bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approximately Optimal Mechanism Design
Authors: Roughgarden Tim , Talgam-Cohen Inbal
Published: May 2019

The field of optimal mechanism design enjoys a beautiful and well-developed theory, as well as several killer applications. Rules of thumb produced by the field influence everything from how governments sell wireless spectrum licenses to how the major search engines auction off online advertising. There are, however, some basic problems for which the traditional optimal mechanism design approach is ill suited—either because it makes overly strong assumptions or because it advocates overly complex designs. This article reviews several common issues with optimal mechanisms, including exorbitant communication, computation, and informational requirements; it also presents several examples demonstrating that relaxing the goal to designing an approximately optimal mechanism allows us to reason about fundamental questions that seem out of reach of the traditional theory.
The Causes and Consequences of Genetic Interactions (Epistasis)
Authors: Domingo Júlia , Baeza-Centurion Pablo , Lehner Ben
Published: May 2019

The same mutation can have different effects in different individuals. One important reason for this is that the outcome of a mutation can depend on the genetic context in which it occurs. This dependency is known as epistasis. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to quantify the extent of pairwise and higher-order genetic interactions between mutations through deep mutagenesis of proteins and RNAs. This research has revealed two major components of epistasis: nonspecific genetic interactions caused by nonlinearities in genotype-to-phenotype maps, and specific interactions between particular mutations. Here, we provide an overview of our current understanding of the mechanisms causing epistasis at the molecular level, the consequences of genetic interactions for evolution and genetic prediction, and the applications of epistasis for understanding biology and determining macromolecular structures.
tRNA Metabolism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Schaffer Ashleigh E. , Pinkard Otis , Coller Jeffery M.
Published: May 2019

tRNAs are short noncoding RNAs required for protein translation. The human genome includes more than 600 putative tRNA genes, many of which are considered redundant. tRNA transcripts are subject to tightly controlled, multistep maturation processes that lead to the removal of flanking sequences and the addition of nontemplated nucleotides. Furthermore, tRNAs are highly structured and posttranscriptionally modified. Together, these unique features have impeded the adoption of modern genomics and transcriptomics technologies for tRNA studies. Nevertheless, it has become apparent from human neurogenetic research that many tRNA biogenesis proteins cause brain abnormalities and other neurological disorders when mutated. The cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and peripheral nervous system show defects, impairment, and degeneration upon tRNA misregulation, suggesting that they are particularly sensitive to changes in tRNA expression or function. An integrated approach to identify tRNA species and contextually characterize tRNA function will be imperative to drive future tool development and novel therapeutic design for tRNA-associated disorders.
Understanding Immigration Detention: Causes, Conditions, and Consequences
Authors: Ryo Emily
Published: May 2019

During the summer of 2018, the US government detained thousands of migrant parents and their separated children pursuant to its zero-tolerance policy at the United States–Mexico border. The ensuing media storm generated unprecedented public awareness about immigration detention. The recency of this public attention belies a long-standing immigration enforcement practice that has generated a growing body of research in the past couple of decades. I take stock of this research, focusing on the causes, conditions, and consequences of immigration detention in the United States. I also discuss critical tasks for future research, including ( a) examining the role of local governments, the private prison industry, and decision makers responsible for release decisions in maintaining the detention system; ( b) extending the field of inquiry to less-visible detainee populations and detention facility guards and staff, for a fuller understanding of detention conditions; and ( c) investigating not only direct but also indirect consequences of detention.
The Impact of Defective Viruses on Infection and Immunity
Authors: Genoyer Emmanuelle , López Carolina B.
Published: May 2019

Defective viral genomes (DVGs) are generated during viral replication and are unable to carry out a full replication cycle unless coinfected with a full-length virus. DVGs are produced by many viruses, and their presence correlates with alterations in infection outcomes. Historically, DVGs were studied for their ability to interfere with standard virus replication as well as for their association with viral persistence. More recently, a critical role for DVGs in inducing the innate immune response during infection was appreciated. Here we review the role of DVGs of RNA viruses in shaping outcomes of experimental as well as natural infections and explore the mechanisms by which DVGs impact infection outcome.
PathGame: Crowdsourcing Time-Constrained Human Solutions for the Travelling Salesperson Problem
Authors: Dumnić Slaviša , Dupljanin Đorđije , Božović Vladimir , Ćulibrk Dubravko
Published: May 2019

Human strategies for solving the travelling salesperson problem (TSP) continue to draw the attention of the researcher community, both to further understanding of human decision-making and inspiration for the design of automated solvers. Online games represent an efficient way of collecting large amounts of human solutions to the TSP, and PathGame is a game focusing on non-Euclideanclosed-form TSP. To capture the instinctive decision-making process of the users, PathGame requires users to solve the problem as quickly as possible, while still favouring more efficient tours. In the initial study presented here, we have used PathGame to collect a dataset of over 16,000 tours, containing over 22,000,000 destinations. Our analysis of the data revealed new insights related to ways in which humans solve TSP and the time it takes them when forced to solve TSPs of large complexity quickly.
Occupational Therapy Practice in Mainstream Schools: Results from an Online Survey in Switzerland
Authors: Kaelin Vera C. , Ray-Kaeser Sylvie , Moioli Stefania , Kocher Stalder Cornelia , Santinelli Lietta , Echsel Angelika , Schulze Christina
Published: May 2019

