bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curriculum Intervention Research as a Source of Knowledge of Most Worth
Authors: Chen Ang , Shen Bo , Zhu Xihe
Published: August 2018

A major portion of Catherine Ennis’s scholarship and career was devoted to developing culturally relevant physical education curricula for K–12 students. She held a strong conviction that the efficacy of a curriculum lies in its ability to enhance students’ knowledge and skills of most worth for their lives. The approach she adopted for curriculum development is an evidence-supported curriculum-design process through which a curriculum is put to the rigorous process of intervention research to determine its efficacy. In this article the authors reflect on the experiences they had with her in these curriculum interventions, share the ideas and practices in the research as Ennis envisioned, and discuss challenges and solutions in conducting large-scale, school-based curriculum intervention studies.
Dilemmas of Gender and Global Sports Governance: An Invitation to Southern Theory
Authors: Henne Kathryn , Pape Madeleine
Published: August 2018

Most research on global sports policy either negates or underappreciate perspectives from the Global South. This article incorporates Southern Theory to examine how Northern worldviews profoundly shape gender-specific sports policy. It highlights two dilemmas that emerge, using illustrative case studies. First, it considers questions of gender and regulation, as evidenced in the gender verification regimes of track-and-field. Then, it addresses the limits of gender and empowerment in relation to sport for development and peace initiatives’ engagement with the diverse experiences and perspectives in non-Western contexts, considering them in relation to programming for women in Pacific Island countries. The article concludes with a reflection on possible contributions of Southern theory to sport sociological scholarship.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Listeria monocytogenes Serovar 1/2a Strains Responsible for a Severe Listeriosis Outbreak in Central Italy
Authors: Orsini Massimiliano , Cornacchia Alessandra , Patavino Claudio , Torresi Marina , Centorame Patrizia , Acciari Vicdalia Aniela , Ruolo Anna , Marcacci Maurilia , Ancora Massimo , Di Domenico Marco , Mangone Iolanda , Blasi Giuliana , Duranti Anna , Cammà Cesare , Pomilio Francesco , Migliorati Giacomo
Published: August 2018

We report the whole-genome sequences of two
Listeria monocytogenes
strains responsible for a severe invasive listeriosis outbreak in central Italy that occurred in 2015 and 2016. These two strains differ by a single band in their pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Field Isolate of Classical Swine Fever Virus Belonging to Subgenotype 2.2 from India
Authors: Tomar Neelam , Sharma Veena , John Jeny K. , Sethi Menaka , Ray Pradeep K. , Arya Rahul S. , Das Tareni , Saikumar G.
Published: August 2018

The complete genome sequence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strain CSFV-UP-BR-KHG-06, from genotype 2.2, was determined. Comparative analysis based on the amino acid sequence of some important B-cell epitopes, T-cell epitopes, glycosylation sites, and conformational residues showed the striking differences between the group 2 virus KHG-06 and the vaccine strains HCLV/India and C-strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactococcus sp. Strain NtB2 (JCM 32569), Isolated from the Gut of the Higher Termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis
Authors: Noda Satoko , Aihara Chihiro , Yuki Masahiro , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: August 2018

Lactic acid bacteria are widely distributed in the termite gut. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Lactococcus
sp. strain NtB2, which was isolated from the gut of a wood-feeding higher termite.
First Complete Genome Sequence of Piscine Orthoreovirus Variant 3 Infecting Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Farmed in Southern Chile
Authors: Bohle Harry , Bustos Patricio , Leiva Laura , Grothusen Horst , Navas Esteban , Sandoval Alvaro , Bustamante Fernando , Montecinos Karen , Gaete Alvaro , Mancilla Marcos
Published: August 2018

We report here the complete genome of an isolate of piscine orthoreovirus variant 3 sequenced from a moribund coho salmon with jaundice that was reared in a seawater farm in southern Chile. The genome consists of 23,627 bp, including 10 segments that range from 1,052 bp (segment S4) to 4,014 bp (segment L1).
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Sporothrix schenckii Clinical Isolates Associated with Human Sporotrichosis in Colombia
Authors: Gomez Oscar M. , Alvarez Laura C. , Muñoz Jose F. , Misas Elizabeth , Gallo Juan E. , Jimenez Maria del P. , Arango Myrtha , McEwen Juan G. , Hernandez Orville , Clay Oliver K.
Published: August 2018

Sporothrix schenckii
is a thermodimorphic fungal pathogen with a high genetic diversity. In this work, we present the assembly and similarity analysis of the whole-genome sequences of two clinical isolates from Colombia of
S. schenckii
sensu stricto
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Cloacibacterium normanense IMET F, a Microalgal Growth-Promoting Bacterium, and Aeromonas jandaei IMET J, a Microalgal Growth-Inhibiting Bacterium
Authors: Singh Shailendra Kumar , Major Samuel R. , Cai Haiyuan , Chen Feng , Hill Russell T. , Li Yantao
Published: August 2018

