bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discarding jagged artefacts in image upscaling with total variation regularisation
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Meng , Fan Jiulun , Xie Wen
Published: August 2019

Image upscaling is needed in many areas. There are two types of methods: methods based on a simple hypothesis and methods based on machine learning. Most of the machine learning‐based methods have disadvantages: no support is provided for a variety of upscaling factors, a training process with a high time cost is required, and a large amount of storage space and high‐end equipment are required. To avoid the disadvantages of machine learning, upscaling images with a simple hypothesis is a promising strategy but simple hypothesis always produces jaggy artifacts. The authors propose a new method to remove these jagged artifacts. They consider an edge in an image as a deformed curve. Removing jagged artefacts is considered equivalent to shortening the full arc length of a curve. By optimising the regularization model, the severity of the artifacts decreases as the number of iterations increases. They compare nine existing methods on the Set5, Set14, and Urban100 datasets. Without using any external data, the proposed algorithm has high visual quality, has few jagged artefacts and performs similarly to very recent state‐of‐the‐art deep convolutional network‐based approaches. Compared to other methods without external data, the proposed algorithm balances the quality and time cost well.
Glaucoma screening pipeline based on clinical measurements and hidden features
Authors: Zhao Xin , Guo Fan , Mai Yuxiang , Tang Jin , Duan Xuanchu , Zou Beiji , Jiang Lingzi
Published: August 2019

Glaucoma refers to a chronic disease of the eye that leads to vision loss that is irreversible, which is called ‘silent theft of sight’. Thus, an automatic glaucoma screening pipeline from optic disc (OD) localisation to glaucoma risk prediction is proposed in this study. The proposed pipeline consists of three main phases. Firstly, the OD is localised by morphological processing and sliding window methods. Secondly, a novel neural network which is in U‐shape and convolutional introduces concatenating path and fusion loss function is developed to split OD and optic cup (OC) at the same time. Thirdly, both clinical measurements including optic cup‐to‐disc ratio (CDR), neuroretinal rim related features, and hidden features including statistical moments, entropy and energy are combined to train glaucoma classifiers. According to the results of the experiment, the proposed segmentation network achieves the best performance on both OD and OC segmentation and the proposed CDR calculation method is capable of achieving the performance similar to that of ophthalmologist on CDR measurement. Besides, the authors’ glaucoma classification model can obtain the best performance on sensitivity and area under the curve score in comparison with the existing methods.
Determination of tool deflection in drilling by image processing
Authors: Bahçe Erkan , Özdemir Burak
Published: August 2019

It is known that parameters such as the feed rate and the spindle speed affect the hole quality during the drilling of aluminium and its alloys. In particular, deflection occurs as a result of the increase or decrease of the reverse forces acting on the tool as a result of changing the parameter values. The tool deflection causes deviations in the hole geometry. This requires the initial detection of the deflection on the tool and then the most appropriate updating of the drilling parameters. At the present time, force‐based estimation and inductive or laser sensor detection methods are used for the detection of tool deflection. These methods are useless because they require expensive measurement systems and continuous fine‐tuning. This study aimed to calculate the tool deflection that occurs during the drilling of AL 7075 material using an image processing technique. In the experiments using different drilling parameters, the tool deflection was calculated and the effects of the parameters on tool deflection were investigated. As a result, it is shown that the tool deflection can be detected quickly and simply by image processing. In addition, the effects of the processing parameters on the tool deflection are discussed.
Multi‐mother wavelet neural network‐based on genetic algorithm and multiresolution analysis for fast 3D mesh deformation
Authors: Dhibi Naziha , Amar Chokri Ben
Published: August 2019

The current study presents a new 3D mesh deformation process using multi‐mother wavelet neural network architecture, which relies on genetic algorithm and multiresolution analysis. Classic forming algorithms begin with a predetermined network architecture that may be insufficient or too complicated. In addition, the solving of wavelet neural network training problems is described by their perceived inability to escape local optima. The main objective of the authors' proposed approach is that it prevents both the insufficiency and local minima by integrating the genetic algorithm; their wavelet network is used as an approximation tool to align the features of mesh to have efficient deformation processes. Also, such meshes are especially expensive to transmit and are awkward to deform. For this reason, they propose to use multiresolution analysis to decompose a surface geometry into several levels of detail in order to work only with the approximation coefficient at a chosen decomposition level. Hierarchical triangle mesh representations provide access to a triangle mesh at the desired resolution without omitting any information. The experimental results showed the validity of the generalisation ability and the efficiency of their suggested multi‐mother wavelet network architecture based on genetic algorithm and multiresolution analysis for 3D mesh modelling and deformation.
Multi‐scale analysis of ulcer disease detection from WCE images
Authors: Souaidi Meryem , Ansari Mohamed El
Published: August 2019

