bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report on the Policy Coordination Index for the Belt and Road Initiative (2018)
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Wu Yaping
Published: August 2019

The Five Connectivities Index (FCI) is a comprehensive index system designed to quantify the level and progress of connectivity in countries through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The first connectivity of the five measured is policy coordination, and it is the foundation for the other four. It measures the degree of policy coordination between China and the other countries (94 in 2017) that are participating in the BRI. The average score for the policy coordination of BRI countries was 10.96 in 2018 (for 2017), ranking good coordination, which is consistent with the good level overall of the FCI, which shows that policy coordination between China and the other countries in the BRI was generally good in 2017. The 2018 results show that policy coordination of the 94 countries with China was generally stable, with a few changes. The scores of the countries that work closely with the Chinese Government within the framework of BRI have improved markedly, and the countries that are more passive have lower scores. This paper, interpreting these results, investigates the reasons and specific events that have led to positive and negative effects on policy coordination between China and other BRI countries. In addition, the Pearson correlation measurement for the results of the FCI shows that bilateral political mutual trust is significantly correlated with cooperation results. This indicates that bilateral political mutual trust is the key for ensuring that the BRI is fruitful and stable and has far-reaching effects.
Alloy
Authors: Jackson Daniel
Published: August 2019

Exploiting a simple, expressive logic based on relations to describe designs and automate their analysis.
An inability to reproduce
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: August 2019

Big data and modern analytics offer enormous possibilities for research, provided scientists can produce consistent results.
Augmented reality gets real
Authors: Anthes Gary
Published: August 2019

Formidable optical challenges are yielding to intensive research, development.
Internet immunity and the freedom to code
Authors: Goldman Eric
Published: August 2019

A call to preserve the capability of developing the next generation of Internet services.
The future of tangible user interfaces
Authors: Holmquist Lars Erik
Published: August 2019

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design. ---
Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
CSCW research @ Latin America
Authors: López Claudia , de Souza Cleidson , Gaytán Sane , Gutierrez Francisco J.
Published: August 2019

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
Les démêlés des écrivains avec la justice
Authors: Masson Jean-Pol
Published: August 2019

Cette contribution vise à donner un aperçu des difficultés que les écrivains français et belges ont eues avec la justice de leur pays, plus précisément des poursuites que leur activité littéraire leur a values de la part du ministère public. Les poursuites intentées contre les auteurs peuvent être dues à des écrits de nature politique. On en rencontre sous l’Ancien Régime (Diderot, Rousseau), pendant la Révolution (André Chénier), sous la Restauration (Paul-Louis Courier, Béranger), sous le règne de Louis-Philippe (Daumier), chaque fois lorsque l’écrivain s’en prend à un aspect ou l’autre du système politique. On traite aussi, du procès fait à Zola, sous la démocratique IIIe République, pour avoir critiqué le fonctionnement de la justice militaire. Nouvelles poursuites pendant la seconde guerre mondiale, à l’encontre des auteurs déplaisant au gouvernement de Vichy ou à l’occupant allemand. Renversement de situation à la Libération : ce sont cette fois les écrivains collaborationnistes qui se retrouvent devant les juridictions et qui sont parfois sévèrement condamnés (ainsi Brasillach, condamné à mort). L’autre type de poursuites dirigées contre les écrivains concerne les ouvrages jugés contraires aux bonnes mœurs. Il y a des procès de ce genre dès le XVIIe siècle (Théophile de Viau). On en rencontre au XIXe siècle, les plus célèbres étant ceux qui visaient Flaubert et Baudelaire. La contribution examine, pour conclure, la question de la responsabilité des écrivains. Si nous sommes choqués par les ennuis faits à plusieurs auteurs par des régimes non démocratiques, il est en revanche normal que certains écrits, comme ceux qui glorifiaient l’antisémitisme ou d’autres théories des nationaux-socialistes, aient valu des poursuites à leurs auteurs.
L’ironie dans «Micromegas»: l’attaque aux philosophes et à la science
Authors: Ferreira Mariana Borrasca
Published: August 2019

Ce travail a pour but analyser l’ironie dirigée aux philosophes et à la science des Lumières dans «Micromégas», conte philosophique écrit par Voltaire en 1752. On a choisi certains extraits du texte où le narrateur emploie cette ressource stylistique pour critiquer des philosophes et des sages de l’époque qui valorisaient la raison surtout. Pour rendre plus claire la spécificité de la construction voltairienne de l’ironie, seulement à titre de démonstration, on a fait une comparaison succincte entre sa façon d’élaborer l’ironie et celle de Machado de Assis dans le conte «O alienista», qui est aussi une critique à une façon de faire de la science, mais dans une autre époque. Cet article apponte les premiers résultats de cette étude et des effets de l’emploi de l’ironie dirigée aux sages dans le conte de Voltaire, en essayant de les analyser dans ses relations avec le contexte de l’époque.
Change in the NT‐proBNP/Mature BNP Molar Ratio Precedes Worsening Renal Function in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: A Novel Predictor Candidate for Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Takahama Hiroyuki , Nishikimi Toshio , Takashio Seiji , Hayashi Tomohiro , Nagai‐Okatani Chiaki , Asada Takashi , Fujiwara Akihiro , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Amano Masashi , Hamatani Yasuhiro , Okada Atsushi , Amaki Makoto , Hasegawa Takuya , Kanzaki Hideaki , Nishimura Kunihiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Kangawa Kenji , Anzai Toshihisa , Minamino Naoto , Izumi Chisato
Published: August 2019

