bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of bioactive hydroxyapatite/silver nanocomposites
Authors: Martínez-Sanmiguel Juan J , G Zarate-Triviño Diana , Hernandez-Delgadillo Rene , Giraldo-Betancur Astrid L , Pineda-Aguilar Nayely , Galindo-Rodríguez Sergio A , Franco-Molina Moisés A , Hernández-Martínez Sara P , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina
Published: March 2019

Biomaterials are often used in orthopedic surgery like cavity fillings. However, related complications often require long-term systemic antibiotics, device removal, and extended rehabilitation. Hydroxyapatite/silver (HA/Ag) composites have been proposed as implantation biomaterials owing to the osteogenic properties of hydroxyapatite and to the antimicrobial efficiency of silver. Nevertheless, higher silver concentrations induce cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize HA/Ag nanocomposites that will allow us to use lower concentrations of silver nanoparticles with better antimicrobial efficiency and anti-inflammatory properties. The characterization of HA/Ag was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and laser diffraction. Bioactivity was evaluated under a simulated body fluid. The viability of osteoblast like-cells (MG-63) was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the standard McFarland method. The detection of nitric oxide was measured by a colorimetric assay and the inflammatory cytokines by flow cytometry. We obtained particulate composites of calcium phosphates identified as hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles. The bioactivity of the HA/Ag nanocomposites on SFB was confirmed by apatite formations. The viability of MG-63 cells was not affected. We also found antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans owing to the presence of silver nanoparticles at non-cytotoxic concentrations. HA/Ag reduced the release of nitric oxide and decreased the secretion of IL-1 and TNF-α in cells stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In conclusion, the inflammatory and antimicrobial capacity of the HA/Ag nanocomposites, as well as its bioactivity and low cytotoxicity make it a candidate as an implantation biomaterial for bone tissues engineering and clinical practices in orthopedic, oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Effects of walnut shell powders on the morphology and the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Zheng Hongjuan , Sun Zhengqian , Zhang Hongjuan
Published: March 2019

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has good environmental compatibility, however, its high brittleness, slow rate of crystallization, and low heat distortion temperature restrict its widespread use. To overcome these limitations, in this study, PLA was mixed with walnut shell (WS) powders. The effects of WS powders on the morphology and the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA were investigated. The products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and various mechanical property testing techniques. The results showed that WS powders had a significant effect on the morphology and the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA. The tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation at break of the PLA/WS composites first increased and then decreased with the increasing addition of WS powders. When the addition of WS powders was about 0.5 wt%, they reached maximum values of 51.2 MPa, 23.3 MPa, and 19.0%, respectively. Compared with neat PLA, the spherulite grain size of the composites could be reduced and many irregular polygons were formed during crystallization. The melting, cold crystallization, and glass-transition temperatures of the composites were lower than those of neat PLA.
Dialectics Facing Prehistoric Catastrophe: Merely Possible Climate Change Solutions
Authors: Gunderson Ryan
Published: March 2019

The Frankfurt School formulated a negative dialectics that keeps open the possibility for alternative social futures by explaining and diagnosing the non-existence of ‘real possibilities’ to actualize a better world. Ernst Bloch’s category of ‘mere possibility’ makes a ‘warmer’ negative dialectics viable, a form that faces a grim reality head on yet loosens the prohibition against identifying pathways toward alternative social futures latent in social conditions, possibilities with the potentiality (the objective-external dimension of possibility), but lack the capacity (the subjective-internal dimension of possibility), to become actual. This allows negative dialectics to engage in relatively programmatic ‘prospect-exploration’ when tackling dire issues like climate change, even if the proposed solutions are deficient. Identifying merely possible climate change solutions skirts three problematic tendencies in prescriptive assessments of climate politics: (1) promoting the continuation of ineffective mitigation strategies (e.g., carbon markets), (2) calling for a revolution without a revolutionary subject, and (3) fatalism.
Risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and purchase sex attending an Israeli sexually transmitted infection clinic
Authors: Rich Rivka S , Leventhal Alex , Sheffer Rivka , Mor Zohar
Published: March 2019

