bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Our House
Authors: Yang Lillian , Neustaedter Carman
Published: November 2018

Many couples live in long distance arrangements due to a variety of reasons from work opportunities to family obligations. However, current computer-mediated communication tools are not designed to support the entire range of communication behaviors that couples engage in during daily life. Our research explored how telepresence robots might fit into the array of tools that long distance couples use to communicate, given the factors of mobility and physicality that could support acts of interactivity and autonomy between partners. We found that telepresence robot communication facilitated interactions in five areas: participation in mundane everyday routines, feelings of sharing a home, connection with one's partner's family and friends, increased helpfulness, and the enjoyment of quiet companionship. However, telepresence robots also presented challenges related to privacy and asymmetry, as well as continued deficiencies in the level of interactivity. In response to these findings, we discuss the design implications for telepresence robots.
Joint Media Engagement between Parents and Preschoolers in the U.S., China, and Taiwan
Authors: Yen Kate , Chen Yeqi , Cheng Yi , Chen Sijin , Chen Ying-Yu , Ni Yiran , Hiniker Alexis
Published: November 2018

Global app marketplaces make families in foreign countries easily accessible to developers, but most scholarship on joint media engagement (JME) between parents and children reports on data from participants in Western contexts. We conducted an observational lab study to examine how preschoolers (age 3-5) and parents (N=74) from three different regions of the world (communities in China, Taiwan, and the United States) engage with two types of tablet games: an instructional game with goals and an exploratory, open-ended game. We found systematic differences among groups and between games. For example, parents from China and Taiwan frequently picked up their child's hand and used it as a tool to engage with the screen, a practice parents in our U.S. sample did not employ. Dyads from all three samples exhibited more warmth when playing an instructional game than an exploratory one. Our results suggest that characteristics of the populations we sampled interact with design features, that is, the same design prompted opposing behaviors in different groups. We conclude that it may be useful to examine goal-free and goal-oriented JME as separate constructs, that design choices influence the roles parents adopt during JME, and that the range of behaviors we observed complicate the prevailing research narrative of what positive and productive JME looks like.
From Situational Awareness to Actionability
Authors: Zade Himanshu , Shah Kushal , Rangarajan Vaibhavi , Kshirsagar Priyanka , Imran Muhammad , Starbird Kate
Published: November 2018

People are increasingly sharing information on social media during disaster events. This information could be valuable to emergency responders, but there remain challenges for using it to inform response efforts---including filtering relevant information from the large volumes of noise. Previous research has largely focused on identifying information that can contribute to a generalized concept of situational awareness. Our work explores the value of approaching this problem from a different perspective---one of actionablity---with the idea that information relevance may vary across responder role, domain, and other factors. This approach asks how we can get the right information to the right person at the right time? We interviewed and surveyed diverse responders to understand what "actionable" information is, allowing that actionability might differ from one responder to another. Through the findings, we (a) offer a nuanced understanding of actionability and differentiate it from situational awareness; (b) describe responders' perspective of what distinguishes good information when making rapid judgments; and (c) suggest opportunities for augmenting social media use to highlight information that needs immediate attention. We offer researchers an opportunity to frame different models of actionability to suit the requirements of a responding role.
Making Sense of Group Chat through Collaborative Tagging and Summarization
Authors: Zhang Amy X. , Cranshaw Justin
Published: November 2018

While group chat is becoming increasingly popular for team collaboration, these systems generate long streams of unstructured back-and-forth discussion that are difficult to comprehend. In this work, we investigate ways to enrich the representation of chat conversations, using techniques such as tagging and summarization, to enable users to better make sense of chat. Through needfinding interviews with 15 active group chat users, who were shown mock-up alternative chat designs, we found the importance of structured representations, including signals such as discourse acts. We then developed Tilda, a prototype system that enables people to collaboratively enrich their chat conversation while conversing. From lab evaluations, we examined the ease of marking up chat using Tilda as well as the effectiveness of Tilda-enabled summaries for getting an overview. From a field deployment, we found that teams actively engaged with Tilda both for marking up their chat as well as catching up on chat.
Applications of Social Identity Theory to Research and Design in Computer-Supported Cooperative Work
Authors: Seering Joseph , Ng Felicia , Yao Zheng , Kaufman Geoff
Published: November 2018

Research in computer-supported cooperative work has historically focused on behaviors of individuals at scale, using frames of interpersonal interaction such as Goffman's theories of self-presentation. These framings result in research detailing characteristics, personal identities, and behaviors of large numbers of connected and interacting individuals, while the social identity concepts that lead to intra- and inter-group dynamics have received less attention. We argue that the emergent properties of self-categorization and social identity, which are particularly fluid and complex in online spaces, provide a complementary perspective with which to re-examine traditional topics in social computing. We discuss the applicability of the Social Identity Perspective to established and new research domains in CSCW, proposing alternative perspectives on self-presentation, social support, collaboration, conflict, and leadership. We note methodological considerations emerging from this theory. Finally, we consider how broad concepts and lessons from the Social Identity Perspective might inspire CSCW work in the future.
The Role of Housing and Mortgage Markets in the Financial Crisis
Authors: Adelino Manuel , Schoar Antoinette , Severino Felipe
Published: November 2018

