bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ant Community Evolution According to Aging in Brazilian Cocoa Tree Plantations
Authors: Conceição Eltamara Souza da , Della Lucia Terezinha Maria Castro , Costa Neto Antonio De Oliveira , Araújo Érica Dos Santos , Koch Elmo Borges de A. , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: May 2019

Agriculture is frequently held accountable for the depletion of biotic diversity, although a few agroforestry systems support the conservation of a number of organisms. Cocoa farming is noteworthy as an example of an agricultural activity that benefits or maintains species richness. However, the mechanism by which the biodiversity persists throughout the entire process of plant development remains obscure. In Southeastern Bahia, Brazil, cacao tree plantations support the conservation of a large amount of organisms native to the Atlantic Forest, between them the ants. This study aims at recording the relationship between cocoa tree development and ant community structure. The experiment was carried out in a series of six cocoa tree plantations aged one, three, four, eight, fifteen and 33 years, distributed across the experimental grounds of the Cocoa Research Center at Ilhéus. 1,500 ant samples were collected using the sampling techniques: hand collection, honey and sardine baits, entomological blanket and “pitfall”. Highest values for diversity and richness were reported in the 15-years-old cocoa plantation. No significant correlations between diversity, richness or plant age were reported. Considering the faunistic composition, a statistical similarity was observed between the plantations close in age to one another. Plant aging did not exert any influence on the diversity gradient and richness in the succession process of the ant community. In young plantations, there are low differences between the ants found on the ground and the ones found on the young cocoa trees. In older plantations, the ant community divides in two distinct assemblages on the ground and on the trees. The variations observed in the ant community along the plant development were likely caused by the structural organization of the dominant species mosaic.
Individual Acclimatization of Apis mellifera L. to the Thermal Homeostasis of the Colony
Authors: Lima Marcos Venâncio , Pascoal Leonardo Augusto Fonseca , Saraiva Edilson Paes , Soares Kilmer Oliveira , Queiroz João Paulo Araújo Fernandes de , Evangelista-Rodrigues Adriana
Published: May 2019

Bees play an important role in maintaining biodiversity by promoting the pollination of numerous plant species. Recent global climate changes are affecting the average air temperature, thereby altering the biological processes of many species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptation of Apis mellifera L. bees to temperature increases and their responses to thermal homeostasis in the colony. Research was performed at the Federal University of Paraíba Laboratory of Bees using three treatments: Control, 33 °C and 40 °C. For the latter two treatments, colonies were kept in a 24 m² climate chamber with an opening at the hive entrance, giving the bees access to the outside environment. The following parameters were evaluated: difference between internal and external hive temperature, thorax surface temperature and total protein concentration in the hemolymph. Internal colony temperature varied according to the external hive temperature. Nurse bees that care for larvae exhibited higher heat production, expressed as thorax surface temperature. Total protein content in the hemolymph was highest in the 40 °C treatment and decreased with ambient temperature. External hive temperature influences internal hive temperature, and nurse bees have higher capacities for thermogenesis.
Traditional Knowledge and Potential Use of Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponinae) in the Manantlan Sierra, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Escareño Francisca Contreras , Echazarreta Carlos M. , Gusmán-Nóvoa Ernesto , Macías-Macías José O.
Published: May 2019

Stingless bees (meliponines) play an important role in ecosystems; they pollinate different plant species, assist in the reproduction and conservation of floral biodiversity and their products can be obtained and sold, with the consequent economic benefit for stingless beekeepers. Surveys were conducted to find out how much knowledge inhabitants of two marginalized communities of the Manantlan Sierra in Jalisco, Mexico, have on the use and exploitation of stingless bees. In addition, several stingless bee species of this region were captured and identified, and wild nests of those bees were located and recorded in their natural habitats. Information about the knowledge and culture of stingless bees in the region was analyzed and based on that as well as on the most abundant species captured, those with more potential are suggested for management in a sustainable manner. Unlike other areas of Mexico where meliponiculture is practiced, in Jalisco there is no record of traditional culture of meliponines. However, a certain level of knowledge and a high degree of interest was found among the respondents for engaging in keeping and managing stingless bees, mainly because their management does not involve the risk of stinging incidents. Nine stingless bee species were identified in total. Of these, the most abundant were Scaptotrigona hellwegeri, Trigona fulviventris, Partomona bilineata, Friseomelita nigra and Nannotrigona perilampoides. It is recommended that studies are conducted to develop management practices for these bee species. The implementation of courses on how to keep these meliponines is also recommended, so that in the future, the inhabitants of these communities can benefit from the integral and sustainable use of stingless bees.
Smoking Attitudes and Prevalence of a Somali Population in London
Authors: Straus Lianne , McEwen Andy , Croker Helen
Published: May 2019