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) proves its robustness as a great technology to examine the entire digestive tract or the small intestine. An automatic computer‐aided design method is proposed in this study, in a manner to differentiate between ulcer disease and normal WCE images. A multi‐scale analysis‐based grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) is conducted here. The main step, the co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM), is computed from each sub‐band Laplacian pyramid decomposition, so as to extract the common Haralick features. Moreover, the p‐value and area under the curve are used to select the relevant characteristics from the feature descriptor. This proposed approach was separately applied to the components of CIELab colour space. Ulcer detection was performed using the support vector machine. The findings demonstrate an encouraging detection rate performance of 95.38% for accuracy and 97.42% for sensitivity based on the first dataset and an average accuracy of 99.25 and 98.51% of sensitivities for the second dataset.
Efficient and robust segmentation and correction model for medical images
Authors: Yang Yunyun , Jia Wenjing
Published: August 2019

Accurate segmentation of medical images plays a very important role in clinical diagnosis so that the segmentation technology for medical images attracts more and more attention. However, most medical images usually suffer from severe intensity inhomogeneity and make accurate segmentation difficult. In this study, the authors propose an efficient and robust active contour model for simultaneous image segmentation and correction. The proposed model not only can accurately segment images with severe intensity inhomogeneity and serious noise but also can eliminate the intensity varying information to get the homogeneous correction images. They first present the level set formulation of the two‐phase model, which is then extended to the multi‐phase formulation. The split Bregman method is applied to efficiently minimise the proposed energy functionals. The proposed model is tested with lots of synthetic images and medical images with promising results. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can accurately segment and correct the inhomogeneous images with serious noise. Quantitative comparison results of the proposed model and other models illustrate the proposed model is more accurate and more efficient. What's more, the proposed model not only is insensitive to the initial contour, but also is robust to the noise.
Improving quality of supply in small‐scale low‐voltage active networks by providing islanded operation capability
Authors: Malaczek Michal , Wasiak Irena , Mienski Rozmyslaw
Published: August 2019

This study presents a novel approach for ensuring the power quality and reliability of supply required for low‐voltage networks with distributed energy sources. For this purpose, a control strategy which enables active network uninterrupted transfer to islanded mode and continues its operation when the quality of supply from the utility grid is insufficient is proposed. Islanded operation is initiated based on an immunity curve, which defines the tolerance of the considered system for different voltage disturbances. The proposed strategy is based on expanding the functionality of the energy storage system and the application of a central controller. Moreover, it does not interfere with the method for control of energy sources. An original mechanism was developed and implemented to reserve power and energy in the ESS, enabling the switch to islanded mode at any time. A simulation model of the considered network was developed using the PSCAD/EMTDC platform to verify the proposed strategy. Simulation results illustrating the functioning of the state of charge storage control mechanism and demonstrating the flexible operation of the network in grid‐connected and islanded modes are provided. The results clearly confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for improving the quality and reliability of power supply.
Dispatch framework of power system with heat storage facilities in combined heat and power plants for wind power accommodation
Authors: Ma Huan , Xu Fei , Chen Qun , Hu Kang , Chen Lei , Dai Yuanhang , Hao Junhong , Min Yong
Published: August 2019

Heat storage (HS) instalment in combined heat and power (CHP) plants is a promising solution to increase the adjustability of CHP plants and reduce renewable energy curtailment. Despite the proposed optimisation models and algorithms, it still lacks a dispatching framework for HS facilities to integrate with the existing dispatching system of power grids. This study integrates a coordination control system (CCS) and a plant‐level energy management system (PEMS) into the existing dispatching system and proposes the corresponding scheduling method to ensure the rationality, veracity, and timeliness of scheduling. The CCS generates power and thermal generation schedules in multi‐time scales, while the PEMS operates as the bridge between the HS facilities and the CCS. Meanwhile, taking into account the actual scheduling requirements, the authors propose a downward spinning reserve capacity (DSRC) preservation method for the dispatch of CHP plants, develop multi‐level coordination and progressive refinement strategy for schedules and apply the DSRC as a criterion to obtain the day‐ahead, the rolling and the real‐time schedules in sequence. Finally, the dispatch simulation results show that the newly proposed CHP dispatching framework can schedule the HS facilities in CHP plants effectively and achieve the desired effect of wind power accommodation.
Effect of humidity and air pressure on the discharge modes transition characteristics of negative DC corona
Authors: Chen She , Li Kelin , Wang Feng , Sun Qiuqin , Zhong Lipeng
Published: August 2019

Corona discharges on high‐voltage transmission lines cause the problems of energy waste and electromagnetic interferences. Previous studies on negative DC corona discharges are mainly on the effects of various environmental factors on the corona inception voltage, Trichel pulse frequency etc. However, few researches are focused on Trichel pulses‐pulseless glow mode transition, and their transition mechanisms are still lacking. In this paper, a vacuum vessel is built up in which the humidity and pressure can be accurately controlled to simulate corona discharges under different climatic conditions. The pressure range is 50–101 kPa and the relative humidity (RH) is 10–90%. A needle‐plane electrode with different radius of curvature is used to produce negative corona discharges. It is found that the transition voltage increases with the RH and air pressure. A higher humidity results in the formation of hydrated ions with lower ion mobility and the increase in the gas temperature around the needle electrode. The experimental results demonstrate that the effect of reduced ion mobility is greater than the gas temperature rise. Furthermore, an interim process, in which the Trichel pulses and the pulseless glow exist simultaneously, appears during the discharge modes transition for the needle electrode with a larger radius of curvature.
Investigation on Insulation Performance of Thermally Aged Natural Ester Oil Impregnated Pressboard
Authors: Thakur Soumya , Sarathi Ramanujam
Published: August 2019

