bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and experimental tests of an active cooling system for a kind of in-vessel inspection manipulator
Authors: Du Liang , Zhang Wei-Jun , Yuan Jian-Jun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design and experimental tests of an active circulating cooling system for the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak in-vessel inspection manipulator, which will help the current manipulator prototype to achieve a full-scale in-vessel high temperature environment compatibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The high-temperature effects and heat transfer conditions of the manipulator under in-vessel environment were analyzed. An active circulating cooling system was designed and implemented on the manipulator prototype. A simulative in-vessel inspection task in a high temperature environment of 100°C was carried out to evaluate the performance of the active circulating cooling system.

Findings

The proposed active circulating cooling system was proved effective in helping the manipulator prototype to achieve its basic in-vessel inspection capability in a high temperature environment. The active circulating cooling system performance can be further improved considering the cooling structure coefficient differences in different manipulator parts.

Originality/value

For the first time, the active circulating cooling system was implemented and tested on a full-scale of the in-vessel inspection manipulator. The experimental data of the temperature distribution inside the manipulator and the operating status of the circulating system were helpful to evaluate the current active circulating cooling system design and provided effective guidance for improving the overall system performance.
Interfacing an industrial robot and MATLAB for predictive visual servoing
Authors: Krishnan Megha G. , Vijayan Abhilash T. , S. Ashok
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Real-time implementation of sophisticated algorithms on robotic systems demands a rewarding interface between hardware and software components. Individual robot manufacturers have dedicated controllers and languages. However, robot operation would require either the knowledge of additional software or expensive add-on installations for effective communication between the robot controller and the computation software. This paper aims to present a novel method of interfacing the commercial robot controllers with most widely used simulation platform, e.g. MATLAB in real-time with a demonstration of visual predictive controller.

Design/methodology/approach

A remote personal computer (PC), running MATLAB, is connected with the IRC5 controller of an ABB robotic arm through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP server on the IRC5 responds to a request from an FTP client (MATLAB) on a remote computer. MATLAB provides the basic platform for programming and control algorithm development. The controlled output is transferred to the robot controller through Ethernet port as files and, thereby, the proposed scheme ensures connection and control of the robot using the control algorithms developed by the researchers without the additional cost of buying add-on packages or mastering vendor-specific programming languages.

Findings

New control strategies and contrivances can be developed with numerous conditions and constraints in simulation platforms. When the results are to be implemented in real-time systems, the proposed method helps to establish a simple, fast and cost-effective communication with commercial robot controllers for validating the real-time performance of the developed control algorithm.

Practical implications

The proposed method is used for real-time implementation of visual servo control with predictive controller, for accurate pick-and-place application with different initial conditions. The same strategy has been proven effective in supervisory control using two cameras and artificial neural network-based visual control of robotic manipulators.

Originality/value

This paper elaborates a real-time example using visual servoing for researchers working with industrial robots, enabling them to understand and explore the possibilities of robot communication.
Case linkage in Australian serial stranger rape
Authors: Davidson Serena , Petherick Wayne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Case linkage theory and practice have received growing empirical support; however, they have yet to be examined fully within Australia. For sexual assault case linkage to be successful, it is assumed that a serial rapist will behave relatively consistently across offences yet distinctively compared to other offenders. The purpose of this paper is to test the underlying principles of case linkage, behavioural consistency and distinctiveness, as well as distinguishing accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 250 solved stranger rapes by 171 offenders (46 serial rapists, 125 one-off rapists) were taken from Queensland Police Service (QPS) crime records. All possible crime pairings were created and cross-crime similarity was assessed using Jaccard’s coefficient. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to examine the ability to distinguish between linked and unlinked offence pairs.

Findings

Serial linked pairs had the highest Jaccard’s coefficient (0.456), followed by non-serial unlinked (0.253) and finally, serial unlinked pairs (0.247). Within the ROC analysis, an area under the curve value was found of 0.913, indicating excellent distinguishing accuracy. Both the underlying principles of behavioural consistency and distinctiveness were supported through theoretical and practical methods. This paper provides the first analysis of serial rape case linkage in Australia, adding validity to this practice.

Research limitations/implications

The authors wish to acknowledge the support and assistance from the QPS in undertaking this research. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the QPS and any errors of omission or commission are the responsibility of the authors.

Practical implications

This paper provides validity to the practice of case linkage using a database within Australia. The results of this paper can be used to inform investigators of serial offender behaviours. The theories of offender consistency and distinctiveness are supported, highlighting the importance of behavioural evidence for practitioners. This paper provided a practical increase of the quantity and quality of offences uploaded on the Australian violent and sexual crimes database, which will assist further linkage efforts.

