bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harm, care and babies: An inequalities and policy discourse perspective on recent child protection trends in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Keddell Emily
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION: Examining basic trends in child protection statistics give some insight into the functioning of the system overall.METHODS: This article uses Official Information Act and publicly available data to examine recent trends of children in contact with the Aotearoa New Zealand child protection system.It discusses these trends with reference to child protection policy reforms, and an inequalities perspective.FINDINGS: There has been an increase of children in care despite steady reductions in hospitalisations for physical abuse and possibly child deaths, accepted reports of concern, abuse substantiations and entries to care. The increase is caused by fewer children exiting care, particularly for children under 10 years old. There is a 33% increase in babies removed; this is regionalised and with more use of legal orders on unborn, as opposed to older babies. Disproportionality for Māori is increasing, while other groups remain stable or reduce. The use of kinship care has increased.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE OR POLICY: Changes in rates of contact with the child protection system reflect complex interactions between demand and supply of services, social inequalities, the policy context and practice logics. Changing decision-making at intake reflects tightening criteria to focus on only the highest risk families. However, “supply” policies that focus on early removal to permanency and early-intervention discourses may result in an increasein younger children entering care, and staying longer once they get there. “Demand” policies affecting preventive service provision, social protections and institutionalised bias may also be contributors. More research is needed to fully understand these patterns.
Evaluation brief: Impact on service users of community day services’ cessation
Authors: Lim Garry
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION: This is a brief of a year-long evaluative study and service analysis undertaken by Disability Support Link (DSL), Waikato DHB.APPROACH: This briefing provides an insight into the evaluative study on the associated impact of cessation of community day services which are key components within the disability sector’s service provision. These day services provide an integral outlet of meaningful activities for disabled adults whose current needs impact on their employment. The focus was on analysing repository information over the last decade. The data sources include documented narratives from the needs assessment process and longitudinal resourcing information. In addition, contemporary literature on the role of day activity centres were sourced to identify similar work within this area. The subsequent findings were submitted to the Ministry of Health of Aotearoa New Zealand.FINDINGS: An association was found between service users’ lack of access to day services and initial short-term savings to publicly funded disability services budget. However, initial savings were essentially overshadowed by subsequent, increasing, costs over time. There are also associated impacts on disabled adults, such as reports of increasing isolation, decreasing sense of meaningful structured day activities, declining daily functions and possibly resultant maladaptive behaviours. Notably, these issues are not just about funding and resourcing as they impact on disabled people’s rights and social connections.CONCLUSION: This study indicates that cessation and or reduction of day community services derived initial short-term cost savings but subsequent long-term increased support needs requires more costly support packages. Future efficacy lies in further reviewing the positive impact of health-related community day services for people with disabilities; an iteration of day service contracts that produces meaning to the individual and cost efficiency to public health spending.
Writing skills for social workers (3rd ed.)
Authors: Cabell Nicola
Published: January 2020

Book review
Developing your communication skills in social work
Authors: Nayda Megan
Published: January 2020

Book review
Not All Promotion Is Good Promotion: The Pitfalls of Overexaggerated Claims and Controlling Language in Exercise Messaging
Authors: Dimmock James , Simich David , Budden Timothy , Podlog Leslie , Beauchamp Mark , Jackson Ben
Published: January 2020

Across 2 studies, the authors explored reactance effects to overexaggerated claims and controlling language in exercise messaging. In Study 1, participants received either a message exaggerating the benefits of an upcoming exercise session or no message. They subsequently undertook a mundane exercise session led by an instructor, which was either need supportive or “realistically controlling.” Relative to no-message participants, those who had read the message reported less positive evaluations of the session. These results were observed despite participants in the message condition holding more positive presession expectations, and the effect was apparent even for those who received need-supportive instruction. In Study 2, participants read an advertisement that was written in either autonomy-supportive language or controlling language. Despite reporting comparable expectations, participants who received a controlling-language message reported significantly greater anger and freedom threat—factors commonly linked to contrast effects. These studies highlight the operation of message-driven contrast effects in exercise.
An 8-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Physical Activity and Bone Strength From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: The Iowa Bone Development Study
Authors: Metcalf Kristen M. , Letuchy Elena M. , Levy Steven M. , Janz Kathleen F.
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Most pediatric physical activity and bone health research has focused on the period immediately around puberty; few have addressed bone structural strength outcomes. This study assessed the magnitude and consistency of the longitudinal relationships between device-measured vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) and structural bone strength outcomes across adolescence to emerging adulthood. Methods: Participants with 3 to 5 bone scans between the age of 11 and 19 years were studied (N = 439, 220 females, 1838 records). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the hip (hip structural analysis) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans of the tibia were obtained. Outcomes included femoral neck section modulus, femoral neck cross-sectional area, tibial Bone Strength Index, and tibial torsion strength (polar Strength Strain Index). Sex-specific bone mixed growth models were developed using biological age (chronological age − age at peak height velocity) as the time variable, and height, weight, and device-measured VPA as time-varying covariates. Models also included the VPA–biological age interaction. Results: Individual-centered VPA and the VPA–biological age interaction were significantly, positively associated (P < .05) with Bone Strength Index, polar Strength Strain Index, section modulus, and cross-sectional area in males and females, indicating accumulative effects of VPA throughout maturation and beyond. Conclusion: Bone remains responsive to the mechanical loading of physical activity throughout adolescence and into emerging adulthood. Attention should be placed on promoting bone-strengthening physical activity after the prepubertal years when adult exercise patterns are likely formed.
Emerging Tick-Borne Diseases
Authors: Madison-Antenucci Susan , Kramer Laura D. , Gebhardt Linda L. , Kauffman Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Increases in tick-borne disease prevalence and transmission are important public health issues. Efforts to control these emerging diseases are frustrated by the struggle to control tick populations and to detect and treat infections caused by the pathogens that they transmit. This review covers tick-borne infectious diseases of nonrickettsial bacterial, parasitic, and viral origins.
Hybrid Assembly from a Pathogenic Methicillin- and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strain Isolated from a Case of Canine Otitis in Spain
Authors: Viñes Joaquim , Cuscó Anna , Francino Olga
Published: January 2020

