bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How resilient are REITs to a pandemic? The COVID-19 effect
Authors: Akinsomi Omokolade
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are historically considered as attractive assets to investors particularly as the underlying assets are properties which are income-producing. REITs also distribute substantial amount of profits as dividends to shareholders. Stephen and Simon (2005) find that REITs in a mixed asset portfolio of stocks and bonds enhance returns and reduce risk. This paper examines the role a pandemic (COVID-19) plays in the performance of global REITs index and REIT sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the effects of COVID-19 on REITs, the year-to-date (YTD) returns of global returns index and REITs sectors in the United States are observed and a comparative analysis is employed from January 2020 to May 2020.

Findings

Based on a three-month return ending 22 May 2020, FTSE EPRA NAREIT index is the biggest loser at −31.83% whilst the FTSE EPRA Asia–Pacific index has the lowest loss at −23.20%. The author examines YTD returns which show disparities on the effect of COVID-19 on REIT sectors. The US market is examined; most REIT sectors suffered big losses as at April 2020; the analysis reveals YTD returns for the top three REIT sector losers are lodging/resort REITs (−45.81%), retail REITs (−41.16%) and office REITs (−22.63%). Data centre REITs are the only sector REITs with positive returns at 17.66%.

Practical implications

Most sector REITs during the pandemic have lost considerable value based on YTD returns as at May 2020. Flight to quality is expected during this uncertain period to REITs such as data REITs, grocery-anchored REITs and storage REITs. These REITs are not as adversely affected by COVID-19 in comparison to other REITs.

Originality/value

This paper identified the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of global REITs and US sector REITs during the periods from January 2020 to May 2020.
Deep learning for population size history inference: Design, comparison and combination with approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Sanchez Théophile , Cury Jean , Charpiat Guillaume , Jay Flora
Published: July 2020

For the past decades, simulation‐based likelihood‐free inference methods have enabled researchers to address numerous population genetics problems. As the richness and amount of simulated and real genetic data keep increasing, the field has a strong opportunity to tackle tasks that current methods hardly solve. However, high data dimensionality forces most methods to summarize large genomic data sets into a relatively small number of handcrafted features (summary statistics). Here, we propose an alternative to summary statistics, based on the automatic extraction of relevant information using deep learning techniques. Specifically, we design artificial neural networks (ANNs) that take as input single nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs) found in individuals sampled from a single population and infer the past effective population size history. First, we provide guidelines to construct artificial neural networks that comply with the intrinsic properties of SNP data such as invariance to permutation of haplotypes, long scale interactions between SNPs and variable genomic length. Thanks to a Bayesian hyperparameter optimization procedure, we evaluate the performance of multiple networks and compare them to well‐established methods like Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). Even without the expert knowledge of summary statistics, our approach compares fairly well to an ABC approach based on handcrafted features. Furthermore, we show that combining deep learning and ABC can improve performance while taking advantage of both frameworks. Finally, we apply our approach to reconstruct the effective population size history of cattle breed populations.
What exactly is missing here? The sensory processing of unpredictable omissions is modulated by the specificity of expected action‐effects
Authors: Korka Betina , Schröger Erich , Widmann Andreas
Published: July 2020

We select our actions according to the desired outcomes; for instance, piano players press certain keys to generate specific musical notes. It is well‐described that the omission of a predicted action‐effect may elicit prediction error signals in the brain, but what happens in the case of simultaneous effector‐specific (by contrast to effector‐unspecific) predictions? To answer this question, we asked participants to press left and right keys to generate tones A and B; based on the action‐effect association, the tones’ identity was either predictable or unpredictable, while rarely, the expected input was omitted. Crucially, the data show that omissions following hand‐specific associations reliably elicited a late omission N1 (oN1) component, by contrast to the hand‐unspecific associations, where the late oN1 was rather weak. An additional condition where both key‐presses generated a unique tone was implemented. Here, rare omissions of the expected tone generated both early and late oN1 responses, by contrast to the condition in which two simultaneous action‐effect representations had to be maintained, where only late oN1 responses were elicited. Finally, omission P3 (oP3) responses were strongly elicited for all omission types without differences, indicating that a general expectation based on a tone presentation (rather than which tone), is likely indexed at this stage. The present results emphasize the top‐down effects of action intention on the sensory processing of omissions, where unspecific (vs. specific) and multiple (vs. single) action‐effect representations are associated with processing costs at the early sensory levels.
Towards a standardization of soil‐related ecosystem service assessments
Authors: Paul Carsten , Kuhn Kristin , Steinhoff‐Knopp Bastian , Weißhuhn Peter , Helming Katharina
Published: July 2020