Ten years after the financial crisis of 2008, there is widespread agreement that the boom in mortgage lending and its subsequent reversal were at the core of the Great Recession. We survey the existing evidence, which suggests that inflated house-price expectations across the economy played a central role in driving both the demand for and the supply of mortgage credit before the crisis. The great misnomer of the 2008 crisis is that it was not a subprime crisis but rather a middle-class crisis. Inflated house-price expectations led households across all income groups, especially the middle class, to increase their demand for housing and mortgage leverage. Similarly, banks lent against increasing collateral values and underestimated the risk of defaults. We highlight how these emerging facts have essential implications for policy.
Capital Structure and a Firm's Workforce
Authors: Matsa David A.
Published: November 2018

While businesses require funding to start and grow, they also rely on human capital, which affects how they raise funds. Labor market frictions make financing labor different than financing capital. Unlike capital, labor cannot be owned and can act strategically. Workers face unemployment costs, can negotiate for higher wages, are protected by employment regulations, and face retirement risk. I propose using these frictions as a framework for understanding the unique impact of a firm's workforce on its capital structure. For instance, high leverage often makes managing labor more difficult by undermining employees’ job security and increasing the need for costly workforce reductions. But firms can also use leverage to their advantage, such as in labor negotiations and defined benefit pensions. This research can help firms account for the needs and management of their workforce when making financing decisions.
Lipid mediators of liver injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liangpunsakul Suthat , Chalasani Naga
Published: November 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a spectrum of histopathological phenotypes ranging from simple steatosis to more severe liver disease associated with cell injury, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Only a subset of patients with NAFLD develop NASH from yet incompletely understood mechanisms. Emerging data suggest lipid species other than triglycerides as contributors to the pathogenesis of NASH. In this mini review, we focus on the recent data on the mechanisms of NASH, focusing on these lipid mediators and their potential as therapeutic targets in NASH.
Carotid chemoreceptors have a limited role in mediating the hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation in exercising humans
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Kashihara Miki , Kenny Glen P. , Honda Yasushi , Fujimoto Tomomi , Cao Yinhang , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: November 2018

Hyperthermia causes hyperventilation at rest and during exercise. We previously reported that carotid chemoreceptors partly contribute to the hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation at rest. However, given that a hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation markedly differs between rest and exercise, the results obtained at rest may not be representative of the response in exercise. Therefore, we evaluated whether carotid chemoreceptors contribute to hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation in exercising humans. Eleven healthy young men (23 ± 2 yr) cycled in the heat (37°C) at a fixed submaximal workload equal to ~55% of the individual’s predetermined peak oxygen uptake (moderate intensity). To suppress carotid chemoreceptor activity, 30-s hyperoxia breathing (100% O2) was performed at rest (before exercise) and during exercise at increasing levels of hyperthermia as defined by an increase in esophageal temperature of 0.5°C (low), 1.0°C (moderate), 1.5°C (high), and 2.0°C (severe) above resting levels. Ventilation during exercise gradually increased as esophageal temperature increased (all P ≤ 0.05), indicating that hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation occurred. Hyperoxia breathing suppressed ventilation in a greater manner during exercise (−9 to −13 l/min) than at rest (−2 ± 1 l/min); however, the magnitude of reduction during exercise did not differ at low (0.5°C) to severe (2.0°C) increases in esophageal temperature (all P > 0.05). Similarly, hyperoxia-induced changes in ventilation during exercise as assessed by percent change from prehyperoxic levels were not different at all levels of hyperthermia (~15–20%, all P > 0.05). We show that in young men carotid chemoreceptor contribution to hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation is relatively small at low-to-severe increases in body core temperature induced by moderate-intensity exercise in the heat.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise-induced increases in hyperthermia cause a progressive increase in ventilation in humans. However, the mechanisms underpinning this response remain unresolved. We showed that in young men hyperventilation associated with exercise-induced hyperthermia is not predominantly mediated by carotid chemoreceptors. This study provides important new insights into the mechanism(s) underpinning the regulation of hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation in humans and suggests that factor(s) other than carotid chemoreceptors play a more important role in mediating this response.
Cardiovascular responses during isometric exercise following lengthening and shortening contractions
Authors: Seed Jeremy D. , St. Peters Benjamin , Power Geoffrey A. , Millar Philip J.
Published: November 2018

