bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SLAM: A Malware Detection Method Based on Sliding Local Attention Mechanism
Authors: Chen Jun , Guo Shize , Ma Xin , Li Haiying , Guo Jinhong , Chen Ming , Pan Zhisong
Published: September 2020

Since the number of malware is increasing rapidly, it continuously poses a risk to the field of network security. Attention mechanism has made great progress in the field of natural language processing. At the same time, there are many research studies based on malicious code API, which is also like semantic information. It is a worthy study to apply attention mechanism to API semantics. In this paper, we firstly study the characters of the API execution sequence and classify them into 17 categories. Secondly, we propose a novel feature extraction method based on API execution sequence according to its semantics and structure information. Thirdly, based on the API data characteristics and attention mechanism features, we construct a detection framework SLAM based on local attention mechanism and sliding window method. Experiments show that our model achieves a better performance, which is a higher accuracy of 0.9723.
Urban Industrial Land Expansion and Its Influencing Factors in Shunde: 1995–2017
Authors: Xiong Chen , Lu Jiayi , Niu Fangqu
Published: September 2020

The change in the industrial land is of great significance to the sustainable development of cities. However, scholars have done relatively little research on this subject, especially on the urban industrial land expansion process and its influencing factors. This article selects Shunde, a typical Chinese industrial city of the Guangdong province, using remote sensing interpretation to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of industrial land expansion from 1995 to 2017 and applies the multiple regression model to analyze the influencing factors. The main conclusions are as follows: the industrial land in Shunde has experienced the development trend of “slow expansion-rapid expansion-slow expansion,” and the “fragmentation” of the industrial land space is still prominent. Decentralization, marketization, capital, and labor force have passed the significance test of the model, which are important factors influencing the expansion of the industrial land in Shunde. Among them, decentralization is the primary factor, while marketization has the greatest impact on industrial land expansion in Shunde. The influence of globalization and technical progress is not significant.
The Dynamic Rent-Seeking Games with Policymaker Cost and Competition Intensity
Authors: Yu Yu , Xu Jia-Qian
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a dynamic rent-seeking game incorporating policymaker cost and competition intensity is considered. On the basis of the political environment and rent-seekers with incomplete information set, the locally asymptotic stability of Nash equilibrium is proved. The competition intensity and policymaker cost could enlarge the stability region of Nash equilibrium. The higher the competition intensity is, the more the opponent’s expenditure reduces the player’s success probability, which is beneficial to the maintenance of Nash equilibrium. The higher the policymaker cost is, the less easily both players succeed and the more stable the rent-seeking market is. As the competition parameter decreases or the expenditure parameter increases, there will be chaos in a rent-seeking market. Chaos control is in order to stabilize the equilibrium of the rent-seeking game.
A Preliminary Study on Accident Analysis of Portable Timber Sawmills Used in Mazamba Forest Plantation in Northern Malawi
Authors: Mzungu Jameson T. T. , Ngulube Elisha S.
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the main causes of accidents, levels of injuries, and mitigation measures to wood processing accidents. Structured interviews were conducted on 45 respondents drawn from various portable sawmills. The Chi square test showed that there were highly significant differences on frequency distribution of causes of sawmill accidents. However, a principal component analysis revealed that accidents were mainly caused by inappropriate equipment setup or operation and harsh weather conditions. Secondly, results showed that the frequency distribution of responses on levels of accidents was highly significantly different among the respondents. Near-misses accounted for most of responses (55.6%). This is because near-misses are precursors to secondary accidents. Furthermore, the results showed highly significant differences on the frequency distribution of various mitigation measures available. Use of personal protective equipment and provision of special training were highly appraised. Forest workers need occupation safety and health and ergonomic knowledge before engaging in wood processing.
Features and Constitutive Model of Gypsum’s Uniaxial Creep Damage considering Acidization
Authors: Chen Wei , Wan Wen , Xie Senlin , Kuang Wenlong , Peng Wenqing , Wu Qiuhong , Tong Shasha , Wang Xianqing , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2020