The shift towards inclusive education in many European countries has led to structural changes that affect both schools and their related professionals aiming to support children’s participation. While most European countries acknowledge inclusive education and its need, serious challenges exist to its implementation at a national and local community level. Interdisciplinary collaboration, including health and educational professionals, is seen as an imperative key principle for inclusive education services. To learn about the occupational therapist’s contribution to inclusive education, the aim of this study was to describe the state of the art of occupational therapists’ collaboration and services delivery in Swiss schools. Using an exploratory, cross-sectional study design, a web-based survey was sent to 509 occupational therapists in Switzerland resulting in 302 responses for data analysis using descriptive statistics. Findings show that nearly all participants (97%) collaborate with schools, and 49% of participants provided direct services within a mainstream school setting. These services were mainly funded by health insurance and focused on physical and social environmental adaptations. Despite reported collaboration between occupational therapists and schools, this study shows a need for changes in federal health and education legislation as well as innovative solutions for service delivery in schools.
Acoustic‐Mechanical Responses of Intact and Flaw‐Contained Rock Deformation under Uniaxial Compression: A Comparison
Authors: Wang Gui-Lin , Zhang Liang , Wang Zhen , Zhang Jian-Zhi , Sun Fan , Qiu Pei-Yong
Published: May 2019

The study of the mechanical properties and cracking behaviors of jointed rock masses is important in rock engineering projects. In the present study, a series of uniaxial compression experiments were conducted on intact rock, and rock masses with single or double preexisting flaws, and then the strength, deformability, and fracture behavior of samples are investigated. Moreover, photographic monitoring technique and emission monitoring technique are introduced to explore the fracturing mode and the acoustic emission (AE) evolution characteristic of fractured rock during the whole loading process. The obtained results show that the preexisting flaw has a strong influence on the mechanical properties, fracture behavior, and AE characteristic of sandstone specimens. In detail, the stress‐strain curves show that no significant stress jump occurs at prepeak and postpeak points for intact sandstone specimens; however, the flaw‐contained sandstone specimens exhibit distinct stress jump during the entire loading process. Meanwhile, the strength parameters of the the rock specimen is obviously weakened by the preexisting fissures, and the uniaxial compression strength of rock specimens generally decreases with the increase in the number of preexisting fissure as well as the peak strain and the elastic modulus. The failure modes of intact and flaw‐contained sandstone specimens exhibit the splitting failure and the mixed failure modes of shear and tension, respectively. Similarly, the maximum AE counts and AE energy both decrease with the increasing number of preexisting flaw. The present research can enhance the understanding of mechanical properties, cracking behaviors, and failure mechanism of jointed rock mass.
An Optimized Channel Selection Method Based on Multifrequency CSP-Rank for Motor Imagery-Based BCI System
Authors: Feng Jian Kui , Jin Jing , Daly Ian , Zhou Jiale , Niu Yugang , Wang Xingyu , Cichocki Andrzej
Published: May 2019

Background. Due to the redundant information contained in multichannel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, the classification accuracy of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems may deteriorate to a large extent. Channel selection methods can help to remove task-independent electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and hence improve the performance of BCI systems. However, in different frequency bands, brain areas associated with motor imagery are not exactly the same, which will result in the inability of traditional channel selection methods to extract effective EEG features. New Method. To address the above problem, this paper proposes a novel method based on common spatial pattern- (CSP-) rank channel selection for multifrequency band EEG (CSP-R-MF). It combines the multiband signal decomposition filtering and the CSP-rank channel selection methods to select significant channels, and then linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to calculate the classification accuracy. Results. The results showed that our proposed CSP-R-MF method could significantly improve the average classification accuracy compared with the CSP-rank channel selection method.
Parameter Estimation for p-Order Random Coefficient Autoregressive (RCA) Models Based on Kalman Filter
Authors: Benmoumen Mohammed , Allal Jelloul , Salhi Imane
Published: May 2019

In this paper we elaborate an algorithm to estimate p-order Random Coefficient Autoregressive Model (RCA(p)) parameters. This algorithm combines quasi-maximum likelihood method, the Kalman filter, and the simulated annealing method. In the aim to generalize the results found for RCA(1), we have integrated a subalgorithm which calculate the theoretical autocorrelation. Simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm is viable and promising.
Freezing Treatments for Ectomyelois ceratoniae Mortality and Maintenance of Deglet Noor Palm Date Quality
Authors: Ben-Amor Rihab , de Miguel-Gómez María Dolores , Mohamed Habib Dhouibi , Nouha Hermi , Aguayo Encarna
Published: May 2019

