bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The placebo effect on aerobic fitness test results is preserved following a multidisciplinary intervention program for treating childhood obesity
Authors: Fanti‐Oren Shira , Birenbaum‐Carmeli Daphna , Eliakim Alon , Pantanowitz Michal , Nemet Dan
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the placebo effect on fitness test results in trained and untrained overweight and obese children.

Methods

Twenty pre‐pubertal overweight children performed two pairs of progressive treadmill exercise tests before and 12 weeks into a multidisciplinary program for the treatment of childhood obesity. In each test pair, at random order, participants received different types of information regarding a water drink consumed prior to testing—standard information (water) vs deliberate positive information (presumed energy drink, placebo).

Results

The intervention led to a significant change (P < .05) in BMI%ile (95.6 ± 4.4 vs 93.6 ± 6.9), % fat (35.4 ± 6.0 vs 31.6 ± 5.8), baseline heart rate (104.2 ± 11.6 vs 94.0 ± 7.0 bpm), total leisure activity score—Godin (9.3 ± 8.8 vs 41.5 ± 15.2), total screen time (6.9 ± 5.8 vs 3.1 ± 1.4 h/d), and a significant improvement in fitness. Following the placebo drink, both groups achieved a significantly higher peak heart rate (untrained: 176.1 ± 13.7 vs 167.5 ± 16.8; trained: 170.7 ± 11.6 vs 166.2 ± 11.4 bpm) and longer running time (untrained: 559.9 ± 151.0 vs 434.4 ± 140.3 seconds; trained: 728.3 ± 177.3 vs 667.1 ± 176.1 seconds). Despite longer exercise duration and higher peak exercise heart rate, average, and peak RPE were lower after the placebo drink (untrained: 12.1 ± 2.3 vs 13.6 ± 2.1; trained:10.0 ± 1.8 vs 11.6 ± 2.1), recovery time was shorter (untrained: 119.2 ± 25.3 vs 133.2 ± 23.7 seconds; trained: 92.6 ± 18.9 vs 102.7 ± 18.3 seconds). The placebo‐induced change in running time and peak RPE were significantly greater prior to training.

Conclusion

The significant information placebo effect is preserved in trained overweight children. Information, as well as other motivating aids and fatigue distractors may be useful in enhancing physical performance in obese children.
Limitations of existing cultural globalization perspectives: A case study of the influence of technology on sexualities
Authors: Cserni Robert T.
Published: December 2019

Literature on market participation via location‐based mobile dating apps (LBMDAs) typically engages two different perspectives: global and local. While global perspectives anticipate similarities resulting from cultural homogenization (i.e., LBMDA profiles should exhibit uniformity in otherwise diverse locations), local perspectives anticipate differences resulting from cultural heterogenization (i.e., LBMDA profiles should exhibit variability by location). Although existing research recognizes how technology amplifies both homogenization and heterogenization, the direction of its effects remains unclear. Scholars also treat these processes as diametrically opposed, despite the theoretical and empirical limitations of doing so. This review addresses these limitations through an alternative conceptual framework that triangulates existing literature on globalization, technology, and sexualities. Specifically, I use this framework to explore the mix of global/local influences on exchanges on LBMDAs for gay men/men who have sex with men in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. In doing so, I demonstrate one way to more accurately map the extent to which globalization affects sexual culture across countries while accounting for the unique situational conditions of local sexual cultures.
Immigrant Generation, School Procedural Justice, and Educational Attainment
Authors: Dunning‐Lozano Jessica L. , Peguero Anthony A. , Thai Mai
Published: December 2019

There is much educational concern about the disproportionate punishment of racial/ethnic minority students within U.S. public schools. Research evidence indicates that school punishment exacerbates the already‐known racial/ethnic inequalities within the educational system. What remains uncertain is if and how school punishment, justice, and fairness are moderating educational attainment for the children of immigrants. This study utilizes data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 and incorporates multilevel analysis to examine how school punishment, justice, and fairness influence the educational attainment of children of immigrants. The study draws on straight‐line and segmented assimilation frameworks to evaluate variation in these effects by immigrant generation. Findings do suggest that improved school procedural justice and fairness could enhance educational attainment as well as ameliorate the detrimental impact of school punishment; however, these patterns are segmented by immigrant generation and race/ethnicity.
Recovery of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus species from pet‐grooming salons
Authors: Gould Alexandra P. , Coyner Kimberly S. , Trimmer Ann M. , Weese J Scott , Budke Christine M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Meticillin‐resistant (MR) staphylococcal species have been cultured from veterinary hospital environments and veterinary instruments. Pet‐grooming salon environments and grooming tools may pose a risk for dissemination of MR staphylococcal bacteria into the pet population.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of MR staphylococcal colonization of pet‐grooming salons and to collect information regarding cleaning procedures in grooming salons.

