bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Discrimination and Street‐Level Managers: Performance, Publicness, and Group Bias
Authors: Oberfield Zachary W. , Incantalupo Matthew B.
Published: March 2021

This article broadens our understanding of street‐level governance by examining how citizen performance, organizational publicness, and group bias moderate racial discrimination among street‐level managers (SLMs). We examine this topic with an experiment in which we requested enrollment information from public and charter school principals while randomly assigning a putative student's race and ability. As expected, SLMs discriminated based on race, and positive performance information mitigated this discrimination. Surprisingly, negative performance information also reduced discrimination. Turning to publicness, we find no evidence that less public organizations (charter schools) exacerbated anti‐Black discrimination. Finally, we show that White SLMs discriminated against Black citizens. However, Black SLMs worked in more administratively difficult settings and, perhaps as a result, responded at lower rates; thus, Black citizens were equally likely to receive responses from White and Black SLMs. Therefore, improving access to public agencies may require representativeness and support for SLMs working in challenging organizational environments.
A pilot study of the effect of rivaroxaban in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Ataga Kenneth I. , Elsherif Laila , Wichlan David , Wogu Adane F. , Matsui Neil , Pawlinski Rafal , Cai Jianwen , Key Nigel S.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The contribution of coagulation activation to the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD) remains incompletely defined. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban, an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, in subjects with sickle cell anemia.

Materials and Methods

In this pilot, single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study, eligible subjects with sickle cell anemia received rivaroxaban or placebo. The effect of rivaroxaban on coagulation activation, endothelial activation, inflammation, and microvascular blood flow was evaluated.

Results

Fourteen patients (HbSS – 14; females – 9) with mean age of 38 ± 10.6 years were randomized to receive rivaroxaban 20 mg daily or placebo for 4 weeks and, following a 2‐week washout phase, were “crossed‐over” to the treatment arm opposite to which they were initially assigned. Mean adherence to treatment with rivaroxaban, assessed by pill counts, was 85.6% in the first treatment period and 93.6% in the second period. Treatment with rivaroxaban resulted in a decrease from baseline of thrombin‐antithrombin complex versus placebo (−34.4 ug/L [95% CI: −69.4, 0.53] vs. 0.35 ug/L [95% CI: −3.8, 4.5], p = .08), but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in changes from baseline of D‐dimer, inflammatory, and endothelial activation markers or measures of microvascular blood flow. Rivaroxaban was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban was safe but did not significantly decrease coagulation activation, endothelial activation, or inflammation. Rivaroxaban did not improve microvascular blood flow. Adequately powered studies are required to further evaluate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in SCD. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02072668.
Narrativas sobre diversidad cultural y migración en escuelas de Chile
Authors: Stang-Alva María Fernanda , Riedemann-Fuentes Andrea Maureen , Stefoni-Espinoza Carolina , Corvalán-Rodríguez Javier
Published: March 2021

Este artículo de investigación explora,desde la interculturalidad crítica,los principales enunciados de las tramas narrativas de diferentes actores escolares chilenos (docentes, asistentes y directores) con respecto a los desafíos que la multiculturalidad representa para su práctica pedagógica, a partir de un estudio cualitativo desarrollado en cinco escuelas de tres comunas de la Región Metropolitana (Independencia, Recoleta y Quilicura). Se identifican enunciados enmarcados en dos tipos generales de discurso: uno asimilacionista y universalizador, y otro de la tolerancia y la hibridez.Se concluye que ambos suponen una mirada funcional de la interculturalidad que es preciso problematizar,considerando las prácticas pedagógicas en que se materializan.
Implementation of a Comprehensive Vectorization System for Engineering Drawings
Authors: Das Atish K. , Langrana Noshir A.
Published: March 2021

A large number of engineering drawings which are being used in the industry today are old drawings which were created manually on paper using conventional drafting methods. The benefits of the existing CAD/CAM systems are not available to these drawings since these drawings were created on paper. Hence, an automated system which will scan and convert these drawings into CAD files recognizable by the existing CAD/CAM systems is very desirable. An important element in the conversion process is the automatic recognition of dimensional information which is used to denote the exact size and location of the various entities in the drawing. This paper discusses a system which has been developed to recognize the dimension sets from the vectorized image. The recognized dimension sets are then integrated with the geometry of the object using a variational geometry approach to rectify the errors which are introduced during scanning and initial vectorization of the drawing. The drawing obtained after processing consists of an accurate vectorized representation of the geometry in terms of lines, arcs, and circles and a vectorized representation of the dimension sets.
A Generic Framework for the Integration of Mechanical and Electrical CAD Tools for Concurrent Design of Consumer Electronic Products
Authors: Wang Fu-Chung , Richards Brian , Wright Paul K.
Published: March 2021

