bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptanalysis of the Lightweight Block Cipher BORON
Authors: Liang Huicong , Wang Meiqin
Published: December 2019

This paper provides security evaluations of a lightweight block cipher called BORON proposed by Bansod et al. There is no third-party cryptanalysis towards BORON. Designers only provided coarse and simple security analysis. To fill this gap, security bounds of BORON against differential and linear cryptanalysis are presented in this paper. By automatic models based on the SMT solver STP, we search for differential and linear trails with the minimal number of active S-boxes and trails with optimal probability and bias. Then, we present key-recovery attacks towards round-reduced BORON. This paper is the first third-party cryptanalysis towards BORON.
Automatic Histogram Specification for Glioma Grading Using Multicenter Data
Authors: Chen Xi , Wu Yaping , Zhao Guohua , Wang Meiyun , Gao Wenyi , Zhang Qian , Lin Yusong
Published: December 2019

Multicenter sharing is an effective method to increase the data size for glioma research, but the data inconsistency among different institutions hindered the efficiency. This paper proposes a histogram specification with automatic selection of reference frames for magnetic resonance images to alleviate this problem (HSASR). The selection of reference frames is automatically performed by an optimized grid search strategy with coarse and fine search. The search range is firstly narrowed by coarse search of intraglioma samples, and then the suitable reference frame in histogram is selected by fine search within the sample selected by coarse search. Validation experiments are conducted on two datasets GliomaHPPH2018 and BraTS2017 to perform glioma grading. The results demonstrate the high performance of the proposed method. On the mixed dataset, the average AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 0.9786, 94.13%, 94.64%, and 93.00%, respectively. It is about 15% higher on all indicators compared with those without HSASR and has a slight advantage over the result of a manually selected reference frame by radiologists. Results show that our methods can effectively alleviate multicenter data inconsistencies and lift the performance of the prediction model.
Material and Structural Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Resin Composites as Thin Overlay for Steel Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhou Chengqi , Li Kuan , Gao Peiwei , Pan Youqiang , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: December 2019

Fatigue cracks are main damages to steel bridge deck pavement with thermosetting epoxy asphalt. By combining a high-toughness resin material with fiber woven fabrics, this study formed an ultrathin overlay of fiber-reinforced high-toughness resin to improve cracking resistance of pavement. Through theoretical measurement and bending test, this research studied change laws of bending and tensile properties of epoxy asphalt concrete after fiber reinforcement and analyzed bending strength and the maximum failure strain of beams at different temperatures. Moreover, the reinforcing effects of different fibers were discussed. It is found that bending strength, maximum failure strain, and stiffness modulus of the beams with epoxy asphalt are improved after fiber reinforcement. With the decrease of temperature, after fiber reinforcement, the mode of bending failure of the epoxy asphalt mixture (EAM) changes from brittle fracture into shear failure, accompanied with significant yield phenomenon. Furthermore, organic carbon fiber is sensitive to influences of temperature, while glass fiber is least sensitive to temperature.
MicroRNAs in Tumor Exosomes Drive Immune Escape in Melanoma
Authors: Vignard Virginie , Labbé Maureen , Marec Nadège , André-Grégoire Gwennan , Jouand Nicolas , Fonteneau Jean-François , Labarrière Nathalie , Fradin Delphine
Published: December 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, exist not only in cells but also in a variety of body fluids. These circulating miRNAs could enable intercellular communication. miRNAs are packaged in membrane-encapsulated vesicles, such as exosomes, or protected by RNA-binding proteins. Here, we report that miRNAs included in human melanoma exosomes regulate the tumor immune response. Using microscopy and flow cytometry, we demonstrate that CD8+ T cells internalize exosomes from different tumor types even if these cells do not internalize vesicles as readily as other immune cells. We explored the function of melanoma-derived exosomes in CD8+ T cells and showed that these exosomes downregulate T-cell responses through decreased T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and diminished cytokine and granzyme B secretions. The result reduces the cells' cytotoxic activity. Using mimics, we found that miRNAs enriched in exosomes—such as Homo sapiens (hsa)-miR-3187-3p, hsa-miR-498, hsa-miR-122, hsa-miR149, and hsa-miR-181a/b—regulate TCR signaling and TNFα secretion. Our observations suggest that miRNAs in melanoma-derived exosomes aid tumor immune evasion and could be a therapeutic target.
Emergence of Chloride as an Overlooked Cardiorenal Connector in Heart Failure
Authors: Kazory Amir , Ronco Claudio
Published: December 2019

