bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence Based Education e didattica efficace: come integrare conoscenze metodologiche e tecnologiche nella formazione degli insegnanti
Authors: Marzano Antonio , Calvani Antonio
Published: December 2020

The health emergency caused by Covid-19 offers new opportunities to implement possible changes in schools to improve learning-teaching processes beyond the current situation. One of the most significant space concerns the possibility to rethink teacher training by integrating organically methodological and technological dimensions. Traditionally these dimensions have been treated as separated. In this paper the authors intend to bridge this gap by making use of the recent acquisitions of educational research, confirmed in the Evidence Based Education perspective. This research allows identifying fundamental principles of effective teaching working in the physical classroom as well as in the virtual one. In this context, the theory of cognitive load provides a useful connection for a valid didactic approach. The question the authors want to answer is the following: to integrate methodological and technological knowledge and skills adequately, how can a training course for teachers be organized and implemented? If on the one hand, the fundamental principles of effective teaching are the same, on the other the different implications in terms of risks and opportunities offered by the different communicative settings must be considered. Therefore it is necessary to look for a solution that highlights the common fundamental principles as well as the the specific criticalities and the potentialities that arise in the transition from teaching in the physical classroom to teaching in the virtual one.
The Effect of Scaffolding on Assignment Quality and Procedural Learning Achievement
Authors: Midun Hendrikus , Bule Oswaldus , Rorimpandey Widdy
Published: December 2020

Some problems experienced by millennial students when they learn by online include learning control, learning disorientation, and cognitive load. This study aims to examine the effect of scaffolding use on assignment quality and procedural cognitive learning achievement in the implementation of inverted or flipped (IF) classroom strategies. This study involved students of the pre-service study program of Indonesian Catholic University of Ruteng. The total research subjects were 78 students. They were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group is assisted by scaffolding, while the control group without scaffolding. The study design used a pretest-posttest experimental control group design and data collection using questionnaires and tests. Data analysis using multivariate analysis (MANOVA). The results showed that the use of scaffolding increased the effectiveness of implementing IF classroom strategies on student assignment quality and procedural learning achievement. The implications of the research for future study and learning practices can be explained.
Sobre a relação entre os níveis de lógica doutrinária nos Prolegômenos à lógica pura de E. Husserl
Authors: Ibiapina Machado Ícaro Miguel
Published: December 2020

Focusing on the introductory volume of Logical Investigations, by E. Husserl (Prolegomena to Pure Logic), the present paper aims to clarify the interactions between his conceptions of Logic as a discipline. This task was performed, mainly, by exposing their respective positions before the layers of Science, also extracted from the work. In this sense, it has been found that each of these disciplines relates to a specific part of Science. Thus (simply) Normative Logic has its sentences directed to Knowledge, understood in a subjective and ideal way. Pratical Logic turns to research methods, thus regulating human scientific activities. However, what is most significant for all these disciplines is that they do so in a general way, comprehending globally their corresponding areas of science. Hereupon, it is found, starting from the notion that knowledge is subjectivation of objectivity, that these disciplines are subordinated to the Pure Logic, which, in turn, have formal laws directed, in the most general way, towards all the objectivity of science. In this sense, the main contribution brought by the research is the idea of a hierarchical flow throughout each doctrine, which emanates from Pure Logic until it reaches, by way of Normative Logic, Technological Logic.
Amartia Sen, crítico da teoria da justiça rawsliana
Authors: Feitosa Enoque
Published: December 2020

The present paper focuses on Amartia Sen and an aspect of his reflection on the Rawslian theory of justice, especially about the justification of substantive and social rights and more particularly those that demand the discussion about the character and nature of the right to private appropriation of social effort. Thus, tehe focuse is understand an aspect of Amartia Sen's reflection exposed in the 3rd chapter of 'Development as freedom', in which Sen contrast the formulation of Rawls' theory of justice, regarding the priority that the author grants the formal element of freedom to the detriment of its materialization and concretization. In the name of those emerges a clear theoretical (and practical) conflict with the demands for the realization of certain rights, resulting in a dichotomy between liberties (as formal, procedural or negative freedoms) vis-a-vis the liberal-individualist tradition and within which they are opposed freedoms (understood in the context of the debate put there as concrete, material or substantive freedoms). So, we have an antinomy will be confronted with the Hart’s 'Essays in Jurisprudence and philosophy', in the sense of pointing out that a problem with Rawls' formulation is that he does not understand it necessary to reconcile the admission of private property as freedom with the general principle of maximum ‘equal freedom’. So want to ask is whether the model proposed by Sen tackles this issue better and more adequately, which implies a hypothetical framework by which, by establishing a small number of basic freedoms, the Rawslian formulation does nothing more than treat property rights as mere formal guarantee of those who have it and to the detriment of all other components of the social body. It is, therefore, as to the method, of research centered on bibliographic review.
Self-similarity transformation and two-dimensional rogue wave construction of non-autonomous Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation
Authors: Zhang Jie-Fang , Jin Mei-Zhen , Hu Wen-Cheng ,   Institute of Intelligent Media Technology, Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310018, China,   Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Film and Television Media Technology, Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310018, China,   Network Data Center, Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310018, China,   College of Science, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China
Published: December 2020