Acidic fluids cause rock erosion and further endanger the safety of rock engineering, especially the corrosion of pillars by acidic or weakly acidic groundwater. In this paper, the rock samples in the gypsum mining area were taken as the research object. Uniaxial compression creep tests were carried out under neutral water,pH=6andpH=5hydrochloric acid solutions, respectively. Meanwhile, the specimens before and after saturation were observed by an electron microscope scanner. The results show that (1) the gypsum specimens withpH=5hydrochloric acid were damaged at the first stress level, while that withpH=6andpH=7were destroyed at the second stress level. The failure modes of the three groups were basically the same, with cleavage and end damage of different degrees. The difference is that the failure time of the former is earlier than that of the latter, which indicates that the stronger acidity causes greater corrosion on the creep of the samples. (2) From the perspective of microstructure, the samples saturated in the neutral aqueous solution and dry state are compact and complete in structure, and the whole is relatively homogeneous. However, after saturating in the acid solution, the samples significantly increased dense pores with large size and loose structure. Due to the rapid increase, the surfaces of the samples are almost like “holes”. (3) A new nonlinear creep constitutive model was established by connecting Burgers model with nonlinear viscoplastic body (NVPB) model in series, which can well describe the creep characteristics of gypsum rocks under acid corrosion.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Damage Evolution of Hollow Cylindrical Granite Specimens Subjected to Cyclic Coupled Static-Dynamic Loads
Authors: Xue Yongming , Dai Bing , Chen Ying , Zhang Lei , He Guicheng , Zhang Zhijun
Published: September 2020

To study the characteristics of roadway surrounding rock damage caused by frequent disturbances under different static stress conditions, cyclic impact tests on granite with vertical holes under different axial prestress conditions were performed by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar test, and the damage of the specimens was recorded with a high-speed camera process. The test results show that under the same air pressure cyclic impact, the rock specimens mainly undergo the compaction-fatigue-failure transition. As the axial prestress increases, the compaction-fatigue phase gradually weakens, and the dynamic compressive strength decreases. When the axial prestress is 42% of the UCS and 62% of the UCS, the rock specimen shows a certain “strengthening” effect during the initial cyclic impact stage. During the failure of the rock specimens, the axial prestressing effect limited the initiation of some transverse cracks, and a mixed tensile-shear failure mode appeared. The rock specimens with an axial prestress of 62% of the UCS showed energy release during cyclic impact. To some extent, the probability of “rock bursts” has been induced. Based on the one-dimensional stress wave theory, the damage variables of wave impedance during the cyclic impact loading of the rock with vertical holes are defined. It is found that when the rock specimen is in the stage of compaction and fatigue damage, the damage is small, and the damage is even reduced.
Acute Gastric Necrosis in a Teenager
Authors: Yorke Joseph , Gyamfi Frank Enoch , Awoonor-Williams Ronald , Osei-Akoto Ebenezer , Acheampong Emmanuel , Acheampong Emmanuella Nsenbah , Adinku Michael Ofoe , Yamoah Francis Akwaw , Konney Thomas Okpoti , Adjei Ernest , Boateng Edward Amoah , Dally Charles Kofi , Ababio Kwabena Acheamfour , Afful-Yorke Dennis , Ahulu Dorcas
Published: September 2020

Gastric infarction is a rare condition often associated with high mortality due to a delay in diagnosis. The stomach which has a rich supply of blood is a rare site for such a condition. Gastric infarction has a long list of etiological factors. We report a case of a patient who was managed successfully following gastric infarction from gastric dilatation. An 18-year-old female student presented with a three-day history of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension of two days. The abdomen was distended with generalized tenderness, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Bowel sounds were absent. Digital rectal examination was unremarkable, and a pregnancy test was negative. Biochemical tests were all normal. Intraoperatively, two litres of serosanguinous fluid was suctioned from the abdomen. About 300 mL of pus was suctioned from the pelvis. The gangrenous portion was resected, and repair was done in two layers using Conell and Lambert suture techniques. Acute gastric necrosis is a rare surgical condition that requires a high index of suspicion and prompts aggressive resuscitation and surgical intervention to obviate the high mortality rate associated with the condition.
Mechanism of Chinese Medicinal-Medicated Leaven for Preventing and Treating Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases
Authors: Fu Xin , Wang Qiuhong , Kuang Haixue , Pinghui Jiang
Published: September 2020

