bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Theorie des Rhythmus
Authors: Caskel Julian
Published: August 2020

Rhythmustheorien des 20. Jahrhunderts beschreiben progressive ästhetische Erfahrungsräume, doch ihre Wurzeln verweisen oft auf relativ enge und reaktionäre philosophische Ausgangsbedingungen. Julian Caskel unterzieht die Grundkategorien dieser Theorien daher in medien- und kulturwissenschaftlicher Ausweitung einer Prüfung - angeleitet von der Gegenüberstellung des »Analogen« und des »Digitalen«. Damit stellt er eine allgemeine Theorie des Rhythmus auf, die von der Musik des 20. Jahrhunderts ihren Ausgang nimmt. Weitgehend ohne musikwissenschaftliche Fachterminologie auskommend ist so eine interdisziplinäre Anschlussfähigkeit der einzelnen Theoriebausteine gewährleistet.
Monströse Ordnungen und die Poetik der Liminalität
Authors: Hammer Erika
Published: August 2020

Das Phänomen der Grenze gehört zu den großen Fragen der Menschheit. Erika Hammer interessiert sich für ihre thematische und poetologische Qualität als Raum des Übergangs, als liminale Zone. Am Beispiel der Romantrilogie von Terézia Mora stellt sie dar, dass diese Zone in posttraditionellen Gesellschaften der Gegenwart omnipräsent wird, kein Außen hat und als permanente Liminalität zu verstehen ist. An Nicht-Orten der Grenzen von Ordnungen entstehen so monströse Figurationen. Mit diesem Ansatz befragt sie die Romane um den Protagonisten Darius Kopp danach, wie durch narrative und sprachliche Gestaltung Monstrosität inszeniert wird und wie durch intertextuelle und intermediale Grenzüberschreitungen Text-Monstra entstehen.
Getrennt vereint - Stimmen und Klänge der Nachwendezeit
Authors: Auenmüller Jakob
Published: August 2020

In der musikwissenschaftlichen Forschung spielt die Auseinandersetzung mit der Nachwendezeit eine sehr marginale Rolle. Dies gilt vor allem auch für die Frage nach dem Umgang mit Musik aus der DDR und den neuen Bundesländern seit 1990. Jakob Auenmüller stellt hierzu in mehreren empirischen Teilstudien Grundlagen und Angebote für Forschung und Praxis zur Disposition - und liefert ein Plädoyer für die verstärkte Hinwendung der Musikforschung zur Aufarbeitung der Nachwendezeit. Dabei wird deutlich, inwiefern das Musikleben in Zukunft noch stärker als aktive Plattform für Aushandlungsprozesse eines nachhaltigen gesamtdeutschen Zusammenwachsens fungieren kann und sollte.
Row spacing, cultivar and fungicide application affect the incidence of soybean stem blight
Authors: Tormen Nédio Rodrigo , Blum Luiz Eduardo Bassay
Published: August 2020

Brazil is a major soybean production country and cultivate yearly more than 36 million hectares. Several factors have been reported reducing soybean production and occurrence of diseases is one of the most important. Some diseases such as the pod and stem blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae) can limit soybean yield by shortening plant cycle and reducing seed quality. Field experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effect of row spacing, soybean cultivar and fungicide application on the incidence of pod and stem blight on soybean. The trial was carried out twice, with planting date at 11/15/2012 and 12/15/2012, in Planaltina-DF, Brazil. Treatments were arranged in a split-split plot scheme obeying the randomized block design. The factors evaluated were row spacing (42, 60 and 75 cm), soybean cultivars (“Syn1180RR” and “Syn1080RR”) and spray or not the fungicide Boscalid (500 g a.i./ha) at R1 and R3 soybean growth stages. Disease incidence was assessed on stems at the harvest time and on seeds after harvest and yield was estimated. Results obtained show that broader row spacing increased disease incidence on stems and seed, cultivar “Syn1180RR” was more susceptible than “Syn1080RR” and fungicide application reduced disease incidence. Pod and stem blight significantly reduced soybean yield.
Espaço, Totalidade e Método
Authors: Rossi Rafael
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo aborda a relação entre espaço geográfico na mediação com a totalidade. Trata-se de uma reflexão de ordem metodológica a partir das contribuições da tradição filosófica conhecida como abordagem ontológica e crítica. Imprescindível, nesta questão, a distinção qualitativa entre a perspectiva gnosiológica e a perspectiva ontológica no processo de produção do conhecimento. Nesse sentido, abordamos, em primeiro lugar, a relação entre teoria, prática e crítica para essa perspectiva em análise, bem como a especificidade do conhecimento científico. Nem a teoria deve subordinar a prática, nem tampouco a prática deve desprezar a teoria. Há uma reciprocidade dialética entre ambas e o conhecimento teórico deve permitir traduzir a essência de movimentos reais e efetivos. Posteriormente demonstramos a função social do espaço geográfico em suas articulações com a totalidade. Concluímos que o espaço geográfico deve ser analisado sempre em articulação com a totalidade e que esta, por sua vez, não pode ser entendida apenas como uma somatória de seus componentes. A totalidade congrega uma rede de mediações qualitativas oriunda das determinações recíprocas que se estabelecem entre os complexos sociais que a constituem e dinamizam. Além disso, apontamos as influências que a produção exerce no espaço pela mediação predominante da totalidade sócio-espacial.
History of Aerospace Optometry in the Navy
Authors: Mittelman Michael
Published: August 2020