Background

Early detection for worsening renal function (
WRF
) is indispensable in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that the difference in the circulating levels of each B‐type or brain natriuretic peptide (
BNP
) molecular form is associated with the occurrence of
WRF
.

Methods and Results

Circulating levels of pro
BNP
, the NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro
BNP
), and total
BNP
(pro
BNP
+mature
BNP
) were prospectively measured in patients with acute decompensated HF using specific and sensitive enzyme immunochemiluminescent assays. An estimated mature
BNP
(em
BNP
) concentration was calculated by subtracting pro
BNP
levels from total
BNP
levels.
WRF
was defined as a >20% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate during the hospitalization. One‐way repeated‐measures
ANOVA
was used to compare the changes of variables between the patients with and without
WRF
. In patients with acute decompensated HF (New York Heart Association class
III
–
IV
; 96%) hospitalized for
HF
,
NT
‐pro
BNP
levels did not differ during the hospitalization between patients with and without
WRF
(n=42 and 140, respectively). By contrast, em
BNP
levels were lower in patients with
WRF
than in those without
WRF
on day 3 after admission.
NT
‐pro
BNP
/em
BNP
molar ratios were elevated on day 3 after admission in the patients with
WRF
, before estimated glomerular filtration rate declined, but were unchanged in patients without
WRF
. On day 3 after hospital admission,
NT
‐pro
BNP
/em
BNP
ratios were strongly associated with percentage decreases in estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that elevation of
NT
‐pro
BNP
/em
BNP
ratio precedes WRF in patients with acute
HF
and can be a potentially useful biomarker for risk stratification of cardiorenal syndrome.
A new species of the mud shrimp genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924 (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Laomediidae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , FUJITA YOSHIHISA
Published: August 2019

A new species of the laomediid mud shrimp genus Axianassa Schmitt, 1924, A. planioculus, is described and illustrated on the basis of a single male specimen from intertidal muddy sand flat of Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island, southern Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Axianassa planioculus n. sp. is morphologically closest to A. mineri Boone, 1931, known from Pacific Panama, among the 11 known congeners, but is readily distinguished from the latter by the eyes being dorsally concealed by the rostrum, the subovate telson, the unarmed carpus of the maxilliped 3 and the unarmed uropodal endopod. The discovery of a new mud-shrimp species in an easily accessible habitat indicates that the shallow-water infaunal decapods are still relatively poorly known. A partial segment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced from the holotype for future genetic studies.
2. (He)Art History or a Death in the Family
Authors: Lisboa Maria Manuel
Published: August 2019

This chapter begins with comments on the far-reaching impact of family on politics, religion, and the world; male art compared to some of Rego’s work; and the connection between political dominance and the “hierarchical happy family,” as well as how Rego deviates from that established norm (in her work and personal life). Some of Rego’s paintings, including Pregnant Rabbit Telling Her Parents and The Red Monkey Beats His Wife, are examined for their similarities and differences to the traditional family, as well as social and political implications. Rego’s Family series, which adopts a theme of “attacks on males by their female relatives,” is analyzed, including symbolism as well as gender imbalance—and their relevance to Portugal’s history. Finally, Lisboa discusses the theme of incest in Rego’s work, including symbolism; the motif of “men being dressed by women”; and Rego’s work that is both about family and the motherland.
3. The Sins of the Fathers
Authors: Lisboa Maria Manuel
Published: August 2019

Chapter Three begins with two defining concerns in Rego’s depiction of femaleness: a penchant for profanity and resilient longevity. There is a discussion of the similarities and differences in Eça de Queirós’ and Rego’s respective nineteenth- and twentieth-century aesthetic positions; an in-depth examination of The Sin of Father Amaro series, with detailed references to Eça’s novel of the same name; and an important aspect of Rego’s work: a trap sprung on male viewers lured by and then castigated in the compositions she deploys as part of a one-woman battle of the sexes. Lisboa then explores a series of preoccupations in Rego’s work: a move from the individual towards the collective, which acquires national and institutional specificity; the continuity of historical and political motifs; and the somewhat more oblique reworking of national and religious motifs. Lisboa concludes this chapter with a discussion of post-imperial Portugal’s enduring contradictions.
Cellulose nanofibrils and nano-scaled titanium dioxide-reinforced biopolymer nanocomposites: Selecting the best nanocomposites with multicriteria decision-making methods
Authors: Gumus Havva , Aydemir Deniz , Altuntas Ertugrul , Kurt Rıfat , Imren Erol
Published: August 2019