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) creates understanding of the value of ecosystems for human well‐being. With regard to soils, it provides a framework for assessments of soil contributions and soil management impacts. However, a lack of standardization impedes comparisons between assessment studies and the building of synthesis information. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) is an important step forward, although its application to soils is not without difficulty. CICES version 5.1 defines 83 ES classes, of which only some are relevant for soils. We compiled two subsets of CICES classes: one set of soil‐related ES comprising 29 services defined as directly and quantifiably controlled by soils and their properties, processes and functions, and another set of 40 ES defined as being affected by agricultural soil management. Additionally, we conducted a systematic literature review, searching for published lists of soil‐related ES that claim completeness. We identified 11 relevant lists. Of all CICES classes, 12 were included in more than 75% of the lists, whereas another 36 classes were included in 25–75% of them. Regarding the suitability of the CICES classification for addressing ES in the context of soils and their agricultural management, we identified constraints, such as overlaps, gaps, and highly specific or very broad class definitions. Close cooperation between the soil research and ES communities could ensure better consideration of soils in future CICES updates. A shortlist of 25 service classes affected by agricultural soil management facilitates a standardized approach and may function as checklists in impact assessments.

Highlights

Standardized definitions are needed to allow meta‐analysis of ecosystem service studies and improve assessments.

CICES defines 83 detailed classes of ecosystem services, suggested as a “default list”.

We identified 29 classes as soil related and 40 classes as affected by agricultural soil management.

Both subsets facilitate ecosystem service assessments in soil research and comparability of results.
Neglected Risk in Financial Innovation: Evidence from Structured Product Counterparty Exposure
Authors: Arnold Marc , Schuette Dustin , Wagner Alexander
Published: July 2020

We investigate the compensation of counterparty exposure in the prices of structured products. Our analysis reveals that product issuers did not compensate retail investors for counterparty exposure before the Lehman default. Post‐Lehman, retail prices have no longer neglected this risk. We also measure retail investor attention towards issuer credit risk. For a given level of issuer credit risk, counterparty exposure is compensated more when attention is higher. Furthermore, issuers tend to construct products with larger counterparty exposure. Overall, our results shed light on the conditions under which financial engineering generates neglected risk.
Spontaneous unscarred uterine rupture and surgical repair at 11 weeks of gestation in a twin pregnancy
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Ota Kuniaki , Jimbo Masatoshi , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: July 2020

A uterine rupture may result in a massive hemoperitoneum, which can be fatal to both the fetus and mother. Most uterine ruptures during pregnancy occur within a scarred uterus, rarely occurring in an unscarred uterus. Here, we report a very rare case of spontaneous rupture in an unscarred uterus at 11 weeks of gestation of a twin pregnancy and its surgical repair. A 37‐year‐old nulliparous infertile woman became pregnant with twins after artificial insemination and gonadotropin therapy. She underwent emergency surgery at 11 weeks of gestation due to an acute abdomen caused by massive hemoperitoneum. Upon laparotomy, one fetus with placenta was extruded into the abdominal cavity through a 3‐cm myometrium rupture on the left posterior wall of the uterus. After surgical repair of the rupture site, the remaining fetus was alive and was successfully delivered by cesarean section at 34 weeks of gestation.
Treatment of MEK inhibitor‐induced paronychia with doxycycline
Authors: Sun Qisi , Antaya Richard J.
Published: July 2020

A 12‐year‐old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a large facial plexiform neurofibroma had been participating in a selumetinib clinical trial for the past 5 years. Despite decreased tumor size, she developed recalcitrant selumetinib‐induced paronychia. Various antibiotics, topical medications, and surgeries were only minimally effective. Full‐dose doxycycline resolved the paronychia, and sub‐antimicrobial dosing has prevented recurrences for several months, permitting her to continue her selumetinib course.
Melatonin metabolism, signaling and possible roles in plants
Authors: Back Kyoungwhan
Published: July 2020

Melatonin is a multifunctional biomolecule found in both animals and plants. In this review, the biosynthesis, levels, signaling, and possible roles of melatonin and its metabolites in plants is summarized. Tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase (T5H), which catalyzes the conversion of tryptamine into serotonin, has been proposed as a target to create a melatonin knockout mutant presenting a lesion‐mimic phenotype in rice. With a reduced anabolic capacity for melatonin biosynthesis and an increased catabolic capacity for melatonin metabolism, all plants generally maintain low melatonin levels. Some plants, including Arabidopsis andNicotiana tabacum(tobacco), do not possess tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), the first committed step enzyme required for melatonin biosynthesis. Major melatonin metabolites include cyclic 3‐hydroxymelatonin (3‐OHM) and 2‐hydroxymelatonin (2‐OHM). Other melatonin metabolites such asN1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK),N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AMK) and 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MT) are also produced when melatonin is applied toOryza sativa(rice). The signaling pathways of melatonin and its metabolites act via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, possibly with Cand2 acting as a melatonin receptor, although the integrity of Cand2 remains controversial. Melatonin mediates many important functions in growth stimulation and stress tolerance through its potent antioxidant activity and function in activating the MAPK cascade. The concentration distribution of melatonin metabolites appears to be species specific because corresponding enzymes such as M2H, M3H, catalases, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) andN‐acetylserotonin deacetylase (ASDAC) are differentially expressed among plant species and even among different tissues within species. Differential levels of melatonin and its metabolites can lead to differential physiological effects among plants when melatonin is either applied exogenously or overproduced through ectopic overexpression.
Phenylalanine increases chrysanthemum flower immunity against Botrytis cinerea attack
Authors: Kumar Varun , Hatan Erel , Bar Einat , Davidovich‐Rikanati Rachel , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Spitzer‐Rimon Ben , Elad Yigal , Alkan Noam , Lewinsohn Efraim , Oren‐Shamir Michal
Published: July 2020