This research examines the prevalence and attitudes of smoking among a Somali population in London. Eight focus groups and 77 assisted questionnaires were conducted. Findings show that there was little knowledge of local smoking cessation services and several themes arose including: the format and ineffective promotion of the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services, health prom xotion and ambivalence towards preventative health behaviour. Smoking rates in this Somali population appear to be higher than in the UK general population, and higher still among men over 40 years old and those that regularly use qat. Smoking cessation services for the Somali population may be more popular if there were group clinics and culturally effective promotion of the services. The relationship between qat use and smoking should be considered when targeting services to the Somali population.
An Epidemiological Study of Smoking Among Adult Males in a Rural Area of Hooghly District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Saha Indranil , Paul Bobby , Dey Tushar Kanti
Published: May 2019

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in a rural community of West Bengal, India among 329 adult males, during April to June, 2004 to find out the prevalence, characteristics of smoking and attitude of smokers towards quitting. 29.8% (98), 61.7% (203) and 8.5% (28) were found to be current, never and former smokers respectively. Among current smokers, 79.4% had started smoking before the age of 24 years. 23% of smokers cited the reason for smoking was to concentrate at work and to relieve anger and frustration. 53.8% wanted to quit smoking but lack of willpower (28.2%) became the major hindrance to quitting. 58.9% were uncertain about continuing smoking. Smoking is commonly practised in rural area of West Bengal, starting at quite an early age; hence awareness and health education needs to be stressed, so that prevention can be initiated.
Acting for mental health: A critical narrative analysis of one person’s recovery process
Authors: Torrissen Wenche , Stickley Theodore
Published: May 2019

This is a narrative inquiry into a single participant of Teater Vildenvei, a participatory theatre company for mental health service users in Oslo, Norway. The theatre company aims to promote mental health, and this study sought to discover the human processes involved in how people may benefit from participation. There were twelve interviewees and a critical narrative analysis process was conducted upon the data of one of the participants. This inquiry is theoretically driven, using gender theory to interpret and understand the narrative, which is one of loss and rejection, alienation and victimization but ultimately redemption through love, belonging and acceptance. Acting in a theatre company that promotes mental health can challenge patriarchal oppression by giving actors the opportunity to connect and express themselves in a safe environment. We also suggest that love and acceptance within a participatory arts environment can counter masculine domination, abuse, rejection and ultimately promote mental health.
Diversity and Similarity of Flatfishes (Order- Pleuronectiformes) in Mon State, Myanmar
Authors: Aung Thet Htwe , Latt Mi Mi , Oo Yin Nwe
Published: May 2019

The samples of flatfishes were collected along the Mon State from July to December 2017 including Mawlamyine, Kyaikkhami, Setse, Zee-Phyu-Thaung Belugyun island, Paung and Thaton. The total 21 species of flatfishes were recorded in Mon State. Moreover, the relative abundance, diversity and similarity were conducted using Simpson Index, Shannon index and Jacquard’s index etc. According to the present study, the Cynoglossidae was the most dominant family and the most dominant species was Cynoglossusarelfor the present study. The relative abundance of Mawlamyine and November was relatively the highest. Furthermore, Mawlamyine was the highest diversity and Thaton was the lowest diversity. The JI value between Mawlamyine and Paung is the highest while it is the lowest between Setse and Thaton. Likewise, the JI value between August and September and the value between September and November are the same as well as the highest while it is the lowest for the comparison between July and August. The present study also expects to become a basic informational providing data for further observing (in Academic) on Order Pleuronectiformes (flatfishes) along the Mon State.
Konsentrasi Surfaktan dan Minyak di Perairan Depapre, Kabupaten Jayapura, Provinsi Papua
Authors: Tanjung Rosye Hefmi Rechnelty , Hamuna Baigo , Alianto Alianto
Published: May 2019

Kondisi kualitas air suatu perairan yang baik sangat penting untuk mendukung kehidupan organisme yang hidup di dalamnya. Penentuan status mutu air perlu dilakukan sebagai acuan dalam melakukan pemantauan pencemaran kualitas air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji status mutu air laut berdasarkan konsentrasi parameter surfaktan dan minyak di perairan Distrik Depapre, Kabupaten Jayapura. Pengambilan sampel air laut dilakukan di lima stasiun penelitian, kemudian hasilnya dibandingkan dengan baku mutu air laut untuk biota laut berdasarkan KEPMEN-LH No. 51 Tahun 2004. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi surfaktan di perairan Distrik Depapre berkisar antara 0,08–0,22 mg/L, sedangkan konsentrasi kandungan minyak berkisar antara 0,14–0,41 mg/L. Berdasarkan baku mutu air laut, konsentrasi surfaktan dan minyak belum melampaui baku mutu dan masih sesuai untuk biota laut di perairan Depapre, Kabupaten Jayapura. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan informasi bahwa kondisi perairan Depapre belum tercemar oleh limbah surfaktan dan minyak. Namun tidak menutup kemungkinan bahwa konsentrasi tersebut dapat terus meningkat, sehingga perlu upaya lebih lanjut dari pemerintah dan masyarakat untuk meminimalkan jumlah limbah surfaktan dan minyak yang masuk kelingkungan perairan laut. Good water quality is critical to support the life of organisms. The determination of water quality status was needed as a reference to monitor water pollution. This study aimed to assess the condition of water quality based on the concentration of surfactant and oil parameters in the Depapre waters, Jayapura Regency. Sampling was carried out in five research stations; then the results were compared with water quality standards based on KEPMEN-LH No. 51 Tahun 2004 for marine biotas. The result showed that the concentration of surfactant in Depapre waters was 0.08–0.22 mg/L, while the oil concentration was 0.14–0.41 mg/L. Based on water quality standards, surfactant and oil concentration has not exceeded the quality standards and are suitable for marine biotas in Depapre waters, Jayapura Regency. Results showed the condition of  Depapre waters had not been polluted by surfactant and oil waste. However, it does not rule out the possibility that the concentration can increase so that it needs further efforts from the government and the community to minimize the amount of surfactant and oil waste entering the marine environment.
Keanekaragaman Siput Ordo Mesogastropoda dan Neogastropoda pada Zona Eulitoral di Kawasan Pesisir Pulau Sembilan, Kabupaten Kotabaru
Authors: Fajeriadi Hery , Zaini Muhammad , Dharmono Dharmono
Published: May 2019