Rogue wave is a kind of natural phenomenon that is fascinating, rare, and extreme. It has become a frontier of academic research. The rogue wave is considered as a spatiotemporal local rational function solution of nonlinear wave model. There are still very few (2 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear wave models which have rogue wave solutions, in comparison with soliton and Lump waves that are found in almost all (2 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear wave models and can be solved by different methods, such as inverse scattering method, Hirota bilinear method, Darboux transform method, Riemann-Hilbert method, and homoclinic test method. The structure and evolution characteristics of the obtained (2 + 1)-dimensional rogue waves are quite different from the prototypes of the (1 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Therefore, it is of great value to study two-dimensional rogue waves.

In this paper, the non-autonomous Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation is first converted into the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation with the aid of a similar transformation, then two-dimensional rogue wave solutions represented by the rational functions of the non-autonomous Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation are constructed based on the Lump solution of the first kind of Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, and their evolutionary characteristics are illustrated by images through appropriately selecting the variable parameters and the dynamic stability of two-dimensional single rogue waves is numerically simulated by the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The obtained two-dimensional rogue waves, which are localized in both space and time, can be viewed as a two-dimensional analogue to the Peregrine soliton and thus are a natural candidate for describing the rogue wave phenomena. The method presented here provides enlightenment for searching for rogue wave excitation of (2 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear wave models.

We show that two-dimensional rogue waves are localized in both space and time which arise from the zero background and then disappear into the zero background again. These rogue-wave solutions to the non-autonomous Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation generalize the rogue waves of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation into two spatial dimensions, and they could play a role in physically understanding the rogue water waves in the ocean.
Synthesis and pressure study of bubbles in hexagonal boron nitride interlayer
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Xin , Chen Ling-Xiu , Wang Hui-Shan , Wang Xiu-Jun , Chen Chen , Wang Hao-Min , Xie Xiao-Ming ,   School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200031, China,   State Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Informatics, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China,   College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   CAS Center for Excellence in Superconducting Electronics (CENSE), Shanghai 200050, China
Published: December 2020

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is considered as an ideal substrate material for new electronic devices and nano-electromechanical (NEMS) devices, owing to its hexagonal network lattice structure and high chemical and mechanical stability. It can be used to seal gas with a long-term stability, and then has a big potential in further applications in electronics and NEMS. Recently, researchers have discovered that hydrogen atoms can penetrate multiple layers of h-BN non-destructively, forming the bubbles between layers, which can be used as NEMS devices. In this article, we investigate the effect of hydrogen plasma treatment duration on the size of h-BN bubbles. It is found that the size of bubbles becomes larger with the increase of treatment time while their distribution density decreases. It is also observed that the prepared h-BN bubbles have similar morphological characteristics, which are related to Young’s modulus of h-BN and interlayer van der Waals interaction. With the help of force-displacement curve measurement, it is obtained that the internal pressure is about 1—2 MPa for micro-sized bubbles, while the internal pressure of nano-sized bubbles can reach a value of GPa.
Terahertz measurement based on Rydberg atomic antenna
Authors: Chen Zhi-Wen , She Zhen-Yue , Liao Kai-Yu , Huang Wei , Yan Hui , Zhu Shi-Liang ,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Published: December 2020

