cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
KREEPy lunar meteorite Dhofar 287A: A new lunar mare basalt

Dhofar 287 (Dho 287) is a new lunar meteorite, found in Oman on January 14, 2001. The main portion of this meteorite (Dho 287A) consists of a mare basalt, while a smaller portion of breccia (Dho 287B) is attached on the side. Dho 287A is only the fourth crystalline mare basalt meteorite found on Earth to date and is the subject of the present study. The basalt consists mainly of phenocrysts of olivine and pyroxene set in a finer-grained matrix, which is composed of elongated pyroxene and plagioclase crystals radiating from a common nucleii. The majority of olivine and pyroxene grains are zoned, from core to rim, in terms of Fe and Mg. Accessory minerals include ilmenite, chromite, ulvaspinel, troilite, and FeNi metal. Chromite is invariably mantled by ulvaspinel. This rock is unusually rich in late-stage mesostasis, composed largely of fayalite, Si-K-Ba-rich glass, fluorapatite, and whitlockite. In texture and mineralogy, Dho 287A is a low-Ti mare basalt, with similarities to Apollo 12 (A-12) and Apollo 15 (A-15) basalts. However, all plagioclase is now present as maskelynite, and its composition is atypical for known low-Ti mare basalts. The Fe to Mn ratios of olivine and pyroxene, the presence of FeNi metal, and the bulk-rock oxygen isotopic ratios, along with several other petrological features, are evidence for the lunar origin for this meteorite. Whole-rock composition further confirms the similarity of Dho 287A with A-12 and A-15 sam- ples but requires possible KREEP assimilation to account for its rare-earth-element (REE) contents. Cooling-rate estimates, based on Fo zonation in olivine, yield values of 0.2-0.8 °C/hr for the lava, typical for the center of a 10-20 m thick flow. The recalculated major-element concentrations, after removing 10-15% modal olivine, are comparable to typical A-15 mare basalts. Crystallization mod- eling of the recalculated Dho 287A bulk-composition yields a reasonable fit between predicted and observed mineral abundances and compositions.
Separation of Hydrocarbon Liquids by Flow Under Pressure Through Porous Membranes

Abstract : Three different types of porous films were used in the experiments. Two types of cellulose acetate and one type of polyethylene were used. The feed solution systems tested were xylene-ethyl alcohol, xylene-n-heptane, and n-heptane-ethyl alcohol. The operating cell consists of a stainless steel pressure chamber of two detachable parts. The film is mounted on a stainless steel porous plate embedded in the lower part of the cell through which the membrane permeated liquid leaves the system at atmospheric pressure. The upper part of the cell contains the feed solution under pressure in contact with the membrane. The separation technique was successful in all the cases tested.
Erythropoietin use and abuse

The major function of the erythrocyte is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the other tissues, a function ensured by the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin which couples red cell production to long term tissue oxygen requirements. Tissue hypoxia is the only physiological mechanism for increasing erythropoietin production but there are a variety of mechanisms for its down regulation including hyperoxia, increased catabolism by an expanded erythroid progenitor cell pool, blood hyperviscosity independently of its oxygen content, renal disease and the cytokines produced in inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic disorders. Erythropoietin lack results in severe and often transfusion-dependent anemia but if bone marrow function is otherwise normal, recombinant human erythropoietin therapy can restore the red cell mass and alleviate the transfusion need. However, elevation of the red cell mass by recombinant human erythropoietin is associated with a reduction in plasma volume and in some patients, hypertension is induced. Elevation of the red cell mass is also associated with a reduction in cerebral blood flow. When used to gradually elevate the hematocrit to 36% in anemic patients, recombinant human erythropoietin therapy is usually uneventful. However, when the normal hematocrit level is exceeded, the risk for thrombotic events increases since blood viscosity varies exponentially with the hematocrit. Increasing the hematocrit by autologous blood transfusions can enhance athletic performance in fit individuals and recombinant human erythropoietin administration is an obvious surrogate for autologous blood transfusions. However, paradoxically, its effects are the opposite of those of endurance training, namely a change in red cell mass without an increase in the total blood volume. Thus, the use of recombinant human erythropoietin as a performance-enhancing agent is dangerous, particularly in the less fit athlete, and probably of little benefit in the highly conditioned one. Differences in the carbohydrate content of native and recombinant human erythropoietin are identifiable by isoelectric focusing, providing a direct means for detecting erythropoietin abuse using urine specimens; a panel of surrogate blood markers of enhanced erythropoiesis such as soluble transferrin receptors, serum erythropoietin, reticulocyte hematocrit and percent macrocytes provide an indirect means for this purpose. Timing of surveillance is, of course, critical due to biological limitations on the physical presence of the hormone. However, education about its dangers may prove to be the most valuable solution to abuse of recombinant human erythropoietin for competitive advantage.
Impact of clustering in statistical indoor propagation models on link capacity

