bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical parametric study on three-dimensional rectangular counter-flow thrust vectoring control
Authors: Wu Kexin , Zhang Guang , Kim Tae Ho , Kim Heuy Dong
Published: May 2020

Recently, fluidic thrust vectoring control is popular for micro space launcher propulsion systems due to its several advantages, such as fast dynamic responsiveness, better control effectiveness, and no moving mechanical equipment. Counter-flow thrust vectoring control is an especially effective technique by utilizing less suction flow to control the mainstream deflection flexibly. In the current work, theoretical and numerical analyses are performed together to elaborate on the performance of the three-dimensional rectangular counter-flow thrust vectoring control system. A new propulsion nozzle of Mach 2.5 is devised by method of characteristics. To testify the feasibility and accuracy of the present research methodology, numerical results were validated against experimental data from the open literature. The computational result using the standard k-epsilon turbulence model reveals a good match with experimentally measured static pressure values along the centerline of the upper suction collar. The influence of several key parameters on vectoring performance is investigated herein, including the mainstream temperature, collar radius, horizontal collar length, and gap height. Critical parameters have been quantitatively analyzed, such as static pressure distribution along the centerline of the upper suction collar, pitching angle, suction mass flow ratio, and thrust coefficient. Furthermore, the flow-field features are qualitatively expounded based on the static pressure contour, streamline, iso-turbulent kinetic energy contour, and iso-Mach number contour. Some important conclusions are offered for further studies. The mainstream temperature mainly affects different dynamic characteristics of the mixing shear layer, including the convective Mach number of the shear layer, density ratio, and flow velocity ratio. The collar radius influences the pressure gradient near the suction collar surface significantly. The pitching angle increases rapidly with the increasing collar radius. As the horizontal collar length increases, the systematic deflection angle initially increases then decreases. The highest pitching angle is obtained for L/ H = 3.53. With regard to the gap height, a larger gap height can achieve a higher pitching angle.
Could the human papillomavirus vaccine prevent recurrence of ano-genital warts?: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Husein-ElAhmed Husein
Published: May 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide and ano-genital warts (AGWs) are highly infectious. This virus is transmitted through sexual, anal, or oral contact as well as skin-to-skin contacts. Treatment for this condition has significant morbidity and it can be frustrating in certain cases. The HPV vaccination has been demonstrated as a promising strategy of secondary prevention in HPV-related diseases such as head and neck cancers, cervical diseases, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Regarding AGWs, it is unclear whether vaccination can provide analogous clinical benefit. The aim of this work is to systematically review the literature regarding HPV vaccination for secondary disease prevention after treatment of AGWs. From October to December 2018, a systematic search for clinical trials was conducted in five databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov using a combination of the following descriptors: ‘gardasil’ OR ‘cervarix’ OR ‘nine-valent’ OR ‘9-valent’ OR ‘vaccine’ AND ‘recurrence’ OR ‘relapse’ AND ‘hpv’ OR ‘papillomavirus’ AND ‘warts’ OR ‘condyloma.’ Data were synthetized and entered in the Review Manager software (RevMan 5.3.5) to perform the meta-analysis. The search yielded 824 potentially relevant studies. Two studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria involving 656 participants. The meta-analysis estimated the rate of recurrence of AGWs was similar between the vaccine group and the control group. The overall effect estimate was 1.02 (0.75–1.38). This is the first meta-analysis exploring the effect of HPV vaccine in preventing the relapse of AGWs. These results suggest that HPV vaccination does not provide secondary benefit in patients with previous AGWs. However, these results cannot be generalized due to the scarce number of RCTs currently available in the literature. The outcomes from future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to further clarify the precise effect of the vaccine.
Integrating latent classes in the Bayesian shared parameter joint model of longitudinal and survival outcomes
Authors: Andrinopoulou Eleni-Rosalina , Nasserinejad Kazem , Szczesniak Rhonda , Rizopoulos Dimitris
Published: May 2020

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic lung disease requiring frequent lung-function monitoring to track acute respiratory events (pulmonary exacerbations). The association between lung-function trajectory and time-to-first exacerbation can be characterized using joint longitudinal-survival modeling. Joint models specified through the shared parameter framework quantify the strength of association between such outcomes but do not incorporate latent sub-populations reflective of heterogeneous disease progression. Conversely, latent class joint models explicitly postulate the existence of sub-populations but do not directly quantify the strength of association. Furthermore, choosing the optimal number of classes using established metrics like deviance information criterion is computationally intensive in complex models. To overcome these limitations, we integrate latent classes in the shared parameter joint model through a fully Bayesian approach. To choose the optimal number of classes, we construct a mixture model assuming more latent classes than present in the data, thereby asymptotically “emptying” superfluous latent classes, provided the Dirichlet prior on class proportions is sufficiently uninformative. Model properties are evaluated in simulation studies. Application to data from the US Cystic Fibrosis Registry supports the existence of three sub-populations corresponding to lung-function trajectories with high initial forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV1), rapid FEV1 decline, and low but steady FEV1 progression. The association between FEV1 and hazard of exacerbation was negative in each class, but magnitude varied.
Immunized against science: Narrative community building among vaccine refusing/hesitant parents
Authors: Duchsherer Amy , Jason Mal , Platt Carrie Anne , Majdik Zoltan P
Published: May 2020

