bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPSIDE BETA RATIO: A PERFORMANCE MEASURE FOR POTENTIAL-SEEKING INVESTORS
Authors: MONDAL DIPANKAR , SELVARAJU N.
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a set of desirable axioms to characterize performance measures in the context of portfolio management. A performance measure consistent with the axioms is called “ideal”. We observe that a popular performance measure, Farinelli–Tibiletti (FT) ratio [S. Farinelli & L. Tibiletti (2008) Sharpe thinking in asset ranking with one-sided measures, European Journal of Operational Research 185 (3), 1542–1547], which captures potential-seeking behavior, is not ideal. It violates a very important property of portfolio theory, the diversification. As an alternative, we propose a new ideal performance measure, upside beta ratio (UBR). To examine its performance, we rank mutual funds for UBR and other four performance measures — Sharpe, Sortino, FT and Jensen’s alpha — and then we compare the rankings of UBR with the rankings of other ratios. In addition, the performance of top-ranked funds are compared through back-testing and out-of-sample analysis. Our findings reveal that the UBR performs significantly better than the other ratios in most scenarios. Finally, in order to check robustness of the new measure, a parameter sensitivity analysis is presented.
On the symmetric Gelfand pair (ℋn ×ℋn−1,diag(ℋn−1))
Authors: Tout Omar
Published: February 2020

We show that the [Formula: see text]-conjugacy classes of [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the hyperoctahedral group on [Formula: see text] elements, are indexed by marked bipartitions of [Formula: see text] This will lead us to prove that [Formula: see text] is a symmetric Gelfand pair and that the induced representation [Formula: see text] is multiplicity free.
Derived invariance of Crawley-Boevey’s H0-Poisson structure
Authors: Zeng Jieheng
Published: February 2020

Crawley-Boevey introduced in [Poisson structure on moduli spaces of representations, J. Algebra 325 (2011) 205–215.], the notion of [Formula: see text]-Poisson structure for associative algebras, which is the weakest condition that induces a Poisson structure on the moduli spaces of their representations. In this paper, by using a result of Armenta and Keller in [Derived invariance of the Tamarkin-Tsygan calculus of an algebra, C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 357(3) (2019) 236–240.], we show that an [Formula: see text]-Poisson structure is preserved under derived Morita equivalence.
Shear Strength of Brackets Bonded with Universal Adhesive Containing 10-MDP after 20,000 Thermal Cycles
Authors: Proença Mariana Almeida Mello , Silva Karime Tavares Lima da , Costa e Silva Alisson , Carvalho Edilausson Moreno , Bauer José , Carvalho Ceci Nunes
Published: February 2020

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of metal brackets bonded with different universal adhesive systems containing 10-MDP and Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer after 20,000 thermal cycles. Materials and Methods. A total of 130 sound bovine teeth were used, which are divided into 5 groups (n = 26) according to the adhesive system used: All-Bond Universal (Bisco), Ambar Universal (FGM), Clearfil Universal Bond (Kuraray), Single Bond Universal (3M/ESPE), and Transbond Plus SEP (3M/ESPE) as control. The adhesives were applied for 20 seconds and bonded with a resin Transbond XT (3M/ESPE). After this, the teeth were submitted to 20,000 cycles at 5°C and 55°C. Afterwards, the shear bond strength test was performed in a universal test machine (Instron 3342). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was evaluated under a stereomicroscope at 10x magnification and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM, Hitachi 3030). The shear bond strength data were submitted to One-Way ANOVA (α = 0.05) and the ARI to the Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05). Results. Statistical analysis showed that the universal adhesive systems presented mean shear bond strength values similar to Transbond Plus SEP (p<0.05). The universal adhesive presented similar ARI values among them but differed from those of Transbond Plus SEP (p<0.001). Transbond Plus SEP presented a high ARI value when compared with the universal adhesive systems and high demineralization of enamel. Conclusions. The results show that universal adhesive systems may be used for bonding metal brackets if the orthodontist wants to maintain dental enamel health.
A Patient with Combined CADASIL and MTHFR Homozygosity
Authors: Ibrikji Sidonie , El Halabi Tarek , Yamout Bassem
Published: February 2020

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited disorder caused by a mutation in the NOTCH 3 gene, characterized by early onset of subcortical lacunar infarcts in the absence of vascular risk factors and cerebral microbleeds. Homozygosity for the factor Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is also associated with lacunar stroke risk and cerebral small-vessel disease regardless of the homocysteine level. The coexistence of MTHFR C677T homozygosity and NOTCH 3 mutation has never been reported in the literature previously, and that brings up the challenge of antithrombotic treatment in the presence of cerebral microbleeds.
Plaque Rupture-Induced Myocardial Infarction and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Alpha-Gal Allergy
Authors: Radwan Sohab S. , Gill Gauravpal , Ghazzal Amre , Malik Awais , Barnett Christopher
Published: February 2020