Explicit clustering in a statistical indoor propagation model is found to have significant effects on the capacity of an array-to-array link or matrix channel. Effects of antenna spacing, Poisson homogeneity, block size, and transmit power allocation strategies are also considered.
Human T Regulatory Cell Therapy: Take a Billion or So and Call Me in the Morning

Immune system regulation is of paramount importance to host survival. In settings of autoimmunity and alloimmunity, control is lost, resulting in injury to vital organs and tissues. Naturally occurring, thymic-derived T regulatory (Treg) cells that express CD4, CD25, and the forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) are potent suppressors of these adverse immune responses. Preclinical studies have shown that either freshly isolated or ex vivo expanded Treg cells can prevent both local and systemic organ and tissue destruction. Although promising, human Treg cell infusion therapy has heretofore been difficult to implement in the clinic, and relatively few clinical trials have been initiated. This review will focus on the preclinical models that provide the rationale for current trials and it will address both the challenges and opportunities in human Treg cell therapy.
Technology for hearing loss – as We Know it, and as We Dream it

AbstractPurpose: Worldwide demand for accessible hearing health technology continues to increase while the numbers of hearing healthcare specialists are grossly inadequate to meet this demand. Proliferation of innovative technology and the advent of greater access to global connectivity are providing an opportunity to identify and harness new resources that may change current audiological service delivery methods to maximize access, efficiency and impact. Methods: By searching through the most current literature and engaging in discussions with industry experts, it is possible to identify avenues that could increase services to those who have hearing loss with innovative healthcare technology. This article aims to review the current state as well as future trends of hearing health technology by addressing: Technology as We Know it; and Technology as We Dream it. Results: Some of the newer technologies we have recently witnessed include: micro processors; personalized computing devices (e.g. smartphones); ...
Championing Diversity: The Influence of Personal and Organizational Antecedents

The purpose of this research was to examine antecedents of championing diversity (i.e., extra-role behaviors aimed at ensuring the success of diversity initiatives). In Study 1 (N = 170 students), race and sex were marginally related to championing diversity, while extraversion, racial prejudice, and sexual prejudice held stronger associations with the behavior. In Study 2 (N = 299 employees), racial prejudice, sexual prejudice, and coworker support for diversity were all predictive of championing behavior. The findings suggest that both personal and social factors influence people’s championing behaviors. Contributions, limitations, and future directions are advanced. jasp_598 788..810
Giannis Stamatellos: Computer ethics--A global perspective

In part, and because of the many scandalous business practices of the 1990s and early twenty-first century (e.g., Enron, WorldCom, Tyco Int’l., and Halliburton), applied ethics in general, and business and computer ethics in particular has gained a greater social awareness. Addressing this awareness is Computer Ethics: A Global Perspective by Giannis Stamatellos. The author asserts that the aim of the book is: ‘‘(1) to provide a short introduction to computer ethics; (2) to engage students and non-expert in a philosophical enquiry on the social impact of computers in the information society; and (3) to discuss the ethical issues that emerge from widespread use of information technology at the local and global level’’ (p. IX). The preface also explains that the book aims to ‘‘offer a compact guide to the ethical and social issues discussed in an undergraduate course, and to serve as a source of for the students in that course’’ (p. X). To his credit, given the breadth and depth of computer ethics, Stamatellos not only addresses the vast ethical issues, but also many of the social impacts in a mere 140 pages. Stamatellos structures the book into four sections. In the first chapter he very briefly introduces the reader to what computer ethics is, its short history, and its philosophical foundations. The remainder of the book is laid out into Part A (Ethical Issues) which comprises Chaps. 2–5, and Part B (Social Impact) which comprises Chaps. 6–11. The last section of the book includes Appendices A–D; these are the codes of ethics from four main IS/IT associations. The initial impression that one may get from an inspection of the Table of
Additional pulmonary blood flow with the bidirectional Glenn anastomosis: does it make a difference?