The present study investigated the effects of prior lengthening or shortening contractions on cardiovascular responses during isometric exercise. We utilized the history dependence of skeletal muscle, where active 2-s lengthening or shortening before an isometric contraction can increase [residual force enhancement (RFE)] or decrease [force depression (FD)] force production. Matching torque output between RFE and FD conditions yields lower and higher electromyography (EMG) values, respectively. In study 1, heart rate and perceived exertion (PE; Borg10) were measured in 20 participants during 20-s isometric plantar flexion contractions at low (16 ± 4% MVC)-, moderate (50 ± 5% MVC)-, and high (88 ± 7% MVC)-intensity. In study 2, heart rate and blood pressure were measured in 14 participants during 2-min isometric plantar flexion contractions (40% MVC). In both studies, torque output was held constant between FD and RFE conditions resulting in differences in soleus EMG activity ( P < 0.05). In study 1, PE was lower during the RFE condition ( P < 0.01), while increases in heart rate were similar between FD and RFE at low (∆2 ± 8 vs. 3 ± 6 beats/min, P > 0.99) and moderate (∆14 ± 9 vs. 14 ± 9 beats/min, P > 0.99) intensity but smaller during RFE at high intensity (∆35 ± 13 vs. 29 ± 13 beats/min, P = 0.004). In study 2, heart rate responses were smaller in the RFE condition following the initial 20-s period; diastolic blood pressure responses were smaller during the last 80 s. A 2-s active change in muscle length before an isometric contraction can influence heart rate and blood pressure responses; however, these differences appear to be modulated by both intensity and duration of the contraction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using the history dependence of isometric force to alter maximal torque production and motor unit activation between residual force enhancement and force depression conditions, we observed that heart rate responses were different between conditions during a subsequent 20-s high-, but not low- or moderate-, intensity isometric contraction. A 2-min moderate-intensity contraction revealed time-dependent effects on heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. Active 2-s shortening and lengthening before an isometric contraction can influence the cardiovascular responses.
Cardiorespiratory coupling in preterm infants
Authors: Joshi Rohan , Kommers Deedee , Long Xi , Feijs Loe , Van Huffel Sabine , van Pul Carola , Andriessen Peter
Published: November 2018

In preterm infants, a better understanding and quantification of cardiorespiratory coupling may help improve caregiving by enabling the tracking of maturational changes and subclinical signatures of disease. Therefore, in a study of 20 preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, we analyzed the cardiac and respiratory regulatory mechanisms as well as the coupling between them. In particular, we selectively analyzed coupling from changes in heart rate to respiratory oscillations as well as coupling from respiratory oscillations to the heart rate. Furthermore, we stratified this coupling based on decelerations and accelerations of the heart rate and by inspiration and expiration during respiration while contrasting periods of kangaroo care, an intervention known to enhance autonomic regulation, with periods in the incubator. We identified that preterm infants exhibit cardiorespiratory coupling that is nonsymmetric with regard to the direction of coupling. We demonstrate coupling from decelerations and accelerations of the heart rate to exhalation and inhalation, respectively, both on a beat-to-beat basis as well as with sustained decelerations and accelerations. On the other hand, on average, we also observed coupling from both inspiration and expiration to marginal decelerations in the heart rate. These phenomena, especially coupling from the changes in the heart rate to respiratory oscillations, were sensitive to whether the infant was receiving kangaroo care.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preterm infants exhibit cardiorespiratory coupling that is nonsymmetric with regard to the direction of coupling; coupling from fluctuations in the heart rate to respiratory oscillations and vice versa are asymmetric. On average, coupling is observable from decelerations or accelerations in the heart rate to inhalation or exhalation, respectively, whereas, on average, both peaks and troughs of respiration exhibit coupling to marginal decelerations in the heart rate.
NK cell function is impaired during long-duration spaceflight
Authors: Bigley Austin B. , Agha Nadia H. , Baker Forrest L. , Spielmann Guillaume , Kunz Hawley E. , Mylabathula Preteesh L. , Rooney Bridgette V. , Laughlin Mitzi S. , Mehta Satish K. , Pierson Duane L. , Crucian Brian E. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: November 2018