Rydberg atoms have large electric dipole moments in the microwave and terahertz frequency band. The detection of electromagnetic field intensity in this frequency band can be achieved by using quantum interference effects. Theoretically, this detection method can have a sensitivity much higher than the traditional detection methods. Therefore, electromagnetic field detection and precision measurement technology based on Rydberg atomic quantum effects has great application prospects in terahertz field strength and power measurement, terahertz communication and imaging. In this paper, we review the basic theory and experimental methods to realize the self-calibration and traceability measurement of electromagnetic field based on Rydberg atomic quantum effects. The principle and technical scheme of high-sensitivity terahertz field strength measurement, terahertz near-field high-speed imaging and terahertz digital communication based on Rydberg atom are introduced in detail. Finally, the processing terahertz detection work based on Rydberg atom by our research team is also mentioned briefly.
Design of a Super Compact UWB Filter Based on Hybrid Technique with a Notch Band Using Open Circuited Stubs
Authors: El Omari El Bakali H. , Elftouh H. , Farkhsi A. , Zakriti A. , El Ouahabi M.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a new design of a super compact Ultra wideband (UWB) band-pass filter (BPF) with rejection of X-band satellite applications. For covering the UWB bandpass, the proposed filter is realized using hybrid technique which is achieved by using a Microstrip-Coplanar waveguide-Microstrip transition. The basic structure consists of a modified microstrip in the top layer and CPW in the bottom layer. Later, open-circuited stubs are embedded in the top to implement in-band transmission zeros (TZ) so as to circumvent interference. The simulated results show that the UWB bandpass filter has a high adaptation (S11 ≤ −18 dB) and insertion loss better than 0.4 dB at the passband. The impedance bandwidths are about 114% (3–11 GHz) with upper stopband extends to more than 14 GHz with a depth of greater than 38 dB. In addition, the UWB BPF shows a flat group delay performance with a variation of about 0.15 ns over the entire bandwidth. A prototype of the filter is fabricated and tested. Good agreement is achieved between measurement and simulation. The proposed UWB BPF is compact in size with overall dimensions of 14 by 9.2 mm2. Consequently, the obtained results prove that the presented filter is suitable for UWB wireless devices.
WeChat-based mHealth intention and preferences among people living with schizophrenia
Authors: Xiao Shuiyuan , Li Tongxin , Zhou Wei , Shen Minxue , Yu Yu
Published: December 2020

Background

The past few decades have seen a rapid expansion of mHealth programs among people with serious mental illness, yet mHealth for schizophrenia is in a much earlier stage of development. This study examined the intention of WeChat-based mHealth programs among people living with schizophrenia (PLS) and evaluated correlates of the intention.

Methods

A total of 400 PLS aged 18–77 completed a cross-sectional survey by face-to-face interviews. The survey included a general question asking about participants’ willingness to attend WeChat-based mHealth programs, followed by preferences of three specific WeChat-based programs: psychoeducation, peer support, and professional support. PLS symptoms, functioning and disability were measured using the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine correlates of program participation intention.

Results

Over forty percent (43%,n = 172) of participants were willing to participate in WeChat-based mHealth programs, among whom preferences for each specific program were shown in descending order: psychoeducation (68.60%), professional support (60.47%), and peer support (52.33%). A multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (OR: 0.13–0.20, 95% CI [0.05–0.43]), higher education (OR: 3.48–6.84, 95% CI [1.69–18.21]), and lower disability (OR: 0.97, 95% CI [0.94–0.99]) were all independently associated with WeChat-based mHealth program participation intention.

Conclusion

The findings provide guidance for further development of WeChat-based mHealth programs among PLS in China, and targeted at those who are younger, well-educated and with lower disability.
An Optimal Irrigation Scheduling for Drip Irrigated Onion in A- Semi-Arid Region Using the Computer Program CROPWAT 8.0
Authors: Krishna P. R. Anjitha , Babu B. Maheshwara , Dandekar A. T. , Rajkumar R. H. , Ramesh G. , Balanagoudar S. R.
Published: December 2020

Efficient utilization of available water resources requires appropriate management strategies considering the changing environmental conditions. The present study used a widely adopted crop water requirement estimation model-CROPWAT 8.0 for estimation and scheduling of irrigation requirement for onion crop grown under Vertisol in the Rabi season in the semi-arid region of Raichur district. The soil moisture at the root zone was not allowed to fall below 50% depletion. The irrigation events brought the soil moisture back to the field capacity level. The total water requirement for the 1st and 2nd seasons was 428.77 mm and 399.98 mm respectively at 90% irrigation efficiency. CROPWAT based two days irrigation scheduling scenario was found to be appropriate to maintain optimal soil moisture range within the crop root zone at different crop stages.
Prospective Aspects of Regeneration in Orthopaedics: A Review
Authors: Lakhani Amit , Sharma Ena
Published: December 2020

Musculoskeletal diseases affect millions of people worldwide and are one of the leading causes of long-term pain and physical disability. Traditional treatment methods for promoting healing and repair has always been consider gold standard, But the emergence of new therapeutic approaches aims to regenerate or repair musculoskeletal tissue. The recognition of a regenerative therapy in orthopaedics requires the demonstration of new Bone, Cartilage, ligament, tendons, healing of soft tissues injuries and Overuse conditions like plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow . Regenerative therapy boosts the body’s ability to use its repair systems to heal diseased or damaged cells after a severe injury, or other degenerative condition. A diversity of regenerative strategies have been evaluated, including distraction osteogenesis, bone grafts and bone substitute materials, bone matrix proteins, growth/differentiation factors, combined therapies and, more recently, tissue‐engineering approaches. This review aims to evaluate the current status of the therapies available and to discuss the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve predictable orthopaedic  regeneration in clinical practice.
Effect of latitude on maize kernel weight and grain yield across China
Authors: Baloch Nazia , Liu Wanmao , Hou Peng , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Liu Yuee , Li Shaokun
Published: December 2020