The aim of the paper is to determine the effects of nano fillers such as cellulose nanofibrils and nano-scaled titanium dioxide on some properties of polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid biopolymers; it also determined the selection of biopolymer nanocomposites with the optimum properties by using multicriteria decision-making methods such as multi-attribute utility theory, simple additive weighting, and weighted aggregated sum product assessment. Test results showed that the mechanical properties of the biopolymer nanocomposites generally increased with the addition of the cellulose nanofibrils and nano-scaled titanium dioxide. However, the addition of nano-scaled titanium dioxide decreased the tensile modulus. The addition of the cellulose nanofibrils had a higher effect on the tensile and flexure modulus of elasticity than the addition of the nano-scaled titanium dioxide. Thermal properties were generally found to improve with the addition of the cellulose nanofibrils and nano-scaled titanium dioxide. Melting temperature (Tm) generally decreased with the addition of the nano fillers. The scanning electron microscopic images showed that the nano fillers were dispersed as white dots in the biopolymer matrix. After accelerated weathering and decay test, outdoor performance of the biopolymer nanocomposites was found to be improved with the addition of the nano fillers. Multicriteria decision-making methods were conducted to determine the biopolymer nanocomposites having the optimum properties, and all the methods showed that the best biopolymer nanocomposites was polylactic acid with 1% cellulose nanofibrils.
Dark play: Aesthetic resistance in Lukács, Benjamin and Adorno
Authors: Singh Surti
Published: August 2019

This article examines the turn to the aesthetic dimension in early 20th century critical theory, particularly in the work of Lukács, Benjamin and Adorno. It focuses on the concept of play ( Spiel), which garnered particular attention as a possible form of aesthetic resistance to the reification of reason in modern society. The article traces the concept of play from the work of Lukács, who engaged with Schiller’s notion of the play-drive but ultimately viewed it to be an inadequate form of aesthetic resistance, to the work of Benjamin, who optimistically embraced the revolutionary possibility of play. In contrast, the article argues that Adorno’s work tacitly advances a critical concept of dark play that offers a third perspective between Lukács’s pessimism and Benjamin’s optimism, thus avoiding both the retreat into an apolitical aesthetic dimension and the uncritical embrace of play’s revolutionary potential.
The road to entrepreneurship with impairments: A challenges-adaptive mechanisms-results model for disabled entrepreneurs
Authors: Hsieh Ying-Che , Molina Victoria Maria Josse , Weng Jingjing
Published: August 2019

This article explores how different challenges potentially inspire those deemed impaired to engage with entrepreneurship and how they overcome such challenges through different adaptive mechanisms. Taking an interpretive perspective, we undertook semi-structured interviews with 13 entrepreneurs with impairments, providing an understanding of the relationship between challenges and the adaptive mechanisms that led to business and personal attainments. Based on our empirical findings, we propose a new challenges-adaptive mechanisms-results (CARE) model contributing to the literature on disabled entrepreneurship among those with impairments and also provide insights into the entrepreneurial endeavours of the disabled population.
In-vitro performance of a low flow extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal circuit
Authors: Barrett Nicholas A , Hart Nicholas , Camporota Luigi
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Extracorporeal gas exchange requires the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) across an artificial membrane. Current European Union regulations do not require the transfer to be assessed in models using clinically relevant haemoglobin, making it difficult for clinicians to understand the CO2 clearance of a membrane, and how it changes in relation to sweep gas flow through the membrane. The characteristics of membrane CO2 clearance are described using a single membrane at different sweep gas flows in an in vitro model with clinically relevant haemoglobin concentrations using three separate methods of calculating CO2 clearance.

Methods:

To define the CO2 removal characteristics of the extra-corporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) device, we devised an in-vitro gas exchange circuit formed by a dedicated ECCO2R circuit (ALung, Pittsburgh, USA) in series with two membrane oxygenators. The system was primed with donated expired human red cells provided by the local blood bank. The experimental set-up allowed constant CO2 input (via one membrane oxygenator) with variable removal from a portion of the blood in a manner which was analogous to that seen in vivo. Blood gases were measured from different ports in the circuit in order to measure the experimental membrane CO2 clearance (VCO2).

Results:

Results demonstrate that the relationship between VCO2 and gas flow at a constant blood flow of 0.4 L/minute with a haemoglobin of 7 g/dL increases sharply from a gas flow of 0 to 2 L/min but plateaus at gas flows >4 L/minute. VCO2, calculated using three different methods, showed a strong linear correlation with minimal bias.