Here we report the genome assembly, using a hybrid approach with Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, of a pathogenic
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
strain isolated from a case of canine otitis. Genome assembly confirmed the antimicrobial resistance profile (disk diffusion testing) with specific genes and mutations.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Plant-Derived Phenylpropanoid-Degrading Bacterium, Pseudomonas putida JYR-1
Authors: Han Yanshuo , Tian Jian , Li Yuzhong , Hur Hor-Gil , Han Dongfei
Published: January 2020

Pseudomonas putida
JYR-1 was isolated from soil contaminated with industrial oil because of its ability to utilize
trans
-anethole as a carbon and energy source. The complete genome is 5.41 Mb with 4,834 protein-coding genes. Study of this isolate will provide insight into biotransformation pathways for phenylpropanoids.
Bacterial Community Sequences of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the Potomac River
Authors: Alexiev Alexandra , Vann Laura E. , Lang Jenna M. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: January 2020

Here, we report results from PCR and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes from leaf and root surfaces from nine submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) samples comprising five species. Samples were from four sites along the Potomac River.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Campylobacter armoricus
CA639, Which Carries Two Plasmids, Compiled Using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Boukerb Amine M. , Schaeffer Julien , Serghine Joëlle , Carrier Gregory , Le Guyader Françoise S. , Gourmelon Michèle
Published: January 2020

As determined by a hybrid approach combining Oxford Nanopore MinION and Illumina MiniSeq sequence data,
Campylobacter armoricus
strain CA639 harbored a circular chromosome of 1,688,169 bp with a G+C content of 28.47% and two plasmids named pCA639-1 and pCA639-2, with lengths of 51,123 and 28,139 bp, and G+C contents of 26.5% and 28.45%, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter jejuni Strain NADC 20827, Isolated from Commercial Turkeys
Authors: Nielsen Daniel W. , Maki Joel J. , Looft Torey , Ricker Nicole , Sylte Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

Campylobacter jejuni
is the main cause of bacterial foodborne disease in humans, who are exposed mostly by consumption of contaminated poultry products.
C. jejuni
strain NADC 20827 was isolated from the feces of turkeys naturally colonized with
Campylobacter
spp. We present the complete annotated genome and plasmid sequences of strain NADC 20827.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aspergillus oryzae BP2-1, Isolated from Traditional Malted Rice in South Korea
Authors: Jeon Jongbum , Kim Jung A , Park Sook-Young , Kim Gye-Won , Park Cheon-Seok , Kim Changmu , Park Hye Yoon , Yeo Joo-Hong , Lee Yong-Hwan , Kim Soonok
Published: January 2020

The fungus
Aspergillus oryzae
strain BP2-1 was isolated from the traditional malted starter culture nuruk. We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of
A. oryzae
BP2-1, which is comprised of 14 scaffolds with a total length of 39,455,382 bp and a GC content of 47.13%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas Phage Mendera
Authors: Garza Kameron D. , Newkirk Heather , Moreland Russell , Gonzalez Carlos F. , Liu Mei , Ramsey Jolene , Leavitt Justin
Published: January 2020

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. In this report, we describe the isolation and genomic annotation of theS. maltophilia-infecting bacteriophage Mendera. A myophage of 159,961 base pairs, Mendera is T4-like and related most closely toStenotrophomonasphage IME-SM1.
Mycoplasma genitalium
acquisition and macrolide resistance after initiation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men
Authors: Van Praet Jens Tomas , Steyaert Sanne , Vandecasteele Stefaan , Van Den Bergh Barbara , Mahieu Hilde , De Buyser Stefanie , Grootaert Veerle , Descheemaeker Patrick , Reynders Marijke
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Recent evidence shows that patients using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have an increased rate of bacterial STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Our study aimed to describe the acquisition and the susceptibility for macrolides of
Mycoplasma genitalium
in men who have sex with men (MSM) on PrEP.

