bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive iterative learning control for switched discrete-time systems with stochastic measurement noise
Authors: Geng Yan , Ruan Xiaoe
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates an adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) scheme for a class of switched discrete-time linear systems with stochastic measurement noise. For the case when the subsystems dynamics are unknown and the switching rule is arbitrarily fixed, the iteration-wise input-output data-based system lower triangular matrix estimation is derived by means of minimizing an objective function with a gradient-type technique. Then, the AILC is constructed in an interactive form with system matrix estimation for the switched linear systems to track the desired trajectory. Based on the derivation of the boundedness of the estimation error of system matrix, by virtue of norm theory and statistics technique, the tracking error and the covariance matrix of the tracking error are derived to be bounded, respectively. Finally, the AILC concept is extended to nonlinear systems by utilizing linearization techniques. Simulation results illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed AILC schemes.
Neurosarcoidosis Presenting as Isolated Bilateral Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Crawford Fred , Alvi Sameer A. , Brahimaj Bledi , Byrne Richard , Kocak Mehmet , Wiet Richard Mark
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

To describe a unique case of isolated bilateral sarcoidosis of the cerebellopontine angle as well as the related imaging in the case. To conduct a literature review of the published articles regarding sarcoidosis of the cerebellopontine angle.

Data Sources:

Representative case report from a single institution as well as PubMed and Scopus database searches.

Methods:

In addition to a retrospective review, all published case reports and case series of sarcoidosis involving the cerebellopontine angle from 1960 to July 2018 in the English language were reviewed. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, and outcomes were collected.

Results:

We identified 8 total cases with pertinent clinical information that were included.

Conclusions:

Isolated neurosarcoidosis of the cerebellopontine angle is an exceptionally rare phenomenon that, on history and imaging, presents similar to more common retrocochlear pathologies. Surgery may be required in large lesions unresponsive to traditional medical therapy with immunosuppression.
Intensive Mothers, Cautionary Tale Fathers: Adult Children’s Perceptions of Parental Influence on Health
Authors: Kissling Alexandra , Reczek Corinne
Published: September 2019

Parents strongly influence children’s health, yet how parents continue to shape the health of midlife adult children remains unknown. Moreover, while most adults are married by midlife, research has failed to identify the effects of parent-in-law relationships on midlife adult well-being. Using interviews with 90 individuals in 45 marriages, we investigate how midlife adults perceive the influence of parents and parents-in-law on adult child health. Findings reveal that particularly mothers and mothers-in-law positively influence child’s health via support during, or in anticipation of, illness and injury. The health experiences of parents and in-laws, particularly fathers/in-law, become cautionary tales preparing adult children for future health issues. Yet parents/in-law also have negative influence on adult children during midlife due to parents’ compounding health needs. We use family systems theory to show how parents/in-laws are intertwined in ways that influence health during children’s midlife that has ramifications into later life.
Essential References for Structural Analysis of the Peripheral Nervous System for Pathologists and Toxicologists
Authors: Bolon Brad , Krinke Georg J. , Pardo Ingrid D.
Published: September 2019

Toxicologic neuropathology for the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a vital but often underappreciated element of basic translational research and safety assessment. Evaluation of the PNS may be complicated by unfamiliarity with normal nerve and ganglion biology, which differs to some degree among species; the presence of confounding artifacts related to suboptimal sampling and processing; and limited experience with differentiating such artifacts from genuine disease manifestations and incidental background changes. This compilation of key PNS neurobiology, neuropathology, and neurotoxicology references is designed to allow pathologists and toxicologists to readily access essential information that is needed to enhance their proficiency in evaluating and interpreting toxic changes in PNS tissues from many species.
National Toxicology Program Position Statement on Informed (“Nonblinded”) Analysis in Toxicologic Pathology Evaluation
Authors: Sills Robert C. , Cesta Mark F. , Willson Cynthia J. , Brix Amy E. , Berridge Brian R.
Published: September 2019

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) uses histopathological evaluation of animal tissues as a key element in its toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. The initial histopathological evaluations are subjected to a rigorous peer review process involving several steps. The NTP peer review process is conducted by multiple, highly trained, and experienced toxicological pathologists employing standardized terminology. In addition, ancillary data, such as body and organ weights and clinical pathology findings, are used to corroborate the diagnoses. The NTP does employ masked analysis to confirm subtle lesions or severity scores, as needed, and during its Pathology Working Groups. The use of masked analysis can have a negative effect on histopathological evaluation because it is important for the pathologist to compare treated groups to the concurrent controls, which would not be possible in a blinded evaluation. Therefore, the NTP supports an informed approach to histopathological evaluation in its toxicity and carcinogenicity studies.
The influence of blowing agent addition, talc filler content, and injection velocity on selected properties, surface state, and structure of polypropylene injection molded parts
Authors: Palutkiewicz Paweł , Trzaskalska Milena , Bociąga Elżbieta
Published: September 2019