Latitude influences maize kernel weight (KW) and grain yield by variation in climatic conditions such as temperature and solar radiation. In this study, the major aim is to examine the spatial variation in 1,000‐KW and grain yield of the same maize hybrids and to further understand the differences in the response of 1,000‐KW and maize grain yield to climatic factors under a wide range of latitude. For this purpose, we conducted field experiments at 17 different locations in the North maize region (NM) and Huanghuaihai maize region (HM) of China between 33°35′ N and 46°48′ N latitude from 2013 to 2016. The extensively used five maize hybrids (Xianyu 335, Zhengdan 958, Denghai 11, Nonghua 101, and Zhongdan 909) in China were chosen for these experiments. Based on the findings of this study, the maize 1,000‐kernel weight and yield were found to be significantly influenced by the latitude. The maximum average grain yield of five hybrids was observed (12.25 Mg ha–1) at 43°58′ N latitude. Whereas the maximum 1,000‐KW of five hybrids was weighted (362.08 g) at the latitude of 41°48′ N, respectively. Five hybrids showed similar trends with latitudes. Among all the climatic factors, mean minimum temperature (Tm) and accumulated solar radiation (Ra) were mainly responsible for the variations of 1,000‐KW and maize grain yield. Based on the obtained results of this research, it was also found that Xianyu 335 had higher yield potential, especially at high latitude.
Supporting South African High School Teachers' Implementation of a Prevention Program via Abridged Consultation: Outcomes and Moderators
Authors: Motamedi Mojdeh , Caldwell Linda L. , Smith Edward A. , Wegner Lisa , Jacobs Joachim
Published: December 2020

Research is lacking on consultation support for school‐based evidence‐based programs (EBP) intended to prevent youths’ risky behaviors in schools in low‐resourced settings like high schools surrounding Cape Town, South Africa. Thus, this study’s objective was to examine implementation outcomes and moderators of an abridged consultation condition for supporting teachers in better implementing HealthWise, an EBP for preventing youth risky sexual and substance use behaviors. Twenty‐one schools with 33 teachers receiving abridged consultation (i.e., three consultation meetings, text message reminders, lesson plans, and support kits) were compared to 26 schools with 41 teachers that did not receive any consultation. Teachers with abridged consultation self‐reported delivering more HealthWise content. Moderation analyses found teachers with lower educational degrees, who received abridged consultation reported more student interest in HealthWise. When there was higher school‐level risk, teachers who received abridged consultation marginally self‐reported adapting HealthWise more. Findings suggest consultation support that is abridged or a lower dose than is typical can be feasible in such a low‐resourced, overburdened setting while still being associated with EBP coverage, student interest, and adaptation. However, moderation findings suggest contextual factors should be considered to match teachers/schools to the implementation support that best suits them.
Clinical relevance of brain atrophy subtypes categorization in memory clinics
Authors: Planche Vincent , Bouteloup Vincent , Mangin Jean‐François , Dubois Bruno , Delrieu Julien , Pasquier Florence , Blanc Frédéric , Paquet Claire , Hanon Olivier , Gabelle Audrey , Ceccaldi Matthieu , Annweiler Cédric , Krolak‐Salmon Pierre , Habert Marie‐Odile , Fischer Clara , Chupin Marie , Béjot Yannick , Godefroy Olivier , Wallon David , Sauvée Mathilde , Bourdel‐Marchasson Isabelle , Jalenques Isabelle , Tison François , Chêne Geneviève , Dufouil Carole ,   and the MEMENTO Study group.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The clinical relevance of brain atrophy subtypes categorization in non‐demented persons without a priori knowledge regarding their amyloid status or clinical presentation is unknown.

Methods

A total of 2083 outpatients with either subjective cognitive complaint or mild cognitive impairment at study entry were followed during 4 years (MEMENTO cohort). Atrophy subtypes were defined using baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and previously described algorithms.

Results

Typical/diffuse atrophy was associated with faster cognitive decline and the highest risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) over time, both in the whole analytic sample and in amyloid‐positive participants. Hippocampal‐sparing and limbic‐predominant atrophy were also associated with incident dementia, with faster cognitive decline in the limbic predominant atrophy group. Lewy body dementia was more frequent in the hippocampal‐sparing and minimal/no atrophy groups.