Methods and materials

A nonrandomized, observational study was performed in 2018. Locations inside 19 grooming salons near Tacoma, WA, USA, were sampled and selectively cultured for MR, coagulase‐positive staphylococci. Sampled sites included clipper blades and handles, leashes, rims of bathtub drains, insides of shampoo caps, and bathtub spray hoses or faucet handles. Grooming salons were asked to complete surveys regarding their cleaning practices.

Results

Meticillin‐resistant coagulase‐positive staphylococci were isolated from 12 of 19 grooming salons and 25 of 112 total samples. Meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus and S. schleiferi were isolated from multiple salons, most commonly from electric clipper blades, clipper handles and grooming leashes. No statistically significant correlations were identified between cleaning practices and the isolation of MR coagulase‐positive staphylococci.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Clipper blades, clipper handles and leashes are potential fomites for MR staphylococci in a grooming salon; increased disinfection practices for these items are indicated. A prospective, controlled, large‐scale study is warranted to examine the effect of grooming salon hygiene practices on the isolation of MR staphylococci in salons.
Programmes for the management of preoperative anaemia: audit in ten European hospitals within the PaBloE (Patient Blood Management in Europe) Working Group
Authors: Jung‐König Mona , Füllenbach Christoph , Murphy Michael F. , Manzini Paola , Laspina Stefan , Pendry Kate , Mühling Jörg , Wikman Agneta , Humbrecht Catherine , Rigal Jean‐Christophe , Lasocki Sigismond , Folléa Gilles , Seifried Erhard , Müller Markus M. , Geisen Christof , Aranko Kari , Zacharowski Kai , Meybohm Patrick ,   the PaBloE (Patient Blood Management in Europe) working group
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives

Preoperative anaemia is an independent risk factor for a higher morbidity and mortality, a longer hospitalization and increased perioperative transfusion rates. Managing preoperative anaemia is the first of three pillars of Patient Blood Management (PBM), a multidisciplinary concept to improve patient safety. While various studies provide medical information on (successful) anaemia treatment pathways, knowledge of organizational details of diagnosis and management of preoperative anaemia across Europe is scarce.

Materials and methods

To gain information on various aspects of preoperative anaemia management including organization, financing, diagnostics and treatment, we conducted a survey (74 questions) in ten hospitals from seven European nations within the PaBloE (Patient Blood Management in Europe) working group covering the year 2016.

Results

Organization and activity in the field of preoperative anaemia management were heterogeneous in the participating hospitals. Almost all hospitals had pathways for managing preoperative anaemia in place, however, only two nations had national guidelines. In six of the ten participating hospitals, preoperative anaemia management was organized by anaesthetists. Diagnostics and treatment focused on iron deficiency anaemia which, in most hospitals, was corrected with intravenous iron.

Conclusion

Implementation and approaches of preoperative anaemia management vary across Europe with a primary focus on treating iron deficiency anaemia. Findings of this survey motivated the hospitals involved to critically evaluate their practice and may also help other hospitals interested in PBM to develop action plans for diagnosis and management of preoperative anaemia.
Predictors of comorbidities and mortality in cats with pelvic fractures
Authors: Hammer Meike , Gutbrod Andreas , Sigrist Nadja E. , Jacot Valentine , Del Chicca Francesca , Evans Richard , Pozzi Antonio
Published: December 2019

Objective

To characterize and evaluate risk factors for comorbidities and death of cats with pelvic fractures.

Study design

Retrospective case study.

Animals

Cats (n = 280).

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for cats in which pelvic fractures had been diagnosed (January 2003 to November 2016). Retrieved data included signalment, mechanism of injury, clinical findings, diagnostic imaging investigations, type and number of concurrent injuries based on anatomical location, type of therapy, and survival. Pelvic fractures were classified according to location and severity. Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between risk factors and outcome.

Results

Cases consisted of 280 cats with no (9%), unilateral (43%), and bilateral (48%) involvement of the weight‐bearing axis. Sacral fractures were found in 12% of cats. Surgical treatment and mortality rates increased progressively with the severity of the pelvic fractures (P < .001). Mean number of concurrent body regions injured was 2.4 ± 1.2 and was associated with mortality (P < .01). Twenty percent of cats did not survive to discharge. Cats with neurologic injuries were more likely not to survive (P = .02).

Conclusion

Concurrent injuries to at least one body region, especially the abdomen and thorax, were observed in cats sustaining pelvic fractures. Mortality was associated with increased severity of the fractures, neurologic injuries, and increased number of concurrent injuries.