Conclusions:

The CO2 clearance of the membrane used in this bench test is non-linear. This has implications for clinical practice, especially during the weaning phase of the device.
The Impact of Classroom Climate on Aggression and Victimization in Early Adolescence
Authors: Behrhorst Kathryn L. , Sullivan Terri N. , Sutherland Kevin S.
Published: August 2019

Identifying factors that influence peer aggression and victimization is important because of their high prevalence rates and associated negative outcomes during early adolescence. Limited research has examined the impact of environmental and contextual factors, such as school climate, on peer aggression and victimization. This study longitudinally examined bidirectional relations between school climate and peer aggression and between school climate and victimization over 6 months. Participants were 265 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students (50% female; 82% African American). Bidirectional path regression analyses showed that students who reported higher levels of positive student-teacher relationships at Time 1 engaged in lower frequencies of aggression and experienced less victimization at Time 2. Students who reported higher levels of awareness and reporting of violence at Time 1 had more positive student-teacher relationships and engaged in lower frequencies of aggression at Time 2.
Classification for liver ultrasound tomography by posterior attenuation correction with a phantom study
Authors: Chen Chih-I , Chen Tai-Been , Lu Nan-Han , Du Wei-Chang , Liang Chih-Yu , Liu Ko-Ing , Hsu Shih-Yen , Lin Li Wei , Huang Yung-Hui
Published: August 2019

The B-mode ultrasound usually contains scattering speckle noise which reduces the detailed resolution of the target and is regarded as an intrinsic noise that interferes with diagnostic precision. The aim of this study was to classify hepatic steatosis through applying attenuation correction with a phantom to reduce speckle noise in liver ultrasound tomography in patients. This retrospective study applied three randomized groups signifying different liver statuses. A total of 114 patients’ effective liver ultrasound images—30 normal, 44 fatty, and 40 cancerous—were included. The proposed depth attenuation correction method was first applied to images. Three regions of interest were manually drawn on the images. Next, five feature values for the regions of interest were calculated. Finally, the hybrid method of logistic regression and support vector machine was employed to classify the ultrasound images with 10-fold cross-validation. The accuracy, kappa statistic, and mean absolute error of the proposed hybrid method were 87.5%, 0.812, and 0.119, respectively, which were higher than those of the logistic regression method—75.0%, 0.548, and 0.280—or those of the support vector machine method—75.7%, 0.637, and 0.293—respectively. Therefore, the hybrid method has been proven to be more accurate and have better performance and less error than either single method. The hybrid method provided acceptable accuracy of classification in three liver ultrasound image groups after depth attenuation correction. In the future, the deep learning approaches may be considered for the application in classifying liver ultrasound images.
Treatment-as-Usual for Child Physical Abuse in Community Mental Health Centers: Therapist Characteristics, Client Profiles, and Therapy Processes
Authors: Herschell Amy D. , Taber-Thomas Sarah M. , Kolko David J. , McLeod Bryce D. , Jackson Carrie B.
Published: August 2019

There is a growing emphasis on utilizing evidence-based treatments in community settings; yet little is known about treatment practices in usual care. The first aim of this study sought to describe treatment-as-usual (TAU) for children at risk of physical abuse, and identify elements of one evidence-based treatment, Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavior Therapy (AF-CBT), present in usual care. A second aim was to identify how contextual variables influenced treatment practices. Participants included 44 practitioners and 64 families that presented with concerns of risk of physical abuse. The Therapy Process Observational Coding System for Child Psychotherapy–Strategies Scale and AF-CBT Adherence Coding System were used to understand treatment practices in 278 therapy sessions. Similar to other studies on TAU, families received treatment for an extensive time ( M = 19 sessions), and practitioners delivered a wide array of therapeutic techniques and some elements of AF-CBT; however, they did not utilize many techniques in great depth. An analysis of contextual factors indicated that there was variation based upon agency, practitioner, and family characteristics in the delivery of treatment practices. These findings are an important step in understanding treatment practices and contextual influences on usual care for children at risk of physical abuse.
Social pressure and the making of wartime civilian protection rules
Authors: Mantilla Giovanni
Published: August 2019

The protection of civilians from the dangers of warfare constitutes an imperative in contemporary global politics. Drawing on original multiarchival research, this article explains the codification of the core civilian protection rules within international humanitarian law in the 1970s. It argues that these crucial international rules resulted from the operation of two central mechanisms: Third World and Socialist-led social pressure and a strategic, face-saving reaction to it, leadership capture, in the politicized context of Cold War and decolonization-era international social competition. I demonstrate the conditional effect of social pressure by a coalition of materially weaker Third World and Socialist states upon powerful reluctant states: the United States, the United Kingdom, and more surprisingly, the Soviet Union. Third World and Socialist social pressure fostered a curious US-USSR backstage collaboration I label leadership capture, decisively shaping the legal compromise embodied in the civilian protection rules of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Theoretically, this article furthers burgeoning IR work on the connection between social pressure, status competition, and international rule-making. Empirically it presents a new archives-based history of an intrinsically important case in international law.
Survival, cardiovascular morbidity, and reinterventions after elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in patients with and without diabetes: A nationwide propensity-adjusted analysis
Authors: Taimour Soumia , Avdic Tarik , Franzén Stefan , Zarrouk Moncef , Acosta Stefan , Nilsson Peter , Miftaraj Mervete , Eliasson Björn , Svensson Ann-Marie , Gottsäter Anders
Published: August 2019