Discussion

Atrophy subtypes categorization predicted different subsequent patterns of cognitive decline and rates of conversion to distinct etiologies of dementia in persons attending memory clinics.
A case report of late‐onset atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome during interferon beta in multiple sclerosis: Open issues in literature review
Authors: Parisi Mosè , Manni Alessia , Caputo Francesca , Trojano Maria , Paolicelli Damiano
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

Interferon beta (IFNβ) is a well‐established first‐line therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and remains the most widely prescribed agent. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) represents a rare but severe adverse effect (AE) that could occur even after many years from the beginning of IFNβ therapy. Eculizumab is currently approved for treatment of aHUS and recently for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with aquaporin‐4 antibodies (AQP4‐IgG). In this article, we report the case of the latest onset of IFNβ‐related aHUS experienced by an MS patient and we briefly review the literature on this topic.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, and we performed a retrospective analysis of RRMS patients that received IFNβ‐1a in our center and developed thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). From this search, we identified only one patient.

Results

In the published literature, we identified 24 MS patients who received IFNβ as disease‐modifying treatment (DMT) and then developed thrombotic microangiopathy with kidney injury. The aHUS has been diagnosed in 6, all received IFNβ‐1a and the latest onset was after 15 years. We report a case of a 39‐year‐old man affected by RRMS who assumed IFNβ‐1a since 1999. In July 2018, he developed an IFNβ‐related aHUS. After the failure of plasma exchange, he underwent eculizumab, with an improvement of glomerular filtration rate and without new signs of MS activity.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this case represents the latest onset of IFNβ‐related aHUS in MS patients. Up to now, there are not literary reports about the possibility to reintroduce a DMT as add‐on therapy to eculizumab.
Proteomic analysis of radio‐resistant breast cancer xenografts: Increased TGF‐β signaling and metabolism
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Pandey Vipul K. , Shankar Bhavani S.
Published: December 2020

Our previous studies have shown that MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line exposed to 6 Gy and allowed to recover for 7 days (D7‐6G) developed radio‐resistance. In this study, we have tested the ability of these cells to form tumors in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and characterized these tumors by proteomic analyses. Untreated (MCF‐C) and D7‐6G cells (MCF‐R) were injected s.c. in SCID mice and tumor growth monitored. On Day 18, the mice were killed and tumor tissues were fixed in formalin or RNA later. Expression of genes was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and proteins by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay/antibody labeling and flow cytometry. Label free proteomic analyses was carried out by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Metabolic analysis was carried out using Seahorse analyzer. MCF‐R cells had a shorter latency and formed larger tumors. These tumors were characterized by an increased expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) isoforms; its downstream genes pSMAD3, Snail‐1, Zeb‐1, HMGA2; hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype; migration, enrichment of cancer stem cells and radioresistance following challenge dose of radiation. Proteomic analysis of MCF‐7R tumors resulted in identification of a total of 649 differentially expressed proteins and pathway analyses using protein annotation through evolutionary relationship indicated enrichment of genes involved in metabolism. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022506. Seahorse analyzer confirmed increased metabolism in these cells with increased oxidative phosphorylation as well as glycolysis. Increased uptake of 2‐NBDG further confirmed increased glycolysis. In summary, we demonstrate that radioresistant breast cancer cells had an enrichment of TGF‐β signaling and increased metabolism.
Association of premature ventricular complexes and risk of ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rujirachun Pongprueth , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Phichitnitikorn Prawut , Charoenngam Nipith , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Winijkul Arjbordin
Published: December 2020

Recent studies have suggested that patients with premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, the data are limited and inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between PVCs and the risk of ischemic stroke. A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching for published articles indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception through September 25, 2020, to identify studies that compared the risk of ischemic stroke between patients with PVCs and individuals without PVCs. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method of Dersimonian and Laird. A total of four observational studies (2 prospective and 2 retrospective cohort studies) with 42 677 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. We found that patients with PVCs have a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke than individuals without PVCs with the pooled RR of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.07–1.60, I2 = 43%). From our systematic review and meta‐analysis, we found that PVCs are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Whether this association is causal and how it should be addressed in clinical practice require further investigations.
Relationship between oral function and life‐space mobility or social networks in community‐dwelling older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Morishita Motoyoshi , Ikeda Taeka , Saito Natsue , Sanou Mihoko , Yasuda Mayumi , Takao Shigeko
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between oral function and life‐space mobility or social networks in order to explore approaches that prevent a decline in oral function.

