bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the contributions of novel marine prey resources from angling and anadromy to the diet of a freshwater apex predator
Authors: Nolan Emma T. , Gutmann Roberts Catherine , Britton J. Robert
Published: June 2019

Anadromous fishes can be important prey resources for piscivorous fauna in lowland rivers. Freshwater anglers exploiting large‐bodied cypriniform fishes use high quantities of pelletised marine fishmeal baits that can contribute substantially to fish diets. This marine‐derived energy pathway also potentially provides a marine prey resource for freshwater piscivores. However, large‐bodied cypriniform fishes are often in a size refuge against predation due to their large sizes.

Stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analysis assessed how novel marine prey resources influenced the diet of a freshwater apex predator, northern pike Esox lucius, in an impounded river basin (lower River Severn, western England). Up to three groups of prey resources were present: anadromous European shad (Alosa spp.), cypriniform fishes with dietary specialisms based on marine fishmeal baits, and freshwater prey. The availability of these prey resources to E. lucius varied according to river connectivity and levels of angling exploitation in different river reaches.

Where the three prey groups were present, E. lucius were more enriched in δ13C values (range: −24.74 to −16.34‰) compared to river reaches where aspects of the marine prey groups were absent (range: −28.30 to −21.47). In all reaches, δ13C increased as E. lucius length increased. In the reach where all prey groups were present, the isotopic niches of three E. lucius size categories were strongly partitioned; this was not apparent in reaches where the marine pathways were unavailable.

Stable isotope mixing models suggested that freshwater prey were the most important prey item, contributing between 42% and 96% to the diet of individual E. lucius. However, where present, anadromous fishes and cypriniform fishes specialising on marine fishmeal baits were also important prey items, contributing substantially to the diet of larger E. lucius (length > 650 mm). The total dietary contributions of the marine resources varied considerably among the individual larger fish (22–58% of total diet).

The presence of two marine resource pathways in a lowland river thus strongly influenced the diet of an apex predator, but with contributions being a function of their spatial availability, E. lucius body size and individual trophic specialisations. These results emphasise how the anthropogenic activities of river engineering and human subsidies can affect the trophic dynamics of apex predators.
CCR5 genetic variants and epidemiological determinants for HPV infection and cervical premalignant lesions
Authors: Mangieri Luis Fernando L. , Sena Michelle M. , Cezar‐dos‐Santos Fernando , Trugilo Kleber P. , Okuyama Nádia C. M. , Pereira Érica R. , Maria Gabriela C. Q. , Watanabe Maria Angelica E. , de Oliveira Karen B.
Published: June 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can lead to the development of productive epithelial lesions and cervical cancer. Most cervical HPV infections are solved by cell‐mediated immunity within 1–2 years, and it is known that chronic inflammation predisposes to lesions progression and tumour development. In this context, we highlight the CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) which is involved in leucocytes chemotaxis to sites of inflammation, controlling the immune response. The CCR5 rs333 genotyping of 164 HPV infected women and 185 non‐infected women was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV infection was more frequent among women under 34 years old (p < 0.001), single (p = 0.001), that received 1 minimum wage or less (p = 0.002), tobacco smokers (p = 0.007), who had the first sexual intercourse before 17 years old (p = 0.038) and that had 4 or more sexual partners during lifetime (p = 0.001). No significant difference regarding genotypes and alleles distribution according to HPV infection was observed. CCR5/CCR5 genotype was observed in 94.1% of HPV non‐infected women and in 89% of infected ones, CCR5/Δ32 in 5.9% of HPV infected and in 10.4% of non‐infected women, and Δ32/Δ32 was observed in only one (0.6%) infected patient. CCR5 genotypes were also not associated with cervical lesions development among HPV infected women (p = 0.167). Since CCR5 may control the antitumour immune response and cervical lesions and the studied rs333 polymorphism is not very frequent, other studies are necessary, in order to establish CCR5 role on HPV infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions development.
Association between the CD14−260C>T gene polymorphism and susceptibility to myocardial infarction: Evidence from case−control studies
Authors: Zhao Enfa , Wang Chaoliang , Xie Hang , Du Yajuan , Zhang Yushun
Published: June 2019

Numerous published studies have investigated the relationship between the CD14−260C>T (rs2569190) polymorphism and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the results are still conflicting and inconclusive. Potentially eligible published articles were searched in four databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the strength of the associations. Thirteen papers including 17 case–control studies were included, reporting a total of 6,443 MI patients and 6,315 controls. A significant increase in overall MI susceptibility was identified in the homozygote model. In the subgroup analysis, with respect to the type of MI, a significantly increasing acute MI susceptibility was found in the homozygote model. In the subgroup analysis for ethnicity, a significant increased susceptibility was found in Asian populations in allele, homozygote, recessive and dominant models. However, no significant association was found among Caucasian populations. In conclusion, there may be a moderate association between the CD14−260C>T polymorphism and acute MI susceptibility. This association may be different between ethnicities with the CD14−260C>T polymorphism being a risk factor for myocardial infarction in Asian populations.
Maternal nicotine dependence is associated with longitudinal increases in child obesogenic eating behaviors
Authors: Cummings Jenna R. , Gearhardt Ashley N. , Miller Alison L. , Hyde Luke W. , Lumeng Julie C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Meta‐analysis shows that parental cigarette smoking is associated with child obesity.