Background. Insect infestation caused by Ectomyelois ceratoniae or carob moth is one of the main postharvest problems that can lead to a decrease of the marketable quality of dates. The control of carob moth is a mandatory process for exported fruits, and the main chemical method used to prevent pest diseases of palm date is treatment with methyl bromide. However, its use is being restricted due to direct harmful effects on the environment and indirect effects on humans. Freezing treatments could be physical alternatives to methyl bromide and other chemicals. Three freezing treatments at −18°C (50 h, 77 h, and 125 h) were studied for E. ceratoniae mortality in Deglet Noor date fruits. Results. The results showed that freezing at −18°C led to 100% mortality of all the stages of E. ceratoniae found in naturally infested dates. Fruit quality was examined under a selected sanitizing freezing treatment (50 hours at −18°C). This freezing treatment induced an increase of monosaccharides and a reduction in antioxidant activity (40 to 45%, measured with FRAP and DPPH assays). However, other parameters such as color, amino acids, total phenolic content, and microbial and sensorial quality were not affected by that treatment. All samples remained above the limit of marketability as there was no chilling injury. Conclusion. This treatment can be recommended as a green alternative to chemical treatments to control carob moth while yielding optimum-quality Deglet Noor date fruits that could be exported to developed countries.
Numerical Treatment for Darcy‐Forchheimer Flow of Sisko Nanomaterial with Nonlinear Thermal Radiation by Lobatto IIIA Technique
Authors: Uddin Iftikhar , Akhtar Rizwan , Zhiyu Zhu , Islam Saeed , Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor
Published: May 2019

In this study, the competency of numerical computational framework based on Lobatto IIIA technique is utilized for dynamical analysis of the Darcy‐Forchheimer flow of Sisko nanomaterial with nonlinear thermal radiation. The resultant PDEs of the Sisko fluid model expressions are transformed into system of nonlinear ODEs by exploiting the similarity variables. Graphical representations and numerical illustrations are used to envisage the characteristics of various physical parameters of interest on velocity profile, nanoparticles concentration, and temperature distribution of Sisko fluidic system. In addition, skin friction and Nusselt number are numerically examined with observation that the material parameter of Sisko fluid increases the velocity profile as well as Nusselt number while decreasing temperature, concentration profiles, and skin friction coefficient.
VLE of Carbon Dioxide-Loaded Aqueous Potassium Salt of L-Histidine Solutions as a Green Solvent for Carbon Dioxide Capture: Experimental Data and Modelling
Authors: Syalsabila Afaf , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah , Suleman Humbul , Hadi Md Nordin Nik Abdul
Published: May 2019

In this study, vapour-liquid equilibrium of CO2-loaded aqueous potassium salt of L-histidine was studied for a wide range of temperature (313.15–353.15 K), pressure (150–4000 kPa), and solvent concentrations (1–2.5 molar). The experimental results show that L-histidine has an excellent absorptive capacity for carbon dioxide. When compared to conventional solvent (monoethanolamine) and amino acid salt (potassium L-lysinate) at similar process conditions, L-histidine has superior absorption capacity. Moreover, modified Kent–Eisenberg model was used to correlate the VLE of the studied system with excellent agreement between the model and experimental values. The model exhibited an AARE% of 7.87%, which shows that it can satisfactorily predict carbon dioxide solubilities in aqueous potassium salt of L-histidine at other process conditions. Being a biological component in origin, almost negligibly volatile, and highly resistant to oxidative degradation, L-histidine offers certain operational advantages over other solvents used and has a promising potential for carbon dioxide capture.
Recent Survival Trends in High-Grade Neuroendocrine Neoplasms and Lung Cancer
Authors: Breitling Lutz Philipp , Rinke Anja , Gress Thomas Mathias
Published: May 2019

Background: Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (pdNEN) are a rare cancer entity, treatment of which is to a great part informed by studies on the much more common small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Objective: To reveal and compare recent survival trends for pdNEN and SCLC in an authorative, population-based database. Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database, 3,482 digestive tract pdNEN and 30,383 SCLC diagnosed from 2000 through 2015 were analyzed in detail. Results: Whereas changes in one- and 2-year relative survival in pdNEN were small, improvements in median survival appeared consistent and relevant. For example, median survival (95% CI) for distant disease pdNEN diagnosed in 2000–2004, 2005–2009, and 2010–2015 was 4.6 (3.8–5.4), 5.6 (4.5–6.7), and 6.4 (5.4–7.5) months. Changes in SCLC survival during the study period overall were even more limited, which – in the case of distant disease – meant that survival disadvantages of patients with pdNEN as compared to SCLC disappeared during the study period. Unfortunately, relevant improvements in year-wise conditional survival after the first year since diagnosis essentially were restricted to localized pdNEN and localized SCLC. Conclusions: Our results should stipulate further research, in particular, of the pdNEN-SCLC relationship. They will also be helpful in patient care and communication, providing the first conditional survival details in this context, a highly patient-relevant outcome.
Thyroid and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Cappola Anne R. , Desai Akshay S. , Medici Marco , Cooper Lawton S. , Egan Debra , Sopko George , Fishman Glenn I. , Goldman Steven , Cooper David S. , Mora Samia , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Hollenberg Anthony N. , McDonald Cheryl L. , Ladenson Paul W. , Celi Francesco S. , Dillman Wolfgang , Ellervik Christina , Gerdes A. Martin , Ho Carolyn , Iervasi Giorgio , Lerman Amir , Makino Ayako , Ojamaa Kaie , Peeters Robin , Pingitore Alessandro , Razvi Salman , Wassner Ari J.
Published: May 2019