Alpha-gal (AG) allergy is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose found in mammalian meat. Heparin, being derived from porcine intestinal tissue, may have a degree of cross-reactivity with AG antigen and thus place patients at risk for allergic and even anaphylactic reactions. This is especially important in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and mechanical circulatory support, such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), since anticoagulation is immediately required. Therefore, individualized assessment and preoperative planning is needed regarding the use of heparin vs. nonheparinoid products in such a population.
A New Microhardness Testing Method on Grating Films
Authors: Ma Haitao , Jin Yi , Jirigalantu
Published: February 2020

The manufacturing process of large-area, high-precision gratings is a very complicated and time-consuming process. The hardness testing of grating films is an important step in the entire process. In order to simplify the manufacturing process of gratings, we have proposed a new method for testing microhardness based on tool edge indentation. Also, it unified tool adjustment and microhardness testing steps in the grating manufacturing process. First, a mathematical model of the relationship between tool load and indentation contour length is established. The model parameters were then modified using tool indentation experiments with different loads. When measured with a nanoindenter, the average hardness of the grating film was 447 MPa. The hardness value of the grating film obtained by our proposed method is almost the same as that measured by the nanoindenter, and the maximum deviation is about 2.2% of the average hardness value. The experimental results show that our proposed method can replace the microhardness test method of using a nanoindenter. Therefore, the disadvantages of using a nanoindenter to test the hardness of a grating film are avoided, such as the limited sample size, the sensitivity of the indenter to the roughness of the film and the depth of the indentation, and the accuracy of film testing, and the efficiency of grating ruling can be improved.
Electrical Stimulation‐Guided Approach to Pulmonary Artery Catheter Ablation in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Pilot Feasibility Study with a 12‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Goncharova Natalia S. , Moiseeva Olga M. , Condori Leandro Heber Ivan , Zlobina Irina S. , Berezina Aelita V. , Malikov Kirill N. , Tashkhanov Dmitry M. , Lebedev Dmitry S. , Mikhaylov Evgeny N.
Published: February 2020

Background. Recently, transcatheter pulmonary artery (PA) ablation aiming at sympathetic denervation has been proposed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This pilot feasibility study aimed to assess the feasibility of selective radiofrequency PA ablation based on response to high‐frequency stimulation mapping. Methods. The study comprised 3 female patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH). The following reactions to PA stimulation were noted and marked by color points on the three‐dimensional map: sinus bradycardia (heart rate decrease ≥15%), tachycardia (heart rate increase ≥15%), phrenic nerve capture, and cough. Since the most appropriate ablation strategy was unknown, two approaches were suggested, according to stimulation results: ablation at points with any heart rate response (either bradycardia or tachycardia)—this approach was applied in patient #1 (IPAH long‐term responder to calcium channel blockers); segmental ablation at points with no response and with tachycardia response (one IPAH long‐term responder to calcium channel blockers patient and one–IPAH with negative vasoreactive testing). Hemodynamic measurements were performed before and after denervation. Follow‐up visits were scheduled at 6 and 12 months. Results. Six‐months follow‐up was uneventful for patients #1 and 3; patient #2 had one syncope and reduced 6‐minute walk test distance and peak VO2 consumption. At 12 months, there was a normalization of mean PA pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patient #1. Patient #2 had no change in PA pressure and PVR at 12 months. Patient #3 remained in II functional class; however, there was an increase in mean PA pressure and loss of vasoreactivity. Conclusions. Electrical high‐frequency stimulation of the PA identifies several types of evoked reactions: heart rate slowing, acceleration, phrenic nerve capture, and cough. The improvement in clinical and hemodynamic parameters following targeted PA ablation in the IPAH patient with positive vasoreactive testing should be confirmed in larger studies.
Gastric Cancer: Where Are We Heading?
Authors: Petryszyn Pawel , Chapelle Nicolas , Matysiak-Budnik Tamara
Published: February 2020

Background: Despite its decreasing incidence, gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the leading cancers in the world and an important global healthcare problem due to its overall high prevalence and high mortality rate. Summary: GC is a consequence of Helicobacter pylori infection in 90% of cases, while in 10% Epstein Barr Virus may be responsible. Moreover, some recent epidemiological data suggest an increasing incidence in some young patients groups possibly due to autoimmunity, and if this tendency is confirmed, it may change the epidemiology of GC in the future. The pathogenesis of GC is mainly related to H. pylori infection, but recent data indicate the possible role of other bacteria and their metabolites, like N-nitrosocompounds or acetaldehyde, interfering during the last steps of carcinogenesis. The new molecular classifications of GCs show a great heterogeneity of this neoplasia, which may in the future help to define personalized treatment strategies for the patients. Early detection and proper surveillance of high risk patients should be our major objectives. Key Messages: GC is still an important healthcare problem, with its several aspects which remain the major challenges for the future.
First photographic record of Jungle Cat Felis chaus Schreber, 1777 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Haripur District, Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Afzal , Appel Angie , Kabir Muhammad
Published: February 2020

