require at least one activity per resident and encourage conference presentations. Meeting these guidelines has traditionally been challenging due to a multitude of factors from lack of time to limited administrative support. Studies have shown that resident participation in research was associated with higher levels of satisfaction with training. We aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a dedicated research curriculum in achieving ACGME goals for our residents.

Methods

We performed a need assessment that identified strengths and obstacles related to research which then guided the actions taken to build the curriculum. Revised curricular elements included a research focused lecture series, a restructured journal club, financial support for presentations and project expenses, a specific timeline for project completion, and the development of a regional research day involving multiple family medicine programs. Dedicated research time was built into the resident schedule and presentations at local, regional and national conferences were encouraged and supported.

Results

Following implementation of the curriculum there was a marked increase in the number of scholarly projects performed by residents. Prior to implementation there had only been one presentation at a national conference in the previous five years. This increased to an average of four presentations per year in the following five year period. On a regional scale, the initial success of the local research day led to a continued expansion and now includes six family medicine programs.

Conclusion

Implementation of a dedicated multifaceted research curriculum significantly increased the participation of our residents in scholarly activities and led to a near five-fold increase in presentations at regional and national levels. Additionally, resident satisfaction in scholarly activities increased and a far greater number of graduating residents went on to complete fellowships.
Stabilization method for the Saint-Venant equations by boundary control
Authors: Arfaoui Hassen
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we are interested in the stabilization of the flow modeled by the Saint-Venant equations. We have solved two problems in this study. The first, we have proved that the operator associated to the Saint-Venant system has a finite number of unstable eigenvalues. Consequently, the system is not exponentially stable on the space [Formula: see text], but is exponentially stable on a subspace of the space [Formula: see text], ([Formula: see text] is a given domain). The second problem, if the advection is dominant, the natural stabilization is very slow. To solve these problems, we have used an extension method due to Russel (1974) and Fursikov (2002). Thanks to this method, we have determined a boundary Dirichlet control able to accelerate the stabilization of the flow. Also, the boundary Dirichlet control is able to kill all the unstable eigenvalues to get an exponentially stable solution on the space [Formula: see text]. Then, we extend this method to the finite difference equations analog of the continuous Saint-Venant equations. Also, in this case, we obtained similar results of stabilization. A finite difference scheme is used to compute the control and several numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the efficiency of the control.
Synchronization of chaotic Lur’e systems with time-delays via quantized output feedback control
Authors: Rao Yu , Tong Dongbing , Chen Qiaoyu , Zhou Wuneng , Xu Yuhua
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the asymptotic stability for chaotic Lur’e systems (CLSs) is studied. A new control method, which involves both state quantizer and control quantizer, is presented. In addition, dynamic parameters of quantizers and controller are designed synchronously to ensure the asymptotic synchronization of the master–slave systems. Moreover, by solving linear matrix inequalities, the corresponding dynamic parameters and control gain can be given. Finally, one numerical simulation and two practical simulations are raised to prove the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Radiological protection of the patient in veterinary medicine and the role of ICRP
Authors: Pentreath R.J. , Applegate K.E. , Higley K.A. , Peremans K. , Natsuhori M. , Randall E. , Gambino J.
Published: September 2020

At the request of the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), Task Group 107 (TG107) was set up to consider the issue of radiological protection of the patient in veterinary medicine. TG107, who authored this article, brought together information relating to the use of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology in veterinary medicine. A number of specific areas were identified that appeared to be appropriate for attention by ICRP. These included the use of dose quantities and units, the need for re-evaluation of stochastic and deterministic risks from ionising radiation in animals, and the growing use of imaging and therapeutic equipment for animals that is little different from that available to humans. TG107 unanimously recommended that it was both appropriate and timely for ICRP to consider and advise on these issues, and the Main Commission agreed. This paper summarises the findings of TG107.
Discipline as Prevention: Psychoeducational Strategies in Internet Sexual Offending Group Programs
Authors: Rimer Jonah R.
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes a UK-based psychoeducational intervention for users of online child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). It is founded on 17 months of anthropological research in group programs with 81 participants and 15 staff. The article argues that group exercises help participants reframe knowledge about their offending, and ultimately reinforce the theoretical concept of discipline (Foucault) toward internal and external surveillance, normalization, and decreased risk. The paper first discusses factors participants believed contributed to offending. It then analyzes the program and participants’ experiences, focusing on exercises about the mind (fantasy), Internet usage (disclosure and relationships), needs met by offending (Good Lives and true needs), and planning for the future (relapse prevention). Critical is that participants are encouraged to reengage offline lives and enact discipline on and to the online world. Thus, the article ends with an anthropologically-minded discussion about digital norms, online morality, and implications for Internet offender psychoeducational practice.
Stepping On after Stroke falls-prevention programme for community stroke survivors in Singapore: A feasibility study
Authors: Xu Tianma , Clemson Lindy , O’Loughlin Kate , Lannin Natasha , Dean Catherine M , Koh Gerald
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Intervention studies to date have shown limited evidence of falls reduction in community-dwelling stroke survivors. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of the Stepping On after Stroke programme in Singapore.