The effects of blowing agent, talc, and injection velocity on properties of polypropylene molded parts were presented. Blowing agent was dosed to plastic in amounts 1–2% and talc 10–20%. The results of selected properties, such as weight, thickness, hardness, impact strength, tensile strength, and gloss, were presented. The article also presents microscopic investigations. The blowing agent and talc content have a large impact on mechanical properties and gloss of parts than addition of blowing agent. The use of the blowing agent in an amount of 2 wt% will allow the reduce injection cycle time by reducing the hold pressure and hold time. Addition of blowing agents lowers of tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, and significantly affected the gloss. Talc filler contributes to a significant increase in the weight of parts, a decrease in hardness, impact strength, and tensile strength. The injection velocity has no significant effect on parts properties.
When Do Friendships Help Versus Hurt? Perceived Best Friend Victimization and Support as Moderators of Peer Victimization-Related Distress
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Juvonen Jaana
Published: September 2019

Although high-quality friendships are presumed to protect peer-victimized adolescents from distress, evidence supporting this claim is mixed. This study investigated whether the protective function of high-quality best friendships for victimized youth varies depending on adolescents’ perceptions of their best friend’s victimization. Among a sample of 1,667 eighth graders, we tested the effects of self-perceived victimization, best friend emotional support, and best friend victimization on depressive symptoms and social anxiety across eighth grade. Perceptions of higher emotional support buffered links between boys’ victimization and depressive symptoms. Perceived emotional support buffered links between girls’ victimization and internalizing symptoms if they viewed their best friend as nonvictimized, but it amplified such associations if they viewed their friend as victimized. These results suggest that although perceptions of best friend emotional support benefit peer-victimized youth, highly intimate friendships between victimized adolescent girls may promote maladaptive coping and increased distress.
Mode and Frame Matter: Assessing the Impact of Survey Mode and Sample Frame in Choice Experiments
Authors: Watson Verity , Porteous Terry , Bolt Tim , Ryan Mandy
Published: September 2019

Background. Choice experiments (CE) are applied in health economics to elicit public preferences and willingness to pay (WTP). CEs are frequently administered as Internet-based surveys. Internet surveys have recognized advantages, but concerns exist about the representativeness of Internet samples, data quality, and the impact on elicited values. Aim. We conducted the first study in health comparing an Internet-based CE survey with the more traditional general population mail survey. We also compared the Internet-based and mail CE surveys with computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPIs), which are commonly used to elicit health state valuations. Methods. Two separate samples were drawn from 2 United Kingdom (UK) volunteer Internet panels (IPs), CAPIs were undertaken with respondents sampled from UK Census Output Areas, and mail surveys were sent to UK households drawn from the postcode address file (PAF). Each mode received more than 1000 respondents. We compared modes and frames using objective measures (response rate, sample representativeness of the UK population, elicited values, theoretical validity, and cost per response) and subjective/self-reported measures (time taken to complete the study, perceived study consequentiality, and stated attribute nonattendance). This study intentionally confounded the survey modes and sample frame by choosing sample frames that are typically used by researchers for each mode. Results. Estimated WTP differs across mode-frame pairs. On most measures, CAPIs dominated. They are more expensive, however. On all measures, except response rates, Internet surveys dominated the mail survey. They were also cheaper. Conclusion. Researchers using IPs should pay attention to response rates and be aware that the quality of IPs differs. Given the importance of perceived consequentiality and attribute attendance in CEs, future research should address their impact across modes and frames.
Pains of Imprisonment Beyond Prison Walls: Qualitative Research With Females Labelled as Not Criminally Responsible
Authors: Mertens Anouk , Vander Laenen Freya
Published: September 2019

Research on the importation and deprivation models has focused almost exclusively on male inmates, and these models have not yet been studied in any setting other than prison. This research explores the importation and deprivation experiences of females labelled as not criminally responsible (FNCR). During the first part of the study, all the participants interviewed were in prison ( n = 51). Follow-up interviews were carried out 18 months later, and while some participants were still in prison, others had been moved to (forensic or general) care. At that point, the study transcended the prison walls and extended its theoretical framework to forensic and general care facilities. In conclusion, the importation and deprivation framework, and the pains defined by Crewe, can be applied to FNCR in different types of setting. Most women were strongly affected by deprivations in prisons and in forensic care. Participants in forensic care sometimes felt more deprived than those in prison facilities.
The geography of statistics: Social statistics from moral science to big data
Authors: Prince Russell
Published: September 2019

