bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Camera trap survey of mammals in Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Authors: Marler Paris N. , Calago Solomon , Ragon Mélanie , Castro Lyca Sandrea G
Published: October 2019

A camera trap survey was conducted in the recently protected Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines from February to May 2015 at 39 camera trap sites.  A bait of common pig’s blood was used at 36 sites, while the three remaining sites were surveyed without a bait and monitored a stream with a latrine site or mud bath with tracks.  Seven native species were detected and three of these species were endemic to the island province.  Species included: Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus philippinensis, Palawan Porcupine Hystrix pumila, Collared Mongoose Urva semitorquata, Palawan Stink Badger Mydaus marchei, Palawan Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi, Asian Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus, and Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga.  Analysis of the activity patterns of the three most commonly captured species revealed predominantly nocturnal activity for the Common Palm Civet, Palawan Porcupine, and Palawan Stink Badger.  The Philippine Palm Civet showed occasional diurnal activity.  The seven photo-captured species appeared most common, or were at the least recorded, below 750m.  Five species (the Philippine Palm Civet, Palawan Porcupine, Collared Mongoose, Palawan Stink Badger, and Palawan Leopard Cat) were also recorded above 1000m.  The CNCH supports two threatened species, the Palawan Porcupine and the Asian Small-clawed Otter, which are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and the Collared Mongoose is listed as Near Threatened.  The Palawan Leopard Cat is considered Vulnerable within the Philippines, although it has yet to be assessed by the IUCN.  This documentation highlights the biodiversity significance within the newly protected critical habitat and the need to support ongoing conservation efforts within the critical habitat.
First record of longhorn beetle Calothyrza margaritifera (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Phrynetini) from western India
Authors: Deshpande Vishwas , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: October 2019

Calothyrza margaritifera (Westwood) is briefly described and illustrated. This is probably the first authentic record of the species from India.
A first photographic record of a Yellow-bellied Weasel Mustela kathiah Hodgson, 1835 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) from western Nepal
Authors: Baral Badri , Pokharel Anju , Basnet Dipak Raj , Magar Ganesh Bahadur , Shah Karan Bahadur
Published: October 2019

One live and another dead Yellow-bellied Weasel were spotted at an altitude of 2,190m and 3,078m, respectively, in Lamsung, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, Myagdi and Barekot Rural Municipality, Jajarkot on 1 May 2016 and 16 June 2016 in the afternoon.  This is probably the first record of the species with photographs in Myagdi District of Gandaki Province, and in Jajarkot District of Karnali Province, western Nepal.
First record of Otter Civet Cynogale bennettii (Mammalia: Carnivora: Viverridae) kept as a pet in Indonesia, representing a possible new threat to the species
Authors: Bouhuys Jamie Francis Bernard
Published: October 2019

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Lines selected for different durations of tonic immobility have different leg lengths in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: October 2019

Tonic immobility is an adaptive anti-predator behaviour observed in many species. This anti-predator behaviour is often correlated with a species’ movement motivation, so a relationship between the duration of tonic immobility and morphological traits supporting movement would be expected. Using the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, we carried out two-way artificial selection for the duration of tonic immobility over more than 43 generations, establishing populations with longer (L) and shorter (S) tonic immobility durations compared to those of a non-selected control (C) population. Here, we investigated differences in walking motivation and leg length between the selected populations. Walking motivation was significantly higher in beetles from the S population than that in those from the L population. Moreover, S-population beetles of both sexes had significantly longer legs than those from L and C populations. The present results suggest the evolution of longer legs in response to selection pressure for a shorter duration of tonic immobility in T. castaneum.
Ficophagus chaozhouensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of Ficus hirta Vahl var. roxburghii (Miq.) King in China
Authors: Zeng Wensheng , Zhang Dayuan , Huang Jianghua , Zeng Yongsan , Ye Weimin , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: October 2019

A new nematode species was recovered from the syconia of Ficus hirta var. roxburghii from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China. It is described herein as Ficophagus chaozhouensis n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short post-uterine sac, excretory pore located near the head, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on the male tail, rounded male tail tip with mucron (occasionally swollen), absence of gubernaculum (or apophysis), a blunt rosethorn-shaped spicule without a terminal cucullus, and a digitate rostrum with a broadly squared tip. Ficophagus chaozhouensis n. sp. was separated from other sequenced species by differences in the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with LSU D2-D3 expansion segment sequences suggested that F. chaozhouensis n. sp. is clustered in the same highly supported monophyletic clade with F. aculeata, F. maxima and F. yoponensis, and is sister to F. aculeata.
From the Maistry to the Computer Operator: the Colonial Legacy of “Skilling India” through ICT Training
Authors: Sarkar Sreela
Published: October 2019