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and purchase sex (MPS) are a sub-group potentially at high risk for acquiring and transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is a hard-to-reach population resulting in a scarcity of studies covering the issue. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between purchasing sex and high-risk behaviors related to HIV/STI transmission and appraise the STI prevalence among MSM. All MSM who attended the STI clinic in Tel Aviv between 2003 and 2010 were included. Demographics, behavioral, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between MPS and non-MPS to identify high-risk sexual behaviors and STI prevalence associated with purchasing sex. Of the first visits of 2694 MSM who attended the STI clinic during the study period, 151 (5.6%) paid for sex. MPS were more commonly older and married than non-MPS. MPS were more likely to engage in behaviors associated with high risk for HIV/STI transmission, including infrequent condom use during anal sex, substance use during sex, and selling sex themselves. MPS had a higher STI prevalence than non-MPS, although this was not statistically significant ( p = 0.05). These findings highlight the need to establish culturally tailored interventions for MPS addressing the potential risks associated with purchasing sex.
Optimizing enrollment methods: Lessons learned from an mHealth, pilot HIV prevention randomized controlled trial with sexual minority men
Authors: Mitchell Jason W , Lammert Sara , Danh Thu , Horvath Keith J
Published: March 2019

Using data from eligible participants, we evaluated procedures of a multi-step enrollment process for an mHealth, pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to promote regular HIV testing among at-risk, diverse sexual minority men. Completion rates of eligible participants were calculated and characterized for these enrollment procedures. Among 3058 men who screened, 183 were eligible and 113 enrolled. Two groups emerged: “As planned” (n = 98) followed enrollment directions as designed; “Laggers” (n = 15) did not follow these directions and required additional efforts resulting in mixed results for improving enrollment. Findings suggest the need for pre-determined enrollment decision rules based on available resources.
Does Financial Permeation Induce Economic Growth? Evidence from SAARC Countries
Authors: Siddik Md Nur Alam
Published: March 2019

This study empirically inspects the question of whether financial permeation promotes economic growth. The fixed effects regression technique is employed to examine the effects of financial permeation on economic growth. The empirical analysis is conducted with annual data from 2004 to 2016 with four proxies for financial permeation. Empirical results show that all the proxies of financial permeation have significant positive impacts on economic growth, measured by GDP per capita, of SAARC countries. We also observed that global financial crisis has significant negative effects on economic growth. Empirical findings of this study imply that the governments of SAARC countries should undertake more financial permeation policies to make the economic growth sustainable. The present study contributes to empirical literature of the similar issue by reapproving (or else) the outcomes of past researches done across the domain.
Measuring the Barriers to Trade in Financial Services in BRICS Economies: Commitments and Current Practices Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
Authors: Khatun Rabia , Banik Arindam , Bhaumik Pradip K.
Published: March 2019

This study aims to measure barriers to trade in financial services 1 in BRICS economies including both trade and domestic restrictions based on specific commitments made by the BRICS countries to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). We constructed indices separately for banking and insurance services and also for overall financial services. We found that in insurance services, Russia is the most open followed by China, Brazil, South Africa and India. Regarding banking services, we observed that Brazil appears to be the most open followed by China, Russia, South Africa and India. For overall financial services, the study reveals that China is the most open followed by Brazil, Russia, South Africa and India. More interestingly, on the basis of commitments, China is the most open in financial services among the BRICS countries, and India the most restricted. However, in practice, Brazil has come out to be more open in financial services among the BRICS countries followed by South Africa which is in the fourth position in term of commitments. Russia is in the third position in practice but was second in terms of commitments. Surprisingly, China, which is at the first place in terms of opening financial services on the basis of commitments, is in the fourth position on the basis of practice. India remains on the bottom both on the basis of commitments and in practice.
Evaluating the capacity building roles of the state and territory peak bodies in the Australian alcohol and other drug sector
Authors: McDonald David , Stirling Robert
Published: March 2019

The Australian alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector has a diverse range of actors, including the nongovernment (NGO) service providers. Representing these services in each of Australian states and territories are AOD sector peak bodies. Their national network commissioned an evaluation of their capacity building (CB) activities and outcomes. The network and the evaluator developed a working definition of CB: Capacity building is a strategy that improves the ability of AOD workers, services and/or the broader AOD system to achieve better AOD health and social outcomes. The utilisation-focused evaluation (UFE) model was adopted for this project. The evaluation found that sound outcomes have been produced by the peaks’ CB work, and that includes valued changes in the service delivery work of the NGO sector. The CB strategies that are particularly important for attaining the desired outcomes were identified. The CB strategies and activities have been implemented well, and have delivered value for money, though sustainability remains a concern. The evaluation concluded that the peak bodies are ideally placed to deliver CB initiatives. The evaluation’s recommendations have been implemented, and process utilisation of the evaluation has been observed among its participants.
Life evaluation of a combustion chamber by thermomechanical fatigue panel tests based on a creep fatigue and ductile damage model
Authors: Masuoka Tadashi , Riccius Jörg R
Published: March 2019