The author provides an overview of the history of aerospace optometry in the US Navy and discusses his own activities in this endeavor. The importance of vision in aviation is emphasized. Various research efforts are discussed.
News
Authors: Hebert Kirsten L.
Published: August 2020

Highlights recent activities of the Optometric Historical Society and Archives & Museum of Optometry, including information about Hindsight being free to all AOA members, Phase II of the transfer of museum holdings to the University of Pikeville, graduating UMSL intern Taylour Arkfeld, and the resignation of Heritage Services Specialist, Kirsten Hebert.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Amos John F.
Published: August 2020

Dr. John F. Amos explores the significant impact optometry has had in the U.S. military over the past century.
Preserving the AFOS Flag
Authors: Hebert Kirsten L.
Published: August 2020

A step-by-step explanation of the preservation process AMO staff used on a flag gifted by the Armed Forces Optometric Society in 1970.
Aristotle on How Pleasure Perfects Activity (Nicomachean Ethics x.5 1175a29-b14): The Optimising-View
Authors: Machek David
Published: August 2020

This article offers a new interpretation of Aristotle’s ambiguous and much-discussed claim that pleasure perfects activity (NE x.4). This interpretation provides an alternative to the two main competing readings of this claim in the scholarship: the addition-view, which envisages the perfection conferred by pleasure as an extra perfection beyond the perfection of activity itself; and the identity-view, according to which pleasure just is the perfect activity itself. The proposed interpretation departs from both these views in rejecting their assumption that pleasure cannot perfect the activity itself, and argues that pleasure makes activity perfect by optimising the exercise of one’s capacities for that activity. Those who build or play music with pleasure do so better than those who do not delight in these activities. The basis of this interpretation is Aristotle’s little-read remarks from the following chapter, i. e. NE x.5, about how pleasure “increases” the activity.
Clínica neurológica fluctuante: ¿Llamo al neurólogo o al hematólogo?
Authors: Losa-Rodríguez Rita , Pérez Martínez Carmen , Rodríguez Pérez Gabriel , de la Fuente Graciani Ignacio , Gómez García Lara M.
Published: August 2020

Objetivos

Resaltar el papel del laboratorio clínico y la pronta comunicación con el servicio de Hematología en el diagnóstico y la rapidez en la instauración del tratamiento de una patología hematológica tan urgente como la Púrpura Trombótica Trombocitopénica (PTT).

Caso clínico

Varón de edad avanzada derivado a Urgencias hospitalarias por su médico de Atención Primaria por trastorno de emisión del lenguaje, asimetría facial y disminución de fuerza en extremidad superior, por lo que se activa el código ictus. Sin embargo, los hallazgos de laboratorio (anemia y trombocitopenia, creatinina, bilirrubina total y LDH elevadas, test de Coombs directo negativo) y presencia de esquistocitos en el frotis de sangre periférica, acaban derivando en un diagnóstico completamente diferente: microangiopatía trombótica tipo PTT.

Conclusiones

La primera orientación diagnóstica de ictus hemisférico izquierdo fue rechazada ante los signos de anemia hemolítica no autoinmune, trombocitopenia sin causa aparente y presencia de esquistocitos. No debemos olvidar que esta patología puede cursar con afectación multiorgánica y características clínicas muy variables. Aunque su diagnóstico definitivo se basa en la determinación de actividad de ADAMTS-13, debido a la elevada mortalidad es necesario instaurar tratamiento de forma inmediata tras su sospecha.
Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for a Quasilinear Schrödinger Equation with an Almost Critical Nonlinearity
Authors: Figueiredo Giovany M. , Severo Uberlandio B. , Siciliano Gaetano
Published: August 2020

In this paper we prove an existence result of multiple positive solutions for the following quasilinear problem:

{

-

Δ
⁢
u

-

Δ
⁢

(

u
2

)

⁢
u

=

|
u
|

p
-
2

⁢
u

in 
⁢
Ω

,

u

=
0

on 
⁢

∂
⁡
Ω

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle-\Delta u-\Delta(u^{2})u&\displaystyle=|u|% ^{p-2}u&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in }\Omega,\\ \displaystyle u&\displaystyle=0&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on }\partial% \Omega,\end{aligned}\right.

where Ω is a smooth and bounded domain in

ℝ
N

,
N

≥
3

{\mathbb{R}^{N},N\geq 3}

. More specifically we prove that, for p near the critical exponent

22
*

=

4
⁢
N

/

(

N
-
2

)