Gastropoda tersebar luas di kawasan pesisir, salah satunya pesisir Pulau Sembilan Kotabaru. Kawasan ini masih tergolong alami dan terdapat terumbu karang. Beberapa titik terumbu karang mulai mengalami kerusakan. Terumbu dan batu karang di zona eulitoral merupakan habitat alami gastropoda. Gastropoda terbagi menjadi tiga ordo, dua diantaranya adalah Ordo Mesogastropoda dan Ordo Neogastropoda belum didokumentasikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melanjutkan dokumentasi spesies gastropoda (Mesogastropoda dan Neogastropoda) dan menganalisis indeks keanekaragamannya. Data dikumpulkan dengan teknik purposive sampling dengan luas plot 1 m2, sebanyak 20 plot, di sepanjang seratus meter mengikuti garis pantai. Data yang dikumpulkan adalah nama spesies dan jumlah individu setiap spesies.­ Berdasarkan data tersebut ditentukan indeks keanekaragaman menggunakan persamaan Shannon-Wienner. Ditemukan lima spesies dari Ordo Mesogastropoda dan dua spesies dari Ordo Neogastropoda.Indeks keanekaragaman (H’) Mesogastropoda dan Neogastropoda adalah 1.620 dengan kategori sedang, artinya ekosistem di kawasan tersebut tergolong stabil. Gastropods are widespread in the coastal area, one of which is the coast of Pulau Sembilan Kotabaru. This area is still relatively natural, and there are coral reefs. Some points of coral reefs began to suffer damage. Reefs and rocks in the eulittoral zone are natural gastropod habitats. Gastropods are divided into three orders, two of which are mesogastropod orders, and the neogastropod order has not been documented. This study aims to continue the documentation of gastropod species (Mesogastropods and Neogastropods) and analyze their diversity index. Data were collected by purposive sampling technique with a plot area of 1 m2, as many as 20 plots, along a hundred meters following the coastline. The data collected is the name of the species and the number of individuals in each species. Based on these data the diversity index is determined using the Shannon-Wiener equation. Five species of the mesogastropod order and two species of the neogastropod order were found. The Mesogastropod and Neogastropod diversity index (H') is 1,620 in the medium category, meaning that the ecosystem in the region is classified as stable.
Solving k-center clustering (with outliers) in MapReduce and streaming, almost as accurately as sequentially
Authors: Ceccarello Matteo , Pietracaprina Andrea , Pucci Geppino
Published: May 2019

Center-based clustering is a fundamental primitive for data analysis and becomes very challenging for large datasets. In this paper, we focus on the popular
k
-center variant which, given a set
S
of points from some metric space and a parameter
k
< |
S
|, requires to identify a subset of
k
centers in
S
minimizing the maximum distance of any point of
S
from its closest center. A more general formulation, introduced to deal with noisy datasets, features a further parameter
z
and allows up to
z
points of
S
(outliers) to be disregarded when computing the maximum distance from the centers. We present coreset-based 2-round MapReduce algorithms for the above two formulations of the problem, and a 1-pass Streaming algorithm for the case with outliers. For any fixed
ϵ
> 0, the algorithms yield solutions whose approximation ratios are a mere additive term
ϵ
away from those achievable by the best known polynomial-time sequential algorithms, a result that substantially improves upon the state of the art. Our algorithms are rather simple and adapt to the intrinsic complexity of the dataset, captured by the doubling dimension
D
of the metric space. Specifically, our analysis shows that the algorithms become very space-efficient for the important case of small (constant)
D
. These theoretical results are complemented with a set of experiments on real-world and synthetic datasets of up to over a billion points, which show that our algorithms yield better quality solutions over the state of the art while featuring excellent scalability, and that they also lend themselves to sequential implementations much faster than existing ones.
Usage of low-energy electromagnetic fields of marginal high-frequency range for reconstruction of the injured by infectious microorganisms animal skin
Authors: Hutsol Taras , Ivanyshyn Volodymyr , Yermakov Serhii , Komarnitskyi Serhii
Published: May 2019

