bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of TV Commercials on the Shopping Choices of Consumers in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Asna , Fatima Syeda Nameen
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: The point of the study was to investigate the effects of TV commercials on the shopping choices of customers in Pakistan. Applying George Gerbner's cultivation theory, to inquire about looked for to investigate how TV commercials impact consumerism and materialistic demeanors.
Methodology: Researchers utilized a quantitative investigate plan with a sample of (N=160) people. Convenience sampling was utilized to choose members from different areas in Rawalpindi. Information was collected through a self-designed survey comprising of statistic data and topic-related questions. SPSS was utilized for the factual examination, and unthinkable information was delivered.
Findings: Concurring to the study, a sizable rate of members said that TV commercials empowered an extravagant way of life and had a part within the increment of consumerism in society. Moreover, solid special endeavors were seen to extend the showcase esteem of items, whereas misleading publicizing hones raised concerns, especially with respect to their effect on young people. Celebrity supports were found to impact buying eagerly, and the rise of social media was seen to challenge conventional media outlets. Also consider demonstrated a potential decrease in TV viewership with the rise of gushing administrations.
Conclusion: To conclude, the study investigated the important understanding of the complex relationship between customer behavior and TV promoting. It underscored require for moral promoting hones and adjustment to advancing media scenes. The discoveries emphasized the significance of media proficiency among shoppers, particularly youthful individuals, to form educated choices in the midst of inescapable promoting messages. The ponder contributes to understanding the flow of TV publicizing and its suggestions for buyer demeanors and activities.
Pulwama Attack: Comparative Analysis of Pakistani and Indian Print Media
Authors: Naveed Shahzad , Jamal-ud-Din  , Khan Usman
Published: December 2024

Research assesses the issue of Pulwama attack the comparative analysis of Pakistani and Indian print media. Study was aimed to explore the nature of issue portrayed by the print media of both countries i.e., Pakistan and India. To conduct this research, researchers collected the data using content analysis technique and news stories of both newspapers i.e., “The Nation” from Pakistan and “The Hindu” from India selected for the period of three months from February 15, 2019 to May 15, 2019. The researchers designed codding sheet to categories the data. The researchers made three categories including Neutral, War and Peace frames. The results showed that Indian newspaper “The Hindu” focused more 57.7% on war frame for the same conflict between India and Pakistan. The content proved that Pakistan print media mostly focused on peace frame while Indian print media focus on war frame.
The Role of Media to Bring Girls into Education: A Case Study of University of Swat
Authors: Bacha Osama , Ullah Ubaid , Ahmad Tufail
Published: December 2024

In any society, male and female have the equal rights to get education. The aim of the current study was to explore the role of media in education especially for girls to bringing them towards education. Using survey technique, the research study cover the population of Swat, Pakistan and data was collected from n=140 females studying in university. Data was collected by designing well structure questionnaire consisting on close-ended questions. Study was based on ―Agenda Setting Theory‖ that how media set its agenda towards promotion of education especially among females of Pakistan. The finding of the study explored that media playing significant role in promoting education among youth especially among women. Study concluded that in this era of technology, most of the families allowed their daughters to get education due to the campaigns of media.
Impact of Television Advertisements on Consumer Behavior: Targeting the Young Customers
Authors: Rauf Sana
Published: December 2024

Television advertisements are main source of income for the electronic media and have attraction for the viewers to attract towards purchase decision. This study aims to investigate young consumers view about advertising from the generation's perspective. It seeks to understand the effect of television advertising on consumer behavior and product sales. As past studies review, researcher found little about the implication of the young generation on advertising attitude in the marketing aspect. It looks into what kind of advertisement yields a favorable or unfavorable approach towards products. Using the survey method, the sample consisted of n=50 male and female college students of the age range of 16-20 years and the instrument for our research was a 12 item questionnaire with 3 response options that had been assigned specific score values. Contrary to past studies, their advertising attitude is found to be predominantly formed by negative beliefs. By understanding the views of the younger generation towards television advertising, the ads and their effectiveness can be further enhanced.
Portrayal of Women in Pakistani Urdu Dramas: Public Perception of Residents of District Swat
Authors: Shah Mian Hilal , Ahmad Tufail , Khan Sajjad
Published: December 2024