Maintaining astronaut health during space travel is paramount for further human exploration of the solar system beyond Earth’s orbit. Of concern are potential dysregulations in immunity, which could increase the likelihood of cancer and latent viral reactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effectors of the innate immune system, and their function and phenotype are important to immunosurveillance of nascent tumors and latent viral infections. We compared changes in NK cell phenotype and function in eight crew members who completed an ~6-mo mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with healthy controls who remained on Earth. Assessments were made before (180 and 60 days before launch), during [flight day + 90 days (FD+90) and 1 day before return (R−1)], and after the mission (at R+0, R+18, R+33, and R+66). These samples, plus an additional in-flight sample (FD+180), were collected from a crew member who spent 340 days (~1 yr) on the ISS. NK cell cytotoxic activity (NKCA) against K562 leukemia targets in vitro was reduced by ~50% at FD+90 in ISS crew but not controls. This decrease was more pronounced in “rookie” compared with “veteran” crew members. The ~1-yr mission crew member did not show declines in NKCA against K562 until late in the mission (R−1 and R+0). NK cell numbers, expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, target cell binding, and expression and degranulation of perforin and granzyme B were unaltered with spaceflight. Similarly, when we exposed an immortalized NK cell line (NK-92) to sera collected at different mission time points (before, during, and after flight), there was no effect on NKCA. This is the first study to report impaired NK cell function during long-duration space travel. Countermeasures may be needed to mitigate immune system impairment in exploration class mission crew during long-duration spaceflight missions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Immune system impairment may inhibit future human space exploration missions to Mars. Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of immunity and vital for tumor surveillance and the prevention of latent virus reactivation. We report that NK cell function is impaired in astronauts during an ~6-mo orbital space mission compared with preflight levels and ground-based controls. Declines in NK cell function were more marked in first-time “rookie” fliers. Countermeasures are needed to preserve NK cell-mediated immunity during spaceflight.
Dose-dependent exacerbation of ventilation-induced lung injury by erythropoietin in preterm newborn lambs
Authors: Allison Beth J. , LaRosa Domenic A. , Barton Samantha K. , Hooper Stuart , Zahra Valerie , Tolcos Mary , Chan Kyra Y. Y. , Barbuto Jade , Inocencio Ishmael M. , Moss Timothy J. , Polglase Graeme R.
Published: November 2018

Erythropoietin (EPO) is being trialled in preterm infants to reduce brain injury, but high doses increase lung injury in ventilated preterm lambs. We aimed to determine whether early administration of lower doses of EPO could reduce ventilation-induced lung injury and systemic inflammation in preterm lambs. Ventilation was initiated in anaesthetized preterm lambs [125 ± 1 (SD) days gestation] using an injurious strategy for the first 15 min. Lambs were subsequently ventilated with a protective strategy for a total of 2 h. Lambs were randomized to receive either intravenous saline (Vent; n = 7) or intravenous 300 ( n = 5), 1,000 (EPO1000; n = 5), or 3,000 (EPO3000; n = 5) IU/kg of human recombinant EPO via an umbilical vein. Lung tissue was collected for molecular and histological assessment of inflammation and injury and compared with unventilated control lambs (UVC; n = 8). All ventilated groups had similar blood gas and ventilation parameters, but EPO1000 lambs had a lower fraction of inspired oxygen requirement and lower alveolar–arterial difference in oxygen. Vent and EPO lambs had increased lung interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA, early lung injury genes connective tissue growth factor, early growth response protein 1, and cysteine-rich 61, and liver serum amyloid A3 mRNA compared with UVCs; no difference was observed between Vent and EPO groups. Histological lung injury was increased in Vent and EPO groups compared with UVCs, but EPO3000 lambs had increased lung injury scores compared with VENT only. Early low-doses of EPO do not exacerbate ventilation-induced lung inflammation and injury and do not provide any short-term respiratory benefit. High doses (≥3,000 IU/kg) likely exacerbate lung inflammation and injury in ventilated preterm lambs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Trials are ongoing to assess the efficacy of erythropoietin (EPO) to provide neuroprotection for preterm infants. However, high doses of EPO increase ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI) in preterm lambs. We investigated whether early lower doses of EPO may reduce VILI. We found that lower doses did not reduce, but did not increase, VILI, while high doses (≥3,000 IU/kg) increase VILI. Therefore, lower doses of EPO should be used in preterm infants, particularly those receiving respiratory support.
Key Factors for In‐Store Smartphone Use in an Omnichannel Experience: Millennials vs. Nonmillennials
Authors: Mosquera Ana , Juaneda-Ayensa Emma , Olarte-Pascual Cristina , Pelegrín-Borondo Jorge
Published: November 2018

