bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of natural rubber/polybutadiene rubber hybrid matrix-based magnetorheological elastomer
Authors: Song Xincheng , Wang Wenju , Yang Fufeng , Wang Guoping , Rui Xiaoting
Published: October 2019

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) that consists of matrix materials and magnetic particles is a kind of smart material, whose mechanical properties were controllable under external magnetic field. In this work, natural rubber (NR)/polybutadiene rubber (BR) hybrid matrix-based MRE was prepared. The compatibility of NR and BR was studied by experiment and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The hybrid matrix was prepared using the physical mixing method. The characterization results showed that BR had excellent compatibility with NR. The measurement result using rheometer showed that the MR effect can be increased to 44.19% by the addition of BR. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the hybrid matrix formed a homogeneous system when the ratio of BR and NR is 1:9 and 3:7. The MD simulation showed that the BR and NR are compatible and the cohesive energy density of hybrid matrix was smaller than BR and NR. The cohesive energy density of hybrid matrix was increased with the increase of BR.
On mechanical characterization of 3-D printed PLA-PVC-wood dust-Fe3O4 composite
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Singh Rupinder , Singh TP , Batish Ajay
Published: October 2019

In recent past, fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based functional prototypes have been explored in printing of composites for 4-D applications as smart thermoplastics. The 3-D printed parts with 4-D properties have wide utility in structural/nonstructural engineering applications. Some studies have reported preparation of feedstock filament as composite material comprising of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood dust, and magnetite (Fe3O4). But hitherto very little has been reported on mechanical characterization of 3-D printed PLA-PVC-wood dust-Fe3O4 composite. The present work is an extension of study reported on mechanical and magnetic properties-based characterization of feedstock filament prepared for FDM, to understand the effect of processing parameters on properties of functional prototypes in structural/nonstructural engineering applications. For mechanical characterization, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and historical data approach have been used in optimization of 3-D printing condition in two stages. From ANOVA, it has been figured out that infill density of 100%, infill angle of 45°, and infill speed of 70 mm/s have given best result for peak strength and break strength in first stage. Further, the results of ANOVA model suggested that either there were some missing independent variables or interaction of present variables with each other was playing role in output. In second stage, historical data approach was used to understand the affect of interactions present among the input variables. The morphological analysis suggested that the sample printed with maximum density and low infill angle has minimum porosity and thus shows better mechanical properties. The results were supported with photomicrographs to understand the effect of porosity in the fractured sample.
Thermal error controlling for the spindle in a precision boring machine with external cooling across coated joints
Authors: Lei Mohan , Jiang Gedong , Zhao Liang , Wang Jinshi , Li Ben Q , Xia Ping , Yang Jun , Mei Xuesong
Published: October 2019

Spindles in precision boring machines usually operate without internal cooling, and thermal error in such spindles is nonnegligible and can severely affect the end-processing quality of the machines. This study aims to investigate the effects that external cooling exerts on the thermal behavior of such spindles. A helical tube cooler is taken for external cooling. An analytical thermal resistance model for the grease-coated cooler-housing joint surface, which considers the pressured cambered-flat contact pair and rough metal surface-grease contact, is presented and validated, and a numerical thermal–fluid–solid coupling model for the cooler-spindle system is then established. An evaluation method is put forward to obtain the stability of the thermal error, which determines the boring processing accuracy and thermal equilibrium time, from experimental data. Then, the external cooling was optimally designed based on the simulation results from the numerical model. Experiments show that the designed cooler reduced the thermal equilibrium time by 47.13% and the maximum thermal error by 81.7%, and the proposed model can accurately predict the cooling effect on the spindle thermal behavior. This study not only provides a thermal error control method for the spindle but is expected to advance the theoretical basis of cooling design for complex electromechanical systems.
Quadratic multiple regression model and spectral relaxation approach to analyse stagnation point nanofluid flow with second-order slip
Authors: Kumar B , Seth GS , Nandkeolyar R
Published: October 2019