Flowers are the most vulnerable plant organ to infection by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Here we show that pre‐treatment of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) flowers with phenylalanine (Phe) significantly reduces their susceptibility to B. cinerea. To comprehend how Phe treatment induces resistance, we monitored the dynamics of metabolites (by GC/LC‐MS) and transcriptomes (by RNAseq) in flowers after Phe treatment and B. cinerea infection. Phe treatment resulted in accumulation of 3‐phenyllactate and benzaldehyde, and in particular induced the expression of genes related to Ca2+ signaling and receptor kinases, implicating an induction of the defense response. Interestingly, the main effects of Phe treatment were observed in flowers exposed to B. cinerea infection, stabilizing the global fluctuations in the levels of metabolites and transcripts while reducing susceptibility to the fungus. We suggest that Phe‐induced resistance is associated to cell priming, enabling rapid and targeted reprogramming of cellular defense responses to resist disease development. After Phe pre‐treatment, the levels of the anti‐fungal volatiles phenylacetaldehyde and eugenol were maintained and the level of coniferin, a plausible monolignol precursor in cell wall lignification, was strongly increased. In addition, Phe pre‐treatment reduced ROS generation, prevented ethylene emission, and caused changes in the expression of a minor number of genes related to cell wall biogenesis, encoding the RLK THESEUS1, or involved in Ca2+ and hormonal signaling processes. Our findings point to Phe pre‐treatment as a potential orchestrator of a broad‐spectrum defense response which may not only provide an ecologically friendly pest control strategy but also offers a promising way of priming plants to induce defense responses against B. cinerea.
UAE probe aims for Mars—and payoffs on Earth
Authors: el-Showk Sedeer
Published: July 2020

Even before launch, the Hope satellite has boosted Emirati space science
No room for error
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: July 2020

Developers of quantum computers face their true challenge: taming the noise that plagues the intertwined quantum bits
Modulating microbiome metabolites in vivo
Authors: Guo Chun-Jun
Published: July 2020

A new genetic tool enables mechanistic dissection of microbiome–host interactions
Genomic Analysis of Early SARS-CoV-2 Variants Introduced in Mexico
Authors: Taboada Blanca , Vazquez-Perez Joel Armando , Muñoz-Medina José Esteban , Ramos-Cervantes Pilar , Escalera-Zamudio Marina , Boukadida Celia , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Isa Pavel , Mendieta-Condado Edgar , Martínez-Orozco José A. , Becerril-Vargas Eduardo , Salas-Hernández Jorge , Grande Ricardo , González-Torres Carolina , Gaytán-Cervantes Francisco Javier , Vazquez Gloria , Pulido Francisco , Araiza-Rodríguez Adnan , Garcés-Ayala Fabiola , González-Bonilla Cesar Raúl , Grajales-Muñiz Concepción , Borja-Aburto Víctor Hugo , Barrera-Badillo Gisela , López Susana , Hernández-Rivas Lucía , Perez-Padilla Rogelio , López-Martínez Irma , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Ruiz-Palacios Guillermo , Ramírez-González José Ernesto , Arias Carlos F.
Published: July 2020

Understanding the introduction, spread, and establishment of SARS-CoV-2 within distinct human populations as well as the evolution of the pandemics is crucial to implement effective control strategies. In this work, we report that the initial virus strains introduced in Mexico came from Europe and the United States and that the virus was circulating locally in the country as early as mid-March. We also found evidence for early local transmission of strains with a H49Y mutation in the Spike protein, which could be further used as a molecular marker to follow viral spread within the country and the region.
GENETIC ALGORITHM-ASSISTED ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR THE ESTIMATION OF DRILLING PARAMETERS OF MAGNESIUM AZ91 IN VERTICAL MILLING MACHINE
Authors: VARATHARAJULU M. , JAYAPRAKASH G. , BASKAR N. , SARAVANAN A.
Published: July 2020