Several studies have recently challenged the sodium-centric view that has been dominating the field of heart failure (HF) and cardiorenal syndrome. The previously observed benefits of severe dietary restriction of salt do not seem to be consistently reproduced by contemporary studies. Moreover, there is evidence that too low intake may paradoxically lead to adverse outcomes in more advanced stages of HF. Facing the escalating controversy, investigators have shifted their focus from sodium to its often overlooked counter ion in salt, the chloride. Emerging data suggest that serum chloride levels could portend robust independent prognostic value in a wide range of HF syndromes possibly stronger than that of sodium. The untoward impact of hypochloremia on the outcomes could be mechanistically linked to renal tubular regulatory pathways, neurohormonal activation, and diuretic resistance. As such, it can be a potential target of therapy in this setting. In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the role of serum chloride as a cardiorenal connector and explore the context in which the contemporary data should be interpreted. Implementation of predictive and therapeutic strategies incorporating the emerging evidence would be refined through discussion of nuances of such findings as well as their biological and clinical relevance.
Taurine Supplementation Reverses Diabetes-Induced Podocytes Injury via Modulation of the CSE/TRPC6 Axis and Improvement of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Zhang Ruibin , Wang Xiaoping , Gao Qingzhen , Jiang Huili , Zhang Shan , Lu Min , Liu Fang , Xue Xia
Published: December 2019

Background: The protective effects of taurine supplementation on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have been defined, but the mechanisms are not quite clear yet. TRPC6 has been shown to function in the homeostasis of podocytes, but whether TRPC6-modulated mitochondrial dysfunctions participating in taurine-induced renal protection during diabetes are unclear. Methods: A DKD model was constructed using streptozocin (STZ), and an immortalized mouse podocytes cell line MPC-5 was used. Renal histology and western blot were used to analyze the expression levels of certain proteins. Cell proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, calcium influx, and mitochondrial functions were evaluated. Results: In this study, taurine intervention improved STZ-induced DKD injuries, while it decreased both 24-h urinary protein and podocytes apoptosis. In detail, this study showed that taurine treatment decreased mitochondrial ROS productions by suppressing calcium overload and improving mitochondrial respiratory functions. Furthermore, the upregulation of TRPC6 is partially responsible for the calcium overload during high glucose treatment, whereas taurine treatment inhibited TRPC6 expression and partially attenuated high glucose-induced podocytes injuries. In addition, we demonstrated that taurine could upregulate CSE expression and inhibits TRPC6 expression via promoting the synthesis of H2S. Conclusion: Our study reveals that taurine intervention could partially attenuate the lesions of DKD by modulating the CSE/TRPC6 axis.
Exploring the Relationship of Transdiagnostic Mood and Psychosis Symptom Domains with Motor Dysfunction
Authors: Kent Jerillyn S. , Disner Seth G. , Van Voorhis Abraham C. , Urošević Snežana , Caligiuri Michael P. , Sponheim Scott R.
Published: December 2019

Background: A number of motor abnormalities have been reported in psychotic disorders, including dyskinesia and psychomotor slowing. There is also evidence for many of the same motor abnormalities in biological first-degree relatives and accruing evidence for motor abnormalities in bipolar disorder. In addition to motor dysfunction, there are also shared symptom domains amongst these populations. Objectives: We explored the associations of (1) current and lifetime psychosis and mood symptom domains and (2) domains of psychosis proneness with various domains of motor function in a transdiagnostic sample (n = 149). Method: Individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, biological first-degree relatives of individuals with a psychotic disorder, and controls completed measures of psychomotor speed and movement fluidity, and neural activity related to motor preparation (stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potential, S-LRP) and execution (response-locked LRP) was assessed using EEG. All participants completed the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; patients were additionally assessed for lifetime psychosis and mood episode symptoms, and relatives and controls completed the Chapman psychosis proneness scales. Results: Multiple regression revealed levels of current negative symptoms and mania were significantly positively associated with psychomotor slowing even after accounting for current antipsychotic medication dosage and duration of illness. S-LRP onset latency was significantly positively associated with magical ideation. Conclusion: Domains of motor function are associated with various mood and psychosis symptom domains in a transdiagnostic sample, which may provide insight into brain abnormalities relevant to the expression of symptoms across disorders.
Using Bioimpedance Spectroscopy to Assess Volume Status in Dialysis Patients
Authors: van der Sande Frank M. , van de Wal-Visscher Esther R. , Stuard Stefano , Moissl Ulrich , Kooman Jeroen P.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the paper is to reflect on the current status of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) in fluid management in dialysis patients. BIS identifies fluid overload (FO) as a virtual (overhydration) compartment, which is calculated from the difference between the measured extracellular volume and the predicted values based on a fixed hydration of lean and adipose tissue mass. FO is highly prevalent in both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, while levels of FO are at a population level comparable between PD patients and HD patients when measured before the dialysis treatment. Even mild levels of FO are independently related to outcome in patients on HD, PD as well as in nondialysis patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. FO is not only related to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) but also forms part of a multidimensional spectrum with noncardiovascular risk factors such as malnutrition and inflammation. Even after multiple adjustments, FO remains an independent predictor of mortality. BIS-assisted adjustment of dry weight in HD patients has been shown to improve hypertension control and LVH and has resulted in a decline in intradialytic symptomatology. On the other hand, with increased fluid removal, target weight may not always be reached due to an increase in intradialytic symptomatology, and care should be applied in target weight adjustment in fluid overloaded patients with severe malnutrition and/or inflammation. Although a reduction in hospitalization rate was suggested, the effect of BIS-guided dry weight adjustment on mortality has not yet been shown, however, although available studies are underpowered. In PD patients, results have been more equivocal, which may be partly related to differences in treatment protocols or study populations. Future large-scale studies are needed to assess the full potential of BIS.
Phytotherapy Adds to the Therapeutic Armamentarium for the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men
Authors: Fornara Paolo , Madersbacher Stephan , Vahlensieck Winfried , Bracher Franz , Romics Imre , Kil Paul
Published: December 2019