Epidemiological data indicate decreased risk for development and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). On the other hand, DM adds to increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. In a nationwide observational cohort study of patients registered in the Swedish Vascular Register and the Swedish National Diabetes Register, we evaluated potential effects of DM on total mortality, CV morbidity, and the need for reintervention after elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for AAA. We compared 748 patients with and 2630 without DM with propensity score-adjusted analysis, during a median 4.22 years of follow-up for patients with DM, and 4.05 years for those without. In adjusted analysis, diabetic patients showed higher rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during follow-up (relative risk (RR) 1.44, 95% CI 1.06–1.95; p = 0.02), but lower need for reintervention (RR 0.12, CI 0.02–0.91; p = 0.04). There were no differences in total (RR 0.88, CI 0.74–1.05; p = 0.15) or CV (RR 1.58, CI 0.87–2.86; p = 0.13) mortality, or stroke (RR 0.95, CI 0.68–1.32; p = 0.75) during follow-up. In conclusion, patients with DM had higher rates of AMI and lower need for reintervention after elective EVAR than those without DM, whereas neither total nor CV mortality differed between groups. The putative protective effects of DM towards further AAA enlargement and late sac rupture may help explain the lower need for reintervention and absence of excess mortality.
The Impact of Sexual Trauma on the Sexual Health of Women Veterans: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pulverman Carey S. , Creech Suzannah K.
Published: August 2019

Sexual trauma, particularly childhood sexual trauma, is a potent risk factor for sexual health difficulties among civilian women. Women veterans report elevated rates of sexual trauma compared to their civilian peers, including sexual trauma during military service, perhaps making women veterans even more vulnerable to sexual health difficulties. A comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed literature on the relationship between sexual trauma and sexual health in women veterans was conducted. Inclusion criteria were measurement of sexual trauma and sexual health (i.e., sexual function or sexual satisfaction), a U.S. veteran sample including women veterans, and written in English. This process identified 18 articles. Results indicated that similar to the pattern observed among civilian women, sexual trauma was associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction among women veterans. Sexual pain was the most common sexual dysfunction among women veterans. Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were identified as correlates of sexual dysfunction. Gaps in the literature included limited use of validated measures of sexual health and inconsistencies in the assessment of sexual trauma history. Future research is needed on the interrelationships between sexual trauma, sexual health, and mental health to inform treatment recommendations for improving sexual health among women veterans.
Exploring Predictors of Expressive Grammar Across Different Assessment Tasks in Preschoolers With or Without DLD
Authors: Yarian Marley , Washington Karla N. , Spencer Caroline E. , Vannest Jennifer , Crowe Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Predictors of expressive grammar were compared in formal and naturalistic assessment tasks for children with typically developing (TD) language and with Developmental Langauge Disorder (DLD). Standardized expressive language assessments were administered to 110 preschoolers. The parents of these children reported whether or not they were concerned about their child’s speech and language development. Stepwise regression analyses revealed receptive language as the only significant predictor of expressive grammar across assessment tasks. For TD preschoolers, receptive vocabulary and grammar accounted for expressive grammar performance in the formal task; however, only receptive grammar accounted for performance in the naturalistic task. For DLD preschoolers, only receptive vocabulary accounted for expressive grammar performance across both tasks. Nonverbal IQ and parent concern did not predict expressive grammar performance in either task. Implications for treatment of preschool DLD using relative strengths in vocabulary are discussed.
Locally differentially private continuous location sharing with randomized response
Authors: Xiong Xingxing , Liu Shubo , Li Dan , Wang Jun , Niu Xiaoguang
Published: August 2019

With the growing popularity of fifth-generation-enabled Internet of Things devices with localization capabilities, as well as on-building fifth-generation mobile network, location privacy has been giving rise to more frequent and extensive privacy concerns. To continuously enjoy services of location-based applications, one needs to share his or her location information to the corresponding service providers. However, these continuously shared location information will give rise to significant privacy issues due to the temporal correlation between locations. In order to solve this, we consider applying practical local differential privacy to private continuous location sharing. First, we introduce a novel definition of [Formula: see text]-local differential privacy to capture the temporal correlations between locations. Second, we present a generalized randomized response mechanism to achieve [Formula: see text]-local differential privacy for location privacy preservation, which obtains the upper bound of error, and serve it as the basic building block to design a unified private continuous location sharing framework with an untrusted server. Finally, we conduct experiments on the real-world Geolife dataset to evaluate our framework. The results show that generalized randomized response significantly outperforms planar isotropic mechanism in the context of utility.
Study on the internal two-phase flow of the inverted-umbrella aerator
Authors: Dong Liang , Liu Jiawei , Liu Houlin , Dai Cui , Gradov Dmitry Vladimirovich
Published: August 2019

