bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Robustness of MDS Configurations in the Case of Incomplete Data
Authors: Malhotra Naresh K. , Jain Arun K. , Pinson Christian
Published: December 2018

The authors examine the robustness of MDS configurations when incomplete rather than complete input data are used. Using two empirical studies, they show that robustness varies as the amount of incomplete data increases and that random methods of data deletion perform as well as cyclic designs. These findings provide empirical support for earlier Monte Carlo literature on the topic. The authors also show that individual characteristics of respondents, namely cognitive integration and imagery, influence the quality of configurations obtained with incomplete data.
Models of Consumer Satisfaction Formation: An Extension
Authors: Tse David K. , Wilton Peter C.
Published: December 2018

The authors extend consumer satisfaction literature by theoretically and empirically (1) examining the effect of perceived performance using a model first proposed by Churchill and Surprenant, (2) investigating how alternative conceptualizations of comparison standards and disconfirmation capture the satisfaction formation process, and (3) exploring possible multiple comparison processes in satisfaction formation. Results of a laboratory experiment suggest that perceived performance exerts direct significant influence on satisfaction in addition to those influences from expected performance and subjective disconfirmation. Expectation and subjective disconfirmation seem to be the best conceptualizations in capturing satisfaction formation. The results suggest multiple comparison processes in satisfaction formation.
Implications of Market Structure for Elasticity Structure
Authors: Russell Gary J. , Bolton Ruth N.
Published: December 2018

Though considerable attention has been given to market structure, little research has been done on the relationship between market structure and elasticity structure. The authors develop and partially test the aggregate constant ratio elasticity pattern (ACREP), a parsimonious marketing mix elasticity model that describes the elasticity structure of submarkets characterized by a proportional-draw market share mechanism. An analysis of the brand price elasticities in nine markets (covering six product categories) suggests that the ACREP model is a robust approach for predicting the elasticity structure of submarkets within a nondurable product class. The underlying ACREP parameters, measuring consumer propensity to switch within and between submarkets, show systematic relationships with structural characteristics of the product markets.
Interactive Impact of Informational and Normative Influence on Donations
Authors: Latour Stephen A. , Manrai Ajay K.
Published: December 2018

Two field experiments manipulating informational and normative influence demonstrate that they interact to yield substantial increases in donations. Informational influence involved a message about the positive consequences of donating (e.g., helping to save lives). These results are contrary to those of several prospective correlational studies that found no relationship between these variables and donation behavior.
Intercoder Reliability Estimation Approaches in Marketing: A Generalizability Theory Framework for Quantitative Data
Authors: Hughes Marie Adele , Garrett Dennis E.
Published: December 2018

A review of estimation approaches for intercoder reliability reported in articles in leading marketing journals reveals that most marketing researchers are using inadequate measures. The authors recommend that marketing researchers report dependability indices based on generalizability theory for quantitative coding systems.
Personal Communication in Marketing: An Examination of Self-Interest Contingency Relationships
Authors: Wiener Joshua L. , Laforge Raymond W. , Goolsby Jerry R.
Published: December 2018

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of self-interest in a personal communication situation. Self-interest was investigated as a moderator of the effects of argument strength and expertise on personal communication effectiveness. The results suggest that self-interest is an important contingency variable that can alter significantly the effectiveness of personal communication variables.
Cue Compatibility and Framing in Advertising
Authors: Keller Kevin Lane
Published: December 2018

Findings from a laboratory experiment support three research propositions on how processing goals at ad exposure and retrieval cues in the brand decision environment affect recall of communication effects and ad and brand judgments. The first proposition, the “cue compatibility principle,” is that compatibility or a match between the type of information stored in memory at encoding and the type of information present as cues at retrieval is necessary for successful recall of communication effects (e.g., cognitive responses). The second proposition is that though retrieval cues can facilitate recall of strongly associated information, they can inhibit recall of other, less strongly associated information in memory. The third proposition is that because processing goals and retrieval cues affect the accessibility and diagnosticity of communication effects, they “frame” brand judgments by influencing (1) the importance or weight placed on different types of communication effects in ad and brand judgments, and therefore (2) the actual favorableness of the judgments reached. The theoretical and managerial implications of these memory factors on advertising effectiveness are discussed.
Common Factor Score Estimates in Multiple Regression Problems
Authors: Lastovicka John L. , Thamodaran Kanchana
Published: December 2018

The issue of alternative methods for estimating factor scores is raised and, in particular, the case of using common factors as independent variables in regression problems is singled out for investigation. A Monté Carlo simulation experiment (varying: factor scoring method, uniqueness, assumption about factor correlations, and number of observed variables factored) is reported. Though several factor score estimators perform “equivalently” in the simulation, the best overall results are obtained with the Dwyer factor extension technique.
Effects of Price, Brand, and Store Information on Buyers’ Product Evaluations
Authors: Dodds William B. , Monroe Kent B. , Grewal Dhruv
Published: December 2018