Statistics are central to the state’s capacities. However, with the advent of ‘big data’ some argue it is being undermined in favour of a new configuration of corporate power. We need to understand statistics both historically and geographically to understand how it is intertwined with the geography of power today. Three strands to the geography of statistics are proposed: the geography of statistical institutions and agencies; the geography of ‘datafication’; and the geographies produced by statistics. Tracing the geography of statistics demonstrates its role in the construction of a hierarchical world and explains the consequences of changes in statistical practice.
Review of empirical solar radiation models for estimating global solar radiation of various climate zones of China
Authors: Gouda Shaban G , Hussein Zakia , Luo Shuai , Yuan Qiaoxia
Published: September 2019

Utilizing solar energy requires accurate information about global solar radiation (GSR), which is critical for designers and manufacturers of solar energy systems and equipment. This study aims to examine the literature gaps by evaluating recent predictive models and categorizing them into various groups depending on the input parameters, and comprehensively collect the methods for classifying China into solar zones. The selected groups of models include those that use sunshine duration, temperature, dew-point temperature, precipitation, fog, cloud cover, day of the year, and different meteorological parameters (complex models). 220 empirical models are analyzed for estimating the GSR on a horizontal surface in China. Additionally, the most accurate models from the literature are summarized for 115 locations in China and are distributed into the above categories with the corresponding solar zone; the ideal models from each category and each solar zone are identified. Comments on two important temperature-based models that are presented in this work can help the researchers and readers to be unconfused when reading the literature of these models and cite them in a correct method in future studies. Machine learning techniques exhibit performance GSR estimation better than empirical models; however, the computational cost and complexity should be considered at choosing and applying these techniques. The models and model categories in this study, according to the key input parameters at the corresponding location and solar zone, are helpful to researchers as well as to designers and engineers of solar energy systems and equipment.
Beaver canals and their environmental effects
Authors: Grudzinski Bartosz P , Cummins Hays , Vang Teng Keng
Published: September 2019

Beaver canals and their environmental effects are much less studied than beaver dams, despite being widespread in some beaver-inhabited areas. In this study, we completed a systematic review of previous research on the structure and ecosystem effects of beaver canals to provide an increasingly holistic understanding of these landscape features. Specifically, we: 1) summarized why, where, when, and how beaver develop canals; 2) chronicled all published descriptions on beaver canal morphology; and 3) summarized the literature on the environmental effects of beaver canals. Thirty-one relevant studies were identified and incorporated into this review. Beaver canals have been identified in numerous environments ranging from largely undeveloped mountainous regions to heavily developed agricultural landscapes. Beaver primarily develop canals to increase accessibility to riparian resources, facilitate transport of harvested resources, and to decrease predation risk. As with beaver dams, beaver canals exhibit large structural variability, particularly in lengths, which can be over 0.5 km. Widths of about 1 m and depths of about 0.5 m are common. Beaver canals alter watershed hydrology by creating new aquatic habitats, connecting isolated aquatic features, and diverting water into colonized areas. Beaver canals have been identified as favored habitats for several biotic species and are sometimes used during critical life stages (e.g. dispersal). In addition to increasing overall floral and faunal species richness and diversity, beaver canals may benefit biota by mitigating habitat fragmentation and climate change impacts. Based on the results of this review, incorporating beaver canals into stream restoration practices may be environmentally beneficial.
Calibrating thermoelastic stress analysis with integrated digital image correlation: Application to fatigue cracks
Authors: Gamot Juliette , Lasserre Thibaut , Richard Louis , Neggers Jan , Swiergiel Nicolas , Hild François
Published: September 2019

This article discusses the dual use of digital image correlation and thermoelastic stress analyses for the study of propagating cracks. It is shown that a few critical parameters such as emissivity and the thermoelastic constant required for the latter can be calibrated with the former. A unified framework is introduced, which treats both experimental techniques equally to locate crack tips, and then evaluate stress intensity factors. This framework allows for a detailed and quantitative comparison between both methods. It is found that, for the case at hand, the thermoelastic stress analyses outputs were less noise sensitive while the digital image correlation method was less dependent on calibration. The proposed procedure was very robust for finding the crack tip location for both experimental methods.
Contemporary populist politics through the macroscopic lens of Randall Collins’s conflict theory
Authors: Schroeder Ralph
Published: September 2019