An attempt is made to understand the effect of thermal ageing on natural ester oil impregnated pressboard material. Surface discharge inception voltage of natural ester oil impregnated pressboard material is reduced drastically under AC, harmonic AC voltages and with DC voltages with high ripple content. Phase‐resolved partial discharge studies show an increase in the number of discharges for natural ester oil impregnated pressboard (OIP) aged at higher temperature, under AC and harmonic AC voltages with different total harmonic distortions. Surface potential measurement study complies with results obtained by surface discharge inception voltage. It indicates the presence of high‐density charge traps evolved as a function of ageing time and temperature. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis is carried out to understand the characteristic variation with thermally aged OIP material. A decrease in plasma temperature is observed for sample aged at higher temperature. Differential scanning calorimetric studies indicate reduction in peak temperature with thermally aged specimens. Ageing observed to affect mechanical strength of the cellulosic material, as indicated by tensile test. Dielectric response spectroscopy study indicates that with an increase in thermal ageing, the permittivity, tan(δ), DC conductivity and relaxation time have increased. A reduction in activation energy of the aged material is observed, which indicates the status of the OIP material.
Adsorption properties of graphite oxide for Rhodamine B
Authors: Yin Minyuan , Pan Yusong , Pan Chengling
Published: August 2019

In the present study, the adsorption properties of graphite oxide (GO) for Rhodamine B (RhB) under different conditions was investigated. The specific surface area of the GO adsorbent decreased from 71.5 m2 g−1 for before adsorption of RhB to 4.9 m2 g−1 for after adsorption of RhB. The maximum adsorption capacity was 578.0 mg g−1 at 303.15 K. Moreover, the pH value has a great influence on the adsorption properties of GO. The adsorption capacity of GO for RhB increased first and then decreased with the rise of pH value. Study on the adsorption kinetics verified that the adsorption process conformed to the pseudo‐second‐order model adsorption process. The isothermal model is consistent with the Langmuir isothermal model and belongs to the monolayer chemical adsorption.
Design of core–shell gold‐coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles as a theranostic for targeted magnetic resonance imaging and photoablation therapy
Authors: Goldstein Daniel , Han Chendong , Mahan Matthew , Doiron Amber
Published: August 2019

A theranostic refers to the concept of integrating diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities into a single platform. In this work, a layer of gold was reduced around superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles to be used as a theranostic for magnetic resonance imaging and photoablation. In addition, a gold shell was included in the particle design to improve biocompatibility, stabilise nanoparticles in suspension, and allow robust surface functionalisation. Gold‐coated SPIO nanoparticles of 8 nm in diameter exhibited surface plasmon resonance while also maintaining their superparamagnetic nature. Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the existence of gold at the surface of the nanoparticles, the thickness of which was 0.5 nm based on transmission electron microscopy measurements. To demonstrate their potential for targeted therapies, nanoparticles were targeted to VCAM‐1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and detected via darkfield microscopy.
Use of high temperature X‐ray diffraction and pair distribution function for the study of carbonation characteristics of Barium Titanate at nanoscale
Authors: Islam Sahanoor , Biswas Ripan Kumar , Ghosh Jiten
Published: August 2019

Barium titanate (BT) is extensively used in electronic industries for its high dielectric constant. However, the dielectric properties of BT significantly change due to carbonation at nanoscale. Commercially available tetragonal BT powder was milled to study the local atomic distribution and phase transformation behaviour with temperature. Nano BT powder was prepared by the high energy ball milling (90 h) from its bulk counterpart. It was carbonated when it was exposed to open atmosphere. The milled BT sample was characterised by high temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD), pair distribution function (PDF) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Local atomic distribution was obtained from PDF analysis. The peak due to C–O and Ba–C pair distance were observed from PDF for 90 h milled carbonated BT. TEM analysis revealed that particle diameter was in the range of 15–50 nm. How the phase of nano BT ceramics transformed with temperature was strudied. It was observed that orthorhombic BT transformed into tetragonal and cubic phase via the monoclinic phase during heating at 900°C. Coexistence of multi phases of BT was also observed from HT‐XRD. BaCO3 disappeared at high temperature.
Survey on cloud model based similarity measure of uncertain concepts
Authors: Li Shuai , Wang Guoyin , Yang Jie
Published: August 2019