{22^{*}=4N/(N-2)}

, the number of positive solutions is estimated below by topological invariants of the domain Ω: the Ljusternick–Schnirelmann category and the Poincaré polynomial. With respect to the case involving semilinear equations, many difficulties appear here and the classical procedure does not apply immediately. We obtain also en passant some new results concerning the critical case.
On the Observational Implications of Knightian Uncertainty
Authors: Hassett Kevin A. , Zhong Weifeng
Published: August 2020

We develop a model of a prediction market with ambiguity and derive testable implications of the presence of Knightian uncertainty. Our model can also explain two commonly observed empirical regularities in betting markets: the tendency for longshots to win less often than odds would indicate and the tendency for favorites to win more often. Using historical data from Intrade, we further present empirical evidence that is consistent with the predicted presence of Knightian uncertainty. Our evidence also suggests that, even with information acquisition, the Knightian uncertainty of the world may be not “learnable” to the traders in prediction markets.
Community-building without a Building: Can Libraries Resume Their Place as the Academic Hearts of their Campuses?
Authors: Warren Scott
Published: August 2020

As academic libraries begin planning to resume on-site services in fall 2020, the effects of COVID-19 will continue to be felt. Trends such as the longstanding shift to primarily online collections will accelerate. Though budget reductions are widely expected, the need for libraries to keep investing in digital infrastructures that enable open distribution of locally held content will be greater than ever, given much of this content, particularly rare and archival collections, became unavailable during quarantine. Libraries will also need to grapple with the impact of social distancing and building restrictions on their identities as the academic heart of their campuses. This reflects the ways in which library spaces have become increasingly busy and essential by providing student services and community building.
Neuroanatomy of melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in the mouse brain
Authors: Wang Kun , Mao Wei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Yufei , Fan Kuikui , Pan Deng , Liu Haodong , Li Penghui , Hai Rihan , Du Chenguang
Published: August 2020

Objective

Melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs) are key regulators of energy homeostasis and adipose deposition in the central nervous system. Considering that MC4R expression regions and function-related research mainly focus on the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), little is known about their distribution throughout the mouse brain, although its messenger RNA distribution has been analyzed in the rat. Therefore, MC4R protein localization in mouse neurons was the focus of this study.

Methods

MC4R protein distribution was assessed in mice through immunofluorescence and Western blotting.

Results

MC4R was differentially expressed throughout the arcuate nucleus (ARC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), raphe pallidus (RPa), medial cerebellar nucleus, intermediolateral nucleus, and brainstem. The highest MC4R protein levels were found in the ARC and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, while they were significantly lower in the parabrachial nucleus and NTS. The lowest MC4R protein levels were found in the PVN; there was no difference in the protein levels between the area postrema and RPa.

Conclusions

These data provide a basic characterization of MC4R-expressing neurons and protein distribution in the mouse brain and may aid further research on its role in energy homeostasis.
Development and multicenter performance evaluation of fully automated SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG immunoassays
Authors: Qian Chungen , Zhou Mi , Cheng Fangming , Lin Xiaotao , Gong Yijun , Xie Xiaobing , Li Ping , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Pingan , Liu Zejin , Hu Fang , Wang Yun , Li Quan , Zhu Yan , Duan Guikai , Xing Yinting , Song Huanyu , Xu Wenfang , Liu Bi-Feng , Xia Fuzhen
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread globally. The laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection has relied on nucleic acid testing; however, it has some limitations, such as low throughput and high rates of false negatives. Tests of higher sensitivity are needed to effectively identify infected patients.

Methods

This study has developed fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassays to determine IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum. The assay performance has been evaluated at 10 hospitals. Clinical specificity was evaluated by measuring 972 hospitalized patients and 586 donors of a normal population. Clinical sensitivity was assessed on 513 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR.

Results

The assays demonstrated satisfied assay precision with coefficient of variation of less than 4.45%. Inactivation of specimen did not affect assay measurement. SARS-CoV-2 IgM showed clinical specificity of 97.33 and 99.49% for hospitalized patients and the normal population respectively, and SARS-CoV-2 IgG showed clinical specificity of 97.43 and 99.15% respectively. SARS-CoV-2 IgM showed clinical sensitivity of 82.54, 92.93, and 84.62% before 7 days, 7–14 days, and after 14 days respectively, since onset of symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 IgG showed clinical sensitivity of 80.95, 97.98, and 99.15% respectively at the same time points above.

Conclusions

We have developed fully automated immunoassays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in human serum. The assays demonstrated high clinical specificity and sensitivity, and add great value to nucleic acid testing in fighting against the global pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Feasibility for aggregation of commutable external quality assessment results to evaluate metrological traceability and agreement among results
Authors: van der Hagen Eline A. E. , Weykamp Cas , Sandberg Sverre , Stavelin Anne V. , MacKenzie Finlay , Miller W. Greg
Published: August 2020

Objectives

External quality assessment (EQA) with commutable samples is used for assessing agreement of results for patients’ samples. We investigated the feasibility to aggregate results from four different EQA schemes to determine the bias between different measurement procedures and a reference target value.