The Jungle Cat Felis chaus was recorded in Pakistan’s Haripur District during a camera trapping survey in March to April 2019.  This is the first photographic evidence of its presence outside a protected area in northern Pakistan.
Allium matinae—a new species from northwestern Iran

Authors: FRIESEN NIKOLAI , ABBASI MEHRDAD , MURTAZALIEV RAMAZAN , FRITSCH REINHARD M.
Published: February 2020

Allium matinae from northwestern Iran is newly described based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species belongs to Allium sect. Daghestanica, which is distributed in three main disjunctive areas: Europe, Caucasus and China. Allium matinae shows morphological similarity with the European species of this section, despite being more related to the Caucasian species according to molecular results. The Caucasian species together with the new Iranian species show an intermediate position in A. sect. Daghestanica, which is evidenced by incongruence between nrDNA (ITS) and cpDNA trees.
A new Peruvian species of Megarthrus Curtis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Proteininae)
Authors: PÉREZ LUIS , RODRÍGUEZ MARYZENDER , ASENJO ANGÉLICO
Published: February 2020

A new species of Megarthrus Curtis is described from the Eastern slopes of the Andes in southeastern Peru (Department of Cuzco). Major diagnostic features are photographed and illustrated, and COI molecular barcode is given.
Molecular and morphological evidence reveals that Daimio Murray, 1875 is a junior synonym of Tagiades Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Tagiadini)
Authors: HUANG ZHEN-FU , CHIBA HIDEYUKI , DENG XIAO-HUA , HUANG SI-YAO , WANG MIN , FAN XIAO-LING
Published: February 2020

Previous studies have shown that the genus Tagiades Hübner, 1819 is paraphyletic with regard to Daimio Murray, 1875 and/or Darpa Moore, 1866. In this study, we attempt to disentangle the relationships among these three genera based on an integrative approach including molecular data, morphological characters, and biological data from available sources. All evidence shows that Daimio and Tagiades are congeneric, isolated from Darpa. According to the rule of priority, Daimio (syn. n.) is a junior synonym of Tagiades. Therefore, we subsume tethys under Tagiades as Tagiades tethys (Ménétriés, 1875), comb. n.
Taxonomic notes on the tribe Dryptini Bonelli, 1810 with description of a new genus and species from China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Dryptini)
Authors: SCIAKY RICCARDO , ANICHTCHENKO ALEXANDER
Published: February 2020

Megadrypta mirabilis n. gen. n. sp. from Guangdong (China) is described. The new genus is distinguished from all known genera by a combination of large body size, pronotal bead well marked, sloping shoulders, reduced hind wings, smooth claws and stylomeres, and a large number (7–8) of periscutellar pores. Some remarks are made upon the relationships with the other genera of Dryptini, raising to the genus rank the taxa Nesiodrypta Jeannel, 1949 and Prionodrypta Jeannel, 1949, formerly regarded as subgenera of Drypta Latreille, 1796. A new key to all the genera of this tribe is proposed.
Four new species of the genus Agrotera Schrank, 1802 (Pyraloidea: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Hainan Island
Authors: LIU PING , QI MUJIE , WANG SHUXIA
Published: February 2020

Four new species of the genus Agrotera Schrank, 1802 are described from Hainan Island: A. dentata sp. nov., A. protensa sp. nov., A. aculeata sp. nov. and A. robustispina sp. nov. Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided.
Revision of the Psilota Meigen, 1822 flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Australia
Authors: YOUNG ANDREW D. , SKEVINGTON JEFFREY H. , VAN STEENIS WOUTER
Published: February 2020

The 34 species of Australian Psilota are revised, with 26 new species described (Psilota aislinnae Young sp. nov., Psilota alexanderi Young sp. nov., Psilota apiformis Thompson and Young sp. nov., Psilota auripila Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota azurea Thompson and Young sp. nov., Psilota bicolor Young and Ferguson sp. nov., Psilota brunnipennis Young sp. nov., Psilota calva Young sp. nov., Psilota darwini Young sp. nov., Psilota flavoorta Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota fuscifrons Young sp. nov., Psilota livida Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota longipila Thompson and Young sp. nov., Psilota mcqueeni Young sp. nov., Psilota metallica Thompson and Young sp. nov., Psilota nigripila Young sp. nov., Psilota occidua Young sp. nov., Psilota pollinosa Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota purpurea Thompson and Young sp. nov., Psilota smaragdina Young sp. nov., Psilota solata Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota spathistyla Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota spinifemur Young sp. nov., Psilota viridescens Young and van Steenis sp. nov., Psilota xanthostoma Young sp. nov., Psilota zophos Young sp. nov.) and one new record for Australia (Psilota basalis Walker, 1858). Previously described Australian species are redescribed, with the males of Psilota auricauda Curran, 1925 and P. basalis (Walker, 1858) described for the first time. Six previously described species (Psilota erythrogaster Curran, 1926, Psilota hirta Klocker, 1924, Psilota queenslandica Klocker, 1924, Psilota rubra Klocker, 1924, Psilota rubriventris Bigot, 1885, and Psilota shannoni Goot, 1964) are morphologically indistinguishable from related species. P. erythrogaster, P. rubra, and P. rubriventris are therefore treated under the Psilota cuprea (Macquart, 1850) species complex while P. hirta, P. queenslandica, and P. shannoni treated under the Psilota tristis Klocker, 1924 species complex. Lectotypes for the following species are designated: Coiloprosopa nitida Macquart, 1850, Merodon muscaeformis Walker, 1852, Orthonevra basalis Walker, 1858, Psilota coerulea Macquart, 1846, and Psilota viridis Macquart, 1847.
Variations in Friction Velocity with Wind Speed and Height for Moderate-to-Strong Onshore Winds Based on Measurements from a Coastal Tower
Authors: Fang Pingzhi , Jiang Wendong , Tang Jie , Lei Xiaotu , Tan Jianguo
Published: February 2020