It is a basic task to measure the similarity between two uncertain concepts in many real‐life artificial intelligence applications, such as image retrieval, collaborative filtering, public opinion guidance, and so on. As an important cognitive computing model, cloud model has been used in many fields of artificial intelligence. It can realise the bidirectional cognitive transformation between qualitative concept and quantitative data based on the theory of probability and fuzzy set. The similarity measure of two uncertain concepts is a fundamental issue in cloud model theory. Popular similarity measure methods of cloud model are surveyed in this study. Their limitations are analysed in detail. Some related future research topics are proposed.
Formation of rocky and icy planetesimals inside and outside the snow line: effects of diffusion, sublimation, and back-reaction
Authors: Hyodo Ryuki , Ida Shigeru , Charnoz Sébastien
Published: August 2019

Context. Streaming instability is a possible mechanism to form icy planetesimals. It requires special local conditions such as a high solid-to-gas ratio at the midplane and typically more than a centimeter in size (Stokes number >0.01). Silicate grains cannot grow to such a size through pairwise collisions. It is important to clarify where and when rocky and icy planetesimals are formed in a viscously evolving disk.

Aims. We wish to understand how local runaway pile-up of solids (silicate and water ice) occurs inside or outside the snow line.

Methods. We assumed an icy pebble contains micron-sized silicate grains that are uniformly mixed with ice and are released during the ice sublimation. Using a local one-dimensional code, we solved the radial drift and the turbulent diffusion of solids and the water vapor, taking account of their sublimation and condensation around the snow line. We systematically investigated the effects of back-reactions of solids to gas on the radial drift and diffusion of solids, scale height evolution of the released silicate particles, and possible differences in effective viscous parameters between those for turbulent diffusion (αtur) and those for the gas accretion rate onto the central star (αacc). We also studied the dependence on the ratio of the solid mass flux to the gas (Fp/g).

Results. We show that the favorable locations for the pile-up of silicate grains and icy pebbles are the regions in the proximity of, both inside and outside, the water snow line, respectively. We find that runaway pile-ups occur when both the back-reactions for radial drift and diffusion are included. In the case with only the back-reaction for the radial drift, runaway pile-up is not found except in extremely high pebble flux, while the condition of streaming instability can be satisfied for relatively large Fp/g as found in the past literature. If the back-reaction for radial diffusion is considered, the runaway pile-up occurs for a reasonable value of pebble flux. The runaway pile-up of silicate grains that would lead to formation of rocky planetesimals occurs for αtur ≪ αacc, while the runaway pile-up of icy pebbles is favored for αtur ~ αacc. Based on these results, we discuss timings and locations of rocky and icy planetesimals in an evolving disk.
Narrative Recording as Relational Practice in Social Services: A Case Study from a Scottish Carer Support Organisation
Authors: Miller E , Barrie K
Published: August 2019

Narrative recording in case records and individual plans within social services represents the means by which stories can be constructed with and about the people with whom services work, influencing relationship building and outcomes. Identities and decision-making are forged in records, shaping people’s lives. Yet, limited attention is paid to narrative recording in research and practice. Indeed, recording, which increasingly veers towards ‘box-ticking’, is viewed by practitioners as a bureaucratic burden, limiting time for the ‘real job’ of face-to-face work. Drawing on Ricoeur’s narrative hermeneutics in exploring qualitative data from a carer support organisation, we identify the potential contribution of narrative recording. Carers often seek support when their sense of identity and quality of life is diminished by their unpaid caring role. We explore practitioners’ views about the role of the narrative record in holding memories, feeding into recognition of capable agency, clarifying possibilities for action, restoration of identity and wellbeing. Applying a Ricoeurian lens demonstrates how attaining these benefits require recording practice which supports recognition through relational practice, in pursuit of better outcomes for carers. Carer benefits could be enhanced by carers holding a copy of and being able to reflect on and further contribute to their own plan.
Colonization routes, microevolutionary genetic structure and conservation concerns in a remote widespread insular endemic grass: the case of the Azorean tussock grass Deschampsia foliosa
Authors: Moura Mónica , Catálan Pilar , Brehm António , Menezes De Sequeira Miguel
Published: August 2019

Population genetic structure and diversity and phylogeographical dispersal routes were assessed for the Azorean endemic grass Deschampsia foliosa using AFLP markers. This species occurs on seven islands in the archipelago and a sampling of populations from the three main geographical groups of islands was used, covering its known distribution. Principal coordinates analyses (PCoAs), Bayesian analyses and phylogenetic networks revealed different degrees of admixture for the central group (C) populations and a clear differentiation for the western group (W) and São Miguel island (in the eastern group, E) populations. The best K values corresponded to nine and 11 genetic groups, which were also confirmed by analysis of molecular variance. A low but significant correlation between genetic data and geography was observed, with most relevant barriers to gene flow generally placed between sub-archipelagos. We suggest a west-to-east isolation by distance dispersal model across an island age continuum with Flores–Corvo (W) and Pico (C) at the extremes of the dispersal path. An alternative scenario, also supported by the genetic data, implies an initial colonization of São Jorge (C), dispersal within C and following bidirectional dispersal to the W and E. The phylogeographical framework detected might be related to island age and to highly destructive volcanic events, and it supports the occurrence of cryptic diversity within D. foliosa. Genetic diversity estimators were highest for Pico island populations (C), lowest for São Miguel (E) and Flores (W) populations, and more divergent for the Corvo population (W). Conservation measures should be taken to preserve the genetic structure found across sub-archipelagos and islands.
Assessing and mapping language, attention and executive multidimensional deficits in stroke aphasia
Authors: Schumacher Rahel , Halai Ajay D , Lambon Ralph Matthew A
Published: August 2019