Method

A pre–post-intervention study design was used over a 6-month period. Falls incidence was the main outcome measure, with the recruitment process and attendance rate recorded to test feasibility. Data analysis from evaluation questionnaires (descriptive statistics) and interviews (content analysis) were applied to determine acceptability.

Results

Eight stroke participants and seven caregivers completed the programme at two community sites facilitated by two programme leaders. Stroke participants achieved full attendance over the 7-week programme but family caregivers did not (38%). All participants highlighted their acceptability of the group-based falls-prevention programme. Both programme leaders achieved 92% fidelity in session delivery. Four stroke participants fell during the study period. Stroke participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in community participation at 1 month post-intervention. Family caregivers reported no changes in pre–post evaluations.

Conclusion

The Stepping On after Stroke programme appears feasible and acceptable to therapists and service users in Singapore; however, caregivers’ participation was limited. Findings can be used to further improve the programme and its methodology before testing its effectiveness in a larger-scale trial.
Land grabs reexamined: Gulf Arab agro-commodity chains and spaces of extraction
Authors: Henderson Christian
Published: September 2020

Research on land grabs has identified the Gulf Arab states as major actors in the acquisition of agricultural land. However the role of these investments in the economies of the Gulf remains underexplored in the scholarly literature. In response, I propose that these projects are part of commodity chains that are articulated to the agribusiness industry in the Gulf states. I argue that they are extractive zones; enclaves created through articulation to the investor states, and disarticulation from their host society. With this considered, the commodity chains that link these projects with the Gulf economies transfer surplus value in the form of labour time, but also biophysical matter such as water, energy, and soil nutrients. This focus on the appropriation of nature allows a better understanding of these schemes and their role in the Gulf’s economic growth. As will be demonstrated, the cycle of exhaustion of water impells the location of these land grabs, and this context connects them with the history of domestic projects. This article uses a framework that integrates theory on the spatial contestations of commodity chains with work on political ecology, and by doing so it contributes to a growing body of work that examines the relationship between networks of commodity production and nature.
Analytical Method to Estimate Railroad Spike Fastener Stress
Authors: Dersch Marcus S. , Silva Matheus Trizotto , Edwards J. Riley , Lima Arthur de O , Roadcap Tom
Published: September 2020

Previous research indicates that spike fastener fatigue failures have led to at least ten derailments since 2000. Given that railroads continue to install fastening systems that have experienced spike failures, methods to quantify the stress state of the spike must be developed. Common approaches to quantify the effect of key variables include laboratory experimentation, field instrumentation, or finite element model development. However, these approaches may be both time and cost prohibitive. An analytical method based on beam on elastic foundation mechanics, similar to the analysis of laterally loaded piles in deep foundation design, was developed to estimate the spike stresses. The outcome is a laboratory-validated analytical approach that generates estimates of spike stress. This analytical model was used to investigate key design criteria (timber modulus, spike cross-sectional area, and load applied) that could be changed to improve the resiliency of the fastening system to increase railroad safety. Another outcome of this study is the development of an instrumented spike that quantifies the spike demands when installed and loaded within a crosstie.
The Role of School Psychologists in Supporting Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Wiener Judith
Published: September 2020

This paper integrates the findings from the four studies in this special issue and discusses the implications for school psychology practice. Our research indicates that adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are typically aware of their difficulties and believe that their problem behaviors are pervasive, uncontrollable, and stigmatizing. They are especially concerned about their social relationship problems. In this paper, I argue that school psychologists play an important role in addressing these concerns by conducting assessments in which the adolescent is a partner in the process and by providing evidence-based mental health interventions in the school setting.
Do Adolescents With ADHD Have a Self-Perception Bias for Their ADHD Symptoms and Impairment?
Authors: Colomer Carla , Wiener Judith , Varma Angela
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-perception bias (SPB) in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The SPB was defined as adolescent underestimation of their learning and behavior problems in comparison to parent- or teacher-reports or a standardized achievement test. The sample comprised 74 adolescents, ages 13 to 18 (40 ADHD; 34 comparison). Compared to adolescents without ADHD, adolescents with ADHD underreported their symptoms and impairment when parent-reports, but not teacher-reports were the indicator of performance. Adolescents with ADHD, however, reported more difficulties in all areas of functioning than adolescents without ADHD. In the sample of adolescents with ADHD, self- and parent-reports of learning problems, but not teacher-reports, were significantly associated with adolescent total academic achievement test score. Adolescents with learning problems as measured by the achievement test, and social problems as rated by parents, reported higher levels of these difficulties than adolescents whose functioning was in the average range; however, adolescents with clinical levels of oppositional behaviors, as rated by parents or teachers, did not report elevated levels of these behaviors. Depressive symptoms were associated with a lower SPB. Implications of these findings for psychologists’ use of self-report measures with adolescents with ADHD are discussed.