Background: Practice guidelines hardly recommend herbal extracts for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, many patients are unsatisfied with first-line synthetic drugs and often prefer herbal medicines because of good tolerability. To improve the decision-making process, which should consider the patients’ expectations, it is crucial to reflect on the role of phytotherapy in the treatment of LUTS. We (panel experts) reflected on current guideline recommendations and real practice across various European countries and debated the potential role of plant extracts with a focus on pumpkin seed soft extract investigated over 12 months in two randomised placebo-controlled trials. Summary: Most guidelines give no clear recommendations on phytotherapy due to the heterogeneity of clinically investigated extracts. Nevertheless, plant extracts are prescribed to patients with mild-to-moderate LUTS. Also, self-medicating patients often handle their complaints with herbal products. Many patients aim to avoid synthetic drugs for fear of sexual functional side effects and a negative impact on their quality of life. For the elderly, vasoactive comedications might become an issue. When taking plant extracts, patients experience an acceptable symptomatic relief similar to that achieved with synthetics but without side effects. Key Messages: In shared decision-making for purely symptomatic treatment, a low risk of side effects takes priority. We propose to consider patient preferences in the treatment of mild-to-moderate LUTS in men with a low risk of disease progression. We found a consensus that pumpkin seed soft extract adds to the therapeutic armamentarium for patients who cannot or do not want to apply synthetic drugs.
A Systematic Review of Core Outcomes for Hypospadias Surgery
Authors: Leunbach Tina L. , O''Toole Stuart , Springer Alexander , Williamson Paula R. , Ahmed S. Faisal
Published: December 2019

Although the outcome of hypospadias surgery requires careful scrutiny, there is little consensus on what clinical outcome parameters should be considered essential as part of routine clinical practice. To understand the extent of variation in reported outcome measures, Pubmed was searched to identify outcomes in boys with hypospadias published in the English language from 2008 to 2017. Eligibility criteria were met in 268 publications. Outcomes were inconsistently reported and only 9 (13%) were reported in more than 25% of papers. Outcome studies describing younger boys were overrepresented. Urethrocutaneous fistula was reported in about 90% of publications that included boys aged <16 years. Among younger boys meatal stenosis, dehiscence, and urethral strictures were next most frequent. In the older age groups, an increasing frequency of cosmesis, meatal shape/location, and genital skin changes was described. Outcomes reflecting sexual health, erection, and relationship status including paternity were reported in those aged >16 years. The current study identifies the range of parameters that are measured to assess outcome after hypospadias surgery. The results can be used to promote the development of an age-specific core outcome set that can be applied as a standardized assessment tool in future routine clinical settings.
Usbek no harém das "Cartas Persas", de Montesquieu
Authors: Chauvel Thais
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo propõe uma análise da personagem de Usbek, principal epistológrafo das Cartas persas, concentrando-se na compreensão e interpretação de sua atuação no que diz respeito ao chamado “romance do serralho”, isto é, o conjunto temático das cartas que se referem à trama do harém persa abandonado por Usbek. Num primeiro momento, faz-se um levantamento das cartas cuja autoria é atribuída a Usbek verificando que a produção de missivas relativas ao harém é enxuta se comparada às demais epístolas de Usbek, o que poderia ser interpretado como uma marca de indiferença ou então de impotência. Num segundo momento, a proposta é analisar o discurso de Usbek no que se refere ao serralho demonstrando em que medida esta personagem atua de maneira despótica em seu próprio harém. A partir daí, mostra-se como o descompasso entre a fala e as atitudes de Usbek revela o abismo existente entre as ideias teóricas e suas aplicações práticas. Nesse sentido, as contradições de Usbek evidenciam como é difícil agir de acordo com seus ideais. Por fim, este artigo analisa a relação de Usbek com o exílio e o modo como ele encerra sua participação neste romance de Montesquieu.
A igualdade democrática na relação paciente-psiquiatra como meio para o exercício da liberdade para além da adesão ao tratamento
Authors: Silva Leila Bitencourt Reis da , Nogueira Roberto Henrique Pôrto
Published: December 2019

