bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is socioeconomic position associated with bronchiolitis seasonality? A cohort study
Authors: Lewis Kate , De Stavola Bianca , Hardelid Pia
Published: September 2020

Background

Understanding differences in the seasonality of bronchiolitis can help to plan the timing of interventions. We quantified the extent to which seasonality in hospital admissions for bronchiolitis is modified by socioeconomic position.

Methods

Using Hospital Episode Statistics, we followed 3 717 329 infants born in English National Health Service hospitals between 2011 and 2016 for 1 year. We calculated the proportion of all infant admissions due to bronchiolitis and the incidence rate of bronchiolitis admissions per 1000 infant-years, according to year, month, age, socioeconomic position and region. We used harmonic Poisson regression analysis to assess whether socioeconomic position modified bronchiolitis seasonality.

Results

The admission rate for bronchiolitis in England increased from 47.4 (95% CI 46.8 to 47.9) to 58.9 per 1000 infant-years (95% CI 58.3 to 59.5) between 2012 and 2016. We identified some variation in the seasonality of admissions by socioeconomic position: increased deprivation was associated with less seasonal variation and a slightly delayed epidemic peak. At week 50, the risk of admission was 38% greater (incidence rate ratios 1.38; 95% CI 1.35 to 1.41) for infants in the most deprived socioeconomic group compared with the least deprived group.

Conclusion

These results do not support the need for differential timing of prophylaxis or vaccination by socioeconomic group but suggest that infants born into socioeconomic deprivation should be considered a priority group for future interventions. Further research is needed to establish if the viral aetiology of bronchiolitis varies by season and socioeconomic group, and to quantify risk factors mediating socioeconomic deprivation and bronchiolitis rates.
Ischaemic heart and cerebrovascular disease mortality in uranium enrichment workers
Authors: Anderson Jeri L , Bertke Stephen J , Yiin James , Kelly-Reif Kaitlin , Daniels Robert Douglas
Published: September 2020

Objective

Linear and non-linear dose–response relationships between radiation absorbed dose to the lung from internally deposited uranium and external sources and circulatory system disease (CSD) mortality were examined in a cohort of 23 731 male and 5552 female US uranium enrichment workers.

Methods

Rate ratios (RRs) for categories of lung dose and linear excess relative rates (ERRs) per unit lung dose were estimated to evaluate the associations between lung absorbed dose and death from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease.

Results

There was a suggestion of modestly increased IHD risk in workers with internal uranium lung dose above 1 milligray (mGy) (RR=1.4, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.3) and a statistically significantly increased IHD risk with external dose exceeding 150 mGy (RR=1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6) compared with the lowest exposed groups. ERRs per milligray were positive for IHD and uranium internal dose and for both outcomes per gray external dose, although the CIs generally included the null.

Conclusions

Non-linear dose–response models using restricted cubic splines revealed sublinear responses at lower internal doses, suggesting that linear models that are common in radioepidemiological cancer studies may poorly describe the association between uranium internal dose and CSD mortality.
Differential attainment in the MRCPsych according to ethnicity and place of qualification between 2013 and 2018: a UK cohort study
Authors: Tiffin Paul A , Paton Lewis W
Published: September 2020

Purpose of the study

To explore if differential pass rates exist in the clinical component of the UK postgraduate clinical psychiatry exam, the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC), according to ethnicity and place of qualification (UK vs EEA vs overseas graduates).

Study design

Observational study using data from the UK Medical Education Database for 2140 doctors sitting the CASC for the first time between 2013 and 2018.

Results

After controlling for age, sex, time of sitting and performance in the written components of the MRCPsych, differences in CASC pass rates persisted between UK graduates self-identifying as Black and Minority Ethnicity (BME) and non-BME (OR for passing 0.36, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.56, p<0.001). Both EEA (OR 0.25, 0.15 to 0.40, p<0.001) and overseas graduates (OR 0.07, 0.05 to 0.11, p<0.001) were less likely to pass the CASC at first attempt, even after controlling for the influence of educational and background variables. These groups, on average, had lower scores on written exams with substantial content relating to procedural skills (eg, critical appraisal) rather than pure recall of factual knowledge.

