bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barotropic fluid compatible parametrizations of dark energy
Authors: Perković Dalibor , Štefančić Hrvoje
Published: July 2020

Parametrizations of equation of state parameter as a function of the scale factor or redshift are frequently used in dark energy modeling. The question investigated in this paper is if parametrizations proposed in the literature are compatible with the dark energy being a barotropic fluid. The test of this compatibility is based on the functional form of the speed of sound squared, which for barotropic fluid dark energy follows directly from the function for the Equation of state parameter. The requirement that the speed of sound squared should be between 0 and speed of light squared provides constraints on model parameters using analytical and numerical methods. It is found that this fundamental requirement eliminates a large number of parametrizations as barotropic fluid dark energy models and puts strong constraints on parameters of other dark energy parametrizations.
Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for COVID-19 Based on “The Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Coronavirus Disease-2019” from Chinese Authority
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Hui , Zhou Yi , Li Wei-Hong , Huang Qing-Song , Tang Zhao-Hui , Li Han
Published: July 2020

In December 2019, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan and other places. Seven versions of the Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Coronavirus Disease-2019 successively issued by the Chinese government have designated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a necessary medical strategy. Based on the changes in TCM diagnosis and treatment strategies in these seven versions of Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Coronavirus Disease-2019, this paper collected data reported by the Chinese government media; analyzed the understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, treatment methods, and prescriptions of COVID-19 by TCM and evaluated the clinical efficacy of TCM strategies. COVID-19 is associated with TCM disease of pestilence, and its pathogenesis can be summarized as an “epidemic pathogen invading the body, followed by entering the internal organs and transforming into heat, resulting in pathogen trapping in the interior and healthy qi collapsing, and deficiency of qi and yin”. Pathological processes should be emphasized in syndrome differentiation. The manifestations of qi deficiency and yin deficiency are exhibited during the recovery period. TCM strategies represented by Qing Fei Pai Du Tang have shown apparent advantages in improving symptoms, promoting virus clearance, and shortening hospitalization, as well as surprising efficacy of zero patient progressing from mild to severe cases in a TCM cabin hospital. Clinical data illustrate the effectiveness of TCM strategies proposed by the Chinese government. This major epidemic may bring new opportunities for TCM development.
Experimental Vibration Investigation on High-Speed Railway Ballastless Track-Subgrade Structure
Authors: Chen Jin , Zhou Ying , Zhou Guangxin , Fu Bo
Published: July 2020

With the development of high-speed railways, the double-line mode of ballastless tracks is being adopted increasingly worldwide. In some sections where subgrades need to be laid, this type of line mode is also applied above the subgrade, thus forming double-line track-subgrade structure. In this structure, the subgrade on one side of the double-line is subjected to the eccentric pressure of the load when the unidirectional train is running (the most common operating condition in actual operation). When the subgrade contains embankment layer, the complexity of the problem is increased. Therefore, a 1:4 scale test model of the double-line ballastless track-subgrade system was constructed in this paper in order to study the dynamic responses of the double-line track-subgrade structure with embankment layer under the unidirectional high-speed train loads. By considering the similarity of shear wave velocities, a new uniform dynamic similarity method was adopted to design the track, subgrade and foundation models. The effects of a series of sine waves with 1–30[Formula: see text]Hz excitation frequency and three kinds of loading modes on the speed, soil stress and acceleration response of the track and subgrade were systematically investigated. The relationship between the effective composite values of velocity beneath the track and the depth was finally obtained. The results show that the dynamic stress attenuation of the subgrade bottom layer under larger axle loads are relatively faster. It is found that the dynamic stress attenuation of the subgrade bottom layer is relatively fast under the high-frequency uniform excitation of large axial heavy load.
Social-minded Measures of Data Quality
Authors: Pitoura Evaggelia
Published: July 2020

For decades, research in data-driven algorithmic systems has focused on improving efficiency (making data access faster and lighter) and effectiveness (providing relevant results to users). As data-driven decision making becomes prevalent, there is an increasing need for new measures for evaluating the quality of data systems. In this article, we make the case for social-minded measures, that is, measures that evaluate the effect of a system in society. We focus on three such measures, namely diversity (ensuring that all relevant aspects are represented), lack of bias (processing data without unjustifiable concentration on a particular side), and fairness (non discriminating treatment of data and people).
Neural Network-Based Voting System with High Capacity and Low Computation for Intrusion Detection in SIEM/IDS Systems
Authors: Moukafih Nabil , Orhanou Ghizlane , El Hajji Said
Published: July 2020