The authors report a study of the effects of price, brand, and store information on buyers’ perceptions of product quality and value, as well as their willingness to buy. Hypotheses are derived from a conceptual model positing the effects of extrinsic cues (price, brand name, and store name) on buyers’ perceptions and purchase intentions. Moreover, the design of the experiment allows additional analyses on the relative differential effects of price, brand name, and store name on the three dependent variables. Results indicate that price had a positive effect on perceived quality, but a negative effect on perceived value and willingness to buy. Favorable brand and store information positively influenced perceptions of quality and value, and subjects’ willingness to buy. The major findings are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Controlling for Observed and Unobserved Managerial Skills in Determining First-Mover Market Share Advantages
Authors: Murthi B. P. S. , Srinivasan Kannan , Kalyanaram Gurumurthy
Published: December 2018

Empirical research on pioneering advantage establishes a strong association between pioneering and market share. Researchers, however, suggest that managerial skills may account for the relationship and underscore the need to control for such skills. The authors develop efficiency measures to represent a firm's managerial skills, employing the data envelopment analysis framework as well as a regression-based approach. Furthermore, they account for unobserved, firm-specific factors that include unobserved managerial skills. With such systematic control for observed and unobserved managerial skills, they reexamine the impact of pioneering on market share and find that it is robust even after they control for managerial skills.
What Makes the Liturgy Biblical?—Texts
Authors: Chauvet Louis-Marie
Published: December 2018

The importance of Holy Scripture in the celebration of the Liturgy is very great. From it come the passages that are read and expounded in the homily, and the psalms that are sung. Inspired and suggested by it, prayers, collects, and liturgical hymns pour forth. From it liturgical actions and signs receive their meaning. 1

1 Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium 24.
Reducing Social Judgment Biases May Require Identifying the Potential Source of Bias
Authors: Axt Jordan R. , Casola Grace , Nosek Brian A.
Published: December 2018

Social judgment is shaped by multiple biases operating simultaneously, but most bias-reduction interventions target only a single social category. In seven preregistered studies (total N > 7,000), we investigated whether asking participants to avoid one social bias affected that and other social biases. Participants selected honor society applicants based on academic credentials. Applicants also differed on social categories irrelevant for selection: attractiveness and ingroup status. Participants asked to avoid potential bias in one social category showed small but reliable reductions in bias for that category ( r = .095), but showed near-zero bias reduction on the unmentioned social category ( r = .006). Asking participants to avoid many possible social biases or alerting them to bias without specifically identifying a category did not consistently reduce bias. The effectiveness of interventions for reducing social biases may be highly specific, perhaps even contingent on explicitly and narrowly identifying the potential source of bias.
Fracking the Future: The Temporal Portability of Frames in Political Contests
Authors: Nyberg Daniel , Wright Christopher , Kirk Jacqueline
Published: December 2018

Despite scientific consensus on the need to rapidly decarbonize economic systems to limit global warming, the exploitation of fossil fuels continues unabated. This begs the question, why do we continue down this path? We argue that one reason is the way in which fossil fuel expansion is temporally framed. In this article, we examine the disputed development of hydraulic fracturing of shale gas (‘fracking’) in the United Kingdom. Through analysis of a series of public inquiries conducted by the UK Government we show how industry, government and NGOs have engaged in a framing contest in debating the future of fracking. The findings show how the framing of fossil fuel development was solidified over time through processes of certainty, simplicity and familiarity. We contribute by: (a) showing how actors mobilize temporality in constructing persuasive and actionable frames; (b) developing a theory of how frames gain temporal portability – a chronology between a dominant past and a recognized future; and (c) providing an alternative theory of short-termism in explaining the path leading us to a dangerous climate changed future.
Mate preferences in emerging adulthood and beyond: Age variations in mate preferences and beliefs about change in mate preferences
Authors: Sprecher Susan , Econie Alexis , Treger Stanislav
Published: December 2018

Few studies have considered how mate preferences may differ for individuals at different ages of emerging adulthood and beyond or considered at the same time other individual difference variables beyond sex and age of participant. This survey study of mate preferences ( N = 738) found that participants’ age (from 18 to 40) was associated with lower mate selectivity. This negative association between age and mate selectivity was greater for men than for women. Age continued to be associated with mate selectivity controlling for shyness and perception of available partners—and both of these variables were uniquely associated with mate selectivity (negatively and positively, respectively). This study also examined participants’ beliefs about how the importance of various traits in a partner had changed over time. Overall, the participants perceived no change or a slight increase in their preferences over time, although the perceived change depended on the particular trait domain, sex of the participant, and the other individual difference variables.
Statistical positivism versus critical scientific realism. A comparison of two paradigms for motivation research: Part 2. A philosophical and empirical analysis of critical scientific realism
Authors: Chirkov Valery , Anderson Jade
Published: December 2018