Clinical significance

Concurrent injuries are common in cats with pelvic fractures, and comorbidities may be associated with mortality.
A comprehensive study on occurrence records of African neglected and underutilized weed species, Cleome gynandra L. (cat's whiskers) validating the ecogeographical range expansion in West Bengal, India
Authors: Bhattacharya Ekta , Bose Rahul , Mandal Biswas Suparna
Published: December 2019

Cleome gynandra L., commonly known as cat's whiskers, is an erect, branched, annual herb, belonging to the family Cleomaceae. The species is thought to have originated in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, and thereafter have spread to other tropical and subtropical countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Cat's whiskers is a highly nutritious vegetable and also possesses numerous medicinal values, yet it is considered as a neglected and underutilized weed species (NUS) in most of the world. In India, C. gynandra is recorded in Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. There is no earlier report of this species in West Bengal, India. This report is the first record of natural occurrence of C. gynandra in West Bengal, India. The main objective of this report is to provide valid information about the invasion and naturalization of this species in a new geographical area supported with suitable data. Global distribution data of cat's whiskers was retrieved from available web resources and mapped using Quantum GIS software in order to validate the de novo nature of occurrence of this species in this region.
The weirding of English, trans‐scripting, and humour in digital communication
Authors: Spilioti Tereza
Published: December 2019

This article examines local appropriations of English‐related forms in digital communication, especially (re)appropriations that play with and modify significantly what we conventionally recognize as English (‘weird English’; Ch'ien, 2005). It investigates a case of trans‐scripting where English‐related forms are respelled with Greek characters in a series of memes and YouTube comments shared among primarily Greek‐speaking Internet users. Drawing on the notions of indexicality and enregisterment, it analyses the global and/or local orientations of such humorous acts of respelling, their indexical values in online participatory formats and their potential to function as register alerts that point to particular voices and ideological positions.
Vanishing and comparison theorems in rigid analytic geometry
Authors: Hansen David
Published: December 2019

We prove a rigid analytic analogue of the Artin–Grothendieck vanishing theorem. Precisely, we prove (under mild hypotheses) that the geometric étale cohomology of any Zariski-constructible sheaf on any affinoid rigid space $X$ vanishes in all degrees above the dimension of $X$. Along the way, we show that branched covers of normal rigid spaces can often be extended across closed analytic subsets, in analogy with a classical result for complex analytic spaces. We also prove some new comparison theorems relating the étale cohomology of schemes and rigid analytic varieties, and give some applications of them. In particular, we prove a structure theorem for Zariski-constructible sheaves on characteristic-zero affinoid spaces.
A novel method using ambient glutamate for the electrophysiological quantification of extrasynaptic NMDA receptor function in acute brain slices
Authors: Moldavski Alexander , Behr Joachim , Bading Hilmar , Bengtson C. Peter
Published: December 2019

Key points

We present a novel protocol to quantify extrasynaptic NMDA receptor function utilizing the semi‐selective activation of extrasynaptic receptors by ambient extracellular glutamate in acute brain slices from adult rats.

We use whole cell patch clamp to measure the effect of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 on both synaptic and brief, local agonist application‐evoked responses.

The level of ambient glutamate was estimated from tonic NMDA receptor activity to be ∼77 nM and an equivalent concentration of NMDA was used to estimate the degree of extrasynaptic blockade (>82%) by our MK‐801 protocol.

The extrasynaptic component of the total NMDA receptor pool can be mathematically derived from these data and was estimated to be 29–39% in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus.

This technique could be used to quantify extrasynaptic NMDA receptor function in rodent models of diseases where extrasynaptic NMDA receptors are implicated in neuron death.

Synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a central role in pro‐survival signalling and synaptic plasticity in the majority of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system whereas extrasynaptic NMDARs (ES‐NMDARs) activate pro‐death pathways and have been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. ES‐NMDARs have been characterized in acute brain slice preparations using the largely irreversible, activity‐dependent NMDAR antagonist MK‐801 to block synaptic NMDARs. This approach is limited by the concomitant MK‐801 blockade of ES‐NMDARs activated by ambient extracellular glutamate, which is largely absent from the synaptic cleft due to the high density of nearby glutamate transporters. In acute hippocampal slices from rats aged 35–42 postnatal days, we estimated ambient glutamate to be 72–83 nM resulting in a block of more than 82% of ES‐NMDARs during a 5 min MK‐801 application. This paper describes a novel electrophysiological and mathematical method to quantify the proportion of NMDARs located at extrasynaptic locations in a confined region of an acute brain slice preparation using MK‐801 to preferentially block ES‐NMDARs. The protocol uses whole cell patch clamp measurement of NMDAR responses to synaptic stimulation and brief local pressure application of NMDA before and after MK‐801 application. After mathematically correcting for the relative block of both synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors, ES‐NMDARs were estimated to comprise 29–39% of the total NMDAR pool in the apical dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. This new method may prove useful for accurate quantification of NMDAR distributions in neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with increased toxic ES‐NMDAR signalling.
A porcine model for studying the cardiovascular consequences of high‐thoracic spinal cord injury
Authors: West Christopher R. , Poormasjedi‐Meibod Malihe‐Sadat , Manouchehri Neda , Williams Alexandra M. , Erskine Erin L. , Webster Megan , Fisk Shera , Morrison Charlotte , Short Katelyn , So Kitty , Cheung Amanda , Streijger Femke , Kwon Brian K.
Published: December 2019

Key points

We have developed a novel porcine model of high‐thoracic midline contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) at the T2 spinal level.