In recent times, there has been an increased attention on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases, with GIT diseases becoming one of the greatest crises to human health. In China, traditional Chinese medicine, Medicated leaven (ML), has been applied to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years. However, its mechanism remains unclear till date. Here we review both the antibacterial and antiviral effects of ML, the mechanisms for improving human immunity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the role of digestive function, and the role of its secondary metabolite. ML may be a new hope for GIT diseases.
Biomarkers for Precision Treatment in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Petrillo Angelica , Smyth Elizabeth C.
Published: September 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Although GC was historically considered a single entity within the organ of origin, nowadays it is acknowledged that GC represents a heterogeneous disease. Nevertheless, in this field there is still a lack of biomarkers able to guide the choice of the best treatment options for each patient. This review aims to summarize the prognostic and predictive biomarkers evaluated in GC and their role as a guide for treatment for precision medicine. Summary: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression represents the only predictive molecular biomarker validated in GC, while its prognostic role is still controversial. Microsatellite instability and Epstein-Barr virus status are promising for prediction of the response to immunotherapy. The role of other biomarkers (ctDNA, programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1], and TMB), as well as the practical application of molecular classifications, requires further evaluation before use in clinical practice. 18-FDG-PET scan could be useful as a predictive tool in non-metastatic GC patients receiving a perioperative approach. Finally, the tumor microenvironment may have an evolving role in the future. Key Messages: GC is a heterogeneous disease and targeted approaches are needed. The finding of prognostic and predictive factors is a hot topic in the field of GC personalized medicine.
Food Insecurity Is Associated With Cardiovascular and All‐Cause Mortality Among Adults in the United States
Authors: Sun Yangbo , Liu Buyun , Rong Shuang , Du Yang , Xu Guifeng , Snetselaar Linda G. , Wallace Robert B. , Bao Wei
Published: September 2020

Background

Food insecurity is a global leading public health challenge that affects not only developing countries but also developed countries, including the United States. About 50 million Americans are food insecure. In this study we examined the associations of the adult food insecurity with all‐cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods and Results

We included 27 188 US adults (age ≥40 years of age) who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2014. Food insecurity status was assessed using the Food Security Survey Module developed by the US Department of Agriculture. Mortality from all causes and cardovascular disease was ascertained through data linkage to the National Death Index through December 31, 2015. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression with sampling weights to estimate hazard ratios (
HR
s) and 95% CIs of all‐cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, according to food security status. During 205 389 person‐years of the period, 5039 deaths occurred, including 1084 cardiovascular disease deaths. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, and dietary and lifestyle factors, participants with very low food security had higher risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, with multivariable‐adjusted
HR
s of 1.32 (95%
CI
, 1.07–1.62), and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.04–2.26), respectively, compared with those with high food security.

Conclusions

Food insecurity is significantly associated with increased risk of excess death from cardiovascular disease and all causes in US adults.
Linaria semialata and L. amethystea subsp. aedoi, two new taxa of L. sect. Supinae (Plantaginaceae) from Southeastern Iberian Peninsula

Authors: JIMÉNEZ JUAN F. , LÓPEZ DAVID , VERA JUAN B. , GÜEMES JAIME , SÁNCHEZ-GÓMEZ PEDRO
Published: September 2020

Two new taxa of the genus Linaria are described, illustrated and compared, through a morphometric analysis, to morphologically similar species from L. sect. Supinae: L. amethystea, L. diffusa, L. intricata, and L. orbensis. A Principal Component Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis were carried out in order to find out which morphological characters were the most important to discriminate these species. Morphometric analyses revealed that discrimination of species were more related to their particular morphological character combinations than to a private character. Two taxa are described as new to science, by providing a detailed description, illustrations, scanning-electron micrographs and an identification key.
Histogram Anomaly Time Series: A Compact Graphical Representation of Spatial Time Series Data Sets
Authors: Potter Gerald L , Huffman George J. , Bolvin David T. , Bosilovich Michael G. , Hertz Judy , Carriere Laura E.
Published: September 2020

We introduce a simple method for detecting changes, both transient and persistent, in reanalysis and merged satellite products due to both natural climate variability and changes to the data sources/analyses used as input. This note demonstrates this Histogram Anomaly Time Series (HATS) method using tropical ocean daily precipitation from MERRA-2 and from GPCP One-Degree Daily (1DD) precipitation estimates. Rather than averaging over space or time, we create a time series display of histograms for each increment of data (such as a day or month). Regional masks such as land–ocean can be used to isolate particular domains. While the histograms reveal subtle structures in the time series, we can amplify the signal by computing the histogram’s anomalies from its climatological seasonal cycle. The qualitative analysis provided by this scheme can then form the basis for more quantitative analyses of specific features, both real and analysis induced. As an example, in the tropical oceans the analysis clearly identifies changes in the time series of both reanalysis and observations that may be related to changing inputs.
Variations in the Frequency of Stratospheric Sudden Warmings in CMIP5 and CMIP6 and Possible Causes
Authors: Wu Zheng , Reichler Thomas
Published: September 2020