Variations in friction velocity with wind speed and height are studied under moderate (≥9 m s−1)-to-strong onshore wind conditions caused by three landfalling typhoons. Wind data are from a coastal 100-m tower equipped with 20-Hz ultrasonic anemometers at three heights. Results show that wind direction affects variations in friction velocity with wind speed. A leveling off or decrease in friction velocity occurs at a critical wind speed of ~20 m s−1under strong onshore wind conditions. Friction velocity does not always decrease with height in the surface layer under typhoon conditions. Thus, height-based corrections on friction velocities using the model from Anctil and Donelan may not be reliable. Surface-layer heights predicted by the model that are based on Ekman dynamics are verified by comparing with those determined by a proposed method that is based on the idea of mean boundary layer using wind-profile data from one of the landfalling typhoons. Friction velocity at the top of the surface layer is then estimated. Results show that friction velocity decreases by about 20% from its surface value and agrees well with previous results of Tennekes.
A Comparison of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Scale Short-Form Development
Authors: Raborn Anthony W. , Leite Walter L. , Marcoulides Katerina M.
Published: February 2020

This study compares automated methods to develop short forms of psychometric scales. Obtaining a short form that has both adequate internal structure and strong validity with respect to relationships with other variables is difficult with traditional methods of short-form development. Metaheuristic algorithms can select items for short forms while optimizing on several validity criteria, such as adequate model fit, composite reliability, and relationship to external variables. Using a Monte Carlo simulation study, this study compared existing implementations of the ant colony optimization, Tabu search, and genetic algorithm to select short forms of scales, as well as a new implementation of the simulated annealing algorithm. Selection of short forms of scales with unidimensional, multidimensional, and bifactor structure were evaluated, with and without model misspecification and/or an external variable. The results showed that when the confirmatory factor analysis model of the full form of the scale was correctly specified or had only minor misspecification, the four algorithms produced short forms with good psychometric qualities that maintained the desired factor structure of the full scale. Major model misspecification resulted in worse performance for all algorithms, but including an external variable only had minor effects on results. The simulated annealing algorithm showed the best overall performance as well as robustness to model misspecification, while the genetic algorithm produced short forms with worse fit than the other algorithms under conditions with model misspecification.
Micromechanical progressive damage analysis of inter- and intra-layer failures in fiber-reinforced composite laminates
Authors: Zhao YQ , Jiang F , Huang ZM , Batra RC
Published: February 2020

We analyze progressive damage and failure of composite laminates by using a micromechanical bridging model and compare numerical and experimental results for three fracture problems, namely, the four-point bending, the simple tension, and the simple tension of a laminate with an open hole at its centroid. These problems involve fiber–matrix interface debonding, constituents’ damage, interlayer delamination, and localized damage due to stress concentration. Macroscopic constitutive equations of unidirectional lamina, derived from those of the fiber and the matrix by using the bridging model with the fiber material assumed to be linearly elastic and the matrix to be elasto-plastic obeying the Drucker–Prager yield criterion, are employed. Strains in each constituent of the composite are assumed to be infinitesimal for the additive decomposition of strains into elastic and plastic parts to be valid, and the incremental plasticity theory is used. Stresses in the two constituents are found from their values in the homogenized material by using a dehomogenization technique. The intra-layer damage is assumed to initiate at a material point when the failure criterion for either the fiber or the matrix is satisfied. Young’s modulus of a constituent is degraded by following a Weibull distribution. A finite element is deleted when an energy-based failure criterion is satisfied in it, and the analysis is continued till the structure fails. The delamination between adjacent plies is simulated by including a thin resin layer at the interface and studying failure initiation and propagation in it. The computed reaction force versus the displacement curves and the failure patterns in the three problems are found to agree with the corresponding experimental data.
Investigation of indentation damage resistance on normal and inclined plane of glass/epoxy composite laminates using acoustic emission monitoring
Authors: Jayababu A , Arumugam V , Rajesh B , Suresh Kumar C
Published: February 2020