Integrating intelligence into intrusion detection tools has received much attention in the last years. The goal is to improve the detection capability within SIEM and IDS systems in order to cope with the increasing number of attacks using sophisticated and complex methods to infiltrate systems. Current SIEM and IDS systems have many processes involved, which work together to collect, analyze, detect, and send notification of failures in real time. Event normalization, for example, requires significant processing power to handle network events. So, adding heavy deep learning models will invoke additional resources for the SIEM or IDS tool. This paper presents a majority system based on reliability approach that combines simple feedforward neural networks, as weak learners, and produces high detection capability with low computation resources. The experimental results show that the model is very suitable for modeling a classification model with high accuracy and that its performance is superior to that of complex resource-intensive deep learning models.
Digital Twin Driven Green Performance Evaluation Methodology of Intelligent Manufacturing: Hybrid Model Based on Fuzzy Rough-Sets AHP, Multistage Weight Synthesis, and PROMETHEE II
Authors: Li Lianhui , Mao Chunlei , Sun Hongxia , Yuan Yiping , Lei Bingbing
Published: July 2020

The design, planning, and implementation of intelligent manufacturing are mainly carried out from the perspectives of meeting the needs of mass customization, improving manufacturing capacity, and innovating business pattern currently. Environmental and social factors should be systematically integrated into the life cycle of intelligent manufacturing. In view of this, a green performance evaluation methodology of intelligent manufacturing driven by digital twin is proposed in this paper. Digital twin framework, which constructs the bidirectional mapping and real-time data interaction between physical entity and digital model, provides the green performance evaluation with a total factor virtual image of the whole life cycle to meet the monitoring and simulation requirements of the evaluation information source and demand. Driven by the digital twin framework, a novel hybrid MCDM model based on fuzzy rough-sets AHP, multistage weight synthesis, and PROMETHEE II is proposed as the methodology for the green performance evaluation of intelligent manufacturing. The model is tested and validated on a study of the green performance evaluation of remote operation and maintenance service project evaluation for an air conditioning enterprise. Testing demonstrates that the proposed hybrid model driven by digital twin can enable a stable and reasonable evaluation result. A sensitivity analysis was carried out by means of 27 scenarios, the results of which showed a high degree of stability.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Laser Corneal Refractive Surgery during the COVID-19 Epidemic in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Jia , Aslanides Ioannis M. , Selimis Vasileios , Lu Nan-Ji , Liu Wei-Jie , Jiang Hong-Xiao , Zhang Chao , Xu Chen-Chen , Wang Qin-Mei , Qu Jia , Chen Shi-Hao
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus pneumonia COVID-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is highly contagious, has a long incubation period, and can be detected in patients’ tears and conjunctival secretions. In this study, we describe our experience regarding the necessary protective measures that need to be taken during ophthalmic examination and treatment. The authors reviewed the clinical work arrangements during the epidemic situation at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China and analyzed the prevention and control measures that were applied during the laser corneal refractive surgery process. The comprehensive protection protocol, which was established throughout the entire process, included both horizontal (medical staff-patient, medical staff-medical staff, and patient-patient) and vertical (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative transmission assessment) approach and was mainly focused on strengthening the protection against potential aerosol transmission that may occur during intraocular pressure measurements and laser ablation. The described and proposed protocol, along with the further guidelines followed by the medical personnel, proved to be efficacious and contributed significantly to the control of the COVID-19 outbreak and the protection of both the patients and the medical staff.
Study of a Fractional-Order Epidemic Model of Childhood Diseases
Authors: Ullah Aman , Abdeljawad Thabet , Ahmad Shabir , Shah Kamal
Published: July 2020

In this article, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the fractional-order epidemic model of childhood diseases by using fixed point theory. The technique of natural transform coupled with the Adomian decomposition is used to find the solution of the proposed model. At the end of the article, the model is demonstrated with appropriate numerical and graphical description.
Anti-HMGCR Specificity of HALIP: A Confirmatory Study
Authors: Baucells Andrés , Martínez Maria Angeles , Alvarado-Cardenas Marcelo , Mariscal Anaís , Martinez-Martinez Laura , Juárez Cándido , Selva-O’Callaghan Albert
Published: July 2020

A distinctive new indirect immunofluorescence pattern in liver tissue has been associated with anti-HMGCR autoantibodies. It is known as HALIP (HMGCR Associated Liver Immunofluorescence Pattern). In this study, we furthered the original studies to demonstrate the association of anti-HMGCR antibodies with the HALIP. Human anti-HMGCR antibodies from patients’ sera were purified and incubated with rat triple tissue (kidney/stomach/liver). A characteristic HALIP was observed. Additionally, a colocalization assay of human anti-HMGCR antibodies with rabbit polyclonal anti-HMGCR antibodies showed colocalization of both immunofluorescence patterns. This study confirms that the HALIP is due to human anti-HMGCR antibodies.
Study on Long-Term Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Degradation Law of Sandstone under Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Authors: Pu Qingsong , Huang Junhong , Zeng Fuling , Luo Yi , Li Xinping , Zhou Jixue , Zheng Shilong
Published: July 2020

