bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Pattern Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Green Use Efficiency of Urban Construction Land in Jilin Province
Authors: Yu Huisheng , Song Ge , Li Tong , Liu Yanjun
Published: July 2020

How to explore the allocation and green utilization level of urban construction land resources has an important role in the sustainable development of the city. Taking 47 counties and cities in Jilin Province as an example, this paper evaluates the green utilization efficiency of urban construction land (GUEUCL) in 2011 and 2015 by using the unexpected output super-SBM model and explores the spatial-temporal differentiation characteristics and influencing factors of GUEUCL by using GIS and machine learning methods. The results show that (1) the GUEUCL in Jilin Province is low, mainly distributed in small- and medium-sized areas, with significant positive spatial correlation. The L-L concentration area is mainly distributed in the eastern region, but the degree of spatial concentration is small, the spatial structure characteristics of the two periods are different, and the spatial heterogeneity is large; (2) the internal factor decomposition shows the impact of pure technical efficiency on the comprehensive efficiency and the restriction ability is stronger than the scale efficiency, that is to say, the factors such as management and technology have a greater impact on the comprehensive efficiency; (3) the relative importance of external factors has always been ranked as socioeconomic factors, urban development factors, and natural science and technology factors. This paper focuses on the temporal and spatial characteristics of each county and city and the influencing factors, which provides a certain value reference for the pilot of ecological construction and the development of ecoenvironmental benefit economic system in Jilin Province.
Bile Acids: Key Regulators and Novel Treatment Targets for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wu Yingjie , Zhou An , Tang Li , Lei Yuanyuan , Tang Bo , Zhang Linjing
Published: July 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and unclear pathogenesis, is a serious menace to human health. Bile acids are the end products of cholesterol catabolism and play an important role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Furthermore, increasing studies suggest that bile acids may regulate glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and energy metabolism, suggesting that bile acids may represent a potential therapeutic target for T2DM. This study summarizes the metabolism of bile acids and, more importantly, changes in their concentrations, constitution, and receptors in diabetes. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying the role of bile acids in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the occurrence and development of T2DM. Bile acid-targeted therapy may represent a valid approach for T2DM treatment.
Prognostic Evaluation for Patients over 45 Years Old with Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma Resection: A SEER‐Based Nomogram Analysis
Authors: Li Pengfei , Song Lujun
Published: July 2020

Gallbladder adenocarcinoma is the main histopathological type of gallbladder cancer (GBC), so it is particularly important to understand its biological characteristics. Due to the low incidence of this type of cancer, there are few studies with large sample sizes. The log of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) has been evaluated by many scholars as a lymph node stage that may play a better role than the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) lymph node staging system in many cancers. However, the effect of LODDS has not been proven in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Our research aimed to identify independent prognostic factors that are closely related to overall survival (OS) in patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma over 45 years of age using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and, End Results (SEER) database. All patients were randomly divided into a modeling cohort and an internal validation cohort. Seven independent prognostic factors associated with OS—age, marital status, grade, tumor size, AJCC 8th edition T stage and M stage, and LODDS—were used to build a nomogram to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival. The C‐index of our nomogram was 0.735 (95% CI, 0.716 to 0.754), and together with the calibration curve and ROC curve validation, the results confirmed the prediction effect of our nomogram. We believe that our nomogram will be an accurate and convenient method for patient prognosis assessment in the future.
Implementation of Nursing Process and Its Association with Working Environment and Knowledge in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Wubetu Abate Dargie , Aynalem Yared Asmare
Published: July 2020

Background. The nursing process is a scientific problem-solving approach, which directs nursing care and potentially improves quality of health care service. The national pooled implementation of the nursing process in Ethiopia remains unknown. Hence, this review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall implementation of the nursing process and its association with the working environment and knowledge in Ethiopia. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched and complemented by manual searches. The DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size, odds ratios, and 95% confidence interval across studies. The I2 statistic was used to check heterogeneity between the studies. Sensitivity analysis was deployed to see the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. Publication bias was examined using funnel plot and Egger’s regression test statistic. Analysis was performed using STATA™ Version 14 software. Results. Seven studies comprised of 1,268 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The estimated pooled implementation of the nursing process in Ethiopia was 42.44% (95% CI: 36.91, 47.97%). Based on subgroup analysis, methods of outcome measurement showed that the highest overall implementation of the nursing process was observed from studies conducted using self-report technique 42.95% (95% CI: 35.76, 50.15). Nurses working in stressful environment were 81% less likely to implement the nursing process (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.76), and nurses having good knowledge were 8 times more likely to implement nursing process (OR 8.38, 95% CI: 2.82, 24.86). Conclusion. The overall implementation of the nursing process in Ethiopia was relatively low. Good knowledge of nurse had paramount benefits to improve implementation of the nursing process. Therefore, nurse can be educated on the imperative of knowledge in order to enhance the nursing process implementation and to improve the overall quality of healthcare services. Furthermore, policymakers and other concerned bodies should give special attention to improving the implementation of the nursing process.
Resveratrol Improves Hepatic Redox Status and Lipid Balance of Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Retardation in a Piglet Model
Authors: Cheng Kang , Ji Shuli , Jia Peilu , Zhang Hao , Wang Ting , Song Zhihua , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian
Published: July 2020

Abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammation play a pivotal role in the increased susceptibility to neonatal fatty liver diseases associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This study was firstly conducted to investigate whether resveratrol could alleviate IUGR‐induced hepatic lipid accumulation, alteration of redox and immune status in a sucking piglet model and explore the possible mechanisms at transcriptional levels. A total of 36 pairs of 7 d old male normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets were orally fed with either 80 mg resveratrol/kg body weight/d or 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium for a period of 14 days, respectively. Compared with the NBW piglets, the IUGR piglets displayed compromised growth performance and liver weight, reduced plasma free fatty acid (FFA) level, increased hepatic OS, abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation and weakened hepatic immune function, and hepatic aberrant transcriptional expression of some genes such as heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 1, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1, liver fatty acid‐binding proteins 1, toll‐like receptor 4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Oral administration of resveratrol to piglets decreased the levels of FFA and total triglycerides (TG) in the plasma and hepatic TNF‐α concentration, and increased glutathione reductase activity and reduced glutathione level in the liver. Resveratrol restored the increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the plasma of IUGR piglets. Treatment with resveratrol ameliorated the increased hepatic malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, TG, and FFA concentrations induced by IUGR. Resveratrol treatment alleviated the reduced lipoprotein lipase activity and its mRNA expression as well as TNF‐α gene expression in the liver of IUGR piglets. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 genes expression of piglets was upregulated by oral resveratrol administration. In conclusion, resveratrol administration plays a beneficial role in hepatic redox status and lipid balance of the IUGR piglets.
Effect of Impregnated Mosquito Bed Nets on the Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Foumban Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Sidiki Ngouyamsa N. A. , Payne Vincent Khan , Cedric Yamssi , Nadia Noumedem A. C.
Published: July 2020

Background. Malaria is one of the major public health problems in many tropical developing countries including Cameroon. Impregnated mosquito bed nets are one of the control measures put in place by the WHO and adopted by the Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health to fight against malaria in pregnancy. This study was a population-based cross-sectional study that investigated the level of adherence, respondent’s knowledge, altitude, and practices toward malaria prevention and control. Methods. To investigate this, a sample size of 410 pregnant women who were inhabitants of Foumban Subdivision was examined. Data on net ownership versus usage, pregnancy status, and socioeconomic background were collected using a questionnaire. Parasitological tests for malaria parasites were carried out using peripheral blood samples obtained from finger pricks of the pregnant women for the preparation of thick blood smear and RDTs. Results. Two hundred and eighteen tested positive (53.4%) with the highest prevalence occurring during the first trimester (79.6%) and in primigravidae (68.8%). Participants believed that mosquito bed nets can protect them against malaria infection. The highest number (81.0%) of the women who had mosquito nets acquired them during antenatal visits. Among those who possessed nets, 42.7% adhered to sleeping under them and few (50%) experienced problems of sweating, discomfort, and heat. Also, the study revealed a high prevalence rate of 63.8% for those who did not use nets during pregnancy as compared to those who owned and used them. Conclusion. The findings indicated that increased access to impregnated mosquito bed nets is required to lower the risk of malaria infection amongst pregnant women. The Cameroon government should improve health education to families within the locality and pursue an integrated approach to fight against mosquitoes during the rainy season.
Evolution of Computer‐Aided Process Planning for Hybrid Additive/Subtractive Process
Authors: Abdulhameed Osama , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman , Mian Syed Hammad , Dabwan Abdulmajeed , Alkhalefah Hisham
Published: July 2020