We describe this model and the ensuing cardiovascular and neurohormonal responses, and demonstrate the model is efficacious for studying clinically relevant cardiovascular dysfunction post‐SCI.

We demonstrate that the high‐thoracic SCI model, but not a low‐thoracic SCI model, induces persistent hypotension along with a gradual reduction in plasma noradrenaline and increases in plasma aldosterone and angiotensin II.

We additionally conducted a proof‐of‐concept long‐term (12 weeks) survival study in animals with T2 contusion SCI demonstrating the potential utility of this model for not only acute experimentation but also long‐term drug studies prior to translation to the clinic.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population, especially in those with high‐thoracic or cervical SCI. With this in mind, we aimed to develop a large animal (porcine) model of high‐thoracic (T2 level) contusion SCI and compare the haemodynamic and neurohormonal responses of this injury against a low‐thoracic (T10 level) model. Ten Yorkshire pigs were randomly subjected to 20 cm weight drop contusion SCI at either the T2 or the T10 spinal level. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored until 4 h post‐SCI. Plasma noradrenaline (NA), aldosterone and angiotensin II (ANGII) were measured pre‐SCI and at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min post‐SCI. Additionally, two Yucatan pigs were subjected to T2‐SCI and survived up to 12 weeks post‐injury to demonstrate the efficacy of this model for long‐term survival studies. Immediately after T2‐SCI, SBP, MAP and HR increased (P < 0.0001). Between decompression (5 min post‐SCI) and 30 min post‐decompression in T2‐SCI, SBP and MAP were lower than pre‐SCI (P < 0.038). At 3 and 4 h after T2‐SCI, SBP remained lower than pre‐SCI (P = 0.048). After T10‐SCI, haemodynamic indices remained largely unaffected. Plasma NA was lower in T2‐ vs. T10‐SCI post‐SCI, whilst aldosterone and ANGII were higher. Both chronically injured pigs demonstrated a vast reduction in SBP at 12 weeks post‐SCI. Our model of T2‐SCI causes a rapid and sustained alteration in neurohormonal control and cardiovascular function, which does not occur in the T10 model.
Underwater acoustic surface waves on a periodically perforated metal plate
Authors: Graham Thomas J. , Hibbins Alastair P. , Sambles J. Roy , Starkey Timothy A.
Published: December 2019

Acoustic surface waves are supported at the surface of appropriately structured elastic materials. Here the excitation and propagation of the lowest-order surface mode supported by a square array of open-ended cavities on a metal plate submerged in water is demonstrated. This mode, which has a half-wavelength character in the cavity, arises due to inter-cavity interaction by evanescent diffraction of the pressure field, and forms a band from zero-frequency to an asymptotic limit frequency. The authors perform an acoustic characterization of the pressure field close to the surface of the perforated plate in the 60–100 kHz frequency range; sound is pulsed from a fixed point-like acoustic source, and the evolution of the acoustic field across the sample surface is measured as a function of time and space with a traversing detector. Using Fourier analysis, the dispersion is imaged between points of high-symmetry (Γ,X,M) and at planes in momentum-space at fixed frequencies. Beaming of acoustic energy on the surface over a narrow frequency band was observed, caused by the anisotropic mode dispersion of the acoustic surface wave on the square lattice. The measured dispersion shows good agreement with the predictions of a numerical model.
High-frequency soundfield microphone for the analysis of bat biosonar
Authors: Lee Hyeon , Roan Michael J. , Ming Chen , Simmons James A. , Wang Ruihao , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2019

Numerous bat species emit wideband frequency-modulated signals for echolocation to hunt prey and avoid obstacles. Research investigating the behavioral and physiological responses of bats to echoes typically includes analysis of acoustic signals from microphones and/or microphone arrays, using time difference of arrival between array elements or the microphones to locate flying bats (azimuth and elevation). This has provided insight into transmission adaptations such as pulse duration and duty cycle with respect to target distance, clutter, and interferers. Microphones recording transmitted signals and echoes near a stationary bat provide sound pressure as a function of time but no directional information. In this work, the authors propose a spatial audio/soundfield microphone array to both track bats in flight and pinpoint the directions of echoes received by a bat. The authors introduce an ultrasonic (20–80 kHz) tetrahedral soundfield microphone to capture bat sounds up to 80 kHz. A spatial audio decoding technique called high angular resolution planewave expansion (HARPEx) supplies angle and elevation estimates, either for a flying bat based on the bat pulses or for targets based on echoes. Experiments using the soundfield microphone and HARPEx show that the approach accurately estimates the sound direction of arrival in both scenarios.
Spatial consistency for multiple source direction-of-arrival estimation and source counting
Authors: Hafezi Sina , Moore Alastair H. , Naylor Patrick A.
Published: December 2019