The selection of appropriate drilling parameters is essential for improving productivity and part quality, therefore, this work mainly concentrates on the investigation of drilling time, burr height, burr thickness, roundness and surface roughness. The drilling experiments were carried out on Magnesium (Mg) AZ91 with High Speed Steel (HSS) tool using the Vertical Milling Machine (VMM). The parameters reckoned are spindle speed and feed rate. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was concerned with the building of the model that will be used to forecast the responses following the consideration of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Conventional method of modeling (RSM) yields poorer results which redirected the study with ANN. The Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based ANN has been reckoned for developing the model. With two nodes in the parameter layer and seven nodes in the response layer, six different networks were constructed using variety of nodes in the hidden layers which are 2–6–7, 2–7–7, 2–8–7, 2–6–6–7, 2–7–6–7 and 2–8–6–7. It is observed that the 2–8–7 network offers the best ANN model in predicting the various responses. The prediction results ensure the reliability of the ANN model to analyze the effect of drilling parameters over the various responses.
SIMULATION OF SURFACE CHARGE DISSIPATION OF INSULATING BACKSHEETS FOR FLEXIBLE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE UNDER VARIOUS TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
Authors: ZHANG JIA-WEI , LI TIAN-HAO , ZHANG WEI
Published: July 2020

Because of excellent mechanical properties, thermal insulation and ideal radiation resistance, polyimide (PI) is one of the best choices as a flexible solar backsheet in photovoltaic systems. In this study, accumulation characteristics of surface charge of PI backsheet under temperature-controlled corona polarization were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. In order to investigate the surface charge accumulation of PI backsheet under the effect of different temperatures, finite element method (FEM) was used. The mechanisms by which the temperature influenced accumulation and decay processes of the surface charge of the PI backsheet were investigated. The results show that the carrier mobility of PI backsheet increased in the stages of charge accumulation and charge decay, which then has an indirect effect on the dynamic characteristics of the surface charge. Charge accumulation decreases with the increase of temperature, and both accumulation process and decay process occurred simultaneously. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the modification of PI backsheet. At the same time, a practical theoretical method for modeling and simulating the charge diffusion of insulating PI backsheet under the influence of temperature was explored.
"View source"
Authors: Pagola Lila
Published: July 2020

View source code is a statement about open access to knowledge. Even though you are not able to modify it, or even understand code, it is an invitation to learn and the key for balancing control and power among users and developers. In this article, we explore the potential of software to enable new practices and transform old ones.
Libera Tu Radio
Authors: Robayo Valencia Clara Elena
Published: July 2020

Just as corporations manage the media, large companies, such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft, dominate the internet. How can we liberate the digital territory? With this in mind, Red de Radios Comunitarias y Software Libre was born to offer radio stations a free and secure operating system distribution.
Mean Field Analysis of Join-Below-Threshold Load Balancing for Resource Sharing Servers
Authors: Antal Horváth Illés , Scully Ziv , Van Houdt Benny
Published: July 2020

Load balancing plays a crucial role in many large scale computer systems. Much prior work has focused on systems with First-Come- First-Served (FCFS) servers. However, servers in practical systems are more complicated. They serve multiple jobs at once, and their service rate can depend on the number of jobs in service. Motivated by this, we study load balancing for systems using Limited- Processor-Sharing (LPS). Our model has heterogeneous servers, meaning the service rate curve and multiprogramming level (limit on the number of jobs sharing the processor) differs between servers. We focus on a specific load balancing policy: Join-Below-Threshold (JBT), which associates a threshold with each server and, whenever possible, dispatches to a server which has fewer jobs than its threshold. Given this setup, we ask: how should we configure the system to optimize objectives such as mean response time? Configuring the system means choosing both a load balancing threshold and a multiprogramming level for each server. To make this question tractable, we study the many-server mean field regime.
On the Bottleneck Structure of Congestion-Controlled Networks
Authors: Ros-Giralt Jordi , Bohara Atul , Yellamraju Sruthi , Langston Harper , Jiang Yuang , Tassiulas Leandros , Li Josie , Tan Yuanlong , Veeraraghavan Malathi
Published: July 2020

In this paper,we introduce the Theory of Bottleneck Ordering, a mathematical framework that reveals the bottleneck structure of data networks. This theoretical framework provides insights into the inherent topological properties of a network in at least three areas: (1) It identifies the regions of influence of each bottleneck; (2) it reveals the order in which bottlenecks (and flows traversing them) converge to their steady state transmission rates in distributed congestion control algorithms; and (3) it provides key insights into the design of optimized traffic engineering policies. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed theory in TCP congestion-controlled networks for two broad classes of algorithms: Congestion-based algorithms (TCP BBR) and loss-based additive-increase/multiplicative-decrease algorithms (TCP Cubic and Reno). Among other results, our network experiments show that: (1) Qualitatively, both classes of congestion control algorithms behave as predicted by the bottleneck structure of the network; (2) flows compete for bandwidth only with other flows operating at the same bottleneck level; (3) BBR flows achieve higher performance and fairness than Cubic and Reno flows due to their ability to operate at the right bottleneck level; (4) the bottleneck structure of a network is continuously changing and its levels can be folded due to variations in the flows' round trip times; and (5) against conventional wisdom, low-hitter flows can have a large impact to the overall performance of a network.
Under the Concealing Surface
Authors: Song Jinke , Li Qiang , Wang Haining , Sun Limin
Published: July 2020