The hybrid process, which integrates two or more different processes such as additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing, has gained appreciable considerations in recent years. This process exploits the benefits of individual processes while overcoming their limitations. Lately, the combination of additive, subtractive, and inspection methods is a valuable conglomeration, considering its potential to produce complicated components precisely. Certainly, computer‐aided process plan (CAPP) provides a crucial link among different processes and is essential to avail the benefits of hybridization. However, a valuable process plan can only be achieved through the optimization of its different elements. Therefore, the objective of this work is the accomplishment of an optimized CAPP to fabricate parts in the shortest time employing the hybrid additive, subtractive, and inspection processes. In this work, mathematical models have been developed to optimize part orientation as well as minimize additive and subtractive times. Additionally, the genetic algorithm has been employed to obtain the best path with minimum inspection time. The feasibility and capability of the proposed approach as well as the optimized CAPP for the hybrid process have been demonstrated through a case study.
An Innovative Design of Decoupled Regenerative Braking System for Electric City Bus Based on Chinese Typical Urban Driving Cycle
Authors: Xiong Yanfeng , Yu Qiang , Yan Shengyu , Liu Xiaodong
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a novel decoupled approach of a regenerative braking system for an electric city bus, aiming at improving the utilization of the kinetic energy for rear axle during a braking process. Three contributions are added to distinguish from the previous research. Firstly, an energy-flow model of the electric bus is established to identify the characteristic parameters which affect the energy-saving efficiency of the vehicle, while the key parameters (e.g., driving cycles and the recovery rate of braking energy) are also analyzed. Secondly, a decoupled braking energy recovery scheme together with the control strategy is developed based on the characteristics of the power assistance for electric city bus which equips an air braking system, as well as the regulatory requirements of ECE R13. At last, the energy consumption of the electric city bus is analyzed by both the simulation and vehicle tests, when the superimposed and the decoupled regenerative braking system are, respectively, employed for the vehicle. The simulation and actual road test results show that compared with the superposition braking system of the basic vehicle, the decoupled braking energy recovery system after the reform can improve the braking energy recovery rate and vehicle energy-saving degree. The decoupled energy recovery system scheme and control strategy proposed in this paper can be adopted by bus factories to reduce the energy consumption of pure-electric buses.
Nonzero Staircase Modulation Scheme for Switching DC-DC Boost Converter
Authors: Salau Ayodeji Olalekan , Eya Candidus U. , Onyebuchi Omeje Crescent
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a novel modulation scheme known as the nonzero staircase modulation scheme for switching DC-DC boost converters. This modulation scheme generates two distinct pulse trains/firing signals when a 50 Hz nonzero staircase modulating signal is compared with a 1.5 kHz triangular wave signal. Unlike the conventional modulation schemes, the proposed novel modulation scheme provides two distinctive trains of pulse-width modulated signals for mitigating low and high harmonics. It also possesses 0.56% total harmonic distortions (THD) of the output voltage waveform system, a power output of 4591 W, and THD of 1.12% in the DC-DC boost converter system. It has a simple design and low power loss of 209 W. The proposed scheme enables the single switch boost DC-DC converter used to have an efficiency of 96%. The proposed scheme can be applied in single switch or double switch boost DC-DC converter based-hospital equipment.
Artificial Neural Network to Estimate the Paddy Yield Prediction Using Climatic Data
Authors: Amaratunga Vinushi , Wickramasinghe Lasini , Perera Anushka , Jayasinghe Jeevani , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: July 2020

Paddy harvest is extremely vulnerable to climate change and climate variations. It is a well-known fact that climate change has been accelerated over the past decades due to various human induced activities. In addition, demand for the food is increasing day-by-day due to the rapid growth of population. Therefore, understanding the relationships between climatic factors and paddy production has become crucial for the sustainability of the agriculture sector. However, these relationships are usually complex nonlinear relationships. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are extensively used in obtaining these complex, nonlinear relationships. However, these relationships are not yet obtained in the context of Sri Lanka; a country where its staple food is rice. Therefore, this research presents an attempt in obtaining the relationships between the paddy yield and climatic parameters for several paddy grown areas (Ampara, Batticaloa, Badulla, Bandarawela, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Kurunegala, and Puttalam) with available data. Three training algorithms (Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian Regularization (BR), and Scaled Conjugated Gradient (SCG)) are used to train the developed neural network model, and they are compared against each other to find the better training algorithm. Correlation coefficient (R) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) were used as the performance indicators to evaluate the performance of the developed ANN models. The results obtained from this study reveal that LM training algorithm has outperformed the other two algorithms in determining the relationships between climatic factors and paddy yield with less computational time. In addition, in the absence of seasonal climate data, annual prediction process is understood as an efficient prediction process. However, the results reveal that there is an error threshold in the prediction. Nevertheless, the obtained results are stable and acceptable under the highly unpredicted climate scenarios. The ANN relationships developed can be used to predict the future paddy yields in corresponding areas with the future climate data from various climate models.
Nanoemulsion Fuel Additive Used as a Diesel Combustion Catalyst
Authors: Hicks Richard
Published: July 2020

