bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decentralized intelligent tracking control for uncertain high‐order stochastic nonlinear strong interconnected systems in drift and diffusion terms
Authors: Si Wen‐Jie 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper focuses mainly on decentralized intelligent tracking control for a class of high‐order stochastic nonlinear systems with unknown strong interconnected nonlinearity in the drift and diffusion terms. For the control of uncertain high‐order nonlinear systems, the approximation capability of RBF neural networks is utilized to deal with the difficulties caused by completely unknown system dynamics and stochastic disturbances, and only one adaptive parameter is constructed to overcome the overparameterization problem. Then, to address the problem from high‐order strong interconnected nonlinearities in the drift and diffusion terms with full states of the overall system, by using the monotonically increasing property of the bounding functions, the variable separation technique is achieved. Lastly, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a decentralized adaptive neural control method is proposed to reduce the number of online adaptive learning parameters. It is shown that, for bounded initial conditions, the designed controller can ensure the semiglobally uniformly ultimate boundedness of the solution of the closed‐loop system and make the tracking errors eventually converge to a small neighborhood around the origin. Two simulation examples including a practical example are used to further illustrate the effectiveness of the design method.
Novel Transparent and Self‐Powered UV Photodetector Based on Crossed ZnO Nanofiber Array Homojunction
Authors: Ning Yi , Zhang Zhiming , Teng Feng , Fang Xiaosheng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel self‐powered UV photodetector based on electrospun ZnO nanofiber arrays is introduced. Aligned pure ZnO nanofibers and Ag‐doped p‐type ZnO nanofibers are processed perpendicular to each other, and p–n junction arrays of ZnO nanofibers are fabricated as a result. Owing to the intrinsic intervals between nanofibers, the device is fully transparent on quartz substrate. Various characterization methods including TEM, XRD, and XPS are used to testify the existence form of Ag element in ZnO nanofibers, and a field effect transistor is constructed to judge their conductivity. It is discovered that the Ag doping process not only transforms ZnO to p‐type conductivity, making it possible to build this self‐powered photodetector, but also forms Ag nanoparticles in ZnO nanofibers and thus helps reduce the response time. Benefiting from the abovementioned dual effects, this UV detector is found to have an enhanced performance, with the on–off ratio up to 104 at zero bias and a rather short rise/decay time of 3.90 s/4.71 s.
The effect of inquiry‐based learning on the achievement goal‐orientation of grade 10 physical sciences learners at township schools in South Africa
Authors: Mupira Pio , Ramnarain Umesh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDue to apartheid policies, Black African learners in South Africa have been severely disadvantaged in school science. Despite policy changes to redress these historical imbalances, Black African learners continue to underperform in science. Previous research has identified motivation as a key factor that impacts performance. Achievement goal orientation is a construct of motivation that explains learning behaviour. In an attempt to address the problem of learner motivation, this study investigated the effect of inquiry‐based learning on the achievement goal‐orientation of grade 10 physical sciences learners at historically disadvantaged township schools in South Africa. In South Africa, the term “township” usually refers to under‐developed urban areas that were historically created for “non‐whites” during the apartheid era. The findings showed that the experiment group of learners who experienced inquiry‐based learning significantly gained in mastery goal orientation, while the control that were taught through a traditional direct didactic approach had an insignificant change in their mastery goal orientation. From these results, it can be concluded that inquiry‐based learning does support a mastery goal orientation in learners. This orientation is regarded as desirable because mastery approach goals could support positive outcomes in conceptual learning, leading to an improvement in science achievement of learners.
