bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between self‐harm and alexithymia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Norman Hilary , Oskis Andrea , Marzano Lisa , Coulson Mark
Published: July 2020

Self‐harm, defined for the purpose of this review as any act of self‐injury without explicit suicidal intent, is an increasing public health concern, with potential long‐term implications for those who engage in it. Previous research has identified a correlational relationship between self‐harm and alexithymia, an emotion processing deficit characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings, and an externally orientated thinking style. Through a systematic search of the literature, the current review examines the association between alexithymia and self‐harm. A meta‐analysis based on 23 studies found a significant, positive relationship between self‐harm and alexithymia, with a medium effect size (g = 0.57, 95% CI 0.46–0.69). All 23 studies used the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS20) to measure alexithymia. The alexithymia subcomponents difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings were significantly associated with self‐harm, but there was no significant association between self‐harm and externally orientated thinking. The effect size of the relationship was significantly larger in adolescent samples compared with adult samples and in female compared with male samples. The definition of self‐harm did not affect the effect size of the relationship between alexithymia and self‐harm and the results are consistent with previous meta‐analyses focused more narrowly on non‐suicidal self‐injury and, separately, suicidal behaviors. Heterogeneity between the included studies was high. The results support an affect regulation model of self‐harm, in which self‐harm is used to regulate an emotional experience that is poorly understood.
Sufficient dimension reduction based on distance‐weighted discrimination
Authors: Randall Hayley , Artemiou Andreas , Qiao Xingye
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we introduce a sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) algorithm based on distance‐weighted discrimination (DWD). Our methods is shown to be robust on the dimension p of the predictors in our problem, and it also utilizes some new computational results in the DWD literature to propose a computationally faster algorithm than previous classification‐based algorithms in the SDR literature. In addition to the theoretical results of similar methods we prove the consistency of our estimate for fixed p. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of our algorithm using simulated and real datasets.
The role of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism in acquired capability for suicide
Authors: Wannemueller Andre , Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Juckel Georg , Paashaus Laura , Rath Dajana , Schönfelder Antje , Moser Dirk , Kumsta Robert , Teismann Tobias
Published: July 2020

Objective

According to the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide, capability for suicide comprises two dimensions: fearlessness about death and elevated pain tolerance. The short (S) allelic variant of the serotonin transporter gene‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) has repeatedly been associated with more violent and lethal suicide methods and lethality of suicide attempts. The current study aimed to investigate whether 5‐HTTLPR allelic variants are associated with fearlessness about death and pain tolerance/persistence and whether it moderates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and acquired capability for suicide.

Method

A cohort of 208 inpatients hospitalized due to a recent suicide attempt or severe suicidal ideation was genotyped for the 5‐HTTLPR and assessed for childhood maltreatment. Subjective pain tolerance and fearlessness about death as well as objective pain persistence was assessed using a pressure algometer.

Results

Fearlessness about death, pain tolerance, and pain persistence did not differ between 5‐HTTLPR genotypes. However, there was a significant correlation between self‐reported childhood maltreatment and fearlessness about death that emerged exclusively in homozygous S‐allele carriers.

Conclusion

Results suggest that there are no “high‐risk”‐alleles that generally increase capability for suicide. However, in terms of future suicide‐related behaviors exposure to childhood maltreatment events could exert a particularly negative influence on homozygous S‐allele carriers by increasing their fearlessness about death.
COVID‐19 clinical manifestations and treatment strategies among solid‐organ recipients: A systematic review of cases
Authors: Moosavi Seyed Ali , Mashhadiagha Amirali , Motazedian Nasrin , Hashemazar Alireza , Hoveidaei Amir Human , Bolignano Davide
Published: July 2020

Background

COVID‐19 has been spreading worldwide with a significant death toll. Solid‐organ transplantation (SOT) recipients are at higher risk due to their suppressed immune system. In this study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review on COVID‐19 clinical manifestations and treatment strategies in SOT recipients.

Methods

We searched three databases for relevant terms related to COVID‐19 and transplantation. 50 studies, including 337 patients, were reviewed.

Results

Two hundred thirty six patients were male, with a mean age of 49.9 years. The most prevalent group was the kidney 57.0%, followed by 17.2% heart and 13.6% liver. Fever and cough were the most reported clinical presentations. Infiltration (55.4%) in chest x‐ray and ground‐glass opacity (67.1%) in CT scans were the most radiological findings. It was found that 96.8% and 72.4% of patients present with CRP level and lymphocytopenia, respectively, and 70.6% of kidney recipients patients presented with high creatinine levels. The most common baseline immunosuppressants were calcineurin inhibitors (88.9%) and antimetabolites (73.2%). Antimetabolites (84.3%) and calcineurin inhibitors (54.3%) were discontinued/decreased 84.3% whereas glucocorticoids dosage almost has no change (77.9%) or even increased. 18.4% of cases had died, and 65.9% were discharged.