Under the Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi government, the largest state-run and supported network of skills training schools, the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), are slated to be the most important sites for transforming subaltern youth into appropriate global workers for the IT-ITES sectors. Based on historical, archival research and sustained, ethnographic work in industrial schools in New Delhi, I trace parallels between the colonial, skilled craftsman, or the “maistry,” in the nineteenth century to the contemporary computer operator in the twenty-first century through inextricable linkages between forms of governmentality, communication technologies, and labor formations. Colonial and contemporary industrial students are constructed as uncivilized and trained for subordinate positions despite the leveling promise of industrial schools. However, both groups critically interpret development messages in the context of their everyday lives in demanding an “education” versus “training,” and in holding the state responsible for their welfare. Historical and ethnographic research is vital to critically examine the promise of “Skilling India” for marginalized communities.
The Effect of Economic Development on Women’s Well-Being in the Developing Economies
Authors: Gani Azmat , Al-Fori Alia
Published: October 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect of economic development, measured by per capita incomes, on women’s well-being by relating a country’s per capita GDP with several dimensions that affect women’s affluence and well-being within the economic, social, and political context. The analysis is based on the theoretical framework of the modernisation-neoclassical approach. Regression analysis is conducted on data from a sample of the countries in the low- and middle-income category to determine the effect of economic development on several indicators of women’s well-being. The results provide strong evidence that economic growth was associated with improvements in some economic and social indicators of women’s well-being in low- and middle-income countries. However, the results do not reveal any strong association between economic development and women’s political participation. Some policy implications are drawn.
ICT Integration into Education: a Comparison of South Korea and Turkey
Authors: Tinmaz Hasan , Ozturk Yunus Emre
Published: October 2019

In this modern era, information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as smartphones have been influencing every aspect of our lives, including education systems. It is needless to say that ICT-integrated education systems enable more effective and efficient teaching and learning environments for societies. However, the levels and processes of ICT integration into education are different by country. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to compare South Korea and Turkey in terms of the of ICT integration into their education systems. For this, the study has been conducted as an archival study, and has comprehensively analyzed the academic resources and governmental reports by employing ICT Literacy framework. The results showed that both countries have made, and have been continuing to make, efforts to bring ICT and its benefits into education environments. While South Korea has had PCs and video systems for a long time, Turkey has only recently acquired tablet PCs and smartboards in classroom settings. Besides, both countries have been experiencing similar challenges integrating ICT into education, including stakeholders’ acceptance and teacher-training programs related to ICT utilization. Lastly, the obvious difference of these two countries seems that there is a huge business sector regarding ICT-based education in South Korea compared to Turkey due to the fact that South Korea initiated the ICT utilization in education years before Turkey. It is hoped that this study provides various helpful insights on integrating ICT into education for other countries.
The Phases of the Postwar Evolution of Capitalism: the Transition from the Current Crisis into a New Worldwide Developmental Trajectory
Authors: Vlados Charis
Published: October 2019

This article focuses on the evolutionary dynamics of the world economy after the Second World War to current day by reviewing the subject in evolutionary and holistic terms. In particular, its purpose is to examine the structuring of the current crisis and the prospects for overcoming it by advancing toward a new developmental phase, a new sustainable model of global development. We articulate our approach precisely at the link between the interconnection and the dialectic interdependence of the central structural components of global dynamics. In this direction, we introduce, propose, and utilize a three-sided structural analysis of global dynamics, a triptych. In particular, we claim that the changes in the global system are imprinted and can be studied at three co-located and dialectically interwoven central structural levels: at the level of current international regimes, at the level of central models of development and crisis, and at the level of the dominant types of business innovation. As a whole and on every level, the structural changes define and form in the background the evolutionary dynamics of the world economy, and thus by extension prescribe the conditions for the global system to construct the trajectory to exit from its current crisis.
The Attribution Decision Adopted by the opcw’s Conference of States Parties and Its Legality
Authors: Orakhelashvili Alexander
Published: October 2019

This contribution examines the legal merit of the Decision Addressing the Treat from Chemical Weapons, adopted by the 89th Session of the General Conference of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (‘opcw’) on 27 July 2018. While relating to matters of high political importance, this Decision still raises important issues of the constitutionality of international organizations’ use of their delegated powers. This contribution pursues the detail of this matter, by focusing, among others, on the scope of the opcw’s authority under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the relationship between the opcw and the United Nations.
Cities and the Meanings of Late Antiquity
Authors: Humphries Mark
Published: October 2019