Thyroid hormones have long been known to have a range of effects on the cardiovascular system. However, significant knowledge gaps exist concerning the precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing these effects and the optimal strategies for management of abnormalities in thyroid function in patients with and without preexisting cardiovascular disease. In September 2017, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group with the goal of developing priorities for future scientific research relating thyroid dysfunction to the progression of cardiovascular disease. The Working Group reviewed and discussed the roles of normal thyroid physiology, the consequences of thyroid dysfunction, and the effects of therapy in 3 cardiovascular areas: cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias, the vasculature and atherosclerosis, and the myocardium and heart failure. This report describes the current state of the field, outlines barriers and challenges to progress, and proposes research opportunities to advance the field, including strategies for leveraging novel approaches using omics and big data. The Working Group recommended research in 3 broad areas: (1) investigation into the fundamental biology relating thyroid dysfunction to the development of cardiovascular disease and into the identification of novel biomarkers of thyroid hormone action in cardiovascular tissues; (2) studies that define subgroups of patients with thyroid dysfunction amenable to specific preventive strategies and interventional therapies related to cardiovascular disease; and (3) clinical trials focused on improvement in cardiovascular performance and cardiovascular outcomes through treatment with thyroid hormone or thyromimetic drugs.
Calcium Buffering in the Heart in Health and Disease
Authors: Smith Godfrey L. , Eisner David A.
Published: May 2019

Changes of intracellular Ca
2+
concentration regulate many aspects of cardiac myocyte function. About 99% of the cytoplasmic calcium in cardiac myocytes is bound to buffers, and their properties will therefore have a major influence on Ca
2+
signaling. This article considers the fundamental properties and identities of the buffers and how to measure them. It reviews the effects of buffering on the systolic Ca
2+
transient and how this may change physiologically, and in heart failure and both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well. It is concluded that the consequences of this strong buffering may be more significant than currently appreciated, and a fuller understanding is needed for proper understanding of cardiac calcium cycling and contractility.
Push vs.  Pull Factors of Capital Flows Revisited: A Cross-country Analysis
Authors: Kang Tae Soo , Kim Kyunghun
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the major determinants of net capital inflows. To account for meaningful differences in responses, 47 countries used for the empirical analysis are divided into advanced economies (AEs) and emerging market economies (EMEs). These countries are further divided into subgroups to consider the heterogeneous determinants for AEs and EMEs. Our empirical examination reveals notable heterogeneity across country groups. Both push and pull factors are statistically significant in AEs, but push factors play a larger role for EMEs, though pull factor influence is observed in a few EME subgroups. Our empirical findings are robust to alternative model specifications, alternative measures of capital flows and interest rates, as well as the use of an alternative sample period.
Is There an “East Asian Education Model”? A Study on Varieties of Education Regimes
Authors: Sasiwuttiwat Supanutt , Tangkitvanich Somkiat
Published: May 2019

There have been limited empirical studies on the varieties of education models. This paper applies clustering analysis to classify 59 education systems in the world into clusters based on their institutional arrangements (or regimes). Using a data set obtained from the Program of International Student Assessment (PISA) survey in 2015, we discover three main findings on the varieties of education models. (1) There are approximately five to eight clusters of education regimes. Among these, there are three top-performing clusters in the PISA test—namely, those focusing on test-based accountability (exemplified by Singapore), those focusing on teacher empowerment and educational equity (exemplified by Finland), and those focusing on school choices and competition (exemplified by the Netherlands). Rather than being grouped in a single top-scoring club, high-scoring education systems belong to different regimes. Thus, there are many pathways to education excellence. (2) Not all systems in the top-performing clusters have high test scores. In fact, many are doing not so well and have many challenges. Thus, policymakers should be aware that no formula of institutional arrangement can guarantee success. To adopt good practices from other countries, policymakers must analyze the strengths and weakness of their own systems and understand the conditions for successful adoption. (3) There is no clear-cut “East Asian model,” consisting mainly of East Asian countries. This implies that East Asian education regimes are not truly distinct from others. Thus, the rise of East Asia to the top of the PISA league table illustrates diversity rather than a single-best model. Our study on the varieties of education models provides policymakers with two main options for education reform. An important question is whether to improve their education systems under existing regimes or to transform them into new regimes. The leaders in the same clusters can provide lessons for improving the current systems by adjusting a few practices. Meanwhile, leaders in other clusters can provide examples for transforming into new regimes.
Northward range extension of Porcellanopagurus nihonkaiensis Takeda, 1985 (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae) in Japan
Authors: Ohtsuchi Naoya , Hayakawa Jun , Kawamura Tomohiko
Published: May 2019