The present paper is concerned to study the influence of second-order slip, mixed convection, viscous and Joule dissipations, thermophoretic and Brownian diffusions on steady stagnation point nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium with passive control of nanoparticles. Graphs for velocity, temperature and concentration of present nanofluid flow model, obtained by using spectral relaxation method, are discussed in detail for various parameters. Apart from it, present results are verified by previously available results as well as regression analysis is performed for the local Nusselt number for making this model more effective in industries and engineering. From the statistical analysis of local Nusselt number, it is suggested that small variation in thermophoretic parameter leads to large perturbation in local Nusselt number in comparison to Brownian motion parameter, and the presence of Eckert number leads to strengthen Brownian and thermophoretic diffusions.
Energy and exergy analysis on hydrofluoroolefin/ hydrofluorocarbon (HFO/HFC) refrigerant mixtures in low and medium temperature small-scale refrigeration systems
Authors: Raveendran P Saji , Sekhar S Joseph
Published: October 2019

The new refrigerants such as HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze have been considered as long-term replacements for HFC-134a to comply with the Kyoto protocol. In small size refrigeration systems, these refrigerants have poor performance than HFC-134a besides their minor flammability. Previous studies reveal that the addition of HFC-134a in small quantity can improve the performance of a system without exceeding the global warming potential limit (150) prescribed by the European Union. However, this concept is not studied in small-scale refrigerators. Therefore, the performance of low and medium temperature systems of capacity 190 and 285 litre, respectively, working with different hydrofluoroolefin/ hydrofluorocarbon (HFO/HFC) mixtures, has been studied by mathematical simulation. The software tool ‘MATLab’ and the refrigerant property database ‘REFPROP’ have been used in the simulation. The results showed that the coefficient of performance (COP) of Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants and its mixtures decreases from 2.4 to 15.7% than that of HFC-134a. Among the mixtures, HFO-1234ze/HFC-134a (90/10) shows better performance and its predicted coefficient of performance (COP) and exergetic efficiency are 4–8.3% and 5.1–10.5%, respectively, higher than that of other mixtures considered in this study.
Assessment of running gear performance in relation to rolling contact fatigue of wheels and rails based on stochastic simulations
Authors: Six Klaus , Mihalj Tomislav , Trummer Gerald , Marte Christof , Krishna Visakh V , Hossein-Nia Saeed , Stichel Sebastian
Published: October 2019

In this work, the authors present a methodology for assessing running gear with respect to rolling contact fatigue of wheels and rails. This assessment is based on the wheel/rail contact data of different wheel profile wear states obtained from a wheel profile prediction methodology. The approach allows a cumulative assessment of the rolling contact fatigue of rails in different curve radii (e.g. the sum of damage over the lifetime of wheel profiles). Furthermore, the assessment of the rolling contact fatigue can be undertaken at different wear states of the wheel profiles to provide an insight on how the rolling contact fatigue of wheels and rails varies depending on the evolution of wheel wear. The presented methodology is exemplarily applied to two bogie types, the UIC-Y25 standard bogie and the so-called FR8RAIL bogie with a mechanical wheelset steering device. The presented methodology has been shown to be a useful tool for the optimisation of vehicles already in an early stage of the vehicle development process.
Autonomous obstacle avoidance maneuvering of thrust-vectored airship with neural network control
Authors: Mishra Amardeep
Published: October 2019

There has been a renewed interest in recent times in airship technology owing to its potential usage for applications ranging from defense, scientific exploration, advertising to even remote monitoring. For airships to expand operational profile, further enhancement of configurational features and control development for full autonomy are key technologies gaining attention. In this paper, beginning with the mathematical modeling of a thrust-vectored airship, the integrated motion planning and controller development for vehicle autonomy, taking into account various uncertainties, are dealt with. A rapidly exploring random tree-based obstacle avoidance path planning exercise is carried out to chart out a trajectory in the presence of obstacles. Then, a neural network-based sliding mode controller is subsequently designed that learns the unknown equivalent control in sliding mode control framework to track the reference trajectory. Simulation results presented at the end demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Two-level approaches to missing data in longitudinal trials with daily patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Jin Man , Feng Dai , Liu Guanghan , Wan Shuyan
Published: October 2019