The last half century has seen an explosion in the study of late antiquity, largely prompted by the influence of the works of Peter Brown. This new scholarship has characterised the period between the third and seventh centuries not as one of catastrophic collapse, but rather as one of dynamic and positive transformation. Where observers formerly had seen only a bleak picture of decline and fall, a new generation of scholars preferred to emphasise how the Roman Empire evolved into the new polities, societies, and cultures of the medieval West, Byzantium, and Islam. Yet research on the fortunes of cities in this period has provoked challenges to this increasingly accepted positive picture of late antiquity and has prompted historians to speak once more in terms that evoke Edward Gibbon’s History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. This study surveys the nature of the current debate, examining problems associated with the sources historians use to examine late-antique urbanism, as well as the discourses and methodological approaches they have constructed from them. It aims to set out the difficulties and opportunities presented by the study of cities in late antiquity, how understanding the processes affecting them has issued challenges to the scholarly orthodoxy on late antiquity, and how the evidence suggests that this transitional period witnessed real upheaval and dislocation alongside continuity and innovation in cities around the Mediterranean.
Ultrasonically assisted electrophoretic deposition of oxidized graphite nanoparticle onto carbon fiber, amending interfacial property of CFRP
Authors: Nandi Ankush , Das Subhankar , Halder Sudipta , Chakraborty Anirban , Imam Muhammad A
Published: October 2019

The performance of fiber-reinforced composites significantly relies on the microstructure and properties of the fiber–matrix interface. Escalating the aspect ratio of the fiber surface by coating with nanoparticles is a proven technique for improving the fiber/matrix adhesion. Subsequently, improved adhesion between epoxy and fiber, which is ascribed due to improved interfacial friction, chemical bonding, and resin toughening would enhance the interfacial strength of such laminated composites. Here, graphite nanoparticles were oxidized, and these charged particles were coated onto the carbon fibers (CFs) surface using ultrasonically assisted direct current electrophoretic deposition. Functionalization of the graphite nanoparticle upon oxidation was confirmed through dispersion analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscope. The CFs fabrics were grafted with different sets of samples prepared by varying voltage and deposition time. The deposition of oxidized graphite nanoparticle over the CFs was authenticated through field emission scanning electron microscope. A transverse fiber bundle test was carried out to assess interfacial strength between CF and epoxy matrix. The transverse fiber bundle test strength is found 113% higher for CF coated with oxidized graphite nanoparticles at 50 V for 5 min compared to that of as-received sized CF composites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis of transverse fiber bundle test fractures samples identified multiple crack propagation zone owing to the presence of graphite nanoparticle on CF.
Damages for the injured patient: For private treatment and care or public treatment and care?
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: October 2019

Should the basis of the law of damages or compensation for medical negligence be changed or reformed from the basis of private treatment and care to the basis of public treatment and care? This would remove the privilege of the claimant, still secure and safeguard him as a social casualty and save the National Health Service some money. However, the claimant would feel that he was being unjustly compensated.
Modeling color fading ozonation of reactive-dyed cotton using the Extreme Learning Machine, Support Vector Regression and Random Forest
Authors: He Zhenglei , Tran Kim-Phuc , Thomassey Sébastien , Zeng Xianyi , Xu Jie , Changhai Yi
Published: October 2019

Textile products with a faded effect achieved via ozonation are increasingly popular nowadays. In order to better understand and apply this process, the complex factors and effects of color fading ozonation are investigated via process modeling in terms of pH, temperature, water pick-up, time (of process) and original color (of textile) affecting the color performance ( K/ S, L*, a*, b* values) of reactive-dyed cotton using the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Random Forest (RF), respectively. It is found that the RF and SVR perform better than the ELM as the latter were very unstable in the case of predicting a certain single output. Both the RF and SVR are potentially applicable, but SVR would be more recommended to be used in the real application due to its balancer predicting performance and lower training time cost.
Application of atmospheric pressure plasma technology for textile surface modification
Authors: Peran Jelena , Ercegović Ražić Sanja
Published: October 2019

This paper gives an overview of atmospheric pressure plasma types used in the textile industry and recent developments in plasma treatments of textiles. It investigates the topic of the influence of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on the surface properties of materials made from natural and synthetic fibers. Through plasma induced physical and chemical reactions occurring in the textile surface layer, significant modifications in micromorphology and reactivity can be achieved. In addition to cleaning, etching, and activation, great efforts have been made in the development of plasma polymerization processes under atmospheric pressure. Utilization of atmospheric pressure plasma technology in the textile industry offers a new perspective on surface modification and functionalization. This paper gives a summary of textile properties achieved using plasma and the underlying processes based on relevant findings obtained from prominent research.
Gamifying Instruction and Engaging Students With Breakout EDU
Authors: O’Brien Kelsey , Pitera Jenna
Published: October 2019