This study is based on the tunnel-face slope engineering of Dongfeng tunnel in Shanxi section of China’s Shuozhou-Huanghua Railway. The sandstone specimens in the perennial freeze-thaw zone of the slope were collected to carry out freeze-thaw cycle static physical mechanics test and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) dynamic mechanical test. Thus, the damage process of sandstone under freeze-thaw cycle and impact load is studied. Also, the dynamic compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus of sandstone are analysed under different loading strain rates and freeze-thaw cycle based on LS-DYNA, a dynamic finite element program. The results showed that the dynamic compressive strength of sandstone subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles under 0.04 MPa air pressure has a greater damage ratio than that under 0.055 MPa and 0.07 MPa air pressure, which was more likely to cause damage to slope sandstone than in actual engineering; the dynamic compressive strength and elastic modulus of sandstone decrease greatly within a certain range of freeze-thaw cycles and loading strain rate, leading to significant deterioration. When the freeze-thaw cycle exceeded 200 times and the strain rate was greater than 200 s−1, the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone gradually tended to be stable.
Psoriasis and Risk of Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chaiyabutr Chayada , Ungprasert Patompong , Silpa-archa Narumol , Wongpraparut Chanisada , Chularojanamontri Leena
Published: July 2020

Background. Uveitis is a known ophthalmologic manifestation of seronegative spondyloarthropathy, including psoriatic arthritis. However, the data is less clear among patients with psoriasis due to the limited number of published studies. Aims. To investigate whether the risk of incident and prevalent uveitis is elevated among patients with psoriasis using systematic review and meta‐analysis technique. Methods. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from their inception to May 2019. Eligible studies must have included a psoriasis group and a nonpsoriasis group. Eligible studies must also have investigated for prevalent or incident uveitis, and the magnitude of difference between the study groups must have been reported. Pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random‐effect generic inverse variance methods. Results. Of 7,107 potentially eligible articles from the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases, 7 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Two of those studies compared the incidence, and 5 studies compared the prevalence of uveitis between the psoriasis and nonpsoriasis groups. For incident uveitis, a total of 5,865,801 patients (222,083 with psoriasis and 5,643,718 without psoriasis) were analyzed. For prevalent uveitis, a total of 1,343,436 patients (37,891 with psoriasis and 1,305,545 without psoriasis) were studied. The risk of incident uveitis was significantly higher among patients with psoriasis with a pooled risk ratio of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.05‐1.45, I2 = 55%). The risk of prevalent uveitis was also significantly higher among patients with psoriasis with a pooled risk ratio of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.68‐2.31, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. The results of this study revealed significantly increased risk of both prevalent and incident uveitis among patients with psoriasis.
O wit shakespeariano em tradução: o interlúdio do bobo em Romeu e Julieta
Authors: Costa Daniel Padilha Pacheco da , Luiz Tiago Marques
Published: July 2020

Neste trabalho, são comparadas as nove traduções brasileiras da tragédia Romeu e Julieta, de William Shakespeare, concentrando-se no interlúdio cômico que conclui o quarto ato. Constituído por uma discussão entre o bobo da corte e os três músicos, esse interlúdio explora, sobretudo, jogos de palavra musicais. Os jogos de palavra podem ser considerados uma das principais expressões da retórica da agudeza (wit), que caracteriza a obra do bardo inglês. São discutidos, assim, os potenciais e limites das soluções semânticas, formais e estilísticas encontradas por cada um dos tradutores brasileiros para recriar os jogos de palavra daquele interlúdio.
Physician awareness and attitudes regarding early warning score systems in mainland China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiong Y , Dai WW , Yu RH , Liang LL , Peng LL
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to assess the application of the early warning score system (EWS-S) and gauge physician awareness, perceptions of necessity and attitudes regarding these tools based on previously experienced unnoticed clinical deterioration (CDET). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out via an online questionnaire at a large 3,500-bed Class 3A general hospital in China. A total of 299 physicians of adult general wards were asked to answer a translated questionnaire that was localised from the original version. Demographic profiles of patients were included as well as three other sections assessing awareness of CDET/EWS-S and gauging attitudes towards and perceptions of the necessity of EWS-S at our hospital. RESULTS A high level of physician awareness of the CDET problem was observed. Most physicians knew about the existence of a systematic assessment tool for clinical application. Physicians with previous experience in reanimation, unplanned transfer to intensive care unit (UTICU) and/or death tended to consider EWS-S necessary in attentive and well-trained staff (p < 0.05). Physicians who had previous experience with UTICU were more likely to recommend implementing EWS-S in their wards compared with those without such experience (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Most physicians have positive attitudes towards EWS-S. However, their awareness should be further heightened. Physicians who had previous experience with CDET/UTICU were more likely to employ EWS-S in their clinical practices. To better facilitate the implementation of EWS-S in Chinese hospitals, existing facilities, policy supports, standardised managements and the development of information systems should be strengthened.
Improved Attenuation-Based Radar Precipitation Estimation Considering the Azimuthal Variabilities of Microphysical Properties
Authors: Huang Hao , Zhao Kun , Chen Haonan , Hu Dongming , Fu Peiling , Lin Qing , Yang Zhengwei
Published: July 2020