Most consumer or commercial electronic products are electro-mechanical systems consisting of mechanical components such as structures, enclosures, driving systems and mechanisms, combined with electrical components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), power supply, wires (harness) and switches. The design of such multidisciplinary products involves high coordination and cooperation between the two different engineering fields of mechanical and electrical design. However, in spite of the advancements of CAD tool development in design automation technology within each field, a gap still exists for good communication between the designers in these two fields during the course of the design. This gap makes the design process of such products time-consuming and error prone. This paper describes a research effort that facilitates multidisciplinary concurrent design for consumer electronic products. The focus is on how to integrate mechanical and electrical CAD tools into a more flexible and extensible concurrent design environment to share and communicate critical design information during the design process. A multidisciplinary concurrent design environment based on the CAD framework concept is described. Approaches for integrating the design data and information in such a multidisciplinary design environment are discussed. A prototyping system for the concurrent design of consumer electronic products is also presented.
Error Estimation in Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis in Two and Three Dimensions
Authors: Tetambe Ravi P. , Saigal Sunil S.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a comparative study of a series of flux projection type error estimators for elasto-plastic and viscoplastic materials undergoing large strains and large rotations. The error estimators are: L2 norms of stress error, total strain error, equivalent strain error, incremental total strain error per load step, and energy rate norm error, respectively. Numerical examples are presented in both two and three dimensions. The information provided by these error estimators may be used for adaptive mesh refinement and for subsequent data transfer (rezoning) in a large deformation analysis. The error estimators based on the energy rate and the incremental total strain were found to be consistently accurate in the prediction of the discretization error for the two dimensional test cases considered. The L2 norm of incremental strain error estimator consistently gave the most conservative estimate of error in two dimensions. The overall behavior of these error estimators in three dimensions was acceptable, although, not as intuitive as it was in two dimensions.
Development and Application of a Nonlinear Finite Element Computer Program
Authors: Xie Ming
Published: March 2021

An elastic-plastic stress increment updating scheme, namely, an adaptive step-size control scheme of a second-order Runge-Kutta method, was proposed. In order to model the contact loading of a rigid cylinder on a short beam specimen in the study of three-point short beam shear tests of composite materials, a simple contact modeling scheme was also developed. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element computer program, incorporating a plasticity model for fiber-reinforced composites, was developed in the present study. The stress increment updating scheme and the contact modeling algorithm were implemented into the program. Some numerical examples were presented and these numerical techniques were shown to be more efficient than other conventional schemes while generating comparable results. The numerical results for the modeling of a short beam shear test method for unidirectional composite materials were also presented as an application of the computer program.
Smooth Surface Construction on Arbitrary Quadrilateral Mesh
Authors: Huang ZhengDong , Zhoun Ji , Yu Jun
Published: March 2021

This paper gives an approach to construct smooth surfaces on arbitrary quadrilateral mesh. We handle vertex compatibility conditions by making the surfaces conserve the constructed vertex local shapes, lessen the number of constraints along edges by utilizing rational connecting functions and eliminate the surface twist by applying multi-step linear variational optimizations to adjust free control points. The result surfaces not only have tangent plane continuity but also fairness.
Dynamic Characteristics of Liquid Draining From a Tank in Weightlessness
Authors: Yan Wei , Vatistas Georgios H.
Published: March 2021

A computational simulation of the dynamic behavior of liquids in space vehicles is present. It is found that the viscosity has the influence on the liquid-vapor interface formation time after the system exposed to zero-gravity environment from terrestrial conditions. The liquid residuals during outflow vary considerably with starting draining time. The liquid residuals exhibit to be the function of outflow velocity.
An Improved Method for Predicting Shear Stress in Rectangular Shafts Based on Optimization Polynomials
Authors: Shoup T. E. , Sanchez L. A.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents several new approximations for the coefficients associated with the shear stresses in rectangular shafts. The new results are developed using an optimization approach based on a polynomial merit function to predict the maximum shear stress along the center of the long side of the cross section. The results are shown to be more accurate than existing approximate methods that are now in the literature.
Graphics Application Program Development: In Support of the Virtual Thesis
Authors: Bøhn Jan Helge
Published: March 2021

Graduate students majoring in engineering are frequently in need of developing graphics application programs to demonstrate or illustrate their thesis or other research work. This typically requires a background emphasizing strong programming skills and an understanding of computer graphics in addition to their specific area of expertise.

This paper reports on a first-year graduate-level course that offers students the opportunity to sharpen their programming skills while learning to develop graphics applications related to their particular field of interest. The key elements of this course include a sequence of laboratory homework exercises, an applied term project, and a literature review term paper. The sequence of homeworks is designed to illustrate the fundamental concepts presented in class and facilitate the completion of the subsequent applied term project assignment. The term project and paper are defined by each student to reflect his or her area of interest, which broadens the appeal and adds utility and diversity to the course.
STEP Application Protocol Interoperability for CAD/CAPP Integration
Authors: Zhang Shensheng , Hou Xiaolin , Wang Zhonghui
Published: March 2021

To support the requirement of concurrent engineering (CE), we need current STEP APs interpretable to integrate different applications in different phases of the entire lifetime cycle of a product. COMposition Application Protocols (COMAP) introduced and discussed in this paper is proposed to solve this problem. COMAP, serving as a root AP, is built on top of existing STEP APs for mapping information among them. A prototype of COMAP (cadpp) based on AP203 and AP224 for CAD/CAPP integration is implemented and discussed.
Assembly Features and Visibility Maps
Authors: van Holland Winfried , Bronsvoort Willem F.
Published: March 2021

Feature modelling is now being used quite extensively in the context of manufacturing of parts. It is shown that the use of features in product models, instead of geometric information only, can be very useful in assembly as well. This is done by introducing two types of assembly features, handling and connection features, and by outlining their usability in several assembly planning modules.