In order to reveal the gas–liquid two-phase flow pattern of inverted-umbrella aerator, the high-speed photography technology, particle image velocimetry, and Volume of Fluid model are employed to capture the free-surface dynamics and velocity distribution. The Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations are validated by experimental data and the results are in good agreement with experiment. The simulation results of flow field, streamline distribution, velocity distribution, free-surface deformation, and turbulence kinetic energy are analyzed at in time and at radial profiles sampled at several vertical positions. Back surface of each blade revealed the area of low-pressure, which can drag air into water directly from surface and thus enhance liquid aeration and oxygenation capacity. Lifting capacity of the inverted-umbrella aerator is enough to get the liquid at the bottom of the aeration tank accelerated toward liquid surface generating the hydraulic jump. As a result, liquid phase splashes capture portions of air promoting aeration of the solution. A clear circulation whirlpool is formed during the process. The circulation whirlpool starts at the bottom of the impeller moving upward along the plate until the outer edge of the impeller, which is close to the free surface. The circulation whirlpool indicates that the inverted-umbrella aerator plays a significant role in shallow aeration. The turbulence intensity created by the impeller gradually reduces with depth. The position ( z = 0.65 H) is the watershed in the tank. The oxygen mass transfer mainly occurs in the layer above watershed.
Forward kinematic analysis of a 3-RRRS mechanism with subordinate driving variables using a computer-aided geometric method
Authors: Wang Liangwen , Wang Tuanhui , Meng Fannian , Du Wenliao , Wang Caidong , Mu Yalin , Wang Xinjie
Published: August 2019

The 3-RRRS mechanism (RRRS refers to kinematic pairs of a branched chain consisting of three R pairs (Rotational pairs) and one S pair (Spherical pair), successively) is used between a moving platform and a static platform, through which six-dimensional motion of the moving platform relative to the static platform can be achieved. Selecting six independently drivable joints from nine active joints makes it problematic to deal analytically with the kinematics of the 3-RRRS mechanism. In this article, a novel computer-aided geometric method for kinematic analysis is developed. This method can automatically detect the independently drivable joints for arbitrary kinematic chains. This method can be easily implemented compared to the analytical method of the forward kinematics. Based on the constraint relationship of the 3-RRRS mechanism, a general 3-RRRS mechanism digital model is built in the SolidWorks Application Program Interface embedded Visual Basic environment, in which the platform sizes and active driving angles are driven by the parameterized model, to make the moving platform move to the corresponding pose. After the pose of the moving platform is confirmed, the coordinate system is built in a preliminary sketch. The parameters are measured by the SolidWorks measuring functions, and the pose of the moving platform is obtained by combining homogeneous matrices. Using the computer-aided geometric method, the detailed kinematics formula is not required. The accuracy and efficiency of the computer-aided geometric method were assessed with some examples of kinematic analysis for the 3-RRRS mechanism. The results showed that the proposed method obtained competitive precision and calculation time to the analytical method and is beneficial as a convenient solving process. By using Visual Basic programming, a reachable poses analysis of the mechanism can be merged into the kinematics analysis system of the computer-aided geometric method. The computer-aided geometric method could be widely applied to kinematics analysis of mechanisms.
A reflection on research ethics and citizen science
Authors: Oberle Kathleen M , Page Stacey A , Stanley Fintan KT , Goodarzi Aaron A
Published: August 2019

Ethics review of research involving humans has become something of an institution in recent years. It is intended to protect participants from harm and, to that end, follows rigorous standards. Given recent changes in research methodologies utilized in medical research, it may be that ethics review for some kinds of studies needs to be reexamined. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate dialogue regarding the kind of review required for citizen science-based research. We describe a case study of a proposal submitted to our research ethics board and propose different approaches to proportionate review in research involving citizen scientists. In particular, we describe how problems with the term “participant” led to confusion in review of this study and examine the study in light of current Canadian guidelines. We suggest that the term participant and indeed the general approach to low-risk community-based studies such as the one described warrant reexamination.
Design of a flexible preventive maintenance strategy for two-dimensional warranted products
Authors: Dai Anshu , Wei Guanzhou , Zhang Zhaomin , He Shuguang
Published: August 2019