In this two-part publication (see Chirkov & Anderson, 2018), we compare two paradigms—statistical positivism and critical scientific realism—in their application to research on academic motivation. In the first part, the propositions of statistical positivism and their applications to psychological research are presented. An empirical study in this part combined self-determination and achievement goal theories and built a statistically integrated model of motivation of 385 college students using path analysis. Part 1 ended with a critical analysis of this statistical model and the knowledge about motivation that it provided. In the second part, the propositions of critical scientific realism are articulated. An empirical study utilizes these propositions and initiates realist interviewing of 12 purposefully selected students. Using within- and between-case analyses, a model of a motivational mechanism of successful university students is proposed. The authors conclude that the continued use of statistical positivism generates minimal new knowledge about the mechanisms of academic motivation. This paradigm should be replaced with the realist one and a case-based methodology, which have a better chance to advance research and improve understanding of academic motivation.
Potential of Exosomes for the Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Hong Shi-Bin , Yang Hua , Manaenko Anatol , Lu Jianfei , Mei Qiyong , Hu Qin
Published: December 2018

Stroke is the result of blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain and is the leading cause of death and disability in the world. Currently only a very limited number of therapeutic approaches are available for treatment of stroke patients, and the vast majority of neuroprotective agents that tested positively in pre-clinical studies failed in clinical trials. In recent years, the clinical value of the use of exosomes for stroke treatment has received widespread attention due their unique characteristics such as low immunogenicity, low toxicity and biodegradability, ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and their important role in communication between cells. More and more evidence suggests that the secretion of exosomes is the mechanism underlying the protection induced by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) after stroke. Exosomes are thought to support brain restoration and induce repairing effects, including neurovascular remodeling, and anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent reports have focused on the clinical application of exosomes as a potential drug delivery approach. This review focuses on the ability of exosomes to interrupt the stroke-induced pathologic processes of stroke, and on publications describing how to achieve more effective treatment of stroke with exosomes.
Executive Insights: The Russian Aerospace Industry—Survey with Implications for American Firms in the Global Marketplace
Authors: Elenkov Detelin S.
Published: December 2018

This article highlights the factors that have made the global expansion of Russian aerospace enterprises possible and the importance of “relational networks” as key strategic assets of these companies. Russian aerospace organizations appear to have developed some distinct core competencies, such as state-of-the-art technology, capacity to manufacture high-performance products and systems at relatively low costs, and pragmatic management. These companies also pursue strategies leading to the use of a variety of different types of international strategic partnerships, including joint ventures, joint R&D agreements, co-production agreements, co-marketing alliances, and cross-licensing agreements.

The article concludes with a section on the implications for American companies in the global marketplace. It is argued that international networking, technology sharing, co-marketing, cross-licensing, and the other forms of international strategic partnerships represent an important change in the ways that companies do business. These arrangements necessitate a different approach to corporate management and organization. The potential advantages of value-driven superstructures, cross-functional teams, cross-organizational task forces, and improved understanding of foreign cultures have been specified.
Export Performance Measures in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Styles Chris
Published: December 2018

In this study, the export performance scale developed by Cavusgil and Zou (1994) is refined and tested for cross-cultural validity in Australia and the United Kingdom. The aim is to encourage a more integrated approach to export performance measurement so that valid comparisons of international research can be made and export theory advanced. Two key steps are reported. First, the scale was refined through exploratory research. Then, data were collected from a sample of 434 exporters in Australia and the United Kingdom. Based on the procedures suggested by Singh (1995) and Mullen (1995), factorial similarity, factorial equivalence, and measurement equivalence is tested across the two national samples. Although support is found for factorial similarity and equivalence, the results do not support full measurement equivalence. It is therefore recommended that some caution be exercised when comparing research conducted in Australia and the United Kingdom, which uses this scale. Suggestions for further research are also made.
An Accurate Assessment of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Laying Hen Serum for Regulatory Studies
Authors: Dillon Gerald Patrick , Wallace Geoff , Yiannikouris Alexandros , Moran Colm Anthony
Published: December 2018

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have been associated with several health benefits. With the increased interest in n-3 FA both scientifically and societally, the accurate detection of such analytes has become increasingly important. Recently, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with electrospray ionization interface (ESI), hyphenated to both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), has become a valuable tool in the detection of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization interface-tandem mass spectrometry methods have been developed for the determination of DHA in canine and poultry species. The objective of this article is to investigate whether LC-ESI-MS/MS is fit for purpose for the determination of DHA in laying hen serum. The disclosure of this work will be beneficial for researchers investigating poultry enrichment for regulatory and toxicological studies. The method was found to be linear over the range. Precision and accuracy results met acceptance criteria and the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) was established as 1 µg/mL. Recoveries of DHA were obtained for quality control samples and stability studies were performed. The results of the verification study complimented those of the validation study. In summation, the method was established as fit for purpose for measuring total DHA in laying hen serum.
A layered computer-interpretable guideline model for easing the update of locally adapted clinical guidelines
Authors: Fux Adi , Soffer Pnina , Peleg Mor
Published: December 2018