It is also shown that in assembly feature modelling the concept of internal freedom of motion can be profitably used. Internal freedom of motion can be represented with visibility maps, which can be transformed using the central projection method. An extension of the central projection method, projecting a visibility map onto a cube, is described.
Towards a Product Model for Virtual Prototyping
Authors: Henson Brian W. , Juster Neal P. , de Pennington Alan
Published: March 2021

Most virtual prototypes used within the domain of mechanical engineering are well defined geometric representations loosely linked to analysis packages. By taking a holistic, top-down view of the product introduction process this paper argues that virtual prototypes should be based upon product models that allow for the representation of more than just geometric information. A methodology based upon the reference model for open distributed processing is presented that simplifies the task of deciding what information should be supported. The paper argues that virtual prototypes should use product models that integrate the representation of the geometry, function and behaviour of a product. A case study is presented to show how experimental virtual prototyping software, based on such a product model, can aid the product introduction process.
Variable Focus Three-Dimensional Laser Digitizing System
Authors: Alciatore David G. , Pasquini Ronald M.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a new three-dimensional scanning technology which is being developed at Colorado State University. Unlike other laser-based scanners which use active or passive triangulation to obtain surface range data, the new variable focus laser digitizing system (VFLDS) uses the principles of optical focal length to measure surface range data. This system should represent a significant step forward in speed and simplicity over current laser-based single point digitizing systems while retaining all of their advantages. The goal of the initial research presented here is to produce preliminary results which will prove the viability of this new approach.
Function Modeling and Process Description of Forging for STEP AP Development
Authors: Wang Ching-Yang , Radack Gerald M.
Published: March 2021

An application protocol (AP) for forging can help the forging industry migrate to an integrated, electronic environment for the exchange of design and manufacturing information. One element of the AP is a function model that identifies information needed by the forging industry. AP development can be enhanced by computer models that simulate forging design and forging processes. This paper describes function modeling and process description capture for forged part design and manufacturing processes.
Modeling Patient Care for Multimedia Database
Authors: Cohen Tal , Birkes Angela Y. , Hsiung Chien H. , Fulton Robert E.
Published: March 2021

In the medical arena, the number of uses for new technology is increasing rapidly. In the last few decades, physicians have been using more computerized tools and are basing their diagnoses on high-tech lab results. While the tools used for diagnoses — such as catscans, MRI’s and the myriad of other high-tech equipment — have improved greatly over the years, the method of storing these results into a medical record has not changed much. In fact, the medical system is using antiquated methods of paper-based record, and this results in inefficiency. The record-keeping system simply does not allow for the hightech equipment to be used to their greatest potential.

Medical professionals are confronted with a basic issue: How should they manage the huge amount of different types of information so that they can improve medical treatment and upgrade patient care? The case study presented in this paper deals with the Emory Clinic, located in Atlanta, Georgia, which treats a very high volume of patients. This paper provides a study of the patient care process, development of an initial product data model, characterizes and identifies multimedia datasets and finally presents a screen mockup that reflect some of the datasets.
A Method of Object Oriented Information Management for Layout Design
Authors: Vallis Paul , Colton Jonathan S.
Published: March 2021

During the layout design process, the spatial arrangement of components in an engineering system is developed in order to meet design goals and constraints. Proper organization of the information involved in this process enhances the quality of layout designs. The organization of information is accomplished through the use of the techniques and methods existing in the information management field. Using the object-oriented technique, a method was developed to guide the design of information management systems that support the layout design process. The method was developed in a case study involving the layout design of automobile engine bay components.
Menthol Mouth Rinsing and Cycling Performance in Females Under Heat Stress
Authors: Gavel Erica H. , Logan-Sprenger Heather M. , Good Joshua , Jacobs Ira , Thomas Scott G.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The effects of menthol (MEN) mouth rinse (MR) on performance, physiological, and perceptual variables in female cyclists during a 30-km independent time trial (ITT) were tested. Methods: The participants (n = 9) cycled for 30 km in hot conditions (30°C [0.6°C], 70% [1%] relative humidity, 12 [1] km/h wind speed) on 2 test occasions: with a placebo MR and with MEN MR. Handgrip and a 5-second sprint were measured before, following the first MR, and after the ITT. Ratings of perceived exertion Borg 6 to 20, thermal sensation, and thermal pleasantness were recorded every 5 km. Core temperature and heart rate were recorded throughout. Results: The ITT performance significantly improved with MEN MR by 2.3% (2.7%) relative to the placebo (62.6 [5.7] vs 64.0 [4.9] min P = .034; d = 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 2.8 min). The average power output was significantly higher in the MEN trial (P = .031; d = 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 15.0 W). No significant interaction of time and MR for handgrip (P = .581, η2 = .04) or sprint was observed (P = .365, η2 = .103). Core temperature, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and thermal sensation did not significantly differ between trials at set distances (P > .05). Pleasantness significantly differed between the placebo and MEN only at 5 km, with no differences at other TT distances. Conclusion: These results suggest that a nonthermal cooling agent can improve 30-km ITT performance in female cyclists, although the improved performance with MEN MR is not due to altered thermal perception.
The Influence of Kinesiophobia on Perceived Disability in Patients With an Upper-Extremity Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Bartlett Olivia , Farnsworth James L.
Published: March 2021