Objectives

This study tested for associations between severity of maternal nicotine dependence and longitudinal changes in child eating behavior in archival data analysis.

Methods

Maternal nicotine dependence was assessed with the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Child eating behavior was assessed with the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire when children were ages 4, 6, 8, and 10.

Results

Over and above the influence of child age, child biological sex, and family income‐to‐needs ratio, more severe maternal nicotine dependence was associated with greater increases in child Food Responsiveness (γ = 0.07, SEγ = 0.03, P = .014, 95% CI [0.01, 0.13]) and Emotional Overeating (γ = 0.06, SEγ = 0.03, P = .024, 95% CI [0.01, 0.11]) across 6 years.

Conclusions

Maternal nicotine dependence may be a transdiagnostic risk factor that identifies children at risk for reward‐driven, obesogenic eating behavior.
Screening for prostate cancer: History, evidence, controversies and future perspectives toward individualized screening
Authors: Ito Kazuto , Oki Ryo , Sekine Yoshitaka , Arai Seiji , Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Shibata Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Kurosawa Isao
Published: June 2019

Differences in the incidence and mortality rate of prostate cancer between the USA and Japan have been decreasing over time, and were only twofold in 2017. Therefore, countermeasures against prostate cancer could be very important not only in Western countries, but also in developed Asian countries. Screening for prostate cancer in the general population using transrectal ultrasonography, digital rectal examination and/or prostate acid phosphatase began in Japan in the early 1980s, and screening with prostate‐specific antigen and digital rectal examination has been widespread in the USA since the late 1980s. Large‐ and mid‐scale randomized controlled trials on screening for prostate cancer began around 1990 in the USA, Canada and Europe. However, most of these studies failed as randomized controlled trials because of high contamination in the control arm, low compliance in the screening arm or insufficient screening setting about screening frequency and/or biopsy indication. The best available level 1 evidence is data from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer and the Göteborg screening study. However, several non‐urological organizations and lay media around the world have mischaracterized the efficacy of prostate‐specific antigen screening. To avoid long‐term confusion about screening for prostate cancer, leading professional urological organizations, including the Japanese Urological Association, are moving toward the establishment of an optimal screening system that minimizes the drawbacks of overdetection, overtreatment and loss of quality of life due to treatment, and maximizes reductions in the risk of death as a result of prostate cancer and the development of metastatic prostate cancer.
Integrating diabetic retinopathy screening within diabetes education services in Australia's diabetes and indigenous primary care clinics
Authors: Atkinson‐Briggs Sharon , Jenkins Alicia , Keech Anthony , Ryan Christopher , Brazionis Laima ,   on behalf of the Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Diabetic Retinopathy
Published: June 2019

As diabetes occurs in all ethnicities and regions it is essential that retinopathy screening be widely available. Screening rates are lower in Indigenous than in non‐Indigenous Australians. Technological advances and Medicare rebates should facilitate improved outcomes. Use of non‐ophthalmic clinicians, (general practitioners, diabetes educators, health‐workers and endocrinologists) to supplement coverage by ophthalmologists and optometrists would extend retinopathy screening capacity. Diabetes educators are an integral part of diabetes management. Integrating ocular screening and diabetes education in primary care settings has potential to improve synergistically retinopathy screening coverage, patient self‐management, risk factor control, care satisfaction, health economics and sustainability of under‐resourced services.
Ethical aspects of collateral clinical services by non‐credentialed personnel in international medical crises
Authors: Schachter Madeleine
Published: June 2019