Maintenance of computer-interpretable guidelines is complicated by evolving medical knowledge and by the requirement to customize content to local practice settings. We developed a framework to support knowledge engineers in customization and maintenance of computer-interpretable guidelines specified in the PROforma formalism. In our layered approach, the computer-interpretable guidelines containing the original clinical guideline serves as the primary layer and local customizations form secondary layers that adhere to its schema while augmenting it. Java code unifies the layers into a single enactable computer-interpretable guidelines. We performed a pilot experiment to verify the effectiveness of a layered framework. In this first attempt, we evaluated the hypothesis that the layered computer-interpretable guidelines framework supports knowledge engineers in maintenance of customized computer-interpretable guidelines. Participants who used the layered framework completed an update process of the primary knowledge in less time and made fewer errors as compared to those using the single-layer framework.
Ultrasonic measurement on axial force of high-strength bolt in service
Authors: Zhao Xin-Xin , Li Yi-Ming , Liu Xiao-Guang , Yao Kai
Published: December 2018

In order to reduce the effect of delayed fracture of high-strength bolts on train operation and structural safety, a non-destructive testing method for axial force of high-strength bolts in railway steel bridges is studied to identify and replace over-twisted bolts in time, so as to reduce the probability of delayed fracture caused by external factors. Based on the acoustic-elastic effect theory, considering the uneven internal stress distribution of bolts in service, in this paper, the bolt force area is differentiated into three regions: the nut, the screw and the thread; the author calculates the ultrasonic flight-time in different bolt stress areas and revises the impact of bolt elastic deformation and temperature by external force on sound speed and puts forward a more precise measurement method of axial force of bolt in service. According to the results of the test, the relative error between the ultrasonic measurement result and the displayed value of pressure sensor is less than 10%.
Global Survey Reveals a Lack of Social Marketing Skills in the Conservation Sector and Shows Supply of Training Doesn’t Meet Demand
Authors: Robinson Beth S. , Creasey Matthew J. S. , Skeats Ali , Coverdale Imogen , Barlow Adam
Published: December 2018

Biodiversity loss is one of the principle challenges facing us today. To halt and reverse this loss, conservation practitioners must find ways to change human behaviors which threaten species and ecosystems. Increasingly, it is being recognized that social marketing could be an effective way of achieving voluntary, ethical, and long-lasting behavior change for the benefit of biodiversity. By conducting a global survey of conservation practitioners, the objective of this study was to assess the need for social marketing skills, as well as the demand, supply, and barriers to receiving social marketing training in the conservation sector. From a sample of 322 conservation practitioners from 71 countries, results suggest there is a marked lack of social marketing skills in the conservation sector, with only 16.1% of participants considering their skill level to be expert or advanced. However, 61.5% of participants reported needing advanced or expert social marketing skills to be effective in their current role. In addition, the survey revealed a high demand for training in social marketing, but also that a lack of funds, time, and available courses all present major barriers to conservation practitioners receiving such training. The implications of these results for designing methods of providing conservation practitioners with social marketing skills and removing barriers are discussed.
Examination of Creative Abilities of Preschool Children With and Without Specific Language Impairment (SLI)
Authors: Leikin Mark , Tovli Esther
Published: December 2018

The present study aims to examine the relationship between developmental language deficit and children’s creative ability. For this purpose, we compared the performance of preschool children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) on general and mathematic creativity tests with that of typically developing children. The findings demonstrated that children with SLI performed almost identically on the general creativity task, compared with older preschoolers, and did generally better than children from the younger age group. However, on the mathematic creativity task, they did significantly better statistically than the younger children and worse than children from the older control groups. Thus, the results showed that creativity as a specific cognitive ability seems to develop in children with SLI in the same way as in their typically developing peers but at a slower rate. In addition, our findings demonstrate some degree of dissociation between the cognitive and linguistic abilities of children with SLI.
Assessing the Effectiveness and Interactions of Instructional Coaches: Initial Psychometric Evidence for the Instructional Coaching Assessments–Teacher Forms
Authors: Reddy Linda A. , Glover Todd , Kurz Alexander , Elliott Stephen N.
Published: December 2018