The inner liner of a combustion chamber of a cryogenic liquid rocket engine is exposed to a high load induced by the high temperature of the hot gas and the low temperature of the coolant. The high load causes some inelastic strain that accumulates with each operational cycle until the fracture or rupture of the inner liner. A model that can reproduce the propagation of damage under a thermally cycled load is essential for precisely predicting the chamber life. However, the damage propagation phenomenon or the quantitative value of the damage was so far not fully discussed using the damage data obtained from basic testing of a rocket chamber material. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a precise prediction model based on damage mechanics for simulating the damage propagation of a rocket chamber material. In this study, low cycle fatigue test data at a high temperature (900 K) were analyzed, and damage models that could reproduce the damage propagation under cyclic load conditions were investigated. Then the parameters were identified to reproduce uniaxial test data. These damage models were also subject to a finite element method analysis of a thermomechanical fatigue panel test in order to quantitatively evaluate the deformation, damage propagation, and life of a chamber wall. The analysis of low cycle fatigue test data at 900 K suggested a specific model that could precisely reproduce the damage propagation phenomenon and the basic material test data. From the results, it was confirmed that the model could predict the location of crack initiation.
Adaptation to Climate Change in Small Island Developing States: A Systematic Literature Review of Academic Research
Authors: Klöck Carola , Nunn Patrick D.
Published: March 2019

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) share a common vulnerability to climate change. Adaptation to climate change and variability is urgently needed yet, while some is already occurring in SIDS, research on the nature and efficacy of adaptation across SIDS is fragmentary. In this article, we systematically review academic literature to identify where adaptation in SIDS is documented; what type of adaptation strategies are taken, and in response to which climate change impacts; and the extent to which this adaptation has been judged as successful. Our analysis indicates that much adaptation research is concentrated on the Pacific, on independent island states, and on core areas within SIDS. Research documents a wide array of adaptation strategies across SIDS, notably structural or physical and behavioral changes. Yet, evaluation of concrete adaptation interventions is lacking; it thus remains unclear to what extent documented adaptation effectively and sustainably reduces SIDS’ vulnerability and increases their resilience.
Clinical Diagnosis of Classical Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Made From Postmortem Examination of Second Trimester Fetus With Novel NIPBL Pathogenic Variant
Authors: Hague Jennifer , Twiss Philip , Mead Zoe , Park Soo-Mi
Published: March 2019

Classical Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder which is associated with distinctive facial features, growth retardation, significant intellectual disability and global developmental delay, hirsutism, and upper-limb reduction defects. Classical CdLS is associated with pathogenic variants in NIPBL. We present a clinical diagnosis of classical CdLS made in a second trimester male fetus with advanced maceration who had undergone intrauterine death at 15 + 6 weeks gestation. The diagnosis was suspected after multiple congenital anomalies were identified on fetal postmortem examination. These included intrauterine growth retardation, upper limb anomalies, ventricular septal defect and diaphragmatic hernia, and skeletal and genitourinary abnormalities. Related prenatal screening findings included a raised nuchal translucency and low maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. Targeted molecular sequencing of genes associated with CdLS identified a novel de novo frameshift pathogenic variant in NIPBL, which confirmed the diagnosis. This report describes our case and reviews the current literature on prenatal diagnosis of CdLS. In summary, we demonstrate that clinical diagnosis of CdLS in a second trimester fetus, through postmortem examination findings, is possible, with confirmation through molecular testing.
Assessment of racial and ethnic bias in autism spectrum disorder prevalence estimates from a US surveillance system
Authors: Imm Pamela , White Tiffany , Durkin Maureen S
Published: March 2019

This study assessed potential under-ascertainment of autism spectrum disorder due to missing administrative information for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children within the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. We analyzed data from two Network sites (Colorado and Wisconsin) for surveillance years 2012 and 2014 to determine whether children excluded from autism spectrum disorder prevalence estimates due to missing residency and other information differed from those included by race and ethnicity. We used multiple approaches to impute missing information to evaluate impacts on racial and ethnic disparities in autism spectrum disorder prevalence. Compared with confirmed autism spectrum disorder cases, those excluded due to missing residency were more than twice as likely to be Hispanic (19% vs 44%; p < 0.002), yet the number of cases excluded due to missing residency information was too small to account for prevalence differences. Confirmation of autism spectrum disorder case status was more likely for children with relevant health records than for those with school records only. Moreover, relevant health records were more likely to be missing for Black and Hispanic children than for White children. Observed disparities in autism spectrum disorder prevalence were not accounted for by missing demographic data, but may reflect disparities in healthcare access for developmental evaluations.
Microscopic morphology and elemental composition of atmospheric particles from seven micro-environments in Xi’an
Authors: Yan Lu , Cheng Yan , Wu Feng , Chang Hong , Liu Song , Wang Ye Lin , Yu Chuck Wah , Zhang Yun Wei
Published: March 2019