Clinical Scenario: Kinesiophobia is a common psychological phenomenon that occurs following injury involving fear of movement. These psychological factors contribute to the variability among patients’ perceived disability scores following injury. In addition, the psychophysiological, behavioral, and cognitive factors of kinesiophobia have been shown to be predictive of a patient’s self-reported disability and pain. Previous kinesiophobia research has mostly focused on lower-extremity injuries. There are fewer studies that investigate upper-extremity injuries despite the influence that upper-extremity injuries can have on an individual’s activities of daily living and, therefore, disability scores. The lack of research calls for a critical evaluation and appraisal of available evidence regarding kinesiophobia and its contribution to perceived disability for the upper-extremity. Focused Clinical Question: How does kinesiophobia in patients with upper-extremity injuries influence perceptions of disability and quality of life measurements? Summary of Key Findings: Two cross-sectional studies and one cohort study were included. The first study found a positive relationship between kinesiophobia and a high degree of perceived disability. Another study found that kinesiophobia and catastrophic thinking scores were the most important predictors of perceived upper-extremity disability. The third study found that kinesiophobia contributes to self-reported disability in the shoulder. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence that supports the relationship between kinesiophobia and perceived disability, and the relationship between elevated perceptions of disability and increased kinesiophobia scores in patients with an upper-extremity injury. Clinicians should evaluate and monitor kinesiophobia in patients following injury, a condition that can enhance perceptions of disability. An elevated perception of disability can create a cycle of fear that leads to hypervigilance and fear-avoidance behavior. Strength of Recommendation: Consistent findings from reviewed studies suggest there is grade B evidence to support that kinesiophobia is related to an increased perceived disability following upper-extremity injuries.
Potent Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by Hetero-Bivalent Alpaca Nanobodies Targeting the Spike Receptor-Binding Domain
Authors: Ma Huan , Zeng Weihong , Meng Xiangzhi , Huang Xiaoxue , Yang Yunru , Zhao Dan , Zhou Peigen , Wang Xiaofang , Zhao Changcheng , Sun Yong , Wang Peihui , Ou Huichao , Hu Xiaowen , Xiang Yan , Jin Tengchuan
Published: March 2021

To date, SARS-CoV-2 has caused tremendous loss of human life and economic output worldwide. Although a few COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in several countries, the development of effective therapeutics, including SARS-CoV-2 targeting antibodies, remains critical.
Magnetostratigraphy of U-Pb–dated boreholes in Svalbard, Norway, implies that magnetochron M0r (a proposed Barremian-Aptian boundary marker) begins at 121.2 ± 0.4 Ma
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ogg James G. , Minguez Daniel , Hounslow Mark W. , Olaussen Snorre , Gradstein Felix M. , Esmeray-Senlet Selen
Published: March 2021

The age of the beginning of magnetic polarity Chron M0r, a proposed marker for the base of the Aptian Stage, is disputed due to a divergence of published radioisotopic dates and ambiguities in stratigraphic correlation of sections. Our magnetostratigraphy of core DH1 from Svalbard, Norway, calibrates a bentonite bed, dated by U-Pb methods to 123.1 ± 0.3 Ma, to the uppermost part of magnetozone M1r, which is ∼1.9 m.y. before the beginning of Chron M0r. This is the first direct calibration of any high-precision radioisotopic date to a polarity chron of the M sequence. The interpolated age of 121.2 ± 0.4 Ma for the beginning of Chron M0r is younger by ∼5 m.y. than its estimated age used in the Geologic Time Scale 2012, which had been extrapolated from radioisotopic dates on oceanic basalts and from Aptian cyclostratigraphy. The adjusted age model implies a commensurate faster average global oceanic spreading rate of ∼12% during the Aptian–Santonian interval. Future radioisotopic dating and high-resolution cyclostratigraphy are needed to investigate where to expand the mid-Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous interval by the required ∼4 m.y.
Supplemental Material: Decoupling of Au and As during rapid pyrite crystallization
Authors: Wu Ya-Fei , Li Jian-Wei , al. et
Published: March 2021