As technology advances at an unprecedented rate and the job market continually evolves, educators are challenged with effectively engaging students and preparing them for success after graduation. The current landscape requires a shift from lecture-based, content-focused instruction to hands-on, student-centered techniques that foster lifelong learning competencies. Gamification provides an effective approach for creating exciting, active learning experiences that promote critical mindsets such as collaboration, problem-solving, persistence, and adaptability. These abilities are especially valuable for first-year students who are making the transition from high school to college research and learning. This article provides an example of how the authors have implemented Breakout EDU games to engage first-year students and help them develop skills and mindsets for success in college and beyond.
How Group Size and Structure of Online Discussion Forums Influence Student Engagement and Learning
Authors: Peddibhotla Naren , Jani Arpan
Published: October 2019

There are many challenges to simulate the experience of a professional facing a complex situation in a discussion of a case study using an online discussion forum. The current research examines the role of two aspects of discussion forum format (group size and discussion structure) on two outcome variables (student engagement and learning). We hypothesized that more structured discussions would better enable student learning but be worse in facilitating student engagement compared with less structured discussions. We also hypothesized that larger group sizes will be more conducive to student learning but be less effective at student engagement when compared with smaller group sizes. Our study found that neither discussion forum structure nor group size influenced either student engagement or learning independently. However, they did have a significant interaction effect on both student learning and student engagement.
Competition: A Critical History of a Concept
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: October 2019

This article expands Michel Foucault's genealogy of liberalism and neoliberalism by analysing the concept of competition. It addresses four key liberal conceptions of competition in turn: the idea of competition as a destructive but progressive and thus necessary force (roughly 1830–90); economic theories of market equilibrium that theorize competition mathematically (1870 onwards); socio-biological ideas of competition as something natural (1850–1900); and sociological arguments that see competition as adding value to the social (1900–20). From this starting point, the article considers the ways in which three main trajectories of neoliberal thought that emerged from the early 1920s onwards – Austrian, German and American – developed and responded to these conceptualizations of competition. In conclusion, it is argued that this history of the concept of competition leads to a new understanding of the tensions that lie at the heart of neoliberal thought, and which are largely missing from Foucault's account.
In Defence of ‘Noir Theory’: Laruelle, Deleuze, and Other Detectives
Authors: Coley Rob
Published: October 2019

What happens when theory falters? A concern with the anthropocentric limitations of critical thought dominates contemporary cultural theory. For Joanna Zylinska, however, this concern often reflects a longstanding humanist anxiety, one that is today renewed in the form of ‘noir theory’, a reactionary scholarship that redeems the universalist human as the subject of reason. There is, though, more than one mode of noir theory, and a certain tendency of ‘noir’ affords the basis for theorizing another kind of universalism, a non-reactionary account of the real. This article takes seriously the allusion to noir as a particular mode of detection. Its investigation begins with Gilles Deleuze, who commends crime fiction for providing an image of thought that works against humanist orthodoxy. Yet present circumstances demand investigating a blacker kind of noir, one that operates negatively, a noir theory that can be detected in the strange realism of François Laruelle.
Examining the policy mix for broadband deployment in Wales: The role of informal coordination in the last mile
Authors: Henderson Dylan , Roche Neil
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the challenges of deploying broadband policies at the local level. It is a topic that has received significant attention in urban and rural areas, with uneven access to broadband identified as an important issue by policy makers and researchers alike. While the broadband and regional development literature has highlighted the complexity of regional deployment, with reference to geographical metaphors such as the last mile, it has tended to downplay the underlying policy processes as actors seek to manage the deployment process over time and space. Drawing on the concept of the policy mix, the paper examines how actors seek to manage complexity between policy objectives. It does so by drawing on an in-depth case-study of broadband policy in Wales – 2012 to 2017, and shows deployment to be a contested process in the last mile, characterised by interaction between policy objectives in a range of policy areas including planning and highways. It is argued that coordination of these tensions represents a complex socio-spatial process in which local actors (government, households, businesses and broadband providers) engage in a negotiated process to find place-based, bespoke solutions to deployment problems.
Measurement of spinal root angle at spinal canal and foraminal levels in cases of facet arthropathy: T2-weighted turbo spin echo magnetic resonance myelography with SPACE technique
Authors: Bulut Safiye Sanem Dereli , Nurili Fuad , Aras Omer , Bukte Yasar , Naderi Sait
Published: October 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) with three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin echo (TSE) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) may be a guide to the etiology of low back pain.

Purpose

To research the efficiency of a 3D T2W TSE SPACE MRM sequence for visualization of anatomic details of spinal nerve root at the spinal canal and lateral recess levels in the patients with low back pain.