The conceptual foundation and initial psychometric evidence are provided for the Instructional Coaching Rating Scales and Interaction Style Scales–Teacher Forms. These forms are part of a multicomponent online assessment system designed to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching skills and interactions that support the needs of teachers and students. Specifically, the article presents the theory, evidence, and measurement framework for the system. Findings indicate that the Rating Scales and Interaction Style Scales–Teacher Forms have very good internal structures based on multiple fit statistics for confirmatory factor analyses, high internal consistency, good item-to-scale total correlations, and freedom from item bias. Collectively, this promising statistical evidence is supportive of valid score inferences. Study limitations and directions for research are discussed.
Properties of Glass Fiber for Filtration: Influence of Forming Process
Authors: Bauer Jon F. , Manville Johns
Published: December 2018

Glass fiber used in filtration applications is typically produced by either of three types of processes: (1) continuous draw, (2) centrifugal (rotary) spinning, or (3) flame attenuation. Each process imparts to the fiber a unique set of characteristics such as diameter, length, and surface chemistry and structure. These in turn dictate the key performance properties of the fiber in nonwoven products. Diameter distribution is perhaps the most fundamental to filtration efficiency; this can vary appreciably with fiberization process even for fibers of the same bulk chemistry and “mean” diameter. Likewise length distributions are unique to each process and, for discontinuous fiber, have a distinct correlation to the diameter distributions. Complete characterization, therefore, often requires bivariate analyses. Finally, glass surface chemistry and structure, which are critically important for key properties such as fiber tensile strength, chemical durability / reactivity, and dispersability, are also highly dependent upon the fiber forming process. By controlling initial glass chemistry and fiberization process parameters, a wide range of fiber dimension, morphologies and surface properties can be achieved. As such glass fiber has some unique opportunities in meeting existing and new demands in filtration markets.
Experimental research on car movement characteristics under the condition of different driving emotions
Authors: Wang Xiao-yuan , Liu Ya-qi , Liu Li-ping , Wang Fang , Kong Dong , Wang Yun-yun
Published: December 2018

Emotion is the external way to express human’s inner thoughts, which has a significant influence on human behaviors. It is an important prerequisite for studying the intrinsic affect mechanism of emotions on behaviors certain. In this article, drivers’ emotional induction experiment, actual and virtual driving experiments are designed to obtain the multi-source dynamic data of human–vehicle–environment under the condition of different emotions. The influences of emotions’ changes on car movement characteristics of different types of drivers are explored. Changing law of car movement characteristics under the condition of different emotions can be obtained finally. The research can provide theoretical basis for the future research of driver assistance system, which is of great significance to realize active vehicle safety warning and unmanned driving in the future.
The Good News Bible at 50(ish): Translation, Localization, and Alterity
Authors: Towner Philip H.
Published: December 2018

This article will explore the Good News Bible (GNB) as an example of a translation designed to “localize” the source text—in this case, by virtue of its strategy to produce a translation in contemporary language. In this approach, designed to enhance the reader’s chance of making meaning, there are gains and losses. On one level, greater accessibility to the text for a wider audience may seem to be achieved, while at another level, access to the otherness/alterity in the source text (intertextuality, wordplay, etc.) is closed off. Several examples will illustrate some of these gains and losses in GNB.
Sonographic Measurement of Cross-sectional Area of the Median Nerve in Academic Dentists Without Symptoms or Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Asbeutah Akram , Dashti Mohsen , AlMajran Abdullah , Ghayyath Aref
Published: December 2018

The objective was to evaluate the distribution of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and flattening ratio (FR) of the median nerve (MN) in asymptomatic academic dentists using ultrasonography (US). Fifty academic dentists underwent US of the MN in transverse section at the pisiform bone level and the CSA (mm2) and FR were measured bilaterally. A CSA of <10 mm2 was considered normal. Paired t-test showed no statistical significance between either hand for CSA and FR ( P> .05). Two independent t-tests showed significant statistical differences ( P= .023) between males and females in the right dominant hand for CSA. Linear correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between CSA and FR for number of years of experience or number of working hours per day in either hand ( P>.05). The CSA was abnormal in the right dominant hand in 20 (40%) of the subjects. These male academic dentists were at increased risk of having an enlarged MN without symptoms.
A hybrid finite-difference/low-rank solution to anisotropy acoustic wave equations
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Dong , Alkhalifah Tariq , Wu Zedong
Published: December 2018

P-wave extrapolation in anisotropic media suffers from SV-wave artifacts and computational dependency on the complexity of anisotropy. The anisotropic pseudodifferential wave equation cannot be solved using an efficient time-domain finite-difference (FD) scheme directly. The wavenumber domain allows us to handle pseudodifferential operators accurately; however, it requires either smoothly varying media or more computational resources. In the limit of elliptical anisotropy, the pseudodifferential operator reduces to a conventional operator. Therefore, we have developed a hybrid-domain solution that includes a space-domain FD solver for the elliptical anisotropic part of the anisotropic operator and a wavenumber-domain low-rank scheme to solve the pseudodifferential part. Thus, we split the original pseudodifferential operator into a second-order differentiable background and a pseudodifferential correction term. The background equation is solved using the efficient FD scheme, and the correction term is approximated by the low-rank approximation. As a result, the correction wavefield is independent of the velocity model, and, thus, it has a reduced rank compared with the full operator. The total computation cost of our method includes the cost of solving a spatial FD time-step update plus several fast Fourier transforms related to the rank. The accuracy of our method is of the order of the FD scheme. Applications to a simple homogeneous tilted transverse isotropic (TTI) medium and modified BP TTI models demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
A method to attenuate genetic drift in genetic-algorithm optimizations: Applications to analytic objective functions and two seismic optimization problems
Authors: Pierini Silvio , Aleardi Mattia , Mazzotti Alfredo
Published: December 2018