Originality/value

This paper is the first in Australia to examine consistency, distinctiveness and case linkage of serial stranger rape. Thus is contributes significantly not only to an increased understanding of serial rape and case linkage in Australia but also brings Australia closer to modern research practices in this field.
Optical character recognition (OCR) using partial least square (PLS) based feature reduction: an application to artificial intelligence for biometric identification
Authors: Akhtar Zainab , Lee Jong Weon , Attique Khan Muhammad , Sharif Muhammad , Ali Khan Sajid , Riaz Naveed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In artificial intelligence, the optical character recognition (OCR) is an active research area based on famous applications such as automation and transformation of printed documents into machine-readable text document. The major purpose of OCR in academia and banks is to achieve a significant performance to save storage space.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel technique is proposed for automated OCR based on multi-properties features fusion and selection. The features are fused using serially formulation and output passed to partial least square (PLS) based selection method. The selection is done based on the entropy fitness function. The final features are classified by an ensemble classifier.

Findings

The presented method was extensively tested on two datasets such as the authors proposed and Chars74k benchmark and achieved an accuracy of 91.2 and 99.9%. Comparing the results with existing techniques, it is found that the proposed method gives improved performance.

Originality/value

The technique presented in this work will help for license plate recognition and text conversion from a printed document to machine-readable.
The nexus between the increasing involvement of youth in betting games and unemployment: the Nigerian perspective
Authors: Olaore Gbemi Oladipo , Adejare Bimbo Onaolapo , Udofia Ekpenyong Ekpenyong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Betting games have become a global industry worth billions of dollars providing employment to millions and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of several countries. While there are debates and controversies surrounding betting games discourse, a growing body of literature shows that it has been exacerbated by growing unemployment rates. This paper aims to examine the nexus between the increasing involvement of youth in betting games and unemployment from the Nigerian perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts simple random and stratified sampling techniques to select participants for the study. Three hypotheses were tested for this study and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The three hypotheses tested in this study were coined from previous literature. The study established a direct link between technology advancement, promises of winning big coupled with bonuses while unemployment was not significant to youth involvement in betting games. The study also showed that playing betting games provides another source of income to the youth, who are already engaged in one form of work or another. Finally, youth involvement in betting games has created awareness regarding different sports in the world, while contributing to Nigeria’s economy.

Practical implications

As betting games centre as a business in Nigeria has contributed substantially and positively to unemployment in Nigeria; the Government of Nigeria are encouraged to streamline and regulate the activities of the sector such that they can contribute significantly to the country GDP and provide employment opportunities to the youths.

Originality/value

The research shows that the reason why betting games have a massive turnaround of youths in Nigeria is not majorly because of unemployment but as another means to a substantial financial individual/family income. Thus, Nigerian youths see betting games as an avenue to make more money. The study is the first of its kind to examine the nexus between betting games, technology and unemployment hence, its contribution to knowledge.
The perils of notional membership during a pandemic
Authors: Dobbs Christina L. , Leider Christine Montecillo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In this essay, the authors will describe several facets of their experience as women faculty of color in the academy during the pandemic, in order to explore how institutions might think of equity and diversity initiatives during the pandemic time.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay discusses structural, leadership and individual considerations in supporting faculty from diverse backgrounds during the pandemic and beyond, by considering the typical strategies used by faculty of color to maintain active organizational memberships and how the pandemic has shifted those strategies.

Findings

Ultimately, this essay grapples with diversity as an institutional priority during the unique and shifting circumstances of remote work and teaching and research during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This essay provides insight into how institutions who want to maintain diversity progress during and postpandemic must be more thoughtful about the hiring structures, decision-making spaces and overarching missions.
UV ink-jet printed braille: a review on the state of the art
Authors: Vujčić Đorđe , Kašiković Nemanja , Stančić Mladen , Majnarić Igor , Novaković Dragoljub
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the importance of braille for visually impaired people and the possibility of printing it by using the ultra-violet (UV) inkjet printing technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The vision impairment, definitions and statistics, as well as braille letter and standards, are first reviewed. Then, the methods of printing braille have been discussed, with a focus on UV ink-jet printing. Finally, this study indicates a significant role of UV ink-jet printed Braille, its possibilities and its advantages.

Findings

Research studies in the field of UV ink-jet printed braille are showing that it is possible to print good legible braille of the adequate height of dots. This paper highlights some advantages of printing braille with UV ink-jet, like the possibility of achieving greater dot height than embossing and no need for printing form. Printing of additional elements on top of braille dot has also been tested, and possible use for differentiation of the written notation is shown. This paper also indicates the importance of technological and operating conditions in UV inkjet braille printing. It predicts a significant role of UV inkjet in braille printing.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed review of UV ink-jet printed braille: possibilities, advantages and application.
Highly selective piezoresistive sensor for mercury (Hg2+) ions detection using mercaptosuccinic acid-functionalized microcantilevers with cross-linked pyridinedicarboxylic acid
Authors: Rotake Dinesh Ramkrushna , Darji Anand , Kale Nitin S.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to report an insightful portable microfluidic system for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ in the picomolar (pM) concentration using microcantilever-based piezoresistive sensor. The detection time for various laboratory-based techniques is generally 12–24 h. The majority of modules used in the proposed platform are battery oriented; therefore, they are portable and handy to carry-out on-field investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors have incorporated the benefit of three technologies, i.e. thin-film, nanoparticles (NPs) and micro-electro-mechanical systems, to selectively capture the Hg2+ at the pM concentration. The morphology and topography of the proposed sensor are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and verification of the experimental results using energy dispersive X-ray.