This paper characterizes the morphological and elemental compositions of individual particles in seven micro-environments of Xi’an. Atmospheric particulate matter samples were collected at one suburban site (Duling Park (DL)), three urban sites (roadside site (RS), clear days (CD), dusty days (DD)) and three indoor sites (hot pot (HP), barbecue (BBQ), hospital (HO)) during March–April in 2017. A total of 469 particles were analysed by a scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Seven types of particles were observed, including sulphate particles, iron oxide particles, dust mineral particles, soot, organic aerosols, silicon–aluminium (Si–Al)-rich fly ash and biological particles. Soot accounted for 22% in BBQ, indicating an effect of BBQ coal burning. Sulphate particles were found in high abundance (14–15%) in HP and HO samples, consistent with the occurrence of secondary chemical reactions. Organic aerosols accounted for 13% in HO, 20% in HP and BBQ samples due to cooking of food and human factors. Comparison of samples in indoor and outdoor environments showed that the external transmission of dust mineral particles and Fe oxide particles played a key role in indoor levels. The microscopic analysis also demonstrated that the particles in Xi’an were highly distributed with fine particles (less than 3 µm) and that the morphology of fine particles tended to be spherical.
Periodic solutions of delay nonlinear system by multi-frequency homotopy analysis method
Authors: Qiang YH , Qian YH , Guo XY
Published: March 2019

A two-degree-of-freedom coupled Duffing system with time delay is studied by a modified homotopy analysis method. First, a detailed calculation is given for the system. Second, single periodic and period-doubling solutions are obtained by solving the constructed nonlinear algebraic equation. Third, upon comparison of the periodic solution obtained by the multi-frequency homotopy analysis method with the numerical solutions obtained by the numerical method, it is found that the approximate solution agrees well with the numerical solution for the system. Finally, we discuss the convergence control parameters and convergence control function.
Realization of Internet of vehicles technology integrated into an augmented reality system
Authors: Pai Neng-Sheng , Chen Pi-Yun , Chen Shih-An , Chen Shi-Xiang
Published: March 2019

The goal of this study is to develop an internet of vehicles system with augmented reality technology. The system deals mainly with three subjects, namely, lane departure warning, forward collision detection and warning, and internet of vehicles. First, to deal with the subject of lane departure warning, the Hough transform is used in this study to extract the possible positions of lane lines from the region of interest of an image. The Kalman filter is further employed to remove noises and estimate the actual positions of car lane lines. The lane departure decision is then used to determine whether a lane departure situation occurs. Second, the Sobel edge detector and taillight detection method are used to locate the hypothetical region of the vehicle. The characteristic parameters within the hypothetical region can also be obtained through the Harris corner detection method. To verify the hypothetical region and identify the vehicle, the support vector machine algorithm is used. The collision decision is then applied to determine whether the distance between two vehicles is short, thus fulfilling the goal of forward collision detection and warning. In addition, a secure and easy-to-use internet of vehicles is achieved with the use of the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman encryption algorithm, which uses public and secret keys to encrypt and decrypt messages to achieve the task of user identification. Upon obtaining control of the vehicle, the driver has full access to the most up-to-date information provided by the driver assistance system. Finally, internet of vehicles applications incorporating the previously mentioned methods, smart glasses, and augmented reality are implemented in this study. Smart glasses provide the drivers easy access to information about the vehicle and warnings, which helps enhance driver convenience and safety considerably.
Characteristics analysis of rotor model with support–foundation looseness fault considering elastic–plastic contact
Authors: Haifei Wang , Junjie Gong
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the nonlinear response characteristics of a single degree of freedom lumped mass model with a new support looseness fault are analyzed. In this model, a new nonlinear contact stiffness model between the support and foundation is considered, which considers the elastic–plastic deformation of the contact parts. The nonlinear response of the system is obtained by numerical integration methods. The nonlinear results are compared with an asymmetric model and a piece-wise contact model. By comparing three different looseness fault models, the mechanism of generating multi-frequencies and fractional frequencies is analyzed. The result shows that plastic deformation makes the displacement amplitude increase rapidly; odd harmonics appear in symmetric stiffness model due to the modulation of symmetric shock forces; however, harmonic response appears in asymmetric stiffness model; when the contact number is odd, the frequency components contain odd or even order fractional frequencies at supercritical speeds due to the incompatibility of contacts on the upper and lower surfaces; when the contact number is even, multiple frequency components appear at subcritical frequencies.
Release oscillation in a hollow fiber – Part 1: Mathematical model and fast estimation of its frequency
Authors: Lin Ling , Yao Shao-Wen
Published: March 2019