Conclusions

Patients' demographics, signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings in SOT recipients are almost similar to the general population. However, gastrointestinal symptoms appear to be more common. There are different treatment strategies, but in most of them, antimetabolite and calcineurin inhibitors were decreased or discontinued, while corticosteroids were increased. Finally, COVID‐19 seems to be more severe and has higher mortality in SOT recipients compared to the general population.
Cadence in Fugue: Modes of Closure in J. S. Bach's Well-tempered Clavier
Authors: Caplin William E.
Published: July 2020

In the traditional theory of fugue, the issue of cadence is normally relegated to a minor role, with only cursory attention given to how cadences articulate various modes of closure within a fugue. This article offers new perspectives on cadential practice in fugue based on a comprehensive
examination of J. S. Bach's Well-tempered Clavier. Using some fundamental concepts of tonal cadence in general, including a strict delimitation of its harmonic content, a consideration of its formal scope of closure, and a set of cadential deviations, I investigate how cadence operates
both to articulate formal boundaries and to realize potentialities for cadence that may not have a clear formal role. The study relies extensively on a distinction between subject-ending cadences (of limited formal scope) and independent cadences (not associated with the end
of the subject)—the latter, more than the former, being responsible for major points of formal closure. I explain why a fugue's exposition rarely ends with a cadence and consider those exceptional cases where the end of the fugue brings a subject-ending cadence. The article concludes
with analyses of cadential practice in three complete fugues (in D major, E♭ major, and G♯ minor, all from book I of the WTC).
Dynamics at Infinity and Existence of Singularly Degenerate Heteroclinic Cycles in Maxwell–Bloch System
Authors: Chen Haimei , Liu Yongjian , Feng Chunsheng , Liu Aimin , Huang Xiezhen
Published: July 2020

In this paper, global dynamics of the Maxwell–Bloch system is discussed. First, the complete description of its dynamic behavior on the sphere at infinity is presented by using the Poincaré compactification in R3. Second, the existence of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles is investigated. It is proved that for a suitable choice of the parameters, there is an infinite set of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles in Maxwell–Bloch system. Specially, the chaotic attractors are found nearby singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles in Maxwell–Bloch system by combining theoretical and numerical analyses for a special parameter value. It is hoped that these theoretical and numerical value results are given a contribution in an understanding of the physical essence for chaos in the Maxwell–Bloch system.
Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilms
Authors: Rees James D. , Gorby Yuri A. , Sawyer Shayla M.
Published: July 2020

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is a dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium capable of reducing various metal and sulfur compounds and precipitating them in nanoparticulate form. Here, we report the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials at the site of S. oneidensis biofilms grown in the presence of molybdenum trioxide and sodium thiosulfate. Samples from the growth medium were imaged using scanning electron microscopy and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, absorbance spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. These methods revealed the presence of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticle aggregates 50–300 nm in diameter with both hexagonal and rhombohedral polytypes. As a biosynthesis method for molybdenum sulfide, the use of S. oneidensis offers the advantage of significantly reduced heat and chemical solvent input compared to conventional methods of synthesizing molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles.
Effects of Metatarsal Work Boots on Gait During Level and Inclined Walking
Authors: Kocher Lydia M. , Pollard Jonisha P. , Whitson Ashley E. , Nasarwanji Mahiyar F.
Published: July 2020

Footwear plays an important role in worker safety. Work boots with safety toes are often utilized at mine sites to protect workers from hazards. Increasingly, mining operations require metatarsal guards in addition to safety toe protection in boots. While these guards provide additional protection, the impact of metatarsal guards on gait are unknown. This study aimed to measure the effects of 4 safety work boots, steel toe, and steel toe with metatarsal protection in wader- and hiker-style boots, on level and inclined walking gait characteristics, during ascent and descent. A total of 10 participants completed this study. A motion capture system measured kinematics that allowed for the calculation of key gait parameters. Results indicated that gait parameters changed due to incline, similar to previous literature. Wader-style work boots reduced ankle range of motion when ascending an incline. Hip, knee, and ankle ranges of motion were also reduced during descent for this style of boot. Wader-style boots with metatarsal guards led to the smallest ankle range of motion when descending an inclined walkway. From these results, it is likely that boot style affects gait parameters and may impact a miner’s risk for slips, trips, or falls.
Potential Motor Benefits of Visual Feedback of Error Reduction for Older Adults
Authors: Hwang Ing-Shiou , Hu Chia-Ling , Huang Wei-Min , Tsai Yi-Ying , Chen Yi-Ching
Published: July 2020