Findings

The proposed portable microfluidic system is able to perform the detection in 5 min with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) for Hg2+, which perfectly describes its excellent performance over other reported techniques.

Research limitations/implications

A microcantilever-based technology is perfect for on-site detection, and a LOD of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) is outstanding compared to other techniques, but the fabrication of microcantilever sensor is complex.

Originality/value

Many researchers used NPs for heavy metal ions sensing, but the excess usage and industrialization of NPs are rapidly expanding harmful consequences on the human life and nature. Also, the LOD of the NPs-based method is limited to nanomolar concentration. The suggested microfluidic system used the benefit of thin-film and microcantilever devices to provide advancement over the NPs-based approach and it has a selective sensing in pM concentration.
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (QLD): A form of private governance in action?
Authors: Campion Lucy
Published: July 2020

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (QLD) (ACHA) removes the Queensland Government from any direct role in the regulation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and operates by encouraging and in certain circumstances, requiring agreements between developers and Aboriginal groups. This paper argues that these agreements constitute a form of private governance. Agreements between developers and Aboriginal groups have traditionally been seen as falling outside private governance literature as they are domestic and contractual in nature. However, private governance theory has recently been used to understand agreements between developers and Indigenous groups in Canada and this paper will demonstrate that the approach of the ACHA constitutes a form of private governance. This paper will analyse the ACHA against key principles for good governance and explore the challenges for the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage when the state is removed as regulator.
Morphological awareness and learning to read: impact of socio‐economic status in French third graders
Authors: Rassel Alicia , Facon Bruno , Casalis Séverine
Published: July 2020

Background

In addition to phonological processing and vocabulary, morphological awareness has been clearly identified as contributing to learning to read. While the impact of socio‐economic status (SES) has been identified for both phonological processing and vocabulary, less is known about the SES influence on morphological awareness and its relationship to reading achievement. The study had two aims: to assess the net effect of SES on morphological awareness and to compare the independent contribution of morphological awareness to reading scores as a function of children's SES (middle vs low SES) when phonological processing and vocabulary are held constant.

Methods

The sample included 162 French third graders from low‐SES and middle‐SES schools. Children were assessed on reading‐related and literacy tests (phonological processing, vocabulary, morphological awareness, reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension).

Results

First, while morphological awareness was lower for low‐SES children, regression analyses showed that SES did not explain the morphological awareness score when phonological processing and vocabulary were taken into account. Second, while the morphological awareness contribution to reading accuracy did not differ across SES, its contribution to reading fluency was weaker in low‐SES as compared to middle‐SES children. Only vocabulary score predicted reading comprehension in low‐SES. Interestingly, morphological awareness was stronger than vocabulary as a determinant of reading scores in middle‐SES children, while it seems more dissociated from vocabulary in accounting for reading scores in low‐SES children.

Conclusions

The contribution of morphological awareness to low‐SES children's reading scores opens possibilities for morphological awareness‐based interventional studies in children with narrower vocabulary skills.
Effect of pregnancy prolongation in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia on postpartum maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function in primiparous women: an observational study
Authors: Mulder EG , Ghossein‐Doha C , Crutsen JRW , Van Kuijk SMJ , Thilaganathan B , Spaanderman MEA
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between deferred delivery in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia and offspring outcome and maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function in the postpartum period.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital.

Population

Nulliparous women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia before 34 weeks’ gestation who participated in a routine postpartum cardiovascular risk assessment programme. Women with hypertension, diabetes mellitus or renal disease prior to pregnancy were excluded.

Methods

Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between pregnancy prolongation and outcome measures.

Main outcome measures

Offspring outcome and prevalence of deviant maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function.