The attenuation-based rainfall estimator is less sensitive to the variability of raindrop size distributions (DSDs) than conventional radar rainfall estimators. For the attenuation-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), the key is to accurately estimate the horizontal specific attenuation AH, which requires a good estimate of the ray-averaged ratio between AH and specific differential phase KDP, also known as the coefficient α. In this study, a variational approach is proposed to optimize the coefficient α for better estimates of AH and rainfall. The performance of the variational approach is illustrated using observations from an S-band operational weather radar with rigorous quality control in south China, by comparing against the α optimization approach using a slope of differential reflectivity ZDR dependence on horizontal reflectivity factor ZH. Similar to the ZDR-slope approach, the variational approach can obtain the optimized α consistent with the DSD properties of precipitation on a sweep-to-sweep basis. The attenuation-based hourly rainfall estimates using the sweep-averaged α values from these two approaches show comparable accuracy when verified against the gauge measurements. One advantage of the variational approach is its feasibility to optimize α for each radar ray, which mitigates the impact of the azimuthal DSD variabilities on rainfall estimation. It is found that, based on the optimized α for radar rays, the hourly rainfall amounts derived from the variational approach are consistent with gauge measurements, showing lower bias (1.0%), higher correlation coefficient (0.92), and lower root-mean-square error (2.35 mm) than the results based on the sweep-averaged α.
Using Behavioral Strategies to Cope With the Threat of Terrorism: A National-Level Study
Authors: Sloan Melissa M. , Haner Murat , Cullen Francis T. , Graham Amanda , Aydin Ebru , Kulig Teresa C. , Jonson Cheryl Lero
Published: July 2020

Although the risk of dying in a terrorist attack in the United States is almost non-existent, recent polls indicate that Americans rank terrorism as a top national concern, prioritizing it over other issues such as the economy, health care, and the environment. The current study examines how Americans are impacted by the threat of terrorism today. Analyses of original national survey data suggest that Americans currently engage in behavioral coping in response to the threat of terrorism, and their coping responses vary by levels of worry about terrorism, political orientation, emotional vulnerability, and the association that they make between Muslims and terrorism. The observed behavioral adaptations have implications for community engagement, the economy, and psychological well-being on an individual level.
Who Is Responsible for Causing and Solving the Problem? Responsibility Attribution of Medical Disputes in Chinese Print Media
Authors: E Qinyu , Sakura Osamu
Published: July 2020

This study provides an insight into medical journalism practice by examining how news media have framed who is responsible for causing and solving the growing problem of medical disputes in Mainland China. We identified responsibility-attribution information presented in 490 news articles about medical disputes published in the People’s Daily, Health News, and Southern Metropolis Daily between 2012 and 2017. Our data reveal that, mentions of personal causes have significantly outnumbered those of societal causes. Specifically, health workers were discussed most often as being responsible for the occurrence of medical disputes. In terms of how to solve the problem, the media were focusing heavily on societal-level efforts, while post-event solutions were addressed more frequently than preventative actions. City press was less likely to discuss societal causes and solution suggestions compared with party press and professional newspapers. In the conclusion, we discussed the potential consequences of such framing patterns, and how media professionals can be meaningfully engaged in the future reporting on public health problems.
Exploring the Roles of DMO’s Social Media Efforts and Information Richness on Customer Engagement: Empirical Analysis on Facebook Event Pages
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Hong Jung Hwa , Chung Sunghun , Back Ki-Joon
Published: July 2020

This study examines how destination marketing organization’s (DMO’s) social media posts and comments increase customer engagement and explores the moderating role of information richness in the smart tourism context. To test the proposed hypotheses, the current study employed social media analytics by analyzing unique panel data from 72 DMOs’ Facebook event pages. The research findings indicate that a DMO’s social media efforts (quantitative aspect) are positively associated with customer engagement and DMOs having a higher level of information richness (qualitative aspect) in their messages have greater customer engagement on DMOs’ Facebook event pages. The current study also sheds light on the scant research stream of measuring DMOs’ social media success empirically and presents the possibility of how social media analytics can be applied to hypothesis testing in tourism research instead of traditional research methods.
Layer-to-layer physical characteristics and compression behavior of 3D printed polymer metastructures fabricated using different process parameters
Authors: Patibandla Sivani , Mian Ahsan
Published: July 2020