The climatological frequency of stratospheric sudden warming events (SSWs) is an important dynamical characteristic of the extratropical stratosphere. However, modern climate models have difficulties in simulating this frequency, with many models either considerably under- or overestimating the observational estimates. Past research has found that models with a higher upper lid tend to simulate a higher and more realistic number of SSWs. The present study revisits this issue and investigates causes for biases in the simulated SSW frequency from the CMIP5 and CMIP6 models. It is found that variations in the frequency are closely related to 1) the strength of the polar vortex and 2) the upward-propagating wave activity in the stratosphere. While it is difficult to explain the variations in the polar vortex strength from the available model output, the stratospheric wave activity is influenced by different aspects of the climatological mean state of the atmosphere in the lower stratosphere. We further find that models with a finer vertical resolution in the stratosphere are overall more realistic: vertical resolution is associated with a smaller cold bias above the extratropical tropopause, more upward-propagating wave activity in the lower stratosphere, and a higher frequency of SSWs. We conclude that not only a high model lid but also a fine vertical resolution in the stratosphere is important for simulating the dynamical variability of the stratosphere.
Outcomes of Open Retro-Rectus Hernia Repair With Mesh in Obesity Class III
Authors: Martinez Manuel , Dove James , Blansfield Joseph , Widom Kenneth , Semian John , Alaparthi Mohanbabu , Factor Matthew
Published: September 2020

Background

Abdominal wall hernias continue to be one of the most common general surgery pathologies. Patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) are routinely counseled about weight loss before elective repair. However, a definitive BMI “cutoff” has not been established. Here, we report our experience with open retro-rectus hernia repair (ORRHR) with mesh in patients with a BMI over 40 kg/m2, and we attempt to determine if a BMI “cutoff” can be established.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing ORRHR with mesh at Geisinger Medical Center from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Cohorts were composed of 2 groups, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (n = 117) and BMI < 40 kg/m2 (n = 90). All patients underwent an elective ORRHR with mesh. Operative time increased significantly as the patient’s BMI increased ( P ≤ .01). Patients in the higher BMI group had a significantly higher rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) (8.55% vs. 1.1%, P = .018). Higher BMI did not translate to a higher recurrence rate.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing ORRHR with mesh who had a BMI over 40 kg/m2 had an increased risk of SSI and longer operative time, possibly suggesting a potential association other than SSI and BMI. More studies are needed to determine if BMI is indeed correlated with hernia recurrence and if BMI should influence the decision to undergo repair.
Comparison of Intra-Abdominal Infection Risk Between Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Colon Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Ishizaki Tetsuo , Katsumata Kenji , Enomoto Masanobu , Mazaki Junichi , Wada Takahiro , Kasahara Kenta , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: September 2020

Background

No previous study has compared the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) between intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) related to intra-abdominal infection in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the risk of SSI in IA and EA in this context.

Methods

From July 2014 to March 2018, 101 consecutive (median age, 73 years; male, 54) patients underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. The IA and EA groups consisted of 51 and 50 cases, respectively. After either IA or EA, lavage was performed with 100 mL of saline in the area surrounding the anastomosis, and a sample was collected for bacterial culture. The product of the virulence score and dose of bacterial contamination score called the risk of SSI score was evaluated in both groups, and short-term outcomes in both groups were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

No significant difference was found in patient characteristics between the 2 groups. The frequency of organ/space SSI in the IA group was significantly higher than that in the EA group (7.8% vs 0%, P = .04). The risk of SSI score was significantly higher in the IA group than in the EA group (median, 9 vs 1, P < .01).

Conclusions

Compared with EA, IA in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy increased organ/space SSI rates, signifying intra-abdominal infection. We strongly recommend prevention of intra-abdominal infection when performing an IA.
Emergent General Surgery Operations in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Bauman Zachary M. , Cunningham Robert , Hodson Alex , Shostrom Valerie , Evans Charity H. , Schlitzkus Lisa L.
Published: September 2020

Background

The left ventricle assist device (LVAD) patient population is rapidly expanding. Unique characteristics of these patients complicate the management of noncardiac surgical problems. Emergent general surgery (EGS) intervention is often warranted but remains poorly described. We reviewed EGS consultations in LVAD patients to better understand these patients.

Methods

During a 12-year period, 301 LVAD patients were reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, reason for EGS consultation, operative intervention, transplantation, and mortality were analyzed. Wilcoxon, Fisher’s exact, and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Statistical significance was P < .05.