The paper is concerned with the mechanism of interaction between the electromagnetic field and the microorganisms. Currently the issue for usage of low-energy electromagnetic fields of marginal high-frequency range for reconstruction of the injured by infectious microorganisms animal skin is of great interest. The use of low-energy electromagnetic fields for restoring animal skin cover is significantly different from the existing physical and therapy procedures.The authors made the theoretical and the experimental research on updating and developing the low-energy electromagnetic technology and hardware of the electromagnetic field of high-frequency range to restore animal skin cover of infected wounds.The process of interaction between low-energy electromagnetic fields of high-frequency range in terms of infected animal skin cover is examined on the basis of the mathematic model. Particular attention was paid to theoretical aspect and cellular level analysis of the biotronic parameters of electromagnetic fields for the oppression of infectious microorganisms in wounds of animal skin cover and its effective reunion.
Mathematic simulation of cutting unloading from the bunker
Authors: Yermakov Serhii , Hutsol Taras , Ovcharuk Oleh , Kolosiuk Iryna
Published: May 2019

The peculiarities of cutting movement at unloading them from the hopper are described. The analysis of the scientific researches on bulk materials movement and bridging is given. To develop the mathematical model of cutting unloading the layer should be described as a pseudoliquid, that consists of discrete components (cuttings) and gaseous medium (air). The Navier-Stokes equation can be applied to the process of cutting unloading and velocity field. The equation of pseudoliquid motion is a nonlinear integral and differential equation. The initial and boundary conditions for speed of cutting movement are identified. As a result of research has been theoretically obtained a formula, that evaluates the rate of planting material unloading, the adequacy of which has already been partially tested in experimental experiments carried out by the authors on the way to creating an automatic planting machine.
Justification of models of changing project environment for harvesting grain, oilseed and legume crops
Authors: Тryhuba Anatolii , Bashynskyi Oleh , Medvediev Yevhen , Slobodian Serhii , Skorobogatov Dmytro
Published: May 2019

An analysis of the condition of implementation of projects in agricultural production is carried out. The disadvantages of existing methods and models of planning of the content and time of execution of works in the projects, which mostly do not take into account the changing components of their project environment, are substantiated. The proposed methodology for justifying the models of a changing project environment for harvesting grain, oilseed and legume crops is based on the analysis of official statistics of agrometeorological stations and involves the implementation of production experiments, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the results. It has been established that the dewy periods of time in the projects for the collection of early oilseeds, cereals and legumes are characterized by a probabilistic distribution of the time of occurrence of dew and its duration. The indicated regularity and the established correlation relationship between the occurrence of dew and its duration are the main components of the model. The substantiated model of the pink period of time allows to take into account the changing events of the project environment and to improve the quality of the content management process and the time of performance of the harvesting work. It is established that the deficit of humidity in the air, in which the performance of harvesting is effective, changes over the course of the day by parabolic dependence. Its maximum value depends on the agrometeorologically acceptable duration of the works in the projects of harvesting early oilseeds, grain and legume crops, which is the basis for substantiating the model of the air humidity deficit and taking into account its impact on the implementation of works in these projects. The obtained results of the research are the basis of development of simulation models of projects for the collection of early oilseeds, grain and legume crops to improve the accuracy of determining the use indicators and resource requirements for the implementation of these projects. The obtained models increase the quality of management decision making in the projects of harvesting early oilseeds, grain and legume crops.
Perceptual cue weighting in L1 and L2 Chinese: An investigation of aspiration and frication in Chinese obstruents by Danish learners
Authors: Yan Mengzhu , Sloos Marjoleine
Published: May 2019

An important part of second language acquisition of sound systems involves the distinction between phoneme contrasts that exist in L2 but not in L1. However, L1 and L2 listeners do not always use the same acoustic cues to perceptually distinguish the contrasts. Most studies concentrate on vowel perception, but perceptual cue weighting in consonants is somewhat under-investigated, although equally relevant. This article investigates the cue-weighting of Chinese /t th ts tsh/ by L1 and Danish L2 listeners. The four phonemes are contrastive, and distinguished in aspiration, frication or both. Moreover, Chinese /th ts tsh/ acoustically all overlap with a single phoneme in Danish /ts/, variably realized as [ts] ~ [th], which make it notoriously difficult to acquire the contrasts. We conducted a cue-weighting experiment to investigate how Danish and Chinese listeners use aspiration and frication to perceptually categorize these Chinese sounds. Our results show that Danish learners are not as sensitive as native Chinese to the deciding cues to distinguish the Chinese phoneme contrasts. This study sheds light on L2 sound acquisition in which different phonemes in the target L2 language correspond to a single but variable phoneme in the native language.
Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal resistance are associated with metabolic risk in schoolchildren
Authors: Saldanha Filho Neri , Reuter Cézane Priscila , Renner Jane Dagmar Pollo , Barbian Cláudia Daniela , de Castro Silveira João Francisco , de Borba Schneiders Letícia , Pohl Hildegard Hedwig
Published: May 2019

Background

Low levels of physical fitness are associated with metabolic disorders in adults. However, this relationship has been little explored in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between physical fitness related to health and the presence of metabolic risk in schoolchildren.