This research article discloses how a uniquely structured fuel additive can easily be mixed with commercially available diesel fuel to produce an extremely stable nanoemulsion fuel. Even when using an ultralow dose (125 ppm), the additive still creates a large and catalytically active surface area using billions of nanosized water droplets (4 nanometers). No metallic or organometallic compounds were used. When used in heavy duty diesel engines, treated fuel significantly improves vehicle fuel economy. Extensive verification testing was carried out using multiple fleets of heavy duty diesel trucks operating for up to two years under “real-world” driving conditions. Testing used 538 heavy duty trucks and 15 different vehicle fleets. Test vehicles used 475,000 litres of treated fuel and covered a total of 14 million kilometres. Fleet testing was supervised by one of the premier European testing agencies (TNO Quality Services BV). Raw fuel economy data was collected and analyzed by an independent consulting agency andd showed a combined average weighted fuel savings of 9.7%. Diesel engine CO2 emissions are one of the many contributory causes of global warming. Unfortunately, new engine fuel economy technologies can take 10 years to have a 50% impact (typically 5% per year, as older vehicles are slowly replaced with new models). However, using the additive would immediately improve the combustion properties of fuel being used in these vehicles with the potential to reach up to 90% of the entire diesel vehicle population within about 60 days.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Infection
Authors: Kest Helen , Kaushik Ashlesha , DeBruin William , Colletti Mario , Goldberg David
Published: July 2020

We report three critically ill pediatric patients (aged 6–10 years), presenting with features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) from April 4 to May 10, 2020, to a tertiary-care center in New Jersey, United States. All patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and were previously healthy. Clinical presentations were similar with fever, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and/or rash. One patient had altered mental status with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings consistent with aseptic meningitis. Laboratory values were remarkable for high levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimers, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and troponin in all patients. All had low albumin levels. Evaluation for other infectious etiologies was negative. All of the patients were critically ill, requiring admission to the intensive care unit. All had circulatory shock and needed inotropes. Two patients had respiratory failure requiring advanced respiratory support and one had cardiac dysfunction. All patients received steroids, and two received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). One patient received tocilizumab. None of the children died. MIS-C is a recently recognized pediatric illness spectrum in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and clinical characterization is essential for understanding disease mechanisms to inform clinical practice.
Case Report and Literature Review of Insulinoma in the Geriatric Population: An 86-Year-Old Female with Syncope of Unknown Origin
Authors: Eichelberger Gerry Samantha , Carbono Jordan , Field Zachary , Kainaur KanwarAnoop , Montalvo Federico
Published: July 2020

Insulinomas are extremely rare pancreatic endocrine tumors. The tumor is characterized by endogenous hypersecretion of insulin and ensuing development of symptoms of neuroglycopenia and the catecholaminergic response. Symptoms may not always be present, particularly in patients compensating appropriately with increased appetites and caloric intake due to low glucose levels. Early localization of the disease is essential to prevent lethal hypoglycemia and timely treatment. This case report and literature review depict the case of a pancreatic insulinoma in an 86-year-old female, an exceptionally rare presentation based on age and absence of clinical symptoms for one or more years prior to hospitalization. Despite its rarity, similar presentations have been reported in the literature and are further outlined with characteristics and treatment plans. This case highlights a unique presentation of insulinoma and suggests the need for clinical vigilance and further study. It also discusses diagnosis, localization, and management of this uncommon disease in patients above the age of seventy-five.
Neonate Born to a Mother with a Diagnosis of Suspected Intra-Amniotic Infection versus COVID-19 or Both
Authors: Lumba Rishi , Remon Juan , Louie Moi , Quan Michelle , Verma Sourabh , Rigaud Mona , Kunjumon Bgee
Published: July 2020

A diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection is typically made based on clinical criteria, including maternal intrapartum fever and one or more of the following: maternal leukocytosis, purulent cervical drainage, or fetal tachycardia. The diagnosis can also be made in patients with an isolated fever of 39°C, or greater, without any other clinical risk factors present. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, has been noted to have varying signs and symptoms over the course of the disease including fever, cough, fatigue, anorexia, shortness of breath, sputum production, and myalgia. In this report, we detail a case of a newborn born to a mother with a clinical diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection with maternal fever and fetal tachycardia, who was then found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive on testing. Due to the varying presentation of COVID-19, this case illustrates the low threshold needed to test mothers for SARS-CoV-2 in order to prevent horizontal transmission to neonates and to healthcare providers.
The Platelet microRNA Profile of Kawasaki Disease: Identification of Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers
Authors: Ning Qianqian , Chen Liqin , Song Sirui , Zhang Hong , Xu Kangping , Liu Jia , Zhou Yiwen , Zang Chenyang , Li Guang , Chen Feng , Jia Jia , Ding Guohui , Huang Min
Published: July 2020