The extrusion-based three-dimensional printing technology such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the widely used one owing to its low cost. The FDM method can be used to fabricate parts with different fill densities, fill patterns, and process parameters such as extrusion temperature and print speed. In this research, influence of process parameters such as extrusion temperature and print speed on the physical characteristics such as the shape and the size of printed fibers in each layer, the fiber distance, and the fiber-to-fiber interface are investigated. In addition, their effects on mechanical characteristics of the printed samples are examined and interpreted with respect to the layer physical characteristics. To accomplish this, metastructure specimens were fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer on a MakerBot 2X Replicator 3D printer. Three different extrusion temperatures (210, 230, and 250°C) and print speeds (100, 125, and 150 mm/s) were considered with an infill density of 50%. Optical microscopy was performed for layer physical characterization while the compression tests were done to evaluate the mechanical properties such as the failure strength, yield strength, and compressive modulus. It is observed that the print speed has minimal effect on mechanical properties; however, an improvement in mechanical properties is observed at higher fabrication temperature. Also, the lower fabrication temperature results in more uniform features within the layers as compared to those printed at higher extrusion temperature.
Welcome Back? Job Performance and Turnover of Boomerang Employees Compared to Internal and External Hires
Authors: Arnold John D. , Van Iddekinge Chad H. , Campion Michael C. , Bauer Talya N. , Campion Michael A.
Published: July 2020

“Boomerang” employees are workers who leave an organization and are later rehired by that same organization. Although many organizations rehire former employees, only a handful of studies have examined this phenomenon. The present study uses a large, longitudinal data set to examine the performance and turnover of boomerang employees rehired into management positions (n = 1,318). Further, we provide some of the first comparisons between boomerang employees and two traditional sources of employees: external hires (n = 20,850) and internal promotions (n = 8,546). Evaluations of job performance before and after being rehired revealed that boomerang managers’ performance tended to remain the same—rather than increase or decrease—after being rehired. Furthermore, boomerang managers performed similarly to internally and externally hired managers in the first year on the job, but both internal and external hires improved more than rehires over time. Internal and external hires were also less likely to turn over from the organization than rehires. Finally, supplemental analyses indicated that boomerang managers who turned over a second time tended to do so for reasons similar to their initial turnover reasons. The overall results call into question some of the assumed benefits of rehiring and suggest that organizations consider factors such as the reason for initial departure, the time horizon of performance, and the availability of other types of hires before considering boomerang employees.
Employee Physical Activity: A Multidisciplinary Integrative Review
Authors: Calderwood Charles , ten Brummelhuis Lieke L. , Patel Amanda S. , Watkins Trevor , Gabriel Allison S. , Rosen Christopher C.
Published: July 2020

While physical activity is widely recognized to be relevant to employee well-being and organizational health care costs, the management literature has yet to clarify when, how, and why employee physical activity influences job performance. Therefore, the goal of this review is to provide a cross-disciplinary synthesis of evidence surrounding the implications of physical activity for job performance. After first conducting an emergent systematic review of the management literature to verify our assertion that this research base has inadequately addressed the relationship between physical activity and job performance, we performed a cross-disciplinary review of six key disciplines (sports sciences, public environmental occupational health, general medicine internal, physiology, neuroscience, and psychology/psychiatry) to develop a resource-based framework that serves to identify how physical activity relates to job performance. This unifying framework is intended to guide future research on employee physical activity. As an initial application of this framework, we provide a set of future research directions centered on empirically evaluating proposed mechanisms, boundary conditions, and temporal factors that can inform physical activity research in organizational contexts.
The U.S. Federal Response to COVID-19 During the First 3 Months of the Outbreak: Was an Evidence-Based Approach an Option?
Authors: Solinas-Saunders Monica
Published: July 2020

This essay is a commentary on the U.S. Federal government response to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. The focus is on the response of the Trump Administration during the first 3 months of the outbreak, specifically the period between January 20, 2020, and May 15, 2020. The following question is addressed: To what extent was the strategy implemented by the U.S. federal government guided by evidence-based decisions? While nobody was a COVID-19 expert at the beginning of the outbreak, this being a novel virus, the essay argues that the U.S. federal government failed to use evidence from previous pandemics and natural disasters and from the experience of other countries. In addition, the essay warns of the current lack of consistency in following data generated by U.S. agencies and institutions.
Eyes Outside a Boundary Line: An Example of the Willats Region-Drawing Theory?
Authors: Carboni Selene , Kennedy John M.
Published: July 2020