The study of global responses to medical crises in developing and under‐developed countries demands reflection about the ethical engagement of non‐credentialed medical personnel in the context of clinical care. The need for, and the desire to contribute by, people and organisations that lack demonstrable or readily transferable credentialed skills must be reconciled with the ethical administration of collateral clinical services. The urgent need for the provision of such services must neither preclude their use nor permit their use irrespective of salient ethical considerations. One way to explore these issues is to examine a recent exemplar of a non‐governmental organisation’s utilisation of non‐credentialed medical personnel during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. Although the group lacked clinical proficiency (apart from community health workers), it collaborated with experts in interment to train staff to bury those who had succumbed to the disease in respectful and hygienic individually marked graves. The group leveraged its cultural competency and in‐country presence to judiciously deploy staff, support the workers to combat social ostracism and offer vocational and other education to help them assimilate back into the workforce once the outbreak subsided. The non‐governmental organisation stepped up to do the work that others shunned. And to do it ethically and proficiently. I offer the work to show a compelling and innovative blueprint for ethical mobilisation of non‐credentialed healthcare personnel in a global medical crisis.
Inflammatory bowel disease masquerading as traveller's diarrhoea
Authors: Stewart Adam , Sowden David , Sloss Andrew , Broom Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Diarrhoea that occurs during or after recent travel is predominantly infectious in nature; however, in atypical or prolonged cases a broader range of aetiologies for diarrhoea must be considered, and a careful history and examination may reveal clues to more sinister causes of diarrhoea. We report two cases in which a recent travel history and a positive stool culture or polymerase chain reaction testing for bacterial pathogens delayed the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. As a result of severe inflammatory bowel disease, colectomy was the final result in both cases. Early consideration of causes other than infection for traveller's diarrhoea may prevent unnecessary morbidity in young patients.
Acute myeloid leukaemia presenting with diabetes insipidus
Authors: Bardin Michele , Ritchie David , McLachlan Robert , Yates Christopher J.
Published: June 2019

A 41‐year‐old man was diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism managed with gonadotropins after routine fertility review. Eight months later he presented with new polydipsia and polyuria, lethargy and easy bruising. A full blood count showed 28% circulating blasts. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia with inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) with additional monosomy 7. Central diabetes insipidus (DI) was diagnosed following a water deprivation test. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed a slightly thickened pituitary stalk, stable Rathke’s cyst, and new absence of the pituitary bright spot. The patient was commenced on desmopressin and induction chemotherapy, subsequently requiring a bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow examination at 100 days post‐transplant revealed cytogenetic remission. All symptoms of DI resolved and magnetic resonance imaging showed return of the posterior bright spot and a pituitary stalk of normal thickness. Biochemical hypogonadotropic hypogonadism persisted but was uninterpretable in the context of systemic illness and recent chemotherapy. DI is a rare complication of haematological malignancies, and the prevalence and pathophysiology of DI in this context are poorly understood. Pathogenic mechanisms proposed include leukaemic infiltration of the pituitary, interference with antidiuretic hormone synthesis, and abnormal thrombopoiesis influencing hormone levels. Particular cytogenetic abnormalities such as inv(3)(q21.3q26.2) and monosomy 7 appear to be more commonly associated with DI and also appear to confer worse outcomes. Aetiologies in the literature remain elusive but as DI is a recognised association of haematological malignancies it should be considered in a patient presenting with polydipsia and polyuria.
The effect of peer education on health beliefs about breast cancer screening
Authors: Yurt S. , Saglam Aksut R. , Kadioglu H.
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peer education about breast cancer screening on the health beliefs of female university students.

Background

The breast self‐examination method is an effective technique that is also simple and inexpensive.

Introduction

In recent years, besides the classic methods of providing education on breast self‐examination, it has been observed that the use of the technique of peer education is increasing and more and more studies are being conducted on this method and its effectiveness.

Methods

This study is of quasiexperimental design using a single group, pretest/post‐test model. The study was conducted with 742 university first‐year students. The data for the study were collected using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire, Peer Education Satisfaction Questionnaire and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale.

Results

It was found that the students’ perception of barriers to performing the breast self‐examination had declined and their self‐efficacy had increased, and that the level of perceived barriers to having a mammogram had decreased and 98% of the students were satisfied with the peer education.

Conclusion

It was seen in this study that the level of knowledge of the students about breast cancer, perceived severity, barriers, benefits and self‐efficacy as well as the rate of performing BSE displayed a significant increase after the peer education programme.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The method of peer education may be utilized in the effort to increase young women's awareness about breast cancer and ensure that they learn about breast self‐examinations. The peer education model can be useful in providing breast self‐examination education to young people in school. The results of the present study may be beneficial in developing policies on health education on university campuses.
Challenging behaviours: Views and preferences of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wolkorte Ria , van Houwelingen Ingrid , Kroezen Marieke
Published: June 2019

Background

Challenging behaviour is a common problem among people with ID and in services for people with ID. This paper aims to provide an overview of the views and preferences of people with ID on challenging behaviour.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with thirteen adults with mild to moderate ID and seven proxies (family or close associates of adults with ID who were unable to communicate and/or with severe or profound ID) in the Netherlands. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

People with ID and (a history of) challenging behaviour have clear views and preferences on factors related to challenging behaviour, assessments, non‐pharmacological and pharmacological interventions and health professionals’ approach.