Challenging diagnosis and unknown etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) increase the coronary artery lesions incidence. microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most promising biomarkers because of their stability in peripheral blood and noninvasive measurement procedure, whose potential utility have been proved in cancers. To explore the utility of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs as early diagnostic markers, 44 patients (25 incomplete KD and 19 complete KD) and 31 febrile controls were recruited for small RNA sequencing. From all the 1922 expressed miRNA, 210 DE miRNAs were found between KD and febrile control groups. Though platelet miRNA profiles of complete KD incomplete KD were much similar through cluster analysis, the DE miRNAs were not identical. Eight DE miRNAs were validated by real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) in complete or incomplete KD groups using a normalizer, miR‐126‐3p, which was identified by geNorm and NormFinder tools. The expression level of miRNAs continuous changed over time was observed and the function analysis showed the potential role of miRNAs as therapeutic biomarkers. Additionally, the prediction model for KD showed a sensitivity of 78.8% and a specificity of 71.4%, respectively. This study used small RNA sequencing to identify miRNA biomarkers KD diagnosis based on a large sample size. Our findings shine a light on the understanding of molecular pathogenesis of KD and may improve the accuracy of KD diagnosis and prognosis in clinical.
The Management of Desmoid Tumors: A Retrospective Study of 30 Cases
Authors: Zenzri Yosr , Yahyaoui Yosra , Charfi Lamia , Ghodhbani Zahra , Letaief Feryel , Ayadi Mouna , Mezlini Amel
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Desmoid tumor also called aggressive fibromatosis is a rare type of benign tumor. It is a mesenchymal malignancy without metastatic potential. The standard management is resection, but other options including observation may be discussed. Desmoid-type fibromatosis may occur throughout the body, but the abdominal wall is the most common site. The aim of our study was to assess the clinicoepidemiological profile, prognostic factors, and treatment outcome of desmoid tumors. Methods. A monocentric retrospective study was conducted over a period of 19 years between February 2000 and November 2019 at the oncology department of Salah Azaïz Institute. Our study concerns 30 patients with desmoid tumor. All data regarding patients were obtained from the medical record. Results. Thirty patients were included. The median age was 35 years with a female predominance (sex ratio = 0.07). A palpable mass was the most common complaint (n = 27). Median tumor size was 5 cm. The principal site of involvement was the abdominal wall (n = 14). Surgery was performed in 27 patients. The histopathology reports listed 14 (52%) cases with negative margins and 13 (48%) cases with positive margins. Radiation therapy was performed in 2 patients. One patient received tamoxifen. Local recurrence occurred in 11 patients. Two patients died of their desmoid tumor. Abdominal wall tumors have less risk of recurrence compared with other sites (p=0.047). Macroscopic margin involvement (R2) was the only prognostic factor influencing disease-free-survival (p=0.034). Conclusion. Desmoid tumors are aggressive tumors with a tendency for local recurrence. Abdominal wall tumors have less risk of recurrence. Macroscopic margin involvement was the only prognostic factor that affects disease-free-survival.
Three-Dimensional Head-Pose Estimation for Smart Iris Recognition from a Calibrated Camera
Authors: Akrout Belhassen , Fakhfakh Sana
Published: July 2020

Current research in biometrics aims to develop high-performance tools, which would make it possible to better extract the traits specific to each individual and to grasp their discriminating characteristics. This research is based on high-level analyses of images, captured from the candidate to identify, for a better understanding and interpretation of these signals. Several biometric identification systems exist. The recognition systems based on the iris have many advantages and they are among the most reliable. In this paper, we propose a new approach based on biometric iris authentication. A new scheme was made in this work that consists of calculating a three-dimensional head pose to capture a good iris image from a video sequence which affects the identification results. From this image, we were able to locate the iris and analyse its texture by intelligent use of Meyer wavelets. Our approach was evaluated and approved through two databases CASIA Iris Distance and MiraclHB. The comparative study showed its effectiveness compared to those in the literature.
Pose Estimation of Uncooperative Unknown Space Objects from a Single Image
Authors: Ren Xiaoyuan , Jiang Libing , Wang Zhuang
Published: July 2020