The in‐store use of smartphones is revolutionizing the customer journey and has the potential to become an important driver in the omnichannel context. This paper aims at identifying the key factors that influence customers’ intentions to use smartphones in‐store and their actual behavior and to test the moderating effect of age, differentiating between millennials and nonmillennials, as millennials are considered digital natives and early adopters of new technologies. We applied the UTAUT2 model to a sample of 1043 Spanish customers, tested it using structural equations, and performed a multigroup analysis to compare the results between the two groups. The results show that the model explains both the behavioral intention to use a smartphone in a brick‐and‐mortar store and use behavior. The UTAUT2 predictors found to be most important were habit, performance expectancy, and hedonic motivation. However, the study shows that the only difference between millennials and nonmillennials with regard to the use of smartphones in‐store is the effects of behavioral intention and habit on use behavior. The study adds to the existing knowledge by providing evidence in support of the validity of UTAUT2 as an appropriate theoretical basis to explain effectively behavioral intention, specifically the in‐store use of smartphones.
Optimization Studies on Recovery of Metals from Printed Circuit Board Waste
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Prabhakaran D. , Thirumarimurugan M.
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to recover copper and lead metal from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). The electrowinning method is found to be an effective recycling process to recover copper and lead metal from printed circuit board wastes. In order to simplify the process with affordable equipment, a simple ammonical leaching operation method was adopted. The selected PCBs were incinerated into fine ash powder at 500°C for 1 hour in the pyrolysis reactor. Then, the fine ash powder was subjected to acid-leaching process to recover the metals with varying conditions like acid-base concentration, electrode combination, and leaching time. The relative electrolysis solution of 0.1 M lead nitrate for lead and 0.1 M copper sulphate for copper was used to extract metals from PCBs at room temperature. The amount of lead and copper extracted from the process was determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and results found were 73.29% and 82.17%, respectively. Further, the optimum conditions for the recovery of metals were determined by using RSM software. The results showed that the percentage of lead and copper recovery were 78.25% and 89.1% should be 4 hrs 10 A/dm2.
A Mixed Methods Study on the Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity Associated with Residential Relocation
Authors: Salvo Grazia , Lashewicz Bonnie M. , Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , McCormack Gavin R.
Published: November 2018

Despite evidence suggesting that neighbourhood characteristics are associated with physical activity, very few mixed methods studies investigate how relocating neighbourhood, and subsequent changes in the built environment, influences physical activity. This sequential mixed methods study estimates associations between changes in overall physical activity and transportation walking and cycling and changes in objectively assessed neighbourhood walkability (quantitative phase) and describes perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity following residential relocation (qualitative phase). During the quantitative phase, self-reported changes in transportation walking, transportation cycling, and overall physical activity following residential relocation were measured using a 5-point scale: (1) a lot less now, (2) a little less now, (3) about the same, (4) a little more now, and (5) a lot more now. Walkability improvers reported a slight increase in transportation walking (mean = 3.29, standard deviation (SD) = 0.87), while walkability decliners reported little or no perceived change in their transportation walking after relocation (mean = 2.96, SD = 1.12). This difference approached statistical significance (p=0.053). Furthermore, walkability decliners reported a slight decrease in transportation cycling (mean = 2.69, SD = 0.96), while walkability improvers reported little or no perceived change in their transportation cycling after relocation (mean = 3.02, SD = 0.84). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Change in walkability resulting from relocation was not significantly associated with perceived change in overall physical activity. Our qualitative findings suggest that moving to a neighbourhood with safe paths connecting to nearby destinations can facilitate transportation walking and cycling. Some participants describe adjusting their leisure physical activity to compensate for changes in transportation walking and cycling. Strong contributors to neighbourhood leisure physical activity included the presence of aesthetic features and availability of recreational opportunities that allow for the creation of social connections with community and family.
Preoperative Thrombocytopenia May Predict Poor Surgical Outcome after Extended Hepatectomy
Authors: Golriz Mohammad , Ghamarnejad Omid , Khajeh Elias , Sabagh Mohammadsadegh , Mieth Markus , Hoffmann Katrin , Ulrich Alexis , Hackert Thilo , Weiss Karl Heinz , Schirmacher Peter , Büchler Markus W. , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: November 2018

Background. It is a novel idea that platelet counts may be associated with postoperative outcome following liver surgery. This may help in planning an extended hepatectomy (EH), which is a surgical procedure with high morbidity and mortality. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive potential of platelet counts on the outcome of EH in patients without portal hypertension, splenomegaly, or cirrhosis. Methods. A series of 213 consecutive patients underwent EH (resection of ≥ five liver segments) between 2001 and 2016. The association of preoperative platelet counts with posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), morbidity (based on Clavien-Dindo classification), and 30-day mortality was evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results. PHLF was detected in 26.3% of patients, major complications in 26.8%, and 30-day mortality in 11.3% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the preoperative platelet count is an independent predictor of PHLF (odds ratio [OR] 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–15.0, p=0.020) and 30-day mortality (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.1–18.8, p=0.043). Conclusions. Preoperative platelet count is associated with PHLF and mortality following extended liver resection. This association was independent of other related parameters. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the predictive role and to determine the impact of preoperative correction of platelet count on postoperative outcomes after EH.
On Application of Ordered Fuzzy Numbers in Ranking Linguistically Evaluated Negotiation Offers
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof , Roszkowska Ewa
Published: November 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the application potential of ordered fuzzy numbers (OFN) to support evaluation of negotiation offers. The Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods are extended to the case when linguistic evaluations are represented by OFN. We study the applicability of OFN for linguistic evaluation negotiation options and also provide the theoretical foundations of SAW and TOPSIS for constructing a scoring function for negotiation offers. We show that the proposed framework allows us to represent the negotiation information in a more direct and adequate way, especially in ill-structured negotiation problems, allows for holistic evaluation of negotiation offers, and produces consistent rankings, even though new packages are added or removed. An example is presented in order to demonstrate the usefulness of presented fuzzy numerical approach in evaluation of negotiation offers.
Sexual Behavior of Perinatally Infected Youth in Northwest Ethiopia: Implication for HIV Prevention Strategy
Authors: Moges Nurilign Abebe , Bizuayehu Habtamu Mellie
Published: November 2018