Current research study is about portrayal of women in Pakistani Urdu dramas. Urdu drama content is available on almost every platform from mainstream media to social media. It has been proved from pervious researches that dramas are influential and it can change public perception. With the hypothesis, Urdu dramas also portray content which effect Pakistani society. This research study observed portrayal of women in Pakistani Urdu drama in terms of positivity, negativity and dominant or less dominant or cruel. Apart from it this research study also found Swat's people perception towards portrayal of women in Pakistani Urdu dramas. Using the survey method, the researchers used questionnaire to identify women portrayal in Urdu dramas and perception of people of Swat towards it. The study focused to identify either representation of women influence or cultural perspective. The study also tried to identify how much drama influence is on individuals own perspectives. Which types of dramas are famous among young ones of Swat and apart from it for what purpose they watch Urdu dramas. The researchers tried to answer some of these questions in this research study.
Effects of Religious Programs on Women of Bahawalpur
Authors: Iqbal Hina
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: Pakistan is Muslim country and its birth was based on the concept of Islamic religion. Religion is set of beliefs that people follow to live their lives. The core purpose of current study was to know about the effects of religious television programs on women.
Methodology: Study was conceptual related with “Cultivation Theory”. Methodology of research was survey and data collected from (N=400) female respondents of Bahawalpur Pakistan about effects TV religious programs on their lives. Data was collected using avail and convenient (non-probability) sampling technique.
Findings: Findings of the study showed that aged women specially married women give sufficient time to the religious programs.
Conclusion: The study concluded that women are heavy viewers of religious programs and adaptation of religious values is significant impact on female especially married housewives.
Influence of Television Content about Pakistan’s Development in Perceiving Government’s Performance
Authors: Javed Rimsha , Iftikhar Moneeba
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: To determine the influence of television content on the opinion of public regarding performance of government, the survey based research design was carried out in online survey in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methodology: The survey was conducted only online because of the COVID-19 outbreak in the quarantine crisis situation. A random sample of (N=300) students was chosen and the questionnaire was completed.
Findings: The study findings showed that television news channels play a greater role in that people's expectations and shifting their attitudes to the output of the government. Suppose that the premeditated elected government tightened people's opinion quality and people saw what they watch on TV.
Conclusion: Study concluded that television content is massive presumptive knowledge documentation. In this study, the audience and political phenomenon programs like the political talk shows and political satirical programs like, "Mazakrat" and "Hasb-e-Haal" were examined as political awareness and people's perception affected a lot after watching these shows.
AYURVEDIC STEWARDSHIP ON AMAVATA: A CASE REPORT
Authors: N Vaishali , Rout Suvendu , P Vijayarajaa
Published: December 2024

Amavata is mainly due to the derangement of Agni, which results in the yield of ama, which circulates in the body and gets located in sandhis, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling over the joints. In modern times, it can be correlated to Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorder that mainly affects the joints but can also affect many other tissues and organs. It mostly affects several joints [poly arthritis] simultaneously, along with stiffness, swelling, morning sickness, etc. This commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 70 and is more widely seen in females than males, with a ratio of 3:1, respectively. Owing to its chronicity, complications, morbidity, and crippling nature, Amavata will be challenging for the physician to treat. Methods: This is a single case study of a 51-year male patient with complaints of pain in the bilateral knee joint, meta carpo phalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, elbow joints, and right shoulder joint for 2 years, along with severe pain all over the day and morning stiffness. He was administered internal medicines along with external therapies such as Dhanyamla dhara, mild abhyanga, patra pinda swedam, and matra vasti. Result: The patient had symptomatic relief, such as reduced pain, stiffness, and swelling; he could lift his hand to walk, and the flexibility of the joints became easier. Interpretation and conclusion: The stiffness and pain for the patient have been reduced with the help of Dhanyamla dhara, mild abhyanga, patra pinda swedam, and matra vasti.
AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MANAGE PAKSHAGHATA (ISCHEMIC STROKE): A CASE STUDY
Authors: Paul Prekshna Gabriella , R Gayathri
Published: December 2024

Pakshaghata is mentioned in our Ayurvedic classics as one of the 80 Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis. In this condition, one half of the body is affected and causes symptoms like Ruja, Vaksthamba, Karmahani etc. It can be correlated to Ischemic stroke. Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in India. Clinical features are described as slurring of speech, deviation of mouth, fasciculations, dysphagia and weakness of muscles. For the present study, a 64-year-old female having history of weakness in the right upper and lower limb associated with slurred speech, urinary urge incontinence and memory impairment since the last 7 years and diagnosed with Ischemic Stroke (Avarna janya Pakshaghata) sought Ayurvedic management at Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center in Bengaluru. Considering the signs and symptoms, the patient was treated for 14 days on the lines of Pakshaghata Chikitsa. Sarvanga Dhanyamladhara was done for the first 3 days followed by, Sarvanga Abhyanga and Shashtika shali pinda sweda, Yoga basti, Jihwa Nirlekhana, along with Shamanoushadhis and Rehabilitation with Physiotherapy. The disease activity was analyzed through CNS examinations and NIH Stroke Scale. After completion of the treatment, considerable improvement was recorded in subjective and objective parameters. There were no side effects observed during and after the treatment.
A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF VIRECHANA AND JALAUKAVACHARANA WITH SHAMANA AUSHADHI GORAKH MUNDI CHURANA AND GUDUCHI KWATH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATARAKTA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GOUT
Authors: Supriya Charu
Published: December 2024