Estimating the 3D pose of the space object from a single image is an important but challenging work. Most of the existing methods estimate the 3D pose of known space objects and assume that the detailed geometry of a specific object is known. These methods are not available for unknown objects without the known geometry of the object. In contrast to previous works, this paper devotes to estimate the 3D pose of the unknown space object from a single image. Our method estimates not only the pose but also the shape of the unknown object from a single image. In this paper, a hierarchical shape model is proposed to represent the prior structure information of typical space objects. On this basis, the parameters of the pose and shape are estimated simultaneously for unknown space objects. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method to estimate the 3D pose and infer the geometry of unknown typical space objects from a single image. Moreover, experimental results show the advantage of our approach over the methods relying on the known geometry of the object.
Surface coat proteins of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis
Authors: Price James A. , Smith Terry K. , Jones John T.
Published: July 2020

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are estimated to cause over £50 million worth of crop losses in the UK each year. It has been shown that the infective juveniles are able to alter their surface composition to avoid damage from host defence mechanisms. However, relatively few proteins present on the cuticle surface of PCN juveniles have been identified. We have developed a method based upon biotinylation that allows selective labelling of proteins present on the cuticle surface of PCN. Isolated proteins can consequently be affinity purified and identified using mass spectrometry proteomics. Using this technique, we identify a variety of proteins present on the surface of PCN, including all previously described PCN surface proteins. Identification of known surface coat proteins using these methods demonstrates the viability of the process for isolation of novel surface coat proteins. Subsequent analysis confirmed that the genes encoding seven of the novel proteins were expressed in the hypodermis. This work provides a technique for study of surface proteins in a wide range of nematodes and expands our knowledge of the surface proteome of PCN.
Resisting Resolution: Islamist Claims and Negotiations in Intrastate Armed Conflicts
Authors: Nilsson Desirée , Svensson Isak
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of Islamist armed conflicts is an important problem of our time. One pivotal question that remains unexplored is whether conflicts fought over Islamist claims are more or less likely to be negotiated, and if so, why? This paper provides the first large-N study exploring the relationship between Islamist claims and negotiations in all intrastate armed conflicts for the time period 1975–2011. We argue that the transnational dimension can serve to make some Islamist conflicts resistant to peaceful resolution attempts. Our findings show that while conflicts over Islamist claims generally are no more likely to see negotiations, there is significant variation within this category. When we disaggregate Islamist conflicts, we find that transnational Islamist conflicts are less likely to experience negotiations, whereas conflicts fought over separatist or revolutionary Islamist claims are no more likely to see negotiations.
Negotiating Sacred Grounds? Resolving Islamist Armed Conflicts
Authors: Söderberg Kovacs Mimmi
Published: July 2020

Under what conditions can Islamist armed conflicts be resolved through peace negotiations? Armed conflicts involving Islamist groups have emerged as one of the most pressing challenges on the global agenda for peace and security. But the track record of conflict resolution in these settings is not encouraging. While armed conflicts have generally decreased in the post-Cold War period, as many prolonged civil wars were resolved through negotiated settlements, this has not been true to the same extent for this sub-category of conflicts. Yet, we know surprisingly little about why this is the case. The purpose of this thematic issue is to address this gap. Each contributor tackles a different angle of the overarching research problem.
Economic Elites’ Attitudes Toward Meritocracy in Chile: A Moral Economy Perspective
Authors: Atria Jorge , Castillo Juan , Maldonado Luis , Ramirez Simón
Published: July 2020

We analyze economic elites’ perceptions and beliefs about meritocracy from a moral economy perspective. A moral economy perspective considers how norms and beliefs structure socioeconomic practices through the constitution and expression of what is considered acceptable, proper, and legitimate. Our study explores how economic elites make sense of the roles of talent and effort in the distribution of resources and how they reconcile the idea of meritocracy within a rigid social order. The site of our study is Chile, a country with fluid mobility between low and middle classes, but with high and persistent disparities and strong barriers to elite positions. We conducted 44 semistructured interviews with shareholders, board members, and high-level executives of large or high-turnover companies in three major Chilean cities. We find that the economic elite strongly support meritocracy but explain access to top positions based on talent rather than effort. The economic elite define talent in terms of business and leadership skills. They attribute upward mobility in the private sector to meritocratic practice. At the same time, they view the public sector as the epitome of nonmeritocratic practices, incompetence, and inefficiency. They profess empathy with the poor, but they reject redistributive policies. The economic elite believe in the primacy of competition in economic life and the necessity of continual economic growth, and thus, they understand meritocracy as both the means to survive in a market economy and a responsible approach to lead national development.
Predicting Responses to Climate Change Health Impact Messages From Political Ideology and Health Status: Cognitive Appraisals and Emotional Reactions as Mediators
Authors: Kim Sojung Claire , Pei Di , Kotcher John E. , Myers Teresa A.
Published: July 2020