Genetic algorithms (GAs) usually suffer from the so-called genetic-drift effect, which reduces the genetic variability within the evolving population making the algorithm converge toward a local minimum of the objective function. We have developed an innovative method to attenuate such a genetic-drift effect that we named the drift-avoidance GA (DAGA). The implemented method combines some principles of niched GAs (NGAs), catastrophic GAs, crowding GAs, and the Monte Carlo algorithm (MCA) with the aim of maintaining an optimal genetic diversity within the evolving population, thus avoiding premature convergence. The DAGA performance is first tested on different analytic objective functions often used to test optimization algorithms. In this case, the implemented DAGA approach is compared with standard GAs, catastrophic GAs, crowding GAs, NGAs, and MCA. Then, the DAGA and the NGAs approaches are compared on two well-known nonlinear geophysical optimization problems characterized by objective functions with complex topologies: residual statics corrections and 2D acoustic full-waveform inversion. To draw general conclusions, we limit the attention to synthetic seismic optimizations. Our tests prove that the DAGA approach grants the convergence in case of objective functions with very complex topologies, where other GA implementations (such as standard GAs or NGAs) fail to converge. Differently, in case of simpler topologies, DAGA achieves similar performances with the other GA implementations considered. The DAGA approach may have a slightly higher or lower computational cost than standard GA or NGA methods, depending on its convergence speed, that is, on its ability to reduce the number of forward modelings with respect to the other methods.
Fixed Duration of Venetoclax-Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Eradicates Minimal Residual Disease and Prolongs Survival: Post-Treatment Follow-Up of the MURANO Phase III Study
Authors: Kater Arnon P. , Seymour John F. , Hillmen Peter , Eichhorst Barbara , Langerak Anton W. , Owen Carolyn , Verdugo Maria , Wu Jenny , Punnoose Elizabeth A. , Jiang Yanwen , Wang Jue , Boyer Michelle , Humphrey Kathryn , Mobasher Mehrdad , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The MURANO study demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit for fixed-duration venetoclax-rituximab compared with bendamustine-rituximab in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With all patients off treatment, we report minimal residual disease (MRD) kinetics and updated outcomes.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to 2 years of venetoclax plus rituximab during the first six cycles, or six cycles of bendamustine-rituximab. Primary end point was PFS. Safety and peripheral blood (PB) MRD status—at cycle 4, 2 to 3 months after end of combination therapy (EOCT), and every 3 to 6 months thereafter—were secondary end points.

Results

Of 194 patients, 174 (90%) completed the venetoclax-rituximab phase and 130 (67%) completed 2 years of venetoclax. With a median follow-up of 36 months, PFS and overall survival remain superior to bendamustine-rituximab (hazard ratio, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.23]; and hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.85], respectively). Patients who received venetoclax-rituximab achieved a higher rate of PB undetectable MRD (uMRD; less than 10−4) at EOCT (62% v 13%) with superiority sustained through month 24 (end of therapy). Overall, uMRD status at EOCT predicted longer PFS. Among those with detectable MRD, low-level MRD (10−4 to less than 10−2) predicted improved PFS compared with high-level MRD (10−2 or greater). At a median of 9.9 months (range, 1.4 to 22.5 months) after completing fixed-duration venetoclax-rituximab, overall only 12% (16 of 130) of patients developed disease progression (11 high-level MRD, three low-level MRD). At the end of therapy, 70% and 98% of patients with uMRD remained in uMRD and without disease progression, respectively.

Conclusion

With all patients having finished treatment, continued benefit was observed for venetoclax-rituximab compared with bendamustine-rituximab. uMRD rates were durable and predicted longer PFS, which establishes the impact of PB MRD on the benefit of fixed-duration, venetoclax-containing treatment. Low conversion to detectable MRD and sustained PFS after completion of 2 years of venetoclax-rituximab demonstrate the feasibility of this regimen.
ESforRPD2: Expert System for Rice Plant Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Agus Fahrul , Ihsan Muh. , Marisa Khairina Dyna , Candra Krishna Purnawan
Published: December 2018

One of the factors causing rice production disturbance in Indonesia is the lack of knowledge of farmers on early symptoms of rice plant diseases. These diseases are increasingly rampant because of the lack of experts. This study aimed to overcome this problem by providing an Expert System that helps farmers to make early diagnosis of rice plant diseases.