Refining and defining riverscape genetics: How rivers influence population genetic structure
Authors: Davis Chanté D. , Epps Clinton W. , Flitcroft Rebecca L. , Banks Michael A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTraditional analysis in population genetics evaluates differences among groups of individuals and, in some cases, considers the effects of distance or potential barriers to gene flow. Genetic variation of organisms in complex landscapes, seascapes, or riverine systems, however, may be shaped by many forces. Recent research has linked habitat heterogeneity and landscape or seascape configuration to genetic structure by integrating methods from landscape ecology, population genetics, and spatial statistics in approaches known as landscape or seascape genetics. However, functional differences between terrestrial or seascapes systems in comparison to riverscape topography (i.e., movement pathways for aquatic obligate species are constrained to river channels) make translating these approaches into freshwater analyses problematic. Studies that may be described as riverscape genetics (RG) have linked temperature, stream gradient, and confluences to genetic variability. Lack of consistency in methodology, however, has made comparisons across species and scales difficult. We provide a perspective on how RG could be used to provide a more comprehensive conceptual and applied understanding of connectivity and dispersal in freshwater systems. We describe four thematic areas of study representing current and future research opportunities and describe a basic workflow for conducting RG analysis. Although numerous methodological challenges remain, a RG approach can enhance our understanding of habitat heterogeneity in shaping gene flow and spatial genetic structure. These characteristics of populations are critical components for interpreting demographic and evolutionary consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1269. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1269This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Water and Life > Methods
Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Mussel inspired green synthesis of silver nanoparticles-decorated halloysite nanotube using dopamine: characterization and evaluation of its catalytic activity
Authors: Das Tushar Kanti , Ganguly Sayan , Bhawal Poushali , Remanan Sanjay , Mondal Subhadip , Das N. C. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Naturally occurring ceramic tubular clay, Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), having a significant amount of surface hydroxyls has been coated by self-polymerized dopamine in this work. The polydopamine-coated HNTs acts as a self-reducing agent for Ag+ ion to Ag0 in nanometer abundance. Herein, nano size Ag0 deposited on solid support catalyst has been used to mitigate water pollution within 10 min. To establish the versatility of the catalyst, nitroaryl (4-nitrophenol) and synthetic dye (methylene blue) have been chosen as model pollutant. The degradation/reduction of the aforementioned pollutants was confirmed after taking UV–visible spectra of the respective compounds. All the study can make sure that the catalyst is green and the rate constant value for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue was calculated to be 4.45 × 10−3 and 1.13 × 10−3 s−1, respectively, which is found to be more efficient in comparison to other nanostructure and commercial Pt/C nanocatalyst (1.00 × 10−3 s−1).
Treatment of Postanoxic Action Myoclonus With Intrathecal Baclofen: A Case Report
Authors: Whitlock James A. , Dumigan Ryan W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA case of severe action myoclonus after pulmonary arrest is described. Although there was benefit from oral pharmacotherapy, action myoclonus remained disabling. A favorable response to baclofen during an intrathecal trial led to eventual placement of an intrathecal baclofen pump. The present case illustrates the potential utility of intrathecal baclofen for treating this condition.Level of EvidenceV
The Role of Rehabilitation in Patients With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Intiso Domenico , Bartolo Michelangelo , Santamato Andrea , Di Rienzo Filomena 
Published: January 2018

AbstractProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins in neurons of the basal ganglia that limit motor ability, resulting in disability and reduced quality of life. So far, no pharmacologic therapy has been developed, and the treatment remains symptomatic. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic investigation of the literature, and to determine the types and effects of rehabilitative interventions used for PSP. A search of all studies was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Twelve studies were identified, including 6 case reports, 3 case series, one case‐control study, one quasi−randomized trial (i.e. not truly random) with crossover design, and one randomized controlled trial, with 88 patients investigated overall. Rehabilitative interventions varied in type, number, frequency, and duration of sessions. The most commonly used clinical measures were the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS) and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Physical exercises were the main rehabilitative strategy but were associated with other interventions and rehabilitative devices, in particular treadmill and robot‐assisted gait training. All studies showed an improvement in balance and gait impairment with a reduction of falls after rehabilitation treatment. Because of poor methodological quality and the variety of rehabilitative approaches including different and variable strategies, there was insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of any specific rehabilitation intervention in PSP. Despite this finding, rehabilitation might improve balance and gait, thereby reducing falls in PSP patients.Level of EvidenceIV
Next-Generation Sequencing to Diagnose Muscular Dystrophy, Rhabdomyolysis, and HyperCKemia
Authors: Wu Lily , Brady Lauren , Shoffner John , Tarnopolsky Mark A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground:Neuromuscular disorders are a phenotypically and genotypically diverse group of diseases that can be difficult to diagnose accurately because of overlapping clinical features and nonspecific muscle pathology. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a high-throughput technology that can be used as a more time- and cost-effective tool for identifying molecular diagnoses for complex genetic conditions, such as neuromuscular disorders.Methods:One hundred and sixty-nine patients referred to a Canadian neuromuscular clinic for evaluation of possible muscle disease were screened with an NGS panel of muscular dystrophy–associated genes. Patients were categorized by the reason of referral (1) muscle weakness (n=135), (2) recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis (n=18), or (3) idiopathic hyperCKemia (n=16).Results:Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 36.09% of patients (61/169). The detection rate was 37.04% (50/135) in patients with muscle weakness, 33.33% (6/18) with rhabdomyolysis, and 31.25% (5/16) in those with idiopathic hyperCKemia.Conclusions:This study shows that NGS can be a useful tool in the molecular workup of patients seen in a neuromuscular clinic. Evaluating the utility of large panels of a muscle disease-specific NGS panel to investigate the genetic susceptibilities of rhabdomyolysis and/or idiopathic hyperCKemia is a relatively new field. Twenty-eight of the pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants reported here are novel and have not previously been associated with disease.