This work relates to the investigation of indentation induced damage resistance in glass fiber reinforced polymer composite laminates under normal and inclined planes. Uni-directional [0] and cross-ply [0/90] glass fiber reinforced polymer composite specimens were subjected to 0° and 20° indentation loading with acoustic emission monitoring. The specimens were loaded at the centre using a hemispherical steel indenter with 12.7 mm diameter. Mechanical responses such as force–displacement behavior, absorbed energy and resulting damage area were used for the quantification of the indentation damage. Acoustic responses such as normalized cumulative counts, energy, duration and peak frequency were considered for monitoring damage progression during 0° and 20° indentation loading. The residual compressive strength of the glass fiber reinforced polymer specimens following indentation was measured by testing them under in-plane loading, once again with acoustic emission monitoring. The correlation between mechanical and acoustic strain energy was used for the evaluation of the damage severity of the laminates. The result revealed indentation damage resistance in cross-ply laminates as 65.08% and 68.01% higher than uni-directional laminates for 0°, whereas for 20°, there was a reduction in the damage resistance in cross-ply laminates to 43.27% and 57.39%. These were higher than uni-directional laminates under the displacements of 2 mm and 3 mm, respectively. The conclusion from these results was that transverse shear load at 20° inclination of laminate leads to reduction in residual compressive strength. Moreover, uni-directional glass/epoxy laminates have better residual compressive strength than cross-ply laminates for both 2 mm and 3 mm indentation displacements.
Interest representation in transnational labour markets: Campaigning as an alternative to traditional union action?
Authors: Mense-Petermann Ursula
Published: February 2020

This article addresses the challenges connected with interest representation in transnational labour markets. It draws on an in-depth case study of the labour market that matches Eastern European workers to jobs in the German meat industry. This labour market has emerged under the European Union Posted Workers Directive. The posting regime has entailed dumping wages and extreme exploitation in the German meat industry. The German Food Workers Union has faced great difficulties in organising workers posted in the meat industry and in negotiating collective agreements because of strong employer resistance to industry-level bargaining. Yet 2014 saw a shift towards a new employment regime and a re-ordering of the transnational labour market, which entailed several improvements for workers. This article sheds light on how this change came about through campaigning by a coalition of different sorts of (collective) actors and not traditional collective action by the union. The role and impact of campaigning for labour protection in transnational labour markets in the Global North are further discussed.
Using Video-Based Instruction via Augmented Reality to Teach Mathematics to Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Kellems Ryan O. , Eichelberger Carrie , Cacciatore Giulia , Jensen Mikaela , Frazier Brynn , Simons Kalee , Zaru Mai
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of video-based mathematics instruction for seven middle school students with specific learning disability (SLD), using an augmented reality-based training package. The dependent variable was the percentage of steps students performed correctly to solve each type of mathematics problem. The independent variable was the augmented reality video-based intervention, which used video to model the individual steps for solving four types of multistep mathematics problems: (a) addition and subtraction of integers, (b) multiplication and division of integers, (c) using ratio reasoning to convert measurement units, and (d) using multiplication and division to calculate rate of change. Results indicated a functional relation between the video-based mathematics intervention and the percentage of steps completed correctly for each type of problem. All seven participants showed significant gains immediately after receiving the intervention and maintained improved problem-solving skills in at least three out of the four problem categories.
Sentence-level constructions: A demonstration in support of Ambridge (2020)
Authors: Chandler Steve
Published: February 2020

Ambridge reviews and augments an impressive body of research demonstrating both the advantages and the necessity of an exemplar-based model of knowledge of one’s language. He cites three computational models that have been applied successfully to issues of phonology and morphology. Focusing on Ambridge’s discussion of sentence-level constructions, this commentary cites additional research in support of his exemplar hypothesis. It then provides an informal demonstration of how Skousen’s (1989) Analogical Model might be extended to the processing of sentence-level constructions.
How do licensing regimes limit worker interests? Evidence from informal employment in Britain
Authors: Clark Ian , Hunter James , Pickford Richard , Fearnall-Williams Huw
Published: February 2020