Methods

We studied all MSM who started PrEP in the AZ Sint-Jan Hospital Bruges from 1 June 2017 to 31 March 2019 with at least one follow-up visit. Patients were screened for
M. genitalium
and other STIs with pooled rectal swabs, pharyngeal swabs and first-voided urine, and blood samples at baseline and quarterly intervals after initiating PrEP. TaqMan Array Card technology was used to detect
M. genitalium
and determine macrolide-resistance mediating mutations in region V of the 23S rRNA gene (A2058G, A2059G, A2058C and others). Patients with an STI were treated based on a national guideline.

Results

131 MSM (median age 40 years, range 20–79) were included in the study. The median follow-up time was 12 months (IQR 6.1–17). Baseline prevalence of
M. genitalium
was 6.9% and incidence rate after PrEP initiation was 28.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI 21.7 to 37.2), without significant differences in proportions between the first four quarterly intervals. All but one acquisitions were asymptomatic. Younger age and positivity for
M. genitalium
at baseline were significantly associated with incident
M. genitalium
acquisition. The observed proportion of macrolide resistance increased not significantly from 44% at baseline to 57%–86% after PrEP initiation. None of the 27 macrolide-resistant
M. genitalium
acquisitions could be linked to azithromycin exposure in the three preceding months.

Conclusions

After initiation of PrEP, we found a stable incidence of almost exclusively asymptomatic
M. genitalium
. However, a non-significant trend of an increased percentage of macrolide-resistant strains was observed.
Per cent low attenuation volume and fractal dimension of low attenuation clusters on CT predict different long-term outcomes in COPD
Authors: Shimizu Kaoruko , Tanabe Naoya , Tho Nguyen Van , Suzuki Masaru , Makita Hironi , Sato Susumu , Muro Shigeo , Mishima Michiaki , Hirai Toyohiro , Ogawa Emiko , Nakano Yasutaka , Konno Satoshi , Nishimura Masaharu
Published: January 2020

Background

Fractal dimension (D) characterises the size distribution of low attenuation clusters on CT and assesses the spatial heterogeneity of emphysema that per cent low attenuation volume (%LAV) cannot detect. This study tested the hypothesis that %LAV and D have different roles in predicting decline in FEV1, exacerbation and mortality in patients with COPD.

Methods

Chest inspiratory CT scans in the baseline and longitudinal follow-up records for FEV1, exacerbation and mortality prospectively collected over 10 years in the Hokkaido COPD Cohort Study were examined (n=96). The associations between CT measures and long-term outcomes were replicated in the Kyoto University cohort (n=130).

Results

In the Hokkaido COPD cohort, higher %LAV, but not D, was associated with a greater decline in FEV1 and 10-year mortality, whereas lower D, but not %LAV, was associated with shorter time to first exacerbation. Multivariable analysis for the Kyoto University cohort confirmed that lower D at baseline was independently associated with shorter time to first exacerbation and that higher LAV% was independently associated with increased mortality after adjusting for age, height, weight, FEV1 and smoking status.

Conclusion

These well-established cohorts clarify the different prognostic roles of %LAV and D, whereby lower D is associated with a higher risk of exacerbation and higher %LAV is associated with a rapid decline in lung function and long-term mortality. Combination of %LAV and fractal D may identify COPD subgroups at high risk of a poor clinical outcome more sensitively.
The coupled nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations
Authors: Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E. , Hassan S. Z. , Inc Mustafa
Published: January 2020

Nonlinear Schrodinger equations can model nonlinear waves in plasma physics, optics, fluid and atmospheric theory of profound water waves and so on. In this work, the [Formula: see text]-expansion, the sine–cosine and Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE techniques have been utilized to establish solitons, periodic waves and several types of solutions for the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. These methods with the help of symbolic computations via Mathematica 10 are robust and adequate to solve partial differential nonlinear equations in mathematical physics. Finally, 3D figures for some selected solutions have been depicted.
Analyzing photonic space-time crystal with FDTD
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Zhang Wenjun , Zeng Lunwu
Published: January 2020

When space (time) translation symmetry is spontaneously broken, the space crystal (time crystal) forms; when permittivity and permeability periodically vary with space (time), the photonic space crystal (photonic time crystal) forms. We rewrote Maxwell’s equations in photonic time crystal, and discretized Maxwell’s equations with finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, deduced the discretized electric and magnetic field, and simulated electromagnetic wave propagation in two-dimensional (2D) photonic space-time crystal and photonic space crystal (or photonic crystal), and discussed the effect of parameters on the band gap.
Face Identification Based on Discrete Wavelet Transform and Neural Networks
Authors: Khadilkar Samrat P. , Das Sunil R. , Assaf Mansour H. , Biswas Satyendra N.
Published: December 2019