Results

A total of 139 (46.2%) patients required EGS consultation. EGS consultations were older (63 vs 57 years; P = .002), primarily Caucasian (86%), and male (83%) with average preimplant cardiac index of 1.84. Comorbidities were similar between those with and without EGS consultation. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was the most common reason for consultation (53%), followed by abdominal pain (22%) and bowel ischemia/obstruction (19%). Of EGS consultations, 77% were on warfarin and 60% on aspirin. Procedures were not withheld: 46% required esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and 30% required colonoscopy. Surgical intervention was performed in 28% of EGS consults—49% emergent (within 24 hours) and 44% urgent (during hospitalization). Mean time to surgery was 48 days after LVAD placement. EGS intervention precluded 7 (18%) patients from heart transplantation and 10 (26%) patients suffered perioperative mortality. Elevated lactic acid was associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

EGS consultation is necessary in almost half of all LVAD patients, most commonly for GI bleed. EGD/colonoscopy can be safely used to manage the majority of these consultations; one-third will require surgery. High lactic acid is associated with higher mortality. Additional analysis of this population is required for improving surgical management.
Estimating Trunk Angle Kinematics During Lifting Using a Computationally Efficient Computer Vision Method
Authors: Greene Runyu L. , Lu Ming-Lun , Barim Menekse Salar , Wang Xuan , Hayden Marie , Hu Yu Hen , Radwin Robert G.
Published: September 2020

Objective

A computer vision method was developed for estimating the trunk flexion angle, angular speed, and angular acceleration by extracting simple features from the moving image during lifting.

Background

Trunk kinematics is an important risk factor for lower back pain, but is often difficult to measure by practitioners for lifting risk assessments.

Methods

Mannequins representing a wide range of hand locations for different lifting postures were systematically generated using the University of Michigan 3DSSPP software. A bounding box was drawn tightly around each mannequin and regression models estimated trunk angles. The estimates were validated against human posture data for 216 lifts collected using a laboratory-grade motion capture system and synchronized video recordings. Trunk kinematics, based on bounding box dimensions drawn around the subjects in the video recordings of the lifts, were modeled for consecutive video frames.

Results

The mean absolute difference between predicted and motion capture measured trunk angles was 14.7°, and there was a significant linear relationship between predicted and measured trunk angles ( R2 = .80, p < .001). The training error for the kinematics model was 2.3°.

Conclusion

Using simple computer vision-extracted features, the bounding box method indirectly estimated trunk angle and associated kinematics, albeit with limited precision.

Application

This computer vision method may be implemented on handheld devices such as smartphones to facilitate automatic lifting risk assessments in the workplace.
German Business Mobilization against Right-Wing Populism
Authors: Kinderman Daniel
Published: September 2020

Why do some business associations mobilize, engage in collective action, and take public stands against the populist right while others do not? This article examines business mobilization against the populist right in Germany, which is heavily export-oriented and reliant on the European and global market order. Drawing on interviews with three business associations, the article presents three key findings. First, economic self-interest is a powerful driver of business mobilization: perceived threats and vulnerability spurred two German associations to act collectively against right-wing populism. However, mobilization is driven not by declining revenues or profits but by a mixture of values and material interests. Second, business associations that mobilize stress the need to reform the system, democratize the European Union, and address those who feel “left behind.” Third, medium-size, export-oriented manufacturers are the core business constituency supporting liberal democracy and the European Union. The article shows that some business factions can play a role in defending the liberal international order against right-wing populism.
Do Country Risks Matter for Tourism Development? International Evidence
Authors: Lee Chien-Chiang , Chen Mei-Ping
Published: September 2020

This research fills the gap in the tourism literature on the impacts of country stability—including political, financial, and economic—on tourism development (i.e., international tourist arrivals, international tourism revenues, and travel and leisure sector returns). To account for possible asymmetric and nonlinear relationships among variables, we apply a new method of moment quantile regression, by using panel data from 106 countries spanning the period 2006–2017. From a global perspective, the empirical results indicate that higher country stability generally leads to higher tourism development, while there is no salient influence of financial stability on travel and leisure sector returns. This suggests that the effects of country risk ratings are mostly nonlinear across different tourism development quantiles. Additionally, different components of risk rating scores have diverse impacts on tourism development. The findings mean that policy makers should consider their tourism condition when setting country stability strategies.
The Development and Validation of the Threat of Dementia Scale
Authors: Cheston Richard , Dodd Emily , Christopher Gary , White Paul , Wildschut Tim , Sedikides Constantine
Published: September 2020