Methods

The sample for this cross-sectional study was composed of 1251 schoolchildren of both genders between 7 and 17 years of age. Three indicators of physical fitness related to health were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), flexibility and abdominal resistance. The continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS) was calculated by using the sum of the Z scores of the following indicators: body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c) and triglycerides. Subsequently, the cMetS was dichotomized, considering the presence or absence of metabolic risk. The data were analyzed using prevalence ratio (PR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI), using Poisson regression.

Results

A higher prevalence of metabolic risk was found among students with low levels of CRF (PR: 1.48; CI: 1.10–1.98) and abdominal resistance (PR: 1.45; CI: 1.08–1.95). No association with flexibility was found.

Conclusions

Low levels of CRF and abdominal resistance are associated with the presence of metabolic risk in schoolchildren.
Association between early antibiotic exposure and risk of childhood weight gain and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aghaali Mohammad , Hashemi-Nazari Seyed Saeed
Published: May 2019

Background

Recent studies have shown that antibiotic exposure during infancy is associated with increased body mass in healthy children. This study was performed to investigate the association between early-life antibiotic exposure and risk of childhood obesity.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively and quantitatively determine the association between early antibiotic exposure and risk of childhood obesity. Various databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool the statistical estimates. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was performed based on the time of follow-up.

Results

Nineteen studies involving at least 671,681 participants were finally included. Antibiotic exposure in early life was significantly associated with risk of childhood weight gain and obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.06).

Conclusions

Antibiotic exposure in early life significantly increases the risk of childhood weight gain and obesity.
Obesity-related thyroiditis in childhood: relationship with insulin resistance
Authors: Dursun Fatma , Atasoy Öztürk Tülay , Seymen Karabulut Gülcan , Kırmızıbekmez Heves
Published: May 2019

Background

Thyroid dysfunction is the most common hormonal abnormality in obesity. It should actually be considered as an adaptation response to fat excess. However, little has been reported on the morphology of the thyroid gland, and no data regarding the relationship between thyroid gland changes and metabolic parameters are available in obese adolescents.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the frequency of non-autoimmune thyroiditis in obese adolescents and compare the metabolic status of patients with or without thyroiditis.

Methods

A total of 218 obese children and 49 age-matched control healthy children were included. Thyroid ultrasonography (USG) was performed in all participants, as well as thyroid hormone levels, thyroid antibodies (Abs), lipid profile, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) were determined. Obese children were divided into three groups according to the presence of thyroid autoantibodies and USG findings of thyroiditis (Group-1: Abs [−], normal thyroid morphology/Group-2: Abs [+], abnormal thyroid morphology/Group-3: Abs [−], abnormal thyroid morphology). The relationship between body mass index, metabolic parameters and thyroid gland status was analyzed.

Results

Seventy-two of 218 obese patients (33%) had non-autoimmune thyroiditis (Group-3). The rate of insulin resistance was significantly higher in Group-3 than in Group-1 (p = 0.024). Similarly, the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) was higher in Group-3 (44.3%) than in Group-1 (27.1%) (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Obese adolescents with non-autoimmune thyroiditis had a higher incidence of insulin resistance. This finding supported the hypothesis that insulin resistance may have an effect on thyroid morphology. Further randomized trials investigating this relationship are required.
Triangular Surface Patch Based on Bivariate Meyer-König-Zeller Operator
Authors: Zhou Guorong , Cai Qing-Bo
Published: May 2019

Based on the relationship between probability operators and curve/surface modeling, a new kind of surface modeling method is introduced in this paper. According to a kind of bivariate Meyer-König-Zeller operator, we study the corresponding basis functions called triangular Meyer-König-Zeller basis functions which are defined over a triangular domain. The main properties of the basis functions are studied, which guarantee that the basis functions are suitable for surface modeling. Then, the corresponding triangular surface patch called a triangular Meyer-König-Zeller surface patch is constructed. We prove that the new surface patch has the important properties of surface modeling, such as affine invariance, convex hull property and so on. Finally, based on given control vertices, whose number is finite, a truncated triangular Meyer-König-Zeller surface and a redistributed triangular Meyer-König-Zeller surface are constructed and studied.
Generators for maximal subgroups of Conway group Co1
Authors: Yasin Faisal , Farooq Adeel , Nazeer Waqas , Kang Shin Min
Published: May 2019