Conclusions

Substantial differences exist in clinical examination performance between UK BME and non-BME candidates, as well as between UK and non-UK graduates. These differences are not explained by differing levels of clinical knowledge. In the interests of equality, this situation requires further investigation and remediation. Future research should focus on understanding how potential bias may be acting within different stages of recruitment, training and assessment within psychiatry.
Early-onset dementia: key issues using a relationship-centred care approach
Authors: Nwadiugwu Martin
Published: September 2020

People with early-onset dementia have a potential risk of being marginalised with respect to care and social support as a result of the blame and stigma associated with their condition, and because they have reduced access to treatment options and postdiagnostic care. The limited use of community services and the resulting psychological implications are two key issues facing the group and their caregivers. Early diagnosis, behavioural therapies such as talking therapy, meaningful Montessori activities and friendly community services tailored to meet the needs of people with early-onset dementia are relationship-centred care approaches that could be implemented in practice, using the ‘Senses Framework’ to promote an enriched supportive environment of care with zero tolerance for marginalisation and discriminatory tendencies. Support for caregivers is invaluable in controlling behavioural changes in people with early-onset dementia. A combined approach involving pharmacological and behavioural interventions could be used in severe mood and behavioural changes.
Assessment of competences in rheumatology training: results of a systematic literature review to inform EULAR points to consider
Authors: Alunno Alessia , Najm Aurélie , Sivera Francisca , Haines Catherine , Falzon Louise , Ramiro Sofia
Published: September 2020

Objective

To summarise the literature on the assessment of competences in postgraduate medical training.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed within a EULAR taskforce on the assessment of competences in rheumatology training and other related specialities (July 2019). Two searches were performed: one search for rheumatology and one for related medical specialities. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data on assessment methods. Risk of bias was assessed using the medical education research study quality instrument.

Results

Of 7335 articles in rheumatology and 2324 reviews in other specialities, 5 and 31 original studies were included, respectively. Studies in rheumatology were at variable risk of bias and explored only direct observation of practical skills (DOPS) and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). OSCEs, including clinical, laboratory and imaging stations, performed best, with a good to very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.83–0.92), and intrarater reliability (r=0.80–0.95). OSCEs moderately correlated with other assessment tools: r=0.48 vs rating by programme directors; r=0.2–0.44 vs multiple-choice questionnaires; r=0.48 vs DOPS. In other specialities, OSCEs on clinical skills had a good to very good inter-rater reliability and OSCEs on communication skills demonstrated a good to very good internal consistency. Multisource feedback and the mini-clinical evaluation exercise showed good feasibility and internal consistency (reliability), but other data on validity and reliability were conflicting.

Conclusion

Despite consistent data on competence assessment in other specialities, evidence in rheumatology is scarce and conflicting. Overall, OSCEs seem an appropriate tool to assess the competence of clinical skills and correlate well with other assessment strategies. DOPS, multisource feedback and the mini-clinical evaluation exercise are feasible alternatives.
Lung-targeting lentiviral vector for passive immunisation against influenza
Authors: Tan Tiong Kit , Gamlen Toby P E , Rijal Pramila , Townsend Alain R , Gill Deborah R , Hyde Stephen C
Published: September 2020

When recombinant simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is pseudotyped with the F and HN glycoproteins from murine respiratory Sendai virus (rSIV.F/HN), it provides efficient lung cell targeting and lifelong transgene expression in the murine airways. We have shown that a single dose of rSIV.F/HN can direct stable expression of neutralising antibody against influenza in the murine airways and systemic circulation, and protects mice against two different influenza strains in lethal challenge experiments. These data suggest that rSIV.F/HN could be used as a vector for passive immunisation against influenza and other respiratory pathogens.
Dynamics in varying vacuum Finsler–Randers cosmology
Authors: Papagiannopoulos G. , Basilakos S. , Paliathanasis A. , Pan Supriya , Stavrinos P.
Published: September 2020

In the context of Finsler–Randers theory we consider, for the first time, the cosmological scenario of the varying vacuum. In particular, we assume the existence of a cosmological fluid source described by an ideal fluid and the varying vacuum terms. We determine the cosmological history of this model by performing a detailed study on the dynamics of the field equations. We determine the limit of General Relativity, while we find new eras in the cosmological history provided by the geometrodynamical terms provided by the Finsler–Randers theory.
Resonance contributions $$\phi (1020, 1680)\rightarrow K\bar{K}$$ for the three-body decays $$B\rightarrow K\bar{K} h$$
Authors: Fan Ying-Ying , Wang Wen-Fei
Published: September 2020

We study the contributions for the$$K^+K^-$$K+K-and$$K^0\bar{K}^0$$K0K¯0originating from the intermediate states$$\phi (1020)$$ϕ(1020)and$$\phi (1680)$$ϕ(1680)in the charmless three-body decays$$B\rightarrow K\bar{K} h$$B→KK¯h, with$$h=(\pi , K)$$h=(π,K), in the perturbative QCD approach. The subprocesses$$\phi (1020,1680)\rightarrow K\bar{K}$$ϕ(1020,1680)→KK¯are introduced into the distribution amplitudes of$$K\bar{K}$$KK¯system via the kaon electromagnetic form factors with the coefficients taken from the fitted results. The predictions of the branching fractions for the decays$$B\rightarrow \phi (1680)h$$B→ϕ(1680)hwith the intermediate state$$\phi (1680)$$ϕ(1680)decays into$$K^+K^-$$K+K-or$$K^0\bar{K}^0$$K0K¯0are about$$6{-}8\%$$6-8%of the corresponding results for the quasi-two-body decays$$B\rightarrow \phi (1020)h \rightarrow K^+ K^- h$$B→ϕ(1020)h→K+K-hin this work.
Elastic In-Plane Buckling of Funicular Arches
Authors: Pan W. H. , Wang C. M.
Published: September 2020