We report here the whole-genome sequencing results of two bacterial isolates,
Aeromonas jandaei
IMET J and
Cloacibacterium normanense
IMET F, that inhibit (possibly due to denitrifying gene clusters) and promote (possibly due to an ammonification system), respectively, the growth of the microalgal strains
Scenedesmus
HTB1 and
Chlorella vulgaris
1807.
Determinants of patient and health system delay among Italian and foreign-born patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Quattrocchi Annalisa , Barchitta Martina , Nobile Carmelo G A , Prato Rosa , Sotgiu Giovanni , Casuccio Alessandra , Vitale Francesco , Agodi Antonella
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify key factors associated with patient delay (PD), health system delay (HSD) and total delay (TOTD) in patients with tuberculosis (TB) to inform control programmes.

Setting

The study was conducted in four Italian regions in 2014–2016. Data were obtained using a questionnaire including: sociodemographic and lifestyle data, TB comorbidities, patient knowledge and attitudes towards TB, stigma, access to TB care and health-seeking behaviours.

Participants

Patients’ inclusion criteria were being diagnosed as a new smear positive pulmonary TB case and living in one of the participating Italian regions. Overall, 344 patients from 30 healthcare centres were invited to participate and 253 patients were included in the analysis (26.5% non-response rate); 63.6% were males and 55.7% were non-Italian born.

Outcome measures

Risk factors for PD, HSD and TOTD in patients with TB were assessed by multivariable analysis. Adjusted ORs (aOR) and 95% CIs were calculated.

Results

Median PD, HSD and TOTD were 30, 11 and 45 days, respectively. Factors associated with longer PD were: stigma (aOR 2.30; 95% CI 1.06 to 4.98), chest pain (aOR 2.67; 95% CI 1.24 to 6.49), weight loss (aOR 4.66; 95% CI 2.16 to 10.05), paying for transportation (aOR 2.66; 95% CI 1.24 to 5.74) and distance to the health centre (aOR 2.46; 95% CI 1.05 to 5.74) (the latter three were also associated with TOTD). Shorter HSD was associated with foreign-born and female status (aOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.91; aOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.53, respectively), dizziness (aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.78) and seeking care at hospital (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.66). Prior unspecific treatment was associated with longer HSD (aOR 2.25; 95% CI 1.19 to 4.25) and TOTD (aOR 2.55; 95% CI 1.18 to 5.82). Haemoptysis (aOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.43) and repeated visits with the same provider (aOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.76) showed shorter TOTD.

Conclusions

This study identifies several determinants of delays associated with patient’s behaviours and healthcare qualities. Tackling TB effectively requires addressing key risk factors that make individuals more vulnerable by the means of public health policy, cooperation and advocacy to ensure that all patients have easy access to care and receive high-quality healthcare.
Workplace health promotion for employees working in offshore wind parks in the German exclusive economic zone: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Mette Janika , Velasco Garrido Marcial , Preisser Alexandra Marita , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To investigate the awareness and use of health promotion offers among offshore wind workers and to study associations with demographic and workplace characteristics. To examine employees’ reasons for (non-)participation and their wishes for health promotion activities offshore.

Design

Mixed-methods study presenting the results from semistructured telephone interviews and a web-based cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Offshore wind parks in the German exclusive economic zone in the North and Baltic Seas.

Participants

21 offshore workers in the qualitative study (19 male/2 female; all German). 303 offshore workers in the quantitative study (287 male/13 female; 275 German/24 other nationalities).

Outcome measures

Awareness and use of workplace health promotion offers and associations with demographic and workplace characteristics (age, work schedule and wind park phase); reasons for (non-)participation; needs and wishes for health promotion offers.

Results

Few workers indicated being aware of health promotion programmes at their workplace. Single offers were reported, with fitness facilities being the most common offer employees recognised and had used (n=168, 55.6%). Employees with a regular work schedule were more likely to have used fitness facilities offshore (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.22, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.80). Workers in the construction phase were more likely to have used massages (AOR=8.19, 95% CI 2.82 to 23.77). Younger workers were less likely to belong to the group of those who were aware of fitness facilities but had not used them (AOR=0.43, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.98). Employees expressed various needs and wishes for behavioural and environmental preventive measures offshore.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a perceived need among the workers for the development of health promotion programmes offshore. Since the awareness and use of offers may partly depend on personal and organisational characteristics, this should be taken into account in the planning of health promotion activities.
Qualitative accounts from Syrian health professionals regarding violations of the right to health, including the use of chemical weapons, in opposition-held Syria
Authors: Footer Katherine H A , Clouse Emily , Rayes Diana , Sahloul Zaher , Rubenstein Leonard S
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To explore the impact of the conflict, including the use of chemical weapons, in Syria on healthcare through the experiences of health providers using a public health and human rights lens.