This study investigated how visual feedback of virtual error reduction (ER) modified the visuomotor performance of older adults with limited attentional capacity. Error structures of young and older adults during birhythmic force tracking were contrasted when the visualized error size was exact or half of the actual size. As compared with full-size error feedback, ER feedback improved the force tracking symmetry of older adults, but undermined that of young adults. Extended Poincaré analysis revealed that young adults presented greater short-term error variability (mean value of κ-lagged SD1 of the error signal) with ER feedback, which led to a smaller mean value of κ-lagged SD1 of the error signal for older adults. The ER-related task improvement of the older adults was negatively correlated with the size of the tracking errors with real error feedback and positively correlated with ER-related increases in force spectral symmetry and decreases in the mean value of κ-lagged SD1 of the error signal. ER feedback could advance visuomotor tasks for older adults who perform worse with full-size visual feedback by the enhancement of self-efficacy and stabilization of negative internal feedback.
SirT7 auto-ADP-ribosylation regulates glucose starvation response through mH2A1
Authors: Simonet Nicolás G. , Thackray Joshua K. , Vazquez Berta N. , Ianni Alessandro , Espinosa-Alcantud Maria , Morales-Sanfrutos Julia , Hurtado-Bagès Sarah , Sabidó Eduard , Buschbeck Marcus , Tischfield Jay , De La Torre Carolina , Esteller Manel , Braun Thomas , Olivella Mireia , Serrano Lourdes , Vaquero Alejandro
Published: July 2020

SirT7 is a dual enzyme that regulates energy deprivation response through a functional interaction with histone variant mH2A1.
Elevated serum β-d-glucan levels in cavitary pulmonary nocardiosis
Authors: Yagyu Kyoko , Nakatsuji Yuko , Matsushita Haruhiko
Published: July 2020

An 86-year-old woman with Borrmann type III colorectal cancer (Union for International Cancer Control pT4aN2bM1c, pStage IVc) had received dexamethasone for the last 6 months as palliative care. She presented with a low-grade fever, chest pain and cough. Chest radiography on admission showed cavities and consolidations bilaterally in the upper lobes. A blood examination on admission revealed highly elevated serum β-d-glucan levels. The diagnosis by bronchoscopy was pulmonary nocardiosis. With trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and imipenem/cilastatin, the β-d-glucan levels were decreased, and chest X-ray showed improvement after 1 month. β-d-glucan is known to be a biomarker of fungal infection. It is possible that β-d-glucan levels also indicate a pulmonary infection byNocardia.
Relationship between maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant’s birth weight in Nairobi informal settlements, Kenya
Authors: Wanjohi Milkah Njeri , Ogada Irene , Wekesah Frederick Murunga , Khayeka–Wandabwa Christopher , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W
Published: July 2020

Background

Maternal nutrition depletion during pregnancy compromises fetal programming, and is a cause of adverse birth outcomes. Maternal body composition measurement using direct body composition assessment methods such as the deuterium dilution technique provides better prediction of birth outcomes as compared with commonly used techniques like anthropometry. This study assessed body composition of pregnant mothers in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, and established the relationship between maternal body composition and infant birth weight.

Methods

Deuterium dilution technique was used to determine body composition, including total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), among 129 pregnant women who were enrolled into the study in their first or second trimester. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied using Stata V.13.

Results

The mean TBW, FFM and FM were 33.3 L (±4.7), 45.7 kg (±6.5) and 17.01 kg (±7.4), respectively. Both TBW and FFM were significantly related to maternal age and gestation/pregnancy stage during body composition assessment while FM was significantly associated with gestation stage during body composition assessment. TBW and FFM were significantly lower in younger mothers (<20 years) compared with older mothers (≥20 years). The mean birth weight was 3.3 kg±0.42 kg. There was a positive association between infant birth weight and maternal TBW (p=0.031) and FFM (p=0.027), but not FM (p=0.88).

Conclusion

Non-fat components of the body (TBW and FFM) have a positive association with birth weight. Therefore, interventions to improve optimal maternal feeding practices, to enhance optimal gains in FFM and TBW during pregnancy are recommended, especially among young mothers.
Predicting the risk of asthma attacks in children, adolescents and adults: protocol for a machine learning algorithm derived from a primary care-based retrospective cohort
Authors: Hussain Zain , Shah Syed Ahmar , Mukherjee Mome , Sheikh Aziz
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Most asthma attacks and subsequent deaths are potentially preventable. We aim to develop a prognostic tool for identifying patients at high risk of asthma attacks in primary care by leveraging advances in machine learning.

Methods and analysis

Current prognostic tools use logistic regression to develop a risk scoring model for asthma attacks. We propose to build on this by systematically applying various well-known machine learning techniques to a large longitudinal deidentified primary care database, the Optimum Patient Care Research Database, and comparatively evaluate their performance with the existing logistic regression model and against each other. Machine learning algorithms vary in their predictive abilities based on the dataset and the approach to analysis employed. We will undertake feature selection, classification (both one-class and two-class classifiers) and performance evaluation. Patients who have had actively treated clinician-diagnosed asthma, aged 8–80 years and with 3 years of continuous data, from 2016 to 2018, will be selected. Risk factors will be obtained from the first year, while the next 2 years will form the outcome period, in which the primary endpoint will be the occurrence of an asthma attack.