Supplemental figures and tables and analytical methods.
Communicating complexity: interactive model explorers and immersive visualizations as tools for local planning and community engagement
Authors: Newell Robert , McCarthy Nate , Picketts Ian , Davis Fynn , Hovem Grace , Navarrete Stefan
Published: March 2021

Models that capture relationships between a variety of social, economic, and environmental factors are useful tools for community planning; however, they are often complex and difficult for diverse audiences to understand. This creates challenges for participatory planning and community engagement. Conducted in the community of Squamish (British Columbia, Canada), this study develops and examines tools for communicating outcomes of a community scenario modelling exercise to diverse stakeholders. These tools are ( i) a “model explorer” and ( ii) realistic, immersive visualizations. The model explorer is an online, HTML5-based tool that can be used to learn about the model, view community scenario maps, and explore potential outcomes of the scenarios. The visualizations are virtual environments that are navigated from the first-person perspective, and they were developed using a combination of ArcGIS, Trimble SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, and the Unity3D game engine. A local government and community stakeholder focus group and public open house event were held to solicit feedback on the scenarios and tools. Findings of the research suggest that the two types of tools can be used in a complementary fashion, and tool integration can better harness their respective strengths in a manner that comprehensively communicates the implications of different development pathways to diverse community members.
Personal Neoantigen Vaccines for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Shetty Keerthi , Ott Patrick A.
Published: March 2021

Cancer vaccines can generate and amplify tumor-specific T cell responses with the promise to provide long-term control of cancer. All cancer cells harbor genetic alterations encoding neoantigens that are specific to the tumor and not present in normal tissue. Similar to foreign antigens targeted by T cells in infectious disease settings, neoantigens represent the long elusive immunogens for cancer vaccination. Since the vast majority of mutations are unique to individual tumors, neoantigen vaccines require custom design for each patient. The availability of rapid and cost-effective genome sequencing, along with advanced bioinformatics tools, now allows neoantigen-target discovery and vaccine manufacturing in sufficient time for the treatment of cancer patients. Clinical trials in melanoma and glioblastoma have demonstrated the feasibility, immunogenicity, and signals of efficacy of this personalized immunotherapy approach. Key unresolved areas include identification of the most effective vaccine delivery platforms, validation and consensus of neoantigen target selection, and optimal strategies for partnering immunotherapies. Given the universal presence of mutations in cancer and the patient-tailored paradigm, personalized neoantigen vaccines have potential applicability for all cancer patients.
Unraveling the Distinct Roles of Mg Occupation on Li or Co Sites on High-Voltage LiCoO2
Authors: Kong Weijin , Zhou Dong , De Ning  , Yang Wenyun , Wong Deniz , Zhang Jicheng , Li Qingyuan , Yang Jinbo , Schulz Christian , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: March 2021

A high-voltage LiCoO2 cathode material has been increasingly studied due to its high capacity; however, the structural instability of this material results in poor cycling performance at high voltages, restricting its application. We use a controlled Mg doping strategy to modulate the crystal and electronic structure of the material and unravel the different effects of Mg occupation at Li and Co sites on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiCoO2. Mg substitution at Li sites provides much better electrochemical performance than Mg substitution at Co sites. Compared with bare LiCoO2, the substitution of Mg for Li and Co significantly enhances the capacity retention from 0.5% to 58.6% and 85.6% (500 cycles at 5C), respectively. Mg substitution at Li sites provides a “pillar’ to stabilize the layered structure and increases the interlayer spacing (I(LiO2)) to reduce the energy barrier for Li+ migration. The stress and strain on the crystal structure caused by the substantial expansion and contraction during cycling are alleviated, while the stability of oxygen in the Li0.96Mg0.04CoO2 sample is enhanced; additionally, the destruction of the CoO6 octahedron is also significantly inhibited, all of which confirm the increase in stabilization due to the Mg substitution in LiCoO2. This study offers some insights on the distinct effects of the same dopant at different crystal sites, which is instructive to develop a precisely controlled doping strategy.
On a New Modification of the Weibull Model with Classical and Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Tung Yen Liang , Ahmad Zubair , Kharazmi Omid , Ampadu Clement Boateng , Hafez E.H. , Mubarak Sh. A.M.
Published: March 2021