A puzzling raised-line drawing of a head by a blind man with no experience in freehand drawing has eyes placed outside the boundary line of the head, not inside. After scribbling, in the John Willats theory of drawing development, 2D “regions” on the page stand for 3D “volumes” in the scene. If Willats is correct, in very early drawing development circles touching the boundary line from outside may show the eyes are “embedded,” and very early drawing development may be similar in the blind and sighted.
A Continuous Illusion of Having a Sixth Finger
Authors: Cadete Denise , Longo Matthew R.
Published: July 2020

Our body is central to our sense of self and personal identity, yet it can be manipulated in the laboratory in surprisingly easy ways. Several multisensory illusions have shown the flexibility of the mental representation of our bodies by inducing the illusion of owning an artificial body part or having a body part with altered features. Recently, new studies showed we can embody additional body parts such as a supernumerary finger. Newport et al. recently reported a novel six-finger illusion using conflicting visual and tactile signals induced with the mirror box to create the illusory perception of having a sixth finger for a brief moment. In this study, we aimed to replicate this result and to investigate whether the experience of embodiment of a sixth finger could be prolonged for an extended duration by applying continuous visual–tactile stimulation. Results showed that a continuous illusion of having a sixth finger can be clearly induced. This shows that the six-finger illusion does not reflect merely a momentary confusion due to conflicting multisensory signals but can reflect an enduring representation of a supernumerary finger.
Cognitive strategy training for adults with neurological conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring effect on occupational performance
Authors: Swanton Ruth , Gustafsson Louise , Froude Elspeth , Hodson Tenelle , McInerney Michelle , Cahill Liana S , Lannin Natasha A
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence for cognitive strategy training to determine its effectiveness to improve performance of activities of daily living in an adult neurological population.

Method

Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PSYCInfo, PsycBITE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched until August 2019. Studies examining the effect of cognitive strategy training on functional performance were included. Population criteria included adults with non-progressive neurological conditions. External and internal validity of included studies was systematically evaluated using an appropriate methodological quality assessment for each study design. A content analysis was conducted of the methodologies used.

Findings

Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and were appraised for content, 16 randomised or quasi-randomised trials were meta-analysed. Trial quality was generally ‘good’, Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale scores ranged from 3 to 8 (out of 10). For activity performance outcomes post-intervention, there was a significant benefit of cognitive strategy training over usual care (standardised mean difference 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.49–1.09; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

More high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for cognitive strategy interventions to improve activity performance outcomes for adults with non-progressive neurological conditions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42016033728
The Precariat Class Structure and Income Inequality among US Workers: 1980–2018
Authors: Greenstein Joshua
Published: July 2020

I apply the precariat class schema developed by Standing to the US workforce to illustrate an increased polarization between those who do and do not have quality jobs from 1980 to 2018. I use a decomposition of inequality to show that the precariat class structure explains a substantial and growing portion of income inequality. The precariat is typified by unstable, short-term, part-time, and benefit-free jobs. I find that that the precariat make up a large and growing share of the US workforce, while the “old” working class shrank precipitously. I also show that the demographics of the precariat and the old working class are substantially different in terms of race and gender.
Utilization of waste glass in the improvement of concrete performance: A mini review
Authors: Abdelli Houssam Eddine , Mokrani Larbi , Kennouche Salim , de Aguiar JL Barroso
Published: July 2020

Every year, millions of tonnes of glass waste pose terrible problems related to the environmental condition all over the world. The glass is mainly composed of silica. Its use in concrete could be a beneficial solution for the environment and also economic problems. In this mini review, the different possibilities of the valorization of glass waste by substitution of aggregates and cement in concrete have been explored. Its effects on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics were examined in the main research in this direction. The use of waste glass in concrete can offer an improvement in concrete performance and an asset for participation in sustainable development by reducing this waste.
Initial Canadian Experience of Prostate Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Midterm Outcomes
Authors: Patel Neeral R. , Elterman Dean S. , Thulasidasan Narayanan , Altman Rachel , Tai Elizabeth , Zener Rebecca , Stella Steffan F. , Annamalai Ganesan , Mafeld Sebastian , Simons Martin E.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

This study aimed to assess the midterm outcomes and safety of prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods:

A single-center, retrospective review of PAE performed for BPH was performed. Validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) index, and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaires were completed at baseline and at least 12 months post-procedure. Prostate imaging was performed preprocedure as well as 3 months and 12 months post-procedure to assess prostate volume (PV). Uroflowmetry was also performed at baseline and 12 months post-procedure to assess urine flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) volume. Adverse events were graded according to Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) guidelines.