Despite being potentially crucial for performance, recovery and rehabilitation, non-verbal cognitive functions have not been investigated comprehensively in patients with post-stroke aphasia. By administering a battery of tests of attention and executive function, Schumacher et al. identify six orthogonal non-verbal and language components that are associated with separable structural correlates.
Early Impact of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Use on Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Among Adults With and Without Underlying Medical Conditions—United States
Authors: Ahmed Sana S , Pondo Tracy , Xing Wei , McGee Lesley , Farley Monica , Schaffner William , Thomas Ann , Reingold Arthur , Harrison Lee H , Lynfield Ruth , Rowlands Jemma , Bennett Nancy , Petit Susan , Barnes Meghan , Smelser Chad , Beall Bernard , Whitney Cynthia G , Pilishvili Tamara
Published: August 2019

Background

The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) was introduced for US children in 2010 and for immunocompromised adults ≥19 years old in series with the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in 2012. We evaluated PCV13 indirect effects on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among adults with and without PCV13 indications.

Methods

Using Active Bacterial Core surveillance and the National Health Survey, using Active Bacterial Core surveillance and the National Health Interview Survey, we estimated and compared IPD incidence in 2013–2014 and 2007–2008, by age and serotype group (PCV13, PPSV23-unique, or nonvaccine types [NVTs]), among adults with and without PCV13 indications.

Results

IPD incidence declined among all adults. Among adults 19–64 years, PCV13-type IPD declined 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], −68% to −43%) in adults with immunocompromising conditions (indication for PCV13 use), 57% (95% CI, −62% to –52%) in immunocompetent adults with chronic medical conditions (CMCs, indications for PPSV23 use alone), and 74% (95% CI, −78% to −70%) in adults with neither vaccine indication. Among adults aged ≥65 years, PCV13-type IPD decreased 68% (95% CI, −76% to −60%) in those with immunocompromising conditions, 68% (95% CI, −72% to −63%) in those with CMCs, and 71% (95% CI, −77% to −64%) in healthy adults. PPSV23-unique types increased in adults 19‒64 years with CMCs, and NVTs did not change among adults with or without PCV13 indications. From 2013 to 2014, non-PCV13 serotypes accounted for 80% of IPD.

Conclusions

IPD incidence among US adults declined after PCV13 introduction in children. Similar reductions in PCV13-type IPD in those with and without PCV13 indications suggest that observed benefits are largely due to indirect effects from pediatric PCV13 use rather than direct use among adults.
Healthcare Transition Outcomes Among Young Adults With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the United States
Authors: Tassiopoulos Katherine , Huo Yanling , Patel Kunjal , Kacanek Deborah , Allison Susannah , Siminski Suzanne , Nichols Sharon L , Mellins Claude A ,   Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS), Yogev Ram , Sanders Margaret Ann , Malee Kathleen , Pyun Yoonsun , Shearer William , Paul Mary , Cooper Norma , Harris Lynnette , Purswani Murli , Baig Mahboobullah Mirza , Villegas Alma , Puga Ana , Navarro Sandra , Garvie Patricia A , Blood James , Burchett Sandra K , Karthas Nancy , Kammerer Betsy , Wiznia Andrew , Burey Marlene , Shaw Ray , Auguste Raphaelle , Dieudonne Arry , Bettica Linda , Johnson Juliette , Chen Janet S , Bulkley Maria Garcia , White Taesha , Grant Mitzie , Knapp Katherine , Allison Kim , Wilkins Megan , Russell-Bell Jamie , Acevedo-Flores Midnela , Rios Heida , Olivera Vivian , Silio Margarita , Gabriel Medea , Sirois Patricia , Spector Stephen A , Norris Kim , Nichols Sharon , McFarland Elizabeth , Barr Emily , Glenny Carrie , Dunn Jennifer , Scott Gwendolyn , Alvarez Grace , Fernandez Gabriel , Cuadra Anai
Published: August 2019

Background

Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (YPHIVs) living in the United States are transitioning to adult clinical care, yet there is little information on factors that affect transition outcomes.

Methods

YPHIVs aged ≥18 years in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS) AMP Up cohort approaching or having completed transition from pediatric to adult healthcare were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics and self-reported ability to self-manage healthcare were compared by transition status, and multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with satisfaction with, and retention in, adult clinical care (clinic visit within the previous 6 months).