Design

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews conducted in-person or over Skype using a thematic analysis approach.

Setting

Interviews were conducted with Syrian health workers operating in opposition-held Syria in cooperation with a medical relief organisation in Gaziantep, Turkey.

Participants

We examined data from 29 semi-structured in-depth interviews with a sample of health professionals with current or recent work-related experience in opposition-controlled areas of Syria, including respondents to chemical attacks.

Results

Findings highlight the health worker experience of attacks on health infrastructure and services in Syria and consequences in terms of access and scarcity in availability of essential medicines and equipment. Quality of services is explored through physicians’ accounts of the knock-on effect of shortages of equipment, supplies and personnel on the right to health and its ethical implications. Health workers themselves were found to be operating under extreme conditions, in particular responding to the most recent chemical attacks that occurred in 2017, with implications for their own health and mental well-being.

Conclusions

The study provides unique insight into the impact war has had on Syrian’s right to health through the accounts of a sample of Syrian health professionals, with continuing relevance to the current conflict and professional issues facing health workers in conflict settings.
Laying the foundation for a core set of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for community-dwelling adults aged 75 years and above in general practice: a study protocol
Authors: Tomandl Johanna , Book Stephanie , Gotthardt Susann , Heinmueller Stefan , Graessel Elmar , Freiberger Ellen , Kuehlein Thomas , Hueber Susann , Hoyer Stefanie
Published: August 2018

Introduction

With the medical focus on disease, the problem of overdiagnosis inevitably increases with ageing. Considering the functional health of patients might help to discriminate between necessary and unnecessary medicine. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is an internationally recognised tool for describing functional health. However, it is too detailed to be used in primary care practices. Consequently, the aim of this study is to identify relevant codes for an ICF core set for community-dwelling older adults (75 years and above) in primary care.

Methods and analysis

The study will follow the methodology proposed by the ICF Research Branch to identify relevant concepts from different perspectives: (1) Research perspective: A systematic review of studies focusing on functional health in old age will be conducted in different databases. Relevant concepts will be extracted from the publications. (2) Patients’ perspective: Relevant areas of functioning and disability will be identified conducting qualitative interviews and focus groups with community-dwelling older persons. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and analysed using the documentary method of interpretation. (3) Experts’ perspective: An online survey with open-ended questions will be conducted. Answers will be analysed using the qualitative content analysis of Mayring. (4) Clinical perspective: A cross-sectional empirical study will be performed to assess the health status of community-dwelling older adults using the extended ICF checklist and other measurement tools.

Relevant concepts identified in each study will be linked to ICF categories resulting in four preliminary core sets.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study was obtained (90_17B). All participants will provide written informed consent. Data will be pseudonymised for analysis. Results will be disseminated by conference presentations and journal publications.

Trial registration number

Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland: VfD_17_003833,Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT03384732and PROSPERO: CRD42017067784.
Effects of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy complications: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebremedhin Amanuel Tesfay , Regan Annette K , Malacova Eva , Marinovich M Luke , Ball Stephen , Foo Damien , Pereira Gavin
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is the length of time between a birth and conception of the next pregnancy. Evidence suggests that both short and long IPIs are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Relatively less attention has been directed towards investigating the effect of IPI on pregnancy complications, and the studies that have been conducted have shown mixed results.

This systematic review will aim to provide an update to the most recent available evidence on the effect of IPI on pregnancy complications.

Method and analysis

We will search electronic databases such as Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles on the effects of IPI on pregnancy complications. We will include articles published from start of indexing until 12 February 2018 without any restriction to geographic setting. We will limit the search to literature published in English language and human subjects. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and select full-text articles that meet the eligibility criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa tool will be used to assess quality of observational studies. Where data permit, meta-analyses will be performed for individual pregnancy complications. A subgroup analyses by country categories (high-income vs low and middle-income countries) based on World Bank income group will be performed. Where meta-analysis is not possible, we will provide a description of data without further attempt to quantitatively pool results.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018088578.
Using routinely collected data to understand and predict adverse outcomes in opioid agonist treatment: Protocol for the Opioid Agonist Treatment Safety (OATS) Study
Authors: Larney Sarah , Hickman Matthew , Fiellin David A , Dobbins Timothy , Nielsen Suzanne , Jones Nicola R , Mattick Richard P , Ali Robert , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: August 2018

Introduction

North America is amid an opioid use epidemic. Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) effectively reduces extramedical opioid use and related harms. As with all pharmacological treatments, there are risks associated with OAT, including fatal overdose. There is a need to better understand risk for adverse outcomes during and after OAT, and for innovative approaches to identifying people at greatest risk of adverse outcomes. The Opioid Agonist Treatment and Safety study aims to address these questions so as to inform the expansion of OAT in the USA.