O tratamento psiquiátrico pode contribuir para a desconsideração do paciente como sujeito de direito e tem o potencial de estimular juízos degradantes de sua capacidade. O objetivo do trabalho, que adota processos teóricos de estudo jurídico-descritivo e jurídico-propositivo, é identificar medidas práticas para a adesão e a condução terapêuticas adequadas, que viabilizem a igualdade democrática cunhada na teoria de Elizabeth Anderson. O estudo evidencia que a necessidade de proteção do paciente deve afastar-se de um recorrente efeito reverso, qual seja, sua inferiorização. Cabe, assim, criar meios para a emersão de sua volição, ainda que inferida, quanto à medida considerada adequada no tratamento psiquiátrico, com repercussões oriundas do movimento antimanicomial e do panorama da teoria das incapacidades transformado pelo Estatuto da Pessoa com Deficiência. Como resultado, propõe-se que a opção pelas medidas de cuidado, independentemente da incapacidade do paciente e diante dos parâmetros normativos expostos, seja privilegiada e informada pelo psiquiatra na fase de acesso, de acolhimento ou de acompanhamento. O estudo é importante porque colabora para a concretização do respeito à dignidade do paciente. Nesse tocante, viabiliza-se o exercício da liberdade para além da mera adesão ao tratamento psiquiátrico.
Retinoids Repress Human Cardiovascular Cell Calcification With Evidence for Distinct Selective Retinoid Modulator Effects
Authors: Rogers Maximillian A. , Chen Jiaohua , Nallamshetty Shriram , Pham Tan , Goto Shinji , Muehlschlegel Jochen D. , Libby Peter , Aikawa Masanori , Aikawa Elena , Plutzky Jorge
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Retinoic acid (RA) is a ligand for nuclear receptors that modulate gene transcription and cell differentiation. Whether RA controls ectopic calcification in humans is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that RA regulates osteogenic differentiation of human arterial smooth muscle cells and aortic valvular interstitial cells that participate in atherosclerosis and heart valve disease, respectively.

Approach and Results:

Human cardiovascular tissue contains immunoreactive RAR (RA receptor)—a retinoid-activated nuclear receptor directing multiple transcriptional programs. RA stimulation suppressed primary human cardiovascular cell calcification while treatment with the RAR inhibitor AGN 193109 or
RARα
siRNA increased calcification. RA attenuated calcification in a coordinated manner, increasing levels of the calcification inhibitor MGP (matrix Gla protein) while decreasing calcification-promoting TNAP (tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) activity. Given that nuclear receptor action varies as a function of distinct ligand structures, we compared calcification responses to cyclic retinoids and the acyclic retinoid peretinoin. Peretinoin suppressed human cardiovascular cell calcification without inducing either secretion of APOC3 (apolipoprotein-CIII), which promotes atherogenesis, or reducing CYP7A1 (cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1) expression, which occurred with cyclic retinoids all-
trans
RA, 9-
cis
RA, and 13-
cis
RA. Additionally, peretinoin did not suppress human femur osteoblast mineralization, whereas all-
trans
RA inhibited osteoblast mineralization.

Conclusions:

These results establish retinoid regulation of human cardiovascular calcification, provide new insight into mechanisms involved in these responses, and suggest selective retinoid modulators, like acyclic retinoids may allow for treating cardiovascular calcification without the adverse effects associated with cyclic retinoids.
Validation of a Smartphone Application in the Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Stroke in a Comprehensive Stroke Center
Authors: Martins Sheila C.O. , Weiss Gustavo , Almeida Andrea G. , Brondani Rosane , Carbonera Leonardo A. , de Souza Ana Claudia , Martins Magda Carla O. , Nasi Guilherme , Nasi Luiz A. , Batista Carlos , Sousa Fabrício B. , Rockenbach Márcio A.B.C. , Gonçalves Felipe M. , Vedolin Leonardo M. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The increasing demand and shortage of experts to evaluate and treat acute stroke patients has led to the development of remote communication tools to aid stroke management. We aimed to evaluate the JOIN App smartphone system—a low-cost tool for rapid clinical and neuroimaging data sharing to expedite decision-making in stroke.

Methods—

Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated at a University Hospital in Brazil from December 2014 to December 2015 were evaluated. The analysis included all patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke who underwent initial evaluation by neurology residents followed by JOIN teleconsultation with a stroke neurologist on call for management decisions. An expert panel of stroke neurologists and neuroradiologists revised all cases using a standard Picture Archiving and Communication System imaging workstation within 24 hours and analyzed the decision made with remote assistance during the emergency setting.

Results—

A total of 720 stroke codes were evaluated with 442 acute ischemic stroke qualifying. Seventy-eight (18%) patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis. The main reasons for tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) exclusion were symptom onset >4.5 hours (n=295; 67%) and hypodense middle cerebral artery territory area >1/3 (n=31; 7%). The agreement rates between Picture Archiving and Communication System versus JOIN-based thrombolysis decisions were 100% for the stroke (unblinded) and 99.3% for the neuroradiologist (blinded) experts. The use of the application resulted in a significant reduction in the door-to-needle times across the pre- versus postimplementation periods (median, 90 [interquartile range, 75–106] versus 63 [interquartile range, 61–117] minutes;
P
=0.03). The rates of 90-day excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, 0–1) were 51.3%; 90-day mortality, 2.6%; and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3.8%.