Methods

We aggregated EQA results for creatinine from programs that used commutable EQA material by calculating the relative difference between individual participant results and the reference target value for each sample. The means and standard errors of the means were calculated for the relative differences. Results were partitioned by methods, manufacturers and instrument platforms to evaluate the biases for the measurement procedures.

Results

Data aggregated for enzymatic methods had biases that varied from −8.2 to 3.8% among seven instrument platforms for creatinine at normal concentrations (61–85 μmol/L). EQA schemes differed in the evidence provided about the commutability of their samples, and in the amount of detail collected from participants regarding the measurement procedures which limited the ability to sub-divide aggregated data by instrument platforms and models.

Conclusions

EQA data could be aggregated from four different programs using different commutable samples to determine bias among different measurement procedures. Criteria for commutability for EQA samples as well as standardization of reporting the measurement methods, reagents, instrument platforms and models used by participants are needed to improve the ability to aggregate the results for optimal assessment of performance of measurement procedures. Aggregating data from a larger number of EQA schemes is feasible to assess trueness on a global scale.
Diabetes mellitus type 2: Exploratory data analysis based on clinical reading
Authors: Nedyalkova Miroslava , Madurga Sergio , Ballabio Davide , Robeva Ralitsa , Romanova Julia , Kichev Ilia , Elenkova Atanaska , Simeonov Vasil
Published: August 2020

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a severe and complex health problem. It is the most common type of diabetes. DMT2 is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar. With DMT2, your body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce sufficient insulin to continue normal glucose levels. DMT2 is a disease that requires a multifactorial approach of controlling that includes lifestyle change and pharmacotherapy. Less than ideal management increases the risk of developing complications and comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and numerous social and economic penalties. That is why the studies dedicated to the pathophysiological mechanisms and the treatment of DMT2 are extremely numerous and diverse. In this study, exploratory data analysis approaches are applied for the treatment of clinical and anthropometric readings of patients with DMT2. Since multivariate statistics is a well-known method for classification, modeling and interpretation of large collections of data, the major aim of the present study was to reveal latent relations between the objects of the investigation (group of patients and control group) and the variables describing the objects (clinical and anthropometric parameters). In the proposed method by the application of hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis it is possible to identify reduced number of parameters which appear to be the most significant discriminant parameters to distinguish between four patterns of patients with DMT2. However, there is still lack of multivariate statistical studies using DMT2 data sets to assess different aspects of the problem like optimal rapid monitoring of the patients or specific separation of patients into patterns of similarity related to their health status which could be of help in preparation of data bases for DMT2 patients. The outcome from the study could be of custom for the selection of significant tests for rapid monitoring of patients and more detailed approach to the health status of DMT2 patients.
A simple algorithm to compute link polynomials defined by using skein relations
Authors: Zhao Xuezhi
Published: August 2020

We give a simple and practical algorithm to compute the link polynomials, which are defined according to the skein relations. Our method is based on a new total order on the set of all braid representatives. As by-product a new complete link invariant are obtained.
Optimization-based Attitude Determination in Geodetic Applications
Authors: Pesterev Alexander , Matrosov Ivan , Morozov Yury
Published: August 2020

A new approach to determining the attitude of a rigid body is suggested, which does not rely on the use of magnetometers. In the framework of this approach, the problem of determining the attitude reduces to solving a minimization problem for a function of three variables (angles characterizing the initial attitude of the body). The proposed method can be employed in precise geodetic measurements carried out with the use of a geodetic pole with a satellite antenna and an IMU installed on its top when, for some reasons, the surveyor cannot position the pole vertically (e.g., near walls or buildings). The use of the traditional approach, which relies on a compass and accelerometers, in this case does not ensure the desired accuracy of the attitude determination due to magnetic disturbances (both external ones and those induced by the receiver) affecting badly compass readings. The discussion is illustrated by results of field experiments.
Subgroups of direct products of groups invariant under the action of permutations on factors
Authors: Burov Dmitry A.
Published: August 2020

We study subgroups of the direct product of two groups invariant under the action of permutations on factors. An invariance criterion for the subdirect product of two groups under the action of permutations on factors is put forward. Under certain additional constraints on permutations, we describe the subgroups of the direct product of a finite number of groups that are invariant under the action of permutations on factors. We describe the subgroups of the additive group of vector space over a finite field of characteristic 2 which are invariant under the coordinatewise action of inversion permutation of nonzero elements of the field.
Pain pharmacogenetics
Authors: Slepukhina Mariia A. , Ivashchenko Dmitriy V. , Sheina Maria A. , Muradian Andranik Alexandrovich , Blagovestnov Dmitriy Alexeevich , Sychev Dmitriy A.
Published: August 2020

Pain is a significant problem in medicine. The use of PGx markers to personalize postoperative analgesia can increase its effectiveness and avoid undesirable reactions. This article describes the mechanisms of nociception and antinociception and shows the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain in the human body. The main subject of this article is pharmacogenetic approach to the selection of anesthetics. Current review presents data for local and general anesthetics, opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. None of the anesthetics currently has clinical guidelines for pharmacogenetic testing. This literature review summarizes the results of original research available, to date, and draws attention to this area.
Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) functionalized polysilsesquioxane hybrid membranes with enhanced proton conductivity
Authors: Mukherjee Rajdeep , Mandal Arun Kumar , Banerjee Susanta
Published: August 2020