SAYYID QUTB AND THE CRISIS OF CULTURE IN LATE 1940S EGYPT
Authors: Sabaseviciute Giedre 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article focuses on the writings and literary networks of the Egyptian intellectual and activist Sayyid Qutb during the late 1940s. Scholars have tended to explain Qutb's political radicalization and joining of the Muslim Brotherhood during the subsequent decade via aspects of his personality or personal life, such as his quick temper, conservatism, or frustration over unfulfilled aspirations to become a writer. Drawing on three periodicals published respectively by leftist, Islamist, and independent aspiring writers, I instead place Qutb's criticism of political, economic, and cultural elites in the context of an emerging generation of critical intellectuals. By shedding light on intellectual cooperation between Qutb, Muslim Brothers, Marxists, and independent writers, this article challenges established scholarly narratives that locate the Islamist project outside the Egyptian intellectual field.
The epidemiology of trichinellosis in the Arctic territories of a Far Eastern District of the Russian Federation
Authors: Uspensky A. , Bukina L. , Odoevskaya I. , Movsesyan S. , Voronin M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTrichinellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella, is still a public health concern in the Arctic. The aims of this study were to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Trichinella IgG in aboriginal peoples of two settlements in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (Russian Federation) on the Arctic coast of the Bering Sea, and to evaluate the survival of Trichinella nativa larvae in local fermented and frozen meat products. A seroprevalence of 24.3% was detected in 259 people tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The highest prevalence was detected among people who consumed traditional local foods made from the meat of marine mammals. Trichinella nativa larvae were found to survive for up to 24 months in a fermented and frozen marine mammal meat product called kopalkhen. Since the T. nativa life cycle can be completed in the absence of humans, it can be expected to persist in the environment and therefore remain a cause of morbidity in the human populations living in Arctic regions.
The Origins of “Social Justice” in the Natural Law Philosophy of Antonio Rosmini
Authors: Kraynak Robert P. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract“Social justice” is a powerful idea today, but its origins and meaning are unclear. One of the first to use the term was Antonio Rosmini, author ofThe Constitution under Social Justice(1848) and other works of moral philosophy. I argue that Rosmini arrived at his idea of social justice by developing Thomistic natural law theory into a novel view of the common good that balances two principles: (1) the equal rights and dignity of persons as ends-in-themselves, a version of “personalism” influenced by Kant and Christianity; and (2) unequal rewards for those who contribute most to society, a version of Aristotelian “proportionalism” based on the social nature of man. I conclude by comparing Rosmini's idea of social justice to John Rawls's “theory of justice” and Catholic social teaching.
Comparison of self-rated and objective successful ageing in an international cohort
Authors: STEWART JOCELYN M. , AUAIS MOHAMMAD , BÉLANGER EMMANUELLE , PHILLIPS SUSAN P. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTUnderstanding predictors of successful ageing is essential to policy development promoting quality-of-life of an ageing population. Initial models precluded successful ageing in the presence of chronic disease/functional disability; however, this is discrepant with self-reported successful ageing. Indicators of social, psychological and physical health in 1,735 people aged 65–74, living in Canada, Columbia, Brazil or Albania, were analysed in the International Mobility in Ageing Study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the change in self-rated successful ageing in relation to physical health, depression, social connectedness, resilience and site, while controlling for age, gender and income sufficiency. Sixty-five per cent of participants self-rated as ageing successfully; however, this was significantly different across sites (p < 0.0005, range 17–85%) and gender (p = 0.019). Using objective measures, 6 per cent were classified as ‘successful’, with significant variability amongst sites (p < 0.0005, range 0–12%). Subjective successful ageing was associated with fewer (not absence of) chronic diseases, absence of depression and less dysfunction in activities of daily living, but not with objective measures of physical dysfunction. Social connectedness and resilience also aligned with self-rated successful ageing. Traditional definitions of objective successful ageing are likely too restrictive, and thus, do not approximate self-rated successful ageing. International differences suggest that site could be a surrogate for variables other than physical/mental health and social engagement.