Vatarakta is one of the commonest lifestyle disorders mentioned as Vata pradhana tridoshaja vyadhi in Ayurvedic texts by various Acharyas. In Vatarakta, the imbalance of Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu produces complex symptoms like sandhishoola, sandhi shotha, raga, kandu, sparsh agyatva etc. Vatarakta can be understood clinically with gouty arthritis. Gout is a metabolic disorder and inflammatory response to the deposition of MSU (monosodium urate crystals) in joints secondary to hyperuricemia. It is characterized by episodic acute and chronic arthritis, i.e., red, hot, tender and swollen joints. Patients fulfilling the diagnostic and inclusion criteria were selected for the study from OPD/IPD of the Department of Panchakarma of Rajiv Gandhi Govt Post Graduate Ayurvedic College, Paprola, Paprola, Himachal Pradesh, India. The present clinical study was carried out in two groups. In group 1, Virechana was carried out; in group 2, Jalaukavacharana and shamana aushadhi, Gorakh mundi churana were given in both groups. Although there was no statistical difference in intergroup comparison, Virechana was slightly benignant over Jalaukavacharana in many parameters.
MARMA CHIKITSA IN MANAGEMENT OF JANU SANDHIGATAVATA: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Ratan Rahul , Marwaha Rita , Gupta Pankaj , Bhalerao Nisha , Chourasia Swatantra Kumar
Published: December 2024

Background: Janu Sandhigatavata is the most common articular disorder. It is a type of Vata vyadhi characterized by sandhi shotha (swelling), sphutan (crepitation), sandhi shool (joint pain), akunchana prasarana janyo vedana (pain on flexion and extension of the joints). It mainly occurs in vriddhavastha (old age) because all dhatus undergo kshaya, thus leading to Vataprakopa. The disease is in madhyama rogamarga, which involves the Marma, making it kashtasadhya vyadhi. Methodology: In this study, six patients aged between 35-60 years who complained of Osteoarthritis were selected randomly. Marma chikitsa was administered to all six patients on janu marma, indravasti marma, gulpha marma and kshipra marma for 21 days. Result: Significant improvement was observed in all the subjective parameters (sandhi shoola, sandhi shotha, graha, asahatvam, sphutan, akunchana prasarana janyo vedana) and objective parameters (range of motion, VAS scale, walking time) analyzed during the study. The mean values for all parameters consistently decreased throughout the study period. Conclusion: The present study illustrates the significant efficacy of marma chikitsa in the management of Janu Sandhigatavata (Knee osteoarthritis)
NADP(H) allosterically regulates the interaction between ferredoxin and ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase
Authors: Kimata‐Ariga Yoko , Chikuma Yutaro , Saitoh Takashi , Miyata Masayuki , Yanagihara Yuetsu , Yamane Kazukiyo , Hase Toshiharu
Published: October 2019

Ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase (FNR) in plants receives electrons from ferredoxin (Fd) at the end of the photosynthetic electron transfer chain and converts NADP+ to NADPH. The interaction between Fd and FNR in plants was previously shown to be attenuated by NADP(H). Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon using maize FNR and Fd, as the three‐dimensional structure of this complex is available. NADPH, NADP+, and 2′5′‐ADP differentially affected the interaction, as revealed through kinetic and physical binding analyses. Site‐directed mutations of FNR which change the affinity for NADPH altered the affinity for Fd in the opposite direction to that for NADPH. We propose that the binding of NADP(H) causes a conformational change of FNR which is transferred to the Fd‐binding region through different domains of FNR, resulting in allosteric changes in the affinity for Fd.
Fluorescent Terpolymers via In Situ Allocation of Aliphatic Fluorophore Monomers: Fe(III) Sensor, High‐Performance Removals, and Bioimaging
Authors: Mahapatra Manas , Dutta Arnab , Roy Joy Sankar Deb , Mitra Madhushree , Mahalanobish Sushweta , Sanfui MD Hussain , Banerjee Snehasis , Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti , Sil Parames C. , Singha Nayan Ranjan
Published: October 2019

Herein, purely aliphatic intrinsically fluorescent terpolymers, i.e., 1 and 2, are synthesized through one‐pot solution polymerization via N–H functionalized and multi C–C/C–N coupled in situ protrusion of fluorescent monomers using two nonemissive monomers. These scalable terpolymers are suitable for highly selective Fe(III) sensing, high‐performance exclusion of Fe(III), logic function and the imaging of normal mammalian Madin–Darby canine kidney and human osteosarcoma cancer cell lines. The structures of terpolymers, in situ attachment of fluorescent monomers, clusteroluminescence, adsorption‐mechanism, and cell‐imaging abilities are understood via unadsorbed and/or adsorbed microstructural analyses using 1H/13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence imaging, and fluorescence lifetime. The geometries, electronic structures, location of fluorophores, and singlet–singlet absorption and emission of terpolymers are examined using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT. For the precise identification of fluorophores, transition from occupied natural transition orbitals (NTOs) to unoccupied NTOs is computed. For 1/2, limit of detection (LOD) values and adsorption capacities are 6.0 × 10−7/8.0 × 10−7 m and 147.82/120.56 mg g−1 at pHi = 7.0 and 303 K, respectively. The overall properties of 1 are more advantageous compared to 2 in sensing, cell imaging, and adsorptive exclusion of Fe(III).
Unexpected Benefits of Contact Resistance in 3D Organic Complementary Inverters
Authors: Han Heesung , Kim Chang‐Hyun
Published: October 2019