Sulfopropylated polysilsesquioxane and –COOH containing fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) composite membranes (SPAES-SS-X) have been prepared via an in situ sol–gel reaction through the solution casting technique. The composite membranes showed excellent thermal and chemical stability, compared to the pristine SPAES membrane. The uniform dispersion of the sulfonated SiOPS nanoparticles on the polymer matrix was observed from the scanning electron microscope images. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicated significantly better phase-separated morphology and connectivity of the ionic domains of the composite membranes than the pristine SPAES membrane. The composite membranes showed considerable improvement in proton conductivity and oxidative stability than the pristine copolymer membrane under similar test conditions.
Homburg’s Lockdown Analysis: Conclusions without Data and an Appropriate Estimation Model
Authors: Robra Bernt-Peter , Felder Stefan
Published: August 2020

This is a critical response to Homburg (2020) who claimed that lockdowns were superfluous and ineffective. We demonstrate that Homburg’s database is not sufficient to support his claim and that his econometric approach not suitable for an analysis of the lockdowns’ additional effect. However, we corroborate Homburg’s observation that the number of infections was already receding when the German lockdown came into force.
On some higher order equations admitting meromorphic solutions in a given domain
Authors: Barsegian Grigor , Meng Fanning
Published: August 2020

This paper relates to a recent trend in complex differential equations which
studies solutions in a given domain.
The classical settings in complex equations were widely studied for meromorphic solutions in the complex plane.
For functions in the complex plane, we have a lot of results of general nature, in particular, the classical value distributions theory describing numbers of a-points.
Many of these results do not work for functions in a given domain.
A recent principle of derivatives permits us to study the numbers of Ahlfors simple islands for functions in a given domain;
the islands play, to some extend, a role similar to that of the numbers of simple a-points.
In this paper, we consider a large class of higher order differential equations admitting meromorphic solutions in a given domain.
Applying the principle of derivatives, we get the upper bounds for the numbers of Ahlfors simple islands of similar solutions.
Self-esteem and social esteem: Is Adam Smith right?
Authors: Brennan Geoffrey
Published: August 2020

In Part III of The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith declares that people desire to be both esteemed and to be esteem-worthy, but that the latter desire both does and ought to take priority. The main object of this paper is to challenge that priority claim—mainly in its descriptive aspect. If that claim were true, then: agents would be at pains to eliminate any distortions in their self-evaluations; and the effects of the size (especially of total secrecy) and the character of audience on behaviour would be second-order. Empirical evidence suggests otherwise. Moreover the normative claim seems to overlook some advantages of inflated self-evaluation; and to allow no independent room for norms of modesty/humility.
Epistemic self-esteem of philosophers in the face of philosophical disagreement
Authors: Bernáth László , Tőzsér János
Published: August 2020

Our paper consists of four parts. In the first part, we describe the challenge of the pervasive and permanent philosophical disagreement over philosophers’ epistemic self-esteem. In the second part, we investigate the attitude of philosophers who have high epistemic self-esteem even in the face of philosophical disagreement and who believe they have well-grounded philosophical knowledge. In the third section, we focus on the attitude of philosophers who maintain a moderate level of epistemic self-esteem because they do not attribute substantive philosophical knowledge to themselves but still believe that they have epistemic right to defend substantive philosophical beliefs. In the fourth section, we analyse the attitude of philosophers who have a low level of epistemic self-esteem in relation to substantive philosophical beliefs and make no attempt to defend those beliefs. We argue that when faced with philosophical disagreement philosophers either have to deny that the dissenting philosophers are their epistemic peers or have to admit that doing philosophy is less meaningful than it seemed before. In this second case, philosophical activity and performance should not contribute to the philosophers’ overall epistemic self-esteem to any significant extent.
Investigating the Relationship Between Emotion Recognition Software and Usability Metrics
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Schlindwein Miriam , Lichtner Katharina , Wolff Christian
Published: August 2020

Due to progress in affective computing, various forms of general purpose sentiment/emotion recognition software have become available. However, the application of such tools in usability engineering (UE) for measuring the emotional state of participants is rarely employed. We investigate if the application of sentiment/emotion recognition software is beneficial for gathering objective and intuitive data that can predict usability similar to traditional usability metrics. We present the results of a UE project examining this question for the three modalities text, speech and face. We perform a large scale usability test (N = 125) with a counterbalanced within-subject design with two websites of varying usability. We have identified a weak but significant correlation between text-based sentiment analysis on the text acquired via thinking aloud and SUS scores as well as a weak positive correlation between the proportion of neutrality in users’ voice and SUS scores. However, for the majority of the output of emotion recognition software, we could not find any significant results. Emotion metrics could not be used to successfully differentiate between two websites of varying usability. Regression models, either unimodal or multimodal could not predict usability metrics. We discuss reasons for these results and how to continue research with more sophisticated methods.
How Can I Grab That?
Authors: Weise Matthias , Zender Raphael , Lucke Ulrike
Published: August 2020