Ethics and dissemination

We have obtained approval from OPCRD’s Anonymous Data Ethics Protocols and Transparency (ADEPT) Committee. We will seek ethics approval from The University of Edinburgh’s Research Ethics Group (UREG). We aim to present our findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Association between antenatal care visit and preterm birth: a cohort study in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Pervin Jesmin , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur , Rahman Monjur , Aktar Shaki , Rahman Anisur
Published: July 2020

Background

Strengthening the antenatal care programme is suggested as one of the public health strategies to reduce preterm birth burden at a population level. However, the evidence so far available is inconclusive.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between antenatal care (ANC) visit and preterm birth; and also to explore to what extent the increased usage of ANC after the initiation of the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) project in Matlab, Bangladesh, contributed to the reduction of preterm birth.

Setting

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Matlab, a subdistrict under Chandpur. The analysis was based on data collected from 2005 to 2009. In 2007, an MNCH project was initiated in the area that strengthened the ongoing ANC services.

Participants

In total, 12 980 live births with their mothers during the study period were included in the analysis.

Analysis

We performed logistic regression with generalised estimating equation models to evaluate the associations.

Outcome measures

Preterm birth.

Results

The number of ANC visits was associated with preterm birth in a dose-dependent way (p for linear trend <0.001). The adjusted odds of preterm birth were 2.4-times higher (OR 2.37, 95% CI 2.07 to 2.70) among women who received ≤1 ANC compared with women who received ≥3 ANC. We observed a significant reduction of preterm birth rates (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.77) in the period after (2008 to 2009) MNCH project initiation in comparison to the period before (2005 to 2006). Controlling for ANC visits substantially attenuated this observed effect of the MNCH project on preterm birth (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99) (Sobel test of mediation p<0.001).

Conclusions

ANC visits are associated with decreased occurrences of preterm births. Strengthening the ANC services should be prioritised in countries with high preterm birth rates to reduce the preterm birth burden at the population level.
Otitis media susceptibility and shifts in the head and neck microbiome due to SPINK5 variants
Authors: Frank Daniel N. , Giese Arnaud P. J. , Hafren Lena , Bootpetch Tori C. , Yarza Talitha Karisse L. , Steritz Matthew J. , Pedro Melquiadesa , Labra Patrick John , Daly Kathleen A. , Tantoco Ma. Leah C. , Szeremeta Wasyl , Reyes-Quintos Maria Rina T. , Ahankoob Niaz , Llanes Erasmo Gonzalo d.V. , Pine Harold S. , Yousaf Sairah , Ir Diana , Einarsdottir Elisabet , de la Cruz Rhodieleen Anne R. , Lee Nanette R. , Nonato Rachelle Marie A. , Robertson Charles E. , Ong Kimberly Mae C. , Magno Jose Pedrito M. , Chiong Alessandra Nadine E. , Espiritu-Chiong Ma. Carmina , San Agustin Maria Luz , Cruz Teresa Luisa G. , Abes Generoso T. , Bamshad Michael J. , Cutiongco-de la Paz Eva Maria , Kere Juha , Nickerson Deborah A. , Mohlke Karen L. , Riazuddin Saima , Chan Abner , Mattila Petri S. , Leal Suzanne M. , Ryan Allen F. , Ahmed Zubair M. , Chonmaitree Tasnee , Sale Michele M. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P.
Published: July 2020

Background

Otitis media (OM) susceptibility has significant heritability; however, the role of rare variants in OM is mostly unknown. Our goal is to identify novel rare variants that confer OM susceptibility.

Methods

We performed exome and Sanger sequencing of >1000 DNA samples from 551 multiethnic families with OM and unrelated individuals, RNA-sequencing and microbiome sequencing and analyses of swabs from the outer ear, middle ear, nasopharynx and oral cavity. We also examined protein localisation and gene expression in infected and healthy middle ear tissues.

Results

A large, intermarried pedigree that includes 81 OM-affected and 53 unaffected individuals cosegregates two known rare A2ML1 variants, a common FUT2 variant and a rare, novel pathogenic variant c.1682A>G (p.Glu561Gly) within SPINK5 (LOD=4.09). Carriage of the SPINK5 missense variant resulted in increased relative abundance of Microbacteriaceae in the middle ear, along with occurrence of Microbacteriaceae in the outer ear and oral cavity but not the nasopharynx. Eight additional novel SPINK5 variants were identified in 12 families and individuals with OM. A role for SPINK5 in OM susceptibility is further supported by lower RNA counts in variant carriers, strong SPINK5 localisation in outer ear skin, faint localisation to middle ear mucosa and eardrum and increased SPINK5 expression in human cholesteatoma.

