Scholars (n = 580) from 69 countries who had contributed articles in the field of Economics during the year 2015 participated in a survey that gauged their perceptions of various aspects of co-authorship, including its benefits, motivations, working relationships, order of authorship and association preferences. Among the main findings, significant differences emerged in the proportion of co-authored papers based on age, gender and number of years the researchers had spent in their present institution. Female scholars had a greater proportion of co-authored papers than male scholars. Respondents considered improved quality of paper, contribution of mutual expertise, and division of labor as the biggest benefits of and motivation for co-authorship. Contrary to common perceptions that Economics researchers used a predominantly alphabetical order of authorship, our study found that a considerable percentage of respondents (34.5%) had practiced an order of authorship based on the significance of the authors' contribution to the work. The relative importance of tasks differed significantly according to whether researchers co-authored as mentors or co-authored as colleagues. Lastly, researchers were found to associate, to varying degrees, with other researchers based on socio-academic parameters, such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, professional position and friendship. The study indicates that Economics authors perceive co-authorship as a rewarding endeavor. Nonetheless, the level of contribution and even the choice of association itself as a co-author depends to a great extent on the type of working relationship and socio-academic factors.
In this paper, we design a new three dimensional King Cobra face shaped fractional order chaotic system. The multi-scale synchronization scheme of two fractional order chaotic systems is described. The necessary conditions for the multi-scale synchronization of two identical fractional order King Cobra chaotic systems are derived through feedback control. A new cryptosystem is proposed for an image encryption and decryption by using synchronized fractional order King Cobra chaotic systems with the supports of multiple cryptographic assumptions. The security of the proposed cryptosystem is analyzed by the well known algebraic attacks. Numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Community structure is considered one of the most interesting features in complex networks. Many real-world complex systems exhibit community structure, where individuals with similar properties form a community. The identification of communities in a network is important for understanding the structure of said network, in a specific perspective. Thus, community detection in complex networks gained immense interest over the last decade. A lot of community detection methods were proposed, and one of them is the label propagation algorithm (LPA). The simplicity and time efficiency of the LPA make it a popular community detection method. However, the LPA suffers from instability detection due to randomness that is induced in the algorithm. The focus of this paper is to improve the stability and accuracy of the LPA, while retaining its simplicity. Our proposed algorithm will first detect the main communities in a network by using the number of mutual neighbouring nodes. Subsequently, nodes are added into communities by using a constrained LPA. Those constraints are then gradually relaxed until all nodes are assigned into groups. In order to refine the quality of the detected communities, nodes in communities can be switched to another community or removed from their current communities at various stages of the algorithm. We evaluated our algorithm on three types of benchmark networks, namely the Lancichinetti-Fortunato-Radicchi (LFR), Relaxed Caveman (RC) and Girvan-Newman (GN) benchmarks. We also apply the present algorithm to some real-world networks of various sizes. The current results show some promising potential, of the proposed algorithm, in terms of detecting communities accurately. Furthermore, our constrained LPA has a robustness and stability that are significantly better than the simple LPA as it is able to yield deterministic results.
This paper proposes a generalized robust synchronization method for different dimensional fractional order dynamical systems with mismatched fractional derivatives in the presence of function uncertainty and external disturbance by a designing sliding mode controller. Based on the proposed theory of generalized robust synchronization criterion, a novel audio cryptosystem is proposed for sending or sharing voice messages secretly via insecure channel. Numerical examples are given to verify the potency of the proposed theories.
Community structure is an important feature of a complex network, where detection of the community structure can shed some light on the properties of such a complex network. Amongst the proposed community detection methods, the label propagation algorithm (LPA) emerges as an effective detection method due to its time efficiency. Despite this advantage in computational time, the performance of LPA is affected by randomness in the algorithm. A modified LPA, called CLPA-GNR, was proposed recently and it succeeded in handling the randomness issues in the LPA. However, it did not remove the tendency for trivial detection in networks with a weak community structure. In this paper, an improved CLPA-GNR is therefore proposed. In the new algorithm, the unassigned and assigned nodes are updated synchronously while the assigned nodes are updated asynchronously. A similarity score, based on the Sørensen-Dice index, is implemented to detect the initial communities and for breaking ties during the propagation process. Constraints are utilised during the label propagation and community merging processes. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on various benchmark and real-world networks. We find that it is able to avoid trivial detection while showing substantial improvement in the quality of detection.