Informalized workplaces are a growing presence in the UK: for example, hand car washes frequently house informalized low-wage, precarious workers who are paid less than the minimum wage and who experience other forms of labour market exploitation. These ‘new’ forms of work and the related informalization of work appear to challenge the embedded interplay between formal institutions and agency. This article advances three areas of discussion. Firstly, what enables informalized workplaces to remain apparently unregulated? Secondly, in contrast to other locations why is there is no collective hybrid form of representation and resistance at car washes in the UK? Thirdly, how do licensing schemes for car washes have the potential to marginalize worker interests?
Inequality and Opportunities in the Spanish Regions: The Role of Immigration
Authors: Suárez Álvarez Ana , López Menéndez Ana Jesús
Published: February 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze inequality and inequality of opportunity (IOp) for the Spanish regions Autnomous Communities (CCAA), paying main attention to the situation of foreign immigrants. For this purpose, we use the European Social Survey of Income and Living Conditions database and some variables regarding individuals’ perceptions about immigration from the European Social Survey. We find that both income inequality and IOp increase between 2004 and 2010 for the great majority of the Spanish regions. Moreover, we observe convergence between regions in terms of IOp, while there is not convergence in terms of income inequality. In addition, the contribution of the different variables used as circumstances to estimate IOp varies greatly. The contribution to IOp of being an immigrant experienced a considerable and worrying increase, whereas the importance of family background characteristics is reduced to a great extent. Likewise, the analysis in deep of the situation of immigrants provides some interesting evidence. Firstly, we show that immigrant population experienced a downturn in their situation in terms of income; secondly, we find that, according to individuals’ perceptions about immigration, as the share of immigrants rises, there is an improvement in their impact in cultural life.
Experimenting on racialized neighbourhoods: Internationale Bauausstellung Hamburg and the urban laboratory in Hamburg–Wilhelmsburg
Authors: Chamberlain Julie
Published: February 2020

The ‘urban laboratory’ concept has become a popular discourse and structure for urban projects in recent years. In this article, I ask what the concept achieves in the context of racialized urban disinvestment and stigmatization, with the Hamburg International Building Exhibition’s (Internationale Bauausstellung Hamburg, 2006–2013) work in Hamburg–Wilhelmsburg as an example. Drawing on laboratory studies and urban sociology, I sketch out the laboratory as an ‘imaginative infrastructure’ , including what it offers to the ‘investigators’ who use it. Based on the ‘situatedness’ of the urban laboratory, I argue that the racialization of the neighbourhood and its residents is important to the history of Wilhelmsburg’s planning, and to its recent laboratorization. Laboratorization of racialized people and spaces is not new, but rather has a long history in European colonialism. I conclude that though the experiment in Hamburg–Wilhelmsburg appears to be with the neighbourhood’s racialization itself, there is nothing experimental about attempting the planning myth and common sense of ‘social mix’ to which Internationale Bauausstellung Hamburg contributes. I argue that racialized Wilhelmsburgers deserve problem-solving that does not reinforce existing patterns of development and thus their stigmatization.
Mentoring for entrepreneurs: A boost or a crutch? Long-term effect of mentoring on self-efficacy
Authors: St-Jean Étienne , Tremblay Maripier
Published: February 2020

This study focuses on whether a mentor can facilitate the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy particularly with regard to opportunity recognition (ESE-OR) for novice entrepreneurs and whether their level of learning goal orientation (LGO) has a moderating effect. Based on a sample of 219 mentees and a longitudinal follow-up for 106 of these respondents, the results show that mentoring supports the development of ESE-OR, but only for low LGO mentees. Furthermore, the effect of mentoring on ESE-OR for low LGO mentees is ephemeral as it decreases once the relationship ends. This suggests the need for long-term support in order to maintain their ESE-OR high throughout the entrepreneurial endeavour. At the opposite end, high-LGO mentees see their ESE-OR slightly decline in an intense mentoring relationship suggesting that mentoring helps to adjust ESE-OR to a more appropriate level for novice entrepreneurs.
Visualizing prolonged hyperperfusion in post-stroke epilepsy using postictal subtraction SPECT
Authors: Fukuma Kazuki , Kajimoto Katsufumi , Tanaka Tomotaka , Takaya Shigetoshi , Kobayashi Katsuya , Shimotake Akihiro , Matsumoto Riki , Ikeda Akio , Toyoda Kazunori , Ihara Masafumi
Published: February 2020

Diagnosis of post-stroke epilepsy is often challenging because of a low incidence of epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG). Hence, this study evaluated whether postictal subtraction single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) could visualize epileptic activity and act as a diagnostic modality in post-stroke epilepsy. Fifty post-stroke epilepsy patients, who had undergone Tc-99m-ECD SPECT twice (postictal and interictal), were enrolled. The postictal hyperperfusion area was identified by subtraction (postictal–interictal) SPECT and classified into two distribution types: superficial or deep-seated. Laterality and distribution of postictal hyperperfusion on subtraction SPECT were compared with stroke lesions, seizure symptoms, and epileptiform EEG findings. Forty-three of the 50 patients (86%) had hyperperfusion on subtraction SPECT and 26 (52%) had epileptiform EEG findings. Subtraction SPECT showed prolonged postictal hyperperfusion despite the relatively long interval between seizure end and postictal SPECT (median: 19.1 h, range: 2.2–112.5 h). The laterality of the hyperperfusion area had a high concordance rate with the laterality of stroke lesions (97.7%), seizure symptoms (91.9%), and epileptiform EEG findings (100%). Scalp EEG identified epileptiform activity more frequently in superficial type of SPECT, but less frequently in deep-seated type (both, P = 0.03). Postictal SPECT can be complementary to scalp EEG in endorsing the diagnosis and location of post-stroke epilepsy.
Summarizing Patient Preferences for the Competitive Landscape of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Options
Authors: Jonker Marcel F. , Donkers Bas , Goossens Lucas M.A. , Hoefman Renske J. , Jabbarian Lea J. , de Bekker-Grob Esther W. , Versteegh Matthijs M. , Harty Gerard , Wong Schiffon L.
Published: February 2020