This paper draws on Collins’s conflict theory to understand the contemporary surge of populism. It puts forward an account centred on citizenship rights and the state, and on ‘my nation first’ politics in four countries: the US, Sweden, India and China. Collins has identified a capitalist crisis, the dynamics of geopolitical legitimacy, and state-penetrating bureaucracy as three central processes in modern societies. Especially the last of these focuses attention on the conflict between cosmopolitan elites and ‘the people’, construed in exclusionary terms, which is on the rise in all of the four cases discussed here. The paper analyses the similarities and differences between them, and sketches the prospects for populist politics.
Reply to Thesis Eleven symposium
Authors: Collins Randall
Published: September 2019

Collins comments on status groups, micro-macro links, failures of peace dialogue, violence and confrontational tension/fear, educational credential inflation, creativity in intellectual networks, time-dynamics of nationalism and populism.
Oil wealth and US public support for war
Authors: Muradova Lala , Gildea Ross James
Published: September 2019

How does the oil wealth of a potential target state affect the likelihood of the US public favoring the use of military force? Recent studies suggest that public opinion on foreign policy is responsive to the core characteristics of target states, such as regime type and majority religion. This article advances this research agenda by examining the effects of intra-regime heterogeneity in respect of an important characteristic of target states: their oil wealth. To examine the relationship between oil wealth and US public opinion on war, we fielded a conjoint experiment with US citizens. Respondents chose between hypothetical pairs of target states that varied across seven different intra-regime characteristics. We found that that the oil wealth of a target exerts a statistically significant (albeit small) effect on public support for the use of force, independent of the effects of other regime characteristics.
Ambient virtual scribes: Mutuo Health’s AutoScribe as a case study of artificial intelligence-based technology
Authors: Crampton Noah H.
Published: September 2019

Studies show that clinicians are increasingly burning out in large part from the clerical burden associated with using Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems. At the same time, recently developed health data analytic algorithms struggle with poor quality free-text entered data in these systems. We developed AutoScribe using artificial intelligence–based natural language processing tools to automate these clerical tasks and to output high-quality EMR data. In this article, we describe the benefits and drawbacks of our technology. Furthermore, we describe how we are positioning our company’s culture within the existing healthcare system and suggest steps leaders of the system should consider in order to ensure that potentially transformative artificial intelligence–based technologies like ours are optimally adopted.
Challenges to Detecting and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Roma Women in Spain: Perspectives of Primary Care Providers
Authors: Briones-Vozmediano E. , Castellanos-Torres E. , Goicolea I. , Vives-Cases C.
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study is to identify challenges and facilitators for detecting and addressing cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) against Roma women, from the perspectives of health personnel and representatives of Roma organizations, and to compare both perspectives. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews were carried out between November 2014 and February 2015 in different Spanish cities. A thematic analysis was carried out, guided by Aday and Andersen’s model regarding barriers to access to health services. Both groups signaled the following as principal challenges: (a) consideration of IPV as a private problem among the Roma population, (b) little use of primary care providers for prevention, (c) distrust of Roma women toward primary care professionals as resources for seeking help, (d) the inexistence of Roma professionals in health services, (e) health professionals’ lack of cultural sensitivity related to Roma people, and (f) the focus of health protocols for action against IPV on filing a police report. Potential facilitating factors included Roma women’s trust in nurses, social workers, and pediatricians and ethnic heterogeneity. There is need to promote action to address the identified challenges through a health equity approach that includes greater training and awareness raising among health professionals about Roma culture and the specific needs of Roma women.
Sexual Homicide in France and Canada: An International Comparison
Authors: Chopin Julien , Beauregard Eric
Published: September 2019

Despite a recent increase in the number of studies published on sexual homicide (SH), several of these studies have been based on small and nonrepresentative samples. This study aims to describe and compare two samples of SH from France ( n = 412) and Canada ( n = 350) where data have been collected and coded with the same tool. The data include variables related to the crime, the offender, and the victim characteristics. The overarching goal is to further the knowledge about French SH and to assess the possibility of merging French and Canadian cases to create a cross-national database of 772 cases of SH. Among the 126 variables included in the comparative analysis, 31 (24.60%) presented significant differences between the two samples. Overall, findings suggest that SH cases between the two countries are more similar than they are different.
Does Hearing Loss in the Elderly Individuals Conform to Impairment of Specific Cognitive Domains?
Authors: Guglielmi Valeria , Marra Camillo , Picciotti Pasqualina M. , Masone Iacobucci Giovanna , Giovannini Silvia , Quaranta Davide , Anzivino Roberta , Paludetti Gaetano , Conti Guido
Published: September 2019

Background:

It is well known that age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is strongly associated with dementia. Different hypotheses have been considered to explain this link, including sensorial deprivation, the reduction in cognitive reserve, and the presence of shared pathological pathways (microvascular damage of the brain).