Buckling loads of arches could be significantly affected by the assumptions made on the load behavior during buckling. For a funicular arch whose centerline coincides with the compression line, we may consider two types of load behaviors based on how the line of load action shifts during buckling. This paper presents the governing differential equations for the elastic in-plane buckling problem of funicular circular arches under uniform radial pressure based on the two different load behavior assumptions, as well as analytical and numerical methods for analysis. For the analytical method, buckling criteria of rotationally-restrained ended circular arches with an internal rotational spring are formulated by using the general solution of the governing differential equation. For the numerical method, the Hencky bar-chain model (HBM) and its simple matrix formulations for general funicular arches are established. The buckling loads and mode shapes of funicular circular arches are solved by using HBM and verified against exact solutions obtained from the analytical method. For funicular catenary arches and parabolic arches, the buckling load solutions by HBM with various number of segments are also obtained and compared with the solutions presented by the previous researchers.
The Hurst Exponent of Heart Rate Variability in Neonatal Stress, Based on a Mean-Reverting Fractional Lévy Stable Motion
Authors: Šapina Matej , Garcin Matthieu , Kramarić Karolina , Milas Krešimir , Brdarić Dario , Pirić Marko
Published: September 2020

We aim at detecting stress in newborns by observing heart rate variability (HRV). The HRV features nonlinearities. Fractal dynamics is a usual way to model them and the Hurst exponent summarizes the fractal information. In our framework, we have observations of short duration, for which usual estimators of the Hurst exponent, like detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), are not adapted. Moreover, we observe that the Hurst exponent does not vary much between stress and rest phases, but its decomposition in memory and underlying properties of the probability distribution leads to satisfactory diagnostic tools. This decomposition of the Hurst exponent is in addition embedded in a mean-reverting model. The resulting model is a mean-reverting fractional Lévy stable motion (FLSM). We estimate it and use its parameters as diagnostic tools of neonatal stress. Indeed, the value of the speed of reversion parameter is a significant indicator of stress. The evolution of both parameters in which the Hurst exponent is decomposed provides us with significant indicators as well. On the contrary, the Hurst exponent itself does not bear useful information.
On the relation between n-cotorsion pairs and (n + 1)-cluster tilting subcategories
Authors: He Jing , Zhou Panyue
Published: September 2020

A notion of [Formula: see text]-cotorsion pairs in an extriangulated category with enough projectives and enough injectives is defined in this paper. We show that there exists a one-to-one correspondence between [Formula: see text]-cotorsion pairs and [Formula: see text]-cluster tilting subcategories. As an application, this result generalizes the work by Huerta, Mendoza and Pérez in an abelian case. Finally, we give some examples illustrating our main result.
Rings with fine idempotents
Authors: Călugăreanu Grigore , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: September 2020

An idempotent in a ring is called fine (see G. Călugăreanu and T. Y. Lam, Fine rings: A new class of simple rings, J. Algebra Appl. 15(9) (2016) 18) if it is a sum of a nilpotent and a unit. A ring is called an idempotent-fine ring (briefly, an [Formula: see text] ring) if all its nonzero idempotents are fine. In this paper, the properties of [Formula: see text] rings are studied. A notable result is proved: The diagonal idempotents [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) are fine in the matrix ring [Formula: see text] for any unital ring [Formula: see text] and any positive integer [Formula: see text]. This yields many classes of rings over which matrix rings are [Formula: see text].
Comparative study on the oily exudation of aluminized explosives containing EVA and F2603
Authors: Tao Jun , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2020

In order to compare the influence of binders on the oily exudation of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based aluminized explosives, polyvinyl acetate (EVA) and copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and perfluoropropylene (F2603) were selected as binders, which are most commonly used in the press-packed explosives. Herein, the binding energies of wax with the components of RDX-based aluminized explosives containing EVA and F2603 were predicted. Then, the migration models of wax in EVA and F2603 were constructed respectively, and the migration rate of wax in two binders was also calculated. Finally, experimental verification was carried out for wax migration in the two aluminized explosives. The results show that the binding energies of wax with other components of RDX-based composite explosive are all positive, which indicates that the physical compatibility of RDX-based aluminized explosives containing EVA and F2603 is excellent. In addition, wax interacts with the other components of RDX-based explosives mainly via Van der Waals force. However, the binding strength of wax with RDX crystals and binders decreases with the increase of temperature. The type of binders has a great influence on the migration rate of wax, and the oily exudation rate of wax in F2603 is about 4 times than that in EVA both at 298 K and 344 K. Meanwhile, the polymer configuration greatly changes the migration rate of wax. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Phase transition of LRS Bianchi type-I cosmological model in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Tiwari R. K. , Sofuoğlu D. , Dubey V. K.
Published: September 2020