Results

The study population included 564 women with a median pregnancy prolongation of 10 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4–18) who were assessed at on average 8 months (IQR 6–12) postpartum. Pregnancy prolongation after diagnosis resulted in a decrease in infant mortality (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.907, 95% CI 0.852–0.965 per day prolongation). This improvement in offspring outcome was associated with an elevated risk of moderately increased albuminuria (aOR 1.025, 95% CI 1.006–1.045 per day prolongation), but not with aberrant cardiac geometry, cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction, persistent hypertension or metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Pregnancy prolongation in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia is associated with improved offspring outcome and survival. These effects do not appear to be deleterious to short‐term maternal cardiovascular and metabolic function but are associated with a modest increase in risk of residual albuminuria.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnancy prolongation in pre‐eclampsia has only a limited effect on postpartum maternal cardiovascular function.
Science After Covid-19: Faster, Better, Stronger?
Authors: Schwab Simon , Held Leonhard
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus has dramatically affected our daily lives in the short term. But will the pandemic change research for the better over the longer term? By Simon Schwab and Leonhard Held
Covid-19 Through the Lens of the Peer-Reviewed Literature
Authors: Neal Samuel R. , Zheng Cindy
Published: July 2020

What can we learn about the coronavirus pandemic from text-mining the titles of journal papers? By Samuel R. Neal and Cindy Zheng
Not Buying It!
Authors: Langkjær-Bain Robert
Published: July 2020

Advertisers rely on statistics to back up many of the claims they make about their products. But do the numbers add up? And if not, what are the consequences? Robert Langkjær-Bain investigates
Quomodo Dicitur “Data Science” Latine?
Authors: Jay Matthew A. , Borja Mario Cortina
Published: July 2020

The headline asks: “How do you say ‘data science’ in Latin?” But perhaps the more pertinent question is, why should we care? Matthew A. Jay and Mario Cortina Borja look to the past to better understand a thoroughly modern phrase
C. R. Rao's Century
Authors: Efron Bradley , Amari Shun-ichi , Rubin Donald B. , Rao Arni S. R. Srinivasa , Cox David R.
Published: July 2020

On 10 September 2020, C. R. Rao turns 100. Bradley Efron, Shun-ichi Amari, Donald B. Rubin, Arni S. R. Srinivasa Rao and David R. Cox reflect on his contributions to statistics
Books: Effective Data Storytelling
Authors: King Thomas
Published: July 2020

Brent Dykes; Wiley; 336pp; January 2020; £30.99, $39.95; ISBN 9781119615712
Frequency of peripheral diseases in Korean patients with ankylosing spondylitis and the effectiveness of adalimumab
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hoon , Park Won , Won Lee Sung , Kim Hyun Ah , Choe Jung‐Yoon , Lee Sang‐Heon , Lee Shin‐Seok , Park Sung‐Hwan , Park Min‐Chan , Sheen Dong‐Hyuk , Lee Hye Soon , Lee Yeon‐Ah , Lee Yusun , Kim Tae‐Hwan
Published: July 2020

Aim

Peripheral features contribute to disease burden in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study investigated the frequency of peripheral disease and effectiveness of adalimumab among Korean patients with AS.

Methods

Peripheral disease was evaluated in consecutively enrolled patients with active AS (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] score ≥ 4). An adult subpopulation was subsequently enrolled in a prospective, observational study and received adalimumab 40 mg, every 2 weeks. During a 52‐week follow‐up, AS disease activity was assessed by BASDAI score, and effectiveness in peripheral disease assessed via changes in Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES; 0‐13), swollen joint and tender joint counts (SJC, 0‐44; TJC, 0‐46), and dactylitic digits from baseline.

Results

Of 1161 Korean patients with AS, 178 (15.3%) and 306 (26.4%) had enthesitis and peripheral arthritis, respectively; dactylitis was diagnosed in 28 patients (2.4%). Of 201 patients enrolled in the observational study, 46.3%, 33.3%, and 3.0% had enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, and dactylitis, respectively. Overall, 75.1% of patients achieved >50% improvement in BASDAI score by week 12. Mean MASES was significantly reduced from 2.67 at baseline to 0.85 and 0.34 at weeks 12 and 52, respectively (P < .0001). Similarly, SJC and TJC improved significantly from 2.58 and 3.49 at baseline to 0.80 and 1.68, respectively, by week 12 (P < .0001). Dactylitis was resolved in all affected patients by week 28.

Conclusion

Of these Korean patients with AS, those who received adalimumab demonstrated higher prevalence for peripheral symptoms and, subsequently, adalimumab treatment improved peripheral features of their AS.
No more excuses! Performance of ESG‐integrated portfolios in Australia
Authors: Lee Darren D. , Fan John Hua , Wong Victor S. H.
Published: July 2020