Conclusions

The identified views and preferences of people with ID are not always in accordance with current procedures and treatments for challenging behaviour and should be included in future care processes and research.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding as an effective and rapid tool for fish monitoring in canals
Authors: McDevitt Allan D. , Sales Naiara Guimarães , Browett Samuel S. , Sparnenn Abbie O. , Mariani Stefano , Wangensteen Owen S. , Coscia Ilaria , Benvenuto Chiara
Published: June 2019

We focus on a case study along an English canal comparing environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding with two types of electrofishing techniques (wade‐and‐reach and boom‐boat). In addition to corroborating data obtained by electrofishing, eDNA provided a wider snapshot of fish assemblages. Given the semi‐lotic nature of canals, we encourage the use of eDNA as a fast and cost‐effective tool to detect and monitor whole fish communities.
Piloting a Mathematics‐Writing Intervention with Late Elementary Students At‐Risk for Learning Difficulties
Authors: Hebert Michael A. , Powell Sarah R. , Bohaty Janet , Roehling Julia
Published: June 2019

High‐stakes mathematics assessments require students to write about mathematics, although research suggests students exhibit limited proficiency on such assessments. Students with LD may have difficulties with writing, mathematics, or both. Researchers employed an intervention for teaching students how to organize mathematics writing (MW). Researchers randomly assigned participants (n = 61) in grades 3–5 to receive instruction in MW or information writing. Students receiving MW outperformed control students on a researcher‐developed measure of MW (d = 1.05). Component assessment revealed MW students improved in writing organization (d = 1.49) but not in mathematics content (d = 0.11 ns). Results also indicated MW students outperformed control on percentage of correct MW sequences (d = 0.82). Future directions for MW intervention development are discussed.
Semi‐active algorithm for energy‐based predictive structural control using tuned mass dampers
Authors: Zelleke Daniel H. , Matsagar Vasant A.
Published: June 2019

A novel semi‐active control algorithm is developed and numerically evaluated for the suppression of undesirable structural vibrations. The mechanical energy of the vibrating structure is considered as the primary variable influencing the control action. This intuitive strategy is proposed to realize improved control of structural vibrations. The numerical study conducted reveals that the proposed energy‐based predictive (EBP) algorithm can be implemented on vibration control applications. The energy imparted to the structure is also reduced due to the proposed algorithm. The influence of the parameters of the proposed semi‐active tuned mass damper is studied. Further, the application of the proposed strategy on a realistic structure is numerically demonstrated by implementing the algorithm for the wind response control of a 76‐story benchmark building. The results show that the EBP algorithm is a competitive semi‐active strategy. The robustness of the strategy is also evaluated considering uncertainties in the properties of the benchmark building.
Differences in craniofacial growth of Class II individuals from different decades: A retrospective study
Authors: Rongo Roberto , Martina Stefano , Bucci Rosaria , Valletta Rosa , D’Antò Vincenzo , Martina Roberto
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To detect changes in mandibular growth between a historical group (HG) from the American Association of Orthodontics Foundation Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection (AAOF Legacy) and a contemporary group (CG) of normodivergent or hypodivergent Class II untreated subjects.

Setting and Sample Population.

The sample included radiographs from the AAOF Legacy and from the University of Naples ‘Federico II’ collected during a previous RCT.

Materials & Methods

The HG was composed of 26 individuals (around 1960) from the AAOF Legacy (15 from the Burlington Growth Study, nine from the Oregon Growth Study and two from the Michigan Growth Study) who were matched by sex, age and race with the 26 individuals of the CG (around 2010). Two lateral cephalograms obtained at T0 and T1 (12 months) were selected, and one examiner performed the cephalometric measurements according to Pancherz's method. The normal distribution of data was confirmed by the Shapiro‐Wilk test, MANOVA analysis and t test for paired and unpaired data were performed. The level of significance was set according to Bonferroni's correction.

Results

At T0 and T1, the between‐group comparisons revealed greater linear dimensions for Maxillary base, Maxillary incisor and Mandibular incisor in the CG than in the HG (P ≤ 0.002). No significant difference was found in the growth rate for linear skeletal measurement between the HG and the CG.

Conclusions

In this study, the cephalometric analysis showed larger maxillary dimensions for the CG than the HG, while no differences were shown between the growth rate and direction of the two groups.
Exchange rate exposure: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Guangzhong , Wang Ziyue , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2019

This paper examines exchange rate exposure using a sample of Chinese firms. To measure RMB exchange rate volatility and jump risk, we apply the autoregressive conditional jump intensity (ARJI) model to the industry‐specific nominal effective exchange rate (I‐NEER) for 13 Chinese manufacturing industries over the period 2001 to 2017, We find that exchange rate risks do affect firm value at the industry level, and the effect is more significant for the jump risks that are more difficult to hedge and in the sample period when hedge activities are less likely to occur. Our results suggest that the exposure puzzle could be a result of the endogeneity of operative and financial hedging. Firm‐level analysis finds that exchange rate risk affects firm value for more than 20% of Chinese firms, and a firm's exchange rate exposure varies with the firm's characteristics.
Nonparametric estimation for a current status right‐censored data model
Authors: Malov Sergey V.
Published: June 2019