Methods and analysis

This is a retrospective cohort study using linked, routinely collected health data for all people seeking OAT in New South Wales, Australia, between 2001 and 2017. Linked data include hospitalisation, emergency department presentation, mental health diagnoses, incarceration and mortality. We will use standard regression techniques to model the magnitude and risk factors for adverse outcomes (eg, mortality, unplanned hospitalisation and emergency department presentation, and unplanned treatment cessation) during and after OAT, and machine learning approaches to develop a risk-prediction model.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee (2018HRE0205). Results will be reported in accordance with the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data statement.
Protocol for a scoping review to support development of a CONSORT extension for randomised controlled trials using cohorts and routinely collected health data
Authors: Kwakkenbos Linda , Imran Mahrukh , McCord Kimberly A , Sampson Margaret , Fröbert Ole , Gale Chris , Hemkens Lars G , Langan Sinead M , Moher David , Relton Clare , Zwarenstein Merrick , Benchimol Eric I , Boutron Isabelle , Campbell Marion K , Erlinge David , Jawad Sena , Ravaud Philippe , Rice Danielle B , Sauve Maureen , van Staa Tjeerd P , Thabane Lehana , Uher Rudolf , Verkooijen Helena M , Juszczak Edmund , Thombs Brett D
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data, including registries, electronic health records and administrative databases, are increasingly used in healthcare intervention research. The development of an extension of the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement for RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data is being undertaken with the goal of improving reporting quality by setting standards early in the process of uptake of these designs. To develop this extension to the CONSORT statement, a scoping review will be conducted to identify potential modifications or clarifications of existing reporting guideline items, as well as additional items needed for reporting RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data.

Methods and analysis

In separate searches, we will seek publications on methods or reporting or that describe protocols or results from RCTs using cohorts, registries, electronic health records and administrative databases. Data sources will include Medline and the Cochrane Methodology Register. For each of the four main types of RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data, separately, two investigators will independently review included publications to extract potential checklist items. A potential item will either modify an existing CONSORT 2010, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology or REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected health Data item or will be proposed as a new item. Additionally, we will identify examples of good reporting in RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed scoping review will help guide the development of the CONSORT extension statement for RCTs conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data.
Use of contraceptives and uptake of long-acting reversible contraception among postpartum women in rural China
Authors: Kang Chuyun , Li Peng , Liu Xiaoli , Ding Yuan , Wang Xiaoye , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2018

Background

Pregnancies have been increasing since the universal two-child policy in China was announced and thus the prevention of short inter-pregnancy intervals has become more important. However, little is known about contraceptive use among postpartum women in rural areas of China. This study investigated the current situation and factors associated with contraceptive use, especially long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) practice among postpartum women.

Study design

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a probability proportionate to size (PPS) sampling method in Shimen County of Hunan province with 423 mothers whose youngest child was aged under 2 years. A questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ demographics, reproductive history and contraceptive use.

Results

The rate of using all contraceptive methods was 66.4% in the study group and the rate of using LARC was 9.9%. Statistically significant predictors of contraceptive use were: no breastfeeding, no intention of having another child, and education beyond high school. Statistically significant predictors of LARC utilisation were: vaginal delivery, at least one child before the index delivery, and no breastfeeding.

Conclusions

The utilisation rate of postpartum contraception, especially LARC, was relatively low in rural China. The benefits of LARC have not been realised and breastfeeding is still incorrectly believed to be a definitely reliable method of contraception. Thus, health education and contraceptive knowledge and regulations need to be updated and enhanced based on research evidence, for increased adoption of postpartum contraception in rural China.
On two species ofRiocypris(Crustacea, Ostracoda) from northern Patagonia and their relation toEucypris fontana: implications in paleoenvironmental reconstructions
Authors: Coviaga C.A. , Pérez A.P. , Ramos L.Y. , Alvear P. , Cusminsky G.C.
Published: August 2018