The subject paper presents implementation of a new automatic face recognition system. To formulate an automated framework for the recognition of human faces is a highly challenging endeavor. The face identification problem is particularly very crucial in the context of today’s rapid emergence of technological advancements with ever expansive requirements. It has also significant relevance in the related engineering disciplines of computer graphics, pattern recognition, psychology, image processing and artificial neural networks. This paper proposes a side-view face authentication approach based on discrete wavelet transform and artificial neural networks for the solution of the problem. A subset determination strategy that expands on the number of training samples and permits protection of the global information is discussed. The authentication technique involves image profile extraction, decomposition of the wavelets, splitting of the subsets and finally neural network verification. The procedure exploits the localization property of the wavelets in both the frequency and spatial domains, while maintaining the generalized properties of the neural networks. The realization strategy of the methodology was executed using MATLAB, demonstrating that the performance of the technique is quite satisfactory.
Review—Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids for Electrochemical Application with Special Focus on Gas Sensors
Authors: Paul Anirban , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: January 2020

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are the most common electrolyte now a day, which is usually a molten salt comprised of cationic and anionic charge, generate a neutral species having high thermal stability and exceptional chemical property. Due to these unique properties, RTILs had been used for many applications as a solvent/electrolyte for decades. There are many RTILs, which possess good conductivity, as well as an optimum electrochemical window, which, is suitable for electrochemical sensor application. Among various electrochemical sensors available in the market, the electrochemical gas sensor is a popular device for environmental monitoring. The use of RTILs to the existing technology leads us to new era of sensing where we can able to address sensitivity, stability, robustness, and ability to do multiplex array along with the fundamental behind the electrochemical gas sensor. This paper is consisted of the electrical and electrochemical properties of some popular RTILs along with its application in electrochemical sensing, with a special focus on the electrochemical gas sensor. This review will help the general audience to fabricate the next-gen electrochemical sensor using RTILs.
Review— Recent Exploration of Two-Dimensional MXenes for Gas Sensing: From a Theoretical to an Experimental View
Authors: Lee Eunji , Kim Dong-Joo
Published: January 2020

This review focuses on newly emerging two-dimensional MXenes for gas sensing applications from a theoretical to an experimental view to guide future research. Various synthesis routes of 2D MXenes have been explored and recent success of various MXenes has allowed more knowledge on the relations between their structure and materials properties. We review distinctive gas sensing properties of MXenes in two aspects of theoretical and experimental view. Theoretical insight into the gas-surface interaction mechanism and experimental results of various MXenes on their sensing properties are complied and discussed. To tailor and enhance the sensing performance of MXenes, the parameters such as precursors, morphology, surface terminations, and interlayer structures are emphasized. Perspectives on challenges and opportunities are offered for further development of MXenes-based gas sensors.
A Mathematical Model of a Molten Carbonate Direct Carbon Fuel Cell
Authors: Song Datong , Xie Zhong , Zhang Xinge , Qu Wei , Wang Qianpu
Published: January 2020

A one-dimensional (1D) homogeneous unit cell model was developed to study the performance of the molten carbonate direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC), which uses solid carbon as fuel and molten carbonate as electrolyte. It is the first unit cell model for the molten carbonate DCFC in which both 4-electron carbon oxidation and 2-electron CO oxidation reactions, as well as the reverse Boudouard reaction, are considered. The simulation results verify that, besides the relatively sluggish kinetics of the anodic reactions, cell performance is mainly limited by ohmic losses in the anode. Further modeling exploration reveals that a minimum effective electronic conductivity of around 0.56 S/cm is required to facilitate proper electrical conduction in the cathode to attain high DCFC performance. It was found that there are optimal volume fractions for the carbon fuel and liquid electrolyte in the anode. If the effective electronic conductivity of the cathode falls to 0.56 S/cm, optimal volume fractions also exist for the solid material and liquid electrolyte in the cathode. The detailed modeling analysis showed that performance improvement at high operating temperature was mainly attributed to improvement of anodic kinetics and reduction of ohmic loss in the electrolyte of electrodes and electrolyte matrix.
Fuzzy Optimal Control Problem of Several Variables
Authors: Mustafa Altyeb Mohammed , Gong Zengtai , Osman Mawia
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper is to establish the necessary conditions for a fuzzy optimal control problem of several variables. Also, we define fuzzy optimal control problems involving isoperimetric constraints and higher order differential equations. Then, we convert these problems to fuzzy optimal control problems of several variables in order to solve these problems using the same solution method. The main results of this paper are illustrated throughout three examples, more specifically, a discussion on the strong solutions (fuzzy solutions) of our problems.
Review of Modified Nickel-Cobalt Lithium Aluminate Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ding , Liu Weihong , Zhang Xuhong , Huang Yue , Xu Mingbiao , Xiao Wei
Published: December 2019

Ternary nickel-cobalt lithium aluminate LiNixCoyAl1‐x‐yO2 (NCA, x≥0.8) is an essential cathode material with many vital advantages, such as lower cost and higher specific capacity compared with lithium cobaltate and lithium iron phosphate materials. However, the noticeably irreversible capacity and reduced cycle performance of NCA cathode materials have restricted their further development. To solve these problems and further improve the electrochemical performance, numerous research studies on material modification have been conducted, achieving promising results in recent years. In this work, the progress of NCA cathode materials is examined from the aspects of surface coating and bulk doping. Furthermore, future research directions for NCA cathode materials are proposed.
Woody Species Diversity and Management in Homegarden Agroforestry: The Case of Shashemene District, Ethiopia
Authors: Jegora Tefera , Asfaw Zebene , Anjulo Agena
Published: December 2019

