bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collecting Azurite Blue and Malachite Green as Curios and Medicines in Late Imperial China
Authors: Ngan Quincy
Published: May 2020

For over a millennium, stone collecting and connoisseurship were major pastimes among Chinese scholars. While existing scholarship has shed light on historical rocks, collectors, and related treatises, few studies have focused on azurite and its connatural counterpart, malachite—two of the most luxurious and versatile minerals in traditional China. Composed of crystalline and matte granules of copper carbonate, and mottled with the colours of clear sky and verdant foliage, azurite and malachite are precious minerals that have rivalled the unique status of jade in their odd shapes and colours in the eyes of scholars and connoisseurs throughout the ages. This paper traces how the collecting of azurite and malachite rocks and their uses as materials for scholarly collectibles—such as paperweights, brush washers, and shi shan zi (decorative rocks shaped like mountains)—evolved in late imperial China.
Understanding Key Roles of Two ENSO Modes in Spatiotemporal Diversity of ENSO
Authors: Wang Run , Ren Hong-Li
Published: May 2020

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events exhibit a diversity of amplitudes, spatial patterns, and life cycles, with the main ENSO periods concentrated in the 3–7-yr [low-frequency (LF)] and 2–3-yr [quasi-biennial (QB)] bands. In this study, the spatiotemporal diversity of ENSO is quantitatively examined by extracting the two ENSO modes, namely, the LF and QB components of ENSO, from the traditional Niño-3.4 index and connecting them with the spatial types of ENSO. El Niño events can be regrouped as the QB-dominated central-Pacific ENSO-like (QB-CP), LF-dominated eastern-Pacific ENSO-like (LF-EP), and LF-dominated mixing (LF-mixing) types. La Niña events with vague spatial patterns can also have the same categorization. The QB-CP and LF-EP El Niño types both have a high-amplitude QB component. Meanwhile, the former is less affected by its powerless LF component, but the latter is controlled by its strong LF component. Ocean dynamics of the two El Niño types are distinct from each other. The thermocline feedback dominates the growth of the two El Niño types and contributes to the phase transition of the LF-EP type, while the zonal advective feedback is of increasing importance in the QB-CP El Niño and mainly contributes to the phase transitions of the two El Niño types. Additionally, the LF-mixing type with ambiguous spatial features and complex life cycles is distinguished from the other two types. These results indicate that the two ENSO modes coexist in the tropical Pacific air–sea system, and their combination with changing amplitude is the key to explaining the spatiotemporal diversity of ENSO.
A Marginal Adjustment Rank Histogram Filter for Non-Gaussian Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2020

An extension to standard ensemble Kalman filter algorithms that can improve performance for non-Gaussian prior distributions, non-Gaussian likelihoods, and bounded state variables is described. The algorithm exploits the capability of the rank histogram filter (RHF) to represent arbitrary prior distributions for observed variables. The rank histogram algorithm can be applied directly to state variables to produce posterior marginal ensembles without the need for regression that is part of standard ensemble filters. These marginals are used to adjust the marginals obtained from a standard ensemble filter that uses regression to update state variables. The final posterior ensemble is obtained by doing an ordered replacement of the posterior marginal ensemble values from a standard ensemble filter with the values obtained from the rank histogram method applied directly to state variables; the algorithm is referred to as the marginal adjustment rank histogram filter (MARHF). Applications to idealized bivariate problems and low-order dynamical systems show that the MARHF can produce better results than standard ensemble methods for priors that are non-Gaussian. Like the original RHF, the MARHF can also make use of arbitrary non-Gaussian observation likelihoods. The MARHF also has advantages for problems with bounded state variables, for instance, the concentration of an atmospheric tracer. Bounds can be automatically respected in the posterior ensembles. With an efficient implementation of the MARHF, the additional cost has better scaling than the standard RHF.
The Expanding Frontiers of Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Schultz Jeremy F. , Mahapatra Sayantan , Li Linfei , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2020

Fundamental understanding of chemistry and physical properties at the nanoscale enables the rational design of interface-based systems. Surface interactions underlie numerous technologies ranging from catalysis to organic thin films to biological systems. Since surface environments are especially prone to heterogeneity, it becomes crucial to characterize these systems with spatial resolution sufficient to localize individual active sites or defects. Spectroscopy presents as a powerful means to understand these interactions, but typical light-based techniques lack sufficient spatial resolution. This review describes the growing number of applications for the nanoscale spectroscopic technique, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), with a focus on developments in areas that involve measurements in new environmental conditions, such as liquid, electrochemical, and ultrahigh vacuum. The expansion into unique environments enables the ability to spectroscopically define chemistry at the spatial limit. Through the confinement and enhancement of light at the apex of a plasmonic scanning probe microscopy tip, TERS is able to yield vibrational fingerprint information of molecules and materials with nanoscale resolution, providing insight into highly localized chemical effects.
Book review: Jude Blanchette. China’s New Red Guards: The Return of Radicalism and the Rebirth of Mao Zedong
Authors: Kewalramani Manoj
Published: May 2020