We consider the Case 1 interval censoring approach for right‐censored survival data. An important feature of the model is that right‐censored event times are not observed exactly, but at some inspection times. The model covers as particular cases right‐censored data, current status data, and life table survival data with a single inspection time. We discuss the nonparametric estimation approach and consider three nonparametric estimators for the survival function of failure time: maximum likelihood, pseudolikelihood, and the naïve estimator. We establish strong consistency of the estimators with theL1rate of convergence. Simulation results confirm consistency of the estimators.
Volumetric strain measurement of polymeric materials subjected to uniaxial tension
Authors: Andersen Marius , Hopperstad Odd Sture , Clausen Arild Holm
Published: June 2019

A novel method for measuring and calculating volumetric strain in circular cylindrical uniaxial tension samples made from polymeric materials is proposed. It is shown that special considerations must be taken when calculating volumetric strain when a sample is in a postnecking state. Solely based on surface data, the key feature of the proposed correction is that it allows for an inhomogeneous distribution of longitudinal strain through the diameter of the sample, where a more traditional approach would be to assume a homogeneous distribution. These two approaches are evaluated by applying them to data from a close‐to‐incompressible steel sample. Whereas the proposed method indicates only a small positive increase in volume, the assumption of a homogeneous distribution results in substantial negative volumetric strains. Applying the two methods to tension samples made from HDPE and PVC, where plastic dilatation is nonlinear, again shows an initial negative volumetric strain for HDPE with the assumption of a homogeneous longitudinal strain. The proposed method predicts close‐to‐zero early‐stage volumetric strain for the same test. The differences are more subtle for samples of PVC. Micrographs obtained with scanning electron microscope show that the dilatation of PVC is related to voiding of the material around filler particles, while the underlying mechanism for HDPE is less clear. The results indicate that earlier reports of negative volumetric strain in polymers subjected to uniaxial tension might be artefacts of the implicit assumption made when calculating the volumetric strain.
A spatially explicit reinforcement learning model for geographic knowledge graph summarization
Authors: Yan Bo , Janowicz Krzysztof , Mai Gengchen , Zhu Rui
Published: June 2019

Web‐scale knowledge graphs such as the global Linked Data cloud consist of billions of individual statements about millions of entities. In recent years, this has fueled the interest in knowledge graph summarization techniques that compute representative subgraphs for a given collection of nodes. In addition, many of the most densely connected entities in knowledge graphs are places and regions, often characterized by thousands of incoming and outgoing relationships to other places, actors, events, and objects. In this article, we propose a novel summarization method that incorporates spatially explicit components into a reinforcement learning framework in order to help summarize geographic knowledge graphs, a topic that has not been considered in previous work. Our model considers the intrinsic graph structure as well as the extrinsic information to gain a more comprehensive and holistic view of the summarization task. By collecting a standard data set and evaluating our proposed models, we demonstrate that the spatially explicit model yields better results than non‐spatial models, thereby demonstrating that spatial is indeed special as far as summarization is concerned.
Ghost in the Genevan borderscape! On the symbolic significance of an “invisible” border
Authors: Sohn Christophe , Scott James W.
Published: June 2019

This paper explores the symbolic significance of national borders in a cross‐border regional context. The main argument is that the transformation of borders is actually part of a complex and contested process of symbolisation, predicated on articulations between political projects, everyday experience, and collective memories. The Greater Geneva borderscape provides an emblematic case of cross‐border cooperation that is marked by the physical erasure of the Franco‐Swiss border. Rather than an absence of symbolisation, we hypothesise that the border continues to play a symbolic role through its implied “absence” in the affirmation of a cross‐border territorial project. First, we show how the invisibilisation of the border in the Greater Geneva spatial imaginaries is in fact a symbolisation strategy aimed at underlining its obsolete character. Second, we reveal how the discordances between the symbolic recoding of the border by cross‐border cooperation elites and existing popular imaginations and competing meanings weakens the project. To the extent that borders are powerful symbols that are intended to stimulate emotions and a sense of belonging, the ability to mobilise their meaning‐making capacity is at the heart of symbolisation politics, as much for the proponents of open borders and cross‐border cooperation as for the reactionary forces that emphasise national interests and ontological insecurity.
An Enhancement of TOE Model by Investigating the Influential Factors of Cloud Adoption Security Objectives
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Yeahia , Othman Siti Hajar , Raja Mohd. Radzi Raja Zahilah
Published: June 2019