Materials and methods

A total of 113 community‐dwelling older people (mean age; 75.7 ± 7.3 years) who participated in preventive long‐term care projects aimed at the maintenance or improvement of physical and mental functions were included in this study. The life‐space assessment (LSA) was used to evaluate life‐space mobility, while the Lubben Social Network Scale‐6 (LSNS‐6) was employed to assess social networks. Oral function was measured by maximum voluntary tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis, the repetitive saliva swallowing test, and lip pressure. Indices of frailty were grip strength and the Kihon Checklist score. Multiple regression analysis was performed to clarify whether the LSA, LSNS‐6, and frailty are associated with oral function.

Results

The results of the Kihon Checklist showed that 63 participants (56%) were subjectively and at least slightly aware of a decline in oral function. LSA (B = 0.222, p < .001) and grip strength (B = 0.266, p = .003) associated with maximum voluntary tongue pressure. The goodness of fit of the predictive model was an adjusted R2 value of .486. Other oral functions were not associated with any factors and the goodness of fit of the model was poor (Adjusted R2 < .1). LSNS‐6 was not associated with any oral function.

Conclusions

Life‐space mobility and grip strength were independent factors associating maximum voluntary tongue pressure, while social networks did not directly association oral function. This study suggests the necessity of a program that approaches both oral and physical functions through guidance for securing a certain amount of daily activity for older people at risk of or exhibiting a decline in maximum voluntary tongue pressure.
Does green public procurement encourage firm's environmental certification practice? The mediation role of top management support
Authors: Ma Yanlin , Liu Yuting , Appolloni Andrea , Liu Junqi
Published: December 2020

The environmental certification acts as a sustainable practice for firms to improve their competitive advantage and its motivation has been widely discussed. However, existing researches ignore the important market driving force of green public procurement (GPP) as a policy tool. To fill this gap, this study, focusing on manufacturing firms in China and three typical environmental certifications, explores the relationship between GPP market pressure and firm's environmental certification practice based on institutional theory. Additionally, from a strategic perspective of green human resource management, this study unveils the influence mechanism of top management support in this relationship by using upper echelons theory. According to the empirical results, we find that GPP market pressure is positively associated with environmental certification practice, and top management support partially mediates this relationship. This study provides new insights into the explanation of firm's environmental certification practice, and provides practical implications for firm managers and government administrator.
Software‐defined networking security for private data center networks and clouds: Vulnerabilities, attacks, countermeasures, and solutions
Authors: Abdelrahman Abdallah Mustafa , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Mahmoud Mukhtar M. E. , Saleem Kashif , Das Ashok Kumar , Korotaev Valery , Kozlov Sergei A.
Published: December 2020

Software‐defined networking (SDN) is an agile, modern networking approach that facilitates innovations in the networking paradigm. The abstracted and centralized network operating system facilitates the network management and reduces operational expenditure (OPEX). The open nature and simplicity of the data‐forwarding plane dramatically reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) by leveraging commodity servers and switches. SDN also lends itself very well to address major cloud computing issues and complement cloud services, especially in terms of network virtualization and networking as a service (NaaS). As a new technology, SDN does involve certain security challenges, which include distributed denial of service (DDoS) threats, build and run time injected malware, insider (tenant) attacks, and security holes resulting from controller misconfigurations. These are severe threats that can cripple an entire network. It is crucial to address the SDN vulnerabilities to ensure its successful deployment in private data center networks, on cloud platforms and beyond. Some security solutions leverage the built‐in features of SDN, such as its controller software component, while other solutions provide external SDN applications running above the controller. This study reviews the security solutions for the vulnerabilities of state‐of‐the‐art SDN controllers and the available countermeasures. Furthermore, an in‐depth analysis of the SDN features that support security is presented, and some unresolved research issues on SDN controllers are identified.
Impacts of multiple anthropogenic stressors on stream macroinvertebrate community composition and functional diversity
Authors: Juvigny‐Khenafou Noel P. D. , Piggott Jeremy J. , Atkinson David , Zhang Yixin , Macaulay Samuel J. , Wu Naicheng , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: December 2020