Two species of ostracods new to Patagonia, Argentina, are described. One of them, Riocypris whatleyi sp. nov., is described for the first time, and the second, Riocypris sarsi (Daday, 1902) comb. nov., is reallocated from genus Eucypris to genus Riocypris. Inter- and intra-specific variations in shape, size, and sexual dimorphism were evaluated based on geometric morphometric analysis. Moreover, morphological and morphometric comparative analyses were applied to re-examine living and quaternary specimens recovered from previous studies. Based on these results, a generic reassignment for the Patagonian Eucypris fontana (Jurine, 1820) into the genus Riocypris is proposed. Contributing to the knowledge on the systematic and autecology of this enigmatic species, widely distributed in Patagonia and frequently used in paleolimnological reconstructions, generates science-based evidence for their use as indicator species. Additionally, our results emphasize the usefulness of studying the living representatives (i.e., with valves and appendages) for elucidating the taxonomic status of the individual specimens, especially those present in paleontological records and used as bioproxies in paleolimnological studies.
Commutativity, comonotonicity, and Choquet integration of self-adjoint operators
Authors: Cerreia-Vioglio S. , Maccheroni F. , Marinacci M. , Montrucchio L.
Published: August 2018

In this work, we propose a definition of comonotonicity for elements of [Formula: see text], i.e. bounded self-adjoint operators defined over a complex Hilbert space [Formula: see text]. We show that this notion of comonotonicity coincides with a form of commutativity. Intuitively, comonotonicity is to commutativity as monotonicity is to bounded variation. We also define a notion of Choquet expectation for elements of [Formula: see text] that generalizes quantum expectations. We characterize Choquet expectations as the real-valued functionals over [Formula: see text] which are comonotonic additive, [Formula: see text]-monotone, and normalized.
Non-semisimple planar algebras from the representation theory of Ūq(𝔰𝔩2)
Authors: Moore Stephen
Published: August 2018

We describe the generators and prove a number of relations for the construction of a planar algebra from the restricted quantum group [Formula: see text]. This is a diagrammatic description of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a two-dimensional [Formula: see text] module.
Establishment of PM2.5 Prediction Model Based on MAIAC AOD Data of High Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Han Xiaofeng , Cui Xianghui , Ding Lin , Li Zengshun
Published: August 2018

Long-term exposure to seriously polluted atmospheric environment is closely related to a variety of human diseases. The long-term and continuous monitoring of PM[Formula: see text] (the aerodynamic particle diameter is less than or equal to 2.5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) is of great significance as it is one of the major air pollutants. Because of the small number of PM[Formula: see text] monitoring stations in China, it is very difficult to accurately estimate the continuous scale of air pollution, but PM[Formula: see text] concentration can be acquired by using the aerosol products inversed by remote sensing data. However, due to the limitation of the inversion algorithm, the traditionally used moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol products cannot meet the precision and practical requirements in both spatial resolution and effective numerical coverage. This paper adopts MAIAC AOD, i.e. the aerosol optical depth (AOD) products produced by using the new multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction (MAIAC) algorithm, and we take the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region in China as the research area. Based on the neural network algorithm, the MAIAC AOD data is mainly used and the meteorological parameter data is supplemented to establish the PM[Formula: see text] concentration prediction model to obtain the PM[Formula: see text] concentration distribution map. The prediction accuracy, the effective numerical coverage and spatial resolution have been greatly improved.
Adaptive Region-Segmentation Multi-Focus Image Fusion Based on Differential Evolution
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Zeng Guangping , Wei Jinjin
Published: August 2018

An adaptive region-segmentation based multi-focus image fusion method is presented using a Laplacian pyramid transform which decomposes the pre-registered source images into approximate and detail coefficients. In order to avoid the disadvantage of fixed-size blocks, the adaptive differential evolution scheme is designed to compute the optimal-size block. Firstly, with approximate coefficients, the optimal-size blocks are iteratively calculated by an adaptive differential evolution algorithm. The initial decision diagram is then completed by comparing the regional sum-modified Laplacian energy of two corresponding blocks after the regional sum-modified Laplacian energy is calculated. Secondly, the initial decision diagram is optimized by the guided image filter to obtain the final decision diagram in order to avoid the block effect of boundary. With the decision diagram, the approximate coefficients are fused using the weighted mean rules, while the detail coefficients are fused using the regional gradient energy method. Finally, an inverse Laplacian pyramid transform is used to reconstruct the fused approximate coefficients and fused detail coefficients, and to acquire the fused image where all objects are clear. The experimental result proves that the proposed method produces fusion images of fewer artifacts or additional noise, with higher computational efficiency. The proposed method is also superior to the other state-of-the-art methods in both subjective visual effect and objective quantitative evaluation indicators.
Bayes Performance of Batch Data Mining Based on Functional Dependencies
Authors: Xi Haixu , Ye Feiyue , He Sheng , Liu Yijun , Jiang Hongfen
Published: August 2018