For the first time the occurrence of Porcellanopagurus nihonkaiensis Takeda, 1985 is reported both from Sagami Bay and Otsuchi Bay. The use of an empty shell of a true limpet of the family Lottiidae Gray, 1840 by Porcellanopagurus sp. is herein also reported for the first time.
Redescription of Pseudanuretes chaetodontis Yamaguti, 1936 (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Caligidae) and description of some of its developmental stages, with a discussion on sexually dimorphic features in the genus
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: May 2019

Pseudanuretes chaetodontis Yamaguti, 1936 is redescribed based on both sexes, from specimens recovered from the branchial lamellae of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) (Pisces, Pomacanthidae) in Japan. In addition, both sexes of copepodid V are described, as well as the free-living phase composed of two naupliar stages and the infective copepodid I stage, all reared from eggs, for the first time. Sexually dimorphic features found in the adult are discussed and it is pointed out herein that P. parvulus (Wilson, 1913) was described based on a copepodid V female specimen by that original author. Both sexes of the copepodid V exhibit sexually dimorphic features of the male type, i.e., in the maxilliped and in leg 5.
A General Revision of the Chronology of the Tagisken North Burial Ground
Authors: Bonora Gian Luca
Published: May 2019

The burial ground of Tagisken North, characterised by seven monumental mausolea and other adjoining structures made of mud brick and rammed earth, was excavated and studied by members of the “Khorezm Expedition” (KhAEE) in the 60’s and dated to the beginning of the 1st millennium BC (9th-8th centuries BC). This cemetery boasts a significant amount of artefacts pertaining to the Late Andronovo period.

In light of new archaeological findings and recent chronological refinements, and thanks to improved scientific cooperation within the academic world, greater accuracy in determining the chronology of steppe cultures through abundant radiocarbon dating and better research standards, the time has now come for a general revision of the chronology of this burial ground.

The radiocarbon sequence for the Andronovo culture is notably a subject of heated debate, due to the wide range of absolute dating. The differences between the chronological frames of Central Asia proposed by Russian-Central Asian and foreign archaeologists are considerable. Calibrated dates have, of course, extended the traditional periodization leading to alternative “high” chronologies, i.e. 300-500 years earlier than the traditional chronologies based on cross-cultural analogies and formal comparisons. Steppe and Pre-Aral materials may now be unquestionably linked to artefacts from Middle Asia. In the best of circumstances, the latter may in turn be linked to historical chronologies established for the Ancient Near and Middle East.

In light of this evidence, this paper proposes that the northern part of the Tagisken plateau was used as a burial ground as far back as the mid-2nd millennium BC, if not earlier, and continued to be used as such until the 13th century BC.
Storage Practices in the Merv and Serakhs Oases of the Partho-Sasanian Period
Authors: Kaim Barbara
Published: May 2019

In antiquity the oasis of Merv in the Murghab delta formed a relatively homogenous cultural region. At least from the Bronze Age onwards, the oasis shared a similar history with the neighbouring oasis of Serakhs in the ancient Tedjen delta. This paper focuses on storage practices in these two regions, drawing on recent archaeological work in the area which has revealed the existence of an array of methods for the storage and the administration of resources both in private dwellings and in official buildings. For a fuller picture, earlier storage practices and storage systems in these regions and neighbouring areas are first discussed, including specifically the area of the province of Parthia.
The Patrimonial Project of Dzhankent
Authors: Arzhantseva Irina , Gorshenina Svetlana
Published: May 2019

The archaeological site of Dzhankent, in addition to its geographical position and the wealth of finds from there, occupies a special place for several other reasons, too. It was the first site in Central Asia to be excavated (1740-1741) and photographed (1858), and it has recently become one of the national symbols of independent Kazakhstan (since 1991). Over the period of more than 270 years during which it has been studied, Dzhankent has been approached by generations of explorers, excavators and researchers from different theoretical positions and with different aims which have corresponded more or less to political or geopolitical programmes. The aim of this contribution is, on the one hand, to show how the various actors who worked at this site related to one another and to the various types of power (local, Tsarist, Soviet), and on the other hand, to analyze the changes in the theoretical approaches of these actors. At the same time, it is important to trace the transformation of Dzhankent, in its pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial contexts, into a memorial supposedly linked to imperial or national identities which, in turn, had been forged around a constructed past.
Preparing for Brexit: Substance, Politics and Readiness in an International Re-negotiation
Authors: Darbishire Owen
Published: May 2019

The UK ‘Brexit referendum’ set in motion a unique and highly complex set of negotiations to withdraw from a fundamentally embedded economic and political union. The final referendum was preceded by a nine-month pre-negotiation phase; this article examines the dynamics of that stage. The context of a unilaterally initiated negotiation, together with the economic and political costs associated with it, distinguish it from the existing literature. Three analytical approaches are combined and built upon in this article: the tasks of the pre-negotiation phase, the readiness of the temporal moment, and the demands of multi-level, multi-party negotiations. The concept of psychological readiness has broad theoretical import, though explicit recognition is given that negotiators are not unitary decision makers and that the incorporation of a political analysis is required. The combination of these frameworks provides insight into the dynamics of this phase and the difficulties experienced by both the UK and EU27.
The Pre-negotiation of UN Human Rights Treaties: The Case of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Herro Annie
Published: May 2019