The study was conducted in Shashemene district, Ethiopia. Management-related data were collected using informal and formal surveys. Woody species diversity and related parameters were collected from 60 households. Woody species with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured and recorded and below 5 cm were counted and recorded in 10 m ∗ 10 m and 1 m ∗ 1 m plot, respectively. A total of 36 woody species were recorded, of which 58% were indigenous to the area. The overall mean number of woody species per plot was 3.13. Four woody species, namely, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, Persea americana, and Catha edulis, showed highest importance value index. Farmers’ preference ranks for selected woody species were recorded in order of Cordia africana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Croton macrostachyus, and Cupressus lusitanica, respectively. The similarity in woody species composition between the study villages ranged from 0.46 to 0.60. To sustain the management of woody species, farmers implemented pruning, thinning, composting, weeding, digging, and watering activities in the area. Garden availability and market and road accessibility are the major determinants of woody species in homegarden agroforestry. The study revealed woody species diversity, management practices implemented, and factors affecting woody species diversity management in homegarden agroforestry. Therefore, government should be worked on infrastructure, resource reallocation, and awareness creation in communities for the better improvement of species diversity and its sustainable management in homegarden agroforestry.
Performance of a Pebble Bed Thermal Storage Integrated with Concentrating Parabolic Solar Collector for Cooking
Authors: Kedida Dejene Kebede , Amibe Demiss Alemu , Birhane Yilma Tadesse
Published: December 2019

Cooking using biomass, which is commonly practiced in developing countries, causes rampant deforestation and exposure to emission. Hence, utilization of solar energy for cooking is a green solution. As solar radiation is not available at every hour of the day, thermal storage is essential for availing thermal energy at required time of use. Therefore, this work investigates the efficiency of solar cooker with parabolic concentrating collector integrated with thermal storage using 1D finite difference computational model. A cook stove on packed pebble bed thermal storage having 0.3 m diameter and 0.9 m height and a storage capacity of 40.1 MJ of energy during a clear day and 12.85 MJ energy was simulated for charging and discharging (cooking), under Addis Ababa climatic condition for days, with highest and lowest solar irradiance and thermal storage efficiency of 66.7%, cooker thermal efficiency of 45% during discharging of heat by forced convection, and 41% during discharging of heat by conduction, were obtained for the day with the highest solar irradiance. The overall efficiency of the cook stove with thermal storage was 30% and 22% for discharging by forced convection and conduction, respectively. For the day with lowest beam solar irradiance, the storage, thermal and overall efficiencies were 70.9%, 31.1% and 22.0%, respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that solar concentrating cookers with thermal storage can have an overall cooking efficiency between 22% and 30% on a clear sky day when the Sun is overhead in tropical areas.
Evaluation of Satellite and Reanalysis Precipitation Products Using GIS for All Basins in Turkey
Authors: Irvem Ahmet , Ozbuldu Mustafa
Published: December 2019

Use of the satellite and reanalysis precipitation products, as supplementary data sources, are steadily rising for hydrometeorological applications, especially in data-sparse areas. However, the accuracy of these data sets is often lacking, especially in Turkey. This study evaluates the accuracy of satellite precipitation product (TRMM 3B42V7) and reanalysis precipitation product (NCEP-CFSR) against rain gauge observations for the 1998–2010 periods. Average annual precipitation for the 25 basins in Turkey was calculated using rain gauge precipitation data from 225 stations. The inverse distance weighting (IDW) method was used to calculate areal precipitation for each basin using GIS. According to the results of statistical analysis, the coefficient of determination for the TRMM product gave satisfactory results (R2 > 0.88). However, R2 for the CFSR data set ranges from 0.35 for the Eastern Black Sea basin to 0.93 for the West Mediterranean basin. RMSE was calculated to be 95.679 mm and 128.097 mm for the TRMM and CFSR data, respectively. The NSE results of TRMM data showed very good performance for 6 basins, while the PBias value showed very good performance for 7 basins. The NSE results of CFSR data showed very good performance for 3 basins, while the PBias value showed very good performance for 6 basins.
Spectrum Sharing with Dynamic Cournot Game in Vehicle-Enabled Cognitive Small-Cell Networks
Authors: Wu Guilu , Jiang Huilin
Published: December 2019

Cognitive radio technology can effectively improve spectrum efficiency in wireless networks and is also applicable to vehicle small-cell networks. In this paper, we consider the problem of spectrum sharing among a vehicle primary user (V-PU) and multiple vehicle secondary users (V-SUs). This problem is modeled as a competition market, and the solution for V-SUs is designed using a non-cooperative game. A utility function that measures the profit of the V-PU considering quality of service (QoS) is proposed, aiming at maximizing the profit of the V-PU. Nash equilibrium is obtained as the best solution in our game. Then, the realistic vehicle-enabled cognitive small-cell network is considered in building the dynamic spectrum allocation problem. The V-SUs adjust their current strategies gradually and iteratively based on the observations on the strategies of the previous moment. This adjustment parameter is controlled by the frequency of adjustment. The stability analysis of the dynamic game is given out subsequently for dynamic spectrum allocation. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed dynamic spectrum scheme for vehicle-enabled cognitive small-cell networks and Nash equilibrium point’s existence.
General Six-Step Discrete-Time Zhang Neural Network for Time-Varying Tensor Absolute Value Equations
Authors: Sun Min , Liu Jing
Published: December 2019