Modelling data in applied areas particularly in reliability engineering is a prominent research topic. Statistical models play a vital role in modelling reliability data and are useful for further decision‐making policies. In this paper, we study a new class of distributions with one additional shape parameter, called a new generalized exponential‐X family. Some of its properties are taken into account. The maximum likelihood approach is adopted to obtain the estimates of the model parameters. For assessing the performance of these estimators, a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out. The usefulness of the proposed family is demonstrated by means of a real‐life application representing the failure times of electronic components. The fitted results show that the new generalized exponential‐X family provides a close fit to data. Finally, considering the failure times data, the Bayesian analysis and performance of Gibbs sampling are discussed. The diagnostics measures such as the Raftery–Lewis, Geweke, and Gelman–Rubin are applied to check the convergence of the algorithm.
Isolation and Characterization of Potential Antibiotic-Producing Actinomycetes from Water and Soil Sediments of Different Regions of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Bhanu , Nath Dharmendra Kumar , Maharjan Alina , Poudel Anju , Pradhan Roshani Nhuchhen , Aryal Sagar
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The actinomycetes are diversely distributed microorganisms in nature. The geographical diversity of Nepal is suitable for adaptation of various species of actinomycetes. The distribution of the actinomycetes is dependent upon the altitude and nature of the soil and water. Methods. A total of 22 water and soil samples were collected from different regions of Nepal and were processed. Different isolates were characterized by observing colony characteristics and microscopic characteristics. Screening of the antimicrobial property was based upon perpendicular line streaking and submerged-state fermentation for antibiotic production. Results. From the identification tool used, 12 were found to be Micromonospora, 9 were Nocardia, and 7 were Streptomyces. Out of total samples, 8 isolates of actinomycetes were tested effective against the tested bacteria by primary screening using the well diffusion method. Among the primarily screened, all isolates were subjected to submerged-state fermentation methods to produce crude extracts and 4 were found to be effective against the tested bacterial group. The actinomycetes identified from a water source showed better antimicrobial property towards the tested bacteria than the soil sample. Most isolates were found to be Micromonospora followed by Nocardia and Streptomyces with higher antimicrobial activities. Conclusion. The water source and soil sediments of Nepal provide suitable environments for actinomycetes towards obtaining a novel antimicrobial agent. The study of actinomycetes from various unexploited areas of Nepal is necessary. Thus, exploitation of various regions of Nepal for the discovery of an effective antimicrobial agent is helpful in providing a solution to the cost-effective therapy and action against antibiotic resistance.
New Heuristics for Scheduling and Distributing Jobs under Hybrid Dew Computing Environments
Authors: Sanabria Pablo , Tapia Tomás Felipe , Neyem Andres , Benedetto Jose Ignacio , Hirsch Matías , Mateos Cristian , Zunino Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Mobile grid computing has been a popular topic for researchers due to mobile and IoT devices’ ubiquity and their evergrowing processing potential. While many scheduling algorithms for harnessing these resources exist in the literature for standard grid computing scenarios, surprisingly, there is little insight into this matter in the context of hybrid‐powered computing resources, typically found in Dew and Edge computing environments. This paper proposes new algorithms aware of devices’ power source for scheduling tasks in hybrid environments, i.e., where the battery‐ and non‐battery‐powered devices cooperate. We simulated hybrid Dew/Edge environments by extending DewSim, a simulator that models battery‐driven devices’ battery behavior using battery traces profiled from real mobile devices. We compared the throughput and job completion achieved by algorithms proposed in this paper using as a baseline a previously developed algorithm that considers computing resources but only from battery‐dependent devices called Enhanced Simple Energy‐Aware Schedule (E‐SEAS). The obtained results in the simulation reveal that our proposed algorithms can obtain up to a 90% increment in overall throughput and around 95% of completed jobs in hybrid environments compared to E‐SEAS. Finally, we show that incorporating these characteristics gives more awareness of the type of resources present and can enable the algorithms to manage resources more efficiently in more hybrid environments than other algorithms found in the literature.
Off-grid rural electrification using integrated renewable energy sources
Authors: Amanze Fortune Chukwuebuka , Amanze Destiny Josiah
Published: March 2021

Presented in this study is an economic and technical evaluation to determine the optimal system combination for off-grid power generation based on solar, wind and biodiesel renewable energy resource. Nsukka being endowed with high intensity solar radiation, adequate wind speed and sufficient bioresource is a prospective candidate for a hybrid system. The monthly average daily global radiation ranges from 3.91kWh/m2 to 5.74kWh/m2 and the average wind speed is about 2.64m/s. This system was designed to meet the load requirement of the school with annual electrical demand of 10,163 MWh. Sensitivity analysis was carried out based on the effect of change in biodiesel fuel price and interest rates on the economic performance criteria of the optimal configuration. The optimum hybrid system is composed of 1kW capacity PV system, auto sized biodiesel generator and battery bank of 820h of autonomy. The Levelized Cost of Energy from the optimal system was found to be $0.0898/kWh based on sensitivity results. These results obtained shows that an integrated system with combination of PV, biodiesel generator and battery bank is a cost-effective alternative to grid extension which cost $0.126/kWh. The system life span is for 25years and it is sustainable, economical, technically feasible and environmentally friendly.
Pseudochirita trifoliata (Gesneriaceae), a new species from karst limestone in northern Vietnam
Authors: DO TRUONG VAN , HOANG MAI THI , XIN ZI-BING , WEI YI-GANG , MENG DE-CHANG , WEN FANG
Published: March 2021