Results:

Eighty male patients underwent the PAE procedure (mean age 69 years). Prostate volume decreased significantly from a mean volume 156 to 107 mL after 12 months post-procedure, commensurate with a mean reduction of 27.5% ( P < .05). Significant improvements were seen in IPSS (21.8 vs 10.5) and QoL (4.5 vs 2.0) from baseline to 12 months post-procedure ( P < .05). There was no significant change in IIEF-5 score. There was a significant reduction in PVR (202 vs 105 mL) and improvement in Qmax (5.9 vs 10.0 mL/s) between baseline and 12 months post-procedure ( P < .05). No major complications occurred; 4 minor complications occurred (SIR grade A or B).

Conclusion:

Prostate artery embolization achieved a clinically and statistically significant prostate volume reduction, symptom and QoL improvement, and enhanced uroflowmetry parameters in patients with BPH.
Catecholated graphene-filled polyimide with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties
Authors: Wu Xing , Jin Zhengyu , Zhu Yuejin , Zhao Haichao
Published: July 2020

In order to achieve good dispersion of graphene in polyimide (PI), catecholated graphene (G-Cat) was prepared by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of N-methylglycine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with graphene sheets. G-Cat/PI composites were prepared by in situ polymerization with pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4-oxydianiline in the presence of G-Cat. The successful modification of graphene was proved by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The comprehensive properties of G-Cat/PI composites were studied by tensile, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and friction and wear tests. By observing the morphology of wear marks, the friction and wear properties of the composites were emphatically analyzed. Therefore, graphene/PI composites were expected to have broad application prospects in lubrication and wear resistance.
Influence of different crosslinking mixtures on the mechanical properties of composite solid rocket propellants based on HTPB
Authors: Boshra Islam K , Lin Guo , Elbeih Ahmed
Published: July 2020

The crosslinking agent is a vital key which affects the mechanical properties of composite solid rocket propellants (CSRPs). Under this scheme, the effect of crosslinking mixtures (CMs) based on trimethylolpropane (TMP) as a triol crosslinker and butanediol (BD) as a chain extender on CSRPs based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene was investigated. A series of 27 propellant compositions was formulated to study the mechanical properties of the prepared CSRPs. The effect of changing the weight ratio of TMP to BD in the CM was studied. In addition, the influence of increasing the percentage of CM (from 0% to 0.5%) in the prepared samples was investigated. Also, the effect of the CM on CSRPs containing different curing ratio of NCO/OH = 0.7, 0.75, and 0.8 was studied to generate the largest possible strain-ability with high strength over different levels of curing conditions. The mechanical characteristics (tensile strength and strain) of the prepared CSRPs have been measured and plotted versus CM content, NCO/OH and TMP:BD ratio. Generally, the addition of CM leads to a remarkable enhancement in the propellant mechanical properties. Samples containing TMP:BD (2:1) provide the highest strength while samples containing TMP:BD (1:2) show the highest strain over all the NCO/OH ratios. Formulations with TMP:BD (1:1) give high strength with moderate strain. Variation in CM content has a remarkable influence on the mechanical properties of CSRPs. A wide range of tensile strength and strain were obtained from this study to offer variety of results suitable for different applications in the CSRPs technology.
The effect of viscosity and Darcy number on the start of convective motion in a rotating porous medium layer saturated by a couple-stress fluid
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay
Published: July 2020

In chemical process industry, food process industry, centrifugal filtration processes, and rotating machinery, convective flows are characterized by rotation, where couple-stress fluid (a type of non-Newtonian fluid) with variable viscosity in a porous medium can act as a working fluid. In the present work, the combined effect of the temperature-dependent viscosity, the Darcy number and the uniform rotation on the arrival of convective motion in a couple-stress fluid saturated porous layer is examined applying linear stability concept. The outcome of the viscosity variation parameter Q, the rotation parameter [Formula: see text], the couple-stress parameter [Formula: see text], and the Darcy number [Formula: see text] on both stationary and oscillatory convections is investigated analytically and presented graphically in terms of the critical thermal Darcy–Rayleigh number [Formula: see text]. Below the critical value [Formula: see text], no convective motion arises in the considered system. It is recognized that the arrival of convective motion is oscillatory only if the rotation parameter [Formula: see text] surpasses a threshold value which in turn depends on other physical parameters. The impact of the viscosity variation parameter Q has a destabilizing influence, while the couple-stress parameter [Formula: see text], rotation parameter [Formula: see text], the Darcy number [Formula: see text], the Prandtl number ⪻, and the heat capacity ratio γ show stabilizing influences on the stability of arrangement.
The churn of the land nexus and contrasting gentrification processes in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: John Samwel , Mcgranahan Gordon , Mkanga Mwanakombo , Ndezi Tim , Stephen Stella , Tacoli Cecilia
Published: July 2020