Given the central role of webcams in monitoring physical surroundings, it behooves the research community to understand the characteristics of webcams' distribution and their privacy/security implications. In this paper, we conduct the first systematic study on live webcams from both aggregation sites and individual webcams (webpages/IP hosts). We propose a series of efficient, automated techniques for detecting and fingerprinting live webcams. In particular, we leverage distributed algorithms to detect aggregation sites and generate webcam fingerprints by utilizing the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the built-in web server of a device. Overall, we observe 0.85 million webpages from aggregation sites hosting live webcams and 2.2 million live webcams in the public IPv4 space. Our study reveals that aggregation sites have a typical long-tail distribution in hosting live streams (5.8% of sites contain 90.44% of live streaming contents), and 85.4% of aggregation websites scrape webcams from others. Further, we observe that (1) 277,239 webcams from aggregation sites and IP hosts (11.7%) directly expose live streams to the public, (2) aggregation sites expose 187,897 geolocation names and more detailed 23,083 longitude/latitude pairs of webcams, (3) the default usernames and passwords of 38,942 webcams are visible on aggregation sites in plaintext, and (4) 1,237 webcams are detected as having been compromised to conduct malicious behaviors.
Tuberculosis Case Finding Cascade and Treatment Outcomes among Male Inmates in Two Prisons in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mandizvidza Alois , Dlodlo Riitta A. , Chinnakali Palanivel , Mugauri Hamufare Dumisani , Dube Freeman , Gaka Evidence , Nembaware Joseph , Nyambi Shepherd , Masunungure Blessing , Garauzive Davison
Published: July 2020

Setting. Zimbabwe is a high tuberculosis (TB) burden country, with an estimated prevalence of 344/100,000 population. Though prisons are known high-prevalence sites for TB, the paucity of data affects the quantification of the disease and treatment outcomes in these settings. We measured the prevalence of TB disease and treatment outcomes among inmates at two major prisons in Harare, Zimbabwe. Design. A cohort study using programmatic data was undertaken to assess TB diagnostic cascade in one of the study prisons for 2018. Treatment outcomes among male inmates with TB were assessed over a period of four years, in two study prisons. Results. A total of 405 (11%) inmates with presumptive TB were identified, and 370 (91%) of these were evaluated for TB, mostly using rapid molecular testing of sputum specimens. Twenty-five inmates were diagnosed with TB resulting in a prevalence of 649/100,000 population. Of these, 16 (64%) were started on treatment. Nine (36%) were lost to follow-up before treatment initiation. From 2015 to 2018, 280 adult male inmates with TB were started on treatment. Of these, 212 (76%) had pulmonary disease that was bacteriologically confirmed. Almost all (276/280, 99%) had known HIV status, 65% were HIV-infected, and 80% of these were on antiretroviral treatment. The TB treatment success rate (cured or treatment completed) was recorded for 209 (75%) inmates, whilst 14 (5%) died and 11 (4%) were lost to follow-up. The frequency of unfavourable treatment outcomes (death, lost to follow-up, and not evaluated) was higher (54%) among inmates≥60 years than those in the age group of 45-59 years (17%). Conclusion. The findings revealed a threefold burden of TB in prisons, compared with what is reported by national survey. To decrease transmission of TB bacilli, it is essential to promote efforts that address missed opportunities in the TB diagnostic cascade, prompt treatment initiation, and ensure that tracking and documentation of treatment outcomes for all inmates are intensified.
Optimization of Fuel Injection Control System of Two-Stroke Aeroengine of UAV
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Shi Yan , Cai Maolin , Xu Weiqing , Zhang Jian , Zhong Wei , Wang Na
Published: July 2020

Power efficiency of two-stroke spark-ignition engine is generally low because improper amount of fuel injection leads to a lot of unburned fuel loss during the engine working process. However, parameters of the fuel injection system are hard to confirm by aviation experiments due to expensive test costs. This paper proposes a method of calibrating injection parameters of two-stroke spark-ignition engine based on thermodynamic simulation and parameter optimum algorithm. Firstly, the one-dimensional thermodynamic model is built according to the internal structure and thermodynamic process of the engine; then, the model parameters are corrected according to the operating principle of the injector; after experimental verification of the model, considering both the engine power sufficiency and fuel economy, Analytic Hierarchy Process method is applied to look for the optimal injection amount and fuel injection advance angle at different engine working speeds; finally, an aeroengine experiment station with an electronic fuel injector system is built. Through simulation and experiment studies, it can be seen that when the engine speed changes from 3000 to 3500 RPM, the oil consumption rate of the optimal results is higher than that of the previous ones; when the aeroengine speed is higher than 4000 RPM, the oil consumption rate results of the optimal method are 10% to 27% higher than the original results. This paper can be a reference in the optimization of UAV aircraft engine.
Impact of Goal-Directed Therapy on Delayed Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Anetsberger Aida , Gempt Jens , Blobner Manfred , Ringel Florian , Bogdanski Ralf , Heim Markus , Schneider Gerhard , Meyer Bernhard , Schmid Sebastian , Ryang Yu-Mi , Wostrack Maria , Schneider Jürgen , Martin Jan , Ehrhardt Maximilian , Jungwirth Bettina
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is the most important cause for a poor clinical outcome after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to assess whether goal-directed hemodynamic therapy (GDHT), as compared to standard clinical care, reduces the rate of DCI after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients >18 years of age with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were enrolled and randomly assigned to standard therapy or GDHT. Advanced hemodynamic monitoring and predefined GDHT algorithms were applied in the GDHT group. The primary end point was the occurrence of DCI. Functional outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 3 months after discharge.