Conclusion

SPINK5 variants confer susceptibility to non-syndromic OM. These variants potentially contribute to middle ear pathology through breakdown of mucosal and epithelial barriers, immunodeficiency such as poor vaccination response, alteration of head and neck microbiota and facilitation of entry of opportunistic pathogens into the middle ear.
The need for empathetic healthcare systems
Authors: Kerasidou Angeliki , Bærøe Kristine , Berger Zackary , Caruso Brown Amy E
Published: July 2020

Medicine is not merely a job that requires technical expertise, but a profession concerned with making the best decisions and recommendations with reference to, and in consultation with, the patient. This means that the skill set required for healthcare professionals in order to provide good care is a combination of scientific knowledge, technical aptitude, and affective qualities or virtues such as compassion and empathy.
Tailoring of neurosurgical ablative procedures in the management of refractory cancer pain
Authors: Hochberg Uri , Berger Asaf , Atias Miri , Tellem Rotem , Strauss Ido
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Neurosurgical ablative procedures can offer immediate and effective pain relief for patients suffering from refractory cancer pain. However, choosing the appropriate procedure for each patient may not be straightforward and warrants an interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with cancer who were carefully selected for neurosurgical intervention by a dedicated interdisciplinary team composed of a palliative physician and nurse practitioner, a pain specialist and a neurosurgeon.

Methods

A retrospective review was carried out on all patients who underwent neurosurgical ablative procedures in our institute between March 2015 and September 2019. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with unfavorable prognosis and suffered from intractable oncological pain. Each treatment plan was devised to address the patients’ specific pain syndromes.

Results

A total of 204 patients were examined by our service during the study period. Sixty-four patients with localized pain and nineteen patients with diffuse pain syndromes were selected for neurosurgical interventions, either targeted disconnection of the spinothalamic tract or stereotactic cingulotomy. Substantial pain relief was reported by both groups immediately (cordotomy: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 9 ≥1, p=0.001, cingulotomy: NRS 9 ≥2, p=0.001) and maintained along the next 3-month follow-up visits.

Conclusions

An interdisciplinary collaboration designated to provide neurosurgical ablative procedures among carefully selected patients could culminate in substantial relief of intractable cancer pain.

Trial registration number

IR0354-17.
Inhibition of mast cells: a novel mechanism by which nintedanib may elicit anti-fibrotic effects
Authors: Overed-Sayer Catherine , Miranda Elena , Dunmore Rebecca , Liarte Marin Elena , Beloki Lorea , Rassl Doris , Parfrey Helen , Carruthers Alan , Chahboub Amina , Koch Sofia , Güler-Gane Gülin , Kuziora Michael , Lewis Arthur , Murray Lynne , May Richard , Clarke Deborah
Published: July 2020

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease which presents a grave prognosis for diagnosed patients. Nintedanib (a triple tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and pirfenidone (unclear mechanism of action) are the only approved therapies for IPF, but have limited efficacy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this disease are not fully elucidated; however, a role for mast cells (MCs) has been postulated.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate a role for MCs in IPF and to understand whether nintedanib or pirfenidone could impact MC function.

Methods and results

MCs were significantly elevated in human IPF lung and negatively correlated with baseline lung function (FVC). Importantly, MCs were positively associated with the number of fibroblast foci, which has been linked to increased mortality. Furthermore, MCs were increased in the region immediately surrounding the fibroblast foci, and co-culture studies confirmed a role for MC–fibroblast crosstalk in fibrosis. Nintedanib but not pirfenidone inhibited recombinant stem cell factor (SCF)–induced MC survival. Further evaluation of nintedanib determined that it also inhibited human fibroblast-mediated MC survival. This was likely via a direct effect on ckit (SCF receptor) since nintedanib blocked SCF-stimulated ckit phosphorylation, as well as downstream effects on MC proliferation and cytokine release. In addition, nintedanib ablated the increase in lung MCs and impacted high tissue density frequency (HDFm) in a rat bleomycin model of lung fibrosis.

Conclusion

Nintedanib inhibits MC survival and activation and thus provides a novel additional mechanism by which this drug may exert anti-fibrotic effects in patients with IPF.
Comparison of methodologies used to define the protein quality of human foods and support regulatory claims
Authors: Mansilla Wilfredo D. , Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Cargo-Froom Cara , Franczyk Adam , House James D. , Elango Rajavel , Columbus Daniel A. , Kiarie Elijah , Rogers Mike , Shoveller Anna K.
Published: July 2020

Protein quality (PQ) is the capacity of a protein to meet the amino acid (AA) requirements of an individual. There are several methodologies for determining the PQ of foods. The protein efficiency ratio is an animal growth bioassay. The protein-digestibility-corrected AA score considers the AA requirements of a reference population, and the true nitrogen digestibility coefficient for each ingredient. The digestible indispensable AA score is based on true ileal AA digestibility and better represents bioavailability of AAs. In vitro techniques for assessment of PQ are available but require validation against a greater range of protein sources. Isotopic methods, such as the indicator AA oxidation and dual tracer techniques measure AA relative bioavailability and digestibility, respectively, but require sophisticated equipment, and may not be cost nor time effective for the industry to adopt. The present review discusses advantages and disadvantages of methodologies for determining PQ of food for humans focused on methods that are or could be adopted by regulatory agencies. Understanding the framework and resources available for PQ determination will help in the selection of appropriate methods depending on the application.