Pseudochirita trifoliata, a new Gesneriaceae species from Pu Luong-Cuc Phuong limestone mountain range in northern Vietnam is described and illustrated here. This new taxon is the second species of the narrowly endemic genus Pseudochirita which is known from limestone areas in southern China and northern Vietnam. It is easily distinguished from P. guangxiensis by a set of differences on the leaves, bracts, calyx, external corolla indumentum, staminode number, pistil length, ovary indumentum, style indumentum, and capsule length. A detailed description, illustration, information on distribution, ecology, phenology, provisional conservation assessment using IUCN categories and criteria of the proposed new species, and comparison with its similar species, are also provided.
Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion Versus De Novo Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: Gao Ke , Li Bo-Lin , Zhang Miao , Rong Jie , Yang Lei , Fan Li-Hong , Liang Qi , Wu Wei , Feng Zhe , Yang Wan-Ying , Wu Yue , Zheng Xiao-Pu , Li Hong-Bing
Published: March 2021

Limited data are available on long-term outcomes and health status in the treatment of in-stent coronary chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) and de novo coronary chronic total occlusion (de novo CTO). This study compared the long-term clinical outcomes and health status of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with IS-CTO versus patients with de novo CTO in the drug-eluting stent era. We screened 483 consecutive patients with 1 CTO lesion, including 81 patients with IS-CTO and 402 patients with de novo CTO. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The clinical end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The success rates of CTO lesion revascularization were similar in both groups. In the propensity score-matched patients, after a median follow-up of 36 months, MACE was observed in 32.8% of patients with IS-CTO versus 13.5% of the patients with de novo CTO ( P < .001), mainly driven by target-vessel revascularization (21.9% vs 6.7%; P < .01). Moreover, patients with IS-CTO had significantly worse Seattle Angina Questionnaire anginal stability scores than the patients with de novo CTO. In conclusion, patients with IS-CTO after PCI had a worse clinical outcome, mainly MACE, and a poorer anginal stability in the long term than patients with de novo CTO.
Barriers and opportunities for nontraditional social work during COVID-19: Reflections from a small LGBTQ+ nonprofit in Detroit
Authors: Perone Angela K
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has significantly changed individual lives and organizational structures throughout the world. Certain regions and populations, however, have experienced the effects of this global pandemic to a heightened degree. This article includes reflections from a small LGBTQ+ nonprofit in Detroit, a city with some of the starkest health and economic disparities in the United States. While COVID-19 has illuminated numerous barriers for LGBTQ+ older adults in Detroit, it has also revealed surprising ways that nontraditional social work is emerging. The experiences from this organization suggest that when faced with limited resources, LGBTQ+ community members and advocates have expanded their services in ways that mirror the work of many professional social workers, including interpersonal support; facilitated group discussions; direct services; program design, delivery, and coordination; community organizing; and research. Through these roles, community members are beginning to serve as nontraditional social workers to address the urgent and unmet needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and increase the visibility of this population during COVID-19.
simATAC: a single-cell ATAC-seq simulation framework
Authors: Navidi Zeinab , Zhang Lin , Wang Bo
Published: March 2021

Single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) identifies regulated chromatin accessibility modules at the single-cell resolution. Robust evaluation is critical to the development of scATAC-seq pipelines, which calls for reproducible datasets for benchmarking. We hereby present the simATAC framework, an R package that generates scATAC-seq count matrices that highly resemble real scATAC-seq datasets in library size, sparsity, and chromatin accessibility signals. simATAC deploys statistical models derived from analyzing 90 real scATAC-seq cell groups. simATAC provides a robust and systematic approach to generate in silico scATAC-seq samples with known cell labels for assessing analytical pipelines.
Phytochemical profiling and GC-MS analysis of aqueous methanol fraction of Hibiscus asper leaves
Authors: Olivia Njoku Ugochi , Goodness Umeh Chinenyenwa , Obinna Ogugofor Martins
Published: March 2021

Background

Medicinal plants are of great importance to researchers in the field of pharmacology as most pharmaceutical industries depend on medicinal plant for their raw materials. Hibiscus asper belongs to the family Malvaceae and is well known for its medicinal properties. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effect and possible bioactive components present in the aqueous methanol fraction of Hibiscus asper leaves.

Results

The phytochemical of aqueous methanol fraction of Hibiscus asper leaves (AMFHAL) revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannin, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and steroids. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of twenty-three bioactive compounds which include 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, n-Hexadecanoic acid, octadecatrienol acid, methyl palmitate, and phytol.