Conclusions—

The JOIN smartphone system allows rapid sharing of clinical and imaging data to facilitate decisions for stroke treatment. The remote application-based decisions seem to be as accurate as the physical presence of stroke experts and might lead to faster times to treatment. This system represents an easily implementable low-cost telemedicine solution for centers that cannot afford the full-time presence of stroke specialists.
Nationwide Trends in Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Artery Stenting in the Post-CREST Era
Authors: Cole Tyler S. , Mezher Andrew W. , Catapano Joshua S. , Godzik Jakub , Baranoski Jacob F. , Nakaji Peter , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Lawton Michael T. , Little Andrew S. , Ducruet Andrew F.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The CREST (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial) demonstrated equivalent composite outcomes between carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) for treating carotid stenosis. We investigated nationwide trends in these procedures and associated periprocedural stroke, myocardial infarction, death, cost, and readmission rates since CREST outcomes were published.

Methods—

We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify patients undergoing CEA and CAS for asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis from 2010 to 2015. Patients were matched based on demographics, comorbidities, and severity of illness.

Results—

In total, 378 354 CEA and 57 273 CAS patients were treated during this 6-year period. CEA volume decreased by an average of 2669 procedures annually (P=0.001) with stable CAS volume (P=0.225). After matching, CEA patients had a higher rate of periprocedural stroke than CAS patients, driven by increased stroke risk in symptomatic CEA patients (8.1% versus 5.6%; odds ratio, 1.47 [CI, 1.29–1.68];P<0.001) but a lower rate of overall inpatient mortality (0.8% versus 1.4%; odds ratio, 0.57 [CI, 0.48–0.68];P<0.001). CEA patients were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (7.2% versus 8.0%; odds ratio, 0.90 [CI, 0.84–0.96];P=0.018) and 90 days (12.3% versus 14.1%; odds ratio, 0.86 [CI, 0.81–0.90];P<0.001), and mean hospital costs were lower for CEA compared with CAS ($14 433 versus $19 172;P<0.001).

Conclusions—

The procedural treatment of carotid stenosis has changed dramatically in the post-CREST era. When matched for characteristics and illness severity, patients undergoing CEA had a higher rate of perioperative stroke than patients undergoing CAS, primarily among symptomatic patients. These findings are in contrast to the findings of CREST, which showed nearly twice the risk of stroke in CAS patients compared with CEA patients. CEA was associated with lower procedure cost and readmission rate.
Schoolwide Free Meals and Student Discipline: Effects of the Community Eligibility Provision
Authors: Gordon Nora , Ruffini Krista
Published: December 2019

This paper examines whether schoolwide free meals affect disciplinary outcomes, focusing on the use of suspensions. Under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), schools serving sufficiently high-poverty populations may enroll their entire student bodies in free lunch and breakfast programs, extending free meals to some students who would not qualify individually, and potentially decreasing the stigma associated with school meals. We leverage the staggered rollout of CEP across states and school discipline measures for the near-universe of public schools to assess how disciplinary infractions change within a school as it becomes eligible for CEP. We conclude that schoolwide free meals reduced suspensions statistically significantly by approximately 17 percent for white male elementary students. Point estimates for other subgroups in elementary schools, and overall, are negative but smaller in magnitude; while treatment effects for black students are statistically insignificant, we also cannot rule out equal treatment effects between black and white students. We lack statistical power to rule large positive or negative effects for middle and high school students. The reductions among white students are somewhat larger in areas with high baseline poverty rates, consistent with universal meals programs serving an unmet need.
Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation
Authors: Kertysova Katarina
Published: December 2019

This article explores the challenges and opportunities presented by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of information operations. The article first examines the ways in which AI can be used to counter disinformation online. It then dives into some of the limitations of AI solutions and threats associated with AI techniques, namely user profiling, micro-targeting, and deep fakes. Finally, the paper reviews a number of solutions that could help address the spread of AI-powered disinformation and improve the online environment. The article recognises that in the fight against disinformation, there is no single fix. The next wave of disinformation calls first and foremost for societal resilience.
The Years of Jesuit Suppression, 1773–1814: Survival, Setbacks, and Transformation
Authors: Shore Paul
Published: December 2019

The forty-one years between the Society of Jesus’s papal suppression in 1773 and its eventual restoration in 1814 remain controversial, with new research and interpretations continually appearing. Shore’s narrative approaches these years, and the period preceding the suppression, from a new perspective that covers individuals not usually discussed in works dealing with this topic. As well as examining the contributions of former Jesuits to fields as diverse as ethnology—a term and concept pioneered by an ex-Jesuit—and library science, where Jesuits and ex-Jesuits laid the groundwork for the great advances of the nineteenth century, the essay also explores the period the exiled Society spent in the Russian Empire. It concludes with a discussion of the Society’s restoration in the broader context of world history.
Analysis and Comparison of Various Web Mining Techniques
Authors: Vats Deepak , Sharma Avinash
Published: December 2019