The present study employed a longitudinal survey experiment with American adults to investigate whether cognitive and emotional appraisals of messages about climate change related health risks would mediate the relationships between participants’ individual differences (in political ideology and health) and their perceived harm to self and support for climate change policies. The study found that liberals and people with poorer health evaluated the messages as more useful and interesting and generated more negative emotions toward the negative health consequences of climate change. In turn, they reported higher perceived harm to self from climate change and stronger support for climate policies, compared to conservatives and people with better health.
Loneliness within the general population of Slovenia
Authors: Lavrič Meta , Gomboc Vanja , Krohne Nina , Podlogar Tina , Poštuvan Vita , Zadravec Šedivy Nuša , De Leo Diego
Published: July 2020

Background:

While loneliness is recognized as a risk to mental and physical health, there is a lack of data covering a broad age range. This study used a Slovenian adult sample to investigate loneliness.

Aims:

To examine levels of social, emotional and general loneliness within the general population.

Method:

A survey on a sample representative of the general population ( N = 1,189; aged between 18 and 95 years old ( M = 46.74, standard deviation ( SD) = 16.18); 49.7% were men) was conducted in Slovenia by means of an online questionnaire, covering data on demographic variables and levels of emotional, social and general loneliness.

Results:

In general, people experienced more social than emotional loneliness. Demographic variables that were significant for emotional, social and general loneliness were the history of past mental illness, civil status and employment status. Other demographic variables played different roles in different types of loneliness.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that differences in loneliness among demographic subgroups are an important factor in understanding and studying loneliness, especially with regard to the distinction between social and emotional loneliness. Given that loneliness represents today not only a social threat but also a significant health problem, it is important to understand which demographic subgroups are more at risk and how we can help them.
Intermediate-Grade Teachers’ Adaptations for Weaker Writers: A National Survey in Urban Schools in Chile
Authors: Graham Steve , Ahumada Silza , Bañales Gerardo , Puente Aníbal , Guajardo Marcela , Muñoz Ignacio
Published: July 2020

Two hundred fifty-four intermediate-grade teachers (88% female) in urban public schools in Chile indicated how frequently they made writing instructional adaptations for their weakest writers, which included students with learning and other disabilities. A majority of teachers reported making the following adaptations for their weakest writers at least once a week: individual tutoring, assistance from a peer when writing, and extra instruction in grammar/spelling, planning/revising, handwriting, sentence construction, and text structure. On a monthly basis or more often, a majority of teachers reported they provided weaker writers with choice about writing assignments, the opportunity to complete an alternative writing assignment, and extra writing instruction via computer technology. How often an adaptation was applied did not differ by grade. The perceived adequacy of teacher undergraduate preparation to teach writing, their efficacy to teach writing, and the proportion of students with disability in their classes each made a unique and statistically significant contribution to predicting how frequently teachers applied adaptations for their weakest writers. The Chilean teachers in this study reportedly made adaptations for weaker writers in their class more often than teachers in studies conducted in other countries, including the United States.
Democratization and Gender-neutrality in English(es)
Authors: Loureiro-Porto Lucía , Hiltunen Turo
Published: July 2020

“Democratization” and “gender-neutrality” are two concepts commonly used in recent studies on language variation. While both concepts link linguistic phenomena to sociocultural changes, the extent to which they overlap and/or interact has not been studied in detail. In particular, not much is known about how linguistic changes related to democratization and gender-neutrality spread across registers or varieties of English, as well as whether speakers are aware of the changes that are taking place. In this paper we review the main theoretical issues regarding these concepts and relate them to the main findings in the articles in this issue, all of which study lexical and grammatical variation from a corpus-based perspective. Taken together, they help unveil some of the conscious and unconscious mechanisms that operate at the interface between democratization and gender-neutrality.
Overcoming polarization with chatbot news? Investigating the impact of news content containing opposing views on agreement and credibility
Authors: Zarouali Brahim , Makhortykh Mykola , Bastian Mariella , Araujo Theo
Published: July 2020

Chatbots are a burgeoning opportunity for news media outlets to disseminate their content in a conversational way, and create an engaging experience around it. Since chatbots are social and interactive technologies, they might be effective tools to lower the threshold of engaging with news content containing opposing views. In an experiment, we test this idea by investigating whether people are more likely to accept a news article containing conflicting views when it is delivered by a chatbot, as compared with the same article on a news website. The results indicated that people agreed more to a counter-attitudinal news article when it was delivered by a news chatbot (compared with the website article). In addition, users also perceived this chatbot article as more credible. The underlying process for this effect was that people attributed human-like characteristics to the chatbot on an implicit level (i.e., perceived mindless anthropomorphism). These results are discussed in the light of their potential contribution to an informed public discourse and a decrease in polarization in our society.
Early Adolescents’ Risk Taking Propensity, Urban Stress, and Affiliation With Risky Peers
Authors: Dykas Matthew J. , Goplen Joanna , Ewart Craig K. , Gump Brooks B.
Published: July 2020