Results

Most of the 455 YPHIVs, regardless of transition status, reported satisfaction with their clinic and care provider, but many reported antiretroviral medication nonadherence. Of the 124 YPHIVs who had transitioned, 56% had periods of unsuppressed HIV-1 RNA in the year before transition. Those who had transitioned were more likely to report high ability to self-manage their healthcare (ability to manage ≥7 of 8 skills) than those not transitioned. High self-management was associated with retention after transition (odds ratio, 3.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–9.12). Higher perceived emotional social support was also associated with retention. Older age at transition was associated with greater satisfaction with provider and clinic.

Conclusions

YPHIVs have positive associations with their clinical care around the time of their transition to adult care, but unsuppressed viral load and suboptimal adherence are a concern. Strengthening skills that increase ability to self-manage care and enhance social support may increase retention in care and improve clinical health.
A Smart Disaster Management Framework For Wildfire Detection and Prediction
Authors: Kaur Harkiran , Sood Sandeep K
Published: August 2019

Wildfires are exorbitantly cataclysmic disasters that lead to the destruction of forest cover, wildlife, land resources, human assets, reduced soil fertility and global warming. Every year wildfires wreck havoc across the globe. Therefore, there is a need of an efficient and reliable system for real-time wildfire monitoring to dilute their disastrous effects. Internet of Things (IoT) has demonstrated remarkable evolution and has been successfully adopted in environmental monitoring domain. Therefore, timely detection and prediction of wildfires is the need of the hour. The proliferation of the IoT has been witnessed in the environment monitoring domain for detection and prediction of several environmental hazards. This research proposes an integrated IoT–fog–cloud framework for real-time detection and prediction of forest fires. Initially, a Bayesian belief network is used to detect the outbreak of wildfire at fog layer followed by real-time alert generation to the forest department offices and fire-fighting stations. Cloud layer-assisted fuzzy-based long-term wildfire prediction and monitoring is responsible for determining the susceptibility of a forest terrain to wildfire outbreak based on wildfire susceptibility index (WSI). Furthermore, WSI is used for risk zone mapping of forest terrains.
Diagnosability of the Cayley Graph Generated by Complete Graph with Missing Edges under the MM$^{\ast }$ Model
Authors: Ren Yunxia , Wang Shiying
Published: August 2019

Diagnosability of a multiprocessor system is an important research topic. The system and an interconnection network have an underlying topology, which is usually presented by a graph. Under the Maeng and Malek's (MM) model, to diagnose the system, a node sends the same task to two of its neighbors, and then compares their responses. The MM$^{*}$ is a special case of the MM model and each node must test all pairs of its adjacent nodes. In 2009, Chiang and Tan (Using node diagnosability to determine $t$-diagnosability under the comparison diagnosis (cd) model. IEEE Trans. Comput., 58, 251–259) proposed a new viewpoint for fault diagnosis of the system, namely, the node diagnosability. As a new topology structure of interconnection networks, the nest graph $CK_{n}$ has many good properties. In this paper, we study the local diagnosability of $CK_{n}$ and show it has the strong local diagnosability property even if there exist $(\frac{n(n-1)}{2}-2)$ missing edges in it under the MM$^{*}$ model, and the result is optimal with respect to the number of missing edges.
Palliative care for people living with heart failure: European Association for Palliative Care Task Force expert position statement
Authors: Sobanski Piotr Z , Alt-Epping Bernd , Currow David C , Goodlin Sarah J , Grodzicki Tomasz , Hogg Karen , Janssen Daisy J A , Johnson Miriam J , Krajnik Małgorzata , Leget Carlo , Martínez-Sellés Manuel , Moroni Matteo , Mueller Paul S , Ryder Mary , Simon Steffen T , Stowe Emily , Larkin Philip J
Published: August 2019

Contrary to common perception, modern palliative care (PC) is applicable to all people with an incurable disease, not only cancer. PC is appropriate at every stage of disease progression, when PC needs emerge. These needs can be of physical, emotional, social, or spiritual nature. This document encourages the use of validated assessment tools to recognize such needs and ascertain efficacy of management. PC interventions should be provided alongside cardiologic management. Treating breathlessness is more effective, when cardiologic management is supported by PC interventions. Treating other symptoms like pain or depression requires predominantly PC interventions. Advance Care Planning aims to ensure that the future treatment and care the person receives is concordant with their personal values and goals, even after losing decision-making capacity. It should include also disease specific aspects, such as modification of implantable device activity at the end of life. The Whole Person Care concept describes the inseparability of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the human being. Addressing psychological and spiritual needs, together with medical treatment, maintains personal integrity and promotes emotional healing. Most PC concerns can be addressed by the usual care team, supported by a PC specialist if needed. During dying, the persons’ needs may change dynamically and intensive PC is often required. Following the death of a person, bereavement services benefit loved ones. The authors conclude that the inclusion of PC within the regular clinical framework for people with heart failure results in a substantial improvement in quality of life as well as comfort and dignity whilst dying.
International Commissions of Inquiry: What Difference Do They Make? Taking an Empirical Approach
Authors: Becker Michael A , Nouwen Sarah M H
Published: August 2019