Batch processes and phenomena in traffic video data processing, such as traffic video image processing and intelligent transportation, are commonly used. The application of batch processing can increase the efficiency of resource conservation. However, owing to limited research on traffic video data processing conditions, batch processing activities in this area remain minimally examined. By employing database functional dependency mining, we developed in this study a workflow system. Meanwhile, the Bayesian network is a focus area of data mining. It provides an intuitive means for users to comply with causality expression approaches. Moreover, graph theory is also used in data mining area. In this study, the proposed approach depends on relational database functions to remove redundant attributes, reduce interference, and select a property order. The restoration of selective hidden naive Bayesian (SHNB) affects this property order when it is used only once. With consideration of the hidden naive Bayes (HNB) influence, rather than using one pair of HNB, it is introduced twice. We additionally designed and implemented mining dependencies from a batch traffic video processing log for data execution algorithms.
QUANTO PRICING IN STOCHASTIC CORRELATION MODELS
Authors: TENG LONG , EHRHARDT MATTHIAS , GÜNTHER MICHAEL
Published: August 2018

Correlation plays an important role in pricing multi-asset options. In this work we incorporate stochastic correlation into pricing quanto options which is one special and important type of multi-asset option. Motivated by the market observations that the correlations between financial quantities behave like a stochastic process, instead of using a constant correlation, we allow the asset price process and the exchange rate process to be stochastically correlated with a parameter which is driven either by an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process or a bounded Jacobi process. We derive an exact quanto option pricing formula in the stochastic correlation model of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process and a highly accurate approximated pricing formula in the stochastic correlation model of the bounded Jacobi process, where correlation risk has been hedged. The comparison between prices using our pricing formula and the Monte-Carlo method are provided.
RESPONDING TO KEY EXOGENOUS CHANGES: THE JOINT EFFECT OF NETWORK HETEROGENEITY AND CULTURE OF INNOVATION
Authors: NOWAK RADOSLAW
Published: August 2018

Any firm must decide to what extent it should remain open to its environment and which internal competencies it should develop to capitalise on externally sourced information. While addressing these key strategic considerations, this project focuses on the joint effect of heterogeneity of external networks and internal culture of innovation. High heterogeneity of external networks should enable a firm to more quickly learn about and address evolving demands of external markets. Nevertheless, to fully capitalise on new incoming information, a firm must also establish an organisational culture that will mandate strong employee engagement and support for the process of internal transformation. Consequently, this study proposes that the joint effect of two factors — heterogeneous networks and culture of innovation — may empower any organisation to successfully react to key environmental changes. The empirical testing of the proposed model was conducted using regression analyses performed on original data collected in the health industry. Contribution to research and practice is discussed.
High Strain Rate Behavior of Epoxy Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Bansal Suneev Anil , Singh Amrinder Pal , Kumar Suresh
Published: August 2018

The present work investigates the novel impact loading response of two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites at high strain rate. The testing was performed up to 1000[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] of high strain rate, where maximum damage occurs during the impact loading conditions. The Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) was used for the impact loading of the composite specimen. The nanofiller material GO was synthesized by chemical oxidation of graphite flakes used as the precurser. Synthesized GO was characterized using FTIR, UV-visible, XRD, Raman Spectroscopy and FE-SEM. Solution mixing method was used to fabricate the nanocomposite samples having uniform dispersion of GO as confirmed from the SEM images. Strain gauges mounted on the SHPB showed regular signal of transmitted wave during high strain rate testing on SHPB, confirming the regular dispersion of both the phases. Results of the transmission signal showed that the solution mixing method was effective in the synthesis of almost defect-free nanocomposite samples. The strength of the nanocomposite improved significantly using 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% reinforcement of GO in the epoxy matrix at high strain rate loading. The epoxy GO nanocomposite showed a 41% improvement in maximum stress at 815[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text] strain rate loading.
A Weak Formulation for Isogeometric Analysis of Vibro-Acoustic Systems with Non-Conforming Interfaces
Authors: Mi Yongzhen , Zheng Hui , Shen Yang , Huang Yuanyi
Published: August 2018