The Conway groups are the three sporadic simple groups Co1, Co2 and Co3. There are total of 22 maximal subgroups of Co1 and generators of 6 maximal subgroups are provided in web Atlas of finite simple groups. The aim of this paper is to give generators of remaining 16 maximal subgroups.
Positivity preserving operator splitting nonstandard finite difference methods for SEIR reaction diffusion model
Authors: Ahmed Nauman , S.S. Tahira , Rafiq M. , Rehman M.A. , Ali Mubasher , Ahmad M.O.
Published: May 2019

In this work, we will introduce two novel positivity preserving operator splitting nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes for the numerical solution of SEIR reaction diffusion epidemic model. In epidemic model of infection diseases, positivity is an important property of the continuous system because negative value of a subpopulation is meaningless. The proposed operator splitting NSFD schemes are dynamically consistent with the solution of the continuous model. First scheme is conditionally stable while second operator splitting scheme is unconditionally stable. The stability of the diffusive SEIR model is also verified numerically with the help of Routh-Hurwitz stability condition. Bifurcation value of transmission coefficient is also carried out with and without diffusion. The proposed operator splitting NSFD schemes are compared with the well-known operator splitting finite difference (FD) schemes.
The Demandingness of Deontological Duties: Is the Absolute Impermissibility of Placatory Torture Irrational?
Authors: Kramer Matthew H.
Published: May 2019

Consequentialist doctrines have often been criticized for their excessive demandingness, in that they require the thorough instrumentalization of each person’s life as a vehicle for the production of good consequences. In turn, the proponents of such doctrines have often objected to what they perceive as the irrationality of the demandingness of deontological duties. In this paper, I shall address objections of the latter kind in an effort to show that they are unfounded. My investigation of this matter will unfold by reference to a scenario that strikingly and concretely exemplifies the demandingness of deontological duties. That scenario, which involves a situation of torture (specifically, placatory torture – in other words, torture undertaken for the purpose of appeasing people who have demanded that it be administered), will serve as a springboard for my endeavor to vindicate the rationality of deontological absolutes and will help to illuminate the endeavor’s practical implications.
Demandingness and Public Health Ethics
Authors: Giubilini Alberto , Savulescu Julian
Published: May 2019

Public health policies often require individuals to make personal sacrifices for the sake of protecting other individuals or the community at large. Such requirements can be more or less demanding for individuals. This paper examines the implications of demandingness for public health ethics and policy. It focuses on three possible public health policies that pose requirements that are differently demanding: vaccination policies, policy to contain antimicrobial resistance, and quarantine and isolation policies. Assuming the validity of the ‘demandingness objection’ in ethics, we argue that states should try to pose requirements that individuals would have an independent moral obligation to fulfil, and therefore that are not too demanding. In such cases, coercive measures are ethically justified, especially if the interventions also entail some benefits to the individuals; this is, for example, the case of vaccination policies. When public health policies need to require individuals to do something that is too demanding to constitute an independent moral obligation, states have an obligation to either provide incentives to give individuals non-moral reasons to fulfil a certain requirement – as in the case of policies that limit antibiotic prescriptions – or to compensate individuals for being forced to do something that is too demanding to constitute an independent moral obligation – as in the case of quarantine and isolation policies.
What Attributes Determine Overall Satisfaction in Patient Safety Culture? An Empirical Study of the Perceptions of Hospital Staff in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Cheng-Feng , Wu Hsin-Hung , Lee Yii-Ching , Huang Chih-Hsuan
Published: May 2019

This study assessed the attributes of the overall perception of (satisfaction with) patient safety culture using four categories of hospital staff, and it developed directions for the improvement of medical services. The Chinese version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (CSAQ) was sent to the staff of study hospitals through an intraorganizational online survey application. Linear regression with forward selection was used to identify the essential dimensions of the CSAQ that affect overall satisfaction with patient safety culture. For physicians, nurses, and technicians, the findings indicate that overall satisfaction is highly influenced by perceptions of management. For physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, the safety climate has a significant impact on their overall satisfaction. Additionally, for technicians, emotional exhaustion is an essential factor affecting overall satisfaction. Understanding the perceptions of patient safety culture among different medical staff in a healthcare organization could help hospital management to promote policies explicitly oriented toward improving patient safety and strategies. For front-line staff, well-trained employees and concordant teams are important; higher level managers should adopt policies to improve the working environment and ameliorate the arrangement of human resources.
Dynamic Characteristics of Coarse Aggregates within Epoxy Asphalt Mixture during Superpave Gyratory Compaction
Authors: Zhang Xiang-fei , Qian Zhen-dong , Zheng Dong , Chen Leilei
Published: May 2019