Introducing a symposium on the question of what difference international commissions of inquiry (COIs) make, this article frames the debate methodologically and theoretically. COIs have become a common feature of responses to issues of international concern. While aspects of their work have received substantial scholarly attention, less is known about the concrete, case-specific effects of past COIs. This symposium therefore encourages empirical research into the consequences of COIs, absent or present, intended or not. After discussing some of the common challenges to the empirical research required, this framework article sets forth a non-exhaustive typology of ways in which COIs could end up making a difference, such as inspiring further action or substituting for such action; justifying decision-making, ex ante or ex post; fostering a shared narrative or hardening competing narratives; legitimizing some groups while delegitimizing others; enhancing political dialogue or intensifying division; spurring reform or encouraging more of the same; promoting (international) law or exposing its limitations. This typology is presented as a resource for hypotheses not only for this symposium but also for future empirical research into the differences made (or not) by COIs.
The Story after Immigrants’ Ambitious Educational Choices: Real Improvement or Back to Square One?
Authors: Dollmann Jörg , Weißmann Markus
Published: August 2019

It is a well-established finding in the literature that immigrants make ambitious educational choices. Once controlling for prior achievement and socioeconomic status, children of immigrants are more likely than natives to switch to the more demanding educational tracks. However, less is known about whether immigrants can actually benefit from these optimistic choices in terms of educational attainment or whether they have a higher risk of dropping out from the more demanding tracks. By focusing on a representative sample of adolescents with and without immigrant background in Germany, this contribution investigates how enrolment and completion rates change over time—from the end of lower secondary education until the end of upper secondary education—and how this affects ethnic inequalities in educational outcomes. When comparing academic completion rates and academic enrolment rates in grade 9, we observe long-term improvements within the immigrant group as a result of immigrants’ ambitious choices. When comparing both outcomes between natives and immigrants, however, ethnic differences in academic completion rates remain comparable to the disparities in enrolment rates as observed in grade 9.
A New Site Index Model for Intensively Managed Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) Plantations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain
Authors: Trim Kynda R , Coble Dean W , Weng Yuhui , Stovall Jeremy P , Hung I-Kuai
Published: August 2019

Site index (SI) estimation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations is important for the successful management of this important commercial tree species in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States. This study evaluated various SI models for intensively managed loblolly plantations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain using data collected from permanent plots installed in intensively managed loblolly pine plantations across east Texas and western Louisiana. Six commonly used SI models (Cieszewski GADA model, both Chapman-Richards ADA and GADA models, both Schumacher ADA and GADA models, and McDill-Amateis GADA model) were fit to the data and compared. The Chapman-Richards GADA model and the McDill-Amateis GADA model were similar and best in their fit statistics. These two models were further compared to the existing models (Diéguez-Aranda et al. 2006 (DA2006), Coble and Lee 2010 (CL2010)) commonly used in the region. Both the Chapman-Richards GADA and the McDill-Amateis GADA models consistently predicted greater heights up to age 25 than the models of DA2006 and CL2010, with larger height differences for the higher quality sites, but predicted shorter heights thereafter. Ultimately, the McDill-Amateis GADA model was chosen as the best model for its consistency in predicting reasonable heights extrapolated beyond the range of the data. Foresters can use this model to make more informed silvicultural prescriptions for intensively managed loblolly pine plantations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain.
Association of body mass index with serum alanine aminotransferase in Chinese adolescents: a school-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ding Zan , Zhang Jing , Deng Chang-Yu , You Ying-Bin , Zhou Hua
Published: August 2019

Background

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that high body mass index (BMI) is related to elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among adults, but little is known about the association regarding adolescents, especially in China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between BMI and ALT activity among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was performed among nine high schools in Shenzhen, China between February 2017 and June 2018. A generalized linear-regression model adjusting for age and gender was conducted, and bivariate correlation analysis between ALT and BMI was also performed.

Results

A total of 7,271 adolescents aged from 9 years to 17 years were enrolled. Height, weight, BMI, and ALT were higher among boys than among girls (all P < 0.001). The mean (standard deviation) of serum ALT levels was 14.26 (14.77) U/L. In the entire BMI range, the BMI−ALT correlation was stronger for boys (Spearman's r = 0.396, P < 0.001) and adolescents of 14 years−17 years (r = 0.356, P < 0.001) than for girls (r = 0.203, P < 0.001) and adolescents of 9 years−13 years (r = 0.221, P < 0.001), respectively. Serum ALT increased rapidly and followed a linear pattern from the point of BMI ≥20.5 kg/m2, and each increase of 1 kg/m2 in BMI range above 20.5 kg/m2 was averagely correlated with an increase of 2.71 U/L in ALT levels (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found a significant BMI−ALT relationship. BMI at 20.5 kg/m2 may be a cut-off for evaluating serum ALT. BMIs ≥27.1 kg/m2 for boys and ≥24.9 kg/m2 for girls were linked to an elevated ALT activity for Shenzhen adolescents.
Adaptation to Extreme Environments in an Admixed Human Population from the Atacama Desert
Authors: Vicuña Lucas , Fernandez Mario I , Vial Cecilia , Valdebenito Patricio , Chaparro Eduardo , Espinoza Karena , Ziegler Annemarie , Bustamante Alberto , Eyheramendy Susana
Published: August 2019