This article presents a general six-step discrete-time Zhang neural network (ZNN) for time-varying tensor absolute value equations. Firstly, based on the Taylor expansion theory, we derive a general Zhang et al. discretization (ZeaD) formula, i.e., a general Taylor-type 1-step-ahead numerical differentiation rule for the first-order derivative approximation, which contains two free parameters. Based on the bilinear transform and the Routh–Hurwitz stability criterion, the effective domain of the two free parameters is analyzed, which can ensure the convergence of the general ZeaD formula. Secondly, based on the general ZeaD formula, we design a general six-step discrete-time ZNN (DTZNN) for time-varying tensor absolute value equations (TVTAVEs), whose steady-state residual error changes in a higher order manner than those presented in the literature. Meanwhile, the feasible region of its step size, which determines its convergence, is also studied. Finally, experiment results corroborate that the general six-step DTZNN model is quite efficient for TVTAVE solving.
Modeling and Analysis on Teacher-Student Relationship
Authors: Xu Li , Yang Qi
Published: December 2019

Although the teacher-student relationship has been addressed in some studies, the cooperation or reciprocal relations between teachers and students have not been explored sufficiently. In this paper, a difference equation model is applied to express the relationship, stability analysis at the positive steady state of the discrete model is done to verify that the performance output is not empty, and hypothesis testing is conducted to show the validity of the model by means of sample data from a college. Then some reasonable suggestions are proposed to improve the performance output of teachers and students.
Rational Solutions for the (2+1)-Dimensional Modified KdV-CBS Equation
Authors: Li Yan , Chaolu Temuer , Bai Yuexing
Published: December 2019

In this paper, with the help of symbolic computation, three types of rational solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional modified KdV-Calogero-Bogoyavlenkskii-Schiff equation are derived. By means of the truncated Painlevé expansion, we show that the (2+1)-dimensional modified KdV-Calogero-Bogoyavlenkskii-Schiff equation can be written as a trilinear-linear equation, from which we get explicit representation for rational solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional modified KdV-Calogero-Bogoyavlenkskii-Schiff equation.
Influence of Regional Transport Mechanisms on the Fingerprint of Biomass-Burning Aerosols in Buenos Aires
Authors: Ulke Ana G.
Published: December 2019

The study focuses on the transport of aerosol particles resulting from biomass burning in central South America towards the megacity of Buenos Aires by the South American Low-Level Jet. In particular, the cases are studied in which the exit area of the Jet reaches the La Plata Basin with no precipitation associated, herein called Chaco Jet 1 (CJ1), which could remove aerosols from the atmosphere on their way towards the city. CJ1 events registered within the five-year period of 2001–2005 are examined along with changes in the optical properties of aerosols over the city from measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site. Three-dimensional backward trajectories of CJ1 were obtained to verify the connection between the receptor site and the biomass-burning source region. A cluster analysis of the trajectories allows further characterizing the features and impacts of regionally transported aerosols. A subsample of days on which impacts of the contribution of biomass burning could have occurred, showed a statistically significant increase in aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent, reflected by an increase in the peak of the derived volume size distribution in the fine fraction size range, which also shifts slightly towards bigger radii. The days with AOD greater than 0.15 show overall behaviour like other urban sites with pollution of different origins. The evaluation of the selected data reveals that higher values of AOD and changes in the Ångström exponent are linked to the dispersion of biomass-burning aerosols. Air mass trajectories coinciding with the CJ1 core present the strongest impact on aerosol characteristics, which can be seen in spectral measurements.
Climate Change Indicators and Spatiotemporal Shift in Monsoon Patterns in Pakistan
Authors: Safdar Fasiha , Khokhar Muhammad Fahim , Arshad Muhammad , Adil Iftikhar Hussain
Published: December 2019