Results:

In total, 108 patients were randomized to the control (n=54) or GDHT group (n=54). The primary outcome (DCI) occurred in 13% of the GDHT group and in 32% of the control group patients (odds ratio, 0.324 [95% CI, 0.11–0.86];
P
=0.021). Even after adjustment for confounding parameters, GDHT was found to be superior to standard therapy (hazard ratio, 2.84 [95% CI, 1.18–6.86];
P
=0.02). The GOS was assessed 3 months after discharge in 107 patients; it showed more patients with a low disability (GOS 5, minor or no deficits) than patients with higher deficits (GOS 1–4) in the GDHT group compared with the control group (GOS 5, 66% versus 44%; GOS 1–4, 34% versus 56%;
P
=0.025). There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups.

Conclusions:

GDHT reduced the rate of DCI after subarachnoid hemorrhage with a better functional outcome (GOS=5) 3 months after discharge.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01832389.
Inevitably Comparative, but Not Inevitably Positive: the Study of Jews and Judaism within the Field of Religious Studies
Authors: Gordan Rachel
Published: July 2020

This essay considers the study of Judaism within the framework of Lincoln and Freiberger’s calls for comparative studies. As a minority religion, Judaism usually requires comparative thinking, as scholars consider Judaism within the context of a majority religion. Study of post-WWII American Judaism, in particular, invites comparison, because it marks the high-tide era of “Judeo-Christianity,” in which Judaism was newly considered America’s “third faith,” on a purportedly equal status with Protestantism and Catholicism, thus inviting comparision between the three religions and other traditions outside the small circle of midcentury “American religions.” This postwar, tri-faith status of Judaism reveals some of the costs and benefits of thinking comparatively: when comparison is undertaken with an eye toward creating or maintaining equality among religions, the results may include erasure of distinctions between traditions. The study of Judaism demonstrates some of the politics and ideological motivations of comparative thinking about religion, as well as its potential risks and benefits as explained by Lincoln and Freiberger.
Social Governance Concepts in Traditional Chinese Culture
Authors: Meng Fanjia , Wang Ming
Published: July 2020

Within China’s outstanding traditional culture lies a wealth of thought on social governance. In an effort to organize these ideas in systematic fashion, this text contains the dialogue that took place in the autumn of 2019 during a course for public administration graduate students entitled “Innovation in Social Governance.” The dialogue was between Professor Wang Ming of Tsinghua University and sinologist Meng Fanjia, who is a 74th-generation descendant of the great philosopher Mencius and an advocate of contemporary shi culture (a shi is one who aspires to become a person of noble character as defined by traditional Chinese culture). The dialogue, full of novel concepts, summarizes the definition of the word “traditional”. Their discussion was both broadly inclusive and profoundly insightful in the aspects of rite, being a man of noble character, virtue, being a scholar, goodness, filial piety, law, kinship, and morality.
Eveline, Elsie, and the politics of paralysis: Echoes of Dubliners in Zoë Wicomb’s “Nothing Like the Wind”
Authors: Fossati Marta
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the presence of a covert but substantial Joycean intertext in Zoë Wicomb’s short story “Nothing Like the Wind”, namely “Eveline” in Dubliners. The two texts tackle similarly the felt experience of their female protagonists, Elsie and Eveline, two colonial or colonized subjects suffering equally because of their physical location, gender, and social class. Apart from the parallels at the level of both content and form, the short stories perform a dialogue centred around the staple thematic concerns of patriarchal family, home, and emigration — over which the paralytic legacy of colonialism hovers. Wicomb’s engagement with these issues finds a ready counterpart in Joyce’s own treatment of British policies in Ireland. This intertextual connection sheds new light on the possibilities of interpretation, both of “Nothing Like the Wind” and of “Eveline”.
Glass fiber/polypropylene composites with potential of bone fracture fixation plates: Manufacturing process and mechanical characterization
Authors: Kabiri Ali , Liaghat Gholamhossein , Alavi Fatemeh , Saidpour Hossein , Hedayati Seyyed Kaveh , Ansari Mehdi , Chizari Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