Cloud computing (CC) is a future technological trend for technological infrastructure development. And it is growing strongly as the backbone of industrial future technological infrastructure. As CC service has a lot to offer, it also has some major downside that clients cannot ignore. For CC service adoption, the potential candidates are SMEs but due to lack of resources, experience, expertise and low financial structure scenario CC can be most helpful. CC faces a major issue in term of cloud security, an organization doesn’t understand the cloud security factors in the organization and data owner doubts about their data. In the research paper, an investigation on the cloud security objectives to find out the influential factors for cloud adoption in SMEs by proposing an enhancement of Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) model with some positive influential factor like cloud security, relative advantages, cost saving, availability, SLA, capability, top management, organizational readiness, IS knowledge, malicious insiders, government regulatory support, competitive pressure, size and type. Some negative influencing factors like technological readiness, cloud trust and lack of standards in cloud security. Data were collected by questionnaires from a selected IT company based on SaaS and public cloud. Case study method has been used for validating the enhance TOE model. The IBM Statistics SPSS v22 tool was used for data analysis. The results of data analysis support the enhancement as well as all the proposed hypotheses. In summary, the results of the analysis show that all the enhancement factors were found to have a significant cloud security influence on adoption of cloud computing for SMEs.
Volatility Transmission Among Oil Price, Exchange Rate and Agricultural Commodities Prices
Authors: Siami-Namini Sima
Published: June 2019

The aim of this article is to examine the interdependence relationship among the volatilities of crude oil price, U.S. dollar exchange rate, and a set of agricultural commodities prices. An autoregressive (AR) with an exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model or AR-EGARCH process and vector error correction model (VECM) approach was used on monthly data spanning from Jan 1986 to Dec 2005 as the pre-crisis period and from Jan 2006 to Nov 2015 as the post-crisis period. The results show that volatility in the agricultural commodity returns for most cases are affected by the volatility of the crude oil returns in the post-crisis period. Also, the volatility of the U.S. dollar exchange rate highly affects the agricultural commodities returns in the pre-crisis than the post-crisis periods. Furthermore, crude oil returns volatility does affect the U.S. dollar exchange rate volatility in the post-crisis period, which in turn affects the volatility of the agricultural commodities returns through changes in prices. The results of impulse response function (IRFs) are significant for most agricultural commodities volatility in the post-crisis period than the pre-crisis period.
Pad–Pivot Friction Effect on Nonlinear Response of a Rotor Supported by Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings
Authors: Kim Sitae , Palazzolo Alan B.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a numerical study for nonlinear rotordynamic response with bifurcations of tilting pad journal bearings when pad–pivot friction forces are taken into account. A Stribeck friction model is employed to determine the friction coefficient for the contacts between the pads and the spherical-type pivots. The boundary/mixed/hydrodynamic friction mode is determined for each pad surface based on the instantaneous angular motion of the pads. A Jeffcott type rotor supported on 5-pad tilting pad journal bearings is used for the structural model, and finite element fluid film models are utilized to calculate the reaction forces and moments on the pads. The simulation results show that pad–pivot friction plays an important role in determining the stability of the rotor system. For the autonomous condition, the friction induces a Hopf bifurcation and generates limit cycles at high rotor spin speed (>14 krpm), which were originally stable equilibrium states with a no friction condition. For the nonautonomous condition, the 1× synchronous response becomes subsynchronous/quasiperiodic responses in the high-speed range (>14 krpm) with the appearances of Neimark-Sacker bifurcations. It is shown that the outbreak points and corresponding response types are highly dependent on the state of disk imbalance. A comparison of the linear and nonlinear models clearly illustrates the importance of retaining nonlinear forces to determine potential deleterious vibration.
On the Thermocapillary Migration at the Liquid and Solid Aspects
Authors: Ji Yajuan , Dai Qingwen , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: June 2019

Thermocapillary migration is an interfacial phenomenon that describes liquid flow on a nonisothermal surface from warm to cold regions in the absence of external forces. It is a typical lubricant loss mechanism in tribosystems. To ensure continued reliability of lubricated assemblies, knowledge of the migration capacity of different liquids and solids is needed. In the present work, migration experiments were conducted on various liquid lubricants on different solid surfaces. It was found that polar lubricants such as ionic liquids and polyethylene glycol hardly migrate on the tested surfaces, and the antimigration capacity of the polytetrafluoroethylene surface was discovered to be very high. Particular attention is paid to the migration mechanism associated with surface tension and contact angle. General guidelines for evaluating the migration capacities of different liquids on solids are proposed.
Wake Analysis of an Aerodynamically Optimized Boxprop High-Speed Propeller
Authors: Patrao Alexandre Capitao , Grönstedt Tomas , Lundbladh Anders , Villar Gonzalo Montero
Published: June 2019