Offering appropriate preventive maintenance strategy has an effective impact on achieving higher customer satisfaction. This article presents a flexible preventive maintenance strategy, where customers are grouped into two groups according to their usage rates, and then different preventive maintenance programs are applied to different types of customers. The product follows a two-dimensional failure process and the preventive maintenance cost is shared between the manufacturer and customer on a pro rata basis. The manufacturer’s warranty cost is minimized by jointly optimizing the pro rata proportion of the preventive maintenance cost, the preventive maintenance number and the corresponding preventive maintenance levels. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results prove that the flexible preventive maintenance strategy outperforms the conventional unified preventive maintenance strategy in terms of total warranty cost. Besides, some managerial suggestions are also given to provide guidance of implementing the proposed preventive maintenance strategy.
Ethanol Alters Phenotype and Synthesis Activity of Rat Neonatal Articular Chondrocytes Grown in 2- and 3-Dimensional Culture
Authors: Tamiasso Natalia Viana , Silva Carla Maria Osório , Reis Amanda Maria Sena , Ocarino Natália Melo , Serakides Rogéria
Published: August 2019

Objective

We sought to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of ethanol on phenotype and activity of articular chondrocyte synthesis of neonatal rats in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) culture.

Methods

Chondrocytes were cultured in chondrogenic medium with different concentrations of ethanol: 0.0% v/v (control); 0.05% v/v (8.6 mM); 0.25% v/v (42.9 mM), and 0.5% v/v (85.7 mM). Chondrocytes under 2D culture were subjected to MTT assay, while chondrocytes under 3D culture were processed for paraffin inclusion and stained by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) to evaluate mean chondrocyte diameter and percentages of cells, nucleus, cytoplasm, well-differentiated matrix, and PAS+ areas. The expression of gene transcripts for aggrecan, Sox9, and type II collagen was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

There was no difference between groups by the MTT assay. PAS staining revealed that chondrocytes treated with 0.5% v/v ethanol had higher percentages of cytoplasm and nuclear areas, but with a reduction in PAS+ matrix area. The mean diameter of chondrocytes was similar between groups. The expression of aggrecan in the group treated with 0.5% v/v ethanol was lower in comparison to that in the control. In the groups treated with 0.25% v/v and 0.5% v/v ethanol, the percentage of differentiated cartilage was lower in comparison with that in the control. The group treated with 0.05% v/v ethanol was similar to the control in all parameters.

Conclusions

Ethanol acted directly on in vitro cultured articular chondrocytes of newborn rats, altering the chondrocyte phenotype and its synthesis activity, and these effects were dose dependent.
Polypharmacy among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore: Prevalence, risk factors and association with medication non-adherence
Authors: Tan Yi Wen , Suppiah Sumithra , Bautista Mary Ann C , Malhotra Rahul
Published: August 2019

Background:

Polypharmacy, given its link with drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications and medication non-adherence, may pose a significant health risk, especially among the elderly. A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of polypharmacy is essential for countries facing population ageing and growing chronic disease burden, like Singapore.

Objectives:

We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of polypharmacy (⩾5 prescription medications) among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore and established the association of polypharmacy with medication non-adherence.

Methods:

We used data from a national sample of 1499 community-dwelling elderly aged ⩾66 years. Using logistic regression, we assessed the association of socio-demographic, health and healthcare use variables with polypharmacy, and polypharmacy with medication non-adherence.

Results:

The weighted prevalence of polypharmacy was 14.5%. In multivariable analysis, elderly who were men (versus women), with ⩾2 (versus 0–1) chronic diseases, aged ⩾85 (versus 66–69) years, and of Malay and Indian (versus Chinese) ethnicity were significantly more likely to have polypharmacy; healthcare use variables were not associated. Polypharmacy was significantly correlated with medication non-adherence.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of polypharmacy among community-dwelling elderly in Singapore is lower than that reported in other countries; however, polypharmacy is associated with medication non-adherence. Elderly subgroups, defined by gender, health status, age and ethnicity, who are at a higher risk of polypharmacy will benefit from medication review and de-prescribing services.
Perceived cognitive functioning and its influence on emotional vulnerability in breast cancer
Authors: Chapman Bethany , Helmrath Stefanie , Derakshan Nazanin
Published: August 2019

We investigated the relationship between perceived cognitive function and emotional vulnerability of breast cancer survivors while examining the moderating effect of various risk factors. Results confirmed that perceived cognitive function predicted emotional vulnerability with grade of breast cancer moderating this relationship. Age at diagnosis exhibited a trend towards significance for emotional vulnerability, and time since diagnosis as well as grade significantly predicted quality of life. Our findings imply that (younger) women with a higher breast cancer grade are at a greater risk for emotional and cognitive vulnerability and can benefit from interventions designed to reduce emotional vulnerability through training cognitive efficiency.
Lifitegrast: a novel drug for patients with dry eye disease
Authors: Haber Stacy L. , Benson Vera , Buckway Casey J. , Gonzales Jennifer M. , Romanet David , Scholes Brittany
Published: August 2019