Mechanical properties and manufacturing processes of Glass Fiber/Polypropylene (GF/PP) composites for application of flexible internal long bone fracture fixation plates have been investigated. PP/Short Chopped Glass Fiber (PPSCGF), PP/Long Glass Fiber (PPLGF) and PP/Long Glass Fiber Yarn (PPLGFY) were used in fabrication of the fixation plates. The PPSCGF and PPLGF plates were made by the heat-compressing process and Three-dimensional (3D) printing method was used to make the PPLGFY ones. The values of Young’s modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus and strength, and impact strength of the PPSCGF in the fiber longitudinal direction were found to be [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa, [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa and [Formula: see text]kJ/m2, respectively. Where, these values for the PPLGF were to [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa, [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa, and [Formula: see text]kJ/m2 and for the PPLGFY were to [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa, [Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text]MPa and [Formula: see text]kJ/m2. These have been found to be in close agreement with the human bone properties. Furthermore, the strength and modulus values of the plates were reasonable to be used as a bone implant applicable for bone fracture reconstructions. Hence, the study concluded that the GF/PP composites are useful for load-bearing during daily activities and would be recommended as a choice in orthopedic fixation plate applications. It will help the researchers for development of new fixation designs and the clinicians for better patient’s therapy in future.
Voting for Militants: Rebel Elections in Civil War
Authors: Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher , Huang Reyko , Sawyer Katherine M.
Published: July 2020

Rebel actors engage in a number of behaviors beyond violent conflict, including social service provision, diplomacy, and establishing local governance. This article centers on an oft-overlooked aspect of rebel behavior and governance: rebel groups conducting popular elections in wartime. We argue that rebel elections are a means through which rebels can strengthen both local and international legitimacy, but that there are risks to employing elections (such as logistical failures or publicized disconnect from civilians). We hypothesize that rebels that are pursuing legitimacy (local and international) in other ways are likely to set up rebel elections and that rebel groups with greater organizational capacity are more likely to introduce elections because they are well placed to manage the risks elections entail. Using a global data set of rebel use of elections where local civilians vote to elect rebel representatives at various levels of organizational hierarchy, we find empirical support for these propositions.
Formative Assessment for Learning How to Learn: Exploring University Student Learning Experiences
Authors: Fukuda Steve T. , Lander Bruce W. , Pope Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

The push for better English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pedagogy continues in Asia. In Japan, particularly, developing self-regulated learning (SRL) skills is a major objective in the new national curriculum for primary and secondary schools. Research in education suggests the practice of formative assessment (FA) in the classroom fosters SRL skills. The importance of FA in EFL is discussed here, along with an investigation of the relationship between FA and SRL skills of Japanese university students. An examination of 118 participants measured secondary school experiences of FA practices and its connection to the development of participants’ SRL skills. Quantitative results showed that participants experienced FA practices in secondary schools, however, qualitative data showed these experiences did not sufficiently lead to the development of SRL skills to the extent of participants’ out-of-class study time. In conclusion, we recommend EFL teachers to implement more FA practices and explicit instruction of SRL skills to meet curriculum objectives of fostering the lifelong language learner.
Adult ocular leech infestation
Authors: Sood Tarun , Panwar Praveen , Sharma Ram Lal , Sharma Kalpana , Parmar Deepti , Gulati Vibham
Published: July 2020

Ocular trauma accounts for a significant proportion of cases in any emergency eye outpatient department. There are very few cases reporting ocular injuries after leech exposure. Leeches are annelids belonging to the subclass Hirudinea; they dwell in fresh water and the sea and can be terrestrial. An oral sucker present anteriorly helps to attach to the host by releasing an anesthetic that prevents its recognition as a foreign body. Although many methods of leech removal have been proposed, its removal with forceps after instillation of local anesthetic remains a safe and effective method.
Higher tear strength of EPDM/SBR/TPR composites foam based on double foaming system
Authors: Deng Fuquan , Jin Hua , Zhang Li , He Yuxin
Published: July 2020

Polymeric foam with lightweight and higher impact strength has been used in many fields due to cost reduction and higher toughness. However, it is often difficult to improve their mechanical property especially tear strength. Here, a double foaming system was designed to increase the tear strength of the foamed ethylene–propylene–diene monomer, styrene–butadiene rubber, and thermoplastic rubber (EPDM/SBR/TPR) materials. The cell size of EPDM/SBR/TPR foam and cell distribution were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that the cells present a bimodal structure. Besides, the tear strength can reach up to 10 N/mm when the density is about 0.40 g/cm3, which is much superior to those of most engineering plastic foams. Meanwhile, the crystallization property of EPDM/SBR/TPR foams was also demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the double foaming system can reduce the crystallization of EPDM/SBR/TPR molecular chains. In addition, the variation of thermal conductivity values depends on the gradual decrease effect of the cell size.
Integrating direct employee voice within the framework of worker representation: The role of an Italian trade union in organising disintermediation
Authors: Armaroli Ilaria
Published: July 2020