Dementia represents a substantial threat to the self. However, to date, there is no reliable way to measure how threatened people feel by dementia. This article reports on two online studies. In Study 1, 248 participants rated statements about dementia according to their threat to well-being. In Study 2, 99 participants (all students at the University of the West of England) completed the emerging scale (the Threat of Dementia Scale or ToDS). We validated this by examining its associations with conceptually related measures, including the revised Fraboni Scale of Ageism and the Fear of Alzheimer’s Disease Scale. Study 1 yielded 13 statements that were highly intercorrelated and comprised a single factor. In Study 2, the ToDS demonstrated good construct validity and acceptable test–retest reliability. Higher levels of distancing predicted lower scores on the ToDS. The ToDS is a reliable and valid instrument that is the first statistically validated method of examining the extent to which dementia threatens well-being.
H∞ control for a class of two-dimensional linear systems with fading measurements
Authors: Yu Wei , Wang Rui , Bu Xuhui , Liang Jiaqi
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the [Formula: see text] control problem for a class of two-dimensional (2-D) linear discrete-time systems with fading measurements is investigated, where the 2-D systems are described by a Roesser model. The Rice fading model is applied to describe the fading phenomenon and the coefficients of the model satisfy the independent identical Gaussian distributions. The main objective of this paper is to design a controller such that both the 2-D closed-loop system is exponentially mean-square stable and the prescribed [Formula: see text] performance is guaranteed under the condition of applying the attenuation signals. By utilizing the Lyapunov stability theory and the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) techniques, sufficient conditions are conducted to guarantee the desired tracking performance. Based on such conditions, the gain matrix of the proposed controller is obtained. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes is illustrated with a numerical example and a Darboux equation example.
Identifying and Serving English Learners in Gifted Education: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: Mun Rachel U. , Hemmler Vonna , Langley Susan Dulong , Ware Sharon , Gubbins E. Jean , Callahan Carolyn M. , McCoach D. Betsy , Siegle Del
Published: September 2020

Although the number of English learners (ELs) in the United States continues to increase, this population remains underserved by gifted and talented (GT) education programs across the nation. This underrepresentation represents a societal and research dilemma for reasons we address in this systematic review of the most effective practices documented to identify and serve ELs for GT programs. We examine 50 theoretical and empirical articles according to four major themes: nomination, screening/assessment, services, and identification models. We discuss identification recommendations, including outreach and professional learning to foster stakeholder recognition of GT potential in all ELs, an equitable referral process based on a multiple-lens approach, and observation of students completing problem-solving tasks. Finally, we address perceived best practices in serving GT ELs, including making accommodations for ELs in GT programs.
Death and Migration: Migrant Journeys and the Governance of Migration During Europe’s “Migration Crisis”
Authors: McMahon Simon , Sigona Nando
Published: September 2020

In migration and refugee studies, migrant deaths have frequently been closely linked to contemporary forms of border and migration governance. Migrant deaths at sea have also played a central role in shaping policy and public responses to Europe’s “crisis.” Yet relatively little scholarly work has analyzed migrants’ personal experiences related to death and the impact of these experiences on their mobility. Drawing on 500 semi-structured interviews with people who crossed the Mediterranean Sea by boat in 2015–2016 and over 100 interviews with key stakeholders in the region, this article documents geographies of violence and death stretching throughout migration trajectories that start far from the Mediterranean shores. It shines light on the different ways that encountering the deaths of others and perceiving the inevitability of one’s own death drive and shape migration decisions and journeys. The article also highlights differences between European policy responses to migrant deaths and the experiences of those migrants making the journey. In doing so, it calls for a more expansive understanding of the relationship between migrant deaths, policies, and migration that extends beyond the relatively small parcel of water that divides Europe from its southern and eastern neighbors.
Sustainable Marketing: Market-Driving, Not Market-Driven
Authors: Sheth Jagdish N. , Parvatiyar Atul
Published: September 2020

Sustainability has emerged as a critical macromarketing perspective over the last five decades. Starting with the early concerns in the 1960s about the world’s finite resources that would limit economic growth, sustainability thinking has expanded to encompass societal issues and ecological and environmental considerations in economic and governance activities. Governments and businesses need to act in tandem to address myriad world problems associated with climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, depleting resources, and the socio-economic disparities that characterize persistent world hunger and poverty. A vital aspect of this challenge is to stop or reverse unsustainable production and consumption that have hitherto been pursued as part of market-driven business activity. Marketing, through its market-driven consumption-oriented practices, may have knowingly or unknowingly promoted these unsustainable production-consumption practices. Therefore, it needs to change its orientation from merely being responsive to consumer and market needs into a more responsible approach that drives markets for sustainable products and services and builds sustainable societies. In this paper, we review how sustainable marketing considerations have grown but not to the extent of becoming the driver of markets and business practices that meet sustainability goals. To this end, we present a framework for driving sustainable consumption through corporate marketing strategy and relevant government interventions. We highlight four strategies of corporate marketing and four types of government intervention for sustainable marketing.
Magnetic resonance assessment of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases is not reproducible
Authors: Staal Femke CR , Beets-Tan Regina GH , Heeres Birthe C , Houwers Janneke , de Boer Myrte , van Dorth Danielle , Lambregts Doenja MJ , Maas Monique
Published: September 2020

Background

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) due to chemotherapy can cause severe hepatotoxicity, leading to impaired outcome in patients with colorectal cancer. A previous study introduced gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-MRI) to diagnose SOS.