Background. The major mode of HIV transmission in many resource-limited settings is via heterosexual intercourse, but the primary risk factor for youth is primarily through perinatal infection. With the maturing of the HIV epidemic, youth who acquired the virus perinatally are now reaching adolescence and becoming young adults. There is a paucity of data on the sexual practices of perinatally infected youth in Ethiopia. Methods. This a cross-sectional study among 343 HIV positive youths receiving HIV care and treatment in the two hospitals in northwest Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was administered among those who were able to read and write, and the questionnaire was administered by a trained study team member for those who were illiterate. Data were entered using Epi data version 3.5 and analyzed using SPSS. Sexual behaviors of the two groups were compared using bivariate logistic regression and the significant ones were further analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05. Result. About (63.3%) were females, and 177 (51.6%) were between 20 and 24 years of age. The modes of HIV acquisition were 133 (35%) through perinatal HIV infection, 120 (35%) through sexual contact, 27 (7.9%) through exposure to HIV infected sharp materials, and 63 (18.4%) unsure how they acquired HIV. More than half 155 (59.3%) had multiple sexual partners, and 50 (63.3%) of their sexual partners were HIV negative. Among those who were sexually active, only 77 (56.2%) use a condom consistently. Conclusions. More children who acquired HIV from their mothers are joining the youth population. Their sexual behavior is similar to those youth with behaviorally acquired HIV. There is significant risky sexual behavior among both groups. There is great urgency to effectively address the HIV the prevention strategy to break the cycle of “transgenerational” infection.
Performance Analysis of Location‐Aware Grid‐Based Hierarchical Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Khan Farrukh Aslam , Song Wang-Cheol , Ahn Khi-Jung
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the performance analysis of a hierarchical routing protocol for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) called Location‐aware Grid‐based Hierarchical Routing (LGHR) is performed. In LGHR, the network comprises nonoverlapping zones and each zone is further partitioned into smaller grids. Although LGHR is a location‐aware routing protocol, the routing mechanism is similar to the link‐state routing. The protocol overcomes some of the weaknesses of other existing location‐based routing protocols such as Zone‐based Hierarchical Link State (ZHLS) and GRID. A detailed analysis of the LGHR routing protocol is performed and its performance is compared with both the above‐mentioned protocols. The comparison shows that LGHR works better than ZHLS in terms of storage overhead as well as communication overhead, whereas LGHR is more stable than GRID especially in scenarios where wireless nodes are moving with very high velocities.
Congenital and Blood Transfusion Transmission of Chagas Disease: A Framework Using Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Ramalho Edneide , Albuquerque Jones , Cristino Cláudio , Lorena Virginia , Gómez i Prat Jordi , Prats Clara , López Daniel
Published: November 2018

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis is an important health problem in Latin America. Due to the mobility of Latin American population around the world, countries without vector presence started to report disease cases. We developed a deterministic compartmental model in order to gain insights into the disease dynamics in a scenario without vector presence, considering congenital transmission and transmission by blood transfusion. The model was used to evaluate the epidemiological effect of control measures. It was applied to demographic data from Spain and sensitivity analysis was performed on model parameters associated with control strategies.
Efficacy Comparison of Five Different Acupuncture Methods on Pain, Stiffness, and Function in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Shaowei , Xie Pingjin , Liang Zhenghui , Huang Weihan , Huang Zhanhui , Ou Jinming , Lin Zhiyong , Chai Shengting
Published: November 2018