Aims:

We carried out a study of the audiological and neuropsychological characteristics of a sample of hearing impaired but cognitively healthy individuals (HIH). The aim of our study was to carefully outline the neuropsychological profile of the patients in order to verify whether hearing loss correlated with deficits in specific cognitive domains.

Results:

Episodic memory is affected by the presence of hearing loss, while semantic competences, syntactic, and grammar skills seem not to be affected. Furthermore, some audiological features linked to the intelligibility of spoken words can predict the presence of executive dysfunction; the same does not apply to memory impairment.

Conclusion:

In HIH, executive functions are widely employed in maintaining an acceptable level of comprehension of spoken language; consequently, other cognitive domains and instrumental abilities in HIH are not properly supported. Thus, it is arguable that programs of hearing rehabilitation for HIH could restore the allocation of attentional resources to the functioning of other cognitive domains.
Patterns of Teacher Attrition by Preparation Pathway and Initial School Type
Authors: Guthery Sarah , Bailes Lauren P.
Published: September 2019

This study examines the retention rates of new teachers in Texas given their initial certification type and initial school setting. The 5-year persistence rates of 175,664 teachers from 2000 to 2015 are analyzed using logistic regression to calculate the probability of new teacher persistence at the school, district, and state level. Main findings suggest that teachers’ certification type and initial school setting are statistically significant predictors of new teacher persistence, and traditionally licensed teachers initially placed in traditional public school are more likely to persist when compared with other preparation types or initial placements into charter schools.
Effect of hydraulic flow rate, injection timing, and exhaust gas recirculation on particulate and gaseous emissions in a light-duty diesel engine
Authors: Mohiuddin Khawar , Choi Minhoo , Park Junkyu , Park Sungwook
Published: September 2019

Nozzle hydraulic flow rate is a critical parameter that affects the combustion process and plays a vital role in the production of emissions from a diesel engine. In this study, injection characteristics, such as normalized injection rate and spray tip penetration, were analyzed for different hydraulic flow rate injectors with the help of spray experiments. To further investigate the effects of hydraulic flow rate on engine-out particulate and gaseous emissions, engine experiments were performed for different values of hydraulic flow rate in multiple injectors. Various operating conditions and loading configurations were examined, and the effects of varying start of injection and exhaust gas recirculation rates for different hydraulic flow rates were analyzed. A separate Pegasor Particle Sensor (PPS-M) sensor was used to measure and collect data on the particle number, and an analysis was conducted to investigate the relation of particle number with hydraulic flow rate, injection timing, and exhaust gas recirculation rate. Results of the spray experiment exhibited a decreasing injection duration and increasing spray tip penetration with increasing hydraulic flow rate. Effect of hydraulic flow rate on combustion and emission characteristics were analyzed from engine experiment results. Least ignition delay was achieved using a smaller hole diameter, retarded injection timing, and lowest EGR%. Higher hydraulic flow rate with retarded injection timing and higher EGR% helped in reduction of NOx emissions and brake-specific fuel consumption, but particulate emissions were increased. Best particulate matter–NOx trade-off was achieved with lowest hydraulic flow rate.
Bread for advancing the right to the city: academia, grassroots groups and the first cooperative bakery in a Chilean informal settlement
Authors: Vergara-Perucich José-Francisco , Arias-Loyola Martín
Published: September 2019

This article describes the creation of a cooperative bakery whose significance is fourfold: (1) it is the first located inside a Chilean campamento (informal settlement); (2) it was organized and managed by inhabitants, mostly Latin American immigrant women; (3) its implementation faced diverse conflicts that serve as lessons for similar experiences; and (4) it provides evidence from the field about strategies for advancing the right to the city agenda. The bakery was conceived by the community as a strategy to control the means of production. The study used a critical research approach, whereby researchers assumed an active role in the community processes around the formation of the cooperative. The article discusses the potential of cooperative socioeconomic organization as a path to developing community autonomy. It presents the Rayito de Sol bakery with its highs and lows, and reflects on the results of the project as a spatial, social and political approach to the relationship between academic communities and public institutions.
Dynamic analysis and stabilizing control of three-axis spherical gimbal
Authors: Yao Wu-Sung , Hsueh Po-Wen , Yeh Hsien-Tang
Published: September 2019