Jude Blanchette. China’s New Red Guards: The Return of Radicalism and the Rebirth of Mao Zedong (New York, USA: Oxford University Press, 2019). p. 224, $27.95, ISBN-13: 978-0190605841 (Hardcover).
Moving world, moving voices: A discussion with Daljit Nagra
Authors: Green Andrew
Published: May 2020

This interview explores a range of both emergent and persistent areas of interest in the work of Daljit Nagra. Nagra’s two latest books — Ramayana (2013) and British Museum (2017) — represent explorations of his interests in both “rootedness” — what it means to be connected or grounded in a cultural environment — and “route-edness” — what it means for cultures to travel and the impact of cultural journeying (Clifford, 1997). In both books he considers how cultures — both as individual and intertwined entities — in complex ways solidify and mutate; how they remain static and move. In this interview he explores his own shifting, layered, and sometimes uncomfortable relationship with diverse cultures, considering the extent to which and the means by which cultures “translate”. Underlining the inevitable clashes and dislocation such processes necessitate, via pluralism he identifies an essential desire for the meaningful connection of diverse cultures. Like the British Museum of the title of his most recent work, he sees the importance of his poetry as a project in human connectivity, asserting creative achievement, resilience, and value. In exploring these ideas, Nagra discusses the ways in which his work connects both to Indian culture in transition and translation and to canonical English Literature.

This interview was conducted in Uxbridge, West London on 6 December 2018.
Prescription Stimulant Diversion on a College Campus: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Correlates
Authors: Lam Cammie , Figueroa Wilma , Yomogida Kyle , Bavarian Niloofar
Published: May 2020

Prescription stimulant diversion is a behavior that increases the availability and accessibility of prescription stimulants for purposes such as misuse. As such, we aimed to develop a theory-guided understanding of diversion correlates. Data are from a probability sample of 499 undergraduate college students attending one California university. Participants completed a 100-item survey related to prescription stimulant misuse and diversion. We first calculated prevalence of diversion and associations with demographic variables. Next, to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental correlates of diversion, we estimated three separate nested logistic regression models. Prescription stimulant diversion during college was reported by approximately 10% of the sample. In the nested logistic analyses, diversion was found to be associated with intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental variables. These findings highlight the importance of examining a comprehensive set of correlates to identify subgroups of students at risk for engaging in sharing and/or selling of prescription stimulants.
Memory between Locality and Mobility: Diaspora, Holocaust and Exile as Reflected in Contemporary German-Jewish Literature
Authors: Ortner Jessica
Published: May 2020

Memory is not only a biological capability but also a social practice of constructing the past, which is carried out by social communities (e.g., the nation state, the family, and the church). Since the 1980s, memory studies has intertwined the concept of cultural memory with national narratives of the past that are to legitimize the connection between state, territory, and people. In the present time of growing migratory movements, memory studies has abandoned this “methodological nationalism” and turned its attention towards dynamic constructions of cultural memory. Indeed, memories cross national and cultural borderlines in various ways. The cultural memory of the Jewish people, ever since its beginning, has been defined by mobility. As the exile and forty years of wandering in the wilderness preceded the Conquest of Canaan and the building of the temple, the cultural memory of the Jewish people has always been based on the principle of extraterritoriality. The caesura of the Holocaust altered this ancient form of mobility into a superimposed rediasporization of the assimilated Jews that turned the eternal longing for Jerusalem into a secularized longing for the fatherland. This article presents examples of German-Jewish literature that is concerned with the intersection between the original diaspora memory, rediasporization and longing for a return to the fatherland. I will analyze literary writings by Barbara Honigmann and Vladimir Verlib that in a paradigmatic manner navigate between memory of the Holocaust, exile and the mythological past of Judaism, and negotiate the question of belonging to diverse territorial and mobile mnemonic communities.
Algorithmic Memory of Action, Place and Time
Authors: Matthee Nicolaas
Published: May 2020

This short article is based on the Young Scholar’s Panel at the Congress of the Societas Liturgica which was held in Durham in August 2019. In this article, the author reflects on the congress as a whole with some explorations into the role of algorithmic memory in society and how this pertains to anamnesis and liturgical memory.
Collection line optimisation in wind farms using improved ant colony optimisation
Authors: Wu Yi-wen , Wang Yong
Published: May 2020