A conventional approach to wideband multi-source (MS) direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is to perform single source (SS) DOA estimation in time-frequency (TF) bins for which a SS assumption is valid. The typical SS-validity confidence metrics analyse the validity of the SS assumption over a fixed-size TF region local to the TF bin. The performance of such methods degrades as the number of simultaneously active sources increases due to the associated decrease in the size of the TF regions where the SS assumption is valid. A SS-validity confidence metric is proposed that exploits a dynamic MS assumption over relatively larger TF regions. The proposed metric first clusters the initial DOA estimates (one per TF bin) and then uses the members' spatial consistency as well as its cluster's spread to weight each TF bin. Distance-based and density-based clustering are employed as two alternative approaches for clustering DOAs. A noise-robust density-based clustering is also used in an evolutionary framework to propose a method for source counting and source direction estimation. The evaluation results based on simulations and also with real recordings show that the proposed weighting strategy significantly improves the accuracy of source counting and MS DOA estimation compared to the state-of-the-art.
The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sitting Behavior, Screen Time, and Sleep
Authors: Draper Catherine E. , Tomaz Simone A. , Biersteker Linda , Cook Caylee J. , Couper Jacqui , de Milander Monique , Flynn Kamesh , Giese Sonja , Krog Soezin , Lambert Estelle V. , Liebenberg Tamarin , Mendoza Cyndi , Nunes Terri , Pienaar Anita , Priorieschi Alessandra , Rae Dale E. , Rahbeeni Nafeesa , Reilly John J. , Reynolds Louis , Samuels Marie-Louise , Siljeur Ricardo , Urion Jody , van Wyk Mariza , Okely Anthony D.
Published: December 2019

Background: In December 2018, the South African 24-hour movement guidelines for birth to 5 years were released. This article describes the process used to develop these guidelines. Methods: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-ADOLOPMENT approach was followed, with some pragmatic adaptions, using the Australian guidelines for the early years as a starting point. A consensus panel, including stakeholders in early childhood development and academics, was formed to assist with the development process. Results: At a face-to-face meeting of the panel, global and local literatures were considered. Following this meeting, a first draft of the guidelines (including a preamble) was formulated. Further reviews of these drafts by the panel were done via e-mail, and a working draft was sent out for stakeholder consultation. The guidelines and preamble were amended based on stakeholder input, and an infographic was designed. Practical “tips” documents were also developed for caregivers of birth to 5-year-olds and early childhood development practitioners. The guidelines (and accompanying documents) were released at a launch event and disseminated through various media channels. Conclusions: These are the first movement guidelines for South African and the first such guidelines for this age group from a low- and middle-income country.
The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: Results From the Stakeholder Consultation
Authors: Tomaz Simone A. , Okely Anthony D. , van Heerden Alastair , Vilakazi Khanya , Samuels Marie-Louise , Draper Catherine E.
Published: December 2019

Background: In 2018, South Africa developed 24-hour movement behavior guidelines for children from birth to 5 years. This study reports on the stakeholder consultation as part of this development process. Methods: An online survey was completed by 197 participants; 9 focus groups (with parents/caregivers, early childhood development practitioners, and community health workers, total n = 70) were conducted, and a meeting with stakeholders from government and nongovernment organizations (n = 15) was held. Results: In the online survey, stakeholders overwhelmingly agreed with the guidelines (97.0%) and recognized the benefit of putting the guidelines into practice (88.8%). Most online survey respondents (88.3%) reported that the guidelines would benefit all South African children equally. Responses to open-ended questions in the online survey and focus group discussions revealed issues including safety and nutrition of children, perceived parental barriers to using the guidelines, and education. Training and provision of educational materials were identified from all stakeholders as key in the dissemination and implementation of the guidelines. Conclusions: The findings informed the development of the South African 24-hour movement behavior guidelines and revealed several important factors to address in the dissemination and implementation of the guidelines to ensure that they are applicable and equitable in South Africa.
Influence of dog‐appeasing pheromone on canine maternal behaviour during the peripartum and neonatal periods
Authors: Santos Natalia R , Beck Alexandra , Blondel Thomas , Maenhoudt Cindy , Fontbonne Alain
Published: December 2019

Background

Parturition and the initial postpartum period are important moments in the reproductive cycle of dogs.

Methods

A study assessed the effect of ADAPTIL, a dog‐appeasing pheromone, on maternal behaviour during peripartum. Bitches were continuously exposed to ADAPTIL (n=20) or placebo (n=21) in double‐blinded conditions from an average of about seven days before parturition up to 21 days postpartum. Differences in maternal behaviour in relation to the treatment were evaluated by the observation of specific activities through video recordings, such as the time spent by the bitch in close contact with the puppies, oronasal interaction and nursing duration and position. Videos were recorded at four time points (W0: within the first 48 hours of whelping; W1: one week after parturition; W2: two weeks after parturition; and W3: three weeks after parturition). In addition, the perception of breeders in relation to the quality of maternal care, puppies’ wellbeing and overall relationship between the bitches and the puppies was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale at the same time points. Moreover, the daily activity of the bitches was measured by using an electronic device (FitBark dog activity trackers, Kansas City, Missouri).