Material and Methods

Lumbar spinal MRM 3D T2W TSE SPACE was performed in a total of 70 patients (median age 46 years). Patients were imaged while lying in a supine position with straightened legs. According to the degree of facet arthropathy findings, patients were divided into four separate subgroups in our retrospective cross-sectional study. Spinal nerve root angle was measured within the spinal canal and at lateral recess level, and facet joint angle and lumbar lordosis measurements were measured by two radiologists, independently.

Results

Lumbar level was strongly negatively correlated with facet joint angle (r = −0.95) as well as nerve root angle within the spinal canal (NRASC) (r = –0.857) and at the lateral recess level (NRALR) (r = −0.947). Intracanal decline of the spinal root angle caused by spinal stenosis findings was also observed ( P < 0.05). For the measurements of NRASC and NRALR, inter-observer correlation was 0.85 and 0.82 for the spinal canal and at lateral recess level, respectively.

Conclusion

3D T2W SPACE in NRASC and NRALR provided high resolution images for evaluation. Therefore, this method may be a qualitative guide for the clinician and the surgeon in terms of root anatomy before any intervention.
MR arthrographic evaluation of posterior paraglenoid labral cysts: a retrospective study
Authors: Guven Fadime , Ogul Hayri , Kaya Serhat , Kantarci Mecit
Published: October 2019

Background

Paraglenoid labral cysts (PLCs) around the shoulder are uncommon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging modality for the description of PLCs

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate PLCs in the posterior part of the glenoid bone via MR arthrography as well as to describe associated labral abnormalities.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 14 patients, diagnosed with 15 posterior PLCs at MR arthrography between 2007 and 2012. Conventional MRI and MR arthrography were used for all patients.

Results

A total of 15 PLCs were detected in 14 patients with eight located on the right shoulder and six on the left shoulder. One case had two PLCs. While two cysts were multiloculated, the remaining 13 were seen as unilocated simple cysts. Moreover, 14 of 15 posterior PLCs (60%) were associated with labral tears at MR arthrography. The cysts in proximity to the glenoid labrum were posterosuperior in 33.3% (n = 5), mid-posterior in 36.7% (n = 7), and postero-inferior in 20% (n = 3). The majority of patients with posterosuperior and mid-posterior cysts had an associated superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions. Four of six patients with mid-posterior cysts had minimal denervation atrophy in the infraspinatus muscle.

Conclusion

Posterior PLCs are mostly associated with posterior labral defects. The majority of cysts localized in the posterosuperior and mid-posterior were also associated with SLAP lesions. Denervation atrophy in the infraspinatus muscle may frequently accompany mid-posterior PLCs.
Regional voting dynamics in Europe: The rise of anti-elite and anti-European parties
Authors: Ferrante Chiara , Pontarollo Nicola
Published: October 2019

In this paper, votes registered by parties with a high anti-elite and anti-European salience are mapped, in order to identify potential geographical patterns in European regions.
Nonlinear free vibrations analysis of overhung rotors under the influence of gravity
Authors: Moradi Tiaki M , Hosseini SAA , Shaban Ali Nezhad H
Published: October 2019

In this paper, nonlinear free vibration of a cantilever flexible shaft carrying a rigid disk at its free end (overhung rotor) is investigated. The Rayleigh beam model is used and the rotor has large amplitude vibrations. With the assumption of inextensibility, the effect of nonlinear curvature and inertia is considered. The effect of disk mass on the dynamical behavior of the system is studied in the presence and absence of gravity (horizontal and vertical rotors). By using perturbation technique (method of multiple scales), the main focus is on the influence of gravity on equations of motion and on quantities such as amplitude and damped natural frequency. Here, a different behavior is observed due to the rotor weight. Indeed, the combination effects of gyroscopic term, nonlinearity and gravity are studied on the modal behavior of the system. It is shown that the static deflection creates second order nonlinear terms and changes the nonlinear damped natural frequency. With considering of gravity, both beat and high frequency in beat phenomenon increase. With increasing of the rotor weight, the minimum value of amplitude is extremely amplified in the direction of gravity but in the other transverse direction, amplitude of vibrations decreases. In addition, it is found that the weight has directly influence on beat frequency, while the mass ratio between disk and beam affects the high frequency.
Investigation of the vibration isolation performance of floating slab track with rubber bearings using a stochastic fractional derivative model
Authors: Yuan Xuancheng , Zhu Shengyang , Xu Lei , Zhai Wanming , Li Huailong
Published: October 2019