Since 1965, nine UN human rights treaties have been adopted. Surprisingly, we know little about the conditions under which states arrived at the negotiation table because there has been no serious attempt to empirically identify the unique attributes of pre-negotiation in this context. This article examines the pre-negotiation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons (CRPD), drawing on diverse qualitative data sources such as interviews with state and non-state participants. Informed by a constructivist perspective, this study identifies esteem-seeking behavior as a key motivation for some states to negotiate. The article also shows how a transnational advocacy network influenced the pre-negotiation process by leveraging states’ esteem-seeking ambitions and appealing to their reputation as a way of pushing parties to negotiate. Additional tactics that the transnational advocacy network employ at the international level to expedite negotiations are also identified.
“Growing Young” in Australian Baptist Churches: Surveying Formation, Belonging and Mission
Authors: Cronshaw Darren
Published: May 2019

Australian Baptist Churches are seeking to respond to the broader trend of increasing disengagement of young people from church and faith. This article discusses Australian Baptist perspectives on generational ministries from the 2016 National Church Life Survey and interviews of generational pastors and young adults. In conversation with Fuller Youth Institute’s research, it explores how churches are “growing young”: fostering spiritual formation and discipleship with a range of spiritual practices; cultivating relationships and belonging including less “siloed” and more “generational” connections; and catalysing holistic mission including faith-sharing, community service and creation care.
Bringing China to Java
Authors: Post Peter
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses the paramount role of the Oei Tiong Ham Concern (OTHC) of Semarang in the “Buy Chinese Products” movement of the Republican Government during the period 1928–1937 and its attempts to control Java’s sugar trade with China during the same period. In doing so, the paper focuses on the personal relations between Chen Kung-po (Chen Gongbo), the Republican Minister of Trade and Industry, and the OTHC leadership, as well as the close collaboration between the Dutch-educated Peranakan and Totok Chinese business elites of Java in intensifying economic relations between China and Java. The paper thereby reassesses long-held views about attitudes and economic roles of the Westernized Peranakan Chinese elites and questions the usefulness of simplified political frameworks in analyzing the complex dynamics of intra-Asian trade and commerce in the highly politicized business environment of the 1930s.
Merenptah und Amenmesse: Entwurf einer alternativen Chronologie
Authors: Bányai Michael
Published: May 2019

Die Frage nach der chronologischen Position von Amenmesse innerhalb der späten 19. Dynastie ist ungeachtet aller Versuche einer Klärung weiterhin eine stark debattierte Angelegenheit geblieben. Man konnte von bisher zwei grundsätzlichen Lösungsansätzen Amenmesse zu unterbringen, sprechen. Der vorliegende Artikel möchte, angesichts der vom Autor festgestellten Schwierigkeiten der bisherigen Versuche, die Regierungszeit von Amenmesse chronologisch zu unterbringen, einer weiteren, dritten Alternative, nachgehen. Diese zieht in Betracht—in Übereinstimmung mit der Aussage der Historien von Manetho—die Möglichkeit eines Aufstands von Amenmesse während der späteren Regierungszeit Merenptahs. Ebenso wird hier zum ersten Mal die Aussage der Elephantine Stele des Sethnacht sowie von pHarris I auf diese Periode bezogen.
Justicia beddomei, a source of comprehensive vasicinone production
Authors: Panigrahi Jitendriya , Gantait Saikat , Patel Illa C.
Published: May 2019

The present study formulates a method for comprehensive production of vasicinone, a quinazoline alkaloid, from multiple plant parts of in vitro and in-field-grown Justicia beddomei. HPTLC analysis of plant parts was executed with methanolic extract using toluene: butanol: butyl acetate (9:0.5:0.5; v/v/v) as the solvent system. Validation of methodology was accomplished using TLC plates (silica gel 60 F254-pre-coated aluminium sheet) following the ICH manual to maintain accuracy, precision and repeatability with a linearity ranging 2–6 μg/spot. Validation data offers precision to the methodology adapted in the present study (LOD 1 μg/spot and LOQ 3 μg/spot). It was evident that in vitro samples produced relatively higher levels of vasicinone than that of their in-field counterparts. The highest vasicinone (2.07±0.025% of dry weight) production was quantified from in vitro stem, signifying a new resource for the production of vasicinone from identified parts of in vitro and in-field propagated J. beddomei plants.
Studies on the Canacidae (Diptera), subfamily Apetaeninae. II. A review of the world subgenera of Apetaenus Eaton, with a special reference to the Australian and New Zealand species
Authors: MUNARI LORENZO
Published: May 2019