Contact resistance has long been a major problem in organic transistors. The potential advantages of having such a resistance in novel organic field‐effect complementary inverters are demonstrated by means of finite‐element simulation. A systematic introduction of the charge‐injection barrier leads to a remarkable enhancement in the voltage transfer curve. Quantitatively, the maximum gain increases from 8.9 to 50 by increasing the barrier from 0 to 0.5 eV, at a dielectric thickness of 600 nm and a supply voltage of 5 V. This observation is elucidated by the fundamental transistor parameters and by the carrier distribution inside the semiconductors. These results suggest that the established paradigm of device engineering may have to be reconsidered when designing specific circuit applications.
A novel microchip‐based imaged CIEF‐MS system for comprehensive characterization and identification of biopharmaceutical charge variants
Authors: Mack Scott , Arnold Don , Bogdan Greg , Bousse Luc , Danan Lieza , Dolnik Vladislav , Ducusin MaryAnn , Gwerder Eric , Herring Chris , Jensen Morten , Ji Jennifer , Lacy Steve , Richter Claudia , Walton Ian , Gentalen Erik
Published: October 2019

A microfluidic system has been designed that integrates both imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (iCIEF) separations and downstream MS detection into a single assay. Along with the construction of novel instrumentation and an innovative microfluidic chip, conversion to MS‐compatible separation reagents has also been established. Incorporation of 280 nm absorbance iCIEF‐MS analysis not only permits photometric quantitation of separated charge isoforms but also facilitates the direct monitoring of analyte focusing and mobilization in real‐time. The outcome of this effort is a device with the unique ability to allow for both the characterization and identification of protein charge and mass isoforms in under 15 min. Acquisition, quantitation, and identification of highly resolved intact mAb charge isoforms along with their critical N‐linked glycan pairs clearly demonstrate analytical utility of our innovative system. In total, 33 separate molecular features were characterized by the iCIEF‐MS system representing a dramatic increase in the ability to monitor multiple intact mAb critical quality attributes in a single comprehensive assay. Unlike previously reported CIEF‐MS results, relatively high ampholyte concentrations, of up to 4% v/v, were employed without impacting MS sensitivity, observed to be on the order of 1% composition.
Cross‐entropy method for distribution power systems reconfiguration
Authors: Sebaa Karim , Gelen Ayetül , Nouri Hassan
Published: October 2019

Cross‐entropy (CE) is a powerful simulation method for the solution of continuous and combinatory optimization problems. The work presented here utilizes the CE method for the optimal topology of distribution power systems (DPSs). The optimal network switches are determined for the reduction of active power loss. The adapted CE method is tested on three case studies, namely, the 33‐node, 83‐node, and 880‐node DPSs. The results are compared with other reconfiguration algorithms to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm. The impact of the distributed generation is also investigated. The effective integration of the photovoltaic panels at midday, when their production is highest and meets the peak demand, is showed. Finally, the real‐time reconfiguration strategy based on the switching effort reduction is proposed and enhanced via an adequate selection of the initial switch states.
Efficacy of Evolocumab vs low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol apheresis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and high cardiovascular risk (EVOLAFER01)
Authors: Torres Esther , Goicoechea Marian , Hernández Andrés , Rodríguez Ferrero María L. , García Ana , Macías Nicolás , Anaya Fernando
Published: October 2019

Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis has been considered the last option to treat refractory hyperlipidemia in patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH). Evolocumab is a monoclonal antibody which has shown significant reduction of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) serum levels and cardiovascular events.

The aim of the study was to examine the comparative impact of LDL‐apheresis vs Evolocumab vs the combination of both LDL‐apheresis and Evolocumab on lipid and lipoprotein parameters, and other metabolic/inflammatory measures.

Design of the study

Non‐randomized open case series study of 10 adult patients diagnosed with FH already on long‐term LDL‐apheresis therapy. The study was developed in three consecutive phases to compare LDL‐apheresis, Evolocumab treatment and the combination of both. Laboratory parameters were collected pre and post LDL‐apheresis and before Evolocumab administration. The primary endpoint was the reduction of LDL‐C during the three phases.

Results

Reduction of LDL‐C levels with Evolocumab were 31.4% vs LDL‐apheresis from 153 ± 35 mg/dL to 105 ± 56 mg/dL (P < .001). Reduction of Lp(a) was also significantly higher with Evolocumab (45.5%) than LDL‐apheresis from 36 (6‐119) to 20 (3‐41) mg/dL, P = .027. In addition, HDL‐C and apo‐A increased after Evolocumab treatment, from 41 ± 6 to 46 ± 8 mg/dL (P = .003) and from 124 ± 13 to 144 ± 25 mg/dL (P = .001), respectively. No changes in immunological or inflammatory parameters were observed and no serious adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

Evolocumab reduces LDL‐C and Lp(a) more effectively than LDL‐apheresis and combination of Evolocumab plus LDL‐apheresis could be a therapeutic alternative to get lower LDL‐C and Lp(a) levels in patients with very high cardiovascular risk.
Elimination of residual aliasing artifact that resembles brain lesion on multi‐oblique diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging with parallel imaging using virtual coil acquisition
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Hui Edward S. , Chang Hing‐Chiu
Published: October 2019

Background

Single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging (ssDW‐EPI) acquired with parallel imaging and a multi‐oblique scan plane may suffer from residual aliasing artifacts, resembling lesions on the calculated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map.