Ensuring the provision of essential ecosystem services in systems affected by multiple stressors is a key challenge for theoretical and applied ecology. Trait‐based approaches have increasingly been used in multiple‐stressor research in freshwaters because they potentially provide a powerful method to explore the mechanisms underlying changes in populations and communities. Individual benthic macroinvertebrate traits associated with mobility, life history, morphology, and feeding habits are often used to determine how environmental drivers structure stream communities. However, to date multiple‐stressor research on stream invertebrates has focused more on taxonomic than on functional metrics. We conducted a fully crossed, 4‐factor experiment in 64 stream mesocosms fed by a pristine montane stream (21 days of colonization, 21 days of manipulations) and investigated the effects of nutrient enrichment, flow velocity reduction and sedimentation on invertebrate community, taxon, functional diversity and trait variables after 2 and 3 weeks of stressor exposure. 89% of the community structure metrics, 59% of the common taxa, 50% of functional diversity metrics, and 79% of functional traits responded to at least one stressor each. Deposited fine sediment and flow velocity reduction had the strongest impacts, affecting invertebrate abundances and diversity, and their effects translated into a reduction of functional redundancy. Stressor effects often varied between sampling occasions, further complicating the prediction of multiple‐stressor effects on communities. Overall, our study suggests that future research combining community, trait, and functional diversity assessments can improve our understanding of multiple‐stressor effects and their interactions in running waters.
A full‐scale study of Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor for channels vegetated by riparian species
Authors: Nicosia Alessio , Bischetti Gian Battista , Chiaradia Enrico , Gandolfi Claudio , Ferro Vito
Published: December 2020

In this article, an open channel flow resistance equation, deduced applying dimensional analysis and incomplete self‐similarity condition for the flow velocity distribution, was tested using measurements carried out in a full‐scale channel equipped with three types of riparian plants (Salix alba L., Salix caprea L. and Alnus glutinosa L.). In the experimental channel, having banks lined with boulders, the vegetation branches were anchored in a concrete bottom. For each species, the measurements were carried out with plants having different amounts of leaves, different plant density and plant area index. The relationship between the scale factor Γ of the velocity profile and the Froude number was separately calibrated by measurements carried out without and with vegetation. The component of Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor corresponding to the riparian vegetation fv was calculated as the difference between the measured friction factor value (channel grain roughness + vegetation) and that calculated for the channel without vegetation in the same hydraulic conditions. Using these fv values, the relationship between the scale factor Γ and the Froude number was calibrated. In this last relationship, a scaling coefficient a varying with the investigated vegetation type was introduced. This coefficient, as expected, gives the highest friction factor values for vegetation having branches with leaves. The theoretical flow resistance law, coupled with the relationship for estimating the Γ function having a scaling coefficient different for each investigated vegetation type, allowed an accurate estimate of the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor (errors less than or equal to 20% for 82.6% of the investigated cases). Finally, for the investigated vegetation species that are characterized by a condition with few leaves or leafless, the scaling coefficient a resulted strongly related to the bending stiffness. This analysis demonstrated that the highest Darcy‐Weisbach friction factors correspond to vegetation species characterized by the highest values of bending stiffness. The friction factor values calculated for this last condition are characterized by errors that were less than or equal to ±20% for 90.6% of cases.
A field, laboratory, and literature review evaluation of the water retention curve of volcanic ash soils: How well do standard laboratory methods reflect field conditions?
Authors: Mosquera Giovanny M. , Franklin Marín , Jan Feyen , Rolando Célleri , Lutz Breuer , David Windhorst , Patricio Crespo
Published: December 2020

Accurate determination of the water retention curve (WRC) of a soil is essential for the understanding and modelling of the subsurface hydrological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes. Volcanic ash soils with andic properties (Andosols) are recognized as important providers of ecological and hydrological services in mountainous regions worldwide due to their large fraction of small size particles (clay, silt, and organic matter) that gives them an outstanding water holding capacity. Previous comparative analyses of in situ (field) and standard laboratory methods for the determination of the WRC of Andosols showed contrasting results. Based on an extensive analysis of laboratory, experimental, and field measured WRCs of Andosols in combination with data extracted from the published literature we show that standard laboratory methods using small soil sample volumes (≤300 cm3) mimic the WRC of these soils only partially. The results obtained by the latter resemble only a small portion of the wet range of the Andosols' WRC (from saturation up to −5 kPa, or pF 1.7), but overestimate substantially their water content for higher matric potentials. This discrepancy occurs irrespective of site‐specific land use and cover, soil properties, and applied method. The disagreement limits our capacity to infer correctly subsurface hydrological behaviour, as illustrated through the analysis of long‐term soil moisture and matric potential data from an experimental site in the tropical Andes. These findings imply that results reported in past research should be used with caution and that future research should focus on determining laboratory methods that allow obtaining a correct characterization of the WRC of Andosols. For the latter, a set of recommendations and future directions to solve the identified methodological issues is proposed.
The triple (T3) dimension of systemic risk: Identifying systemically important banks
Authors: Foglia Matteo , Angelini Eliana
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a new systemic risk measure based on a multi‐way analysis. The systemic risk is composed of two different components: the time and the cross‐dimension. The first refers to the accumulation of banking risk and its interaction with the business cycle, while the second concern, the high‐level concentration of the specific risk on relevant financial institutions. Thanks to the three‐way analysis, we can, on the one hand, estimate a new measure of systemic risk based on these both components, and, on the other hand, we can transparently identify the SIBs (systemically important banks). To this end, we have empirically evaluated and compared the marginal expected shortfall (MES), the SRISK measure and the conditional value at risk (CoVaR) based on a representative sample of Eurozone institutions listed on the stock exchange for the period from June 2005 to May 2018. Our results show how these systemic risk measures produce different systemic risk classifications for the same bank. The findings, therefore, highlight the fragility and structural dependence of these measures, which may not be used for the estimation of a stable rank. Applying three‐way factorial analysis, we show how our measure gives a more stable score. Moreover, our index is the first one to be composed of both the cross‐section and the temporal components, essential elements for a proper assessment of systemic risk.
Detection and diagnosis of brain tumors using deep learning convolutional neural networks
Authors: Gurunathan Akila , Krishnan Batri
Published: December 2020