The objective of this article is to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of lifitegrast and determine its role relative to other agents in the management of dry eye disease. A PubMed search (1946 to December 2018) using the terms lifitegrast and SAR 1118 was conducted to identify relevant articles. In vitro or in vivo evaluations of lifitegrast published in the English language were eligible for inclusion. Phase II and III trials were selected for review of efficacy and safety. Four randomized controlled trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast 0.5% ophthalmic solution for 12 weeks, and 1 additional trial assessed safety for 1 year. In a majority of the trials, lifitegrast caused statistically significant improvements in inferior corneal fluorescein staining scores and eye dryness scores. The most common adverse effects were eye irritation, dysgeusia, and reduced visual acuity, and most were mild to moderate in severity. Lifitegrast has a novel mechanism of action and is safe and effective for the treatment of dry eye disease. At this time, lifitegrast may be considered as an option for patients who have an inadequate response to artificial tears.
Subcutaneous concizumab prophylaxis in hemophilia A and hemophilia A/B with inhibitors: phase 2 trial results
Authors: Shapiro Amy D. , Angchaisuksiri Pantep , Astermark Jan , Benson Gary , Castaman Giancarlo , Chowdary Pratima , Eichler Hermann , Jiménez-Yuste Victor , Kavakli Kaan , Matsushita Tadashi , Poulsen Lone Hvitfeldt , Wheeler Allison P. , Young Guy , Zupancic-Salek Silva , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: August 2019

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) inhibits coagulation initiation, and TFPI inhibition enhances the activation of factor X by tissue factor. Shapiro et al report the results of a phase 2 study of prophylactic administration of the TFPI inhibitor concizumab for bleeding prevention in hemophilia, reporting efficacy in Factor VIII and IX deficiency even in patients with inhibitors to Factor VIII or IX.
A new primer construction technique that effectively increases amplification of rare mutant templates in samples
Authors: Huang Jr-Kai , Fan Ling , Wang Tao-Yeuan , Wu Pao-Shu
Published: August 2019

Background

In personalized medicine, companion diagnostic tests provide additional information to help select a treatment option likely to be optimal for a patient. Although such tests include several techniques for detecting low levels of mutant genes in wild-type backgrounds with fairly high sensitivity, most tests are not specific, and may exhibit high false positive rates. In this study, we describe a new primer structure, named ‘stuntmer’, to selectively suppress amplification of wild-type templates, and promote amplification of mutant templates.

Results

A single stuntmer for a defined region of DNA can detect several kinds of mutations, including point mutations, deletions, and insertions. Stuntmer PCRs are also highly sensitive, being able to amplify mutant sequences that may make up as little as 0.1% of the DNA sample.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our technique, stuntmer PCR, can provide a simple, low-cost, highly sensitive, highly accurate, and highly specific platform for developing companion diagnostic tests.
Factors associated with type of footwear worn inside the house: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Barwick Alex L. , van Netten Jaap J. , Hurn Sheree E. , Reed Lloyd F. , Lazzarini Peter A.
Published: August 2019

Background

In specific populations, including those at risk of falls or foot ulcers, indoor footwear is an important aspect of preventative care. This study aims to describe the indoor footwear worn most over the previous year in a sample representative of the Australian inpatient population, and to explore the sociodemographic, medical, foot condition and foot treatment history factors associated with the indoor footwear worn.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data collected from inpatients admitted to five hospitals across Queensland, Australia. Sociodemographic information, medical history, foot conditions and foot treatment history were collected as explanatory variables. Outcomes included the self‐reported type of indoor footwear (from 16 standard footwear types) worn most in the year prior to hospitalisation, and the category in which the self‐reported footwear type was defined according to its features: ‘protective’, ‘non‐protective’ and ‘no footwear’. Multivariate analyses determined explanatory variables independently associated with each type and category.

Results

Protective footwear was worn by 11% of participants (including 4% walking shoes, 4% running shoes, 2% oxford shoes), and was independently associated with education above year 10 level (OR 1.78, p = 0.028) and having had foot treatment by a specialist physician (5.06, p = 0.003). Most participants (55%) wore non‐protective footwear (including 21% slippers, 15% thongs/flip flops, 7% backless slippers), which was associated with older age (1.03, p < 0.001). No footwear was worn by 34% of participants (30% barefoot, 3% socks only). Those of older age (0.97, p < 0.001) and those in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group (0.55, p = 0.019) were less likely to wear no footwear (socks or barefoot).

Conclusions

Only one in nine people in a large representative inpatient population wore a protective indoor footwear most of the time in the previous year. Whilst having education levels above year 10 and having received previous foot treatment by a specialist physician were associated with wearing protective footwear indoors, the presence of a range of other medical and foot conditions were not. These findings provide information to enable clinicians, researchers and policymakers to develop interventions aimed at improving indoor footwear habits that may help prevent significant health burdens such as falls and foot ulcers.