Floating slab track is an effective countermeasure to mitigate undesirable vibrations caused by metro trains. In this work, a stochastic fractional derivative model is proposed for simulating the dynamic behavior of rubber bearings in floating slab tracks. The stochastic fractional derivative model is based on the Grünwald representation of fractional calculus, the number theoretical method, and the probability density evolution method (PDEM). It considers the viscoelastic characteristics of the rubber bearings, as well as randomness in mechanical behavior due to manufacturing tolerances, aging, and fatigue. The stochastic fractional derivative model is then implemented into a vehicle–floating slab track coupled dynamics model to investigate the vibration isolation performance of the floating slab track with rubber bearings. The characteristics and advantages of the stochastic fractional derivative model with deterministic parameters are illustrated by comparing the results with the conventional Kelvin model. Finally, stochastic analyses of the dynamic response and the vibration isolation performance of the floating slab track are carried out using the coupled vehicle–floating slab track system dynamics model. Results show that the stochastic simulation of the vehicle–floating slab track system using PDEM is efficient and reliable compared with the Monte Carlo method. Thus, the proposed model is effective and useful for evaluating the vibration levels in floating slab tracks with uncertain parameters, and for predicting the reliability of the vibration isolation performance.
Numerical analysis of the groove effect on the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow
Authors: Fei Zhaodan , Zhang Rui , Xu Hui , Mu Tong
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the groove effect on the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow characteristics of a simplified NACA0009 hydrofoil with tip gap is studied. Considering local rotation characteristics and curvature effects of the tip leakage vortex flow, the rotation-curvature corrected shear-stress-transport turbulence model is applied to simulate the time-averaged turbulent flow. The Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model is used to simulate the cavitating flow. The results show that the groove could affect the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow. The groove enhances the interaction between the tip leakage flow and main flow, and then it affects the cavitation of the tip leakage vortex. Compared with the non-groove case, for groove cases of αgre ≤75°, the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow is suppressed, the flow pattern in the gap is improved, and the mean leakage velocity Vlk < 0.8. The region of high leakage velocity is eliminated and the distribution of the pressure is more uniform. The tip leakage vortex cavitation area is reduced, and the maximum decrease is 72.90%. While for groove cases of αgre≥90°, neither the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow nor flow pattern in the tip gap is ameliorated, the mean leakage velocity Vlk lies the range from 0.90 to 0.96. The region of high leakage velocity still exists and even the tip leakage vortex cavitation area is increased. Based on three-dimensional streamlines and vorticity transport equation, the interaction between the tip leakage flow and main flow leads to the variation of the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow. This paper aims for a useful reference to mitigate the tip leakage vortex cavitation and control the influence of the tip leakage vortex cavitating flow for the hydraulic machinery.
Research on energy-saving and emissions reduction efficiency in Chinese thermal power companies
Authors: Xu Yue , Wang Zebin , Chiu Yung-Ho , Ren Fangrong
Published: October 2019

In a low-carbon economic environment, China’s thermal power industry has developed at a rapid speed. Faced with significant development bottlenecks, however, promoting energy conservation and technological innovation has become the current goals of the country’s thermal power industry. Taking into account the heterogeneity of production technology, we utilize panel data of 23 listed thermal power companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2010 to 2015 as samples and divide them into large, medium, and small groups according to company size. Based on a meta-frontier function and the non-radial data envelopment analysis method, we evaluate the performance of energy-saving and emissions reduction in the thermal power industry when considering slack variables of energy input and undesirable output. The empirical study’s results show that the mean energy-saving and emissions reduction performance in this power industry is generally low and exhibits significant differences under different frontiers. The performance of energy-saving and emissions reduction from high to low is small, large, and medium-size groups. The small-size group seems to obtain the industry-leading level production technology. Moreover, the technology gap and insufficient management are the primary sources of the total performance loss.
Associations between paraoxonase-1 and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bae S -C , Lee Y H
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to explore associations between paraoxonase-1 levels, gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

Meta-analyses of paraoxonase-1 levels and Q192R and L55M and polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus were conducted.

Results

Nine articles were incorporated in our meta-analysis, which uncovered that the paraoxonase-1 level was decreased in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to control (standard mean difference = −1.626, 95% confidence interval = −2.829–−0.424, p = 0.008). Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis demonstrated a relation tendency between decreased paraoxonase-1 activity and lupus in Europeans (standard mean difference = −1.236, 95% confidence interval = −2.634–0.163, p = 0.083). Paraoxonase-1 activity was reduced in systemic lupus erythematosus in a single Arab and African population. Decreased paraoxonase-1 activity was found in a small sample of systemic lupus erythematosus patients (standard mean difference = −1.642, 95% confidence interval = −3.076–−0.247, p = 0.021). Ethnicity-specific analysis indicated a relationship between the paraoxonase-1 55 M allele in the Arab systemic lupus erythematosus population. However, a lack of association with systemic lupus erythematosus and the paraoxonase-1 192 R allele was observed.