We find compelling evidence that integrating environment, social and governance (ESG) analyses into ongoing investment practices in Australia does not harm risk‐adjusted returns. High‐ESG‐rated portfolios consistently provide superior outperformance, diversification efficiencies, and lower overall risk compared to low‐ESG‐rated portfolios. In contrast to low‐rated portfolios, we find no evidence that high‐ESG‐rated portfolios underperform the market. All results remain robust to alternative time periods, market cycles, seasonality effects, ratings method and the inclusion of trading costs and management fees. Overall, our findings suggest that a simple ESG integration strategy may provide a natural hedge against the risks that arise from the evolving fiduciary responsibilities of professional investment managers relating to ESG risks.
Phylogenetic analysis of theEuschistusgroup (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) suggests polyphyly ofDichelopsSpinola, 1837 with the erection ofDiceraeusDallas, 1851, stat. rev.
Authors: Barão Kim R , Ferrari Augusto , Grazia Jocelia
Published: July 2020

Carpocorini are the most diverse tribe within Pentatominae, comprising about 100 genera and 500 species, with the highest diversity found in the Neotropics. Within Carpocorini, some groups of genera have been, formally or informally, proposed based on morphological similarities and taxonomic history. TheEuschistusgroup was informally proposed and comprises 20 genera, includingEuschistusDallas, 1851 andDichelopsSpinola, 1837. Both of these genera had their monophyly under dispute recently.Dichelops, which includes the species commonly known as the green‐belly stink bug, comprises 16 species in three subgenera, with an exclusively Neotropical distribution. The genus was revised recently, and for each subgenus, a set of distinct morphological characters was listed, which allow their precise identification. We tested the monophyly of theEuschistusgroup and ofDichelopsunder parsimony criteria using discrete and continuous characters and two‐character weighting methods. TheEuschistusgroup was paraphyletic, andDichelopswas polyphyletic in every analysis, and the taxonomic characters formerly proposed as diagnostic for the genus and its subgenera were homoplastic. On the basis of the phylogenetic result, we propose the erection ofDiceraeusDallas, 1851,stat. rev.to the status of genus andDichelopscomprising two subgenera, the nominal andProdichelopsGrazia, 1978. This decision has implications for applied entomology, because species ofDiceraeusare important crop pests in the Neotropics.
Necessity of early and continuous monitoring for possible infectious complications in children undergoing therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Brandt Jennifer B. , Steiner Sabine , Schlager Gerald , Sadeghi Kambis , Vargha Regina , Golej Johann , Hermon Michael
Published: July 2020

Aim

Since therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is known for its inhibitory effects on leucocyte migration and cytokine synthesis, our aim was to underline the necessity of early monitoring for potential immunomodulatory risks.

Methods

Using a 13‐year retrospective case‐control study at the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the Medical University in Vienna, all newborn infants and children receiving TH were screened and compared with a diagnosis‐matched control group undergoing conventional normothermic treatment (NT). TH was accomplished by using a non‐invasive cooling device. Target temperature was 32‐34°C. Children with evident infections, a medical history of an immunodeficiency or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, were excluded.

Results

During the observational period, 108 patients were screened, 27 of which underwent TH. Culture‐proven infections occurred in 22% of the TH group compared with 4% of the normothermic controls (P = .1). From the second day following PICU admission, median C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were higher in the TH group (day two P = .002, day three P = .0002, day six P = .008).

Conclusion

Children undergoing TH showed earlier and higher increases in CRP levels when compared to normothermic controls. These data underline the necessity of early and continuous monitoring for possible infectious complications.
Subcutaneous switching suture technique for hernia defect closure during laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair
Authors: Morioka Daisuke , Izumisawa Yusuke , Ohyama Norio , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Horii Nobutoshi , Asano Fumio , Miura Masaru , Sato Yoshiki
Published: July 2020

Introduction

A vertical penetration of the thread through the abdominal wall for the hernia defect closure in laparoscopic ventral/incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) is difficult especially in the large defect cases when applying the existing techniques.

Materials

Sixteen LVIHRs were performed using the suture technique for defect closure we newly developed.

Surgical technique

With the subcutaneous switching, our technique only requires the suture‐passer and easily enables the vertical penetration of the thread through the abdominal muscular wall even in the large defect cases.

Discussion

The defect closure in LVIHR tends to be complicated in the large defect cases. Thus, we devised this technique for the easy, reliable, and firm closure even in the large defect cases. Although the sample size was currently very small, we consider that the favorable outcomes have been obtained through our technique because any noticeable complications, such as mesh bulging or recurrence, have not been observed currently.
Disentangling the process of epistemic change: The role of epistemic volition
Authors: Kerwer Martin , Rosman Tom , Wedderhoff Oliver , Chasiotis Anita
Published: July 2020

Background

Many interventions on epistemic beliefs (i.e., individual beliefs about knowledge and knowing) are based on Bendixen and Rule’s Integrative Model for Personal Epistemology Development. Empirically, however, the model is still insufficiently validated. This is especially true for its epistemic volition component – a will or desire to actively change one’s beliefs.

Aims

To experimentally scrutinize the role of epistemic volition, we investigated (incremental) effects on epistemic change of an epistemic volition intervention.

Sample

412 psychology students enrolled at German universities completed the study.