The reason at the back of data overloading dilemma faced by internet users on internet includes: excessive web information and billions of users around worldwide. Because of this, providing the internet users with more intended data is a challenging task in web applications. The lots
of information available on internet are a fertile field for applying data mining techniques. This is what we call Web Mining (WM). The research in WM deals with research from many fields like database, Artificial Intelligence (machine learning [supervised, semi supervised, unsupervised and
reinforcement], neural network and natural language processing (NLP)) and information retrieval. Here, research related to web mining and their categories is highlighted. We also situate comparison of most popular algorithms used from the field of data mining in pattern discovery phase of
the WM.
Handheld Device Based on Image Processing Technique for Detecting Multiple Diseases of Apple Leaves
Authors: Singh Swati , Gupta Sheifali , Gupta Rupesh
Published: December 2019

The present invention discloses a handheld device for multiple disease detection from apple leaf and method thereof. An algorithm is developed in combination with image processing and gray level co occurrence matrix for the classification of normal leaf and diseased apple leaf. The
device performs image processing by segmentation of the image and then by using extracted features. The classification and detection of these diseases impart an early solution to the farmers leading less harm to the apple crops. Conventional Detection of the diseases through naked eye can
sometimes be faulty. Therefore the device of present invention helps farmers to detect the accurate diseases and provide timely solutions for the same. The present invention increases the throughput and reduces subjectiveness of the previously used conventional methods by proving early and
precise disease detection from apple leaves.
Smart Ambulance System Using Internet of Things: A Rumination
Authors: Dahiya Neelam , Garg Meenu , Gupta Sheifali , Gupta Deepali
Published: December 2019

Currently, the traffic management is a foremost concern all over the world. Particularly in India, due to expanding urban populace and the quantity of vehicles, traffic congestion issues are increasing rapidly. Traffic congestion has become a major problem which affects the ambulance
service to reach the hospital on time. With the advancement of technology, many solutions have been developed to curb this serious issue to save patient life. The IoT has the capacity to improve the scenario. The goal of this paper is to examine different IoT techniques for movement control
and the different approaches to assist the emergency vehicle to reach nearby healing facility on time. The main focus is on finding the best techniques to reduce the traffic congestion. To discover the appropriate response of this issue, comparative study of the literature of last few years
has been reviewed.
Deep Learning Model for Face Recognition in Unconstrained Environment
Authors: Moghekar Rajeshwar , Ahuja Sachin
Published: December 2019

Face recognition from videos is challenging problem as the face image captured has variations in terms of pose, Occlusion, blur and resolution. It has many applications including security monitoring and authentication. A subset of Indian Movies Face database (IMFDB) which has collection
of face images retrieved from movie/video of actors which vary in terms of blur, pose, noise and illumination is used in our work. Our work focuses on the use of pre-trained deep learning models and applies transfer learning to the features extracted from the CNN layers. Later we compare it
Fine tuned model. The results show that the accuracy is 99.89 using CNN as feature extractor and 96.3 when we fine tune the VGG-Face. The Fine tuned network of VGG-Face learnt more generic features when compared with its counterpart transfer learning. When applied on VGG16 transfer learning
achieved 93.9.
Which Way to High Performance? Comparing Performance Effects of High-Performance Work System Components in Small- to Medium-Sized Establishments
Authors: Arthur Jeffrey B. , Herdman Andrew O. , Yang Jaewan
Published: December 2019

The authors examine variation in firm choices to invest in HR practices. They identify three approaches: investments in high-involvement programs (such as employee participation and teams); in high-commitment practices (such as internal promotions and job security); and in ability-enhancing selection and training programs. The authors test the performance effect of these choices in a sample of 165 small- and medium-sized hotel establishments (SMEs). They also consider how job-level differences in skill requirements and customer contact affect the relative effectiveness of these three groups of high-performance work practices. Consistent with the authors’ predictions, findings show that, on average, the group of high-commitment practices has the strongest relationship with SME performance. However, the performance effect of high-involvement practices is significantly stronger for front desk jobs compared to housekeeping jobs.
Global order, US–China relations, and Chinese behaviour: The ground is shifting, Canada must adjust
Authors: Massot Pascale
Published: December 2019

Three profound shifts are coming to a head in the twenty-first century: shifts in the global order, shifts in the US–China relationship, and shifts in Chinese behaviour. These shifts are compelling Canada to reframe its relations with China. First, at the global level, the changing balance of power is leading us toward an era of polycentric global governance. Second, there is deepening antagonism in US–China relations. Third, China’s international posture has become more assertive. Canada has yet to adjust, but it is well placed to develop a global worldview in sync with twenty-first century realities. The Canada–China relationship needs to be transformed into an adaptive, modular, and strategic relationship, in our dealings with China at the global level, in triangulating our relationships with the US and China, and within the confines of our bilateral relationship. This paper tackles each area in turn.
A new educational software package for photovoltaic system feasibility: PVGUI
Authors: Bilu Ayse C , Durusu Ali , Dogansahin Kadir , Kekezoglu Bedri
Published: December 2019