Recent outbreaks of measles have centered in specific communities, pointing to the influence of social ties on vaccination practices. This study adds to the conversation on public understanding of vaccine-related science, documenting how the individualist epistemologies highlighted in prior research are externalized and validated in communication with others, focusing on how the narrative strategies used to do so contribute to community building among vaccine refusing and hesitant parents. Through qualitative content analysis of testimonials given to the creators of the anti-vaccination documentary VaxXed, we identify how the common narrative strategies used to question the scientific consensus on vaccines—distrust of doctors, self-diagnosis, building credibility, advocacy, and community building—build a competing consensus based on personal expertise. With this approach, we are better able to understand how participation in online communities strengthens the privileging of individualist epistemologies among vaccine refusing and hesitant parents.
Strategic culture and intelligence failure: British intelligence on Japan before the Imphal–Kohima battle, 1943–1944
Authors: Han Zhongtian
Published: May 2020

Despite the common perception that British intelligence succeeded in preventing surprise before the Imphal–Kohima battle, this study shows that British assessment of Japanese intentions before the battle was in fact extremely ambivalent. It argues that the difference between British and Japanese strategic cultures was the key to explain British intelligence failure. Because of the two different strategic cultures, the British could not understand the dynamics of Japanese strategic planning and Japan’s offensive political objective against India. These findings suggest that despite improvement in technology and organization, diverging strategic cultures of different opponents will likely remain a major challenge to future intelligence.
Innovation and Firm-level Labour Productivity: A Comparison of Chinese and Indian Manufacturing Based on Enterprise Surveys
Authors: Bhattacharya Poulomi , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: May 2020

This article examines the impact of innovation on labour productivity by using latest World Bank Enterprise Surveys data and compares the results between Chinese and Indian manufacturing sector. The article uses cross-section data based on two surveys that were conducted by the World Bank in 2012 and 2014 for China and India, respectively. By employing simple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression technique, we find that innovation affects the labour productivity positively for Chinese as well as Indian manufacturing firms, but its impact on firm productivity is relatively weak in case of India as compared to China. Second, other factors such as average wage of the workers, education of production workers and training do significantly boost the labour productivity of Chinese manufacturing firms as well as for Indian firms. Third, our results based on firm size also indicate that the impact of innovation activities on labour productivity is higher in case of large firms as compared to medium firms. However, innovation does not affect the labour productivity of small manufacturing firms for both China and India. In terms of policy, it is important for both Chinese and Indian manufacturing firms to keep pursuing innovation activities, in order to spur productivity, which would strengthen firms’ growth.
Impact of Unemployment and Governance on Poverty in Pakistan: A Fresh Insight from Non-linear ARDL Co-integration Approach
Authors: Meo Muhammad Saeed , Kumar Bezon , Chughtai Sumayya , Khan Vina Javed , Dost Muhammad Khyzer Bin , Nisar Qasim Ali
Published: May 2020

This article aims to give a fresh insight into the non-linear relationship between unemployment, governance, and poverty in Pakistan. For the purpose, the study utilizes data from 1984 to 2016 by employing a nonlinear ARDL co-integration approach. The findings provide an insight that poverty responds asymmetrically due to positive or negative shocks in unemployment and governance. Moreover, the results suggest that applying linear models on poverty modelling may mislead the inference. The findings of the study imply that the policymakers and academicians must consider nonlinear behaviour of poverty for better policymaking.
Electricity Consumption–Economic Growth Nexus: Evidence from ARDL Bound Testing Approach in the Tunisian Context
Authors: Mighri Zouheir , Ragoubi Hanen
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the causal nexus between electricity consumption and economic growth in Tunisia for the period 1971–2013 by using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach of cointegration and Granger causality tests. The empirical findings indicate the existence of a long-term relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth. Besides, they support the conservation hypothesis in the long run, while they confirm the growth hypothesis in the short run.
Zo Nyobaa (Epilepsy) Among the Sherdukpens of Arunachal Pradesh: A Medical Anthropology Perspective
Authors: Doji Nyato
Published: May 2020