In this work, LRS Bianchi type-I cosmological model with perfect fluid source in [Formula: see text] gravity theory, where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the stress energy-momentum tensor, has been studied in order to investigate early time deceleration and late time acceleration of the universe. By proposing a new special form of time-varying deceleration parameter in terms of Hubble parameter, the exact solution of the field equations has been obtained. The physical and geometric quantities of the model have been derived and their evolution has been discussed. Our model has an initial singularity and initially exhibits decelerating expansion and transits to accelerating expansion phase at last eras. The nature of the matter source of the model is consistent with the standard model in frame of the structure formation.
Spherically symmetric self-gravitating radiating star under expansion-free motion
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Srivastava S. K.
Published: September 2020

This study deals with the spherically symmetric radiating star (with dissipative perfect fluids) with a central vacuum cavity, evolving under the assumption of expansion-free motion. The analytical model of the such dynamics star is discussed in three regimes — diffusion approximation, geodesic motion and self-similarity — and the solutions of dynamical equations are obtained in its complete generality. The structure scalars, which are related to the fundamental properties of fluid distribution, are also discussed which played a very important role in the dynamics of cavity models. It has been shown that energy density is homogeneous but violates the energy condition under quasi-static diffusion approximation.
Subwavelength Periodic Structures Design and its Role in Photon Control of Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhiye , Shen Xiangqian , Wang Shuying , Zhou Hua , Wangyang Peihua , Chen Yanhua
Published: September 2020

A subtle modification of the device surface is able to reduce optical loss and to further achieve high photoelectric conversion efficiency for thin film solar cells. This work shows the manipulation properties of subwavelength periodic structures on incident light at air/glass surface. In order to explore the mechanisms of optical loss, the spectral response and energy distribution of light are investigated by using rigorous coupled wave analysis and finite difference time domain methods. Calculation results show that the diffraction scattering and gradient refraction index play a significant role for better photon harvesting. With an optimized design of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm, [Formula: see text], and hemispherical shape structure, obvious improvement in transmittance, external quantum efficiency and photo-generated current is achieved. The photoelectric conversion efficiencies of amorphous silicon thin film cells with an absorbing layer thickness of 400[Formula: see text]nm is 8.04%, improved by 5.9% compared with the flat cell of equivalent size.
Binomial incidence matrix of a semigraph
Authors: Shetty Jyoti , Sudhakara G.
Published: September 2020

A semigraph, defined as a generalization of graph by Sampathkumar, allows an edge to have more than two vertices. The idea of multiple vertices on edges gives rise to multiplicity in every concept in the theory of graphs when generalized to semigraphs.

In this paper, we define a representing matrix of a semigraph [Formula: see text] and call it binomial incidence matrix of the semigraph [Formula: see text]. This matrix, which becomes the well-known incidence matrix when the semigraph is a graph, represents the semigraph uniquely, up to isomorphism. We characterize this matrix and derive some results on the rank of the matrix. We also show that a matrix derived from the binomial incidence matrix satisfies a result in graph theory which relates incidence matrix of a graph and adjacency matrix of its line graph. We extend the concept of “twin vertices” in the theory of graphs to semigraph theory, and characterize them. Finally, we derive a systematic approach to show that the binomial incidence matrix of any semigraph on [Formula: see text] vertices can be obtained from the incidence matrix of the complete graph [Formula: see text].
Optimal Solution of a Target Defense Game with Two defenders and a Faster Intrude
Authors: Fu Han , Liu Hugh H.-T.
Published: September 2020

A target defense game with two defenders and a faster intruder is solved based on the classic differential game theory. In the game, the intruder seeks to enter a circular target area, while the defenders endeavor to capture it outside of the target. Under the faster intruder assumption, the game has two phases, where the optimal trajectories are straight and curved, respectively. In the second phase, a peculiar phenomenon exists where the intruder moves at the edge of one defender’s capture region, yet this defender cannot force capture. Because of this, the terminal states of the game are singular, therefore the standard method of integrating optimal trajectories from terminal states is not applicable. The way to circumvent this singularity is to solve the optimal trajectories of a two-player game between the intruder and the closer defender, and assemble them with the trajectory of the other defender. The key contribution of this paper is the solution of the intruder-closer-defender subgame against a circular target area. In the vector field of the optimal trajectories, two singular surfaces and a singular point are observed. Each singular surface indicates a discontinuity in the closer defender’s control, while the singular point represents a situation where the target is successfully protected by a single defender. The complete solution of the two-defender game is solved based on the result of the intruder-closer-defender subgame. The proposed solution is verified through a special case where the capture range is zero. This verification also presents a simpler approach of solving the zero capture range problem.
You Don’t Know Jack About Software Maintenance
Authors: Stachour Paul , Collier-Brown David
Published: September 2020