With the increase in the market share of renewable energy sources, the feasibility analysis of the renewable energy-based power systems has also gained importance. In this study, a MATLAB-based interface for the feasibility analysis of photovoltaic systems is proposed in order to be used in educational purposes. The interface has been presented to the students of Yildiz Technical University as an educational material, and positive feedback has been received from the majority of the students.
The logic of transnational outbidding: Pledging allegiance and the escalation of violence
Authors: Farrell Megan
Published: December 2019

The phenomenon of outbidding, in which terrorist groups escalate their attacks in response to competition from other groups, has long been studied in a domestic terrorism context. If groups exist in the same state, they may compete with one another for the same resources from civilians of that state. This article argues this outbidding logic also exists in a transnational context. Leveraging a sample of Salafi-jihadist groups that are in competition for resources based on shared ideology, this article explores the full effects of this competition on the quantity and severity of groups’ attacks. Building on this outbidding logic as a theoretical lens, Salafi-jihadist groups adjust their attack profiles in response to competition from other groups following this same ideology. This effect is particularly evident among groups that pledge allegiance to al-Qaeda or ISIS. Once pledged, affiliates must now compete with other affiliates for the additional potential resources and recruits who follow the ‘brand’ of al-Qaeda or ISIS. Consistent with this theory, after examining the attacks of all Salafi-jihadist groups from 2001 to 2014, this article finds increased competition among groups results in more attacks and a selection of more severe targets and types of attacks. Affiliate groups respond to competition to the greatest degree.
Self-Esteem and Depression as Mediators of the Effects of Gratitude on Suicidal Ideation Among Taiwanese College Students
Authors: Lin Chih-Che
Published: December 2019

This study aimed at examining the roles of self-esteem and depression in the relationship between gratitude and suicidal ideation. A total of 814 Taiwanese college students ranging in age from 18 to 22 years completed measures of gratitude, self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation. Structural equation modeling showed partial mediation effects of self-esteem and depression between gratitude and suicidal ideation. Moreover, a multigroup analysis found that males with higher levels of self-esteem could protect themselves from depression more easily than their female counterparts. Implications for future research and limitations of the present findings are discussed.
The Trajectory of Offending Risks: Implications for Rehabilitation and Practice
Authors: Tan Aston , See Yeo Lay
Published: December 2019

Research has demonstrated myriad factors that contribute to one’s propensity to offend. However, similar research on the Asian, and specifically Singaporean, correctional population has been limited and extant Western research may not be culturally generalizable. This study explored the facets and trajectory of offending risks in Singaporean adult male offenders and their implications for offender rehabilitation and practice. Results suggest that offender rehabilitation should focus on interventions that maintain treatment continuity through the institutional and community phases, and that alternatives to incarceration may reduce unskilled and poorly adjusted ex-offenders in the workforce and society.
Research on sensorless control method of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on iterated cubature Kalman filter
Authors: Peicheng Shi , Chen Wang , Rongyun Zhang , Suo Wang
Published: December 2019

Aiming at the problems of high cost, increased volume, low reliability, and environmental interference caused by sensor installation on permanent magnet synchronous motor, estimation method for motor speed and rotor position is proposed based on iterated cubature Kalman filter algorithm and applied to permanent magnet synchronous motor sensorless control. First, discrete mathematical model of permanent magnet synchronous motor in α-β coordinate system is established. Then, based on cubature Kalman filter and iterated cubature Kalman filter, simulation model of sensorless vector control system with dual closed-loop of permanent magnet synchronous motor speed and current is established. Also, simulation verification of two working conditions with given rotation speed and load is carried out. Finally, hardware experimental verification platform is built based on TMS320F28335 chip. Both simulation analysis and experimental results show that iterated cubature Kalman filter application to sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor demonstrates good anti-load variation interference, stable motor operation, high motor speed and rotor position estimation accuracy, which suits the application with high requirement for precise motor control and mean important reference value and promotion significance.
How Do Academic Institutions Evaluate Their History?
Authors: Sandweiss Martha A.
Published: December 2019

The Princeton Slavery Project, begun in 2013, evolved into a major public history project documenting Princeton University’s historical entanglement with the institution of slavery. As a “bottom-up” project, begun as a faculty/student research effort, the project suggests the strengths and weaknesses of an institutional slavery study operating independently of administrative mandates or institutional policy concerns.
Factors That Mattered in Helping Travelers From Countries With Ebola Outbreaks Participate in Post-Arrival Monitoring During the 2014-2016 Ebola Epidemic
Authors: Prue Christine E. , Williams Peyton N. , Joseph Heather A. , Johnson Mihaela , Wojno Abbey E. , Zulkiewicz Brittany A. , Macom John , Alexander Jennifer P. , Ray Sarah E. , Southwell Brian G.
Published: December 2019