Purpose

To combine ssDW‐EPI and virtual coil acquisition and develop a self‐reference reconstruction method to eliminate the residual aliasing artifact on multi‐oblique ssDW‐EPI sequence with parallel imaging and multiple signal averaging.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Three healthy subjects and 50 stroke patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

Conventional ssDW‐EPI with parallel imaging, and proposed ssDW‐EPI with virtual coil acquisition at 1.5T.

Assessment

The efficacy of the proposed method was evaluated in 50 stroke patients by comparing the ssDW‐EPI with conventional parallel imaging reconstructions. The extent of residual aliasing artifacts were rated on a 5‐point Likert scale by three independent raters. Only the data without residual aliasing artifacts on conventional ssDW‐EPI were included for the assessment of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), ghost‐to‐signal ratio (GSR), and ADC.

Statistical Tests

The interobserver agreements for examining residual aliasing artifacts were measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A two‐sample t‐test was performed for comparing SNR, GSR, and ADC.

Results

There was a perfect agreement (ICC = 1.00) in the examination of residual aliasing artifacts on images obtained using the proposed method. The incidence rates of the residual aliasing artifact on the ADC maps obtained from the scanner console and proposed method were 60% (ie, 30 out of 50) and 0%, respectively. The proposed method offers significantly lower GSR than conventional parallel imaging reconstruction (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SNR (P = 0.20–0.51) and ADC values (P = 0.20–0.94) between conventional parallel imaging reconstructions and the proposed method.

Data Conclusion

It appears that our method could effectively eliminate artifacts and significantly improve the GSR of b = 0 T2WI and b > 0 DWI, as well as permit ADC measurement consistent with conventional techniques. Our method may be beneficial to clinical assessment of the brain that utilizes multi‐oblique ssDW‐EPI.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1442–1453.
Antarctic temperature variability and change from station data
Authors: Turner John , Marshall Gareth J. , Clem Kyle , Colwell Steve , Phillips Tony , Lu Hua
Published: October 2019

Variability and change in near‐surface air temperature at 17 Antarctic stations is examined using data from the SCAR READER database. We consider the relationships between temperature, and atmospheric circulation, sea ice concentration and forcing by the tropical oceans. All 17 stations have their largest inter‐annual temperature variability during the winter and the annual mean temperature anomalies are dominated by winter temperatures. The large inter‐annual temperature variability on the western Antarctic Peninsula has decreased over the instrumental period as sea ice has declined. Variability in the phase of the SAM exerts the greatest control of temperatures, although tropical Pacific forcing has also played a large part, along with local atmospheric circulation variability at some locations. The relationship of positive (negative) SAM and high (low) Peninsula and low (high) East Antarctic temperatures was not present before the mid‐1970s. Thirteen of the 17 stations have experienced a positive trend in their annual mean temperature over the full length of their record, with the largest being at Vernadsky (formerly Faraday) (0.46° ± 0.15°C·dec−1) on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. The deepening of the Amundsen Sea low as a result of the more positive SAM and changes in the IPO and PDO have contributed to the warming of the Peninsula. Beyond the Antarctic Peninsula there has been little significant change in temperature. The two plateau stations had a small cooling from the late 1970s to the late 1990s consistent with the SAM becoming positive, but have subsequently warmed. During spring there has been an Antarctic‐wide warming, with all but one station having experienced an increase in temperature, although the only trends that were significant were at Vostok, Scott base, Vernadsky and Amundsen‐Scott. In this season, much of the Peninsula/West Antarctic warming can be attributed to tropical Pacific forcing through the IPO/PDO.
Assessing spatiotemporal variation of heat waves during 1961–2016 across mainland China
Authors: Guo Enliang , Wang Yongfang , Bao Yulong
Published: October 2019