Nowadays, stabilized gimbals have been popular products on the present market for unmanned aerial vehicle. Rejecting multi-periodic vibration disturbance is a key point for accuracy motion of the gimbal under the flight operation of unmanned aerial vehicle. In this study, a stable control scheme of a three-axis spherical gimbal is proposed, where a new method for synthesizing multi-iterative learning control algorithm is exported. To design the controller, the mathematic modeling of the three-axis control system is earned and determined by spectrum analysis of the proposed gimbal. Performance and stability of the control system are analyzed and are evaluated in an experimental disturbance rejecting control system. Both computer simulation and experimental results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed iterative learning controller design.
Dealing with ethical and existential issues at end of life through co-creation
Authors: Hemberg Jessica , Bergdahl Elisabeth
Published: September 2019

Background

In research on co-creation in nursing, a caring manner can be used to create opportunities for the patient to reach vital goals and thereby increase the patient’s quality of life in palliative home care. This can be described as an ethical cornerstone and the goal of palliative care. Nurses must be extra sensitive to patients’ and their relatives’ needs with regard to ethical and existential issues and situations in home care encounters, especially at the end of life.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of dealing with ethical and existential issues through co-creation at the end of life in palliative home care.

Research design, participants, and research context

The material consisted of texts from interviews with 12 nurses in a home care context. A hermeneutical approach was used, and the method was inspired by a thematic analysis.

Ethical considerations

Informed consent was sought from the participants regarding study participation and the storage and handling of data for research purposes. Ethical permission to conduct the study was given from organizations that participated in this study.

Findings

A main theme and four subthemes emerged. The main theme was “Deep co-creative relationships are needed to manage ethical and existential issues at the end of life.” A model was created to display the findings and relations between ethical issues and situations and the need for a deep trustful caring relationship to solve problems in palliative home care.

Discussion

Together, the themes can be considered as a tool for learning and dealing with ethical and existential issues at the end of life in home care. The themes can also be seen as a part of nurses’ ethical competence within this context.

Conclusion

The quality of life at the end of life can be improved through co-creation, despite difficult ethical and existential issues. Future research should focus on co-creation from the patients’ perspective.
Consumption Uncertainty Reduction Among Sweet Potato Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania
Authors: Waryoba Fulgence Dominick , Jing Li
Published: September 2019

This study examines food production and consumption among smallholder sweet potato farmers in the selected districts of Tanzania, namely Kishapu and Mvomero. Inter-cropping is commonly practiced among smallholder farmers in the study area to shield against harvest failure due to unpredictable weather change. Crop productivity in the study area was low for almost all staples selected for the analysis, leading to low food consumption among smallholder farmers and their household members in the study area. Most smallholder farmers’ food consumption in the study area was below the minimum standard. Some households failed to provide three meals for their family members, including children, pregnant mothers, and lactating mothers. Some farmers could only afford one meal. The calorie intake analysis indicated that more than half of the households surveyed had less than minimum caloric intake in both the pre- and post-harvest period. Due to food consumption uncertainty, smallholder farmers hardly changed their consumption level as their income changed. Even though consumption was inelastic, consumption inequality closely followed income inequality among smallholder farmers in the study area. Food crop productivity improvement was vital in reducing food consumption uncertainty among smallholder farmers in the study area.
A Network Analysis of the Intersectoral Linkages Between Manufacturing and Other Industries in China and Italy
Authors: Monarca Umberto , Cassetta Ernesto , Re Michele Lo , Meleo Linda
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the structural changes in global manufacturing and the economic crisis have sparked renewed interest in the role of manufacturing sector in driving economic development. Based on data from the World Input–Output Database (WIOD), this article uses network analysis (NA) to describe and compare inter-sectoral linkages between manufacturing and other sectors in two national economies, Italy and China, characterized by different stages of industrialization. The main metrics of the networks identified (at both node and network level) are discussed from an economic perspective. Besides confirming that manufacturing still has a fundamental role as the main source of demand for other economic activities in both countries, results highlight some fundamental differences in the structural characteristics of inter-sectoral linkages between China and Italy. Our exploratory analysis provides policymakers a complementary framework to illustrate backward and forward linkage effects, as well as potential knowledge and technology flows between industries.
Central and Eastern European Countries Toward the Belt and Road Initiative: The Role of 16+1 Initiative
Authors: Bąk Monika
Published: September 2019