Conclusions

Meta-analyses revealed reduced paraoxonase-1 activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and found possible associations between systemic lupus erythematosus and paraoxonase-1 L55M polymorphism in a specific ethnic group.
Queensland’s new right to education:What does it mean for children with disabilities?
Authors: Walsh Tamara , Burton Bridget
Published: October 2019

Queensland’s Human Rights Act 2019 includes a right to education. Schools will be required to consider the human rights of children when making decisions about enrolments and educational adjustments. This article investigates how the right to education might operate in Queensland state schools, and discusses the potential of this new provision to bring positive change for children with disabilities.
Surveillance of adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with pediatric oncology patients in a south Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Joseph Bency , Scott Julius X , Rajanandh M G
Published: October 2019

Objective

The present study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of occurrence of adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interaction in a pediatric oncology unit of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital, India. Patients were monitored actively for the occurrences of any adverse drug reaction during the study period. Patient's demographic details, clinical, and treatment data were collected for drug–drug interaction analysis. The detected adverse drug reaction was assessed for causality, severity, and preventability. Drug–drug interaction identified was rated based on their level of urgency and the nature of actions necessary to respond to an interaction.

Results

Of 176 patients, 118 were detected for the occurrence of various adverse drug reaction. The majority of the cases were suffering with acute lymphocytic leukemia (67.9%). Vincristine was noted for a maximum number of adverse drug reaction in cytotoxic drugs. Rash is the most frequently occurred reaction. Assessment of causality showed that the majority of cases are “probable” (60.16%). In evaluating the severity of adverse drug reactions, 57.6% reactions were moderately severe and 74.5% of the reactions were preventable. Upon assessing the drug–drug interaction, 38.13% of the prescription needs to be monitored and 10 drug–drug interactions were under the risk category of “X.” The majority of the adverse drug reaction was moderately severe in nature and those were preventable.

Conclusion

Since pediatrics are vulnerable population, they must have a thorough surveillance system for adverse drug reaction and drug–drug interaction; thereby, a positive impact on the medication-use system and improved patient care can be achieved.
The relationship between prognostic nutritional index and treatment response in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer
Authors: Yasar Hatime Arzu , Bir Yucel Kadriye , Arslan Cagatay , Ucar Gokhan , Karakaya Serdar , Bilgin Burak , Taban Hakan , Kucukarda Ahmet , Erturk Ismail , Hızal Mutlu , Yıldız Birol , Yıldırım Nuriye , Demirci Umut , Sendur Mehmet Ali , Utkan Gungor , Kılıckap Saadettin , Cicin Irfan , Karadurmus Nuri , Ürün Yüksel
Published: October 2019

Introduction and aim

To investigate the effect of the prognostic nutritional index on treatment response and survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the treatment modalities; the demographic, clinical and pathological features of 396 patients with RCC and prognostic nutritional index. Based on the median value, patients were grouped as having low and high prognostic nutritional index values. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and Cox-regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

The median overall survival was 39 months (95% CI 26.1–51.8), 28 months (95% CI 17.9–38) and 7 months (95% CI 4.7–9.2) in patients with favorable, intermediate and poor International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk group, respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0001). Overall survival was 11 months (95% CI 7.5–14.5) in the low-prognostic nutritional index (prognostic nutritional index ≤38.5) group, and 41 months (95% CI 30.5–51.4) in the high prognostic nutritional index (prognostic nutritional index >38.5) group (p < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (HR: 2.5), time to systemic treatment (HR: 1.7) and prognostic nutritional index (HR: 1.8) were associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

In patients with renal cell cancer, prognostic nutritional index is closely related to survival and has prognostic significance.
Intra-discal drain insertion for culture and drainage of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: A one-step diagnostic and therapeutic procedure
Authors: Ackerman Tal , Singer-Jordan Jonathan , Shani Adi , Rahamimov Nimrod
Published: October 2019

Background

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is diagnosed in recent years at higher rates due to the aging population, increased survival of chronic and immune suppressed patients, and the higher rate of invasive procedures leading to bacterial seeding or direct contamination of the disc space. Treatment guidelines encourage bacterial sampling before initiation of antibiotic therapy, and drainage of pus collections. We present our experience with percutaneous CT-guided drain insertion into the disc space itself as a one-step procedure for both culturing and subsequent continuous drainage of the infected disc space.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis admitted to our spine surgery unit during the past five years and treated with CT-guided percutaneous drain insertion into the infected disc space. All patients were followed until complete resolution of the infection.