Facing the spread of management-led direct employee voice, trade unions are stuck with a theoretical and practical dilemma: organising against the disintermediation threats or accepting the risk of marginalisation and partnering with management to at least secure mutual gains. This article casts light on organising disintermediation as a chance for trade unions to overcome the ‘ organising against vs surrendering to disintermediation’ trade-off, by taking the lead in the promotion, regulation and implementation of direct employee voice. The analysis of FIM-CISL Brescia shows that far from exclusively being a link to organisational performance and a challenge to union intermediation, direct employee voice may become a trade union goal, being the expression of employee self-determination and human dignity. Pursuing this goal translates into a multifaceted change for the trade union, regarding both its internal ( organising) and external ( partnership) dimension.
Effect of a Cane with Microprism Reflecting Tape on the Nighttime Visibility of Blind Rural Travelers
Authors: Franck L.
Published: July 2020

The study reported here compared the visibility of a cane equipped with white Scotchlite Reflecting Tape with Reflexite AP 1000M Reflecting Tape. The subjects were 33 licensed drivers, randomly assigned to groups, who were told to look for and announce the sighting of a person with a cane while they rode as passengers in cars traveling at a constant speed at night on a flat, unlit rural road. Elapsed times were recorded and distances calculated. The findings indicated that microprism reflecting tape, such as Reflexite AP 1000M, provides far greater detection distances at night on rural roads than does the standard Scotchlite currently used on long canes, and thus may be safer for blind travelers in rural areas.
Generic Adaptations to Blindness: An Alternate Method of Rehabilitation
Authors: Roberts A.H.
Published: July 2020

The author suggests that it is time to abandon the traditional methods of teaching blind persons by subject area and to, instead, use a generic approach to rehabilitation. He lists a number of principles that could be applied to one or more of his nine categories of ways of viewing and coping with the problems of the total environment. This approach depends on teaching blind students how to transfer, or adapt, their knowledge of problem-solving techniques from one task to another.
Performance of Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Clients on the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Tests
Authors: Needham W.E. , Eldridge L.S.
Published: July 2020

The effects of additional practice trials on the Displacing Test and Turning Test of the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Tests were studied to determine whether the use of normative data from sighted persons in evaluating the motor skills of blind individuals was valid. Blind vocational rehabilitation clients (N=100) were given the MRMT after three practice trials. Contrary to what is commonly believed, they essentially scored lower than people with normal vision, their means on both tests being at the first percentile of the norms for sighted persons. “Low” or “Very Low” range scores (31st percentile or below) were obtained by 83 percent and 68 percent of the blind clients on the Displacing Test and Turning Test, respectively. Accordingly, the use of this procedure can unfairly penalize blind persons.
Computer–Oriented Technology for Blind Readers
Authors: Hjelmquist E. , Jansson B. , Torell G.
Published: July 2020

Twenty-nine visually handicapped subjects participated in a research project in which a daily newspaper was transmitted into their homes and read to them with the help of speech synthesis. With the use of computer and telecommunication techniques, almost the entire newspaper was transmitted; this is an important change in providing news to blind people. Questions of interest in this study included the subjects’ reactions to the reading device and their use of the different reading facilities offered. Reactions were, in general, very favorable. The project demonstrated the importance to the subjects of receiving a newspaper at the same time sighted people received theirs and the chance to choose what to read easily. The intelligibility of the synthetic speech was considered high. Although the subjects read a lot, they mainly used few of the available commands. In areas in which it was possible to compare their reading habits with those of sighted persons, striking similarities were found.
Stereotypes: A Preliminary Report on Mannerisms and Blindisms
Authors: Leonhardt M.
Published: July 2020

This article reports on current research on stereotypes in a group of blind children in Barcelona, Spain. The goal of this research is to establish the causes of stereotypic behavior and to try to understand what it means. We have taken into account stereotypes present in primates as well as stereotypes sighted children exhibit during normal development. Mannerisms and blindisms covering a range of verbal and motor behavior are defined and discussed, as are the variables of behavior related to them.
New Model for Referral of Newly Blind and Visually Impaired Persons in Israel
Authors: Neustadt-Noy N.
Published: July 2020

In the traditional model of referral for rehabilitation services in Israel, blind and visually impaired persons often face a long time lag between the onset of visual impairment and the start of rehabilitation because of administrative delays. This article contrasts the traditional model with a new model—the rehabilitation information station—that links administrative, social, medical, and functional rehabilitation and results in the faster receipt of services.
The Rehabilitation Teachers Division of Migdal Or
Authors: Siegel S.A.
Published: July 2020

This article describes the Rehabilitation Teachers Division—one of the four units of an Israeli rehabilitation agency, Migdal Or. It discusses the division's history, structure, and unique features and shows that although many ideas and models were taken from programs in other countries, they have been adapted to the needs, assets, and cultures of blind and visually impaired people in Israel.
Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Canada
Authors: Naeyaert K.M. , Grace G.
Published: July 2020

This article presents the findings of the most comprehensive Canadian survey on disabilities, the 1986 postcensus Health and Activity Limitation Survey, which analyzed data on blindness and visual impairment. An examination of vision loss and its prevalence in the general population by age group and within the disabled population uncovered some new variations in statistics on prevalence rates and some new information on age at onset, cause of vision loss, and the severity of visual impairment.