Results

For all observed maternal behaviours, there was a steady decrease in levels as the puppies developed, independently of treatment. However, bitches exposed to ADAPTIL tended to nurse significantly more in lying position, while those exposed to the placebo nursed more in a seated position, especially at W1 (P=0.06) and W3 (P=0.005). According to the breeders, the attention scores of bitches towards puppies were significantly higher in ADAPTIL than in the placebo group at each time point (P=0.01). Moreover, a difference according to parity was observed (P=0.004), with greater attention score displayed by primiparous bitches exposed to ADAPTIL compared with placebo on W0 (P=0.02), W1 and W3 (P<0.001). The global mother–puppies relationship was also perceived as significantly better (P=0.0002) by breeders of bitches exposed to ADAPTIL, with significant differences at W2 (P=0.01) and W3 (P=0.001). The bitches’ daily activity increased starting two days before the whelp, peaked during parturition and then gradually declined up until four days postpartum. There was a trend towards a difference in the activity level according to the treatment during the full study period (P=0.09) and at two days before parturition (P=0.07). Bitches exposed to ADAPTIL were more active compared with placebo in relation to the FitBark data.

Conclusion

The use of ADAPTIL in maternity modulated maternal behaviours. Concerning the caregiver's view, bitches under the influence of ADAPTIL had greater and extended attention towards the puppies and they were eager to stay with the puppies for a longer time.
On Howland time-independent formulation of CP-divisible quantum evolutions
Authors: Szczygielski Krzysztof , Alicki Robert
Published: December 2019

We extend Howland time-independent formalism to the case of completely positive and trace preserving dynamics of finite-dimensional open quantum systems governed by periodic, time-dependent Lindbladian in Weak Coupling Limit, expanding our result from previous papers. We propose the Bochner space of periodic, square integrable matrix-valued functions, as well as its tensor product representation, as the generalized space of states within the time-independent formalism. We examine some densely defined operators on this space, together with their Fourier-like expansions and address some problems related to their convergence by employing general results on Banach space-valued Fourier series, such as the generalized Carleson–Hunt theorem. We formulate Markovian dynamics in the generalized space of states by constructing appropriate time-independent Lindbladian in standard (Lindblad–Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan) form, as well as one-parameter semigroup of bounded evolution maps. We show their similarity with Markovian generators and dynamical maps defined on matrix space, i.e. the generator still possesses a standard form (extended by closed perturbation) and the resulting semigroup is also completely positive, trace preserving and a contraction.
Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of a Quick Response Strategy on a Dual Channel Apparel Supply Chain
Authors: Ma Junhai , Hou Shunqi , Bao Binshuo
Published: December 2019

This paper studies a dual-channel apparel supply chain faced with strategic consumers and uncertain demands, where the dominant retailer decides its service level and offline price first, and the manufacturer decides the online price later on. This paper develops a framework to examine the impacts of quick response on the system’s short-term profitability and long-term stability. To make comparisons, two scenarios are considered, in which the supply chain system adopts and does not adopt quick response, respectively. The optimal decisions and profits of the firms are first analyzed in two scenarios, and dynamic game models are then developed to study the complex characteristics. Comparisons in supply chain outputs and system stability are further made between these two scenarios. The results show that the imbalance of risks in two channels affects the performance of quick response that tends to benefit the retailer more, while it benefits the manufacturer only when the return rate is extremely high and consumers care much about the purchase channels. However, quick response certainly contributes to the system stability, which not only provides a larger stable region for firms to adjust their decisions, but also makes the system less sensitive to the consumers’ valuation for the product. Along with this, it is easier for the chaotic system with quick response to restore the stability.
Dynamics, Synchronization and Electronic Implementations of a New Lorenz-like Chaotic System with Nonhyperbolic Equilibria
Authors: Kamdem Kuate P. D. , Lai Qiang , Fotsin Hilaire
Published: December 2019