Abstract Background . The bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt has become a mainstay in the palliation of patients with a functional single-ventricle heart. However, there remain a number of unresolved issues regarding this procedure, many of which concern the response of the pulmonary vasculature to this unique circulatory physiology. Among the issues of debate are the role and effects of an additional source of pulmonary blood flow. Methods . Between January 1990 and April 1997, 160 patients underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. Median age at operation was 7.8 months, and age ranged from 24 days to 43 years. An additional source of pulmonary blood flow was included in 93 patients (58%). A retrospective review of our experience with this cohort was performed with a focus on the role of additional pulmonary blood flow. Results . Eight patients (5%) died in the early postoperative period, and the overall early failure rate (death or take-down) was 7.5% (n = 12). Eleven other patients underwent early reoperation to decrease (n = 8) or increase (n = 3) the amount of pulmonary blood flow. Early survivors were followed up for a median of 23 months, during which time 5 patients died and 30 patients underwent Fontan completion. Including early and late mortality, actuarial survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 91% and 88%, respectively. Conclusions . The bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt is a useful procedure in the early or intermediate-term management of patients with a functional univentricular heart. However, there is much still to be learned about this unique physiologic system. The role of accessory pulmonary blood flow remains unclear, as does the use of the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt as long-term palliation. Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas are a serious concern, especially in young patients with heterotaxy syndrome.
Engaging aspiring educational leaders in self-reflection regarding race and privilege

Self-reflection is a vital tool that can be used in the preparation of aspiring school leaders to ensure they can equitably serve the increasingly racially, culturally, linguistically and economically diverse students in schools. When coupled with social justice pedagogy, reflection can also serve as a means of gauging student resistance, growth and understanding of issues of race and privilege. In this study, written self-reflections from educational leadership students exposed to social justice pedagogy were examined, revealing varying degrees of resistance in the form of intense emotions, distancing and opposition for some, and changes in mindset for others. Students also began interrogating their own assumptions, practices and the equity-oriented theories presented. Findings reiterate the utility and need for social justice pedagogy that includes self-reflection in the preparation and continued professional development of educational leaders.
Metagenomic Approach for Identification of the Pathogens Associated with Diarrhea in Stool Specimens

The potential to rapidly capture the entire microbial community structure and/or gene content makes metagenomic sequencing an attractive tool for pathogen identification and the detection of resistance/virulence genes in clinical settings. Here, we assessed the consistency between PCR from a diagnostic laboratory, quantitative PCR (qPCR) from a research laboratory, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenomic shotgun sequencing (MSS) for Clostridium difficile identification in diarrhea stool samples. Twenty-two C. difficile-positive diarrhea samples identified by PCR and qPCR and five C. difficile-negative diarrhea controls were studied. C. difficile was detected in 90.9% of C. difficile-positive samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and C. difficile was detected in 86.3% of C. difficile-positive samples using MSS. CFU inferred from qPCR analysis were positively correlated with the relative abundance of C. difficile from 16S rRNA gene sequencing (r(2) = -0.60) and MSS (r(2) = -0.55). C. difficile was codetected with Clostridium perfringens, norovirus, sapovirus, parechovirus, and anellovirus in 3.7% to 27.3% of the samples. A high load of Candida spp. was found in a symptomatic control sample in which no causative agents for diarrhea were identified in routine clinical testing. Beta-lactamase and tetracycline resistance genes were the most prevalent (25.9%) antibiotic resistance genes in these samples. In summary, the proof-of-concept study demonstrated that next-generation sequencing (NGS) in pathogen detection is moderately correlated with laboratory testing and is advantageous in detecting pathogens without a priori knowledge.
Continuous Processing with Cofactor Requiring Enzymes: Coenzyme Retention and Regeneration

Until now continuous processing with enzymes has been limited to those enzymes that do not require cofactors. However, of the six classes of enzymes only two do not require cofactors. In order to widen the scope of enzyme engineering, the capability for continuous processing with cofactor requiring enzymes is highly desirable. Such processing necessitates cofactor reuse since continuous addition of expensive coenzyme is prohibitive. Regenerating the cofactor (reconverting it to its original state) is a necessary aspect of cofactor reuse. Another necessary aspect of cofactor reuse is coenzyme retention; the cofactor must either remain in the reactor, or a satisfactory method for separating the cofactor from the product stream must be developed.
Food and Ectoparasites of Indiana Shrews

A total of 339 shrews from Indiana was examined during the present study, including 159 Blarina brevicauda , 142 Cryptotis parva , 56 Sorex cinereus , and 16 S. longirostris . Mites of the species Orycteroxenus soricis, Androlaelaps fahrenholzi , and Protomyobia claparedei were important parasites on Blarina, Cryptotis , and S. cinereus. Blarinobia simplex was taken from Blarina , whereas B. cryptotis was taken from Cryptotis and Sorex cinereus . Fleas commonest on Blarina were Ctenopthalmus pseudagyrtes and Doratopsylla blarinae , whereas the major flea of Cryptotis was Corrodopsylla hamiltoni , followed by Ctenopthalmus pseudagyrtes . Five specimens of the beetle, Leptinus americanus , were taken from Blarina . The most important foods of Blarina , listed in order of decreasing abundance were earthworms, slugs and snails, lepidopterous larvae, Gryllidae, and Chilopoda. Corresponding foods for Cryptotis were lepidopterous larvae, earthworms, spiders, internal organs of crickets and grasshoppers, and coleopterous larvae; for Sorex cinereus , they were lepidopterous larvae, coleopterous larvae, slugs and snails, spiders, and Gryllidae.
FEM simulation and forming analysis of automobile front wheel panel