The detection of brain tumors in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image is an important process for preventing earlier death. This article proposes an automated computer aided method for detecting and locating the brain tumors in brain MRI images using deep learning algorithms. The proposed method has three sub modules as preprocessing, classifications and segmentation. In this article, data augmentation is used as preprocessing method. The preprocessed brain MRI images are classified into either tumor case or nontumor case using classification approach. In this brain tumor detection and segmentation process, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) classification architecture is used for classifying the brain images. The morphological based segmentation methodology is used in this article for segmenting the tumor regions in classified brain images. Further, the segmented tumor regions are diagnosed into “Mild” and “Severe” case using CNN architecture. The proposed methodology is applied on the brain images from open access dataset. The performance of the proposed system is analyzed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and precision, F‐score, Disc similarity index and tumor region segmentation accuracy on set of brain images. The simulation results of this proposed framework are verified by expert radiologist.
Parent‐implemented brief functional analysis and treatment with coaching via telehealth
Authors: Gerow Stephanie , Radhakrishnan Supriya , Davis Tonya N. , Zambrano Jacqueline , Avery Suzannah , Cosottile David W. , Exline Emily
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the use of parent‐implemented brief functional analyses in the home with coaching delivered via telehealth. Parents of 7 children with autism conducted functional analyses of their child's challenging behavior. For 4 participants, the brief functional analysis provided information regarding the function of the child's challenging behavior. A full functional analysis indicated a social function for 1 participant. The brief functional analysis yielded false positive results and subsequent assessment indicated an automatic function for another participant. The final participant did not engage in sufficient rates of challenging behavior to provide information regarding the function of the child's challenging behavior. Treatment evaluations occurred with 4 participants; these evaluations provided support for the results of the functional analysis. Together with previous research, the results indicate that parent‐implemented brief functional analyses, followed by additional assessment as needed, may be an effective method for assessing and treating challenging behavior via telehealth.
Repurposing aromaticity for organic electronics: Making, breaking, and stacking π‐circuits
Authors: Tovar John D.
Published: December 2020

This article summarizes a series of lectures I presented in Taiwan as a visiting lecturer sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Development of risk prediction models for lung cancer based on tumor markers and radiological signs
Authors: Tu Yuqin , Wu Yan , Lu Yunfeng , Bi Xiaoyun , Chen Te
Published: December 2020

Background

Accurate prediction of malignancy risk for pulmonary lesions with pleural effusion improves early diagnosis of lung cancer. This study aimed to develop and validate a model to predict lung cancer.

Methods

Clinical data of 536 patients with pulmonary diseases were collected. The risk factors were identified by regression analysis. Three prediction models were developed. The predictive performances of the models were measured by the area under the curves (AUCs) and calibrated with 1000 bootstrap samples to minimize the over‐fitting bias. The net benefits of the models were evaluated by decision curve analysis. Finally, a separate cohort of 134 patients was used to validate the models externally.

Results

Seven independent risk factors were identified from 18 clinical variables, which included the pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), serum cytokeratin‐19 fragment (CYFRA 21‐1), the ratio of CEA in the pleural fluid to serum, extrathoracic cancer history (>5 years), tumor size, vessel convergence, and lobulation. The AUCs of the three models were 0.976, 0.927, and 0.944 in the training set and 0.930, 0.845, and 0.944 in the external set, respectively. The accuracies of the three models were 89.6%, 81.4%, and 88.8%. Model 1 showed the best iteration fit (R2 = 0.84, 0.68, and 0.73) and a higher net benefit on decision curve analysis when compared to the other two models.

Conclusion

The advantageous model could assess the risk of lung cancer in patients with pleural effusion and act as a useful tool for early identification of lung cancer.