The Lorenz system has attracted increasing attention on the issue of its simplification in order to produce the simplest three-dimensional chaotic systems suitable for secure information processing. Meanwhile, Sprott’s work on elegant chaos has revealed a set of 19 chaotic systems all described by simple algebraic equations. This paper presents a new piecewise-linear chaotic system emerging from the simplification of the Lorenz system combined with the elegance of Sprott systems. Unlike the majority, the new system is a non-Shilnikov chaotic system with two nonhyperbolic equilibria. It is multiplier-free, variable-boostable and exclusively based on absolute value and signum nonlinearities. The use of familiar tools such as Lyapunov exponents spectra, bifurcation diagrams, frequency power spectra as well as Poincaré map help to demonstrate its chaotic behavior. The novel system exhibits inverse period doubling bifurcations and multistability. It has only five terms, one bifurcation parameter and a total amplitude controller. These features allow a simple and low cost electronic implementation. The adaptive synchronization of the novel system is investigated and the corresponding electronic circuit is presented to confirm its feasibility.
Pattern Analysis in Networks of Diffusively Coupled Lur’e Systems
Authors: Rogov Kirill , Pogromsky Alexander , Steur Erik , Michiels Wim , Nijmeijer Henk
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a method for pattern analysis in networks of diffusively coupled nonlinear systems of Lur’e form is presented. We consider a class of nonlinear systems which are globally asymptotically stable in isolation. Interconnecting such systems into a network via diffusive coupling can result in persistent oscillatory behavior, which may lead to pattern formation in the coupled systems. Some of these patterns may coexist and can even all be locally stable, i.e. the network dynamics can be multistable. Multistability makes the application of common analysis methods, such as the direct Lyapunov method, highly involved. We develop a numerically efficient method in order to analyze the oscillatory behavior occurring in such networks. We focus on networks of Lur’e systems in which the oscillations appear via a Hopf bifurcation with the (diffusively) coupling strength as a bifurcation parameter and therefore display sinusoidal-like behavior in the neighborhood of the bifurcation point. Using the describing function method, we replace nonlinearities with their linear approximations. Then we analyze the system of linear equations by means of the multivariable harmonic balance method. We show that the multivariable harmonic balance method is able to accurately predict patterns that appear in such a network, even if multiple patterns coexist.
Reiterative Distributional Chaos on Banach Spaces
Authors: Bonilla Antonio , Kostić Marko
Published: December 2019

If we change the upper and lower densities in the definition of distributional chaos of a continuous linear operator on a Banach space [Formula: see text] by the Banach upper and Banach lower densities, respectively, we obtain Li–Yorke chaos. Motivated by this, we introduce the notions of reiterative distributional chaos of types [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for continuous linear operators on Banach spaces, which are characterized in terms of the existence of an irregular vector with additional properties. Moreover, we study its relations with other dynamical properties and present the conditions for the existence of a vector subspace [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], such that every nonzero vector in [Formula: see text] is both irregular for [Formula: see text] and distributionally near zero for [Formula: see text].
SELF-ORGANIZED CORONA GRAPHS: A DETERMINISTIC COMPLEX NETWORK MODEL WITH HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE
Authors: SHARMA ROHAN , ADHIKARI BIBHAS , KRUEGER TYLL
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a self-organization mechanism for newly appeared nodes during the formation of corona graphs that define a hierarchical pattern in the resulting corona graphs and we call it self-organized corona graphs (SoCG). We show that the degree distribution of SoCG follows power-law in its tail with power-law exponent approximately 2. We also show that the diameter is less equal to 4 for SoCG defined by any seed graph and for certain seed graphs, the diameter remains constant during its formation. We derive lower bounds of clustering coefficients of SoCG defined by certain seed graphs. Thus, the proposed SoCG can be considered as a growing network generative model which is defined by using the corona graphs and a self-organization process such that the resulting graphs are scale-free small-world highly clustered growing networks. The SoCG defined by a seed graph can also be considered as a network with a desired motif which is the seed graph itself.
Semi-Passive Walk and Active Walk by One Bipedal Robot: Mechanism, Control and Parameter Identification
Authors: Noda Shintaro , Sugai Fumihito , Kojima Kunio , Nguyen Kim-Ngoc-Khanh , Kakiuchi Yohei , Okada Kei , Inaba Masayuki
Published: December 2019

We developed a bipedal robot equipped with brake and clutch mechanisms to change the number of active and passive joints, thereby enabling various types of movements including normal active walking using 12-dof joints, under-actuated walking using brake, and passive-based walking using clutch and passive joints. In this paper, we describe three technologies to achieve the proposed system and show experimental results on active and semi-passive walking. The first technology comprises a small and high-strength clutch mechanism to sustain the massive weight of life-sized robots using actuators for joint and dog clutch control. The second technology comprises a walking controller using a simulation-based optimization technique to consider passive joint dynamics instead of depending on the inverse kinematics problem, thereby enabling the control of the under-actuated leg. The last technology is model parameter identification to achieve unstable passive-based walking in real-world considering the body as well as environmental parameters such as ground slope. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed robot is the first to achieve both active and passive-based walking using a bipedal body. This enables the implementation of the passive-walking technology to active-joint robots and expands the application possibility of passive joint for bipedal robots.
A study of energy conditions in Kantowski–Sachs spacetimes via homothetic vector fields
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Nasib Uzma , Farhan Muhammad , Bokhari Ashfaque H.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we have studied different energy conditions for some metrics arising from the classification of Kantowski–Sachs spacetimes via homothetic vector fields (HVFs). The homothetic equations for Kantowski–Sachs spacetimes are analyzed using a Maple algorithm which transforms these equations to the reduced involutive form (Rif), giving all possible cases in the form of a tree, known as Rif tree, where the branches of the resulting tree give the potential spacetime metrics which may possess proper HVFs. The set of homothetic equations is integrated for all branches of the Rif tree and the explicit form of HVFs is obtained in ease case. For all the obtained metrics, we have found the bounds for different energy conditions. The stability of these metrics is also discussed.
Asymmetrical Interdependence and Sanction: China’s Economic Retaliation over South Korea’s THAAD Deployment
Authors: YANG FLORENCE WEN-TING
Published: December 2019