In face-to-face communications, to avoid sanctions and disapproval from others, people are more likely to hide negative aspects of their true self (such as socially undesirable personalities, minds, beliefs and consciousness) to avoid conflict with social norms and laws. The anonymity of cyberspace provides people a unique environment to behave more freely and openly with less restraint from the real word. Existing research related to online true self expression has mainly explored true self as an independent aspect of self. Regarding true self as a two-dimensional concept, this study investigates true self from the perspective of individuals' self-guide and identity reconstruction in both online and offline world. Using qualitative research methods, the current study investigates 57 participants through interviews and questionnaires. Content analysis reveals four factors that motivate people to express more true self (especially negative true self) when reconstructing their online identity and involve true self as a part of their self-guide in anonymous environment. By incorporating true self as an important part of individuals' self-guide and identity online, the current study advances self-discrepancy theory, making it more comprehensive for cyberspace. The results are also interpreted based on self-determination theory. The theoretical contributions of this study are discussed and practical implications are also presented.
The prognosis of lung cancer remains poor with overall five year survival figures varying between five and 10% worldwide, However, it has been shown that surgery in patients with early stage disease in non-small cell lung cancer can achieve five year survival rates up to 80%, suggesting that early or delay diagnosis can influence prognosis. Nevertheless, studies addressing this have been inconclusive and mostly derived from Western countries.
We report on measurements of integral cross sections (ICSs) for electron impact excitation of a series of composite vibrational modes and electronic-states in phenol, where the energy range of those experiments was 15-250 eV. There are currently no other results against which we can directly compare those measured data. We also report results from our independent atom model with screened additivity rule correction computations, namely, for the inelastic ICS (all discrete electronic states and neutral dissociation) and the total ionisation ICS. In addition, for the relevant dipole-allowed excited electronic states, we also report f-scaled Born-level and energy-corrected and f-scaled Born-level (BEf-scaled) ICS. Where possible, our measured and calculated ICSs are compared against one another with the general level of accord between them being satisfactory to within the measurement uncertainties.
Immune cell-based therapies using natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells are under constant scrutiny, with the aim to design an effective and reduced-toxicity therapy, which will benefit patients via improved quality of life and improved prognosis. Four patients with stage IV colon cancer were administered 1, 3, 5 and 6 effector cell intravenous infusions, respectively. Peripheral blood was collected from the patients and the ex vivo activation and expansion of NK and T cells was performed in Good Manufacturing Practice-certified clean rooms for ~12-15 days. Immunophenotypic analysis of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and expanded NK and T cells was conducted using flow cytometry and the patients were followed up. On average, 4.8×107 initial PBMCs and 2.7×109 total expanded cells were obtained. The intravenous infusions of the expanded cells were not accompanied by adverse reactions. Improved prognosis, reflected by a considerable decrease in the cancer markers, accompanied by an improved quality of life in the patients were observed. In conclusion, potential strategies are currently under development for the large-scale production of effectors cells; therefore, autologous immune enhancement therapy (AIET) may be considered as a viable approach to cancer treatment.
While evidence indicates that early stage disease has better prognosis, the effect of delay in presentation and treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on survival is debatable. A retrospective study of 122 Malaysian patients with NSCLC was performed to examine the presentation and treatment delay, and its relation with patient survival. Median (25-75% IQR) interval between onset of symptoms and first hospital consultation (patient delay) and between first hospital consultation and treatment or decision to treat (doctor delay) were 2 (1.0- 5.0) and 1.1 (0.6-2.4) months respectively. The median survival rates in patient delay of <1, 1 to 3, and >3 months were 4.1 (9.9-1.7), 5.1 (10.9-3.2) and 5.7 (12.3-2.1) months respectively (log rank p=0.648), while in doctor delay, <30, 30-60, >60 days, the rates were 4.1 (10.8-1.8), 7.6 (13.7-3.2) and 5.3 (16.0-3.0) months respectively (p=0.557). Most patients presented and were treated in a relatively short time, and delays did not appear to influence survival. This Asian data is consistent with those from Western population, reiterating the need for public health measures that can identify disease early..
In Malaysia, many patients opted out of cancer-specific treatment for various reasons. This study was undertaken to investigate the survival rate of patients with stages I to III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who opted out of treatment, compared with those who accepted treatment. Case records of 119 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 1996 and 2003 in two urban-based hospitals were retrospectively examined. Survival status was ascertained from follow-up medical clinic records or telephone contact with patients or their next-of-kin. Median (25-75% IQR) survival rate for 79 patients who accepted and 22 patients who opted out of treatment, were 8.6 (16.0-3.7) and 2.2 (3.5-0.8) months respectively [log rank p< 0.001, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis]. Except for proportionately more patients with large cell carcinoma who declined treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in relation with age, gender, ethnicity, tumour stage, and time delays between symptom onset and treatment or decision-to-treat. We concluded that there was a small but significant survival benefit in accepting cancer-specific treatment. The findings imply that there is no effective alternative therapy to cancer-specific treatment in improving survival. However, overall prognosis for patients with NSCLC remains dismal.