This study examined how early adolescents’ risk taking propensity and urban stress were linked to their affiliation with risky peers. Participants ( n = 297; [Formula: see text] age = 10.48 years [ SD = 0.93 years]; 54% male; 58% Black/African American) completed a brief laboratory-based behavioral risk taking task. They also completed self-report measures of urban stress and the number of close friends engaged in various risky behaviors (e.g., smoking, stealing). Results supported a link between risk taking propensity and affiliation with risky peers that was moderated by urban stress. After controlling for demographic factors, early adolescents’ risk taking propensity was positively associated with affiliation with risky peers at high levels of urban stress but not at low levels of urban stress.
What Have We Learned in the Fields of Public Policy and Public Administration That Might Be Relevant to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Authors: Radin Beryl A.
Published: July 2020

The pandemanic situation is a classic “wicked problem” issue. It is not clear what its limits are and what frameworks are important to consider in dealing with it. This article focuses on the challenge of labeling the issue itself and finding ways to link and differentiate it from previous policy situations. It also highlights the complexity of the implementation environment of the issue.
Lessons From South Korea’s Covid-19 Policy Response
Authors: You Jongeun
Published: July 2020

In responding to the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, some government policies have been more effective in containing, suppressing, and mitigating the disease than others. Government leaders and public administrators can learn from other countries and adapt these lessons to their crisis management and public health systems. South Korea has emerged as a model to emulate in fighting the pandemic. While South Korea endured devastating early outbreaks, the country flattened the coronavirus curve without paralyzing the national health and economic systems. The author reviews South Korea’s public health policy approaches and the embedded context, by using documents and materials written in Korean and English, to learn how the country managed coronavirus from January through April 2020. The critical factors in South Korea’s public health administration and management that led to success include national infectious disease plans, collaboration with the private sector, stringent contact tracing, an adaptive health care system, and government-driven communication. This article also proposes some key aspects to be considered to transfer lessons from country-level responses in South Korea to other contexts.
Mental Illness and its Link to Illegal Street Market Activity: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and How They Compare to Violence
Authors: Harris Michelle N. , Daigle Leah E.
Published: July 2020

Given the focus on research assessing violence among people with mental illness, other forms of deviance such as illegal street market offending have been relatively ignored. As such, the prevalence and risk factors for illegal street market offending among those with mental disorders is unknown. Utilizing the MacArthur Risk Assessment Study, the prevalence of illegal street market offending among this population is assessed along with the risk factors for engaging in this type of behavior. These factors are investigated for their generality in predicting violent offending to see if there are unique risk factors associated with illegal street market offending. Results indicate that factors related to money, factors related to substance usage, and general factors related to offending are significantly associated with illegal street market offending. Theoretical implications and future research are discussed.
Game Theory-Based Framework for Modeling Human–Vehicle Interactions on the Road
Authors: Rahmati Yalda , Talebpour Alireza , Mittal Archak , Fishelson James
Published: July 2020

New application domains have faded the barriers between humans and robots, introducing a new set of complexities to robotic systems. The major impediment is the uncertainties associated with human decision making, which makes it challenging to predict human behavior. A realistic model of human behavior is thus vital to capture humans’ interactive behavior with their surroundings and provide robots with reliable estimates on what is most likely to happen. Focusing on operations of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) in areas with a high presence of human actors (i.e., pedestrians), this study creates an interactive decision-making framework to predict pedestrians’ trajectories when walking in a shared environment with vehicles and other pedestrians. It develops a game theoretical structure to approximate the movement and directional components of pedestrian motion using the theory of Nash equilibria in non-cooperative games. It also introduces a novel payoff structure to address the inherent uncertainties in human behavior. Ground truth pedestrian trajectories are then used to calibrate the game parameters and evaluate the model’s performance in approximating the motion decisions of human agents in interaction with interfering vehicles and pedestrians. The main contribution of the study is to develop an interactive human–vehicle decision-making framework toward realizing human–vehicle coexistence by capturing the effect of pedestrian–vehicle and pedestrian–pedestrian interactions on choice of walking strategies. The derived knowledge could be used in CAV navigation algorithms to provide the vehicle with more accurate predictions of pedestrian behavior, and in turn, improve CAV motion planning in human-populated areas.