Since China’s economic rise, there has been an upsurge of cases demonstrating that the country has translated its increasing economic capabilities into political influence over other states. The focus of this paper is to investigate the case of China’s economic sanctions on South Korea in response to its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment. Its goal is to deepen our understanding of how China has employed economic coercion in order to alter the policies of other states. China’s economic sanctions have included intentional ones like the Hallyu ban, a ban on tourism, non-tariff measures, the shutting down of Lotte Marts, and the fomenting of anti-Korean sentiment in its official media. There is however insufficient evidence to prove that these boycott movements and reductions in direct investment on the part of Chinese companies are government-mandated sanctions and not simply the choice of individual actors. Our findings indicate that due to its asymmetrical interdependence on China, South Korea was more vulnerable to economic sanctions and thus more likely to make political concessions.
Impedance spectroscopic study on hybrid phthalocyanine/lead sulphide nanocomposite film
Authors: Khozaee Zahra , Chambrier Isabelle , Sosa Vargas L. , Cammidge Andrew N. , Ray Asim K.
Published: December 2019

A unique organic/inorganic nanocomposite of non-aggregated lead sulphide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) dispersed within a spun film of non-peripherally octakis(hexyl)-substituted metal-free phthalocyanine (C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]Pc) has been prepared at room temperature by a simple and low-cost method. The frequency response of alternating current (AC) conduction in a 130 nm thick C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]Pc /PbS film sandwiched between the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and aluminum (Al) electrodes is found to obey the universal power-law. The cryogenic study of AC conduction reveals that the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model closely fits to the experimental data at temperatures below 240 K. The parameters obtained by fitting the CBH model point out that the hopping process cannot take place directly between neighboring PbS QDs but involves the localized states within the matrix.
On the asymptotic behavior of sums ∑n≤xf(n){x/n}k
Authors: Wu Liuying , Shi Sanying
Published: December 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be an arbitrary real-valued positive nondecreasing function, in this paper we prove that [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the sum given in the title, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. This improves the result of Mercier and Nowak.
Ramanujan’s theta function identities and the relations between sums of squares and sums of triangular numbers
Authors: Bian Min , Chern Shane , Sang Doris D. M. , Xia Ernest X. W.
Published: December 2019

For positive integers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the number of representations of a nonnegative integer [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are nonnegative integers, and let [Formula: see text] denote the number of representations of [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are integers. Recently, Sun proved a number of relations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] along with numerous conjectures on such relations. In this work, we confirm several conjectures of Sun by using Ramanujan’s theta function identities.
Up-Conversion Nanoparticles/PMMA Composites for Light-Emitting Applications
Authors: Zhang Yongling , Lv Peng , Liu Xiang , Chi Haoyuan , Xi Guoqing , Qin Zhengkun
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we prepared KMnF3:Yb[Formula: see text], Er[Formula: see text] nanoparticles (NPs)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites, NaYF4:Yb[Formula: see text], Tm[Formula: see text]NPs/PMMA composites and NaYF4Yb[Formula: see text], Er[Formula: see text]NPs/PMMA composites by in situ polymerization, and these NPs/PMMA composites can emit red, blue and green up-conversion fluorescence excited by 980[Formula: see text]nm, respectively. The mixed white NPs/PMMA composites were obtained by adjusting the doping ratio of the above three NPs. These NPs/PMMA composites are transparent. We tested the up-conversion fluorescence spectra of all the NPs and NPs/PMMA composites, under 980[Formula: see text]nm excitation. The up-conversion luminescence spectra of the NPs and NPs/PMMA composites are consistent, which further indicates that the in situ polymerization has not changed the chemical structure of the NPs. Then, we prepared transparent bulk polymers by curing these NPs/PMMA composites. Under 980[Formula: see text]nm laser excitation, these NPs/PMMA bulk polymers can emit red, blue, green and white up-conversion emissions, respectively. The results indicate that the NPs/PMMA composites can be applied to three-dimensional (3D) display.
Evaluation of Feature Learning Methods for Voice Disorder Detection
Authors: Guan Hongzhao , Lerch Alexander
Published: December 2019

Voice disorder is a frequently encountered health issue. Many people, however, either cannot afford to visit a professional doctor or neglect to take good care of their voice. In order to give a patient a preliminary diagnosis without using professional medical devices, previous research has shown that the detection of voice disorders can be carried out by utilizing machine learning and acoustic features extracted from voice recordings. Considering the increasing popularity of deep learning, feature learning and transfer learning, this study explores the possibilities of using these methods to assign voice recordings into one of two classes—Normal and Pathological. While the results show the general viability of deep learning and feature learning for the automatic recognition of voice disorders, they also lead to discussions on how to choose a pre-trained model when using transfer learning for this task. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the shortcomings of the existing datasets for voice disorder detection such as insufficient dataset size and lack of generality.