Heat waves (HWs) are one of the current topics of scientific research in the context of global warming, as they can have a disastrous impact on both environment and society. Therefore, detailed studies of variations of HWs that assess variability on spatiotemporal scales are becoming increasingly necessary. The main objective of this study is to detect and analyse variation in HWs and potential climate drivers across China based on Köppen climate classifications. Daily observation data (maximum and minimum temperature) from 1961 to 2016 were used in the study to define HWs based on excess heat factors (EHFs). Linear trend analysis, Bayesian change‐point analysis, cross‐wavelet transform method, and Pearson correlation analysis method were adopted to identify the trends, variability and resonance periodicity of EHFs in sub‐regional, and the possible links between EHFs and large‐scale climate patterns, respectively. Results show that there was an overall significantly increasing trend of EHFs over six climatic zones except for HWM in the Polar tundra (ET). The spatiotemporal characteristics of EHFs in mainland China vary considerably. The spatial patterns of the mean annual EHFs are similar to their change trend. The spatial pattern of the number of individual HWs, the number of days that contribute to HWs, and the length of the longest HW in arid (BB), semi‐arid (BS) and cold semi‐humid (DW) areas of study is the west exceeding the east; temperate humid (CF) is contrary to that, with the south exceeding the north in temperate semi‐humid (CW) and ET. In addition, the mean temperature of all heatwaves (HWM) and the peak daily value in the hottest HW appeared in parts of northern DW, CF and BS. Change point first occurs in the northern and then in the southern region across mainland China, excepting HWM. A dominant positive correlation was found for Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) and Arctic Oscillation Index (AOI) with EHFs, while a dominant negative correlation was detected for Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) across China. A common significant 2–4 year periodical oscillation was detected in the EHFs series at the nationwide scale. Strengthening anti‐cyclone circulation in the Mongolian Plateau, and weakening monsoon flow and speed have contributed to the changes in EHFs across China.
Review Article. What are the nature and formation conditions of hydroxy‐interlayered minerals (HIMs) in soil?
Authors: Georgiadis Anna , Dietel Jan , Dohrmann Reiner , Rennert Thilo
Published: October 2019

Primary minerals of the parent material undergo weathering during the formation of terrestrial soils to varying extent. As a result, secondary minerals develop, which comprise, among many others, hydroxy‐interlayered minerals (HIMs). These minerals have formed by interlayering of hydroxy‐metal complexes (especially of Al3+, also Mg2+, Fe2+/3+) into micas, expansible 2:1 phyllosilicates and forming oligomers, or by weathering of primary chlorite. The degree of interlayer filling and the stability of these fillings affect several physico‐chemical soil properties, for instance the cation exchange capacity. Although many studies have been conducted on formation, occurrence, and properties of HIMs in soil during the last decades, several challenges still exist. These challenges include analytical identification and quantification of HIMs in soil, the nature of the interlayer filling and the identification of favorable conditions in soil for the formation of HIMs. In order to deepen the understanding of formation, properties, and fate of HIMs in soil, we critically reviewed the available literature. Based on the review, we recommend using a new structural model that enables quantification of hydroxy‐interlayered smectite in soil by X‐ray diffractometry, laboratory experiments on the formation and preservation of different types of interlayers and considering the temporal and spatial dimension of the formation of HIMs in soil in more detail.
Accuracy and Precision of an Ultrasound‐Based Device to Measure the Pelvic Tilt in Several Positions
Authors: Dardenne Guillaume , Pluchon Jean‐Philippe , Letissier Hoel , Guezou‐Philippe Aziliz , Gerard Romain , Lefèvre Christian , Stindel Eric
Published: October 2019

Objectives

A new ultrasound‐based device is proposed to measure the patient‐specific pelvic tilt in different daily positions. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of this device as well as the intraobserver and interobserver precisions.

Methods

The accuracy was assessed by performing several tilt measurements with the device on a testing mechanical bench. The error was defined as the difference between the tilt measured with the device and the tilt provided by this test bench. Three physicians, a novice, an intermediate, and an expert user, were also asked to perform 10 measurements on 3 healthy volunteers with low, medium, and high body mass indices to analyze the intraobserver and interobserver precisions. These 10 measurements were performed in the standing, sitting, and supine positions.

Results

The mean accuracy of the device ± SD was 1.1° ± 0.7° (range, 0°–4.0°). The interobserver and intraobserver precisions were excellent whatever the body mass index and good to excellent according to the positions. There was no learning curve, and the time required to complete the measurements was approximately 5 minutes.

Conclusions

This study presents an accurate and precise noninvasive device for measurement of the pelvic tilt in different positions.
Blowup at space infinity for solutions of a system of nonautonomous semilinear heat equations
Authors: Cabral‐García Gabriela de Jesús , Villa‐Morales José
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we will see that the global or local existence of solutions to

depends on the initial datums and the global or local existence of solutions to

We also give some bounds for the maximal existence time of the partial differential system. Moreover, if such existence time is finite and
, then we will prove the partial differential system has solutions that blows up at space infinite.
On the vanishing viscosity limit for a 3‐D system arising from the Keller‐Segel model
Authors: Meng Linlin , Xu Wen‐Qing , Wang Shu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we consider the vanishing viscosity limit problem for a system arising from the Keller‐Segel equations in three space dimensions. First, we construct an accurate approximate solution that incorporates the effects of boundary layers. Then, we prove the structural stability of the approximate solution as the chemical diffusion coefficient tends to zero. Our approach is based on the method of matched asymptotic expansions of singular perturbation theory and the classical energy estimates.
A simple and tailor‐made fabrication of porous silicon carbide from functionalized kraft pulp paper
Authors: Bernard Mégane , Lucas Romain , Laadoua Hatim , Khaldi Zineb , Pradeilles Nicolas , Rapaud Olivier , Foucaud Sylvie , Zerrouki Rachida , Brouillette François
Published: October 2019