Purpose

To assess the reproducibility of Gd-EOB-MRI-based SOS diagnosis and its relationship with response to chemotherapy and long-term outcome.

Material and Methods

Twenty-six Gd-EOB-MRI scans of patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were retrospectively analyzed. Three radiologists, blinded to clinical data, independently scored presence and severity of SOS on a 5-point scale (0, definitely not present to 4, definitely present). Patients with a score ≥3 were considered SOS+. Inter-observer agreement between readers was assessed with kappa statistics. Response (RECIST 1.1.), occurrence of new CRLM during follow-up (hepatic progression) and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients with and without SOS.

Results

The inter-observer agreement of SOS scores was poor, with quadratic kappas of 0.17–0.40. For the binary outcome of SOS+ (confidence level [CL] 3–4) vs. SOS– (CL 0–2) agreement was poor, with kappas of 0.03–0.37. Median follow-up was 24 months (range 4–44 months). Response and OS between patients with and without SOS did not differ significantly for any of the readers.

Conclusion

Inter-observer agreement for the diagnosis of SOS on Gd-EOB-MRI is poor. No significant correlation with relevant outcomes was found for any of the readers. Therefore, MRI for SOS diagnosis might be less useful than previously reported. Other techniques should be explored to accurately diagnose SOS in absence of histological confirmation.
Effect of dexmedetomidine for sedation and cognitive function in patients with preoperative anxiety undergoing carotid artery stenting
Authors: Wu Liu-Ping , Kang Wen-qing
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study was performed to examine the effect of dexmedetomidine for intraoperative sedation and postoperative cognitive function in patients with preoperative anxiety undergoing carotid artery stenting.

Methods

Eighty patients were randomly divided into two groups: the dexmedetomidine group and the control group. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Anxiety was evaluated using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Routine monitoring indices were recorded during surgery, and cognitive function indices were recorded before drug infusion (T0), 10 minutes after drug infusion (T1), at the end of surgery (T2), and 6 hours after surgery (T3).

Results

The anxiety scores were not significantly different between the two groups at T0, but they became significantly different at T1–3. The MMSE scores in both groups increased at 1 and 7 days postoperatively; although the increase in the dexmedetomidine group was sharper, there was no significant difference. In both groups, the MMSE scores at 1 and 7 days after surgery were not significantly different from those at 1 day before surgery.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine can improve patients’ anxiety and achieve a sufficient sedation effect without causing postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
A case report of early unilateral external fixation by 3D printing and computer-assisted and secondary bone graft internal fixation in pseudarthrosis of the tibia surgery
Authors: Zhong Hua , Ma Sushuang , Cen Yibiao , Ma Limin , Li Deqiang , Liang Bo , Chen Jin , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2020

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare congenital malformation. It is characterized by a tibial anterior bowing deformity or specific types of non-union, which typically result from abnormal development of the tibia, leading to the formation of local pseudarthrosis. The treatment of CPT is very challenging. The advent of 3D printing and computer-assisted techniques in recent years has provided a new ancillary technique for treatment planning and implementation. This case report describes the successful surgical treatment of a 14-year-old male that presented with a shortened limb deformity. Ahead of elective surgery, 3D printing and computer-assisted techniques were used to provide a 1:1 model of his left tibia, fibula and ankle joint to precisely determine the surgical procedure. The first surgery did not result in complete calcification of the tibial extension area, so a second proximal tibia iliac bone graft and internal fixation surgery was undertaken. Following regular follow-up and rehabilitation, by the 18-month follow-up, the proximal tibial bone graft had healed and the patient had resumed walking with a normal gait. This case report describes in detail the successful use of unilateral external fixation using the Ilizarov technique, 3D printing and computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery in the planning of treatment for CPT.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura in a 22-year-old woman: a case report
Authors: Sun Nina , Wang Jingluan , Cheng Zhaozhong , Han Weizhong , Li Guo , Tong Li
Published: September 2020