Collection line optimisation plays an important role in reducing the wind farm construction cost and improving the reliability of collector system. First, the optimisation model of collection lines in wind farms is given. Based on the four-vertex-three-line inequality and Prim algorithm, an improved ant colony optimisation algorithm is introduced to minimise the total length of collection lines to reduce their cost. In addition, the K-means clustering algorithm is adopted to partition the total wind turbines into several groups for the improved ant colony optimisation algorithm to search the shortest collection lines. The improved ant colony optimisation algorithm is tested with a wind farm example and compared with the classic ant colony optimisation algorithm. Under the same preconditions, the experimental results show that compared to the classic ant colony optimisation algorithm, the improved ant colony optimisation algorithm finds shorter collection lines in radial configuration for the wind farm. In addition, the improved ant colony optimisation algorithm requires less computation cycles to find better collection lines.
Effect of Rail Pad Stiffness on Vehicle–Track Dynamic Interaction Excited by Rail Corrugation in Metro
Authors: Song Xiaolin , Qian Yu , Wang Kaiyun , Liu Pengfei
Published: May 2020

Rail corrugation can cause intense dynamic interaction between train and track, which can reduce riding comfort and lifespan of track structure, and even threaten running safety. Instead of investigating the root cause and growth of corrugation, this case study aims to investigate possible solutions to the excess train–track dynamic interaction excited by rail corrugation in a metro track through both numerical analysis and field experiments. Numerical analysis was performed based on a vehicle–track coupled dynamical model with field-measured rail corrugation information from two curves. The numerical analysis results indicated that rail pad stiffness was the key factor affecting wheel–rail contact force in the studied direct fixation type transit track system. Rail pads with a lower stiffness could reduce the wheel–rail interaction; however, softer rail pads will also increase the rail displacement. Therefore, both the wheel–rail contact force and rail displacement need to be considered while determining the optimal rail pad stiffness. New rail pads with a stiffness of 35 MN/m, which are softer than the original rail pads with a stiffness of 50 MN/m, were recommended for the track in this study. Through field validation and long-term monitoring, new rail pads have been proven to effectively reduce the vehicle–track dynamic interaction and ease the development of rail corrugation to a certain extent. Compared with regular rail grinding, using rail pads with the appropriate stiffness can save transit agencies a tremendous amount of time and cost. The observations from this case study can benefit transit facing rail corrugation problems.
Sensitivity Analysis to Define Guidelines for Predictive Control Design
Authors: Poelman M. C. , Hegyi A. , Verbraeck A. , van Lint J. W. C.
Published: May 2020

Signalized traffic control is important in traffic management to reduce congestion in urban areas. With recent technological developments, more data have become available to the controllers and advanced state estimation and prediction methods have been developed that use these data. To fully benefit from these techniques in the design of signalized traffic controllers, it is important to look at the quality of the estimated and predicted input quantities in relation to the performance of the controllers. Therefore, in this paper, a general framework for sensitivity analysis is proposed, to analyze the effect of erroneous input quantities on the performance of different types of signalized traffic control. The framework is illustrated for predictive control with different adaptivity levels. Experimental relations between the performance of the control system and the prediction horizon are obtained for perfect and erroneous predictions. The results show that prediction improves the performance of a signalized traffic controller, even in most of the cases with erroneous input data. Moreover, controllers with high adaptivity seem to outperform controllers with low adaptivity, under both perfect and erroneous predictions. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis contributes to understanding the relations between information quality and performance of signalized traffic control. In the design phase of a controller, this insight can be used to make choices on the length of the prediction horizon, the level of adaptivity of the controller, the representativeness of the objective of the control system, and the input quantities that need to be estimated and predicted the most accurately.
Working with psychotic anxieties in the group
Authors: Noack Amélie
Published: May 2020

The training of group analysts teaches the conductor mainly how to work with neurotic symptoms and anxieties. This article attempts to widen this frame by considering how to work with psychotic anxieties stemming from experiences in early infancy when the environment failed the patient in providing secure holding and a facilitating environment for growth. Using insights by Jung based on his association experiments and his complex theory, as well as Winnicott’s view of psychotic illness as a defence and his understanding of working with primitive agonies, this article describes how to work with psychotic anxieties in the group.
The Effects of Property Tax Abatements on School District Property Tax Bases and Rates
Authors: Kenyon Daphne , Wassmer Robert , Langley Adam , Paquin Bethany
Published: May 2020