Results

We retrieved electronic records of 12 patients, none presenting with neurological compression symptoms. Cultures taken at the time of drain insertion were positive in 10 patients (83.3%), much higher than the reported yield for needle aspiration (14–48%) and comparable to the yield of open biopsy. In all patients complete resolution of the infection was reached, determined by clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters.

Conclusions

Our retrospective case series demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of intra-discal CT-guided drainage of an infected disc space. The procedure does not add much burden to current practice as disc-space sampling for culture is commonly performed anyway, and adds the benefit of direct drainage of the pus at its source.
Clinical associations of an updated medication effect score for measuring diabetes treatment intensity
Authors: Alexopoulos Anastasia-Stefania , Yancy William S , Edelman David , Coffman Cynthia J , Jeffreys Amy S , Maciejewski Matthew L , Voils Corrine I , Sagalla Nicole , Barton Bradley Anna , Dar Moahad , Mayer Stéphanie B , Crowley Matthew J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The medication effect score reflects overall intensity of a diabetes regimen by consolidating dosage and potency of agents used. Little is understood regarding how medication intensity relates to clinical factors. We updated the medication effect score to account for newer agents and explored associations between medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial involving 263 Veterans with type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c levels ≥8.0% (≥7.5% if under age 50). Medication effect score was calculated for all patients at baseline, alongside additional measures including demographics, comorbid illnesses, hemoglobin A1c, and self-reported psychosocial factors. We used multivariable regression to explore associations between baseline medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors.

Results

Our sample had a mean age of 60.7 ( SD = 8.2) years, was 89.4% male, and 57.4% non-White. Older age and younger onset of diabetes were associated with a higher medication effect score, as was higher body mass index. Higher medication effect score was significantly associated with medication nonadherence, although not with hemoglobin A1c, self-reported hypoglycemia, diabetes-related distress, or depression.

Discussion

We observed several expected associations between an updated medication effect score and patient-level clinical factors. These associations support the medication effect score as an appropriate measure of diabetes regimen intensity in clinical and research contexts.
National trends in outcomes of ischemic stroke and prognostic influence of stroke center capability in Japan, 2010–2016
Authors: Kada Akiko , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Kitazono Takanari , Nishimura Kunihiro , Sakai Nobuyuki , Onozuka Daisuke , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Miyachi Shigeru , Nagata Izumi , Toyoda Kazunori , Hashimoto Yoichiro , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Hoshino Haruhiko , Yoshimura Shinichi , Suzuki Michiyasu , Tsujino Akira , Matsuda Shinya , Kurogi Ryota , Kurogi Ai , Ren Nice , Nishimura Ataru , Arimura Koichi , Hagihara Akihito , Tominaga Teiji , Kayama Takamasa , Arai Hajime , Suzuki Norihiro , Miyamoto Susumu , Ogawa Akira , Iihara Koji ,   on behalf of the J-ASPECT Study Collaborators
Published: October 2019

Background

Limited national-level information on temporal trends in comprehensive stroke center capabilities and their effects on acute ischemic stroke patients exists.

Aims

To examine trends in in-hospital outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients and the prognostic influence of temporal changes in comprehensive stroke center capabilities in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective study used the J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination database and identified 372,978 acute ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in 650 institutions between 2010 and 2016. Temporal trends in patient outcomes and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and mechanical thrombectomy usage were examined. Facility comprehensive stroke center capabilities were assessed using a validated scoring system (comprehensive stroke center score: 1–25 points) in 2010 and 2014. The prognostic influence of temporal comprehensive stroke center score changes on in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale: 3–6) at discharge were examined using hierarchical logistic regression models.

Results

Over time, stroke severity at admission decreased, whereas median age, sex ratio, and comorbidities remained stable. The median comprehensive stroke center score increased from 16 to 17 points. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, consciousness level, and facility comprehensive stroke center score, proportion of in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes at discharge decreased (from 7.6% to 5.0%, and from 48.7% to 43.1%, respectively). The preceding comprehensive stroke center score increase (in 2010–2014) was independently associated with reduced in-hospital mortality and poor outcomes, and increased rt-PA and mechanical thrombectomy use (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.97 (0.95–0.99), 0.97 (0.95–0.998), 1.07 (1.04–1.10), and 1.21 (1.14–1.28), respectively).

Conclusions

This nationwide study revealed six-year trends in better patient outcomes and increased use of rt-PA and mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. In addition to lesser stroke severity, preceding improvement of comprehensive stroke center capabilities was an independent factor associated with such trends, suggesting importance of comprehensive stroke center capabilities as a prognostic indicator of acute stroke care.