The selection and manipulation of objects in Virtual Reality face application developers with a substantial challenge as they need to ensure a seamless interaction in three-dimensional space. Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of selection and manipulation techniques in specific scenarios and regarding usability and user experience is a mandatory task to find suitable forms of interaction. In this article, we take a look at the most common issues arising in the interaction with objects in VR. We present a taxonomy allowing the classification of techniques regarding multiple dimensions. The issues are then associated with these dimensions. Furthermore, we analyze the results of a study comparing multiple selection techniques and present a tool allowing developers of VR applications to search for appropriate selection and manipulation techniques and to get scenario dependent suggestions based on the data of the executed study.
Fractional (3+1)-dim Jimbo Miwa system: invariance properties, exact solutions, solitary pattern solutions and conservation laws
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Kour Baljinder
Published: August 2020

The present article is devoted to scouting invariant analysis and some kind of approximate and explicit solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional Jimbo Miwa system of nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (NLFPDEs). Feasible vector field of the system is obtained by employing the invariance attribute of one-parameter Lie group of transformation. The reduction of the number of independent variables by this method gives the reduction of Jimbo Miwa system of NLFPDES into a system of nonlinear fractional ordinary differential equations (NLFODEs). Explicit solutions in form of power series are scrutinized by using power series method (PSM). In addition, convergence is also examined. The residual power series method (RPSM) is employed for disquisition of solitary pattern (SP) solutions in form of approximate series. A comparative analysis of the obtained results of the considered problem is provided. The conserved vectors are scrutinized in the form of fractional Noether’s operator. Numerical solutions are represented graphically.
Das Informationsverhalten von jugendlichen Asylbewerbern in Deutschland
Authors: Haji Rasia , Scheibe Katrin , Zimmer Franziska
Published: August 2020

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht das Informations- und Kommunikationsverhalten von zwanzig jugendlichen Asylbewerbern, die aus dem Nahen und Mittleren Osten nach Deutschland geflüchtet sind. Hierbei wird das Informationsverhalten in Bezug auf Social Media, andere Online-Dienste und Offline-Medien erforscht. Unter Verwendung der Uses-and-Gratification-Theorie wird herausgearbeitet, welche Dienste die Kinder und Jugendlichen nutzen, um ihre Informationsbedürfnisse nach Wissen, Selbstdarstellung, sozialer Interaktion und Unterhaltung zu befriedigen. Die zwanzig Personen im Alter zwischen acht und 18 Jahren wurden mithilfe eines Fragebogens und eines halbstrukturierten Interviewleitfadens befragt. Am meisten werden Social Media Dienste, insbesondere WhatsApp, YouTube, aber auch Instagram und TikTok genutzt sowie – allerdings nur bei der Suche nach Informationen – Google.
TOPORAZ
Authors: Razum Matthias , Göller Sandra , Sack Harald , Tietz Tabea , Vsesviatska Oleksandra , Weilandt Gerhard , Grellert Marc , Scharm Torben
Published: August 2020

TOPORAZ ist eine virtuelle Forschungsumgebung, die ein wissenschaftlich fundiertes 3D-Modell des Hauptmarktes der Stadt Nürnberg in vier Zeitstufen mit einer Datenbank verknüpft. Diese Plattform für die objekt- und raumbezogene geisteswissenschaftliche Forschung verbindet vielfältige Quellen und Literatur mit den Gebäuden des 3D-Modells über Verknüpfungspunkte (Hotspots). TOPORAZ unterstützt übergreifende Forschungsansätze und vernetztes, transdisziplinäres Arbeiten.
DIY Science: A Cure for Cancer of the Next Plague
Authors: Vaughn Ashley
Published: August 2020

A twenty-something college student with an interest in science sits in his garage. He is tinkering with genetic materials and gene editing. He has ordered materials over the internet, has all the items he could want, and even has his own test subject—himself. He could inject himself with whatever products his experimentation manufactures. Our hypothetical college student has all the materials in his hands to make the next greatest discovery in the fight against cancer, or to create—intentionally or by accident—a genetically modified disease that could be incredibly lethal to the entire globe. This twenty-something college student is one of many emerging do-it-yourself scientists (“DIYers”). The reality of do-it-yourself (“DIY”) science is here, and it might be severely under regulated. This type of research could pose significant risks to all of humanity if an appropriate regulatory scheme is not developed. Conversely, too much regulation could prevent innovation.
The Food Safety Fence: Gaps and Consequences
Authors: Rippy Patrick
Published: August 2020

In this world, there are many potential hazards that could lead to a nationwide biosecurity threat. On the one hand, there are the unintended perils that result from natural outbreaks, such as with domestic food contamination. On the other hand, there are the intentional actions that lead to incidents of agroterrorism, which can reap significant economic loss, widespread destruction of crops and livestock, as well as increased human illness and death. For these reasons, the United States government has implemented various mechanisms over time in order to combat the food-borne threats imposed by both intentional and unintentional biosecurity hazards. For the purpose of this paper, these mechanisms will be referred to as the “food safety fence.”
Public Authorities and Tort Law: a Difficult Marriage?
Authors: Samoy Ilse , Borucki Christopher
Published: August 2020