Public health has been a major concern in the recent domain of Medical Anthropology. The present study aims to analyze the sociocultural beliefs associated with epilepsy and tries to understand the traditional healing systems and put some light on the existing conflicts with Western biomedical system among the Sherdukpens of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. It also addresses the growing hiatus between the modern biomedical system and the traditional way of healing. A functionalistic approach has been used and associated with L. P. Vidyarthi’s concept of “Nature–Man–Spirit complex.” It is a qualitative study mostly based on narratives. People with epilepsy (PWE), their family members, the general population, shamans, lamas (monks), hospitals, and local health-care personnel were interviewed about the meanings and beliefs, practices, and feelings vis-à-vis epilepsy. Epilepsy is locally termed as zo-nyoba among the Sherdukpens, and they have developed their own etiology behind its occurrence. The Sherdukpens attribute epilepsy with several superstitious beliefs, myths, and mythologies, Shaman or Zizi plays a vital role in the healing process, and they have the indigenous knowledge of ethno-medicine with which epilepsy is treated. The Sherdukpens’ conversion to Buddhism allows the monks to play a very significant role in the healing rituals. The study shows that even with the advent of modern anti-epileptic drugs, PWE are taken more than often to the shamans/monks than to the hospital. All these cultural reasons cause a hindrance in the treatment procedure. This local perception and misunderstanding of epilepsy often cause challenges worse than the seizures due to epilepsy.
Dynamics of Urban Disaster Risk Paradigm: Looking Through the Perceived Lens of the Residents of Informal Settlements in Khulna City, Bangladesh
Authors: Swapan Mohammad Shahidul Hasan , Ashikuzzaman Md , Iftekhar Md Sayed
Published: May 2020

The integration of sustainability principles into disaster management research suggests a shift from traditional expert-driven assessment to a more community-driven process. However, most studies have focused on a generalized and regional assessment of perceived risk. Only a few of them have focused on informal settlements which belong to the most vulnerable communities facing the compound impacts of multiple disasters in urban areas. This raises concerns over the generalization of existing findings as informal settlements may add to spatial heterogeneity in disaster risk assessment. In order to contribute to this knowledge gap, we have surveyed 1,122 households of 93 slums of Khulna city in Bangladesh. We have investigated informal settlers’ perceptions of local and citywide hazard risks and their vulnerabilities from natural and anthropogenic hazards. It is found that low-income households are more concerned about the day-to-day inconvenience (e.g., waterlogging) rather than extreme weather events (e.g., cyclone and storm surge). This is mainly due to the degraded local environment and poor built form of their living places. The mapping of survey responses displays a spatial segregation of perceived disaster risk. The study highlights the importance of adopting spatial and risk-specific disaster preparedness policies and interventions. The results of the study would also be useful for tailoring appropriate disaster management policies to improve community resilience for poverty-stricken areas in developing countries.
The Role of Millennial Urban Lifestyles in the Transformation of Kampung Kota in Indonesia
Authors: Sihombing Antony , Rahardja Ardhea Angella , Gabe Rossa Turpuk
Published: May 2020

Urbanization affects population growth, as people move from rural to urban areas. In Indonesia, this movement has led to the creation of settlements called kampung kota. Kampung and kota are different forms of settlements, but the lifestyle in kota can indirectly affect the lifestyle in kampung. As the millennial generation has attracted growing attention, it has been noted that the lifestyle of millennials has begun to influence urban lifestyles more generally. The large number of millennials who have settled in kampungs has caused change to the forms of the kampung, as seen in their structure and layout and the allotment of space when zoning is carried out. Based on a literature review, observation of urban lifestyles in the kampung and interviews with people living in kampung Kebon Kacang, Jakarta, and kampung Kukusan, Depok, sought to find changes in the forms of the kampung kota, which follow the needs and lifestyles of the millennial generation.
Assessing Growth Impact of Public Debt in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mondal Suvra Prokash , Maitra Biswajit
Published: May 2020

Whether public debt spurs economic growth is an unsettled issue in both theoretical and empirical grounds. The issue has attracted lots of attention to economists and policymakers in recent times. This article addresses the debt–growth issue in the case of a small emerging south Asian country—Sri Lanka. The impact of external, domestic debt, in association with a set of financial variables on income, is assessed for an extended period of 1965–2017, and also for the post-reform period of 1978–2017. The article finds some robust evidence that external debt is not beneficial; rather it depresses income. The impact of domestic debt and foreign aid on income is trivial. On the other hand, gross fixed capital formation and money supply spur income growth, whereas the impact of openness to trade is dismaying, and all these findings are invariant across the extended period and the post-reform periods. The results have policy implications for the long-term sustained economic growth of Sri Lanka.