This paper develops a weak formulation for steady-state dynamic analysis of vibro-acoustic systems in the isogeometric framework. The Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) polynomials are used as basis functions for both geometrical transformation and numerical approximation. Starting from a NURBS-based geometrical projection that transforms a general, complex domain to a regular, spectral domain, an energy-based numerical model is then built, in which NURBS are again used as wholly admissible functions to approximate the structural displacement and the acoustic sound pressure. This process eventually leads to a set of discretized equations, based on which the system’s dynamic properties can be obtained. Besides better accuracy and excellent geometrical adaptivity, the main merit of the proposed method lies in its element-free feature of system modeling, which provides a natural solution for structural-acoustic coupling with non-conforming interfaces. This non-conformity results from either non-matching control points along the boundary or distinct polynomial orders used by adjacent patches, which is inevitable for a vibro-acoustic system given its multi-physics nature. The reliability of the proposed method is validated by a benchmark example. Its accuracy and efficiency are further investigated through a more general, car-like vibro-acoustic system.
Dynamic Compressive Response of Sinusoidal Corrugated Core Sandwich Plates
Authors: Zhang Jian-Xun , Ye Yang , Qin Qing-Hua , Wang T. J.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the dynamic compressive response of metal sinusoidal corrugated core sandwich plates is investigated. The analytical model for the reaction forces of top and bottom face sheets subjected to constant velocity are developed. Finite element (FE) method is carried out to predict the dynamic collapse of metal sinusoidal corrugated cores. Several collapse modes of cores are found in terms of different impact velocity and relative core density. The analytical predications are compared with numerical results, and the analytical model captures numerical results for reaction forces reasonably. The collapse mechanism maps are constructed for sinusoidal corrugated cores with elastic-perfectly plastic material and strain hardening plastic material. The effect of strain rate sensitive on the collapse response is discussed. It is demonstrated that the strain hardening of the metal material increases the dominant deformation mode of the collapse mechanism maps.
A Semi-Analytic Solution for Self-Healing Concrete Beams Through Stress Spectral Decomposition
Authors: Kazemi A. , Baghani M. , Shahsavari H. , Sohrabpour S.
Published: August 2018

Continuum damage-healing mechanics (CDHM) is used for phenomenological modeling of self-healing materials. Self-healing materials have a structural capability to recover a part of the damage for increasing materials life. In this paper, a semi-analytic modeling for self-healing concrete beam is performed. Along this purpose, an elastic damage-healing model through spectral decomposition technique is utilized to investigate an anisotropic behavior of concrete in tension and compression. We drive an analytical closed-form solution of the self-healing concrete beam. The verification of the solution is shown by solving an example for a simply supported beam having uniformly distributed the load. Finally, a result of a self-healing concrete beam is compared to elastic one to demonstrate the capability of the proposed analytical method in simulating concrete beam behavior. The results show that for the specific geometry, the self-healing concrete beam tolerates 21% more weight, and the deflection of the entire beam up to failure load is about 27% larger than elastic solution under ultimate elastic load for both I-beam and rectangular cross-section. Comparison of Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) solution with CDHM solution of beam shows that critical effective damage is decreased by 32.4% for a rectangular cross-section and by 24.2% for I-shape beam made of self-healing concrete.
Morphology-controlled electrochemical capacitive behavior of manganese oxide films
Authors: Singh Avtar , Kumar Davinder , Thakur Anup , Kaur Raminder
Published: August 2018

This paper reports the effect of surface morphology on the electrochemical performance of electrodeposited manganese oxide films. These films were deposited on stainless steel substrate by chronoamperometry for different deposition time (30[Formula: see text]s, 60[Formula: see text]s, and 120[Formula: see text]s). Morphology of deposited films were studied by scanning electron microscopy and decrease in surface area was observed with variation in deposition time. Cyclic voltammetry revealed decrease in specific capacitance with decrease in surface area of films. This effect was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study. Further, the EIS data were fitted with equivalent circuit of electrochemical capacitor electrode and investigating electrolyte ion interaction with electrode during charge storage process. EIS fitted data were analyzed to study the electrode characteristics such as series resistance, double layer charge storage and charge transfer resistance. The variation in these characteristics was due to change in diffusion length with increased deposited electrode material content on substrate.
Petrology of Jurassic and Cretaceous basaltic formations from the Parnaíba Basin, NE Brazil: correlations and associations with large igneous provinces
Authors: Oliveira Alisson L. , Pimentel Márcio M. , Fuck Reinhardt A. , Oliveira Diógenes C.
Published: August 2018