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare disease, and most published case reports are in patients over 40 years old. We report a case of SFTP in a 22-year-old woman. The imaging features were observed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and histomorphological features were evaluated using pathology and immunohistochemistry. The CT showed a mass in the pleura inside the ninth rib on the left. Pathological results of percutaneous puncture in the chest suggested the possibility of solitary fibroma. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the tumor measured 2.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm with an intact capsule. Pathological examination revealed a spindle cell tumor, and immunohistochemistry showed strong positive staining for CD34 and STAT6, consistent with typical solitary fibroma. Although SFTP is rare in young patients, early diagnosis and intervention are needed to avoid the possibility of future complications.
Transient analysis of smart composite laminate
Authors: Sahoo Rosalin , Chanda Aniket
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the transient analysis of smart laminated composite plates is presented analytically using inverse hyperbolic zigzag theory. This theory is displacement based with five unknown primary mid-plane variables in conjunction with the zigzag parameters resembling the membrane and the bending components. The inter-laminar continuity conditions of transverse shear stresses at the interfaces of the smart composite plate are artificially enforced. The dynamic version of principle of virtual work is used to derive the basic equations and solved subsequently with the Navier’s solution technique. Newmark’s time integration scheme is adopted to obtain the solutions of the coupled ordinary differential equations in the time frame. The equilibrium equations of elasticity are employed in order to obtain accurate estimation of transverse shear stresses. Numerical problems on diaphragm supported smart composite plate are solved by evaluating the static responses and comparing them with elasticity solutions in the existing literature. Then the transient responses are derived for a number of time-dependent electro-mechanical loads such as triangular, sine, ramp, and staircase variation. Results show excellent accuracy with the elasticity solutions available in the literature. Further, the dynamic controlling capacity of the piezoelectric layer is studied by evaluating the electrical loads that diminish the mechanical vibrations from the system.
Introducing the Black Male Adult Learner Success Theory
Authors: Goings Ramon B.
Published: September 2020

Given the preponderance of deficit-oriented discourse about Black men and adult learners in higher education, there have not been theoretical frameworks put forth to explain the success of Black male adult learners in higher education. Thus, this article describes the Black male adult learner success theory, which builds on Gilman Whiting’s scholar identity model and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological system theory and was developed as a lens to examine the unique experiences of Black male adult learners in higher education and the impact of their various environments on their academic success. In response to the call for action from adult education scholars, this article introduces an asset-based theoretical approach for researchers to use when studying Black male adult learners. The article provides implications for using the Black male adult learner success theory for policy and practitioners. The article ends with providing future recommendations for research based on the theory.
“If You Report Your Dad, How are You Going to Survive”: Health Practitioner Perspectives on Quality of Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence and the Challenge of Family Interference
Authors: Munala Leso , Welle Emily , Hohenshell Emily
Published: September 2020

This study examined the experiences and perspectives of health practitioners facing the challenges of providing services to female survivors of sexual violence. Interviews were conducted with 28 health practitioners, from eight post-rape care facilities located in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi’s 1978 analytical model. The analysis of the results was guided by four domains of the ecological framework: individual, interpersonal, community/cultural, and public policy. The study documented a myriad of detail about the challenges faced by women before reporting the crime as well as the actual process of reporting. One key finding from this study was that health practitioners perceived family interference as a barrier to reporting, access to care, and to the pursuit of justice for survivors, particularly if the perpetrator was a relative. Family interference was also identified as a factor with implications for health practitioners’ ability to ensure quality of care as it resulted in patients loss to follow-up and added to the negative emotional toll on health practitioners providing post-rape care. Three main themes emerged in practitioner responses related to this issue: (a) fear of consequences of reporting and care seeking, including economic vulnerability, family conflict, and retaliation such as divorce or further violence, (b) the trend toward out-of-court settlements rather than intervention through formal health and criminal justice sector challenges, and (c) attitudes toward sexual violence and survivors, normalization of rape, and victim-blaming attitudes. The study adds to our understanding of the obstacles faced by health practitioners providing post-rape care and provides a unique set of insights from the front lines on underlying factors contributing to these challenges.
Parental Phubbing and Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Moderated Mediation Model of Moral Disengagement and Online Disinhibition
Authors: Wang Xingchao , Wang Wei , Qiao Yuran , Gao Ling , Yang Jiping , Wang Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

The current study sought to examine whether parental phubbing was significantly related to adolescents’ cyberbullying perpetration and if moral disengagement mediated this relationship. We further examined whether online disinhibition moderated the direct and indirect relationships between parental phubbing and adolescents’ cyberbullying perpetration. The participants included 2,407 adolescents from seven middle schools in China who completed the questionnaires regarding their experience with parental phubbing, moral disengagement, cyberbullying perpetration, and online disinhibition. Results indicated that adolescents with a high level of parental phubbing were likely to cyberbully others. Moral disengagement significantly mediated the relationship between parental phubbing and adolescents’ cyberbullying perpetration. Furthermore, online disinhibition moderated the indirect relationship between parental phubbing and adolescents’ cyberbullying perpetration. Specifically, the paths from parental phubbing to moral disengagement and from moral disengagement to cyberbullying perpetration became strengthened when adolescents experienced high levels of online disinhibition.