JEL: H63, F35, O40, C22
The association of a single-nucleotide variant in the microRNA-146a with advanced colorectal cancer prognosis
Authors: Santos Jéssica Silva dos , Zunta Gabriella Lucatto , Negrini Amanda Binatto , Ribeiro Marina Silva Guinda , Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob , Ortega Manoela Marques
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide variant n.60G>C (rs2910164) of microRNA (miR)-146a, related to suppressing of BRCA1/2 DNA repair protein, with the risk and survival of colorectal cancer patients, as well as miR-146a and BRCA1/2 levels and miR binding efficiency. The genotypes were identified in 125 colorectal cancer patients and 276 controls using TaqMan polymerase chain reaction assay. The miR-146a and BRCA1/2 levels were assessed by quantitative–polymerase chain reaction protocols. Primary precursor of miR-146a containing G (wild-type) and C (variant) allele were cloned into pcDNA.3.3 vector and co-transfected in HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess miR-146a binding to BRCA2 3′-untranslated region in HT-29. The differences between groups were calculated using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression, and Mann–Whitney test. The prognostic impact of single-nucleotide variant genotypes on overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimate and Cox regression. The GC or CC genotypes prevalence was similar in patients and controls (50.4% vs 50.7%, p = 0.74). However, patients with tumors in advanced stage with miR-146a GG genotype had 2.41 more chance of dying than GC or CC genotypes. In addition, tumor tissues of patients with GG genotype presented higher miR-146a ( p = 0.02) and lower BRCA1 ( p = 0.01) and BRCA2 ( p < 0.0001) levels when compared to those with GC or CC genotypes. In fact, pcDNA.3.3-miR-146a-G presented increased binding capacity to the 3′-untranslated region of BRCA2 ( p = 0.001) compared to pcDNA.3.3-miR-146a-C. In addition, the G allele altered the binding affinity between miR-146a and its BRCA2 3′-untranslated region target ( p < 0.001), thus enhancing suppression of BRCA2 expression. Our results suggest that single-nucleotide variant rs2910164 does not influence the colorectal cancer risk in Brazilian patients; however, the GG genotype could act as a factor of worse prognosis in patients with advanced disease due to suppression of BRCA1/2 modulated by miR-146a.
Rapid access clinics: Improving the efficiency of referral after discharge from the Emergency Department
Authors: Sinha Tanya , Hudson Christopher , Vukasovic Matthew , Coggins Andrew
Published: May 2020

Background:

Rapid access clinics are an increasingly common model of care in tertiary hospitals. Early streaming of suitable patients to appropriate clinic services could reduce Emergency Department overcrowding. This study set out to investigate the current utilisation of rapid access clinic dispositions in a tertiary centre. The findings have led to useful mapping of local services and early nurse led identification of patients suitable for streaming to clinic locations.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional observational study in a tertiary centre. Complete lists of consecutive discharged Emergency Department patients were generated by a trained data manger. Individual electronic medical records were reviewed for evidence of clinic disposition, patient demographics and compared with concurrent Emergency Department patients who were not referred.

Results:

1367 patients included from 144 h of consecutive weekday presentations. Referral to clinic locations occurred in 179/1357 (13.2%) with rapid access clinics utilised in 129/179 (70.4%). No difference in median length of stay was observed for patients referred to clinics (3.9 h) versus patients not referred (3.8 h) (p = 0.29).

Conclusion:

In a tertiary Emergency Department setting, discharged patients were frequently referred to rapid access clinics. Early streaming to suitable outpatient locations may be an additional strategy to consider for mitigating Emergency Department overcrowding.
You are who your friends are?
Authors: Winter Fabian , Kataria Mitesh
Published: May 2020

We study the existence of homophily (i.e. the tendency for people to be friends with people who are similar to themselves) with respect to trustworthiness. We ask whether two friends show similarly trustworthy behavior toward strangers, and whether such behavior is expected by a third party. We develop a simple model of Bayesian learning in trust games and test the derived hypotheses in a controlled laboratory environment. In the experiment, two trustees sequentially play a trust game with the same trustor, where the trustees depending on treatment are either friends or strangers to each other. We confirm the existence of homophily with respect to trustworthiness. The trustors’ beliefs about the trustees’ trustfulness are not affected by the knowledge about the (non-)existent friendship between the trustees. Behaviorally, however, they indirectly reciprocate the (un-)trustworthy behavior of one trustee toward his or her friends in later interactions.
A theory of norm collapse
Authors: Liu Chien
Published: May 2020