Everyone knows maintenance is hard and boring, and avoids doing it. Besides, their pointy-haired bosses say things like: "No one needs to do maintenance - that’s a waste of time."
Broken Builds
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: September 2020

Is there anything more aggravating to programmers than fellow team members checking in code that breaks a build? I find myself constantly tracking down minor mistakes in other people’s code simply because they didn’t check that their changes didn’t break the build. The worst part is when someone has broken the build and they get indignant about my pointing it out. Are there any better ways to protect against these types of problems?
A System is not a Product
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: September 2020

Every once in a while, I come across a piece of good code and like to take a moment to recognize this fact, if only to keep my blood pressure low before my yearly medical checkup. The first such piece of code to catch my eye was clocksource.h in Linux. Linux interfaces with hardware clocks, such as the crystal on a motherboard, through a set of structures that are put together like a set of Russian dolls.
Resilience Engineering: Learning to Embrace Failure
Authors: Robbins Jesse , Krishnan Kripa , Allspaw John , Limoncelli Thomas A.
Published: September 2020

In the early 2000s, Amazon created GameDay, a program designed to increase resilience by purposely injecting major failures into critical systems semi-regularly to discover flaws and subtle dependencies. Basically, a GameDay exercise tests a company’s systems, software, and people in the course of preparing for a response to a disastrous event. Widespread acceptance of the GameDay concept has taken a few years, but many companies now see its value and have started to adopt their own versions. This discussion considers some of those experiences.
Thinking Methodically about Performance
Authors: Gregg Brendan
Published: September 2020

Performance issues can be complex and mysterious, providing little or no clue to their origin. In the absence of a starting point, performance issues are often analyzed randomly: guessing where the problem may be and then changing things until it goes away. While this can deliver results it can also be time-consuming, disruptive, and may ultimately overlook certain issues. This article describes system-performance issues and the methodologies in use today for analyzing them, and it proposes a new methodology for approaching and solving a class of issues.
How Fast is Your Web Site?
Authors: Meenan Patrick
Published: September 2020

The overwhelming evidence indicates that a Web site’s performance (speed) correlates directly to its success, across industries and business metrics. With such a clear correlation (and even proven causation), it is important to monitor how your Web site performs. So, how fast is your Web site?
A File System All Its Own
Authors: Leventhal Adam H.
Published: September 2020

In the past five years, flash memory has progressed from a promising accelerator, whose place in the data center was still uncertain, to an established enterprise component for storing performance-critical data. It’s rise to prominence followed its proliferation in the consumer world and the volume economics that followed (see figure 1). With SSDs (solid-state devices), flash arrived in a form optimized for compatibility - just replace a hard drive with an SSD for radically better performance. But the properties of the NAND flash memory used by SSDs differ significantly from those of the magnetic media in the hard drives they often displace. While SSDs have become more pervasive in a variety of uses, the industry has only just started to design storage systems that embrace the nuances of flash memory. As it escapes the confines of compatibility, significant improvements in performance, reliability, and cost are possible.
Realtime GPU Audio
Authors: Hsu Bill , Sosnick-Pérez Marc
Published: September 2020

Today’s CPUs are capable of supporting realtime audio for many popular applications, but some compute-intensive audio applications require hardware acceleration. This article looks at some realtime sound-synthesis applications and shares the authors’ experiences implementing them on GPUs (graphics processing units).
Online Algorithms in High-frequency Trading
Authors: Loveless Jacob , Stoikov Sasha , Waeber Rolf
Published: September 2020

HFT (high-frequency trading) has emerged as a powerful force in modern financial markets. Only 20 years ago, most of the trading volume occurred in exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange, where humans dressed in brightly colored outfits would gesticulate and scream their trading intentions. Nowadays, trading occurs mostly in electronic servers in data centers, where computers communicate their trading intentions through network messages. This transition from physical exchanges to electronic platforms has been particularly profitable for HFT firms, which invested heavily in the infrastructure of this new environment.
Passively Measuring TCP Round-trip Times
Authors: Strowes Stephen D.
Published: September 2020

Measuring and monitoring network RTT (round-trip time) is important for multiple reasons: it allows network operators and end users to understand their network performance and help optimize their environment, and it helps businesses understand the responsiveness of their services to sections of their user base.
Intermediate Representation
Authors: Chow Fred
Published: September 2020

Program compilation is a complicated process. A compiler is a software program that translates a high-level source language program into a form ready to execute on a computer. Early in the evolution of compilers, designers introduced IRs (intermediate representations, also commonly called intermediate languages) to manage the complexity of the compilation process. The use of an IR as the compiler’s internal representation of the program enables the compiler to be broken up into multiple phases and components, thus benefiting from modularity.
Please Put OpenSSL Out of Its Misery
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: September 2020