The authors analyze the effects of property tax abatement on the property tax base and rates of school districts within a municipality offering the abatement using data from Franklin County, Ohio, one of the most populous counties in the United States. An increase in a school district’s Community Reinvestment Area abatement intensity correlates with (a) a decrease in the mill rate for real property, (b) a decrease in effective residential and nonresidential property tax rates, and (c) an increase in total market value of property. While these effects are small, they indicate that a municipality’s decision to abate has generated enough growth in property values, either through improvements to physical property or positive capitalization for existing property values, to offset the negative effects of an abatement. The reason for this may be that the restrictions and oversight used in this abatement program are greater than in most other places.
Efficacy Study of Folic Acid Supplementation on Homocysteine Levels in Adolescent Epileptics Taking Antiepileptic Drugs: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Bhosale Uma A. , Yegnanarayan Radha , Agrawal Akhil , Patil Ashwini
Published: May 2020

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition that requires long-term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, long-term employment of AEDs may lead to the onset of hyperhomocysteinemia, which has been found to modulate imperative metabolic mechanisms and induce cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Therefore, adolescent population that have been diagnosed with epilepsy and utilize AEDs are among the most vulnerable, exhibiting higher risks of developing CVDs.

Purpose: The present study was designed to explore the effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation on AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and CVD risk factors in adolescent epileptics.

Methods: The randomized clinical trial included adolescent epileptics (i.e., 10–19 years of age) of either sex, on antiepileptic therapy for > 6 months with high homocysteine levels (i.e., >10.9 µmol/L). At the time of enrolment, their baseline BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded. Participants were randomly assigned to either treatment or placebo groups and received the respective treatments. At the end of the first month, BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded and compared to determine the effect of FA on these parameters.

Results and conclusion: A significant fall in homocysteine levels was observed with FA supplementation ( P < 0.05). However, this fall was significantly high in valproic acid treated epileptic patients. In addition, we observed an improvement in high-density lipoprotein levels, a risk factor for CVDs, but the change was statistically insignificant ( P > 0.05). The study results suggest that FA supplementation in epileptic patients receiving AED therapy may minimize AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and other CVD risk factors.
Does Service Learning Work? Attitudes of College Students Toward Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Chang Seung Ho , Haegele Justin A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Service-learning has been used in adapted physical activity and education (APA/E) courses in kinesiology. However, evidence has been lacking to clarify the need for utilizing service-learning in APA/E courses as an avenue to change attitudes of students. Purpose: This study aimed to compare two APA/E courses, one with service-learning and another without, to examine the effect of hands-on experiences working with individuals with disabilities on the attitudes of kinesiology undergraduate students. Methodology/Approach: Seventy-six undergraduate students enrolled in two APA/E courses were divided into the experimental ( n = 28) and control group ( n = 48). Only the experimental group had service-learning, which required working with children with autism in a physical activity program for 8 weeks. Both groups completed a self-efficacy measure and the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons With Disabilities (MAS) questionnaire at pre- and posttest. Findings/Conclusions: The results showed a significant positive change in the experimental group’s affect subset scores of the MAS and the self-efficacy measure. No significant changes in all variables were found in the control group. Implications: The findings of the study indicate that including a service-learning component in APA/E courses would be essential to change attitudes and increase self-efficacy of kinesiology students.
Altered States or Much to Do About Nothing? A Study of When Cannabis Is Used in Relation to the Impact It Has on Performance
Authors: Bernerth Jeremy B. , Walker H. Jack
Published: May 2020

As more local, state, and national governments change laws regarding the legality of cannabis use, it is essential for organizations to understand how the workplace may be influenced by these changes. The current study begins to answer this question by examining the relationship between three temporal-based cannabis measures and five forms of workplace performance. Using data from 281 employees and their direct supervisors, our results indicate that cannabis use before and during work negatively relate to task performance, organization-aimed citizenship behaviors, and two forms of counterproductive work behaviors. At the same time, after-work cannabis use was not related (positively or negatively) to any form of performance as rated by the user’s direct supervisor. We discuss methodological, theoretical, and practical implications for researchers, organizations, and governmental agencies concerned with cannabis use.
Improving Transfer Medication Reconciliation in an Emirati Tertiary Hospital Utilizing the Irish Health Service Executive Model
Authors: Dannan Huda El , Ellahham Samer
Published: May 2020