Novelty Understanding the framework and resources available for PQ determination will help in the selection of appropriate methods depending on the application.
THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY ON INDEMNIFICATORY HOUSING MARKET IN CHINA
Authors: FU JIAN , YU XIAOFEN , KOO CHUN KWONG , LEE WAI CHOI
Published: July 2020

This paper empirically examines the impact of the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index on market indicators of indemnificatory houses in China for the period from January 2012 to December 2018. We use three indicators of the indemnificatory housing market: (i) the price of commodity housing unit, (ii) the number of completion for indemnificatory housing unit and (iii) the amount of investment for indemnificatory housing unit. The findings from the Granger Causality in Distribution test show that the EPU causes the commodity housing price at the left-tail and the right-tail, but not at the centre of the distribution. Besides, the EPU causes the indemnificatory housing completion volume at the right tail, but not at the left and the centre of the distribution. Finally, we observe that the EPU causes the indemnificatory housing investment at the right tail but not at the left and the centre of the distribution. These findings indicate that the indemnificatory housing market in China is mainly affected by the extreme changes in the EPU.
ASYMMETRIC RESPONSE OF DISAGGREGATED IMPORT DEMAND TO EXCHANGE RATE MOVEMENTS: A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: MUGHAL KHURRUM S. , ILYAS SADDAM , TARIQ MOHMAND YASIR , ASLAM FAHEEM , UL HASAN MUKHTAR
Published: July 2020

Net importing countries are very susceptible to changes in the value of their currency. Pakistan, being a small open economy, faces a constant pressure in its current account and BOP, which leads to unavoidable stress on its exchange rate. Exchange rate movements affect the cost of imports directly which have been studied extensively in empirical literature. However, these studies ignore the possibility of asymmetric effects of exchange rate and its impact on import demand in Pakistan. An appreciation in exchange rate may have a different impact on demand for imports than depreciations depending upon the level of rigidity in consumer preferences as well as the availability of substitutes for consumer goods, capital goods and raw materials. We use quarterly data of Pakistan’s consumer goods, capital goods and raw material imports from 2005:Q1 to 2018:Q4 and employ a relatively recent econometric methodology, namely, Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) technique. The results confirm the existence of asymmetric impact of exchange rate in the long-run. The appreciation of currency has more pronounced impact in increasing imports relative to the depreciation of it in decreasing imports. There are further differences of this effect within imports across consumer goods, capital goods and raw materials. We present policy implications of this asymmetric effect of exchange rate on disaggregated consumer imports.
Energy Optimization of Mixed-Criticality Distributed Real-Time Embedded Systems
Authors: Sun Ruoxu , Zhan Jinyu , Jiang Wei , Dong Qi , Ye Yalan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we propose a system-level optimization approach for mixed-criticality distributed real-time systems with safety and energy considerations. We firstly depict a mixed-criticality distributed task model for real-time applications, in which the safety of the system is influenced by dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS). Due to the huge complexity of solving the problem optimally, a heuristic algorithm is proposed to approach the system-level optimization through a quasi-static scheduling strategy. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, which can obtain energy consumption while guaranteeing the system safety requirements.
An Optimal Design Procedure of Wave Barriers for Mitigation of Underground and Above-Ground Railway Vibrations
Authors: Yarmohammadi Farbod , Rafiee-Dehkharghani Reza
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a robust parallel finite-element/genetic-algorithm (FE/GA) procedure is presented for finding the optimal layout of wave barriers in the ground alongside the underground or above-ground railways. The proposed FE/GA procedure is capable of optimizing the topology of the wave barriers by altering the FE model geometry and mesh at each optimization step to cope with the excitations by underground, above-ground, and simultaneous under- and above-ground loadings. The results obtained show that this coupled procedure is effective for the analysis and design of different types of wave barriers subjected to dynamic transient loadings. Three different types of wave barriers are studied including wave impeding blocks (WIBs), jet-grouted columns, and trenches. It is found that the open trenches have the largest mitigation capacity and if they cannot be used, the WIBs perform better than the jet-grouted columns. Although the wave barriers can notably reduce the ground vibrations induced by underground trains, they perform more effectively when the source of vibrations is located at the ground surface.
Constructing gene regulatory networks from microarray data using non-Gaussian pair-copula Bayesian networks
Authors: Chatrabgoun O. , Hosseinian-Far A. , Daneshkhah A.
Published: July 2020