This article contrasts gentrification and related processes of displacement across two of Tanzania’s fastest-growing cities. Some groups are particularly vulnerable to gentrification, with smallholder farmers particularly vulnerable on the periphery, and tenants particularly vulnerable near the centre. In the cities’ newly urbanizing peripheries, many of the longest-standing residents from farming families sell their land to upwardly mobile newcomers moving out from the city centre. In inner-city informal settlements, populations have become far denser and tenants outnumber owners, whilst developers and other large formal-sector land users are potentially interested in securing the land for upmarket residential or non-residential uses. Bringing the planning system and the informal settlements into better alignment is important, but regularization efforts can unnecessarily amplify the risks of exclusionary gentrification. While better-organized communities should be able to mitigate these risks, for this to be achieved the most vulnerable groups need to be adequately represented.
The ambivalent role of the institution in the history of child and adolescent psychiatry: a case study of the Hawthorn Centre in Michigan, USA
Authors: Cesaro Robert , Hirshbein Laura
Published: July 2020

Historians have examined the role of psychiatric institutions in the USA and addressed whether this form of care helped or harmed patients (depending on the perspective of the time period, historical actors, and historians). But the story for children’s mental institutions was different. At the time when adult institutions were in decline, children’s mental hospitals were expanding. Parents and advocates clamoured for more beds and more services. The decrease in facilities for children was more due to economic factors than ideological opposition. This paper explores a case study of a hospital in Michigan as a window into the different characteristics of the discussion of psychiatric care for children.
An improved cell situation identification approach with convolutional neural network and wavelet extreme learning machine
Authors: Lei Yongxiang , Chen Xiaofang , Xie Yongfang
Published: July 2020

In the aluminum reduction process, the flame hole is an influential index of the whole production situation, which reflects the distribution of the physical field of the reduction cell, the current efficiency and the lifespan of the aluminum reduction cell. Therefore, flame hole situation detection and identification are critical and significant in the whole process of aluminum electrolysis. However, in the practical industrial production, flame hole identification result is coming from the experimental operation workers, with the loss of workers and different experimental levels, the real-time measurement of the flame hole index is still a challenge beyond solution. This article develops a flame hole image classification method based on wavelet extreme learning machine. First, a deep feature set is extracted from the original images with a convolutional neural network. Then, a classification model based on an extreme learning machine with wavelet activation function is developed. Finally, the proposed convolutional neural network–weighted extreme learning machine model is applied to superheat degree real-time detection in the industrial electrolysis cell. The proposed method is evaluated on aluminum production which outperforms existing other superheat degree methods in accuracy and robustness.
Decision-making with multiple correlated binary outcomes in clinical trials
Authors: Kavelaars Xynthia , Mulder Joris , Kaptein Maurits
Published: July 2020

Clinical trials often evaluate multiple outcome variables to form a comprehensive picture of the effects of a new treatment. The resulting multidimensional insight contributes to clinically relevant and efficient decision-making about treatment superiority. Common statistical procedures to make these superiority decisions with multiple outcomes have two important shortcomings, however: (1) Outcome variables are often modeled individually, and consequently fail to consider the relation between outcomes; and (2) superiority is often defined as a relevant difference on a single, on any, or on all outcome(s); and lacks a compensatory mechanism that allows large positive effects on one or multiple outcome(s) to outweigh small negative effects on other outcomes. To address these shortcomings, this paper proposes (1) a Bayesian model for the analysis of correlated binary outcomes based on the multivariate Bernoulli distribution; and (2) a flexible decision criterion with a compensatory mechanism that captures the relative importance of the outcomes. A simulation study demonstrates that efficient and unbiased decisions can be made while Type I error rates are properly controlled. The performance of the framework is illustrated for (1) fixed, group sequential, and adaptive designs; and (2) non-informative and informative prior distributions.
Inference for variance components in linear mixed-effect models with flexible random effect and error distributions
Authors: Chen Tom , Wang Rui
Published: July 2020

In many biomedical investigations, parameters of interest, such as the intraclass correlation coefficient, are functions of higher-order moments reflecting finer distributional characteristics. One popular method to make inference for such parameters is through postulating a parametric random effects model. We relax the standard normality assumptions for both the random effects and errors through the use of the Fleishman distribution, a flexible four-parameter distribution which accounts for the third and fourth cumulants. We propose a Fleishman bootstrap method to construct confidence intervals for correlated data and develop a normality test for the random effect and error distributions. Recognizing that the intraclass correlation coefficient may be heavily influenced by a few extreme observations, we propose a modified, quantile-normalized intraclass correlation coefficient. We evaluate our methods in simulation studies and apply these methods to the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial sleep electroencephalogram data in quantifying wave-frequency correlation among different channels.