This paper studies a micro/nano scale capillary flow in a hollow fiber and its oscillation. The hollow fiber is immersed into a liquid (e.g. water), and the isolated air in the fiber plays as a spring-like oscillation. An oscillation model is established for the fluid vibration in the capillary tube, a simple estimation of its frequency is suggested for practical applications, and the silver ion release from hollow fibers is discussed.
Random scaling factors in Bayesian distributional regression models with an application to real estate data
Authors: Razen Alexander , Lang Stefan
Published: March 2019

Distributional structured additive regression provides a flexible framework for modelling each parameter of a potentially complex response distribution in dependence of covariates. Structured additive predictors allow for an additive decomposition of covariate effects with non-linear effects and time trends, unit- or cluster-specific heterogeneity, spatial heterogeneity and complex interactions between covariates of different type. Within this framework, we present a simultaneous estimation approach for multiplicative random effects that allow for cluster-specific heterogeneity with respect to the scaling of a covariate′s effect. More specifically, a possibly non-linear function f( z) of a covariate z may be scaled by a multiplicative and possibly spatially correlated cluster-specific random effect (1+αc). Inference is fully Bayesian and is based on highly efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms.

We investigate the statistical properties of our approach within extensive simulation experiments for different response distributions. Furthermore, we apply the methodology to German real estate data where we identify significant district-specific scaling factors. According to the deviance information criterion, the models incorporating these factors perform significantly better than standard models without (spatially correlated) random scaling factors.
Experimental and unsteady numerical research of a high-specific-speed pump for part-load cavitation instability
Authors: Li Hong , Shen Zhenhua , Pedersen Nicholas Engen , Jacobsen Christian Brix
Published: March 2019

Net positive suction head peak is a well-known cavitation instability phenomenon in high-specific-speed pumps. Both non-cavitating performance and cavitating performance of a high-specific-speed pump were investigated by experiments and numerical simulations. According to the cavitating performance results, net positive suction head peak is found at 80% of nominal flow. The head curves of non-cavitating performance also have saddle-type instabilities near 70%–80% of nominal flow. Water vapor volume fraction distributions show that cavitation region at net positive suction head peak flow only covers 3% of the blade length when head drops 6%. It proves that net positive suction head peak is not caused by huge amounts of cavitation bubbles, which indicates that net positive suction head peak does not represent excessive cavitation. The velocity vector and pressure distribution plots reveal that net positive suction head peak is related to recirculation near the trailing edge. With inlet pressure decreasing, the flow pattern is sensitive to the cavitation bubbles, and recirculation region from the pressure side to the suction side becomes larger and larger.
Fault diagnosis based on TOPSIS method with Manhattan distance
Authors: Jiang Wen , Wang Meijuan , Deng Xinyang , Gou Linfeng
Published: March 2019

Fault diagnosis is important for the maintenance of machinery equipment. Due to the randomness and fuzziness of fault, the relationship between fault types and their characteristics are complicated. Therefore, the determination of fault type is a challenging part of machinery fault diagnosis with the traditional method. To tackle this problem, a fault diagnosis approach based on the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution with Manhattan distance is presented in this article. First, the similarity measure between the fault model and the detection sample is constructed based on the Manhattan distance. Then, the similarity is transformed into intuitionistic fuzzy set and the generated intuitionistic fuzzy set is fused by the intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging operator. On this basis, the technique for order performance by similarity to the ideal solution approach is utilized to obtain the final rank to ascertain the fault type. The proposed method can handle an intricate relationship between multiple fault types and their various fault characteristics and better express uncertain information. Finally, a fault diagnosis example of the machine rotor and comparative study are conducted to illustrate the application and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Robust optimization design of structures based on the specular reflection algorithm
Authors: Qi Qisong , Dong Qing , Xin Yunsheng
Published: March 2019

The nominal values of structural design parameters are usually calculated using a traditional deterministic optimization design method. However, owing to the failure of this type of method to consider potential variations in design parameters, the theoretical design results can be far from reality. To address this problem, the specular reflection algorithm, a recent advancement in intelligence optimization, is used in conjunction with a robust design method based on sensitivity. This method not only is able to fully consider the influence of parameter uncertainty on the design results but also has strong applicability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by numerical examples, and the results show that the robust design method can significantly improve the reliability of the structure.
Method for filtering proportional valve-frequency-response test data containing impulsive noise
Authors: Qiang Yan , Wang Yingzhou , Luo Lan , Wang Gang , Zhao Yuyang , Wei Liejiang
Published: March 2019