To investigate the dynamic characteristic of coarse aggregates within epoxy asphalt mixture, this study conducted a virtual simulation of the Superpave gyratory compaction (SGC) test based on the discrete element method and artificial neural network. A three-dimensional compaction model of epoxy asphalt mixture was built and verified, considering the irregular polyhedral morphology and the elastic property of coarse aggregates, the mastic volume and the thermosetting and viscoelastic properties of epoxy asphalt mastic. Subsequently, the SGC numerical model was applied to analyze the particle velocity, porosity distribution, and particle force status at different compaction levels. Results demonstrate that the compactness increment mainly depends on the movement and rotation of aggregates in the early stage, and rotation of aggregates in the later stage. The existence of gyration angle and the internal structure of epoxy asphalt mixture can affect the dynamic behavior of aggregates. The structure of mixture in the central area is relatively more stable during compaction, and the peripheral area of the specimen is more difficult to compact.
Development of a Mechanical Torsion Test to Evaluate Slotted Bolts on a Bolt-Wire-Ring-Nut Setup for Ilizarov External Fixator
Authors: Roesler C. R. M. , Cubillos P. O. , dos Santos V. O. , Amorim R. , Cardoso G. S. , Rosa E. , Pizzolatti A.
Published: May 2019

The effectiveness of Ilizarov external fixators in osteosynthesis of fractured bones depends on the pre-tension applied to the transosseous wires. The pre-tension on these wires depends on the initial torque applied to the slotted bolts, which occasionally fracture during clinical setup. There is no standard method to determine the risk of failure of these bolts. This study aimed to develop a test to evaluate the mechanical strength of these bolts by imitating a bolt-wire-ring-nut configuration of an Ilizarov fixator. The fracture micromechanisms of the slotted bolts were investigated to understand the mechanical forces involved. This resulted in a reference group (Group III). Then, with these fracture characteristics, a new bolt-wire-ring-nut test was developed to mimic use in an Ilizarov fixator. Eleven slotted bolts were tested (Group II). The new test results were compared with a standardized screw torsion test (Group I) according to ASTM F543, Standard Specification and Test Methods for Metallic Medical Bone Screws. The mechanical strengths of Groups I and II were analyzed statistically. Additionally, the fracture micromechanisms of all groups were investigated. The bolts tested according to ASTM F543 (Group I) showed values with less dispersion compared with those in Group II; however, there were no statistically significant differences between their maximum torques. The bolts submitted to the new test (Group II) showed similar fracture surfaces as those in Group III, distinct from Group I. The results indicate that the new torsion test is more clinically relevant and reliable when checking whether the slotted bolts are liable to fracture during clinical setup.
Archaeology and New Religious Movements
Authors: Card Jeb J.
Published: May 2019

The practice of archaeology—the study of material evidence of past human activities—is not in alignment with the human drive to understand relics of the material past as touchstones of mythic origins and evidence of the sacred. New and alternative religious movements, political movements, and popular culture use archaeological artifacts and monuments as slates on which to inscribe stories of supernatural ancestors, advanced civilizations and races, and lost ancient wisdom that justify critiquing or displacing existing religious and cultural structures and knowledge. The rhetorical power of these metaphorical (and sometimes literal) texts derives from the symbolic capital of the practice and profession of archaeology even as the content and form of these texts is in conflict with archaeology. The articles in this special issue of Nova Religio examine how archaeology is used to create new sacred meanings and narratives, and how archaeologists need to engage with persons attributing these alternative meanings to archaeological artifacts.
Haunted Objects
Authors: Hanks Michele
Published: May 2019

In contemporary England, paranormal investigation has emerged as a popular means of seeking knowledge about reportedly ghostly phenomena. Paranormal investigators are self-fashioned experts who aim to balance scientistic and spiritual perspectives in the hope of proving or disproving the existence of ghosts from an objective perspective. Despite their collective goal to understand the paranormal, many investigators experience profound doubt of its reality and nature. Drawing on long-term ethnographic fieldwork with English paranormal investigators, this essay examines how investigators’ engagement with material culture mediates their experience of doubt. Ultimately, this essay argues that material culture, in the form of haunted objects, helps mitigate, produce, and extend investigators’ doubts about the nature of the paranormal and the meaning of materiality itself.
In Search of a New Indigeneity
Authors: Scarborough Isabel M.
Published: May 2019

Bolivians are inventing spiritual practices that fit into the current dominant political discourse of decolonization and revalorization of native beliefs by associating these new traditions with archaeological spaces and objects. This new Bolivia is believed to emerge from the ashes of the old economic and social order, which for centuries oppressed and elided native religious practices, and harkens back to precolonial values. Drawing from long-term ethnographic research, media reports, and scholarly works, I aim to examine these new practices to improve our understanding of emerging indigenous identities in this small Andean nation. I discuss two case studies that exemplify how the urban indigenous are rediscovering the power of ancestor veneration and animism in their heritage to construct a new sense of national belonging.
DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Evaluation of bone fragility in endocrine disorders
Authors: Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Falchetti Alberto , Gennari Luigi , Cairoli Elisa , Bertoldo Francesco , Vescini Fabio , Scillitani Alfredo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: May 2019