Methods

We employed a randomized pre–post design with three experimental groups that differed in the administered epistemic volition and resolvable controversies interventions. The purpose of the latter was to initiate an epistemic change process, thereby laying the foundation for the epistemic volition intervention. Both data collection and interventions were conducted online. In addition to self‐report measures, we applied a complementary source evaluation task to analyse epistemic change.

Results

Even though we found small‐ to medium‐sized changes in epistemic beliefs, these changes did not differ between experimental conditions. Exploratory analyses suggested, however, that source evaluation task performance might have been promoted by the epistemic volition intervention and that – across experimental groups – manipulation check measures on both interventions interacted positively.

Conclusion

Ultimately, we failed to separate the effects that our epistemic volition intervention had on epistemic change from these of the resolvable controversies intervention. Nonetheless, our study makes some strong contributions to – and interconnects – the growing bodies of research on epistemic change and multiple source use.
An evaluation of an adaptive learning system based on multimodal affect recognition for learners with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Standen Penelope J. , Brown David J. , Taheri Mohammad , Galvez Trigo Maria J. , Boulton Helen , Burton Andrew , Hallewell Madeline J. , Lathe James G. , Shopland Nicholas , Blanco Gonzalez Maria A. , Kwiatkowska Gosia M. , Milli Elena , Cobello Stefano , Mazzucato Annaleda , Traversi Marco , Hortal Enrique
Published: July 2020

Artificial intelligence tools for education (AIEd) have been used to automate the provision of learning support to mainstream learners. One of the most innovative approaches in this field is the use of data and machine learning for the detection of a student’s affective state, to move them out of negative states that inhibit learning, into positive states such as engagement. In spite of their obvious potential to provide the personalisation that would give extra support for learners with intellectual disabilities, little work on AIEd systems that utilise affect recognition currently addresses this group. Our system used multimodal sensor data and machine learning to first identify three affective states linked to learning (engagement, frustration, boredom) and second determine the presentation of learning content so that the learner is maintained in an optimal affective state and rate of learning is maximised. To evaluate this adaptive learning system, 67 participants aged between 6 and 18 years acting as their own control took part in a series of sessions using the system. Sessions alternated between using the system with both affect detection and learning achievement to drive the selection of learning content (intervention) and using learning achievement alone (control) to drive the selection of learning content. Lack of boredom was the state with the strongest link to achievement, with both frustration and engagement positively related to achievement. There was significantly more engagement and less boredom in intervention than control sessions, but no significant difference in achievement. These results suggest that engagement does increase when activities are tailored to the personal needs and emotional state of the learner and that the system was promoting affective states that in turn promote learning. However, longer exposure is necessary to determine the effect on learning.
The Courage to Dream: A Beginning Psychotherapist Encounters Bion
Authors: Hill Cone Deborah
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a psychotherapy student is given an assignment to analyse one of her own dreams using Freudian dream theory. She struggles to engage with the task until she discovers the ideas of Wilfred Bion. The notions of alpha function and beta function offer a framework for the student to understand why she has had so much difficulty in staying connected to her dreams or delineating in a culturally appropriate way between what is reality and what is her dreamworld. The student questions whether her early life, taking place within the political and ideological conflict of apartheid‐era South Africa, may have influenced her ability to stay in reality, and wonders about her own ability to contain the affects of her children. She presents a vignette of a dream of her own in which she has to free a naked baby who is stuck in a wall in a bathroom. The writer and her therapist construct the dream as aligning with her own psychoanalytic work to integrate the very young part of herself. In coming to this understanding with the ideas of Bion, the student experiences her own reality in a more vivid and present way.
Streptococcus pneumoniae aminopeptidase N regulates dendritic cells that attenuates type‐2 airway inflammation in murine allergic asthma
Authors: Wu Guangying , Zhang Xuemei , Chen Xu , Wang Jian , Yang Jing , Wang Ling , Sun Si , Qi Yuhong , Wang Hong , Yin Yibing , Xu Wenchun
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that microbial exposure in early childhood is linked with reduced risk to suffer asthma. Thus microbial components with immunoregulatory capabilities might serve as a preventive strategy for allergic asthma. Recently, it was identified that Streptococcus pneumoniae aminopeptidase N (PepN) could suppress T cell effector function. We sought to investigate the effect of PepN on murine allergic asthma and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Experimental Approach

The effects of intranasal administration of PepN during or before sensitization were examined in ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced murine allergic asthma. The roles of CD11b+ dendritic cells in PepN treated OVA‐induced allergic asthma were evaluated by flow cytometry, cytokines detection and adoptive transfer. Moreover, the numbers of lung type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were also detected.