Transfer is a vulnerable setting that increases the risk of medication errors. Medication reconciliation (MedRec) ensures accurate medication transfer at interfaces of care. It is addressed as a key performance indicator (KPI) in a tertiary hospital. The issue was failure to meet the KPI of more than 75%; the objective was to improve compliance with transfer MedRec. A quality improvement project was conducted utilizing physician active education, leadership support, and the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) change model. Compliance with the KPI did not improve with monthly monitoring and physician education. Following leadership support, compliance increased from 56% to 72% but was not sustained. Adoption of the change model yielded a sustainable improvement from 65% to 81% within 1 year of the intervention and a reduction in medication errors. Improvement in the MedRec process requires a culture of accountability to change. HSE expedited stakeholders’ engagement and implementation of the planned interventions.
Composite Hemangioendothelioma With Neuroendocrine Marker Expression: Report of a “Paraganglioma-Like” Paravertebral Case
Authors: Cheuk W. , Shum K. S. , Ng W. K. , Chan John K. C.
Published: May 2020

Composite hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor morphologically comprising several distinct vascular components and exhibits a borderline malignant potential. We described the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with an infiltrative mass in the paravertebral soft tissue. The tumor showed discrete nests of synaptophysin-expressing epithelioid cells accompanied by rich vasculature, features highly reminiscent of sympathetic paraganglioma. Further analysis revealed areas resembling spindle cell hemangioma, retiform hemangioendothelioma, cavernous hemangioma/lymphangioma, and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma without the myxohyaline matrix in the tumor, and a final diagnosis of composite hemangioendothelioma with synaptophysin expression was made. Critical appraisal of this recently described entity and its possible pathogenic relationship with retiform hemangioendothelioma were discussed.
Using Teacher Praise With Middle and High School Students
Authors: Haydon Todd , Musti-Rao Shobana , Kennedy Alana , Murphy Meredith , Hunter William , Boone Jason
Published: May 2020

Teacher praise is an evidence-based strategy shown to increase appropriate prosocial behavior and decrease disruptive behavior, particularly with elementary school age students. In this article, we provide direction and recommendations for using positive feedback with middle and high school students. A review of the research literature, guidelines for implementation, and online resources are presented, along with a case study example designed to apply the implementation guidelines in a secondary school setting.
Infection control measures in ophthalmology during the COVID-19 outbreak: A narrative review from an early experience in Italy
Authors: Veritti Daniele , Sarao Valentina , Bandello Francesco , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is infecting people and spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide. Italy is one of the most affected countries as of 30 March 2020. Public health response includes a rapid reorganization of the Italian National Healthcare System in order to reduce transmission of COVID-19 within hospitals and healthcare facilities, while optimizing the assistance to patients with severe COVID-19 complications.

Methods

We analysed the actions that were taken in three ophthalmology centres in northern Italy during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and how these measures affected patient’s attendance. In addition, due to the rapidly evolving scenario, we reviewed the evidence available during the course of this pandemic.

Results

A full reorganization of ophthalmology services is mandatory according to current existing infection containment measures in order to continue dispensing urgent procedures without endangering the community with amplification of the diffusion chain. Ophthalmologists are considered at elevated risk of exposure when caring patients and vice versa, due to their close proximity during eye examination. High volumes of procedures typically generated by ophthalmologists with concurrent implications on the risk of infection are considered when re-assessing healthcare facilities reorganization.

Conclusion

Containment measures in the event of pandemic due to infective agents should be well known by healthcare professionals and promptly applied in order to mitigate the risk of nosocomial transmission and outbreak.
Mammographic Breast Density Profile of Jordanian Women With Normal and Breast Cancer Findings
Authors: Al-Mousa Dana S , Alakhras Maram , Spuur Kelly M , Alewaidat Haytham , Rawashdeh Mohammad , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Brennan Patrick C
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To document the mammographic breast density (MBD) distribution of Jordanian women and the relationship with MBD with age. Correlation between breast cancer diagnosis and density was also explored.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 660 screening mammograms from King Abdullah University Hospital was conducted. Mammograms were classified into 2 groups: normal (return to routine screening) and breast cancer and rated using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 5th edition for MBD. The association between MBD and age was assessed by descriptive analyses and Kruskal-Wallis test. To compare between normal and breast cancer groups, chi-square post hoc tests with Bonferroni adjustment was used.

Results:

Groups consisted of 73.9% (n = 488) normal group and 26.1% (n = 172) breast cancer group. A significant inverse relationship was demonstrated between age and MBD among the normal ( r = −.319, P < .01) and breast cancer group ( r = −.569, P < .01). In total, 69% (n = 336) of women in the normal group and 71% (n = 122) in the breast cancer group and 79.1% (n = 159) of the normal group and 100% (n = 48) of the breast cancer group aged 40 to 49 years reported high MBD (ACR BI-RADS c or d).