Numerical simulation of drawing process for automobile front wheel panel was studied by using the software Dynaform for three-dimensional sheet metal forming analysis.The forming performance of panel was analyzed during stamping simulation.As a result of cracking in faces,the addendum and drawbead were optimizated. Finally it was compared with the sample and the results of deforming,the thinning rate of blank could be controlled to 27% more or less.So the eligible side panel has been manufactured in the workshop through the optimized process.
Insufficient and misleading understanding about treatment and prevention of childhood asthma among community doctors

Objective: To investigate community doctors' knowledge on the treatment and prevention of asthma. Method: Questionnaires were designed for this investigation. Results: The incompliance of parents to inhaled corticosteroid is the hardest obstacle against the prevention of asthma. The usage of inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting beta-2 agonist and leukotriene modifier had not been exactly understood by community doctors. However, continue study could help improve community doctors' understanding of right treatment and preventing of asthma. Conclusion: It is necessary to emphasize the importance of the training of community doctors in the treatment and prevention of childhood asthma.
Cost and benefit estimates of partially-automated vehicle collision avoidance technologies

Many light-duty vehicle crashes occur due to human error and distracted driving. Partially-automated crash avoidance features offer the potential to reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle crashes that occur due to distracted driving and/or human error by assisting in maintaining control of the vehicle or issuing alerts if a potentially dangerous situation is detected. This paper evaluates the benefits and costs of fleet-wide deployment of blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning crash avoidance systems within the US light-duty vehicle fleet. The three crash avoidance technologies could collectively prevent or reduce the severity of as many as 1.3 million U.S. crashes a year including 133,000 injury crashes and 10,100 fatal crashes. For this paper we made two estimates of potential benefits in the United States: (1) the upper bound fleet-wide technology diffusion benefits by assuming all relevant crashes are avoided and (2) the lower bound fleet-wide benefits of the three technologies based on observed insurance data. The latter represents a lower bound as technology is improved over time and cost reduced with scale economies and technology improvement. All three technologies could collectively provide a lower bound annual benefit of about $18 billion if equipped on all light-duty vehicles. With 2015 pricing of safety options, the total annual costs to equip all light-duty vehicles with the three technologies would be about $13 billion, resulting in an annual net benefit of about $4 billion or a $20 per vehicle net benefit. By assuming all relevant crashes are avoided, the total upper bound annual net benefit from all three technologies combined is about $202 billion or an $861 per vehicle net benefit, at current technology costs. The technologies we are exploring in this paper represent an early form of vehicle automation and a positive net benefit suggests the fleet-wide adoption of these technologies would be beneficial from an economic and social perspective.
A new approach for energy band engineering in flexible GaAs devices

Flexible electronics based on rigid conventional crystalline semiconductors such as silicon and compound semiconductors is emerging as a new class of technology. At present, the existing approaches for realizing flexible electronics from those materials have focused on maintaining the performance of the original device. Here, we demonstrate a new approach for tailoring the electronic and optoelectronic properties of high-performance flexible devices through strain engineering. In this work, we use flexible gallium arsenide (GaAs) devices as a model system. We show that layer transfer through substrate cracking with a pre-tensioned nickel film can be utilized for engineering the electronic band structure of flexible GaAs devices. We empirically and theoretically quantify the effect of the ‘engineered’ residual strain on the electronic band structure in these flexible GaAs devices. Photoluminescence (PL) and quantum efficiency (QE) measurements indicate the widening of the GaAs energy bandgap due to the residual compressive strain. More importantly, our strain engineering method is universal and can be readily extended to other flexible material systems such as gallium nitride.
Provision of Palliative Care Services by Family Physicians Is Common

OBJECTIVE Provision of palliative care services by primary care physicians is increasingly important with an aging population, but it is unknown whether US primary care physicians see themselves as palliative practitioners. METHODS This study used cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2013 American Board of Family Medicine Maintenance of Certification Demographic Survey. RESULTS Of 10,894 family physicians, 33.1% (n = 3609) report providing palliative care. Those providing palliative care are significantly more likely to provide non-clinic-based services such as care in nursing homes, home visits, and hospice. Controlling for other characteristics, physicians reporting palliative care provision are significantly (P < .05) more likely to be older, white, male, rural, and practicing in a patient-centered medical home. CONCLUSION One third of family physicians recertifying in 2013 reported providing palliative care, with physician and practice characteristics driving reporting palliative care provision.
Use of Skin Biopsies Among Dermatologists