How a social norm emerges has been studied extensively. However, how a norm collapses has rarely been addressed in the literature. In this article, extending the theories of norm emergence by Coleman and Axelrod, I propose a theory of norm collapse. This theory specifies one micro mechanism and macro–micro–macro process through which a norm likely decays and eventually collapses. Then, as a test, I use computer simulation to simulate the process of the norm emergence and collapse. The result of the computer simulation demonstrates that the proposed theory has internal logical consistency. Finally, I conclude by discussing some implication of this research.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Multiple Routes to, and Multiple Consequences of, Abnormal Synaptic Function and Connectivity
Authors: Carroll Liam , Braeutigam Sven , Dawes John M. , Krsnik Zeljka , Kostovic Ivica , Coutinho Ester , Dewing Jennifer M. , Horton Christopher A. , Gomez-Nicola Diego , Menassa David A.
Published: May 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders of genetic and environmental etiologies. Some ASD cases are syndromic: associated with clinically defined patterns of somatic abnormalities and a neurobehavioral phenotype (e.g., Fragile X syndrome). Many cases, however, are idiopathic or non-syndromic. Such disorders present themselves during the early postnatal period when language, speech, and personality start to develop. ASDs manifest by deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior across multiple contexts, sensory abnormalities across multiple modalities and comorbidities, such as epilepsy among many others. ASDs are disorders of connectivity, as synaptic dysfunction is common to both syndromic and idiopathic forms. While multiple theories have been proposed, particularly in idiopathic ASDs, none address why certain brain areas (e.g., frontotemporal) appear more vulnerable than others or identify factors that may affect phenotypic specificity. In this hypothesis article, we identify possible routes leading to, and the consequences of, altered connectivity and review the evidence of central and peripheral synaptic dysfunction in ASDs. We postulate that phenotypic specificity could arise from aberrant experience-dependent plasticity mechanisms in frontal brain areas and peripheral sensory networks and propose why the vulnerability of these areas could be part of a model to unify preexisting pathophysiological theories.
Trespassing Dreams: Rethinking Inequality Through the Concept of Subalternity
Authors: Deterala Sophia
Published: May 2020

I explore the notion of subjective immobility suggested by Spivak’s concept of the subaltern through auto/ethnographic accounts and philosophical re-thinking. Through three “departure gates,” I aim to provoke the reader to think about how the perennial question, “Can the subaltern speak?” can be transgressed or perhaps rephrased. Philosophically, this article contrasts two ways of looking at desire and their effects on subject agency. I locate this tension in empirical events, including the story of a racialized international student-parent, examples of emancipatory initiatives in higher education, and autoethnographic narrative. Finally, through a discussion of agnotology, I hope to open up a space for thinking of ways of deploying an ethical silence in subalternity, in the hope of “trespassing” the boundary between agency and immobility.
Thyroid cancer risk factors and Pakistani University students’ awareness towards its preventive practice
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha , Azhar Saira , Ibrahim Nihal A , Kharaba Zelal J , Iqbal Mohammad M , Khan Shujaat A , Arfat Yameen Muhammad , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Thyroid Cancer is one of the rarest cancers but its prevalence has been increasing worldwide for the last couple of decades.

Methods

The data collection tool was designed to assess knowledge, awareness, perception, and attitude towards preventive practices of thyroid cancer in Pakistani university students. The data were collected over a duration of six months and a total number of 3722 students participated.

Results

The knowledge of risk factors of thyroid cancer was an important parameter of this study. The students who knew all the early signs of thyroid cancer were 28.7%. In this study, the independent variables such as age, gender, demographic location, and financial status were found to be highly significant with knowledge, attitude towards warning signs of cancer, and the perception of students about developing thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

The participants were found to have poor knowledge about early signs of thyroid cancer. The study participants perception, behavior, and attitude towards preventive practices of thyroid cancer were found inadequate and appropriate measures on a National level should be taken to enhance the knowledge about preventive practices of thyroid cancer. Increasing knowledge and awareness shall help decrease the overall morbidity and mortality linked with thyroid carcinomas and thyroid diseases.
Eating Disorder Behaviors Among Transgender Individuals: Exploring the Literature
Authors: Obarzanek Lindsey , Munyan Kristen
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Many transgender individuals of varying ages are at risk of developing eating disorder behaviors or unhealthy weight management behaviors. AIMS: This article reports the results of a review of the current literature on eating disorder behaviors among transgender individuals. METHODS: A literature search using CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and PsychInfo was conducted using key words “eating disorder,” “eating disorder behaviors,” and “transgender.” Results were narrowed through author review and concurrence to eight peer-reviewed English language articles from 2013 to 2018. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged across the articles reviewed: gender characteristics and body dissatisfaction, public affirmations and stigma, amenorrhea, and mental health treatment and therapies. CONCLUSIONS: There is still much exploration needed to better care for this population in a sensitive and timely manner. Many valuable clinical implications have emerged from the current literature, which provide a positive step toward optimal individualized patient care.
Post-mortem CT vs necropsy in feline medicine
Authors: Ribas Laila M , Massad Mara RR , Pinto Ana CBCF , Heng Hock Gan , Tremori Tália M , Reis Sérvio TJ , Baroni Carina O , Massad Eduardo , Rocha Noeme S
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare post-mortem CT findings with necropsy findings in domestic cats.

Methods

Post-mortem CT and necropsies were performed in 20 cadavers of domestic cats. The sensitivity, specificity and agreement between the post-mortem CT and necropsy findings were determined.