Porous silicon carbide (SiC) materials were fabricated using the polymer‐derived ceramics method with kraft pulp papers (KPP) and a commercial polycarbosilane, the allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS), as starting materials. For this, KPP, propargylated KPP, or phosphorylated KPP were used to be impregnated by the AHPCS, with or without Karstedt catalyst. The pyrolysed materials were characterized at different stages, by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Depending on the nature of the initial template, various architectured SiC ceramics were successfully obtained with adjustable porosities. The key role of the previous functionalization of the papers was highlighted in terms of interactions at the interface between the polymer and the lignocellulosic handsheets. It led to either replica or sacrificial template methods. Thus, it was possible to tune the open porosity of the porous carbon and β‐SiC materials between 14.8% and 92.9%, with ceramic yields varying from 12% to 71%.
Progress in Microfluidics‐Based Exosome Separation and Detection Technologies for Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Lin Shujing , Yu Zixian , Chen Di , Wang Zhigang , Miao Jianmin , Li Qichao , Zhang Daoyuan , Song Jie , Cui Daxiang
Published: October 2019

Exosomes are secreted by most cell types and circulate in body fluids. Recent studies have revealed that exosomes play a significant role in intercellular communication and are closely associated with the pathogenesis of disease. Therefore, exosomes are considered promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis. However, exosomes are always mixed with other components of body fluids. Consequently, separation methods for exosomes that allow high‐purity and high‐throughput separation with a high recovery rate and detection techniques for exosomes that are rapid, highly sensitive, highly specific, and have a low detection limit are indispensable for diagnostic applications. For decades, many exosome separation and detection techniques have been developed to achieve the aforementioned goals. However, in most cases, these two techniques are performed separately, which increases operation complexity, time consumption, and cost. The emergence of microfluidics offers a promising way to integrate exosome separation and detection functions into a single chip. Herein, an overview of conventional and microfluidics‐based techniques for exosome separation and detection is presented. Moreover, the advantages and drawbacks of these techniques are compared.
Density‐based clustering
Authors: Campello Ricardo J. G. B. , Kröger Peer , Sander Jörg , Zimek Arthur
Published: October 2019

Clustering refers to the task of identifying groups or clusters in a data set. In density‐based clustering, a cluster is a set of data objects spread in the data space over a contiguous region of high density of objects. Density‐based clusters are separated from each other by contiguous regions of low density of objects. Data objects located in low‐density regions are typically considered noise or outliers. In this review article we discuss the statistical notion of density‐based clusters, classic algorithms for deriving a flat partitioning of density‐based clusters, methods for hierarchical density‐based clustering, and methods for semi‐supervised clustering. We conclude with some open challenges related to density‐based clustering.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Data Preprocessing

Ensemble Methods > Structure Discovery

Algorithmic Development > Hierarchies and Trees
A $$\varvec{q}$$-Analogue for Euler’s $$\varvec{\zeta (6)=\pi ^6/945}$$
Authors: Goswami Ankush
Published: October 2019

Recently, Sun (Two q-analogues of Euler’s formula $$\zeta (2)=\pi ^2/6$$ζ(2)=π2/6. arXiv:1802.01473, 2018) obtained q-analogues of Euler’s formula for $$\zeta (2)$$ζ(2) and $$\zeta (4)$$ζ(4). Sun’s formulas were based on identities satisfied by triangular numbers and properties of Euler’s q-Gamma function. In this paper, we obtain a q-analogue of $$\zeta (6)=\pi ^6/945$$ζ(6)=π6/945. Our main results are stated in Theorems 2.1 and 2.2 below.
Study methodology in trauma care: towards question-based study designs
Authors: Houwert Roderick M. , Beks Reinier B. , Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Roes Kit C. B. , Öner F. Cumhur , Hietbrink Falco , Leenen Luke P. H. , Groenwold Rolf H. H.
Published: October 2019

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) in surgery may not always be ethical, feasible, or necessary to address a particular research question about the effect of a surgical intervention. If so, properly designed and conducted observational (non-randomized) studies may be valuable alternatives for an RCT and produce credible results. In this paper, we discus differences between RCTs and observational studies and differentiate between three types of comparisons of surgical interventions. We assert that results of different designs should be regarded as complementary to each other when evaluating surgical interventions. Criteria for credible observational research are presented to provide guidance for future observational research of surgical interventions. We argue that the research question that is being asked should guide the discussion about the value of a particular study design.
A pilot observational study to analyze (in)activity and reasons for sedentary behavior of cognitively impaired geriatric acute inpatients
Authors: Belala Nacera , Maier Carolin , Heldmann Patrick , Schwenk Michael , Becker Clemens
Published: October 2019

Background and objective

Mobility decline and worsening of the cognitive status are all too often the result of acute hospital treatment in older patients. This is particularly pronounced in patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. This study strived to analyze the routines of geriatric acute care and identify reasons and triggers for sedentary behavior during acute hospitalization of cognitively impaired inpatients.