Background Skin biopsies are essential to establish a diagnosis in many skin diseases. Utilization has been increasing rapidly and represents a significant health care cost. There are no benchmarks or baselines to guide the practice of skin biopsies. Objective To create a reference data set of biopsy behavior among dermatologists. Methods Five hundred eighty-eight dermatologists belonging to the American Dermatological Association (ADA) were surveyed. Two hundred eighty-seven responded with 128 of those providing biopsy data. Results The mean percentage of biopsies that were malignant was 44.5%. This varied by subspecialty with a mean of 41.7%, 57.4%, and 4.1% of biopsies performed by general dermatologists, Mohs micrographic surgeons, and pediatric dermatologists, respectively. By category or diagnosis, the biopsies were 22.7% basal cell carcinoma, 12.0% SCC, 10.2% benign neoplasms, 10.0% nevi, 8.0% actinic keratosis, 7.6% seborrheic keratosis, 7.5% inflammatory disorders, 6.1% SCC in situ, 5.3% dysplastic nevus, 5.1% benign skin, 1.5% melanoma in situ, 1.4% melanoma, 0.9% lentigines, 0.8% other malignancies, 0.6% infectious, 0.2% not otherwise specified, and 0.1% atypical lesions. There was a statistically significant difference in biopsy results between different dermatological subspecialties. Conclusion These results should help elucidate dermatologic practice patterns and thus create opportunities to improve dermatologic care and reduce health care costs.
Diagnosing Multiple Simultaneous Faults

Most recent studies of human diagnostic reasoning, or “troubleshooting,” have concentrated on the human's ability to diagnose single faults in a system. Little attention has been paid to human diagnosis of multiple simultaneous faults. Multiple faults are usually functionally unrelated, but sometimes they interact with each other, resulting in potentially confusing symptoms. An experiment was conducted to test the relative difficulty of diagnosing multiple faults whose symptoms interacted to a lesser or greater degree. The experimental test-bed was a simulated binary adder (logic circuit) into which one or more faults could be inserted by the experimenter. Four levels of objective multiple fault difficulty were identified based on the type of evidence available and the type of reasoning required to successfully diagnose the fault. Subjective mental workload and the number of tests required for each diagnosis increased as objective multiple fault difficulty rose from level 1 to 4. The time taken for a diag...
Healthcare Access and Cancer Screening Among Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.

Abstract Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) victims often experience substantial and persistent mental and physical health problems, including increased risk for chronic disease and barriers to healthcare access. This study investigated the association between IPV and cancer screening. Materials and Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from the eight states and one U.S. territory that administered the optional IPV module in 2006 were analyzed to examine demographic characteristics, health behaviors, health status, healthcare coverage, use of health services, and cancer screening among men and women who reported IPV victimization compared with those among men and women who did not. IPV victimization included physical violence, threats, and sexual violence. Results: In the nine jurisdictions that administered the IPV module, 23.6% of women and 11.3% of men experienced IPV. Fewer women and men reporting IPV victimization had health insurance, a personal doctor or healthcare provi...
Glycemic Improvement with Sleep-Disordered Breathing Treatment in Prader–Willi Syndrome

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic condition frequently associated with extreme obesity, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and impaired glucose metabolism. We report an 11-year-old girl with PWS, morbid obesity, SDB and insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus who had a marked decrease in her hemoglobin A1c following improved control of her SDB. SDB has been shown to impair glucose metabolism though trials of SDB treatment have reported mixed effects on glucose metabolism. This case shows an association between improved control of SDB with optimal positive airway pressure therapy and improved glycemic control in a patient with PWS, extreme obesity and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the effects of SDB treatment on glucose regulation in children, particularly in the setting of PWS.
Efficient lossless watermarking algorithm using gradient sorting and selective embedding

Prediction-error expansion based lossless watermarking techniques for images have received extensive attention due to versatile performance. In particular, the capacity-distortion control is one of the most important studies. This paper investigates that data-hiding distortion is mainly affected by the occurrence order of the prediction-error distribution, and capacity is affected by the occurrence number of the prediction errors. To make better control of the prediction-error distortion, we propose a novel scheme with three components: the gradient adjacent prediction (GAP), gradient sorting, and selective embedding. The capacity of the proposed scheme is high because GAP generates highly concentrated prediction-error histogram. Furthermore, the gradient sorting and selective embedding could avoid and reduce the unnecessary distortion. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the competitors in terms of capacity enhancement and distortion reduction.
On the unit group of the Burnside ring as a biset functor for some solvable groups