Results

There were a total of 315 post-mortem findings; 183 were identified by post-mortem CT and 132 were identified by necropsy. Post-mortem CT demonstrated a higher sensitivity to identify the findings mainly in bones. The higher indices of agreement between post-mortem CT and necropsy were related to abnormalities of pleural space, bones and joints.

Conclusions and relevance

This study demonstrated that post-mortem CT and necropsy provided different information. Thus, their use in conjunction with each other might improve the understanding of the cause of death and the identification of post-mortem lesions.
Managing Ahmed Glaucoma Valve tube exposure: Surgical technique
Authors: Nardi Marco , Maglionico Maria Novella , Posarelli Chiara , Figus Michele
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To describe a new surgical technique for managing Ahmed Glaucoma Valve tube exposure. The technique is simple, safe, easy to perform and may be an interesting alternative to conventional covering of the tube. This technique allows unlike the classical ones to act on the cause and not only on the complication of extrusion.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a retrospective case series that included four eyes of four patients who presented with an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve tube exposure.

Results:

Surgery was uneventful in all cases and we did not observe any intraoperative or postoperative complications. After at least 1-year follow-up, no case of tube re-exposure was detected.

Conclusions:

Many techniques have been proposed in order to cover the extruded tubes, and different materials may be used to reinforce the coverage, but re-exposure of the tube is a possible scenario. Indeed, our technique attempts not only to cover the exposed tube but also to solve the cause of the extrusion.
Grist to the mill of subversion: strikes and coups in counterinsurgencies
Authors: Gläßel Christian , González Belén , Scharpf Adam
Published: May 2020

Why are acts of organized resistance associated with coups? Inspired by the Arab Spring, a large literature suggests that militaries confronted with civil resistance tend to side with protesters and oust their government. In the historically most coup-prone environment of insurgencies, however, alliances between the military and protesters are implausible because soldiers suspect insurgents behind social dissent. Disentangling different types of resistance, this article analyzes whether and how strikes, demonstrations, riots, and guerrilla attacks affect the military’s disposition and ability to stage a coup during counterinsurgencies. We argue that only strikes trigger coup attempts. Soldiers interpret strikes as manifestations of a strengthening subversive enemy that threatens their victory over insurgents, while economic elites support a coup in the hope that the military will terminate costly walkouts. This interest alignment fosters military takeovers. We provide case-study evidence from Cold War Argentina and Venezuela to show our suggested mechanism at work. Demonstrating the scope of our argument, we quantitatively analyze coup attempts in counterinsurgency worldwide (1950–2005). Results show that strikes increase wartime coup risk, whereas demonstrations, riots, and guerrilla attacks do not. The findings highlight the backfiring potential of nonviolent resistance with important implications for post-coup political orders and democratization prospects.
Activation in individuals with vision loss
Authors: Morse Alan R , Seiple William
Published: May 2020

Vision loss and blindness are significant causes of disability. Patient activation has been previously unstudied in individuals with vision loss. Among our 146 participants, visual acuities for 38.3 percent were better than 20/70, 43.2 percent had acuities between 20/70 and 20/400, and 12.3 percent had acuities of <20/400. Participants with lower Patient Activation Measure scores missed more clinic visits ( p = 0.017); those participants with caregivers also had lower PAM scores ( p = 0.002). Targeting interventions to address patient activation in patients with vision loss may increase patient involvement in their care, increase treatment protocol adherence, and improve outcomes.
Elevated concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand: An essential raw material used in Bangladeshi dwellings
Authors: Hasan Mehade , Hossain Chaity Afroza , Haydar Abu , Ali Idris , Uddin Khandaker Mayeen
Published: May 2020

Sand is one of the main materials used in the construction industry. Elevated concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand may cause great harm to dwellers. Present study determines concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand that is widely used as a raw material in the construction industry in Bangladesh, via conventional HPGe γ-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the analysed samples were found as 36.8 ± 3.9, 58.9 ± 6.0 and 755 ± 91 Bqkg−1 in Base sand, 68.1 ± 5.3, 185.7 ± 9.9 and 1032 ± 104 Bqkg−1 in Sylhet sand, and 38.1 ± 3.6, 74.7 ± 5.9 and 636 ± 77 Bqkg−1 in Aster sand. All data show relatively higher values than the world average of 35, 30, 400 Bqkg−1, respectively. Key hazard parameters were estimated to realize the radiation effects on human health due to the use of sand as construction and building materials. The estimated parameters for Sylhet sand show relatively higher values than the population-weighted world average values, prescribed by regulatory bodies. Results show that the Sylhet sand may pose a significant radiation hazard to the dwellers via prolonged exposure, and necessary precautionary steps need to be taken to ensure safe dwellings while using this sand for construction and decorative purposes.
Dimensional control of cylindrical structures for unmanned underwater vehicles: Comparative study of the most advanced techniques
Authors: Mascaraque-Ramírez Carlos , Martínez-Botella Fco. de Borja
Published: May 2020