Data of rice plant pests and diseases in 2016 were taken from Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia using an in-depth survey, and rice experts from the Department of Food Crops and Horticulture of East Kalimantan Province were recruited for the project. The Expert System for Rice Plant Disease Diagnosis, ESforRPD2, was developed based on the pest and disease experiences of the rice experts, and uses a Waterfall Paradigm and Unified Modelling Language. This Expert System can detect 48 symptoms and 8 types of diseases of rice plants from 16 data tests with an accuracy of 87.5%.

ESforRPD2 is available in Indonesian at: http://esforrpd2.blog.unmul.ac.id
Inovações nas técnicas pedagógicas para a formação de empreendedores
Authors: Hashimoto Marcos , Cardoso Aline Michelle , Krakauer Patriia Viveiros de Castro
Published: December 2018

O estudo tem a proposta de analisar os métodos de ensino e aprendizagem aplicados pela escola híbrida direcionada à formação do empreendedor. Aspectos estudados em profundidade:  formatação do curso, competências desenvolvidas, resultados esperados, experiências e perfil dos facilitadores e aprendizado dos participantes. A pesquisa é um estudo de caso de natureza exploratória e abordagem qualitativa. Utilizou-se os métodos de observação participante, entrevistas, análises de documentos, questionários e discussões em grupo. Os resultados trouxeram novos métodos de ensino e aprendizagem direcionados à formação do empreendedor, diferentes aos aplicados nos programas de empreendedorismo nas IES. Foram utilizados teóricos com abordagem sobre o ensino, aprendizagem e aprendizagem do empreendedor. O intuito foi sugerir que educação empreendedora nas IES possa usar a abordagem do design thinking e dos desafios, trabalhando constantemente a interação com o meio, o significado e a experimentação.
Sentidos do sindicalismo na Veja durante a ditadura militar
Authors: Peroni Guilherme Gustavo Holz , Martins-Silva Priscilla De Oliveira , Silva Junior Annor da
Published: December 2018

Objetivou-se neste artigo analisar os sentidos do sindicalismo disseminados pela Veja durante a ditadura militar (1968-1985) ocorrida no Brasil. Ancorou-se teoricamente a pesquisa na teoria das representações sociais. Metodologicamente, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental no acervo digital da Veja num total de 54 edições em que 134 artigos foram selecionados para a análise. Foram construídas 10 categorias de análise. A análise dos dados indicou que a repressão do governo ditatorial aos movimentos sociais, os fatos econômicos e o movimento Diretas Já são aspectos históricos centrais para a compreensão do sindicalismo. Conclui-se que o novo sindicalismo surgiu com uma postura radical e esquerdista e foi fortemente combatido e reprimido pelo governo ditatorial, no entanto, foi inserido positivamente no pensamento social num conjunto de entidades e sujeitos importantes para a reabertura política e desenvolvimento da democracia.
Features of psychological support of the negotiation activities in order to ensure the protection of life and health of citizens have become hostages
Authors: Михайлова Татьяна , Mihaylova Tat'yana , Козлов Евгений , Kozlov Evgeny
Published: December 2018

The article presents the results of the author's research revealing the features of psychological support of negotiation activities in order to ensure the protection of life and health of citizens in situations related to the factor of crimes. The proposals aimed at improving the psychological support of negotiation activities in order to ensure the protection of life and health of citizens.
Applying Operations Research to Scheduling Work Cells in a Manufacturing Environment
Authors: Heider Steffen , Heins Jakob , Kanet John J.
Published: December 2018

Constant competition in the manufacturing sector forces companies to continually decrease their costs while satisfying customer needs. These companies could be more efficient and achieve better results if they automated many of the tasks that they now schedule manually. In this paper, we describe how one department of Johnson Electric, a leading manufacturer of electromechanical components, automated and improved its scheduling process through the application of operations research. We created an easy-to-use Excel Solver-based tool for scheduling self-directed work cells. This tool does not require a user to have any knowledge of mathematical programming, because it automatically adds the objective function and constraints in the background. Our results show that the time required to create schedules decreases drastically and that the quality of the schedules improves significantly depending on the chosen objective function. We illustrate how fundamental knowledge of single-machine scheduling can add significant practical value in manufacturing. Moreover, our work shows that advances in computer interface development tools (e.g., Visual Basic for Applications) are making it possible to efficiently implement operations research concepts.
Whooping cough and travel: advising patients on guidelines
Authors: Gawthrop Mary
Published: December 2018

With the recent re-emergence of whooping cough, practice nurses may encounter travellers seeking advice on this vaccine more frequently. Mary Gawthrop provides a brief update on UK vaccination provisions and Public Health England recommendations