Conclusions:

Most of women in both the normal and breast cancer groups evidenced increased MBD. Increased MBD was inversely proportional to age. As MBD has a known link to increased breast cancer risk and the decreased sensitivity of mammography and it is vital that future screening guidelines for Jordanian women consider the unique breast density distribution of this population.
Distribution of Plastic Debris in the Pacific and Caribbean Beaches of Panama
Authors: Delvalle de Borrero Denise , Fábrega Duque José , Olmos Jorge , Garcés-Ordóñez Ostin , Amaral Sonia Silva Gurgel do , Vezzone Mariana , de Sá Felizardo João Paulo , Meigikos dos Anjos Roberto
Published: May 2020

Microplastics are a global ubiquitous problem, which is becoming a major issue of concern at scientific and political levels around the world. This study presents physical and chemical characterizations of microplastic debris and a comparison between the spatial distribution and anthropogenic activities in 4 Panamanian beaches located in both sides of the Isthmus. Two of them (Juan Diaz and San Carlos beaches) are located toward the Pacific Ocean, Panamá Province, whereas the others (Palenque and Punta Galeta beaches) are located at the Caribbean Sea, Colón Province. They were chosen to show different landscape management and environmental impacts: touristic and protected areas; coastal areas that receive pollutants and marine litter from urban rivers or are used for local fishing activities. Plastic debris samples were collected and visually analyzed following the protocol proposed by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP). The physical characterization of the samples consisted in the determination of variables associated with the number of plastic particles, shape, color, and size. The characterization of the polymers was performed by the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. A high concentration of microplastics (353 items/m2) were found at the studied sites at the Caribbean coast, whereas a lesser concentration with a greater diversity of shapes and polymer categories were found at the Pacific Coast (187 items/m2). The results indicate that, in addition to anthropogenic activities, the proximity to Panama Canal installations, as well as seasonality, natural phenomena, winds, and ocean currents may be influencing the increase in microplastic contents and the types of polymers observed.
A User-Centric Design Approach to Understand International Education in the Contemporary World: Motivations and Gender Preferences for Studying in Europe
Authors: Donkor Felix Kwabena , Mazumder Ram Krishna , Hosseinzadeh Saeed , Roy Someshwar
Published: May 2020

Education holds promise as a vehicle for sustainable global development and human capacity development, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. International education has become a prominent feature in contemporary times on the educational landscape as students become increasingly mobile in pursuit of their right to education. This study investigates the key factors that motivate international students to undertake better quality education at higher education (university) level, particularly in Europe, and the underlying gender preferences for study destinations within the framework of push-pull factors. The study collected responses of 288 individuals from 84 countries who had undertaken some form of education in Europe through the European Commission-funded Erasmus Mundus (EM) Scholarship. Responses were collected through an online platform, Survey Monkey. Outcomes of the study revealed that Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Netherlands, and Spain are the most popular destinations for pursuing higher education in Europe. The United Kingdom is the most preferred destination for female students while Germany is the most preferred destination for male students, with slight changes for other countries. Key motivating factors for international education were found to be scholarship opportunity, better quality of education, and availability of the relevant study program. The least influencing factors were found to be the commonality of language, suitable environment (eg climate, temperature), geographical proximity, the scope of migration, and social cost.
Sustaining Primary Health Care Programs and Services: A Scoping Review Informing the Nurse Practitioner Role in Canada
Authors: Marceau Raelene , Hunter Kathleen , Montesanti Stephanie , O’ Rourke Tammy
Published: May 2020

Sustainability is a key concept in the politics and local policy of health care delivery, particularly during discussions on the principles of primary health care (PHC) and health care reform. In Canada, previous reforms in PHC were implemented with the goal of achieving long-term sustainable change in health systems across the country. However, insufficient resources and a changing environment have impeded the sustainability of many PHC programs and services. An example is the nurse practitioner (NP) role, which was introduced in Canada in 1967 but failed to be sustained. In the mid-1990s, in response to a call for PHC reform, the role was reimplemented with the support of government legislation, regulation, and remuneration mechanisms. However, despite evidentiary success of NP role effectiveness and efficiency in Canada’s health system, many barriers toward full implementation of the role continue to exist and sustainability remains at risk. This scoping review was undertaken to inform a research project exploring the closure of an NP clinic in a western Canadian province. The review searched relevant peer-reviewed and gray literature from Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, to better understand and describe the factors influencing sustainability of the NP role and other PHC programs and services.
An adaptive cooperation with reinforcement learning for robot soccer games
Authors: Hu Chunyang , Xu Meng , Hwang Kao-Shing
Published: May 2020