The OpenSSL software package is around 300,000 lines of code, which means there are probably around 299 bugs still there, now that the Heartbleed bug which allowed pretty much anybody to retrieve internal state to which they should normally not have access has been fixed.
Bringing Arbitrary Compute to Authoritative Data
Authors: Cavage Mark , Pacheco David
Published: September 2020

While the term ’big data’ is vague enough to have lost much of its meaning, today’s storage systems are growing more quickly and managing more data than ever before. Consumer devices generate large numbers of photos, videos, and other large digital assets. Machines are rapidly catching up to humans in data generation through extensive recording of system logs and metrics, as well as applications such as video capture and genome sequencing. Large data sets are now commonplace, and people increasingly want to run sophisticated analyses on the data. In this article, ’big data’ refers to a corpus of data large enough to benefit significantly from parallel computation across a fleet of systems, where the efficient orchestration of the computation is itself a considerable challenge.
JavaScript and the Netflix User Interface
Authors: Liu Alex
Published: September 2020

In the two decades since its introduction, JavaScript has become the de facto official language of the Web. JavaScript trumps every other language when it comes to the number of runtime environments in the wild. Nearly every consumer hardware device on the market today supports the language in some way. While this is done most commonly through the integration of a Web browser application, many devices now also support Web views natively as part of the operating system UI (user interface). Across most platforms (phones, tablets, TVs, and game consoles), the Netflix UI, for example, is written almost entirely in JavaScript.
Disambiguating Databases
Authors: Richardson Rick
Published: September 2020

The topic of data storage is one that doesn’t need to be well understood until something goes wrong (data disappears) or something goes really right (too many customers). Because databases can be treated as black boxes with an API, their inner workings are often overlooked. They’re often treated as magic things that just take data when offered and supply it when asked. Since these two operations are the only understood activities of the technology, they are often the only features presented when comparing different technologies.
The Small Batches Principle
Authors: Limoncelli Thomas A.
Published: September 2020

The small batches principle is part of the DevOps methodology. It comes from the lean manufacturing movement, which is often called just-in-time manufacturing. It can be applied to just about any kind of process. It also enables the MVP (minimum viable product) methodology, which involves launching a small version of a service to get early feedback that informs the decisions made later in the project.
React: Facebook’s Functional Turn on Writing JavaScript
Authors: Hunt Pete , O'Shannessy Paul , Smith Dave , Coatta Terry
Published: September 2020

One of the long-standing ironies of user-friendly JavaScript front ends is that building them typically involved trudging through the DOM (Document Object Model), hardly known for its friendliness to developers. But now developers have a way to avoid directly interacting with the DOM, thanks to Facebook’s decision to open-source its React library for the construction of user interface components.
The Power of Babble
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: September 2020

Metadata defines the shape, the form, and how to understand our data. It is following the trend taken by natural languages in our increasingly interconnected world. While many concepts can be communicated using shared metadata, no one can keep up with the number of disparate new concepts needed to have a common understanding.
Life Beyond Distributed Transactions
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: September 2020

This article explores and names some of the practical approaches used in the implementation of large-scale mission-critical applications in a world that rejects distributed transactions. Topics include the management of fine-grained pieces of application data that may be repartitioned over time as the application grows. Design patterns support sending messages between these repartitionable pieces of data.
Data Sketching
Authors: Cormode Graham
Published: September 2020

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by an unending stream of information? It can seem like a barrage of new email and text messages demands constant attention, and there are also phone calls to pick up, articles to read, and knocks on the door to answer. Putting these pieces together to keep track of what’s important can be a real challenge. In response to this challenge, the model of streaming data processing has grown in popularity. The aim is no longer to capture, store, and index every minute event, but rather to process each observation quickly in order to create a summary of the current state. Following its processing, an event is dropped and is no longer accessible. The summary that is retained is often referred to as a sketch of the data. This article introduces the ideas behind sketching, with a focus on algorithmic innovations. It describes some algorithmic developments in the abstract, followed by the steps needed to put them into practice, with examples. The article also looks at four novel algorithmic ideas and discusses some emerging areas.
Continuous Delivery Sounds Great, but Will It Work Here?
Authors: Humble Jez
Published: September 2020

Continuous delivery is a set of principles, patterns, and practices designed to make deployments predictable, routine affairs that can be performed on demand at any time. This article introduces continuous delivery, presents both common objections and actual obstacles to implementing it, and describes how to overcome them using real-life examples. Continuous delivery is not magic. It’s about continuous, daily improvement at all levels of the organization.
Garbage Collection as a Joint Venture
Authors: Degenbaev Ulan , Lippautz Michael , Payer Hannes
Published: September 2020