An underlying disease affecting bone health is present in up to 40 and 60% of osteoporotic postmenopausal women and men respectively. Among the disorders leading to a secondary form of osteoporosis, the endocrine diseases are highly represented. A frequent finding in patients affected with an endocrine-related forms of bone disease is that the skeletal fragility is partially independent of the bone density, since the fracture risk in these patients is related more to a reduction of bone quality than to a decrease of bone mass. As a consequence, bone mineral density evaluation by dual-X-ray absorptiometry may be inadequate for establishing the risk of fracture in the setting of the endocrine-related forms of osteoporosis. In the recent years, several attempts to non-invasively estimating bone quality have been done. Nowadays, some new tools are available in the clinical practice for optimising the fracture risk estimation in patients with endocrine disorders. The aim of this review is to summarise the evidence regarding the role of the different imaging tools for evaluating bone density and bone quality in the most frequent forms of endocrine-related osteoporosis, such as obesity, diabetes, acromegaly, thyrotoxicosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, hypercortisolism and hypogonadism. For each of these disorders, data regarding both the current available tools and the future possible new techniques for assessing bone fragility in patients with endocrine diseases are reported.
Regulation of energy expenditure and substrate oxidation by short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Sukkar Alia H , Lett Aaron M , Frost Gary , Chambers Edward S
Published: May 2019

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced from the fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota. High-fibre diets have been associated with lower weight gain and a number of reports have therefore investigated if these positive effects of a dietary fibre on body weight can be replicated through the direct administration of SCFAs. Many of these studies have reported that SCFAs can prevent or attenuate long-term body weight gain by increasing energy expenditure through increased lipid oxidation. The aim of the present review is to therefore evaluate the current evidence for an effect of SCFAs on whole-body energy expenditure and to assess the potential underlying mechanisms. The available data highlights that SCFAs can exert multiple effects at various organ and tissue sites that would cumulatively raise energy expenditure via a promotion of lipid oxidation. In conclusion, the present review proposes that dietary interventions and other therapies that augment gut-derived SCFAs and systemic availability may present an effective strategy to improve long-term energy balance and body weight management.
The Impact of Parental Presence on Trainee Education During PICU Rounds: A Brief Report
Authors: LaRosa Jessica M. , Fernandes Danielle M. , Morris Marilyn C.
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the impact of parental presence on the number and types of educational questions asked of and by medical trainees during PICU rounds.

METHODS:

An investigator joined bedside rounds in a 14-bed medical-surgical PICU on 20 weekdays between December 2016 and June 2017. For each patient, the investigator recorded the time devoted to education. Educational questions were recorded verbatim. Questions were categorized as “teaching” (senior team member to a trainee) or “learning” (trainee to a more senior team member) and by content (eg, physiology, imaging, prognosis). Two blinded investigators independently assigned codes to each educational question; discrepancies were resolved to the satisfaction of both.

RESULTS:

Data include 151 patient-specific rounding events, involving 92 patients. At least 1 parent attended the entirety of 59/151 rounding events (39%). There were no significant differences between the duration of education or the number of educational questions asked when parents were present (1 minute; 2 questions) versus absent (2 minutes; 2 questions). When parents were present, 20% questions were learning versus 25% when parents were absent. Zero percent of rounding events included ≥1 question about prognosis when parents were present versus 9% when absent (P = .02). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of questions related to complications of management or social factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parent participation in rounds did not impact the quantity of education during rounds but did impact the type of educational questions asked, specifically restricting the discussion of patient prognosis.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Safety Events Among Adolescents Hospitalized After a Suicide Attempt
Authors: Noelck Michelle , Velazquez-Campbell Maria , Austin Jared P.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Self-harm among adolescents is a common problem, resulting in large numbers of patients admitted for medical stabilization after a suicide attempt. Because of limited mental health resources, these high-risk patients remain in inpatient settings once medically stabilized until psychiatric placement can be arranged. During this time, patients are at risk for safety events, including self-harm and elopement. Using quality improvement (QI) methodology, we aimed to reduce the frequency of significant safety events (SSEs) in this population by targeting modifiable risk factors and standardizing care.

METHODS:

This was a QI study conducted at a medium-sized academic center. Key interventions included the development of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Safety Protocol, standardization of the patient safety search, and implementation of a daily Safety Huddle. Process measures were selected as metrics of use and adherence to the newly developed protocol. The rate of SSEs per 100 patient days was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS:

There were 224 patients included in our study: 53 in the preimplementation and 171 in the postimplementation groups. Use of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Safety Protocol increased to 91.8% after implementation. The rate of SSEs per 100 patient days decreased from an average of 2.7 events per 100 patient days in the preimplementation period to 0.17 events per 100 patient days in the postimplementation period.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of QI methodology to improve safety for adolescents admitted after a suicide attempt led to a substantial and sustainable reduction in the rate of SSEs at our institution.