Key Results

Administration of PepN during or before sensitization attenuated type‐2 airway inflammation (eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, Th2 cytokines production and IgE production) in allergic asthma mice. PepN reduced lung accumulation of CD11b+ dendritic cells, which was accompanied by diminished dendritic cell‐attracting chemokine CCL20 production as well as CCL17 and CCL22, which are Th2‐cell chemokines predominantly produced by CD11b+ dendritic cells. Adoptive transfer of BM‐derived CD11b+ dendritic cells abolished the inhibitory effect of PepN on OVA‐induced type‐2 airway inflammation. The numbers of lung ILC2s were decreased in asthmatic mice receiving PepN.

Conclusion and Implications

PepN alleviated type‐2 inflammation in OVA‐induced allergic asthma mice, which was mediated by regulation of lung CD11b+ dendritic cells. Our study provides a novel strategy for the prevention of allergic asthma.
Opportunities for histone deacetylase inhibition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Klingl Yvonne E. , Pakravan Donya , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: July 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. ALS patients suffer from a progressive loss of motor neurons, leading to respiratory failure within 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. Available therapies only slow down the disease progression moderately or extend the lifespan by a few months. Epigenetic hallmarks have been linked to the disease, creating an avenue for potential therapeutic approaches. Interference with one class of epigenetic enzymes, histone deacetylases, has been shown to affect neurodegeneration in many preclinical models. Consequently, it is crucial to improve our understanding about histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in (pre)clinical models of ALS. We conclude that selective inhibitors with high tolerability and safety and sufficient blood–brain barrier permeability will be needed to interfere with both epigenetic and non‐epigenetic targets of these enzymes.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Recent advances in ALS pathogenesis and therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc
Piecing Together the Puzzle of Pictorial Representation: How Jigsaw Puzzles Index Metacognitive Development
Authors: Doherty Martin J. , Wimmer Marina C. , Gollek Cornelia , Stone Charlotte , Robinson Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2020

Jigsaw puzzles are ubiquitous developmental toys in Western societies, used here to examine the development of metarepresentation. For jigsaw puzzles this entails understanding that individual pieces, when assembled, produce a picture. In Experiment 1, 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds (N = 117) completed jigsaw puzzles that were normal, had no picture, or comprised noninterlocking rectangular pieces. Pictorial puzzle completion was associated with mental and graphical metarepresentational task performance. Guide pictures of completed pictorial puzzles were not useful. In Experiment 2, 3‐ to 4‐year‐olds (N = 52) completed a simplified task, to choose the correct final piece. Guide‐use associated with age and specifically graphical metarepresentation performance. We conclude that the pragmatically natural measure of jigsaw puzzle completion ability demonstrates general and pictorial metarepresentational development at 4 years.
A Longitudinal Person‐Centered Examination of Affinity for Aloneness Among Children and Adolescents
Authors: Daly Owen , Willoughby Teena
Published: July 2020

Affinity for aloneness among youth often is viewed negatively. However, some youth may enjoy solitude for positive reasons, rather than because of social anxiety. The prevalence and adjustment over time of youth with high affinity for aloneness is unclear. Groups of children (N = 605, Mage = 9.29) and adolescents (N = 596, Mage = 12.20) were identified using affinity for aloneness and social anxiety scores, and group differences in adjustment were assessed. Latent class analyses revealed four groups at T1 and T2 for both samples. Among these were Normative (Low.affinity_for_aloneness‐Low.social_anxiety) and Affinity for Aloneness (High.affinity_for_aloneness‐LowMod.social_anxiety) groups. These groups did not differ longitudinally in adjustment. Having elevated levels of affinity for aloneness without high social anxiety is relatively benign.
Whole‐exome sequencing in adult patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: It is never too late
Authors: Minardi Raffaella , Licchetta Laura , Baroni Maria Chiara , Pippucci Tommaso , Stipa Carlotta , Mostacci Barbara , Severi Giulia , Toni Francesco , Bergonzini Luca , Carelli Valerio , Seri Marco , Tinuper Paolo , Bisulli Francesca
Published: July 2020

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) encompass rare, sporadic neurodevelopmental disorders and usually with pediatric onset. As these conditions are characterized by marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) represents the strategy of choice for the molecular diagnosis. While its usefulness is well established in pediatric DEE cohorts, our study is aimed at assessing the WES feasibility in adult DEE patients who experienced a diagnostic odyssey prior to the advent of this technique. We analyzed exomes from 71 unrelated adult DEE patients, consecutively recruited from an Italian cohort for the EPI25 Project. All patients underwent accurate clinical and electrophysiological characterization. An overwhelming percentage (90.1%) had already undergone negative genetic testing. Variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. WES disclosed 24 (likely) pathogenic variants among 18 patients in epilepsy‐related genes with either autosomal dominant, recessive or X‐linked inheritance. Ten of these were novel. We obtained a diagnostic yield of 25.3%, higher among patients with brain malformations, early‐onset epilepsy and dysmorphisms. Despite a median diagnostic delay of 38.7 years, WES analysis provided the long‐awaited diagnosis for 18 adult patients, which also had an impact on the clinical management of 50% of them.
Conditional Preference Networks with User's Genuine Decisions
Authors: Ahmed Sultan , Mouhoub Malek
Published: July 2020