The Boxprop is a novel, double-bladed, tip-joined propeller for high-speed flight. The concept draws inspiration from the box wing concept and could potentially decrease tip vortex strength compared with conventional propeller blades. Early Boxprop designs experienced significant amounts of blade interference. By performing a wake analysis and quantifying the various losses of the flow, it could be seen that these Boxprop designs produced 45% more swirl than a conventional reference blade. The reason for this was the proximity of the Boxprop blade halves to each other, which prevented the Boxprop from achieving the required aerodynamic loading on the outer parts of the blade. This paper presents an aerodynamic optimization of a 6-bladed Boxprop aiming at maximizing efficiency and thrust at cruise. A geometric parametrization has been adopted which decreases interference by allowing the blade halves to be swept in opposite directions. Compared with an earlier equal-thrust Boxprop design, the optimized design features a 7% percentage point increase in propeller efficiency and a lower amount of swirl and entropy generation. A vortex-like structure has also appeared downstream of the optimized Boxprop, but with two key differences relative to conventional propellers. (1) Its formation differs from a traditional tip vortex and (2) it is 46% weaker than the tip vortex of an optimized 12-bladed conventional propeller.
Microhole Drilling by High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Assisted Water-Confined Laser Micromachining
Authors: Liu Ze , Wu Benxin , Kang Zheng , Yang Zhen
Published: June 2019

Laser micromachining has several advantages such as the capability of flexibly producing very small features in both conductive and nonconductive materials. However, it may often suffer from induced defects, such as debris deposition on workpieces. To improve laser micromachining, a novel machining process, called “ultrasound-assisted water-confined laser micromachining” (UWLM), was proposed by the corresponding author. The ultrasound during UWLM can be applied through different approaches, such as an ultrasonic horn or a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer, which can be called horn- and HIFU-based UWLM, respectively. This is the first paper (to the authors’ best knowledge) reporting experimental studies on microhole drilling using the novel HIFU-based UWLM process. In this study, drilled workpieces have been characterized; and in situ time-resolved shadowgraph imaging and pressure measurement during the UWLM process have been performed. Under the investigated conditions, it has been found that the microholes drilled by HIFU-based UWLM under suitable conditions appear reasonably clean without significant debris depositions often seen for a nanosecond (ns) laser ablation in air. The UWLM process can produce much larger average ablation depths per pulse than laser ablation in water without ultrasound (e.g., for copper, the former depth can be up to more than six times the latter). The study has revealed one important mechanism for the enhanced ablation depth, which is introduced in more details in the paper.
Acoustic correlates of female confidence: A production and comprehension study
Authors: Roche Jennifer M. , Morgan Shae D. , Fissel Brannick Schea , Bryndel Krystal
Published: June 2019

In the current study, an interactive approach is used to explore possible contributors to the misattributions listeners make about female talker expression of confidence. To do this, the expression and identification of confidence was evaluated through the evaluation of talker- (e.g., talker knowledge and affective acoustic modulation) and listener-specific factors (e.g., interaction between talker acoustic cues and listener knowledge). Talker and listener contexts were manipulated by implementing a social constraint for talkers and withholding information from listeners. Results indicated that listeners were sensitive to acoustic information produced by the female talkers in this study. However, when world knowledge and acoustics competed, judgments of talker confidence by listeners were less accurate. In fact, acoustic cues to female talker confidence were more accurately used by listeners as a cue to perceived confidence when relevant world knowledge was missing. By targeting speech dynamics between female talkers and both female and male listeners, the current study provides a better understanding of how confidence is realized acoustically and, perhaps more importantly, how those cues may be interpreted/misinterpreted by listeners.
Determination of preference-equivalent levels for fan noise and their prediction by indices based on specific loudness patterns
Authors: Töpken Stephan , van de Par Steven
Published: June 2019

In a previous study by the authors, two indices were identified as appropriate descriptors for perceptual dimensions of fan noise. The index Nlow describes the amount of low-frequency loudness relative to the overall loudness. The index Nratio represents the ratio between the amount of loudness resulting from mid-frequency content and that from high frequencies. The aim of this study is to quantify how variations in these two indices affect subjects' preferences and loudness judgments. In listening experiments, fan noise signals were adjusted separately to equal loudness and equal preference compared to a common reference sound by varying their level in an adaptive procedure. The fan noises used in the listening tests consisted of 11 typical signals from three major groups of fan sounds from the earlier study and 18 signals that were parametrically varied in terms of the two indices. Reductions in A-weighted sound pressure level of up to 15 dB were necessary to make unpleasant fan sounds equally preferred as the fixed reference sound. A regression model based on the index Nratio explains 81% of the variation in the evaluation data with a root-mean-squared error of 2.53 dB.
AMPK directly activates mTORC2 to promote cell survival during acute energetic stress
Authors: Kazyken Dubek , Magnuson Brian , Bodur Cagri , Acosta-Jaquez Hugo A. , Zhang Deqiang , Tong Xin , Barnes Tammy M. , Steinl Gabrielle K. , Patterson Nicole E. , Altheim Christopher H. , Sharma Naveen , Inoki Ken , Cartee Gregory D. , Bridges Dave , Yin Lei , Riddle Steven M. , Fingar Diane C.
Published: June 2019