A review of the world subgenera of Apetaenus Eaton is proposed, giving, contextually, a particular emphasis to the species from the Australian and New Zealand subantarctic archipelagos. The taxonomic status of Apetaenus watsoni Hardy is changed to A. litoralis watsoni Hardy n. stat. In this connection, Apetaenus litoralis Eaton is subdivided into three subspecies, of which A. litoralis marionensis n. ssp. from Marion Island (Kerguelen Biogeographical Province) is herein described. Furthermore, the genus Apetaenus is subdivided into three subgenera, namely Apetaenus s. str. Eaton, Listriomastax Enderlein, and Macrocanace Tonnoir & Malloch. A key to subgenera is proposed. With this second contribution the subfamily Apetaeninae has been reviewed worldwide, except for the subantarctic territories of South America, including the southernmost archipelagos, from which no species have hitherto been reported in the literature. Finally, some hypotheses on the evolution and dispersal of these flies around Antarctica are also proposed.
Review of the Chinese species of Eupoecilia Stephens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Cochylini)
Authors: ZHANG XU , LI HOUHUN
Published: May 2019

Seven species of Eupoecilia Stephens are reported from China, including one new species, Eupoecilia quinaspinalis sp. n., and one newly recorded species, Eupoecilia sanguisorbana (Herrich-Schäffer). Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a distribution map of Eupoecilia in China. A key to the Oriental and Palaearctic species is given.
Three new earthworms of the genus Pheretima (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: HONG YONG , JAMES SAMUEL W.
Published: May 2019

Earthworm material collected from Mt. Makiling, Laguna Province, Philippines contained three new species of the genus Pheretima as defined by Sims and Easton (1972): Pheretima makilingensis sp. nov. in the P. urceolata group, characterized by spermathecal pores in 5/6; Pheretima mariae sp. nov. and Pheretima lagunaensis sp. nov. in the P. sangirensis group, having spermathecal pores in 7/8. Pheretima makilingensis sp. nov. has spermathecal pores 0.15 circumference ventrally apart and male openings 0.17 circumference ventrally apart. Pheretima mariae sp. nov. has spermathecal pores 0.04 circumference ventrally apart, male openings 0.09 circumference ventrally apart, copulatory bursae without pads, and a large digitate penis filling bursa. Pheretima lagunaensis sp. nov. has spermathecal pores 0.03 circumference ventrally apart, male openings 0.10 circumference ventrally apart, copulatory bursae lacking pads, and a large irregularly shaped penis from the bursa roof.
Diaphanosoma senegal Gauthier, 1951 (Crustacea: Cladocera: Sididae) in South-East Asia
Authors: KOROVCHINSKY NIKOLAI M. , SANOAMUANG LA-ORSRI
Published: May 2019

Representatives of a rare species, Diaphanosoma senegal Gauthier, 1951, are recorded for the first time from seven localities in Northeast Thailand and in one locality in the south of Vietnam. The known species range is thereby much expanded to the east, from West Africa to South-East Asia. Close comparative examination of specimens from the latter region has revealed morphological differences from all other representatives of the species, inhabiting the vast area from West Africa to India and Bangladesh, thus substantiating their attribution to a new subspecies, D. senegal isanensis. The description of the new taxon is supplemented by notes on biology and zoogeography of the species.
The position of the Leptoscelini and other taxonomic changes within the family Coreidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: PACKAUSKAS RICHARD J.
Published: May 2019

The coreine tribe Leptoscelini is subsumed under the tribe Anisoscelini, which receives the genera Leptoscelis LaPorte, Malvana Stål and Phthia Stål. The genus Amblyomia Stål, lacking numerous characters of the tribe, is placed in incertae sedis. Other genera tentatively placed in the tribe include: Coribergia Casini, Dalmatomammurius Brailovsky, Kalinckascelis Brailovsky, Leptopelios Brailovsky, Leptostellana Brailovsky, Malvanaioides Brailovsky, Onoremia Brailovsky, Plunentis Stål, and Sephinioides Brailovsky. Ugnius Stål and Bellamynocoris Brailovsky are removed from Acanthocephalini to Anisoscelini.
Cobitis xui, a new species of spined loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Pearl River drainage in southern China
Authors: TAN XI-CHANG , LI PENG , WU TIE-JUN , YANG JIAN
Published: May 2019

A new spined loach of the genus Cobitis Linnaeus is described from the Buquan River, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The species differs from other members of Cobitis in China by a combination of morphological characters, none of them unique: body depth 14.3‒18.4% SL; lamina circularis long and knife-shaped; Gambetta zones present on the dorsolateral sides of the body (L1‒L5); 8‒11 large transverse elongated blotches on L5; 9‒12 large transverse elongated blotches on L1; maxillary barbels longer than eye diameter; 4‒5 narrow rows of dark spots on the caudal fin; caudal fin with 14 branched rays; a rectangular spot slightly smaller than eye diameter on the upper side of caudal fin base; and caudal-peduncle depth 79.5‒93.1% its length.
Covariance of Optimal Parameters of an Arctic Sea Ice–Ocean Model
Authors: Sumata Hiroshi , Kauker Frank , Karcher Michael , Gerdes Rüdiger
Published: May 2019