Monsoon rainfall is the principle source of fresh water essential for agricultural practices and human sustenance in the Indian subcontinent during summer. This study is primarily designed to analyse the extent of rainfall and temperature variations in Pakistan over the northern monsoon belt by using satellite and ground-based observations. The satellite gridded data for rainfall are acquired from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) along with rainfall and temperature data from 15 ground stations of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Data were analysed to identify changes in climatic parameters and spatiotemporal shift in monsoon precipitation in Pakistan. Analysis shows that there is significant correlation between TRMM and PMD datasets. Decrease in monsoon rainfall is observed during the last two decades. A more pronounced decrease is observed in monsoon rainfall during the years 2010–2017, i.e., 17.58 mm/year accompanied by 0.18°C increase in temperature. A southward spatial shift in monsoon rainfall occurrence (rainfall ≥2.5 mm/day) is observed while an eastward shift in moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall is identified. This study may be helpful for an agricultural country like Pakistan which is heavily dependent on monsoon rainfalls for assessing the impacts of changing monsoon season and to adapt towards changing climate.
Infinitely Many Solutions of Schrödinger-Poisson Equations with Critical and Sublinear Terms
Authors: Yao Xianzhong , Li Xia , Zhang Fuchen , Mu Chunlai
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the following Schrödinger-Poisson equations −Δu+u+ϕu=u5+λaxup−1u,x∈ℝ3,−Δϕ=u2,x∈ℝ3, where the parameter λ>0 and p∈0,1. When the parameter λ is small and the weight function ax fulfills some appropriate conditions, we admit the Schrödinger-Poisson equations possess infinitely many negative energy solutions by using a truncation technology and applying the usual Krasnoselskii genus theory. In addition, a byproduct is that the set of solutions is compact.
Study on the Synthesize, Characterization, and Conductive Performance of Nickelzircomolybdnum Heteropoly Acid Salt with Keggin Structure
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Wang Baoying , Zhang Yijing , Zhang Gehong , Wang Yujing
Published: December 2019

A novel heteropoly acid salt, Na6[Ni(Mo11ZrO39)]·20H2O, has been synthesized by the means of acidification and adding the reactants into the solution step by step. The heteropoly compound was characterized by elemental analysis, TGA/DSC, infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, X-ray diffraction, and SEM. Its protonic conduction was measured by the means of the electrochemical impedance spectrum. The results showed that it belongs to the Keggin type, and its conductivity value was 1.23 × 10–2 S/cm at 23°C when the relative humidity was 60%, and the conductivity enhanced with the elevated temperature. Its proton conduction mechanism was in accordance with vehicle mechanism, and the activation energy was 27.82 kJ/mol.
Small Fiber Neuropathy: Clinicopathological Correlations
Authors: Pál Endre , Fülöp Krisztina , Tóth Péter , Deli Gabriella , Pfund Zoltán , Janszky József , Komoly Sámuel
Published: January 2020

Small fiber neuropathy develops due to the selective damage of the thin fibers of peripheral nerves. Many common diseases can cause this condition, including diabetes, infections, autoimmune and endocrine disorders, but it can occur due to genetic alterations, as well. Eighty-five skin biopsy-proven small-fiber neuropathy cases were analyzed. Forty-one (48%) cases were idiopathic; among secondary types, hypothyreosis (9.4%), diabetes mellitus (7%), cryoglobulinemia (7%), monoclonal gammopathy with unproved significance (4.7%), Sjögren’s disease (3%), and paraneoplastic neuropathy (3%) were the most common causes. Two-thirds (68%) of the patients were female, and the secondary type started 8 years later than the idiopathic one. In a vast majority of the cases (85%), the distribution followed a length-dependent pattern. Intraepidermal fiber density was comparable in idiopathic and secondary forms. Of note, we found significantly more severe pathology in men and in diabetes. Weak correlation was found between patient-reported measures and pathology, as well as with neuropathic pain-related scores. Our study confirmed the significance of small fiber damage-caused neuropathic symptoms in many clinical conditions, the gender differences in clinical settings, and pathological alterations, as well as the presence of severe small fiber pathology in diabetes mellitus, one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.
Noncoding RNAs in Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Pérez-Cremades Daniel , Cheng Henry S. , Feinberg Mark W.
Published: January 2020

Peripheral artery disease, caused by chronic arterial occlusion of the lower extremities, affects over 200 million people worldwide. Peripheral artery disease can progress into critical limb ischemia (CLI), its more severe manifestation, which is associated with higher risk of limb amputation and cardiovascular death. Aiming to improve tissue perfusion, therapeutic angiogenesis held promise to improve ischemic limbs using delivery of growth factors but has not successfully translated into benefits for patients. Moreover, accumulating studies suggest that impaired downstream signaling of these growth factors (or angiogenic resistance) may significantly contribute to CLI, particularly under harsh environments, such as diabetes mellitus. Noncoding RNAs are essential regulators of gene expression that control a range of pathophysiologies relevant to CLI, including angiogenesis/arteriogenesis, hypoxia, inflammation, stem/progenitor cells, and diabetes mellitus. In this review, we summarize the role of noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, as functional mediators or biomarkers in the pathophysiology of CLI. A better understanding of these ncRNAs in CLI may provide opportunities for new targets in the prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of this disabling disease state.
DP1 Activation Reverses Age-Related Hypertension Via NEDD4L-Mediated T-Bet Degradation in T Cells
Authors: Kong Deping , Wan Qiangyou , Li Juanjuan , Zuo Shengkai , Liu Guizhu , Liu Qian , Wang Chenchen , Bai Peiyuan , Duan Sheng-Zhong , Zhou Bin , Gounari Fotini , Lyu Ankang , Lazarus Michael , Breyer Richard M. , Yu Ying
Published: January 2020

Background:

Blood pressure often rises with aging, but exact mechanisms are still not completely understood. With aging, the level of proinflammatory cytokines increases in T lymphocytes. Prostaglandin D
2
, a proresolution mediator, suppresses Type 1 T helper (Th1) cytokines through D-prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the prostaglandin D
2
/DP1 axis in T cells on age-related hypertension.