Unmanned underwater vehicles require a hull resistant to immersion and, therefore, to hydrostatic pressure, which places high demands on its design, manufacture and inspection, where dimensional control is a fundamental part of the verification of the shapes of the structure. In this research, a comparison is made of the dimensional control techniques currently used for the naval sector and their viability in the field of unmanned underwater vehicles. A cylindrical body steel model will be measured, with the characteristic dimensions of the unmanned underwater vehicles, executing tests using three measurement techniques, such as the optical measurement of surface points, the surface probing technology and the surface laser scanner with large volume of points. Experimental data will be provided in terms of mean diameter of the sections that make up the hull, defect of circularity and position of the optimum centre, which will lead to the development of a guide of good practices for selecting and using each technique depending on the requirements and demands of the unmanned underwater vehicle under study.
Foreign Policy Change: From Policy Adjustments to Fundamental Reorientations
Authors: Haesebrouck Tim , Joly Jeroen
Published: May 2020

Over the last decades, an increasing number of empirical studies have examined foreign policy change. In this article, we provide an overview of different conceptualizations and understandings of foreign policy change, identify the different drivers and inhibitors of change, and suggest avenues for future research. Most importantly, this review argues that scholarship provides relevant insights in foreign policy change on specific issues, but currently fails to unravel cases of more fundamental change like, redirections of states’ entire orientation toward world affairs or broader foreign policy categories (e.g. development aid or defense and security policy). Moreover, while the literature on foreign policy change has arrived at a list of plausible explanatory conditions for change, it has yet to provide a more general theoretical framework that captures the interplay between explanations from different levels of analysis in an integrated model. In consequence, we argue that research on foreign policy change would greatly benefit from comparative research that examines change in a more systematic way across countries, foreign policy domains, and over longer periods of time, with the goal of arriving at a more general explanatory model of foreign policy change.
In vivo and in vitro observation of nasal ciliary motion in a guinea pig model
Authors: Pang Chuan , An Fengwei , Yang Shiming , Yu Ning , Chen Daishi , Chen Lei
Published: May 2020

In vitro airway specimens are widely used to evaluate airway ciliary function. However, the function of in vitro ciliated cells may be far different from their actual in vivo physiological conditions. Due to the lack of a valid technique, direct images of in vivo airway ciliary motion have never been captured and analyzed before. This study aims to examine nasal ciliary motion in living guinea pigs with comparison to in vitro observation. Nasal septum mucosa was exposed in anaesthetized guinea pigs and directly examined using a digital microscopy system. The study included three parts: (1) measurement of ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of nasal mucosa at room temperature in living guinea pigs and immediately after death, and in dissected mucosa specimens/cells for comparison; (2) monitoring of nasal ciliary motion, CBF, and ciliary beat distance (CBD) over 12 h in both living guinea pigs and dissected mucosa specimens/cells; and (3) measurement of ciliary motion changes in responses to temperature variations. Compared with when the animal was alive, the CBF after death and in dissected mucosa specimens/cells was lower by about 20% ( P < 0.05). CBF and CBD variation in living guinea pigs was within 10% over time. The slope of CBF/temperature profile was 0.18 ± 0.01 Hz/°C in living guinea pigs, 0.51 ± 0.02 Hz/°C for dissected mucosa specimens, and 0.48 ± 0.03 Hz/°C for isolated ciliary cells. The technique described in this study makes it feasible to study ciliary motion in living animals using the digital microscope system. Ciliary function changes immediately after death. Ciliary motion in a living animal is more stable over time and has a different response to temperature change as compared with in vitro observation results.

Impact statement

Cilia play an important role in the airway defense mechanism. So far, studies on ciliary function have mainly been based on in vitro methods. Images of in vivo ciliary motion are very difficult to capture. In this study, we describe a novel approach to observe and analyze nasal ciliary motion in living animals with comparison to in vitro observation. Such images of ciliary motion from living animals have not been reported to date. The result of the study indicates that in vivo ciliary physiological function differs from ex vivo and in vitro conditions in many ways, such as the stability over time and response to temperature variation. This is a good foundation for further in vivo analysis of airway ciliary physiological function in animals as well as humans.
Simple Technique for Central Venous Cannulation with Cannula-Free Wound in Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: Kaleda Vasily I. , Nissen Alexander P. , Molochkov Anatoly V. , Alekseev Ivan A. , Boldyrev Sergey Yu. , Nguyen Tom C.
Published: May 2020

There are several approaches to venous cannulation in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Frequently used options include central dual-stage right atrial cannulation, or peripheral femoral venous cannulation. During minimally invasive aortic surgery via an upper hemisternotomy, central venous cannulas may obstruct the surgeon’s visualization of the aortic valve and root, or require extension of the skin incision, while femoral venous cannulation requires an additional incision, time and resources. Here we describe a technique for central venous cannulation during minimally invasive aortic surgery, utilizing a novel device, to facilitate simple, convenient, and expedient central cannulation with a cannula-free surgical working space.
Nonlinear Dose–Response Modeling of High-Throughput Screening Data Using an Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Ma Jun , Bair Eric , Motsinger-Reif Alison
Published: May 2020