During the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the CARE+ program to help travelers arriving to the United States from countries with Ebola outbreaks to meet US government requirements of post-arrival monitoring. We assessed 2 outcomes: (1) factors associated with travelers’ intention to monitor themselves and report to local or state public health authority (PHA) and (2) factors associated with self-reported adherence to post-arrival monitoring and reporting requirements. We conducted 1195 intercept in-person interviews with travelers arriving from countries with Ebola outbreaks at 2 airports between April and June 2015. In addition, 654 (54.7%) of these travelers participated in a telephone interview 3 to 5 days after intercept, and 319 (26.7%) participated in a second telephone interview 2 days before the end of their post-arrival monitoring. We used regression modeling to examine variance in the 2 outcomes due to 4 types of factors: (1) programmatic, (2) perceptual, (3) demographic, and (4) travel-related factors. Factors associated with the intention to adhere to requirements included clarity of the purpose of screening ( B = 0.051, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.011-0.092), perceived approval of others ( B = 0.103, 95% CI, 0.058-0.148), perceived seriousness of Ebola ( B = 0.054, 95% CI, 0.031-0.077), confidence in one’s ability to perform behaviors ( B = 0.250, 95% CI, 0.193-0.306), ease of following instructions ( B = 0.053, 95% CI, 0.010-0.097), and trust in CARE Ambassador ( B = 0.056, 95% CI, 0.009-0.103). Respondents’ perception of the seriousness of Ebola was the single factor associated with adherence to requirements (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81, 95% CI, 0.673-0.980, for non-adherent vs adherent participants and OR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.745-0.997, for lost to follow-up vs adherent participants). Results from this assessment can guide public health officials in future outbreaks by identifying factors that may affect adherence to public health programs designed to prevent the spread of epidemics.
Visual Organizers and Scaffolding the Student Learning Experience in Higher Education
Authors: Awidi Isaiah T. , Paynter Mark , Evers Uwana
Published: December 2019

Higher education institutions are leveraging the attributes of digital devices to enhance student’s learning. The capability of digital devices to present visual images is the subject of this article, specifically the potential for visual organizers (VOs) to support students in an undergraduate marketing research course. Students reported that VOs helped them to understand the course requirements and supported them to organize their study program. VOs were positively associated with student’s course participation, collaboration, and knowledge construction. We argued that VOs have the potential to enhance the student learning experience. Lecturers should therefore consider incorporation of VOs when redesigning their courses.
Fuzzy reduced-order observer-based adaptive tracking control for a class of switched non-affine systems
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zhang Mengqi , Li Huan
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates an adaptive fuzzy tracking control problem under arbitrary switching for a class of switched non-affine systems with completely unknown nonlinear functions and unmeasurable states. Combining with dynamic surface control (DSC) method and fuzzy approximation technique, an adaptive output-feedback common control approach is presented based on a new fuzzy reduced-order observer which is independent of any switching signal. The given design method does not rely on the boundness assumption about the control gain functions raised by the mean value theorem for non-affine systems, which contributes to the less conservation of the common controller. Meanwhile, the algebraic loop problem caused by the nonstrict-feedback structure and the repeated approximation problem in existing results are also circumvented in the given common control design process. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the designed common controller can guarantee all the signals in the resulting closed-loop switched systems are uniformly bounded and the tracking error can converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. Two examples are provided to verify the feasibility and practicability of the proposed method.
Accuracy and variability in early spontaneous word production: The effects of age, frequency and neighbourhood density
Authors: Jones Samuel David
Published: December 2019

High rates of error and variability in early word production may signal speech sound disorder. However, there is little consensus regarding the degree of error and variability that may be expected in the typical range. Relatedly, while variables including child age, word frequency and word phonological neighbourhood density are associated with variance in word production accuracy and variability, such effects remain under-examined in spontaneous speech. This study measured the accuracy and variability of 234,551 spontaneous word productions from five typically developing children in the Providence corpus (0;11–4;0). Using Bayesian regression, accuracy and variability rates were predicted by age, input frequency, phonological neighbourhood density, and interactions between these variables. Between 61% and 72% of word productions were both inaccurate and variable according to strict criteria. However loosening these criteria to accommodate production inconsistencies unlikely to be considered erroneous (e.g. the target /æləɡeɪtəɹ/ pronounced /ælɪɡeɪtəɹ/) reduced this figure to between 10% and 17%, with the majority of word productions then classed as accurate and stable (48%–58%). In addition, accuracy was higher and variability was lower in later months of sampling, and for high frequency words and high density words. The author discusses the implications of these results for future research and the differential diagnosis of speech sound disorder, and presents an explanatory account of findings emphasizing the development of oral-motor skills and increasingly detailed phonological word representations.