This short foreword serves as an introduction to the present special issue of the Journal of European Tort Law, entitled ‘Public authorities and tort law: a difficult marriage?’.
Cost Recovery of Preventive and Remedial Measures against Environmental Damage from the Polluter through Tort Law: European Spill Over, Troubled National Waters?
Authors: Borucki Christopher
Published: August 2020

When it comes to environmental damage, a basic tenet is that the polluter should pay. Nonetheless, public authorities regularly incur clean-up costs. Environmental damage often transcends the individual polluter, affecting a plurality of personal and/or public goods. Its diffuse extent and complex nature make environmental protection a collective interest. Thus, it comes as no surprise that public authorities can be legally obliged to take preventive and remedial measures against environmental damage. However, when public authorities act on such a legal obligation, the question arises: whose burden are the costs of the measures taken? The emergence of the polluter pays principle indicates a preference to allocate the costs to those who elicit the legal obligation.

What role has tort law to play in this regard? Even though it is certain that public authorities are not exempt from tortious liability themselves, doubts exist whether they can claim in tort as wronged parties. Public authorities represent society and embody the public interest. Tort law, however, seems to mainly focus on private interests. Nevertheless, the Belgian transposition of the European Environmental Liability Directive, which obliges the polluter to pay for the prevention and remedial measures, allows for a claim in tort. This contribution inquires whether such a claim allows for the recovery of all costs mentioned in the directive, even general expenses. From a comparative law perspective it examines how the polluter pays principle, advocated for on the international legal scene, is to be imbedded in national tort law. In particular, it examines whether national tort law acts as a straitjacket for the principle, or whether the principle might, conversely, serve as a crowbar to break open this field of law to allow compensation for harms that traditionally would not be eligible for damages. It finds the principle has a harmonising influence but is not absolute.
Extracontractual Liability Law as a Policy Instrument: Public Law in Disguise or in Chains?
Authors: Gillaerts Pieter
Published: August 2020

Extracontractual liability law is no exception to the general trend of instrumentalisation of private law. It is increasingly being used to pursue goals other than its primary aim of compensation. This instrumentalisation is a dual phenomenon that has developed both out of top-down and bottom-up impulses. Although specific questions may arise for each of these two movements, they encounter a common limit. On a fundamental level, the instrumentalisation is restricted by extracontractual liability law’s primary compensatory function. Other functions, such as enforcement (of rights) or prevention, are grafted onto this primary function and can only be pursued to the extent that they are compatible with it. It relates to the tension created by pursuing public goals through extracontractual liability law as an essentially private law instrument. Attention is needed not to overstretch extracontractual liability law’s prerequisites, which are coherent with its private law embedding. It would turn extracontractual liability law into a dangerous passe-partout. Besides stretching the existing prerequisites, one may also consider alternative instruments for pursuing non-compensatory goals, such as preventive actions. Given the ubiquitous occurrence of the phenomenon, the present contribution will start from Belgian and Dutch law, although the conclusions may reach beyond these legal systems.
Expectations, Coordination Failures and Macro Crises
Authors: Heymann Daniel , Brichetti Juan Pablo , Juarros Pedro , Montero Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Deep recessions and disruptions in credit markets have caused social concern and motivated research for a long time. They still challenge macroeconomic analysis. We map some observable features of a set of such episodes, trying to find common elements of the whole family of events. The different macroeconomic experiences show a high degree of heterogeneity. Given that, what emerges as a central element of crises is their character as a life-changing episode for the people concerned, which remains in their memory and triggers a search for lessons, as they frustrate past expectations and force widespread reevaluations of wealth and income prospects. Critical periods involve dynamics at different time scales, as economic changes with lasting implications take place in an environment of dramatic day-to-day variability. Crises tend to be associated with breaks in the growth trends of the economies in question, in a way that may surprise not only agents inclined to eccentric behavior, but also those who held beliefs based on prevalent economic analysis. Macroeconomic disturbances of this sort raise strong questions about the pertinence, and the logic, of usual rational expectations assumptions and modeling practices. These issues are briefly discussed in an opening section.
Diagnosis of diabetes in pregnant woman using a Chaotic-Jaya hybridized extreme learning machine model
Authors: Debata Prajna Paramita , Mohapatra Puspanjali
Published: August 2020