Methods and patients

A sample of 20 moderately cognitively impaired geriatric inpatients (average age 84 years) were recruited on an acute care ward. Information on persons attending the patient, daytime, location, context, patient’s activity behavior and difficulty of action were collected by behavioral mapping over a period of 35 1‑min timeslots and extrapolated to a period of 525 min. Routines were further analyzed via semi-structured interviews with five healthcare professionals (HCP).

Results

Relevant relations between various categorical and ordinal variables, such as patients’ activity behavior, persons attending the patient, daytime, location, difficulty of action and contextual factors were found. Extrapolated data showed that patients spent 396.9 min (75%) in their room, 342.0 min (65%) were spent alone and 236.2 min (45%) lying in bed. The time patients spent alone was grossly underestimated by HCP.

Conclusion

Time spent without company, lacking meaningful activities and continuous bedridden periods due to missing demands to leave the room might have led to time spent inactive and alone. These seem to be strong predictors for sedentariness. Routines of acute care should be reorganized to increase physical activity and thereby reduce sedentary behavior of this patient group.
Sharp solvability criteria for Dirichlet problems of mean curvature type in Riemannian manifolds: non-existence results
Authors: Alvarez Yunelsy N. , Sa Earp Ricardo
Published: October 2019

It is well known that the Serrin condition is a necessary condition for the solvability of the Dirichlet problem for the prescribed mean curvature equation in bounded domains of $${{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}^n$$Rn with certain regularity. In this paper we investigate the sharpness of the Serrin condition for the vertical mean curvature equation in the product $$ M^n \times {{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}$$Mn×R. Precisely, given a $$\mathscr {C}^2$$C2 bounded domain $$\Omega $$Ω in M and a function $$ H = H (x, z) $$H=H(x,z) continuous in $$\overline{\Omega }\times {{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}$$Ω¯×R and non-decreasing in the variable z, we prove that the strong Serrin condition$$(n-1)\mathcal {H}_{\partial \Omega }(y)\ge n\sup \limits _{z\in {{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}}\left| H(y,z) \right| \ \forall \ y\in \partial \Omega $$(n-1)H∂Ω(y)≥nsupz∈RH(y,z)∀y∈∂Ω, is a necessary condition for the solvability of the Dirichlet problem in a large class of Riemannian manifolds within which are the Hadamard manifolds and manifolds whose sectional curvatures are bounded above by a positive constant. As a consequence of our results we deduce Jenkins–Serrin and Serrin type sharp solvability criteria.
Impact of Flashover Fire Conditions on Exposed Energized Electrical Cords/Cables
Authors: Weinschenk Craig , Madrzykowski Daniel , Courtney Paul
Published: October 2019

There has been prior research exploring the exposure of common electrical cords and cables to fire, but that has traditionally been at the lab scale and under near steady-state exposures. The goal of these experiments was to expose six types of cords and cables in a room-scale compartment with a fuel load sufficient to drive the compartment through flashover. The basic test design was to expose the cords and cables on the floor of a compartment to a growing fire to determine the conditions under which the cord/cable would trip the circuit protection device. All of the cords were energized and installed on a non-combustible surface. The six cables and cords were protected by three different circuit protection devices which were remote from the thermal exposure. This configuration resulted in 18 exposures per experiment. The room fires experiments consisted of three replicate fires with two sofas as the main fuel source, two replicate fires with one sofa as the main fuel source and one fire with two sofas and vinyl-covered MDF paneling on three walls in the room. Each fuel package was sufficient to support flashover conditions in the room. The average peak heat release rate of the sofa fueled compartment fires with gypsum board ceiling and walls prior to suppression was 6.8 MW. The addition of vinyl covered MDF wall paneling on three of the compartment walls increased the pre-suppression peak heat release rate to 12 MW. In each experiment during post flashover exposure, the insulation on the cords and cables ignited and burned through, exposing bare wire. During this period, the circuits faulted. Assessments of both the thermal exposure and physical damage to the cords did not reveal any correlation between the thermal exposure, cord/cable damage, and trip type.
N2SkyC: User Friendly and Efficient Neural Network Simulation Fostering Cloud Containers
Authors: Adamenko Aliaksandr , Fedorenko Andrii , Nussbaum Benjamin , Schikuta Erich
Published: October 2019

Sky computing is a new computing paradigm leveraging resources of multiple Cloud providers to create a large scale distributed infrastructure. N2Sky is a research initiative promising a framework for the utilization of Neural Networks as services across many Clouds. This involves a number of challenges ranging from the provision, discovery and utilization of services to the management, monitoring, metering and accounting of the infrastructure. Cloud Container technology offers fast deployment, good portability, and high resource efficiency to run large-scale and distributed systems. In recent years, container-based virtualization for applications has gained immense popularity. This paper presents the new N2SkyC system, a framework for the utilization of Neural Networks as services, aiming for higher flexibility, portability, dynamic orchestration, and performance by fostering microservices and Cloud container technology.