Inorganic arsenic (As) is a toxic xenobiotic and carcinogen associated with severe health conditions. The urban population from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile was exposed to extremely high As levels (up to 600 µg/l) in drinking water between 1958 and 1971, leading to increased incidence of urinary bladder cancer (BC), skin cancer, kidney cancer, and coronary thrombosis decades later. Besides, the Andean Native-American ancestors of the Atacama population were previously exposed for millennia to elevated As levels in water (∼120 µg/l) for at least 5,000 years, suggesting adaptation to this selective pressure. Here, we performed two genome-wide selection tests—PBSn1 and an ancestry-enrichment test—in an admixed population from Atacama, to identify adaptation signatures to As exposure acquired before and after admixture with Europeans, respectively. The top second variant selected by PBSn1 was associated with LCE4A-C1orf68, a gene that may be involved in the immune barrier of the epithelium during BC. We performed association tests between the top PBSn1 hits and BC occurrence in our population. The strongest association (P = 0.012) was achieved by the LCE4A-C1orf68 variant. The ancestry-enrichment test detected highly significant signals (P = 1.3 × 10−9) mapping MAK16, a gene with important roles in ribosome biogenesis during the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic factors involved in adaptation to the pathophysiological consequences of As exposure.
Combined controls of sedimentology and diagenesis on seismic properties in lacustrine and palustrine carbonates (Upper Miocene, Samos Island, Greece)
Authors: Bailly C , Adelinet M , Hamon Y , Fortin J
Published: August 2019

For the subsurface characterization of carbonates, linking physical properties (e.g. porosity and seismic reflectors) with their geological significance (e.g. sedimentary facies and diagenesis) is of primary importance. To address this issue, we study the lacustrine and palustrine carbonates on Samos Island through a geological and geophysical characterization of a sedimentary succession. The microstructures of the samples are described, and the samples’ physical properties are measured (porosity, P-wave velocity and density). The results show that the identification of only the primary (i.e. sedimentary) microstructure is not sufficient for explaining the huge variations in porosity and P-wave velocity. Hence, we highlight two early diagenetic processes that strongly impact the microstructures and control the physical properties: (i) neomorphism occludes porosity and increases the P-wave velocity of mud- and grain-supported microstructures, which implies a mineralogical stabilization of the grains; (ii) conversely, the dissolution process creates porosity and decreases the P-wave velocity of grain-supported microstructures if the mineralogical composition of the grains is not previously stabilized. These two diagenetic processes thus depend on the primary microstructures and mineralogy of the sediments. This work aims to explain the variations in porosity and P-wave velocity for each defined primary microstructure. A 1-D seismogram is then built to highlight seismic reflectors with a metre-scale resolution. These reflectors are associated with several geological contrasts. Hard kicks (positive amplitude reflectors) match well with exposure surfaces related to palaeosols. They correspond to contrasts between non-modified primary microstructures and highly neomorphosed microstructures. Conversely, soft kicks (negative amplitude reflectors) are linked with diagenetic contrasts (e.g. neomorphosed microstructures versus non-modified primary microstructures) and sedimentary contrasts that can be overprinted by diagenesis (e.g. neomorphosed mud-supported microstructures versus dissolved grain-supported microstructures). This study highlights that high-resolution seismic reflectors of lacustrine and palustrine carbonates are strongly related to the spatial contrasts of primary microstructures overprinted by early diagenesis.
Individualized ovarian stimulation in IVF/ICSI treatment: it is time to stop using high FSH doses in predicted low responders
Authors: Leijdekkers Jori A , Torrance Helen L , Schouten Nienke E , van Tilborg Theodora C , Oudshoorn Simone C , Mol Ben Willem J , Eijkemans Marinus J C , Broekmans Frank J M
Published: August 2019

In IVF/ICSI treatment, the FSH starting dose is often increased in predicted low responders from the belief that it improves the chance of having a baby by maximizing the number of retrieved oocytes. This intervention has been evaluated in several randomized controlled trials, and despite a slight increase in the number of oocytes—on average one to two more oocytes in the high versus standard dose group—no beneficial impact on the probability of a live birth has been demonstrated (risk difference, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.11 to 0.06). Still, many clinicians and researchers maintain a highly ingrained belief in ‘the more oocytes, the better’. This is mainly based on cross-sectional studies, where the positive correlation between the number of retrieved oocytes and the probability of a live birth is interpreted as a direct causal relation. If the latter would be present, indeed, maximizing the oocyte number would benefit our patients. The current paper argues that the use of high FSH doses may not actually improve the probability of a live birth for predicted low responders undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment and exemplifies the flaws of directly using cross-sectional data to guide FSH dosing in clinical practice. Also, difficulties in the de-implementation of the increased FSH dosing strategy are discussed, which include the prioritization of intermediate outcomes (such as cycle cancellations) and the potential biases in the interpretation of study findings (such as confirmation or rescue bias).