Impulsive noise, generated by inverters and other equipment used in the field, tends to easily enter test channels in scenarios where continuous frequency conversion signals are employed to test the frequency response of electrohydraulic proportional valves. Interference caused by such noise reduces the signal-to-response ratio of response signals, thereby influencing the accuracy of the frequency response of proportional valves. To address this concern, in this article, an integrated filtering method that combines ensemble empirical mode decomposition with median filtering is proposed. The proposed method first preprocesses the response signals of the systems and subsequently obtains frequency-response diagrams using fast Fourier transforms. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the root mean square error associated with the amplitude–frequency characteristic curves of the proportional directional valve considered from 2.1 to 0.3, whereas that associated with phase–frequency characteristic curves is reduced from 78.0 to 1.4 with signal-to-noise ratios in the high-frequency band being of the order of –20 dB. Experimental results also reveal that the proposed method reduces the root mean square error of the amplitude–frequency characteristic curves of the proportional directional valve by 52.5% and that of the phase–frequency characteristic curves by 71.2%.
18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for diagnosis of HCC: implications for therapeutic strategy in curative and non-curative approaches
Authors: Kornberg Arno , Friess Helmut
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health issue with increasing incidence and high mortality rate. Depending on the tumor load and extent of underlying liver cirrhosis, aggressive surgical treatment by hepatectomy or liver transplantation (LT) may lead to cure, whereas different modalities of liver-directed locoregional or systemic tumor treatments are currently available for a noncurative approach. Apart from tumor burden and grade of liver dysfunction, assessment of prognostic relevant biological tumor aggressiveness is vitally important for establishing a promising multimodal therapeutic strategy and improving the individual treatment-related risk/benefit ratio. In recent years, an increasing body of clinical evidence has been presented that 18F-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), which is a standard nuclear imaging device in oncology, may serve as a powerful surrogate for tumor invasiveness and prognosis in HCC patients and, thereby, impact individual decision making on most appropriate therapy concept. This review describes the currently available data on the prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET in patients with early and advanced HCC stages and the resulting implications for treatment strategy.
Exercise training in women with cardiovascular disease: Differential response and barriers – review and perspective
Authors: Witvrouwen Isabel , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M , Abreu Ana , Moholdt Trine , Kränkel Nicolle
Published: March 2019

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has a class 1A recommendation in coronary artery disease and heart failure based on its beneficial effects on mortality, morbidity and quality of life. However, the inter-individual response to exercise training is highly variable and influenced by both training and patient characteristics. Notably, men and women display a different training response, even when accounting for age, height and lean muscle mass. Most studies investigating exercise effects on various physiological outcomes focus on male patients. Because women are understudied, the scientific evidence for tailored exercise prescription in women is still limited.

Methods

This narrative review summarises: (a) the underlying physiological determinants of the response to exercise training in women with cardiovascular disease, in which women rely more on fat than on carbohydrate oxidation during exercise, have lower aerobic capacities and smaller increases in cardiac function during exercise; (b) the benefits and barriers of exercise in women, in whom improving cardiometabolic risk and quality of life is weighed against socioeconomic and psychological needs; and (c) the relevance of different clinical endpoints in exercise trials such as maximum oxygen uptake, morbidity, mortality, training characteristics, quality of life and metabolic or vascular endpoints.

Results

Finally, we provide a perspective on how to improve referral, enrolment and adherence to exercise training in women, with structured approaches to inform the referring physician as well as the patient, and offering more flexible, gender-tailored or tele/smartphone-based programmes while addressing the socioeconomic and psychological needs of the patients. This may ultimately improve the admission, adherence and outcome of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in women.
Relations between food intake, psychological distress, and gastrointestinal symptoms: A diary study
Authors: Clevers Egbert , Törnblom Hans , Simrén Magnus , Tack Jan , Van Oudenhove Lukas
Published: March 2019

Background

Gastrointestinal symptoms can be triggered by food intake and psychological distress, but individual‐level research on food–symptom and stress–symptom associations is scarce.

Objective

We aimed to identify associations between food intake, psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms, and their implications for personalised clinical management.

Methods

Through the mobile phone application mySymptoms, 163 users kept, for a median of five weeks, a diary of food intake, psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms. We quantified associations between these on the individual level. The presence of individual‐level associations was compared over latent classes of daily symptom patterns.