Many biological and biomedical research areas such as drug design require analyzing the Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) to provide clear insight and understanding of the cellular processes in live cells. Under normality assumption for the genes, GRNs can be constructed by assessing the nonzero elements of the inverse covariance matrix. Nevertheless, such techniques are unable to deal with non-normality, multi-modality and heavy tailedness that are commonly seen in current massive genetic data. To relax this limitative constraint, one can apply copula function which is a multivariate cumulative distribution function with uniform marginal distribution. However, since the dependency structures of different pairs of genes in a multivariate problem are very different, the regular multivariate copula will not allow for the construction of an appropriate model. The solution to this problem is using Pair-Copula Constructions (PCCs) which are decompositions of a multivariate density into a cascade of bivariate copula, and therefore, assign different bivariate copula function for each local term. In fact, in this paper, we have constructed inverse covariance matrix based on the use of PCCs when the normality assumption can be moderately or severely violated for capturing a wide range of distributional features and complex dependency structure. To learn the non-Gaussian model for the considered GRN with non-Gaussian genomic data, we apply modified version of copula-based PC algorithm in which normality assumption of marginal densities is dropped. This paper also considers the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm to determine the existence of a time delay relation between two genes. Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world where GRN analysis of its subtypes is considerably important; Since by revealing the differences in the GRNs of these subtypes, new therapies and drugs can be found. The findings of our research are used to construct GRNs with high performance, for various subtypes of breast cancer rather than simply using previous models.
WHO SHOULD WEAR THE PANTS? AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF FUNCTIONAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY IN INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT
Authors: WELLE MARKUS , KUESTER SABINE , SCHUHMACHER MONIKA C.
Published: July 2020

Effective decision-making in innovation development is decisive for innovation success, but also poses a major challenge for companies. Building on the information-processing view of organisational design, this study investigates how companies should organise functional decision-making authority in innovation development to engender innovation success. Additionally, this research explores the interplay between the design of functional decision-making authority and organisational innovativeness representing an aspect of organisational culture. Based on two datasets garnered from a survey and an experiment with managers experienced in innovation development, the study demonstrates that the dispersion of decision-making authority across functional groups positively affects the performance of an innovation. Further, the results reveal that environmental turbulence positively moderates the effect of the dispersion of decision-making authority on innovation performance. Finally, organisational innovativeness leads to a higher dispersion of decision-making authority. This study offers important implications for managers seeking to organise functional decision-making authority in innovation development more effectively.
STATE OWNERSHIP AND INNOVATION: THE RELATIVE MERITS OF LOCAL AND CENTRAL STATE JUDGED BY INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: CAI JING , TYLECOTE RADOMIR , CANALES IGNACIO , KISO TAKAHIKO
Published: July 2020

This paper compares the innovation performance of state-owned firms owned by different levels of government, with that of privately owned firms. Analysis of a 116-firm panel dataset for the Chinese solar photovoltaic industry from 1999 to 2015 suggests that government’s financial support increases the quantity of innovation outputs. However, the efficiency in utilising the financial resources is determined by the effectiveness of agency relationships. Applying agency theory to the Chinese politico-economic context indicates that innovation quality depends on length and complexity of agency chains, engagement of monitors, and the tenure of managers. By using forward citations and proportion of patents in active use, two measures of innovation quality that are more valid and reliable than patent counts, our study finds that municipally owned firms are superior in terms of innovation productivity to those under central ownership, and comparable to private firms.
High-Accuracy Approach for Thermomechanical Vibration Analysis of FG-Gplrc Fluid-Conveying Viscoelastic Thick Cylindrical Shell
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Alibeigloo Akbar
Published: July 2020

High importance of fluid-conveying structures in multifarious engineering applications arises the necessity of enhancing the mechanical characteristics of these systems in an effective way. Accordingly, this paper is concerned with vibration performance of functionally graded graphene-platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) fluid-conveying viscoelastic cylindrical shell surrounded by two-parameter elastic substrate and exposed to temperature gradient and axial load within the context of refined higher order shear deformation theory (RHSDT) including trapezoidal shape factor. Generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is employed to solve differential equations of motion for different cases of boundary conditions. The fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique is utilized to determine the time response of the system. Validity of the results is verified through comparison with those presented in the published articles. Comprehensive parametric analysis is performed to reveal the impact of fluid-flow velocity, distribution patterns of GPL, different forms of applied temperature gradient, different boundary conditions, viscoelasticity coefficient, geometrical dimensions of the shell as well as graphene-sheets on the vibration of the system. The numerical results demonstrate that negative influence of applying compressive axial load and rising temperature gradient on the vibrational response of the system can be alleviated when the system is exposed to sinusoidal form of temperature rise with proper power-index.
Evaluation of Seismically Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures Vis-à-Vis their Probable Earthquake Sources in Kashmir Basin, NW Himalaya
Authors: Yousuf Maqbool , Bukhari Kaiser
Published: July 2020