We report on measurements of differential cross sections (DCSs) for electron impact excitation of a series of Rydberg electronic-states in α-tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA). The energy range of these experiments was 20-50 eV, while the scattered electron was detected in the 10°-90° angular range. There are currently no other experimental data or theoretical computations against which we can directly compare the present measured results. Nonetheless, we are able to compare our THFA DCSs with earlier cross section measurements for Rydberg-state electronic excitation for tetrahydrofuran, a similar cyclic ether, from Do et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 134, 144302 (2011)]. In addition, "rotationally averaged" elastic DCSs, calculated using our independent atom model with screened additivity rule correction approach are also reported. Those latter results give integral cross sections consistent with the optical theorem, and supercede those from the only previous study of Milosavljević et al. [Eur. Phys. J. D 40, 107 (2006)].
BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of deaths in the world. A widening disparity in cancer burden has emerged between high income and low-middle income countries. Closing this cancer divide is an ethical imperative but there is a dearth of data on cancer services from developing countries.
METHODS: This was a multi-center, retrospective observational cohort study which enrolled women with breast cancer (BC) attending 8 participating cancer centers in Malaysia in 2011. All patients were followed up for 12 months from diagnosis to determine their access to therapies. We assess care performance using measures developed by Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, American Society of Clinical Oncology/National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American College of Surgeons' National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers as well as our local guideline.
RESULTS: Seven hundred and fifty seven patients were included in the study; they represent about 20% of incident BC in Malaysia. Performance results were mixed. Late presentation was 40%. Access to diagnostic and breast surgery services were timely; the interval from presentation to tissue diagnosis was short (median = 9 days), and all who needed surgery could receive it with only a short wait (median = 11 days). Performance of radiation, chemo and hormonal therapy services showed that about 75 to 80% of patients could access these treatments timely, and those who could not were because they sought alternative treatment or they refused treatment. Access to Trastuzumab was limited to only 19% of eligible patients.
CONCLUSIONS: These performance results are probably acceptable for a middle income country though far below the 95% or higher adherence rates routinely reported by centres in developed countries. High cost trastuzumab was inaccessible to this population without public funding support.
We report results from a joint theoretical and experimental investigation into electron scattering from the important organic species phenol (C6H5OH). Specifically, differential cross sections (DCSs) have been measured and calculated for the electron-impact excitation of the electronic states of C6H5OH. The measurements were carried out at energies in the range 15-40 eV, and for scattered-electron angles between 10° and 90°. The energy resolution of those experiments was typically ∼80 meV. Corresponding Schwinger multichannel method with pseudo-potentials calculations, with and without Born-closure, were also performed for a sub-set of the excited electronic-states that were accessed in the measurements. Those calculations were conducted at the static exchange plus polarisation (SEP)-level using a minimum orbital basis for single configuration interaction (MOBSCI) approach. Agreement between the measured and calculated DCSs was typically fair, although to obtain quantitative accord, the theory would need to incorporate even more channels into the MOBSCI.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease with high incidence in Asian countries. Epstein-Barr virus infection, environmental and genetic factors are believed to be involved in the tumorigenesis of NPC. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LPLUNC1 and SPLUNC1 genes with NPC was investigated by performing a two-stage case control association study in a Malaysian Chinese population. The initial screening consisted of 81 NPC patients and 147 healthy controls while the replication study consisted of 366 NPC patients and 340 healthy controls. The combined analysis showed that a SNP (rs2752903) of SPLUNC1 was significantly associated with the risk of NPC (combined P = 0.00032, odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.11). In the subsequent dense fine mapping of SPLUNC1 locus, 36 SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs2752903 (r(2) ≥ 0.85) were associated with NPC susceptibility. Screening of these variants by electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase reporter assays showed that rs1407019 located in intron 3 (r(2) = 0.994 with rs2752903) caused allelic difference in the binding of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor and affected luciferase activity. This SNP may consequently alter the expression of SPLUNC1 in the epithelial cells. In summary, our study suggested that rs1407019 in intronic enhancer of SPLUNC1 is associated with NPC susceptibility in which its A allele confers an increased risk of NPC in the Malaysian Chinese population.
To identify a gene(s) susceptible to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) through genotyping of more than 500,000 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), using an initial sample set of 111 unrelated NPC patients and 260 controls of a Malaysian Chinese population. We further evaluated the top 200 SNPs showing the smallest P-values, using a replication sample set that consisted of 168 cases and 252 controls. The combined analysis of the two sets of samples found an SNP in intron 3 of the ITGA9 (integrin-alpha 9) gene, rs2212020, to be strongly associated with NPC (P=8.27 x 10(-7), odds ratio (OR)=2.24, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=1.59-3.15). The gene is located at 3p21 which is commonly deleted in NPC cells. We subsequently genotyped additional 19 tag SNPs within a 40-kb linkage disequilibrium (LD) block surrounding this landmark SNP. Among them, SNP rs189897 showed the strongest association with a P-value of 6.85 x 10(-8) (OR=3.18, 95% CI=1.94-5.21), suggesting that a genetic variation(s) in ITGA9 may influence susceptibility to NPC in the Malaysian Chinese population.