User's choices involve habitual behavior and genuine decision. Habitual behavior is often expressed using preferences. In a multiattribute case, the Conditional Preference Network (CP‐net) is a graphical model to represent user's conditional ceteris paribus (all else being equal) preference statements. Indeed, the CP‐net induces a strict partial order over the outcomes. By contrast, we argue that genuine decisions are environmentally influenced and introduce the notion of “comfort” to represent this type of choices. In this article, we propose an extension of the CP‐net model that we call the CP‐net with Comfort (CPC‐net) to represent a user's comfort with preferences. Given that preference and comfort might be two conflicting objectives, we define the Pareto optimality of outcomes when achieving outcome optimization with respect to a given CPC‐net. Then, we propose a backtrack search algorithm to find the Pareto optimal outcomes. On the other hand, two outcomes can stand in one of six possible relations with respect to a CPC‐net. The exact relation can be obtained by performing dominance testing in the corresponding CP‐net and comparing the numeric comforts.
Expression of ABC transporter and scavenger receptor mRNAs in PBMCs in 100‐km ultramarathon runners
Authors: Juan Chi‐Chang , Li Li‐Hua , Hou Sen‐Kuang , Liu Ping‐Shiou , Kao Wei‐Fong , Chiu Yu‐Hui , How Chorng‐Kuang
Published: July 2020

Background

Cholesterol metabolism is tightly regulated at the cellular level. This study was to measure the expression levels of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) and class A (SRA), and CD36 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to 100‐km ultramarathon event and determine any correlation between these ABC transporters/scavenger receptor expression levels and plasma cholesterol homeostasis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐six participants were enrolled. Blood was drawn from each individual 1 week prior, immediately after, and 24 hours after the race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, SR‐BI, SRA and CD36 in PBMCs were measured by using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly increased immediately after the race and dropped at 24‐hour post‐race compared with pre‐race values. The 100‐km ultramarathon boosted high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels and decreased low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels 24‐hour post‐race. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR‐BI were markedly decreased, whereas that of CD36 was slightly but significantly upregulated in runners’ PBMCs immediately after the race. Ultramarathon resulted in immediate large‐scale stimulation of inflammatory cytokines with increased plasma interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha levels. Moreover, by using in vitro models with human monocytic cell lines, incubation of runners’ plasma immediately after the race significantly downregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1, and upregulated CD36 expression in these cells.

Conclusions

ABCA1, ABCG1 and CD36 gene expressions in PBMCS might be associated with endurance exercise‐induced plasma cholesterol homeostasis and systemic inflammatory response.
Resistance of Cercospora beticola Sacc isolates to thiophanate methyl (benzimidazole), demethylation inhibitors and quinone outside inhibitors in Morocco
Authors: El Housni Z. , Ezrari S. , Tahiri A. , Ouijja A.
Published: July 2020

Sugar beet is a major crop in Morocco and Cercospora leaf spot is one of its most important fungal diseases. In Morocco, thiophanate methyl (benzimidazole) and difenoconazole (demethylation inhibitor, DMI) have been used extensively in the management of Cercospora leaf spot. In this study, samples of Cercospora beticola Sacc were collected from four major production areas. The identification of all isolates was confirmed using a PCR test with specific primers. Radial mycelia growth of each isolate in unmodified potato dextrose agar medium was compared to mycelia growth in the same medium modified with thiophanate methyl (1, 5, 10 and 50 ppm) or the DMIs difenoconazole, epoxiconazole and tetraconazole (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 50 ppm) or the quinone outside inhibitors (QOIs) azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin (1, 5, 10 and 50 ppm). The percentage of inhibition obtained was used for the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) calculation. All the isolates showed resistance to the thiophanate methyl molecule to different degrees. Three groups were identified: low resistance with EC50 less than 100 ppm, moderate resistance with EC50 between 100 and 1000 ppm, and very resistant with EC50 more than 1000 ppm. For difenoconazole, 41% of isolates were sensitive (EC50 < 0.05 ppm) and 59% were resistant, while for tetraconazole and epoxiconazole 6% were sensitive (EC50 < 0.01 ppm), 66.7 % had medium resistance (0.01 < EC50 < 1 ppm) and 27.3% were resistant (EC50 > 1 ppm). For QOIs, azoxystrobin was less effective for mycelial inhibition than trifloxystrobin, with 54.5% of isolates with resistance to azoxystrobin (EC50 > 100 ppm).