This study discusses the composition and distribution of paleo-liquefaction structures, their triggering mechanisms, probable source and the dynamics of source faults expressed in the Kashmir basin (KB), NW Himalaya. Stratigraphic evidences of deformational structures along concomitant fault zones are highly preserved throughout the basin. The KB was frequently confronted with recurrent seismic activities along intra basinal active faults and adjacent active faults during differential uplift of Himalaya, which resulted in various deformation structures during and after the evolution of the KB. Past earthquake events released a significant part of the slip deficit along intra basinal active faults and vertically offset quaternary deposits by 1–3[Formula: see text]m and originated different and extensively deformation structures. In this context, stratigraphic sections and paleo-surface ruptures have been meticulously mapped to determine the seismic nature and the source of resultant causative earthquakes. The results of this study suggest that besides southern thrust systems, intrabasinal active faults are the main probable seismogenic sources responsible for development of these structures and play an important role in releasing the accumulated stresses in this region.
Some Fractional Operators with the Generalized Bessel–Maitland Function
Authors: Ali R. S. , Mubeen S. , Nayab I. , Araci Serkan , Rahman G. , Nisar K. S.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we aim to determine some results of the generalized Bessel–Maitland function in the field of fractional calculus. Here, some relations of the generalized Bessel–Maitland functions and the Mittag-Leffler functions are considered. We develop Saigo and Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operators by using the generalized Bessel–Maitland function, and results can be seen in the form of Fox–Wright functions. We establish a new operator Zν,η,ρ,γ,w,a+μ,ξ,m,σϕ and its inverse operator Dν,η,ρ,γ,w,a+μ,ξ,m,σϕ, involving the generalized Bessel–Maitland function as its kernel, and also discuss its convergence and boundedness. Moreover, the Riemann–Liouville operator and the integral transform (Laplace) of the new operator have been developed.
Reducing Trade Inequality: A Network-Based Assessment
Authors: Garcia-Algarra J. , Bengoechea G. Gómez , Mouronte-López M. L.
Published: July 2020

International trade, the network that underpins globalization, shows an extreme inequality. Despite efforts of multilateral organizations to foster a more fair world through trade agreements, it is hard to assess the effect of these changes on such a complex system. We have measured, using numerical simulation on a recently published network model, the impact of simple policies to boost trade chances among the weakest economies. Results suggest that global inequality may be reduced improving trade among low-income economies.
Antenna Analytical Representation by a Two-Port Network
Authors: Tokarsky Peter L.
Published: July 2020

System analysis is a powerful tool for researching modern wireless systems. This includes breaking such systems into parts that make them up and studying how these parts work together. All these parts can be represented as “black boxes” in the form of two-port or multiport networks with the common system of parameters. Antenna is an integral part of any wireless system, so it should be also represented as a two-port network. In this paper, an analytical model of an arbitrary single antenna in the form of a two-port network, whose electrical and noise parameters are described in terms of scattering matrices, is obtained. The initial data for creating the model are the antenna fundamental parameters, viz., the input reflection coefficient and the radiation efficiency. Applications of this model for antenna analysis operating in the transmitting, receiving, and scattering modes are demonstrated. A numerical example using the antenna scattering matrix for computer simulation of a wireless connection is given.
The Prevalence of Occupational Injuries and Associated Risk Factors among Workers in Bahir Dar Textile Share Company, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Damtie Destaw , Siraj Abraraw
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Occupational injuries are occurrences arising out of, or in the course of, work which results in a fatal or nonfatal injury, e.g., a fall from a height or contact with moving machines. They pose psychological, behavioral, social, vocational, and economic problems. No previous studies have been conducted on the prevalence and associated risk factors of occupational injuries among workers in Bahir Dar Textile Share Company (SC). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of occupational injury in Bahir Dar Textile SC, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of Bahir Dar Textile SC in 2019. Three hundred (195 males and 105 females) employees were selected using proportional simple random sampling from the spinning, weaving, finishing, engineering, and administration sections. Results. The one-year and the two-week occupational injury prevalences were 42.7% and 6.7%, respectively. The one-year report from all the respondents shows that abrasion (10.7%) and eye injury (7.7%) were the two top injuries, hands (12.7%) and eyes (7.7%) were the top injured body parts, and machines (22.7%) and falling/slipping (6.3%) caused most injuries. Statistically significant differences in injuries (p<0.05) were observed due to variations in gender, job category, exposure to vibration, exposure to rays/welding sparks, and labor-intensive work. The weaving section was positively associated with occupational injuries at AOR = 4.497 and p=0.05. Conclusions. Occupational injuries prevalence is high over the last year. The major causes of injuries were machines and falling/slipping, while the major injuries were abrasions, eye injuries, sprains, and burns. The factors significantly associated with occupational injuries were male gender, job category, use of vibrating tools, high intensive work, and rays/welding sparks. Occupational safety and health training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and shifting employees from intensive works are recommended.