Objective. Quantitatively summarize patient preferences for European licensed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) disease-modifying treatment (DMT) options. Methods. To identify and summarize the most important RRMS DMT characteristics, a literature review, exploratory physician interviews, patient focus groups, and confirmatory physician interviews were conducted in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was developed and executed to measure patient preferences for the most important DMT characteristics. The resulting DCE data ( n=799 and n=363 respondents in the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively) were analyzed using Bayesian mixed logit models. The estimated individual-level patient preferences were subsequently summarized using 3 additional analyses: the quality of the choice data was assessed using individual-level R2 estimates, individual-level preferences for the available DMTs were aggregated into DMT-specific preference shares, and a principal component analysis was performed to explain the patients’ choice process. Results. DMT usage differed between RRMS patients in Germany and the United Kingdom but aggregate patient preferences were similar. Across countries, 42% of all patients preferred oral medications, 38% infusions, 16% injections, and 4% no DMT. The most often preferred DMT was natalizumab (26%) and oral DMT cladribine tablets (22%). The least often preferred were mitoxantrone and the beta-interferon injections (1%–3%). Patient preferences were strongly correlated with patients’ MS disease duration and DMT experience, and differences in patient preferences could be summarized using 8 principle components that together explain 99% of the variation in patients’ DMT preferences. Conclusion. This study summarizes patient preferences for the included DMTs, facilitates shared decision making along the dimensions that are relevant to RRMS patients, and introduces methods in the medical DCE literature that are ideally suited to summarize the impact of DMT introductions in preexisting treatment landscapes.
Perceptual Underpinnings for “Good” Editing: A Fractal Analysis
Authors: Blau Julia J. C. , Carello Claudia
Published: February 2020

Filmmakers’ efforts not only advance film as an art form, they also provide insights about basic perception. This research was designed to uncover commonalities between the aesthetic appreciation of viewers of films and the perceptual capacities of observers of environmental events. We assessed whether the temporal structure of events in the environment is reflected in the temporal structure of events in film. Participants in Study 1 segmented neutral environmental events to establish a benchmark temporal structure. Study 2 compared the temporal structure of editing in amateur and professionally made films. Results from these two studies suggest a particular fractal structure common to environmental event perception and the editing structure of professional films. This hypothesis was then tested in an experiment that reedited one film so as to produce four different versions, each with a different fractal structure. These versions were evaluated by audiences in terms of aesthetics (e.g., general likability, comprehension, technical aspects of craft). The results suggest that the fractal structure typical of environmental event perception is preferred, even when it is not the original, artistically intended version. It is argued that narrative films succeed, at least in part, because their temporal structure reflects the temporal structure of environmental event perception.
Public libraries and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Authors: Kosciejew Marc
Published: February 2020

As motors of change driving development, public libraries, with their commitment to information provision and access, are crucial to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This article contributes to emerging Library and Information Science scholarship on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by arguing for the central roles played by public libraries in realizing its goals. The purpose is twofold. First, it overviews the agenda’s history coupled with the start of a literature review of the Library and Information Science research on it. Second, it presents a conceptual framework in which to approach the agenda’s goals and associated targets within the context of public libraries. The ultimate aim is to establish a base for and expand awareness of the UN 2030 Agenda within the Library and Information Science discipline, in addition to promoting the importance of public libraries in advancing sustainable development efforts generally and the agenda specifically.
Adult Reflection on Engaging Youth of Color in Research and Action: A Case Study From Five U.S. Cities
Authors: Sprague Martinez Linda , Tang Yan Catalina , McClay Craig , Varga Shannon , Zaff Jonathan F.
Published: February 2020

With the proliferation of participatory approaches to promoting youth development such as Youth-Led Participatory Action Research (YPAR), it is more important than ever that researchers and practitioners understand how to create curriculum that will authentically engage youth of color. To that end, there are important lessons public health researchers can learn from the fields of community psychology, education, and social work, among others. We explore the benefits of a youth-led research and action curriculum steeped in critical pedagogy and critical race theory focused on public health. Youth of color ( N = 35) between the ages of 13 and 34 years from five U.S. cities were hired as researchers. The majority (57%) of youth were 16 or 17 years, and the gender split was female (57%) and male (43%). Key informant interviews with adults and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed to examine program products and outcomes. Materials were deductively coded for content related to critical pedagogy and race theory (e.g., empowerment, capacity building and community engagement, skill development) as well as conceptualizations of health. Findings indicate young people (a) began to think more consciously about health, what it means to be healthy, and the factors that influence health; (b) developed critical skills; and (c) described feeling empowered. When given resources and space to lead, we found youth to be insightful, resourceful, compassionate, and deeply committed to improving the lives of their peers, family members, and communities.
Are transient changes in capillary surface area required to explain peritoneal transport in renal failure patients?
Authors: Wolf Matthew B
Published: February 2020

Background:

Waniewski postulated a transient increase in peritoneal capillary surface area to fit their model predictions to experimental data of Heimburger measured in renal failure (RF) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) but with only a 3.86% glucose dialysis fluid. The present aim is to propose a new mathematical model of the patient PD procedure that could closely fit the complete Heimburger measurement set without this postulate.