Nonlinear dose–response relationships exist extensively in the cellular, biochemical, and physiologic processes that are affected by varying levels of biological, chemical, or radiation stress. Modeling such responses is a crucial component of toxicity testing and chemical screening. Traditional model fitting methods such as nonlinear least squares (NLS) are very sensitive to initial parameter values and often had convergence failure. The use of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) has been proposed to address many of the limitations of traditional approaches, but previous methods have been limited in the types of models they can fit. Therefore, we propose the use of an EA for dose–response modeling for a range of potential response model functional forms. This new method can not only fit the most commonly used nonlinear dose–response models (eg, exponential models and 3-, 4-, and 5-parameter logistic models) but also select the best model if no model assumption is made, which is especially useful in the case of high-throughput curve fitting. Compared with NLS, the new method provides stable and robust solutions without sensitivity to initial values.
Bionic design and test of polycrystalline diamond compact bit for hard rock drilling in coal mine
Authors: Wang Chuanliu
Published: May 2020

For hard rock drilling in coal mine, the drilling efficiency and service life of polycrystalline diamond compact bit are very low. To overcome these shortcomings, the bionic technology is applied to the design and processing of polycrystalline diamond compact bit. The bit body and polycrystalline diamond compact cutter are designed as bionic structures, and the test of the bionic polycrystalline diamond compact bit is carried out. Test results show that, when drilling in fine sandstone with hardness greater than 9, the performance of the bionic polycrystalline diamond compact bit is significantly improved. Comparing with the Φ113-mm concave polycrystalline diamond compact bit, the service life and drilling efficiency of the A-type bionic polycrystalline diamond compact bit increase by 54% and 230%, respectively, the service life and drilling efficiency of the B-type bionic polycrystalline diamond compact bit increase by 345% and 204%, respectively, which show that the bionic design of polycrystalline diamond compact bit can provide a new research idea for hard rock drilling in coal mine. Also the test results indicate that, when processing the bionic polycrystalline diamond compact cutter, the linear cutting process will cause thermal damage to the diamond layer of polycrystalline diamond compact cutter, while the cold grinding process shows higher comprehensive performance, therefore the one-time synthesis of bionic polycrystalline diamond compact cutter is the future research direction.
A novel image edge smoothing method based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Xu Hui-hong , Ge Dong-yuan
Published: May 2020

In the field of visual perception, the edges of images tend to be rich in effective visual stimuli, which contribute to the neural network’s understanding of various scenes. Image smoothing is an image processing method used to highlight the wide area, low-frequency components, main part of the image or to suppress image noise and high-frequency interference components, which could make the image’s brightness smooth and gradual, reduce the abrupt gradient, and improve the image quality. At present, there are still problems such as easy blurring of the edges of the image, poor overall smoothing effect, obvious step effect, and lack of robustness to noise on image smoothing. Based on the convolutional neural network, this article proposes a method for edge detection and deep learning for image smoothing. The results show that the research method proposed in this article solves the problem of edge detection and information capture better, significantly improves the edge effect, and protects the effectiveness of edge information. At the same time, it reduces the signal-to-noise ratio of the smoothed image and greatly improves the effect of image smoothing.
Modified honey bees mating optimization algorithm for multi-objective uncertain integrated process planning and scheduling problem
Authors: Wen Xiaoyu , Li Xinyu , Gao Liang , Wang Kanghong , Li Hao
Published: May 2020

The new technology of intelligent manufacturing makes the data of process planning and shop scheduling easier to interconnect, and the integration optimization of different manufacturing processes is an important technology to ensure the implementation of intelligent manufacturing. Integrated process planning and scheduling is a significant research focus in recent years, which could improve the performance of manufacturing system. At present, the research on integrated process planning and scheduling is insufficient to consider the multi-objective and uncertain characteristics widely existing in real manufacturing environment. Therefore, multi-objective integrated process planning and scheduling problem with uncertain processing time and due date is addressed in this article. The mathematical model of multi-objective uncertain integrated process planning and scheduling problem with uncertain processing time and fuzzy due date is established based on fuzzy set, in which the calculation method of uncertainty measurement objective is designed. An effective modified honey bees mating optimization algorithm has been designed to solve the proposed model. Queens set is constructed to maintain the non-dominated solutions found in the optimization process. The calculation method of mating probability between drone and queen bee based on Euclidean distance is designed. Fuzzy operators were utilized to evaluate fitness, judge the non-dominated relationship, and decode the scheduling solution. Different instances were designed and carried out to test the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is very effective for solving multi-objective uncertain integrated process planning and scheduling.