As stated by World Health Organization (WHO) report, 246 million individuals have suffered with diabetes disease over worldwide and it is anticipated that by 2025 this estimation can cross 380 million. So, the proper and quick diagnosis of this disease is turned into a significant challenge for the machine learning researchers. This paper aims to design a robust model for diagnosis of diabetes using a hybrid approach of Chaotic-Jaya (CJaya) algorithm with Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), which is named as CJaya-ELM. In this paper, Jaya algorithm with Chaotic learning approach is used to optimize the random parameters of ELM classifier. Here, to assess the efficacy of the designed model, Pima Indian diabetes dataset is considered. Here, the designed model CJaya-ELM, has been compared with basic ELM, Teaching Learning Based Optimization algorithm (TLBO) optimized ELM (TLBO-ELM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Jaya algorithm optimized MLP (Jaya-MLP), TLBO algorithm optimized MLP (TLBO-MLP) and CJaya algorithm optimized MLP models. CJaya-ELM model resulted in the highest testing accuracy of 0.9687, sensitivity of 1, specificity of 0.9688 with 0.9782 area under curve (AUC) value. Results reveal that CJaya-ELM model effectively classifies both the positive and negative samples of Pima and outperforms the competitors.
Physical layer impairment-aware ant colony optimization approach in WDM network
Authors: Kumar Vikram , Das Santos Kumar
Published: August 2020

Physical layer impairments (PLIs) is a matter of great concern in optical networks to achieve the optimum performance. In order to mitigate the PLI, a better routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) technique is required in optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks. In this paper, a dynamic ant colony routing algorithm with the consideration of various PLIs has been presented. This work also presents a Q-factor estimation model that includes impairments such as amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise, four-wave mixing (FWM), and cross phase modulation (XPM). The simulation results also prove that the proposed ant colony optimization (ACO) based algorithm significantly reduces the blocking probability as compared to dynamic load based shortest path algorithm (LB-SPA).
Optical wireless systems with ASK & PSK using coupler-based delay line filter
Authors: Prasad Bibhu , Mallick Bandana , Patra Krishna Chandra , Barpanda Nalini Kanta
Published: August 2020

In free space optics (FSO) optics, the tweaked optical sign is transmitted at different climate conditions like day off, Mist, and Haze, which is a new paragon to the field of optical communication. Further to realize the same, the present research analyzes the framework performance by executing two adjustment strategies amplitude shift keying (ASK) and Phase shift keying (PSK). Moreover, article investigates the performance of applied modulation-based free space optic system using a coupler-based delay line filter. Aside this, the recreation results are examined and natter about the dependent of quality factor, bit error rate (BER), and eye outline of various FSO parameters pertaining to the same. The outcomes of the research bestow on the recreation results acquired for quality factor and BER against various conditions with respect to the both adjustment techniques and PSK offers better execution.
Clinical analysis of the preoperative condition and operative prognosis of post-cesarean section scar diverticulum: a case series
Authors: Zou Ziang , Xiao Songshu , Xue Min
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Post-cesarean section scar diverticulum (PCSD) is a long-term sequela of cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of PCSD scoring criteria, and also retrospectively investigate the efficacy and fertility of two different surgical methods in 304 patients with PCSD.

Methods

A total of 304 PCSD patients who underwent hysteroscopy or combined hysteroscopy and laparoscopy (referred to as laparoscopy) in our hospital from 2016 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative condition was analyzed by the PCSD scoring criteria and its influencing factors were explored. The efficacy, its influencing factors and pregnancy success rate of the two different surgical methods on PCSD was also analyzed after 6- and 12-months follow-up.

Results

PCSD was more severe (high score) in patients who experienced caesarean section with one of the following conditions: age >30 years old, without medical indications or retroflexed uterus. The postoperative efficacy of patients subjected to hysteroscopy or laparoscopy was 81.25 and 89.47% (after 6 months), and 79.53 and 87.50% (after 12 months), respectively. Hysteroscopic surgery was better for PCSD patients who had fewer CS and thicker residual muscle layer and worse for PCSD patients with a longer distance of incision defect to the end of the cervix. Postoperative fertilization showed that pregnancy success rate of patients subjected to hysteroscopy or laparoscopy was 56.2 and 50%, respectively.

Conclusions

The PCSD scoring is an effective method for assessing the severity of PCSD, and hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are effective modalities for PCSD. Hysteroscopy is also an option for patients with fertility needs.
Impact of an on-site perinatal mood disorders clinic in the diagnosis and management of perinatal mood disorders
Authors: Roberson Dana N. , Roussos-Ross Dikea , Goodin Amie J.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To assess change in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores in women treated at the Perinatal Mood Disorders Clinic (PMDC) as a measure of improvement in perinatal mood disorders (primary outcome), and treatment disposition at final visit.

Methods

Chart review was performed for all PMDC patients between March 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018 (n=120), as a self-controlled case series design. Two-tailed t-tests compared initial and final EPDS scores for all patients with >1 visit (n=64), where EPDS score of ≥13 indicated a positive screen for depression. A multivariable linear regression model with robust standard errors estimated the relationship between patient characteristics and final EPDS scores.

Results

Of 120 patients, n=56 had one visit and n=64 had >1 visit. Of these 64, mean final score (11.04) was lower than mean initial score (16.54; p<0.001). Additionally, certain patient characteristics were associated with higher final EPDS score, including history of mood disorder and treatment with both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.

Conclusions

Women treated at the PMDC showed improved EPDS scores when receiving at least two separate care visits. Therefore, the clinic may be filling a gap in access to timely care for women with perinatal mood disorders.