The re-emergence of whooping cough (also known as pertussis) worldwide may be a concern for travellers, particularly those visiting newborn babies in countries reporting an increase in cases. Newborns can become significantly unwell if they catch pertussis, therefore it is recommended that infants are vaccinated against the infection as a routine childhood vaccination. In particular, children aged under 6 months old have a higher risk of severe complications: they may experience breathing difficulties and can even stop breathing for short periods. The following article provides a brief update that summarises routine UK vaccine provisions and recommendations for adults and children over 10 years old requesting information about the pertussis vaccine prior to international travel.
La feria comercial de arte como espacio de redistribución de capital simbólico: el caso ARTBO
Authors: Santana Viloria Leonardo
Published: December 2018

En el presente trabajo se analiza el evento conocido como feria de arte, y su papel en el circuito artístico, tomando como caso de estudio a la Feria de Arte de Bogotá (ARTBO). Se examina su dimensión cultural desde la sociología de la cultura de Pierre Bourdieu. Se contrasta la hipótesis de que la feria de arte es un nodo de redistribución de capital simbólico, mediante entrevistas a galeristas participantes. Los resultados confirman esta hipótesis acerca del papel de la feria en la circulación contemporánea de bienes simbólicos.
KEBIJAKAN HUKUM PIDANA DALAM UPAYA MENANGGULANGI LGBT (LESBIAN, BISEKSUAL, DAN TRANSGENDER) BERBASIS PANCASILA
Authors: Harahap Indra Tua Hasangapon
Published: December 2018

Kelompok LGBT di Indonesia perbuatannya telah melanggar nilai-nilai keseimbangan Pancasila, terutama nilai ketuhanan serta nilai moral dalam kehidupan masyarakat Indonesia. Kebijakan hukum pidana dapat menjadi upaya dalam menanggulangi penyebaran serta perbuatan LGBT ini, dengan membuat serta merumuskan peraturan baik dalam KUHP juga dalam Undang-Undang Pornografi untuk dapat menjaga kesucian dari nilai ketuhanan Pancasila. Kebijakan hukum pidana dalam upaya menanggulangi LGBT ini, juga sebagai upaya pembaharuan hukum pidana terhadap tindakan yang melanggar Pancasila yang tidak dapat dilepaskan dari kajian perbandingan hukum agar dapat merumuskan suatu peraturan yang baik dalam menanggulangi LGBT.
Workplace Survey of Cold Protective Glove Aging
Authors: Irzmańska Emilia , Kropidłowska Paulina
Published: December 2018

This study presents the results of an end-of-service life survey involving workers operating in cold environments. The objective of this study was to determine whether the gloves worn in such workplaces were replaced when they exhibited clear signs of mechanical deterioration (rupture, tear, puncture, and perforation) or when they were soaked (externally) or moist (internally). The study sets out to establish whether the appearance of visible signs of damage prompted immediate glove replacement with a view to occupational safety. The calculated Cramér’s V values revealed weak associations between the cause of glove replacement and the frequency of glove change (V=0.201) as well as the mean duration of glove use (V=0.234). Furthermore, it was found that visible signs of mechanical deterioration did not prompt glove replacement. Indeed, workers continued to wear damaged or wet gloves for as many as 5 days or more.
Offset compensated baseline restoration and computationally efficient hybrid interpolation for the brain PET
Authors: Qaisar Saeed Mian
Published: December 2018

The acquisition of positron emission tomography (PET) pulses introduces artifacts and limits the performance of the scanner. To minimize these inadequacies, this work focuses on the design of an offset compensated digital baseline restorer (BLR) along with a two-stage hybrid interpolator. They respectively treat the incoming pulse offsets and limited temporal resolution and improve the scanner performance in terms of calculating depth of interactions and line of responses. The offset of incoming PET pulses is compensated by the BLR and then their interesting parts are selected. The selected signal portion is up-sampled with a hybrid interpolator. It is composed of an optimized weighted least-squares interpolator (WLSI) and a simplified linear interpolator. The processes of calibrating the WLSI coefficients and characterizing the BLR and the interpolator modules are described. The functionality of the proposed modules is verified with an experimental setup. Results have shown that the devised BLR effectively compensates a dynamic range of bipolar offsets. The signal selection process allows focusing only on the relevant signal part and avoids the unnecessary operations during the post-interpolation process. Additionally, the hybrid nature allows improving the signal temporal resolution with an appropriate precession at a reduced computational complexity compared to the mono-interpolation-based arithmetically complex counterparts. The component-level architectures of the BLR and the interpolator modules are also described. It promises an efficient integration of these modules in modern PET scanners while using standard and economical analog-to-digital converters and field-programmable gate arrays. It avoids the development of high-performance and expensive application-specific integrated circuits and results in a cost-effective realization.