Methods:

To clarify the physiological and pathophysiological roles of DP1 in T cells with aging, peripheral blood samples were collected from young and older male participants, and CD4
+
T cells were sorted for gene expression, prostaglandin production, and Western blot assays. Mice blood pressure was quantified by invasive telemetric monitor.

Results:

The prostaglandin D
2
/DP1 axis was downregulated in CD4
+
T cells from older humans and aged mice. DP1 deletion in CD4
+
T cells augmented age-related hypertension in aged male mice by enhancing Th1 cytokine secretion, vascular remodeling, CD4
+
T cells infiltration, and superoxide production in vasculature and kidneys. Conversely, forced expression of exogenous DP1 in T cells retarded age-associated hypertension in mice by reducing Th1 cytokine secretion. Tumor necrosis factor α neutralization or interferon γ deletion ameliorated the age-related hypertension in DP1 deletion in CD4
+
T cells mice. Mechanistically, DP1 inhibited Th1 activity via the PKA (protein kinase A)/p-Sp1 (phosphorylated specificity protein 1)/neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) pathway–mediated T-box-expressed-in-T-cells (T-bet) ubiquitination. T-bet deletion or forced NEDD4L expression in CD4
+
T cells attenuated age-related hypertension in CD4
+
T cell–specific DP1-deficient mice. DP1 receptor activation by BW245C prevented age-associated blood pressure elevation and reduced vascular/renal superoxide production in male mice.

Conclusions:

The prostaglandin D
2
/DP1 axis suppresses age-related Th1 activation and subsequent hypertensive response in male mice through increase of NEDD4L–mediated T-bet degradation by ubiquitination. Therefore, the T cell DP1 receptor may be an attractive therapeutic target for age-related hypertension.
MRI Vessel Wall Enhancement and Other Imaging Biomarkers in Pediatric Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy-Inflammatory Subtype
Authors: Perez Francisco A. , Oesch Gabriela , Amlie-Lefond Catherine M.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—

Focal cerebral arteriopathy-inflammatory type (FCA-i) is a common cause of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke characterized angiographically by unifocal and unilateral stenosis/irregularity of the large anterior circulation arteries with a presumed inflammatory cause. Arterial vessel wall enhancement (VWE) on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging is a potential biomarker of inflammation that may improve diagnosis, guide treatment, and predict outcomes in patients with FCA-i. We hypothesized that patients with FCA-i with more severe or extensive VWE would have worse arteriopathy, larger infarcts, worse clinical outcome, and increased risk for infarct progression/recurrence.

Methods—

Pediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke, classified as FCA-i, and who underwent vessel wall imaging were retrospectively identified at our institution. Clinical data were reviewed and the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure at 1 year was determined as the primary clinical end point. Neuroimaging studies were assessed for infarct size, arteriopathy severity (Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy Severity Score), and VWE.

Results—

Nine cases of FCA-i with vessel wall imaging were evaluated, and there was a strong correlation between clinical outcome at 1-year with initial infarct volume (Spearman correlation coefficient rho=0.84;
P
<0.01) and arteriopathy severity (Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy Severity Score; rho=0.85;
P
<0.01). Patients with infarct progression/recurrence had worse Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy Severity Score at presentation compared with those without progression/recurrence (median [IQR]; 9.0 [8.0–11.8] and 5.0 [4.0–7.0], respectively;
P
<0.05). On the contrary, measures of VWE were not correlated with arteriopathy severity, infarct size, clinical outcome, or risk of infarct progression/recurrence. Moreover, not all patients with FCA-i demonstrated VWE.

Conclusions—

VWE may not be a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis or assessment of FCA-i, and future work is needed to assess the utility of vessel wall imaging in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke and FCA-i.
A Census Record as a Source in Livy?
Authors: Taylor Michael J.
Published: December 2019

The speech of Spurius Ligustinus in Livy (42.34.2-15) presents a full account of the life and career of a Middle Republican centurion, sometimes dismissed as patriotic invention, but alternatively used as evidence for the social, economic and military history of the second century BCE. This article argues that the information for Ligustinus’s life and career was culled from archived census records, a theory that best explains the biographical details that would not turn up if Livy or his annalistic source simply wanted to generate a conventional rhetorical account of military accomplishment.
Typhonic Voices
Authors: Sansom Stephen A.
Published: December 2019

This article argues that Lucan references Hesiod’s Typhonomachy in the voice of Erictho (Luc. 6.685-694). The intertext is significant in two respects. It casts Erictho as a nonpartisan proponent of Gigantomachy and cosmic war itself, a portrayal that informs aspects of her character as a theomachos and vates. Likewise, it presents an innovative use of Hesiod’s Theogony: instead of a poem of peace, Lucan adapts it as a paradigm of civil war.