Conclusion

The phytochemical and GC-MS profiling of aqueous methanol fraction of Hibiscus asper leaves revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with important medicinal properties. Hence, the presence of these phytochemicals could be responsible for the therapeutic effects of the plant.
Hope-Colored Glasses: Perceptions of Prognosis Among Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Parents
Authors: Levine Deena R. , Cuviello Andrea , Nelson Catherine , Lu Zhaohua , Mandrell Belinda N. , Baker Justin N.
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE:

Cancer patients' belief about prognosis can heavily influence medical decision making and goals of care. It is known that parents of children with cancer tend to be optimistic regarding their child's prognosis; however, little is known about pediatric patients' prognostic beliefs, how physicians' prognostic communication is perceived, and how these perceptions are compared with actual prognoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

An original survey was administered to 100 pediatric oncology patients, age 10-18 years, and their parents from 2013 to 2015, at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an oncologic diagnosis, were between 1 month and 1 year from diagnosis, and were English speaking. Survey responses regarding perceived prognosis were compared with actual prognoses as determined from the medical record review and published literature. Analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests.

RESULTS:

Nearly half of participants (patients = 48.9%, parents = 50.5%) displayed prognostic optimism as compared with the determined objective estimate of curative potential. The majority of both patients (78%) and parents (85%) reported belief in a very high chance of cure, although fewer reported that their physician communicated a very high chance for cure (patients = 57%, parents = 70%), and only 43% were determined to have a very high probability of cure. Significant differences were noted in prognostic optimism by cancer type ( P < .0001); patients with solid tumor were more often optimistic (n = 25, 83.3% optimistic; n = 5, 16.7% accurate), and patients with lymphoma were most often accurate (n = 2, 8.7% optimistic; n = 21, 91.3% accurate).

CONCLUSION:

Pediatric oncology patients and parents tend to be optimistic about their chance of cure, as compared to both perceived prognostic communication from physicians and objective estimated prognosis. Understanding the nature of prognostic optimism among patients with cancer and caregivers may empower clinicians to guide realistic decision making while supporting hope.
Analisis manajemen event Reyog Jazz sebagai salah satu strategi komunikasi pemasaran budaya dan wisata Kabupaten Ponorogo
Authors: Ayunda Fatika Bella , Megantari Krisna
Published: March 2021

Pemerintah Kabupaten Ponorogo sedang melakukan upaya untuk memasarkan atau mengembangkan potensi yang ada di Ponorogo agar dikenal oleh masyarakat dari lokal, nasional maupun internasional. Salah satunya dengan menggunakan acara, seperti acara Reyog Jazz yang dibuat sebagai strategi komunikasi pemasaran budaya dan wisata Kabupaten Ponorogo. Maka dari itu untuk melaksanakan acara Reyog Jazz dibutuhkan pengorganisasian dari awal sampai akhir yang disebut dengan manajemen acara. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif, dimana permasalahan yang sistematis dan berdasarkan data yang diperoleh melalui observasi langsung atau wawancara kepada pihak-pihak yang dirasa kompeten untuk menjawab permasalahan yang ada, seperti Bapak Agus Setiawan Basuni selaku Founder WartaJazz, Ibu Farida Nuraini, S .Sos., MM dan Bapak Franky Andrias.M selaku Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Ponorogo, Relawan, serta beberapa pengunjung yang mentonton acara Reyog Jazz. Untuk menjawab permasalahan yang ada maka teori yang digunakan manajemen acara milik Goldblatt yang terdiri dari Penelitian, Desain, Perencanaan, Koordinasi, Evaluasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bagaimana tim Reyog Jazz merencanakan acara sampai dengan penerapannya. Dan jika dilihat, tim Reyog Jazz sudah menerapkan acara manajemen dengan cukup baik meskipun pada implementasinya masih terdapat beberapa evaluasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bagaimana tim Reyog Jazz merencanakan acara sampai dengan penerapannya. Dan jika dilihat, tim Reyog Jazz sudah menerapkan acara manajemen dengan cukup baik meskipun pada implementasinya masih terdapat beberapa evaluasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bagaimana tim Reyog Jazz merencanakan acara sampai dengan penerapannya. Dan jika dilihat, tim Reyog Jazz sudah menerapkan acara manajemen dengan cukup baik meskipun pada implementasinya masih terdapat beberapa evaluasi.
PERMAINAN INOVATIF LEGHEZO SEBAGAI MEDIA EDUKASI KESEHATAN UNTUK ANAK-ANAK
Authors: Hariyono Widodo , Septiyani Elisda
Published: March 2021

Golden ages phase is an important period of growth and development of the children. This period is a very good time to cultivate the values of the character of goodness which will hopefully be able to shape his personality. One of them is about living clean and healthy. Leghezo is health education games for children. Leghezo was present because of the limited health education media at the time of the widespread use of gadgets by children. Leghezo is a product development of the Research and Development study level 3. The stages of the research include data collection, planning, product development, validation, and product trials. The feasibility of the product is based on the results of the assessment of media experts, material experts, and Elementary School (SD) students as test subjects. Data collection techniques using observation and questionnaires. Data analysis with qualitative descriptive. The results of the study, the assessment of media experts score 4.36 (feasible category), expert assessment of the material score 4.90 (feasible category), the initial field trial results are 100% (feasible category). In conclusion, the innovative Leghezo game is worthy of being a health education media for children aged between 7-13 years.