Results

Various gastrointestinal symptoms had demonstrable food–symptom associations (heartburn: 73%, discomfort: 67%, diarrhoea: 57%, bloating: 53%, and gas: 48%). Food–symptom associations for pain in the abdomen (33%) were concentrated in the latent class of individuals with pain in the morning (68%), rather than those with pain in the evening and night (27% and 10%, respectively, p < 0.001). Stress–symptom relations were also found, although only 18% of individuals reported psychological distress.

Conclusion

Personal food–symptom and stress–symptom relations can be detected, and may translate into specific daily symptom patterns. A next step will be to let personal food–symptom and stress–symptom relations serve as the basis for personalised clinical management.
Early vedolizumab trough levels predict combined endoscopic and clinical remission in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hanžel Jurij , Sever Nejc , Ferkolj Ivan , Štabuc Borut , Smrekar Nataša , Kurent Tina , Koželj Matic , Novak Gregor , Compernolle Griet , Tops Sophie , Gils Ann , Drobne David
Published: March 2019

Background

The relationship between vedolizumab trough levels and combined endoscopic and clinical remission is unknown.

Objective

To compare vedolizumab trough levels in patients with and without combined remission within the first year of treatment.

Methods

We prospectively collected vedolizumab trough levels in 51 consecutive patients (28 Crohn's disease (CD) and 23 ulcerative colitis (UC)) before all infusions up to week 22, and at weeks 38 and 54, with concentrations measured after study completion. Centrally read endoscopy was performed at a median of 46 weeks. The primary outcome was combined endoscopic (CD: Simple endoscopic score for CD (SES‐CD) < 4 without ulceration; UC: Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤ 1) and clinical remission (CD: resolution of abdominal pain; UC: resolution of rectal bleeding; both: resolution of altered bowel habit).

Results

Median vedolizumab trough levels at weeks 6 (25.7 vs 15.6 µg/mL; P = 0.015) and 22 (15.1 vs 4.9 µg/mL; P = 0.001) were higher in patients with combined remission. A threshold of 22 µg/mL at week 6 (area under the curve (AUC) 0.733; 95% confidence interval 0.567–0.899) and 8 µg/mL at week 22 (AUC 0.819; 95% confidence interval 0.692–0.946) predicted combined remission.

Conclusion

Early vedolizumab trough levels predicted combined endoscopic and clinical remission highlighting their possible use in clinical practice.
Why educating for shalom requires decolonization
Authors: Kits Gerda J
Published: March 2019

Indigenous scholars argue that reconciliation requires educators to make space for Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum. This article agrees, arguing that Christians who are committed to Wolterstorff’s (2004) concept of “educating for shalom” must work towards decolonization of the educational system. Eurocentrism in the current system is a product of racism, and prevents students from learning from a diversity of cultural perspectives. Further, failing to decolonize actively perpetuates injustice towards both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, and fails to equip students to participate in the societal changes that are necessary to heal the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in North America.
Family dynamics in China and Europe in the last half-century
Authors: Djundeva Maja , Dykstra Pearl A. , Emery Tom
Published: March 2019

This review offers a joint perspective on Chinese and European key demographic trends in the family domain, emphasising the impact of macro-level social structures and institutions on individual life courses. We outline key demographic shifts across the Netherlands, Germany, the UK and China in the period after the ‘golden age of the welfare state’ in Europe and the ‘post-reform’ era in China (after the 1970s). Several empirical trends are highlighted, with a focus on: rising inequality in China and persistent inequality in Europe; the traditional family sequence in China and de-standardization of life courses in Europe; ending with similarities between countries in population aging and differences in later life courses with regards to intergenerational transfers. We draw upon a range of theoretical frameworks to argue that trends in marriage, fertility and intergenerational relationships reflect tensions between rapid social and economic changes and discuss the limitations of modernisation theories and the second demographic transition.
Atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke and transient ischaemic attack – The Nordic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke (NOR-FIB) Study: Rationale and design
Authors: Ratajczak-Tretel Barbara , Lambert Anna Tancin , Johansen Henriette , Halvorsen Bente , Bjerkeli Vigdis , Russell David , Sandset Else Charlotte , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Eriksen Erik , Næss Halvor , Novotny Vojtech , Khanevski Andrej Netland , Truelsen Thomas C , Idicula Titto , Ægidius Karen L , Tobro Håkon , Krogseth Siv B , Ihle-Hansen Håkon , Hagberg Guri , Kruuse Christina , Arntzen Kathrine , Bakkejord Grete K , Villseth Maja , Nakstad Ingvild , Eldøen Guttorm , Shafiq Raheel , Gulsvik Anne , Kurz Martin , Rezai Mehdi , Sømark Jesper , Tingvoll Stein-Helge , Jonassen Christine , Ingebrigtsen Susanne , Steffensen Linn Hofsøy , Kremer Christine , Atar Dan , Aamodt Anne Hege
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is often suspected as a probable cause of cryptogenic stroke. Continuous long-term ECG monitoring using insertable cardiac monitors is a clinically effective technique to screen for atrial fibrillation and superior to conventional follow-up in cryptogenic stroke. However, more studies are needed to identify factors which can help selecting patients with the highest possibility of detecting atrial fibrillation with prolonged rhythm monitoring. The clinical relevance of short-term atrial fibrillation, the need for medical intervention and the evaluation as to whether intervention results in improved clinical outcomes should be assessed.