AMPK ensures cell survival during energetic stress by stimulating the kinase Akt through mTORC2.
Fluconazole Resistance in Isolates of Uncommon Pathogenic Yeast Species from the United Kingdom
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Muller Julian , Walsh-Quantick Jo , Szekely Adrien , Patterson Zoe , Palmer Michael D. , Fraser Mark , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2019

The triazole drug fluconazole remains one of the most commonly prescribed antifungal drugs, both for prophylaxis in high-risk patients and also as a second-line treatment option for invasive
Candida
infections. Established susceptibility profiles and clinical interpretive breakpoints are available for fluconazole with
Candida albicans
,
Candida glabrata
,
Candida tropicalis
, and
Candida parapsilosis
, which account for the majority of infections due to pathogenic yeast species.
Endocarditis Caused by Highly Penicillin-Resistant Viridans Group Streptococci: Still Room for Vancomycin-Based Regimens
Authors: Pericàs Juan M. , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi , Garcia-de-la-Mària Cristina , Falces Carles , Ambrosioni Juan , Almela Manel , García-González Javier , Quintana Eduard , Marco Francesc , Moreno Asunción , Bayer Arnold S. , Miró José M. , Karchmer Adolf W. ,   on behalf of the Hospital Clínic Endocarditis Study Group, Miró Jose M. , Ambrosioni Juan , Pericàs Juan M. , Téllez Adrian , Hernandez-Meneses Marta , Garcia-Pares Delia , Moreno Asunción , de la Maria Cristina Garcia , Garcia-González Javier , Almela Manel , Casals Climent , Marco Francesc , Vila Jordi , Quintana Eduard , Sandoval Elena , Paré Juan C. , Falces Carlos , Pereda Daniel , Cartañá Ramon , Ninot Salvador , Azqueta Manel , Sitges Marta , Vidal Barbara , Pomar José L. , Castella Manuel , Tolosana José M. , Ortiz José , Fita Guillermina , Rovira Irene , Fuster David , Ramírez Jose , Brunet Mercè , Soy Dolors , Castro Pedro , Llopis Jaume
Published: June 2019

Optimal treatment options remain unknown for infective endocarditis (IE) caused by penicillin-resistant (PEN-R) viridans group streptococcal (VGS) strains. The aims of this study were to report two cases of highly PEN-R VGS IE, perform a literature review, and evaluate various antibiotic combinations
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Global Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) Lineages
Authors: Manges Amee R. , Geum Hyun Min , Guo Alice , Edens Thaddeus J. , Fibke Chad D. , Pitout Johann D. D.
Published: June 2019

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) strains are responsible for a majority of human extraintestinal infections globally, resulting in enormous direct medical and social costs. ExPEC strains are comprised of many lineages, but only a subset is responsible for the vast majority of infections. Few systematic surveillance systems exist for ExPEC.
The TonBm-PocAB System Is Required for Maintenance of Membrane Integrity and Polar Position of Flagella in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Ainsaar Kadi , Tamman Hedvig , Kasvandik Sergo , Tenson Tanel , Hõrak Rita
Published: June 2019

The ubiquitousPseudomonasspecies are well adapted to survive in a wide variety of environments. Their success relies on their versatile metabolic, signaling, and transport ability but also on their high intrinsic tolerance to various stress factors. This is why the study of the stress-surviving mechanisms ofPseudomonasspecies is of utmost importance. The stress tolerance ofPseudomonadsis mainly achieved through the high barrier property of their membranes. Here, we present evidence that the TonB-ExbBD-like TonBm-PocAB system is involved in maintaining the membrane homeostasis ofPseudomonas putida, and its deficiency leads to lowered stress tolerance and conditional cell lysis.
Influenza Virus with Increased pH of Hemagglutinin Activation Has Improved Replication in Cell Culture but at the Cost of Infectivity in Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Singanayagam Anika , Zambon Maria , Barclay Wendy S.
Published: June 2019

The pH stability of the hemagglutinin surface protein varies between different influenza strains and subtypes and can affect the virus’ ability to replicate and transmit. Here, we demonstrate a delicate balance that the virus strikes within and without the target cell. We show that a pH-stable hemagglutinin enables a human influenza virus to replicate more effectively in human airway cells and mouse lungs by facilitating virus survival in the extracellular environment of the upper respiratory tract. Conversely, after entering target cells, being more pH stable confers a relative disadvantage, resulting in less efficient delivery of the viral genome to the host cell nucleus. Since the balance we describe will be affected differently in different host environments, it may restrict a virus’ ability to cross species. In addition, our findings imply that different influenza viruses may show variation in how well they are controlled by antiviral strategies targeting pH-dependent steps in the virus replication cycle.