A strategy system with self-improvement and self-learning abilities for robot soccer system has been developed in this study. This work focuses on the cooperation strategy for the task assignment and develops an adaptive cooperation method for this system. This method was inspired by reinforcement learning (RL) and game theory. The developed system includes two subsystems: the task assignment system and the RL system. The task assignment system assigns one of the four roles, Attacker, Helper, Defender, and Goalkeeper, to each separate robot with the same physical and mechanical conditions to achieve cooperation. The assigned role to robots considers the situation in the game field. Each role has its own behaviors and tasks. The RL helps the Helper and Defender to improve the ability of their policy selection on the real-time confrontation. The RL system can not only learn to figure up how Helper helps its teammates to form an attack or a defense type but also learn to stand a proper defensive strategy. Some experiments on FIRE simulator and standard platform have been demonstrated that the proposed method performs better than the competitors.
Exercise training modulates glutamic acid decarboxylase-65/67 expression through TrkB signaling to ameliorate neuropathic pain in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xiangzhe , Wang Qinghua , Ding Jie , Wang Sheng , Dong Chuanming , Wu Qinfeng
Published: May 2020

Neuropathic pain is one of the most frequently stated complications after spinal cord injury. In post-spinal cord injury, the decrease of gamma aminobutyric acid synthesis within the distal spinal cord is one of the main causes of neuropathic pain. The predominant research question of this study was whether exercise training may promote the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67, which are key enzymes of gamma aminobutyric acid synthesis, within the distal spinal cord through tropomyosin-related kinase B signaling, as its synthesis assists to relieve neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Animal experiment was conducted, and all rats were allocated into five groups: Sham group, SCI/PBS group, SCI-TT/PBS group, SCI/tropomyosin-related kinase B-IgG group, and SCI-TT/tropomyosin-related kinase B-IgG group, and then T10 contusion SCI model was performed as well as the tropomyosin-related kinase B-IgG was used to block the tropomyosin-related kinase B activation. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were used for assessing pain-related behaviors. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin-related kinase B, CREB, p-REB, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 within the distal spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the distribution of CREB, p-CREB, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 within the distal spinal cord dorsal horn. The results showed that exercise training could significantly mitigate the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in post-spinal cord injury and increase the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin-related kinase B, CREB, p-CREB, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 within the distal spinal cord. After the tropomyosin-related kinase B signaling was blocked, the analgesic effect of exercise training was inhibited, and in the SCI-TT/tropomyosin-related kinase B-IgG group, the synthesis of CREB, p-CREB, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 within the distal spinal cord were also significantly reduced compared with the SCI-TT/PBS group. This study shows that exercise training may increase the glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 expression within the spinal cord dorsal horn through the tropomyosin-related kinase B signaling, and this mechanism may play a vital role in relieving the neuropathic pain of rats caused by incomplete SCI.
The relationship between breast size and aspects of health and psychological wellbeing in mature-aged women
Authors: Spencer Linda , Fary Robyn , McKenna Leanda , Jacques Angela , Lalor Jennifer , Briffa Kathy
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Increases in breast size with age are common but have not been widely examined as a factor that could affect the health and psychological wellbeing of mature-aged women. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between breast size and aspects of health and psychological wellbeing in mature-aged women.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of mature-aged women (⩾40 years). Breast size (breast size score) was determined from self-reported bra size and was examined against health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 and BREAST-Q), body satisfaction (numerical rating scale), breast satisfaction (BREAST-Q), physical activity levels (Human Activity Profile), the presence of upper back pain and breast and bra fit perceptions.

Results:

Two hundred sixty-nine women (40–85 years) with bra band sizes ranging from 8 to 26 and bra cup sizes from A to HH participated. The mean (standard deviation) breast size score of 7.7 (2.7) was equivalent to a bra size of 14DD. Increasing breast size was associated with significantly lower breast-related physical wellbeing ( p < 0.001, R2 = 0.043) and lower ratings of body ( p = 0.002, R2 = 0.024) and breast satisfaction ( p < 0.001, R2 = 0.065). Women with larger breasts were more likely to be embarrassed by their breasts (odds ratio: 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.31 to 1.70); more likely to desire a change in their breasts (odds ratio: 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.37 to 1.75) and less likely to be satisfied with their bra fit (odds ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 0.92). Breast size in addition to age contributed to explaining upper back pain. For each one-size increase in breast size score, women were 13% more likely to report the presence of upper back pain.