Cross-component tracing is a way to solve the problem of reference cycles across component boundaries. This problem appears as soon as components can form arbitrary object graphs with nontrivial ownership across API boundaries. An incremental version of CCT is implemented in V8 and Blink, enabling effective and efficient reclamation of memory in a safe manner.
Hack for Hire
Authors: Mirian Ariana
Published: September 2020

Hack-for-hire services charging $100-$400 per contract were found to produce sophisticated, persistent, and personalized attacks that were able to bypass 2FA via phishing. The demand for these services, however, appears to be limited to a niche market, as evidenced by the small number of discoverable services, an even smaller number of successful services, and the fact that these attackers target only about one in a million Google users.
Zooming past the coronavirus lockdown: online spirometry practical demonstration with student involvement in analysis by remote control
Authors: Bhaskar Anand , Ng Anna Kit Man , Patil Nivritti Gajanan , Fok Manson
Published: September 2020

This paper describes the process involved in conducting an online spirometry practical through Zoom. The teacher demonstrated the practical from the medical school, and the students observed the procedure from the comfort of their own homes. Students were able to analyze the graphs captured in the teacher's laptop by remotely controlling the teacher’s laptop. This method may be useful for places where face-to-face classes are suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coexistence of peripheral potentiation and corticospinal inhibition following a conditioning contraction in human first dorsal interosseous muscle
Authors: Smith Cameron Blair , Allen Matti Douglas , Rice Charles L.
Published: September 2020

We demonstrate that postactivation potentiation in human skeletal muscle is accompanied by central inhibition at the corticospinal level. However, the magnitude of central inhibition does not differ between peripherally evoked or voluntary conditioning contractions. Therefore, it is possible this central inhibition is related to muscle sensory feedback.
Wavelet-M-Estimation for Time-Varying Coefficient Time Series Models
Authors: Zhou Xingcai , Zhu Fangxia
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes wavelet-M-estimation for time-varying coefficient time series models by using a robust-type wavelet technique, which can adapt to local features of the time-varying coefficients and does not require the smoothness of the unknown time-varying coefficient. The wavelet-M-estimation has the desired asymptotic properties and can be used to estimate conditional quantile and to robustify the usual mean regression. Under mild assumptions, the Bahadur representation and the asymptotic normality of wavelet-M-estimation are established.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Optimization for Acceptable and Remaining-One Unacceptable Dose-Volume and Mean-Dose Constraint Planning
Authors: Nakada Ryosei , Abou Al-Ola Omar M. , Yoshinaga Tetsuya
Published: September 2020

We give a novel approach for obtaining an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) optimization solution based on the idea of continuous dynamical methods. The proposed method, which is an iterative algorithm derived from the discretization of a continuous-time dynamical system, can handle not only dose-volume but also mean-dose constraints directly in IMRT treatment planning. A theoretical proof for the convergence to an equilibrium corresponding to the desired IMRT planning is given by using the Lyapunov stability theorem. By introducing the concept of “acceptable,” which means the existence of a nonempty set of beam weights satisfying the given dose-volume and mean-dose constraints, and by using the proposed method for an acceptable IMRT planning, one can resolve the issue that the objective and evaluation are different in the conventional planning process. Moreover, in the case where the target planning is totally unacceptable and partly acceptable except for one group of dose constraints, we give a procedure that enables us to obtain a nearly optimal solution close to the desired solution for unacceptable planning. The performance of the proposed approach for an acceptable or unacceptable planning is confirmed through numerical experiments simulating a clinical setup.
Classification Method and Determination of Mountainous Area Types at Township Scales: A Case Study of Yuxi City, Yunnan Province
Authors: Wu Li , Xie Binggeng , Xiao Xiao , Xue Bing , Li Jingzhong
Published: September 2020

The high-resolution regional division of mountainous area types has important scientific significance for promoting precise management of land space and regional sustainable development. At present, the classification method of mountainous area types is mainly at the county level and above, while classifications for towns and villages are nearly nonexistent, which poses a technical challenge for rural revitalization and the construction of ecological civilization in mountainous areas. We used Yuxi city, Yunnan Province, as the target area of this research, which was based on GIS technology and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data and socioeconomic environmental monitoring data. The most appropriate statistical unit (e.g., 2.8224 km2) for topographic relief was defined, and the study area was divided into six mountain types: flatlands, hills, low mountains, medium-low mountains, midmountains, and subhigh mountains. Based on the township scale, an index system and classification method dominated by the plain comprehensive index were established to carry out mountain area classifications at township scales. The 75 towns of Yuxi city can be classified into 27 plain towns, 23 mountain-plain towns, and 25 mountain towns from an empirical application perspective, which can provide strong data support and a reference basis for studying the evolution characteristics of land use in different geographical spaces and their interrelationships as well as differentiated land space planning and governance.
Clinical Significance of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Nanping , Li Jingrong , Ke Qiao , Wang Lei , Cao Yingping , Liu Jingfeng
Published: September 2020