Methods:

The three-pore model of Rippe was used to describe transient changes in peritoneal volume and solute concentrations during a PD dwell. The predialysis, RF patient, plasma solute concentrations were assumed to remain constant during the dwell. The model was validated using the 3.86% glucose Heimburger measurements. Permeability surface area product parameters were chosen to match only the end-dwell peritoneal fluid glucose concentration and the end-dwell amounts of urea, creatinine, and Na+ removed from this simulated patient group. Then, this model was used to predict additional measurements by Heimburger on two other patient groups dialyzed with glucose concentrations of 2.27% and 1.36%, respectively. Parameters were unchanged when simulating these other patient groups.

Results:

To match the shape of the transient changes in drained volume and dialysis fluid glucose concentration for the 3.86% glucose group, it was necessary for only one parameter, the effective radius of glucose, to vary linearly in proportion to the dialysis fluid glucose concentration. This description was unchanged in the other two groups.

Conclusion:

Postulated transient increases in peritoneal capillary surface area were unnecessary to predict the entire Heimburger measurements.
Brexit and the decentred state
Authors: Beech Matt
Published: February 2020

The aim of this article is to examine Brexit through the lens of decentred theory. Decentred theory regards the British state as neither a monolith (as per modernist social science) nor a myth (as per post-modern theory) but rather as a repository of norms, customs, practices and thought acquired by elite actors, professionals and policy networks. The central thesis of the article is that the idea of the decentred state, as an explanation of state governance, can be seen in the phenomenon of Brexit. The article uses literatures on governance and contemporary history to examine the relevance of the concept of the decentred state. Then it considers the case study of British politics in the 1970s as a precursor to the decentring effects of Brexit on state governance. The article then moves to consider three dimensions of the phenomenon of Brexit which can be understood as decentring practices in and of themselves: the referendum vote, the negotiations and competing ‘imaginings’ of the United Kingdom in a post-European Union membership environment. The article’s findings represent a fresh and novel means by which scholars can utilise the idea of the decentred state as an intellectual tool to explain the phenomenon of Brexit.
Oxidative stress, inflammation and disease activity biomarkers in lupus nephropathy
Authors: Bona N , Pezzarini E , Balbi B , Daniele S M , Rossi M F , Monje A L , Basiglio CL , Pelusa H F , Arriaga S M M
Published: February 2020

Lupus nephropathy is a severe and frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we assessed the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis. Thirty-four patients with active lupus nephritis, 31 patients with inactive lupus nephritis and 20 lupus patients without renal damage (non-lupus nephritis) were studied. Oxidative stress biomarkers malonyldialdehyde, oxidized-to-total glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status were assessed, as well as inflammation biomarkers CRP, interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Renal tubular disease biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and β2-microglobulin were assessed, together with the classic disease activity biomarkers urinary protein/creatinine ratio, anti-dsDNA, anti-C1q antibody and complement proteins C3 and C4. Significant differences were found between active lupus nephritis and inactive lupus nephritis patients and between active lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis patients for all the assessed biomarkers ( P < 0.05), except for catalase, superoxide dismutase and interleukin 6. There is an imbalance in the redox status in active lupus nephritis patients that would be involved in lipid peroxidation of the glomerular basal membrane that would alter its integrity and could also affect renal tubular function in these patients.
Theoretical and experimental investigation on wave propagation in the periodic impedance layered structure modulated by magnetorheological fluid
Authors: Zhao Dan , Shi Xinxin , Liu Shaogang , Wang Feihao
Published: February 2020

This work aims to investigate the elastic wave propagation in the periodic impedance layered structure filled with magnetorheological fluid. The periodic impedance layered structure with high and low impedance layers is constructed by using the magnetorheological fluid with the controllability of liquid–solid conversion. The principle of the periodic impedance layered structure is presented. The transfer model of elastic wave in the proposed structure is established, and the propagation velocity and attenuation coefficient of elastic wave curves of the periodic impedance layered structures with different distribution modes are obtained. The prototype of experimental setup is designed and fabricated, and the experimental testing of the vibration transmissibility is conducted. The theoretical model is validated by comparing the results with the experimental measurements. The results suggest that appropriate distribution modes and also applied magnetic field are validly showing greater attenuation for elastic wave propagation in the periodic layered structures. Theoretical and experimental studies are conducted to investigate on the vibration transmissibility of the proposed structure, the findings of which contribute to provide guidance for the future vibration isolation platforms of the power systems in aerospace and marine engineering practical applications.