‘So long as there's hair there still’: displaying lack of interest as a practice for negotiating social norms of appearance for older women
Authors: HEINRICHSMEIER RACHEL 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTAlthough women's appearance is theorised as being central to their identity and social currency, much prior research has argued that as women age, other aspects of their lives assume a higher priority than their appearance. Nevertheless, they continue to invest time in appearance practices. In undertaking these various appearance practices, older women have to negotiate a range of conflicting social norms of age-appropriate appearance, such as managing the balancing act between ‘letting themselves go’, on the one hand, and looking like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’, on the other. This paper contributes to the growing literature on older women's attitudes to their appearance and related practices. Drawing on data from a two-year research project in a hair-salon catering primarily for older clients, I examine the question of the importance to women of their appearance through the lens of their hair-care practices. Focusing on a group of nine female clients aged 55–90 in a small hair-salon in southern England, I show how participants in their talk and embodied presentation display shifting orientations of investment/interest (or lack of interest) in their appearance. Comparing participants’ appearance practices, with their talk in two sequential environments in which a possible interest in appearance is made particularly salient, I argue that these shifting orientations reveal participants’ subtle negotiation of competing social norms of appearance for older women.
Strong competitive effects of African savanna C4 grasses on tree seedlings do not support rooting differentiation
Authors: Ketter Benjamin L. , Holdo Ricardo M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract:Rooting differentiation between established trees and grasses has been well documented in savannas, but it remains unclear to what extent tree-grass rooting differences affect competition between newly established seedlings and grasses. To examine this question, a greenhouse experiment was conducted at the University of Missouri, USA. Twenty 3-mo-old seedlings each of two African savanna tree species (Acacia nigrescens and Colophospermum mopane) were grown for 8 mo with two crossed factors: grass competition and irrigation depth. Strong negative effects of grass competition on final seedling biomass and leaf photosynthetic and stomatal conductance occurred in both tree species, but no effects of irrigation depth were detected. There was a clear tree species by grass competition interaction, suggesting interspecific variation in competitive response. The results emphasize the importance of below-ground competition with grasses for physiological and morphological responses of tree seedlings, while minimizing the importance of tree-grass rooting depth differences as a factor in modulating the competitive response of trees to grasses at the seedling stage.
Associations of physical activity with anxiety symptoms and status: results from The Irish longitudinal study on ageing
Authors: McDowell C. P. , Gordon B. R. , Andrews K. L. , MacDonncha C. , Herring M. P. 
Published: January 2018

Aims.Anxiety is debilitating and associated with numerous mental and physical comorbidities. There is a need to identify and investigate low-risk prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between different volumes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and anxiety symptoms and status among older adults in Ireland.Methods.Participants (n = 4175; 56.8% female) aged ⩾50 years completed the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) at baseline, and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and follow-up (2009–2013). Participants were classified according to meeting World Health Organisation PA guidelines, and divided into IPAQ categories. Respondents without anxiety at baseline (n = 3165) were included in prospective analyses. Data were analysed in 2017.Results.Anxiety symptoms were significantly higher among females than males (p &lt; 0.001). Models were adjusted for age, sex, waist circumference, social class, smoking status and pain. In cross-sectional analyses, meeting PA guidelines was associated with 9.3% (OR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.78–1.06) lower odds of anxiety. Compared with the inactive group, the minimally- and very-active groups were associated with 8.4% (OR = 0.92, 0.76–1.10) and 18.8% (OR = 0.81, 0.67–0.98) lower odds of anxiety, respectively. In prospective analyses, meeting guidelines was associated with 6.3% (OR = 0.94, 0.63–1.40) reduced odds of anxiety. Compared with the inactive group, the minimally and very-active groups were associated with 43.5% (OR = 1.44, 0.89–2.32) increased, and 4.3% (OR = 0.96, 0.56–1.63) reduced odds of anxiety. The presence of pain, included in models as a covariate, was associated with a 108.7% (OR = 2.09, 1.80–2.42) increase in odds of prevalent anxiety, and a 109.7% (OR = 2.10, 1.41–3.11) increase in odds of incident anxiety.Conclusion.High volumes of PA are cross-sectionally associated with lower anxiety symptoms and status, with a potential dose–response apparent. However, significant associations were not observed in prospective analyses. The low absolute number of incident anxiety cases (n = 109) potentially influenced these findings. Further, as older adults may tend to experience and/or report more somatic anxiety symptoms, and the HADS focuses primarily on cognitive symptoms, it is plausible that the HADS was not an optimal measure of anxiety symptoms in the current population.