Abstract The theory of bisets has been very useful in progress towards settling the longstanding question of determining units for the Burnside ring. In 2006 Bouc used bisets to settle the question for p-groups. In this paper, we provide a standard basis for the unit group of the Burnside ring for groups that contain a abelian subgroups of index two. We then extend this result to groups G, where G has a normal subgroup, N, of odd index, such that N contains an abelian subgroups of index 2. Next, we study the structure of the unit group of the Burnside ring as a biset functor, B × on this class of groups and determine its lattice of subfunctors. We then use this to determine the composition factors of B × over this class of groups. Additionally, we give a sufficient condition for when the functor B × , defined on a class of groups closed under subquotients, has uncountably many subfunctors.
A theoretical model for magnetic field mapping as a means of broken fiber detection in graphite epoxy composites

Composite materials are gaining popularity in the aerospace industry because of their light weight and high strength, and the possibility to fabricate pieces to meet specific design needs. With the anticipated increase in usage, including the use in critical parts, it is essential to develop methods and techniques to determine the soundness of a structure fabricated from these materials.
Divisional Performance Measurement

Our purpose in this paper is to examine divisional performance measurement methods and related aspects of the rules of the game that govern the behavior of managers. Performance measurement is one of the critical factors that determine how individuals in an organization behave. It is one aspect of what we call the organizational rules of the game, which consist of (1) the performance measurement and evaluation system, (2) the reward and punishment system, and (3) the system for partitioning decision rights among individuals in an organization.Performance measurement includes the objective and subjective assessments of the performance of both individuals and subunits of an organization such as divisions or departments. Performance evaluation is the process of attaching value weights to various measures of performance to represent the importance of achievement on each dimension.The reward and punishment system relates the rewards granted to individuals to results measured by the performance measurement system. Rewards and punishments include nonmonetary factors such as honor, attention, and rank, as well as monetary factors such as salary changes and bonuses.We analyze the peculiar characteristics of common divisional performance measures associated with what are often called cost centers, revenue centers, profit centers, investment centers and EVA and expense centers. We analyze the counterproductive incentives induced by these various performance measures and the conditions under which each of them could be sensibly used in an organization.
The functor of points of a prescheme

We have had several indications that the underlying point set of a scheme is peculiar from a geometric point of view. Non-closed points are odd for one thing. A serious difficulty is that the point set of a fibre product X ×S Y does not map injectively into the set-theoretic product of X and Y. For example:
The MATMOD Equations

Among the several sets of unified constitutive equations described in this volume, the MATMOD (standing simply for MATerials MODel) equations probably attempt to cover the broadest set of phenomena. These are enumerated in Table 1. Like many of the other unified approaches, the MATMOD equations treat most of the phenomena within the categories of ‘creep’ and ‘plasticity’; however, the equations are also designed to predict many aspects of cyclic deformation and, more generally, multiaxial non-proportional straining. The manner in which the equations represent solute drag effects (dynamic strain aging) is unique. This breadth does come at the expense of accuracy, given our present incomplete knowledge of the ‘first principles’ physical laws governing dislocation-controlled straining.
p53 Protein and Pathogenesis of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

The p53 tumor suppressor gene and gene product are among the most diverse and complex molecules involved in cellular functions. Genetic alterations within the p53 gene have been shown to have a direct correlation with cancer development and have been shown to occur in nearly 50% of all cancers. p53 mutations are particularly common in skin cancers and UV irradiation has been shown to be a primary cause of specific’ signature’ mutations that can result in oncogenic transformatiorn. There are certain ‘hot-spots’ in the p53 gene where mutations are commonly found that result in a mutated dipyrimidine site. This review discusses the role of p53 from normal function and its dysfunction in precancerous lesions, nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Additionally, molecules that associate with p53 and alter its function to produce neoplastic conditions are also explored in this chapter.
Post-Silicon Signal Selection Using Machine Learning