The uniqueness of optimal parameter sets of an Arctic sea ice simulation is investigated. A set of parameter optimization experiments is performed using an automatic parameter optimization system, which simultaneously optimizes 15 dynamic and thermodynamic process parameters. The system employs a stochastic approach (genetic algorithm) to find the global minimum of a cost function. The cost function is defined by the model–observation misfit and observational uncertainties of three sea ice properties (concentration, thickness, drift) covering the entire Arctic Ocean over more than two decades. A total of 11 independent optimizations are carried out to examine the uniqueness of the minimum of the cost function and the associated optimal parameter sets. All 11 optimizations asymptotically reduce the value of the cost functions toward an apparent global minimum and provide strikingly similar sea ice fields. The corresponding optimal parameters, however, exhibit a large spread, showing the existence of multiple optimal solutions. The result shows that the utilized sea ice observations, even though covering more than two decades, cannot constrain the process parameters toward a unique solution. A correlation analysis shows that the optimal parameters are interrelated and covariant. A principal component analysis reveals that the first three (six) principal components explain 70% (90%) of the total variance of the optimal parameter sets, indicating a contraction of the parameter space. Analysis of the associated ocean fields exhibits a large spread of these fields over the 11 optimized parameter sets, suggesting an importance of ocean properties to achieve a dynamically consistent view of the coupled sea ice–ocean system.
Police Perceptions of Crime Victim Behaviors: A Trend Analysis Exploring Mandatory Training and Knowledge of Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors’ Trauma Responses
Authors: Franklin Cortney A. , Garza Alondra D. , Goodson Amanda , Bouffard Leana Allen
Published: May 2019

Police perceptions of a victim’s self-presentation style can have an impact on secondary victimization, case processing, and public safety. Trauma survivors may present to police with flat or restricted affect, emotional numbing, and disjointed recollections. Often, police personnel have misperceived manifestations of trauma as indicators of reliability and credibility. Using a trend design, this study employed a sample of 979 police from one of the five largest U.S. cities to examine the relation between trauma-informed training and endorsement of trauma misperceptions. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were estimated and revealed mean adherence to trauma misperceptions was significantly lower among participants who had completed training, controlling for demographic, occupational, and attitudinal variables. Implications and future research are discussed.
Determination of modeling parameters for a brushless DC motor that satisfies the power performance of an electric vehicle
Authors: Huang Caixia , Lei Fei , Han Xu , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

The analysis and control of powertrain systems of electric vehicle, which is an important type of new energy vehicle, have been the focus of extensive research, but determining the motor modeling parameters remains a problem. A method of parameter determination for brushless DC motor modeling based on vehicle power performance was developed in this study. The power and torque of the driving motor of an electric vehicle were obtained by using the dynamic equation of the electric vehicle to satisfy the requirements of power performance. The ranges of the back electromotive force coefficient and the winding inductance were derived from the voltage and dynamic equations of brushless DC motor, which were deduced from the expected power and torque of the motor. The modeling parameters were then determined on the basis of the influence of power source voltage, back electromotive force coefficient, winding inductance, and winding resistance on vehicle power performance. A hardware-in-loop simulation of vehicle power performance was performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results indicate that the maximum vehicle velocity is 172 km/h, and the acceleration time of 100 km/h is 13 s, which reveal that the motor modeling parameters obtained with the method satisfy relevant requirements.
Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics – impact of a cluster adopted protocol on primary care prescribing
Authors: Weatherburn Christopher J
Published: May 2019

Background and Aims

Reduction of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (BZDs and Z-drugs) prescribing is a priority. Dundee, Scotland, has a total of 25 general practices, split into four clusters. The cluster with the highest recorded prescribing of BZDs and Z-drugs adopted a prescribing protocol that aimed to reduce such prescribing. This paper evaluates the impact of this protocol.

Methods

Quarterly prescribing data were obtained from Information Service Division, NHS Scotland from Q1 2015/16 to Q4 2017/18. Data were split into four clusters and standardised to Defined Daily Dose (DDDs) per 1000 registered patients. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was performed to assess prescribing one year after this protocol was introduced.

Results

There was a crude reduction in prescribing of BZDs and Z-drugs across all GP practice clusters, but this related to an ongoing downward trend in prescribing. Allowing for this, in the cluster that adopted the protocol, ITS revealed there was no significant reduction attributable to the intervention in prescribing of DDD equivalent doses (−0.4%, 95% CI: −7.2 to 7.6).

Conclusions

Introduction of a cluster-wide prescribing protocol did not provide significant reduction of prescribing. Although crude figures might suggest an improvement, ITS analysis revealed this not to be the case.
Public Personnel Management Process Capability Assessment
Authors: Gökalp Ebru , Demirörs Onur , Eren P. Erhan
Published: May 2019

Personnel management plays a critical role in the success of public organizations. Our literature review shows that there is a lack of systematic guidance on how to improve Public Personnel Management Process (PPMP) quality. Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE) is a process assessment framework that is successfully used by software organizations during the past two decades. The framework can also be used as a baseline to generate process capability models for different specific domains/sectors. We have utilized this approach for the government domain and we developed the process definition of PPMP. To observe the benefits and usability of the model, we have performed a multiple case study, including the assessments of three organizations’ PPMP capability levels and the development of action plans for PPMP improvement. The findings show that the proposed approach is applicable for identifying the PPMP capability levels and is capable of providing a roadmap for moving to the next level.