Aim. To evaluate the prognostic significance of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) for clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Material and Methods. Eligible studies were searched by PubMed, MedLine, the Cochrane Library, from January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2019, investigating the prognostic value of CAR in patients with HCC. Primary endpoint was OS. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the effect size. Results. 7 records including 2208 patients published since 2014 were enrolled into our meta-analysis. Clinicopathological characteristics were also correlated with the level of CAR. The pooled HR for the OS rate between low and high CAR groups was 2.13 (95% CI 1.70~2.68, P<0.00001) using a random model, but sensitivity analysis showed that the pooled HR for the OS rates did not change substantially after removal of any included study. As for patients receiving surgery, the pooled HR for the OS rate between low and high CAR groups was 2.04 (95% CI 1.59~2.61, P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed that CAR could be a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients regardless of regions (China, HR=1.75, 95% CI 1.51~2.02; Japan, HR=3.36, 95% CI 2.07~5.45; Korea, HR=2.26, 95% CI 1.47~4.47; respectively), the cut-off value (<0.1, HR=2.84, 95% CI 1.90~4.24; >0.1, HR=1.99, 95% CI 1.52~2.61; respectively), and sample size (<200, HR=2.85, 95% CI 2.01~4.03; >200, HR=1.75, 95% CI 1.52~2.02; respectively). Conclusion. With the current data, we clearly concluded that CAR was closely correlated with prognosis of patients with HCC. Multicenter, prospective randomized trials are warranted to confirm the conclusion.
Alleviation by Mahuang Fuzi and Shenzhuo Decoction in High Glucose‐Induced Podocyte Injury by Inhibiting the Activation of Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway, Resulting in Activation of Podocyte Autophagy
Authors: Dai Haoran , Liu Fei , Qiu Xinping , Liu Wenbin , Dong Zhaocheng , Jia Yingmin , Feng Zhendong , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhao Qihan , Gao Yu , Zhang Zihan , Gao Chang , Sun Songge , Tian Xuefei , Liu Baoli
Published: September 2020

Background. Organ fibrosis is a common endpoint of a variety of diseases. Many studies have shown that the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is related to the excessive activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway on podocytes, so the treatment of DKD starts from this signaling pathway. At the same time, DKD, as a metabolic disease, has many connections related to podocyte autophagy. Objectives. We experimented the effects of Mahuang Fuzi and Shenzhuo decoction (MFSD) which is the combination of Mahuang Fuzi decoction and Shenzhuo decoction in traditional Chinese medicine compounds used “The Golden Chamber” in high glucose‐induced podocytes, determined whether this effect was related to Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and further investigated the relationship between this effect and autophagy. Methods. The mice podocytes were stimulated by using 30 mmol/L of high glucose and serum containing MFSD or Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway inhibitor DKK1 (100 ng/ml) was used to intervene podocytes before high glucose stimulation. Podocyte injury‐related proteins, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway‐related proteins, and autophagy‐related proteins were detected by using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Results. Our results showed that DKK1 and MFSD treatment significantly upregulated the protein expressions of nephrin, podocin, podocalyxin, and podoplanin in high glucose‐induced podocytes and downregulated the β‐catenin protein expression. Furthermore, the protein expressions of beclin1, LC3B, and P62 were also significantly increased in high glucose‐induced podocytes. Conclusion. Our experiments confirmed that the destruction of podocytes in DKD is related to the excessive activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and the inhibition of autophagy after activation. MFSD treatment can inhibit the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in podocytes stimulated by high glucose and helpful in reducing the podocyte injury. This protective mechanism can be related to the enhancement of podocyte autophagy by MFSD treatment.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm forOptimal Allocation of Distributed Generation Units in Radial Power Systems
Authors: Hantash Neda , Khatib Tamer , Khammash Maher
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an improved particle swarm optimization method (PSO) is proposed to optimally size and place a DG unit in an electrical power system so as to improve voltage profile and reduce active power losses in the system. An IEEE 34 distribution bus system is used as a case study for this research. A new equation of weight inertia is proposed so as to improve the performance of the PSO conventional algorithm. This development is done by controlling the inertia weight which affects the updating velocity of particles in the algorithm. Matlab codes are developed for the adapted electrical power system and the improved PSO algorithm. Results show that the proposed PSO algorithm successfully finds the optimal size and location of the desired DG unit with a capacity of 1.6722 MW at bus number 10. This makes the voltage magnitude of the selected bus equal to 1.0055 pu and improves the status of the electrical power system in general. The minimum value of fitness losses using the applied algorithm is found to be 0.0.0406 while the average elapsed time is 62.2325 s. In addition to that, the proposed PSO algorithm reduces the active power losses by 31.6%. This means that the average elapsed time is reduced by 21% by using the proposed PSO algorithm as compared to the conventional PSO algorithm that is based on the liner inertia weight equation.