A key constraint in post-silicon validation and debug is limited observability of internal signals. Knowledge of only primary outputs can lead to an observability of a few internal signals. The most widely used on-chip testing infrastructure is scan chains, which can provide reasonable observability. However, using scan chain involves loading of input vectors in test mode, and therefore, is not suitable for signal tracing during normal execution. Instead, a small trace buffer is commonly used to meet this purpose. Size of trace buffer is limited (can only trace a small number of signals) due to area and energy constraints. The goal of signal selection is to maximize observability by selecting the correct set of signals (hundreds out of billions) for trace buffer. Many signal selection techniques have been proposed over the years. Metric- based techniques do static analysis on design to select profitable signals. They often use greedy algorithms, which are fast but lead to poor restoration quality. In contrast, simulation-based selection techniques provide superior restorability but incur significant runtime overhead. A hybrid between these two approaches has also been proposed, which trades-off some restoration performance to reduce runtime. Recently, machine learning based signal selection techniques are emerging as the most promising one. This chapter describes two machine learning based signal selection methods. The first method trains a model to predict restoration quality based on the selected signals. This method improves runtime by performing only a small number of simulations for training. The second method demonstrates how runtime can be further improved by running simulation on small-scale designs with the similar characteristic as the actual one.
Software Cracking: An Exploration of the Physical Realities of Software

Most modern software companies are expected to roll out software applications which are both very useful and user-friendly. Commonly, these companies implement Digital Rights Management measures to prevent their product from being “cracked.” However, software DRM is difficult to implement because of the modern, abstract consideration of software and the close relationship between assembly and machine code. A clever cracker may exploit this relationship to remove, skip or otherwise damage the integrity of validation measures. This paper presents a high-level consideration of this concept and some related ideas. Additionally, this paper presents an implementation of a basic method of software cracking using an assembly debugger as an illustration of its points. Related results and discussions are also presented.
The development and validation of a multidimensional scale of perceived Latino threat

Perceived threat is a central feature of theories of intergroup behaviour, such as the minority threat perspective. Studies have linked perceptions of Latinos as threatening the interests of Whites...
Academic Librarians Supporting Digital Storytelling in the Sciences

Science curricula in academic settings increasingly emphasize the importance of fostering students’ science communication skills through coursework and projects. One technique used to build students’ multimedia communication skills is digital storytelling. Digital storytelling allows students to tell a subjective story that engages audience’s interest and empathy using a mixture of visual and audio cues. In the process, students develop their own skills building an emotionally engaging narrative through the interaction of words and imagery, skills that are not usually exercised in a STEM curriculum. At some institutions, instructors of this technique have partnered with librarians, who can offer valuable assistance in the form of copyright support, resource guidance, and technical support. This paper will discuss how science librarians can provide support for digital storytelling in the curriculum.
Interventions to improve older adults' Emergency Department patient experience: A systematic review.

Abstract Study objective To summarize interventions that impact the experience of older adults in the emergency department (ED) as measured by patient experience instruments. Methods This is a systematic review to evaluate interventions aimed to improve geriatric patient experience in the ED. We searched Ovid CENTRAL, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE and PsycINFO from inception to January 2019. The main outcome was patient experience measured through instruments to assess patient experience or satisfaction. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the confidence in the evidence available. Results The search strategy identified 992 studies through comprehensive literature search and hand-search of reference lists. A total of 21 studies and 3163 older adults receiving an intervention strategy aimed at improve patient experience in the ED were included. Department-wide interventions, including geriatric ED and comprehensive geriatric assessment unit, focused care coordination with discharge planning and referral for community services, were associated with improved patient experience. Providing an assistive listening device to those with hearing loss and having a pharmacist reviewing the medication list showed an improved patient perception of quality of care provided. The confidence in the evidence available for the outcome of patient experience was deemed to be very low. Conclusion While all studies reported an outcome of patient experience, there was significant heterogeneity in the tools used to measure it. The very low certainty in the evidence available highlights the need for more reliable tools to measure patient experience and studies designed to measure the effect of the interventions.
Glutamatergic adaptation to stress in medial prefrontal cortex underlies risk and resilience for pessimistic beliefs

Stress is a major risk factor for the development of mental illness, including major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Particular challenges lie in disentangling adaptive versus maladaptive responses to repeated stress exposure. Preclinically, stress-induced changes in glutamatergic function have been frequently observed in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a key region for mediating adaptive stress responses. Here, we examined stress-induced changes in mPFC glutamate using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in four human samples varying in perceived stress exposure. Changes in mPFC glutamate following an acute stressor were reliably moderated by recent perceived stress in healthy controls. This adaptive glutamate response was absent in unmedicated individuals with MDD and was associated with excessively pessimistic beliefs as assessed via ecological momentary assessments over a 1-month follow-up period. Taken together, these data provide novel evidence for glutamatergic adaptation to stress in mPFC that is significantly disrupted in MDD.
The Crisis of the Librarian