The principal objective of this present study was to compare the effects of different acupuncture methods on pain, stiffness, and physical function for osteoarthritis of the knee by the pairwise and network meta‐analysis (NMA). A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was searched from three English databases and one Chinese database until January 2018. A pairwise meta‐analysis was performed with a random effects model. Then we carried out the NMA within a Bayesian framework. Mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by R 3.4.1, Stata 14.0, and RevMan 5.3 software to assess the relief of pain, the effectiveness for stiffness, and physical function recovery. Node‐splitting method was used to calculate the inconsistency. Rank probabilities were assessed and clustered by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). 16 trials mostly researched short‐term effectiveness and showed that fire needle and electro‐acupuncture were statistically significant to decrease WOMAC pain and physical function scores when compared with other treatments, but there was no significant difference in stiffness calculations. Our NMA demonstrated that acupuncture with heat pain or electrical stimulation might be suggested as the better choices in all acupuncture methods to osteoarthritis of the knee.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy, Northeast Ethiopia, 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ayanaw Habitu Yohannes , Yalew Anteneh , Azale Bisetegn Telake
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Though teen age pregnancy had poor maternal and perinatal health outcomes, its magnitude and determinants are not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of teenage pregnancy in Wogedi, northeast Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 teenagers in Wogedi, northeast Ethiopia, from April to May 2017. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered, and analyzed appropriately. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval and P-values were computed using appropriate logistic regression models to determine the presence and strength of associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Wogedi was 28.6% (95% CI: 24.9, 32.5). Age (AOR=2.10; 95% CI: 1.55, 2.88), rural residence (AOR=3.93; 95% CI: 1.20, 12.83), contraceptive nonuse (AOR=10.62; 95% CI: 5.28, 21.36), and parental marital status (divorce) (AOR=1.98; 95%CI: 1.13, 3.93) were found to have statistically significant associations with teenage pregnancy. Conclusions. There is high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the area. Age, residence, contraceptive nonuse, and parental divorce were found to have a statistically significant association. Strengthening contraceptive use by giving special attention to rural dwellers and showing the consequences of divorce to the community are strongly recommended.
Thin-Shelled PEGylated Perfluorooctyl Bromide Nanocapsules for Tumor-Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agent
Authors: Achmad Arifudin , Yamaguchi Aiko , Hanaoka Hirofumi , Tsushima Yoshito
Published: November 2018

Shell thickness determines the acoustic response of polymer-based perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) nanocapsule ultrasound contrast agents. PEGylation provides stealth property and arms for targeting moieties. We investigated a modulation in the polymer formulation of carboxy-terminated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-b-PEG) to produce thin-shelled PFOB nanocapsules while keeping its echogenicity, stealth property, and active targeting potential. Polymer formulation contains 40% PLGA-PEG that yields the PEGylated PFOB nanocapsules of approximately 150 nm size with average thickness-to-radius ratio down to 0.15, which adequately hindered phagocytosis. Functionalization with antibody enables in vitro tumor-specific targeting. Despite the acoustic response improvement, the in vivo tumor accumulation was inadequate to generate an observable acoustic response to the ultrasound power at the clinical level. The use of PLGA and PLGA-PEG polymer blend allows the production of thin-shelled PFOB nanocapsules with echogenicity improvement while maintaining its potential for specific targeting.
Pediatric Adrenal Insufficiency: Diagnosis, Management, and New Therapies
Authors: Bowden Sasigarn A. , Henry Rohan
Published: November 2018

Adrenal insufficiency may result from a wide variety of congenital or acquired disorders of hypothalamus, pituitary, or adrenal cortex. Destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex is the cause of primary adrenal insufficiency, while secondary adrenal insufficiency is a result of pituitary or hypothalamic disease. Timely diagnosis and clinical management of adrenal insufficiency are critical to prevent morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the etiologies, presentation, and diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency utilizing different dynamic hormone testing and describes current treatment recommendations and new therapies.
Deep Neural Network-Based Method for Detecting Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Ultrawide-Field Fundus Ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Nagasato Daisuke , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Ohsugi Hideharu , Masumoto Hiroki , Enno Hiroki , Ishitobi Naofumi , Sonobe Tomoaki , Kameoka Masahiro , Niki Masanori , Hayashi Ken , Mitamura Yoshinori
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study is to assess the performance of two machine-learning technologies, namely, deep learning (DL) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms, for detecting central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in ultrawide-field fundus images. Images from 125 CRVO patients (n=125 images) and 202 non-CRVO normal subjects (n=238 images) were included in this study. Training to construct the DL model using deep convolutional neural network algorithms was provided using ultrawide-field fundus images. The SVM uses scikit-learn library with a radial basis function kernel. The diagnostic abilities of DL and the SVM were compared by assessing their sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve for CRVO. For diagnosing CRVO, the DL model had a sensitivity of 98.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 94.3–99.8%) and a specificity of 97.9% (95% CI, 94.6–99.1%) with an AUC of 0.989 (95% CI, 0.980–0.999). In contrast, the SVM model had a sensitivity of 84.0% (95% CI, 76.3–89.3%) and a specificity of 87.5% (95% CI, 82.7–91.1%) with an AUC of 0.895 (95% CI, 0.859–0.931). Thus, the DL model outperformed the SVM model in all indices assessed (P<0.001 for all). Our data suggest that a DL model derived using ultrawide-field fundus images could distinguish between normal and CRVO images with a high level of accuracy and that automatic CRVO detection in ultrawide-field fundus ophthalmoscopy is possible. This proposed DL-based model can also be used in ultrawide-field fundus ophthalmoscopy to accurately diagnose CRVO and improve medical care in remote locations where it is difficult for patients to attend an ophthalmic medical center.
Fuzzy Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Models
Authors: Sepúlveda Carlos , Montiel Oscar , Cornejo Bravo José M. , Sepúlveda Roberto
Published: November 2018

Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models allow researchers to predict and analyze drug behavior in a population of individuals and to quantify the different sources of variability among these individuals. In the development of PopPK models, the most frequently used method is the nonlinear mixed effect model (NLME). However, once the PopPK model has been developed, it is necessary to determine if the selected model is the best one of the developed models during the population pharmacokinetic study, and this sometimes becomes a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, and frequently, researchers use statistical evaluation criteria to choose the final PopPK model. The used evaluation criteria mentioned above entail big problems since the selection of the best model becomes susceptible to the human error mainly by misinterpretation of the results. To solve the previous problems, we introduce the development of a software robot that can automate the task of selecting the best PopPK model considering the knowledge of human expertise. The software robot is a fuzzy expert system that provides a method to systematically perform evaluations on a set of candidate PopPK models of commonly used statistical criteria. The presented results strengthen our hypothesis that the software robot can be successfully used to evaluate PopPK models ensuring the selection of the best PopPK model.
Optimization of Heterogeneous Container Loading Problem with Adaptive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xiang Xianbo , Yu Caoyang , Xu He , Zhu Stuart X.
Published: November 2018

This paper studies an optimized container loading problem with the goal of maximizing the 3D space utilization. Based on the characteristics of the mathematical loading model, we develop a dedicated placement heuristic integrated with a novel dynamic space division method, which enables the design of the adaptive genetic algorithm in order to maximize the loading space utilization. We use both weakly and strongly heterogeneous loading data to test the proposed algorithm. By choosing 15 classic sets of test data given by Loh and Nee as weakly heterogeneous data, the average space utilization of our algorithm reaching 70.62% outperforms those of 13 algorithms from the related literature. Taking a set of test data given by George and Robinson as strongly heterogeneous data, the space utilization in this paper can be improved by 4.42% in comparison with their heuristic algorithm.
Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Long-Term Changes in the Upper Intestinal Microflora during the Chronic Stage of Infection
Authors: Prandovszky Emese , Li Ye , Sabunciyan Sarven , Steinfeldt Curtis B. , Avalos Lauro Nathaniel , Gressitt Kristin L. , White James R. , Severance Emily G. , Pletnikov Mikhail V. , Xiao Jianchun , Yolken Robert H.
Published: November 2018

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. Felines are the definitive hosts supporting the complete life cycle ofT. gondii.However, other warm-blooded animals such as rodents and humans can also be infected. Infection of such secondary hosts results in long-term infection characterized by the presence of tissue cysts in the brain and other organs. While it is known thatT. gondiiinfection in rodents is associated with behavioral changes, the mechanisms behind these changes remain unclear. Alterations of the host intestinal microflora are recognized as a prominent role player in shaping host behavior and cognition. It has been shown that acuteT. gondiiinfection of mice results in microflora changes as a result of gastrointestinal inflammation in inbred mouse models. The long-term effects of chronicT. gondiiinfection on microbial communities, however, are unknown. In this study, after we verified using our model in terms of measuring microflora changes during an acute episode of toxoplasmosis, we assessed the microbiome changes that occur during a long-term infection; then we further investigated these changes in a follow-up study of chronic infection. These analyses were performed by constructing and sequencing 16S rRNA amplicon DNA libraries from small intestine fecal specimens. We found that acute infection with the GT1 strain ofT. gondiicaused an enrichment of Bacteroidetes compared with controls in CD1 mice. Strikingly, this enrichment upheld throughout long-term chronic infection. The potential biological consequences of this alteration in rodents and humans should be subjected to further exploration.
Study on Quantitative Phase Imaging by Dual-Wavelength Digital Holography Microscopy
Authors: Hu Lin , Shui Yunxiu , Dai Yaohui , Wu Haiyu , Zhu Gang , Yang Yan
Published: November 2018

A dual-wavelength digital holographic microscopy with premagnification is proposed to obtain the object surface measurements over the large gradient. The quantitative phase images of specimens are captured in high precision by the processing of filtering and phase compensation. The phase images are acquired without phase unwrapping, which is necessary in traditional digital holographic microscopy; thereby the proposed system can greatly increase the speed of reconstruction. The results of numerical simulation and optical experiments demonstrated that the reconstructed speed increased by 37.9 times, and the relative error of measurement is 4% compared with the traditional holographic microscopy system. It means that the proposed system can directly acquire the higher quality quantitative phase distribution for specimens.