The basaltic Mosquito and Sardinha formations in the Parnaíba Basin are related to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary and in the early Cretaceous, respectively. The Mosquito Formation consists of tholeiitic flows with both high-Ti (>1.5 wt%) and low-Ti (<1.5 wt%) compositions and the petrogenetic characteristics of enriched mantle reservoirs. The Mosquito Formation basalts have an initial
87
Sr/
86
Sr isotopic composition of 0.70296–0.70841 and a low Nd isotopic composition (0.512245–0.512677) associated with an enrichment in large ion lithophile and high field strength elements relative to primitive mantle compositions. The Sardinha Formation is composed of high-Ti and low-Ti tholeiitic dykes with subordinate alkali basalts. The Sardinha Formation rocks have trace element and isotopic features associated with enriched mantle end-members. The initial isotopic compositions range from 0.702859 to 0.706703 and 0.512184 to 0.512671 for
87
Sr/
86
Sr and
143
Nd/
144
Nd, respectively. The concentrations of large ion lithophile and high field strength elements are elevated relative to primitive mantle values. Although the Mosquito and Sardinha formations share some similarities, they can be differentiated by their unique petrographic characteristics and trace element concentrations. These differences allow the discrimination of the basaltic magmatism in the Parnaíba Basin and their association with large igneous provinces, such as the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province or the Paraná–Etendeka Magmatic Province.

Supplementary material:
Microprobe analyses for clinopyroxene (Table A1), plagioclase (Table A2) and olivine (Table A3) for the Mosquito and Sardinha formations, along with mixing calculation parameters for the geochemical model (Table A4) are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3985437
EuroGP 2018 panel debate
Authors: Machado Penousal , O'Reilly Una-May , Gori Marco , Risi Sebastian
Published: August 2018

In April this year the programme chairs of EuroGP, the largest conference dedicated to genetic programming, Mauro Castelli and Lukas Sekanina, organised a panel discussion and debate about genetic programming with respect to the undoubted recent successes of other Artificial Intelligence techniques, particularly Deep Learning. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Wolfgang Banzhaf who holds the John R. Koza chair in genetic programming at Michigan State University in the USA. He started by inviting each member of the panel to give their position.
GECCO 2018
Authors: Staff SIGEVO
Published: August 2018

This year the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO) will take place in Kyoto, a major historical city and former imperial capital of Japan. Kyoto is home of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many more Japanese national treasures. GECCO presents the latest high-quality results in genetic and evolutionary computation since 1999. Topics include: genetic algorithms, genetic programming, ant colony optimization and swarm intelligence, complex systems (artificial life/robotics/evolvable hardware/generative and developmental systems/artificial immune systems), digital entertainment technologies and arts, evolutionary combinatorial optimization and metaheuristics, evolutionary machine learning, evolutionary multiobjective optimization, evolutionary numerical optimization, real world applications, search-based software engineering, theory and more.
Teaching the code and ethics in computing
Authors: Weikle Dee A. B.
Published: August 2018

For the last several years, SIGCAS has sponsored a half-day workshop before the SIGCSE (Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education) conference, often along with a BOF (Birds-of-a-Feather) Session. This year the focus was on presenting the latest version of the updates to the Professional Code of Ethics [1] under development by COPE and both the pre-symposium workshop (Strategies for Integrating the Updated Code of Ethics into the Computing Curriculum) and the BOF discussed ways of bringing the code into different technical classes and spreading it along with ethics education throughout the curriculum. This report outlines what was discussed in the workshop and BOF, along with other highlights from the SIGCSE2018 conference that may be of interest to SIGCAS members. While not comprehensive, it should give readers the references and context most relevant from the conference. The main message - in today's world every subject within computing has some impact on society and that impact should be taught along with the subject matter.
JPEG column
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio
Published: August 2018

During this meeting, JPEG had a final celebration of the 25th anniversary of its first JPEG standard, usually known as JPEG-1. This celebration coincides with two interesting facts. The first was the approval of a reference software for JPEG-1, "only" after 25 years. At the time of approval of the first JPEG standard a reference software was not considered, as it is common in recent image standards. However, the JPEG committee decided that was still important to provide a reference software, as current applications and standards can largely benefit on this specification. The second coincidence was the launch of a call for proposals for a next generation image coding standard, JPEG XL. This standard will define a new representation format for Photographic information, that includes the current technological developments, and can become an alternative to the 25 years old JPEG standard.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Motor Neuron Disease in Australian Dogs and Cats
Authors: Herndon A. M. , Thompson A. T. , Mack C.
Published: August 2018

Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia. In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia. These include snake envenomation by tiger (Notechisspp.), brown (Pseudonajaspp.), and black snakes (Pseudechisspp.), tick paralysis associated withIxodes holocyclusandIxodes coronatus, and tetrodotoxins from marine animals such as puffer fish (Tetraodontidae spp.) and blue-ring octopus (Hapalochlaenaspp.). The wide range of differential diagnoses along with the number of etiological-specific treatments (e.g., antivenin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and highly variable prognoses underscores the importance of a complete physical exam and comprehensive history to aid in rapid and accurate diagnosis of LMN disease in Australian dogs and cats. The purpose of this review is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of LMN diseases seen in dogs and cats in Australia.