The accumulation of massive quantities of knowledge, in a context of extreme specialization and without an organizing framework, has resulted in what many consider a crisis, where it is difficult to know what we know much less use it to solve problems and effect desired changes. This chapter reviews the origins of the crisis of knowledge and the problems it has created. It discusses the emergence of interdisciplinarity as a response, particularly in the form of environmental studies, and highlights the demand for a more integrated socio-environmental studies to inform understanding of and meaningful action to address the complex, global, and urgent problems confronting humanity today.
Preservers of XR Technologies and Transhumanism as Dynamical, Ludic and Complex System

Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality technologies or XR technologies are starting to mature, and by incorporating deep-learning algorithms in these systems, technology is providing a new form of interactions again, that of autonomous drone(s), resulting in new form of support, also perhaps renewed interests on transhumanism where technology can assist and enhance quality of human-life. This could result in new forms of positive outcomes in elderly care, pandemic control based on localized situations, and possibly understanding human conditions across the globe. XR technologies are therefore getting tremendous possibilities and boost of infusion of technology options to go further in our quest of understanding who we are and what we are about. When technology improves, new forms of interactions emerge, leading the discussions around positive Transhumanism which is somewhat limited idea where technology would provide a positive impact on human-life solving problems and issues which were not possible. This paper looks at this idea as to what trans-humanism, also called Human-Imitation, is and how it related to XR technologies. One such practical application is learning. Our work is about shifting the conversation from memorization to more experiential learning could be provided. Such systems have appeared in literature as ludic systems and embodied interactions. New XR technologies will make this more feasible.
The Anthropocene as we know it: posthumanism, science education and scientific literacy as a path to sustainability

As products of the Anthropocene, the epoch of human ecological impact, models of environmental and social sustainability have been rooted in humanism, centering human agency and taking humanity as the prime reference point in understanding the world. Discourses around sustainability pose questions of how we are trying to sustain our world and our central place in it. With these questions in mind, we examine the role of science education for sustainability and as a tool for enacting societal change and interacting with the world responsibly. Science education is particularly concerned with helping learners cultivate tools and develop scientific literacy for understanding and interacting with the world. This is key to the ability of current and future generations to meet the challenge of building and maintaining a sustainable world. Yet, these tools are rooted in anthropocentric and Western ways of understanding our relationships with and in the world, which maintains myths such as the neutrality of digital technology or linear forms of progress. We turn to posthuman perspectives to consider an alternative onto-epistemological stance that decenters human agency and foregrounds the co-constitutive and intra-active nature of the world. We argue that scientific literacy and science education for sustainability can act as channels for our species to move beyond ecological sustainability to an understanding of humanity’s entanglement with the world. Life in all its forms, from micro to macro is about relationships with cultural and natural ecologies. Any changes in these relationships can lead to the sustaining, altering, or threatening of these ecologies. In light of this recognition, we explore the implications of posthumanist thought for science education and literacy as learners seek a more sustainable world and a more harmonious place for humanity within it.
Incorporating Ethics into Artificial Intelligence

This article reviews the reasons scholars hold that driverless cars and many other AI equipped machines must be able to make ethical decisions, and the difficulties this approach faces. It then shows that cars have no moral agency, and that the term “autonomous”, commonly applied to these machines, is misleading, and leads to invalid conclusions about the ways these machines can be kept ethical. The article’s most important claim is that a significant part of the challenge posed by AI-equipped machines can be addressed by the kind of ethical choices made by human beings for millennia. Ergo, there is little need to teach machines ethics even if this could be done in the first place. Finally, the article points out that it is a grievous error to draw on extreme outlier scenarios — such as the Trolley narratives — as a basis for conceptualizing the ethical issues at hand.
A Diagnostic Dilemma: Catastrophic or Seronegative Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) and seronegative APS (SN-APS) are rare and severe variants of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with these variants, early recognition and adequate treatment with immunomodulatory agents and anticoagulation are crucial. Here, we report a rare presentation of seronegative CAPS in a young adult with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with seizures, encephalopathy, and quadriplegia. Brain imaging revealed intracranial hemorrhage and attenuated vessels in the Circle of Willis suggestive of vasculitis. Imaging also revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli involving the main pulmonary, segmental, and subsegmental arteries; lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in the right common femoral vein; and superficial venous thrombi in the left cephalic and basilic veins. Due to the absence of APS seropositivity and the catastrophic nature of her presentation, namely the widespread thrombi formation and multiorgan involvement, there was high suspicion for a diagnosis of seronegative CAPS. After two weeks of high doses of immunomodulatory agents, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment, the patient showed clinical improvement and a reduced burden of venous thrombi. The predicament of not being able to use anticoagulation in this patient due to cerebral hemorrhage added to the complexity and uniqueness of this case.