The 16+1 concept (including 16 Central and Eastern European countries and China) is complementary to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This article explores different aspects of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), focusing on the perception of cooperation through the prism of foreign direct investments (FDI) and individual Central and Eastern Europe-16 (CEE-16) countries (bilateral links between China and a given country against the background of CEE-16). This article is an attempt to present and interpret facts and issues related to cooperation as well as to explore rational applications in terms of future forms of cooperation. It is clear that there is a need to develop more effective mechanisms of cooperation, using the established secretariats and other institutions beyond them. The article also makes recommendations for bilateral cooperation between China and individual countries, including actions at the regional level. Moreover, the postulates resulting from this analysis indicate the need to harmonize and improve the availability of economic data relating to economic cooperation within the framework of the 16+1 initiative, especially in the context of the group of European countries outside the European Union (EU).
The Association of Internet Addiction and Perceived Parental Protective Factors Among Malaysian Adolescents
Authors: Awaluddin S Maria Binti , Ying Ying Chan , Yoep Norzawati , Paiwai Faizah , Lodz Noor Aliza , Muhammad Eida Nurhadzira , Mahmud Nur Azna , Ibrahim Wong Norazizah , Mohamad Nor Noor Safiza , Nik Abd Rashid Nik Rubiah
Published: September 2019

Parental protective factors do play an important role in preventing Internet addiction. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure health risk behaviors among Malaysian adolescents. The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher among adolescents with perceived lack of parental supervision (30.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.7-31.4]) and lack of parental connectedness (30.1% [95% CI = 28.5-31.7]), compared with their counterparts. Adolescents who perceived a lack of parental supervision, respect for privacy, connectedness, and bonding were more likely to have Internet addiction: (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27-1.52), (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.16-1.31), (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02-1.16), (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00-1.12), respectively. Among girls, Internet addiction was associated with those who perceived lack in all 4 parental factors, while among boys, those who perceived lack of parental supervision and respect for privacy were more prone to Internet addiction.
Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Explore Health Care Perceptions of a Select Group of Arab Americans
Authors: Leh Sandra Kundrik , Saoud Sylvia
Published: September 2019

Introduction: As the Arab American population grows in the United States, relatively little has been published about the health status of this population. The purpose of the research was to (1) discover health care perceptions of Arab Americans and (2) identify strategies to ensure the provision of culturally congruent health care. Method: Community-based participatory research methodology was used for this descriptive study. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with Arab Americans residing in northeast Pennsylvania. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) perceptions of health resulting in delays in seeking health care, (2) cultural values and practices resulting in need for culturally congruent provision of care, and (3) mistrust of the U.S. health care system resulting in underutilization of services. Discussion: Results indicate the need for nurses to implement culturally congruent community-based strategies and interventions for meeting health care needs of Arab Americans. By understanding the community’s perceptions and attitudes, nurses will be better positioned to ultimately move toward the goal of reducing health disparities in this underserved population.
Load and stiffness of a hydrostatic bearing lubricated with a Bingham plastic fluid
Authors: Lampaert Stefan GE , van Ostayen Ron AJ
Published: September 2019

Using a smart fluid, for example, magnetorheological or electrorheological, in a hydrostatic bearing gives the possibility to actively change the bearing properties during operation. This work presents an analytical model to predict the load and stiffness of a planar hydrostatic bearing lubricated with a Bingham plastic fluid. The model is validated with the use of a numerical model that uses the Bingham–Papanastasiou regularization to achieve convergence. The model gives insight into the size of the operational range of the bearing and the load characteristic.
Exploring Access, Intersectionality, and Privilege in Undergraduate Music Education Courses
Authors: Escalante Samuel
Published: September 2019

Music teacher educators often work to prepare preservice music teachers to be socially conscious and adopt dispositions toward teaching in socially just ways. Preservice teachers’ beliefs, attitudes, and dispositions toward social justice issues may not be sufficiently challenged, however, unless coursework is appropriately conceived. I designed a three-part workshop to introduce and explore the concepts of access, intersectionality, and privilege, and then conducted a basic qualitative study to examine undergraduate music education students’ understandings of and attitudes toward sensitive social justice issues, as well as their experiences with the workshop. I found that exploring sociological concepts related to social justice through interactive activities and allowing students safe methods for expressing themselves, such as journaling, may facilitate the adoption of positive dispositions among preservice teachers toward toward social justice issues.
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Fiume Monice M. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2019

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 20 sorbitan esters; this report included sorbitan esters that were reviewed in 1985 and 2002, as well as 3 previously unreviewed sorbitan esters (sorbitan undecylenate, sorbitan sesquicaprylate, and sorbitan palmate). Most of the sorbitan esters are reported to function in cosmetics as surfactant-emulsifying agents. The Panel reviewed the data from previous sorbitan ester reports, as well as additional data included in this report, to determine the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that the sorbitan esters included in this safety assessment are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.
Molecular Docking of Broad-Spectrum Antibodies on Hemagglutinins of Influenza A Virus
Authors: Le Khanh PB , Do Phuc-Chau , Amaro Rommie E , Le Ly
Published: September 2019