Conclusion:

Larger breast sizes have a small but significant negative relationship with breast-related physical wellbeing, body and breast satisfaction. Larger breasts are associated with a greater likelihood of upper back pain. Clinicians considering ways to improve the health and psychological wellbeing of mature-aged women should be aware of these relationships.
Brexit futures: Between a model and a martyr: An addendum to ‘Brexit and EU Legitimation’
Authors: Beaumont Paul
Published: May 2020

Brexit has a habit of rendering research redundant rapidly. Since I wrote ‘Brexit and EU Legitimation: Martyr for the EU Cause?’ (published in New Perspectives vol. 27 [3]), Boris Johnson has won a large majority on the back of his promise to ‘Get Brexit Done’ and his ability to pass a withdrawal agreement. As such the chances of a no-deal Brexit have receded (for now). This has not rendered my analysis obsolete, but reflecting upon Johnson’s slogan has led me to realise that my analysis could be broadened. In this addendum, I flesh out what is left ambiguous in the article and develop a more holistic framework for analysing the discursive effects of Brexit. In doing so, I make the argument that for the European Union (EU), Brexit will never be ‘done’, at least for the EU. Instead, Britain’s fortunes look set to become a bellwether for soft Eurosceptics considering turning hard. The extent to which Britain is perceived to bask in the ‘sunlit uplands’ or, conversely, to suffer economic and/or political disaster as a consequence of leaving the EU will inform whether Britain is used as a ‘model’ or a ‘martyr’ at any given time. Thus, Britain’s fortunes have thus become inextricably linked to the EU.
A new toolkit for land value analysis and scenario planning
Authors: Pettit Chris , Shi Y , Han H , Rittenbruch M , Foth M , Lieske S , van den Nouwelant R , Mitchell P , Leao S , Christensen B , Jamal M
Published: May 2020

In the digital era of big data, data analytics and smart cities, a new generation of planning support systems is emerging. The Rapid Analytics Interactive Scenario Explorer is a novel planning support system developed to help planners and policy-makers determine the likely land value uplift associated with the provision of new city infrastructure. The Rapid Analytics Interactive Scenario Explorer toolkit was developed following a user-centred research approach including iterative design, prototyping and evaluation. Tool development was informed by user inputs obtained through a series of co-design workshops with two end-user groups: land valuers and urban planners. The paper outlines the underlying technical architecture of the toolkit, which has the ability to perform rapid calculations and visualise the results, for the end-users, through an online mapping interface. The toolkit incorporates an ensemble of hedonic pricing models to calculate and visualise value uplift and so enable the user to explore what if? scenarios. The toolkit has been validated through an iterative case study approach. Use cases were related to two policy areas: property and land valuation processes (for land taxation purposes) and value uplift scenarios (for value capture purposes). The cases tested were in Western Sydney, Australia. The paper reports on the results of the ordinary least square linear regressions – used to explore the impacts of hedonic attributes on property value at the global level – and geographically weighted regressions – developed to provide local estimates and explore the varying spatial relationships between attributes and house price across the study area. Building upon the hedonic modelling, the paper also reports the value uplift functionality of the Rapid Analytics Interactive Scenario Explorer toolkit that enables users to drag and drop new train stations and rapidly calculate expected property prices under a range of future transport scenarios. The Rapid Analytics Interactive Scenario Explorer toolkit is believed to be the first of its kind to provide this specific functionality. As it is problem and policy specific, it can be considered an example of the next generation of data-driven planning support system.
Remanufacturing Scheme Design for Used Parts Based on Incomplete Information Reconstruction
Authors: Huang Wenhao , Jiang Zhigang , Wang Teng , Wang Yan , Hu Xiaoli
Published: May 2020

The different conditions of use of a component result in a variety of damage levels. Therefore, excluding differences in shape and size, used parts show a high degree of uncertainty regarding failure characteristics, quality conditions, and remaining life, which seriously affects the efficiency of a remanufacturing scheme design. Aiming to address this problem, a remanufacturing scheme design method based on the reconstruction of incomplete information of used parts is proposed. First, the remaining life of the reconstructed model is predicted by finite element analysis, and the demand for the next life cycle is determined. Second, the scanned 3D damage point cloud data are registered with the original point cloud data using the integral iterative method to construct a missing point cloud model to achieve the restoration of geometric information. Then, according to reverse engineering and laser cladding remanufacturing, the tool remanufacturing process path can be generated by the tool contact point path section line method. Finally, the proposed method is adopted for turbine blades to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme. This study proposes a remanufacturing scheme design method based on the incomplete reconstruction of used part information to solve the uncertain and highly personalized problems in remanufacturing.