Method

The Nordic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Study is an international, multicentre, prospective, observational trial evaluating the occurrence of occult atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke and transient ischaemic attack. Patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischaemic attack from the Nordic countries are included and will have the Reveal LINQ® Insertable cardiac monitor system implanted for 12 months for atrial fibrillation detection. Biomarkers which can be used as predictors for atrial fibrillation and may identify patients, who could derive the most clinical benefit from the detection of atrial fibrillation by prolonged monitoring, are being studied.

Conclusion

The primary endpoint is atrial fibrillation burden within 12 months of continuous rhythm monitoring. Secondary endpoints are atrial fibrillation burden within six months, levels of biomarkers predicting atrial fibrillation, CHA2DS2-VASc score, incidence of recurrent stroke or transient ischaemic attack, use of anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic drugs, and quality of life measurements. The clinical follow-up period is 12 months. The study started in 2017 and the completion is expected at the end of 2020.
A dynamic credit risk assessment model with data mining techniques: evidence from Iranian banks
Authors: Moradi Saba , Mokhatab Rafiei Farimah
Published: March 2019

Giving loans and issuing credit cards are two of the main concerns of banks in that they include the risks of non-payment. According to the Basel 2 guidelines, banks need to develop their own credit risk assessment systems. Some banks have such systems; nevertheless they have lost a large amount of money simply because the models they used failed to accurately predict customers’ defaults. Traditionally, banks have used static models with demographic or static factors to model credit risk patterns. However, economic factors are not independent of political fluctuations, and as the political environment changes, the economic environment evolves with it.

This has been especially evident in Iran after the 2008–2016 USA sanctions, as many previously reliable customers became unable to repay their debt (i.e., became bad customers). Nevertheless, a dynamic model that can accommodate fluctuating politico-economic factors has never been developed. In this paper, we propose a model that can accommodate factors associated with politico-economic crises. Human judgement is removed from the customer evaluation process. We used a fuzzy inference system to create a rule base using a set of uncertainty predictors. First, we train an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) using monthly data from a customer profile dataset. Then, using the newly defined factors and their underlying rules, a second round of assessment begins in a fuzzy inference system.

Thus, we present a model that is both more flexible to politico-economic factors and can yield results that are max compatible with real-life situations. Comparison between the prediction made by proposed model and a real non-performing loan indicates little difference between them. Credit risk specialists also approve the results. The major innovation of this research is producing a table of bad customers on a monthly basis and creating a dynamic model based on the table. The latest created model is used for assessing customers henceforth, so the whole process of customer assessment need not be repeated. We assert that this model is a good substitute for the static models currently in use as it can outperform traditional models, especially in the face of economic crisis.
ЛИЧНОСТНЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ КАК ОСНОВА ЖИЗНЕСТОЙКОСТИ В СТУДЕНЧЕСКОМ ВОЗРАСТЕ
Authors: Boyazitova Irina Valerevna , Erkenova Mariyam Mustafaevna
Published: March 2019

Цель. Статья посвящена актуальной в условиях приоритетных задач высшего образования проблеме развития жизнестойкости как зрелой формы саморегуляции и нацелена на раскрытие особенностей личностного развития, оптимизирующего формирование жизнестойких убеждений в студенческом возрасте. Предметом анализа выступили жизнестойкость и личностные свойства студентов как личностного потенциала саморегуляции.Методы и методология проведения работы. Для решения поставленных задач были использованы психодиагностические методы, методы математической статистики. Основой исследования жизнестойкости выступила концептуальная модель саморегуляции и личностного потенциала.Результаты. В результате проведенного исследования установлено, что смысложизненные ориентации, внутренний локус контроля, самоактуализация, самодетерминация и самоэффективность личности, сопряженные с успешностью самоопределения в целях, с организацией целенаправленной деятельности, активным преодолением стрессогенных ситуаций, выступают личностным потенциалом, определяющим развитие жизнестойких убеждений в студенческом возрасте.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в процессе психолого-педагогического сопровождения студентов в условиях профессионального образования.