Influenza A has caused several deadly pandemics throughout human history. The virus is often resistant to developed treatments because of its genetic drift or shift property. Broad-spectrum antibodies show a promising potential to overcome the resistance of influenza viruses. In silico studies on broad-reactive antibodies and their interactions with hemagglutinins might shed light on the rational design of a universal vaccine. In this study, 11 broad-spectrum antibodies (or antigen-binding fragments) and 14 hemagglutinins of H3N2 and H5N1 strains were docked and analyzed to provide information about the construction of the scaffold for using universal antibodies against the influenza A virus. Antigen-binding fragments that have high number of appearances in the top 3 within each H3 and H5 subtypes were chosen for protein-protein interaction analysis. The results show that while the hydrogen bond is important for Ab/Fab binding to H3, the H5-Ab/Fab system may need cation-pi interaction for a strong interaction.
Detection of Micro-invasion in Sudanese Oral Verrucous Carcinoma Samples Using Syndecan-1 Stain
Authors: Elhassan AKB , Suleiman AM , El Dawi NIA , Mohamed Sofia B
Published: September 2019

Aim:

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a low-grade rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Syndecan-1 (CD138) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan which participates in cell-to-cell adhesion and cell-matrix interaction. Being misled by the apparent non-aggressive nature of VC, some clinicians and pathologists believe that this tumor is not an aggressive tumor, not realizing the fact that some of these lesions may contain nests or foci of well-differentiated SCC. This study aimed to assess syndecan-1 expression of VC and detection of micro-invasion in VC using syndecan-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) stain.

Methods:

Observational analytical study of 34 paraffin block of VC cases and 24 cases of variable grades of oral epithelial dysplasia. Cases were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and then IHC stain for syndecan-1 was applied. Nine paraffin blocks from specimens of normal oral mucosa were used as the reference group for syndecan-1 stain positivity.

Results:

In this study, we found that 32 (94.1%) out of 34 of verrucous carcinoma cases showed loss of syndecan-1 expression. Moreover, highly statistically significant association was found between the presence of suggestive micro-invasion in H&E and loss of syndecan-1 expression in micro-invasive area in the same case.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, syndecan-1 stain can be used as a biomarker in detection of micro-invasion in verrucous carcinoma.
Live streaming, intimate situations, and the circulation of same-sex affect: Monetizing affective encounters on Blued
Authors: Wang Shuaishuai
Published: September 2019

Drawing on interviews with 10 gay streamers and 30 viewers, this article analyzes a new feature of live streaming on Blued, a Chinese gay male dating app. Live streaming invites users to either perform themselves or watch others perform. Unlike western gay dating apps that monetize users’ hooking-up encounters, the business model behind Blued instead capitalizes on affective encounters among gay streamers and viewers. Through paid virtual gifts, which circulate as affective signs, live streaming fosters and intensifies viewers’ intimate attachment to gay streamers. The virtual intimacy produced by gay live streaming entails a significant economic dimension, and is therefore stigmatized. In consequence, gay streamers do not see streaming as sex-related work, and paying viewers do not portray gifts as consumption. In understating the economic and sexual underpinnings of affective encounters mediated by live streaming, gay streamers and viewers not only reinforce heteronormativity, but also produce homonormativity.
Accurate determination of reference wind speed and reference static pressure in wind tunnel tests
Authors: He YC , Cheung JCK , Li QS , Fu JY
Published: September 2019

The reference wind speed and reference static pressure are two key parameters for determining the testing results of wind tunnel experiments. Traditionally, the values of these parameters can be determined using direct measurement methods. However, such methods may suffer from less accuracy and inconvenience of operations. This article documents an indirect measurement method which, compared to the traditional methods, has the merits of higher accuracy and greater operational convenience. Examples are presented to demonstrate the main procedures of the method and typical findings by using the method in a boundary layer wind tunnel.
The hedonic delights of frugality: Pound store shopping in austere times
Authors: Hulme Alison
Published: September 2019

This article explores the attitudes of pound store shoppers in the United Kingdom and the ways in which ‘consumptive thrift’ (spending to save) has become embedded in popular culture. Through an analysis of ethnography carried out in low-income urban areas with regular pound store shoppers, it argues that a culture of bargain seeking exists, which is unique to the current era. While in previous eras hedonic pleasures were acknowledged, including those of spontaneity and disposability, they were not dialectically linked to economic motivations in the same way as they now are. Factors such as frugality and ‘saving’ have made bargain stores a crucial feature in an economic climate that requires consumer spending but preaches individual economic responsibility. The bargain seeker’s hedonic pleasures are therefore utilized by the State as part of strategic economic pathways through straightened times.