In longitudinal clinical trials with daily patient-reported outcomes, the analysis endpoints are often defined as the averaged daily diary outcomes in a treatment cycle (such as a month or a week). Conventional methods often deal with missing data at the cycle level by imputing the average, and the cycle average is treated as missing if the number of days with available outcomes in the treatment cycle is less than a certain number. This was the method used for a case study of a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating a treatment for insomnia with daily patient-reported outcomes. Such methods may introduce bias. Motivated by this, we propose methods to impute missing daily outcomes in this paper. Specifically, we define a two-level missing pattern for clinical trials with daily patient-reported outcomes, and propose two-level methods to impute missing data at daily base. Other than the standard methods by multiple imputations, we derive analytic formulas for the proposed two-level methods to reduce computational intensity and improve the estimates of variances. The proposed two-level methods provide more powerful approaches to estimate the treatment difference compared to the conventional cycle-level methods, which are evaluated by theoretical development and simulation studies. In addition, the methods are applied to the motivating phase 3 trial evaluating a treatment for insomnia with daily patient-reported outcomes.
Dworkin’s dream: Towards a singularity of law
Authors: Goldsworthy Daniel
Published: October 2019

The article proposes that deep-learning technologies have the capacity to produce artificial super-intelligence, which makes possible one of Dworkin’s most controversial and tantalising theories: that there is in fact one right answer to any legal question.
The Other Part of the Job: Rapid Data Analysis with Excel and Sheets
Authors: Dunbar Laura
Published: October 2019

This article will show a few quick and easy techniques to analyze data sets using Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Prevalence and Predictors of Distress, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Bereaved Family Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Oechsle Karin , Ullrich Anneke , Marx Gabriella , Benze Gesine , Wowretzko Feline , Zhang Youyou , Dickel Lisa-Marie , Heine Julia , Wendt Kim Nikola , Nauck Friedemann , Bokemeyer Carsten , Bergelt Corinna
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To investigate prevalence and predictors of postloss distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life among bereaved family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.

Methods:

Prospective multicenter study. Family caregivers (N = 160, mean age 56.8 years, 66% female) completed validated outcome measures (Distress Thermometer, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire depression module 9-item scale, SF-8 Health Survey Questionnaire) 6 months after patient’s discharge or death at specialist inpatient palliative care ward.

Results:

Clinically relevant distress was observed in 82% with sadness (89%), exhaustion (74%), sleeping problems (68%), loneliness (53%), and sorrows (52%) being the most common distress-causing problems. Moderate/severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were observed in 27% and 35%, respectively. Compared to an adjusted norm sample, quality of life was significantly impaired with exception of “bodily pain” and physical component score. Preloss caregiving (odds ratio [OR] 2.195) and higher preloss distress (OR 1.345) predicted high postloss distress. Utilization of psychosocial support services (OR 2.936) and higher preloss anxiety symptoms (OR 1.292) predicted moderate/severe anxiety symptoms, lower preloss physical quality of life (OR 0.952), and higher preloss depressive symptoms (OR 1.115) predicted moderate/severe depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

Preloss mental burden showed to be a consistent predictor for postloss burden and should be addressed during palliative care. Future research should examine specific caregiver-directed interventions during specialist palliative care.
Trastuzumab/Hyaluronidase-oysk: A New Option for Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Duco Marissa R. , Murdock Joshua L. , Reeves David J.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To assess the use of subcutaneous trastuzumab/hyaluronidase-oysk (SQ trastuzumab) in comparison to intravenous (IV) trastuzumab.

Data Sources:

A comprehensive PubMed literature search was performed from August 2012 to August 2019 using search terms Herceptin Hylecta, trastuzumab, hyaluronidase, subcutaneous, preference, safety, efficacy, and cost.

Study Selection & Data Extraction:

English-language clinical trials focusing on SQ trastuzumab were evaluated.

Data Synthesis:

In phase III trials, adverse event (AE) rates ranged from 64% to 97.6% of patients receiving SQ trastuzumab in 3 studies compared to 94.6% of patients receiving IV trastuzumab. In the phase III trial comparing SQ trastuzumab to IV trastuzumab, six-year overall survival (OS) was 84% in both groups. In pharmacokinetic analyses, trough concentrations and AUC0-21 were slightly higher in patients receiving SQ trastuzumab and differences were larger at the extremes of body weight. Two pharmacoeconomic analyses reported cost-savings associated with a 52-week treatment cycle of trastuzumab of $2,090 USD and $4,600 USD.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in February 2019, SQ trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in combination with hyaluronidase, offers an alternative dosage form for patients with breast tumors overexpressing HER2.

Conclusions:

SQ trastuzumab has a similar safety profile to IV trastuzumab. Although it may be slightly more cost-effective, its role in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing tumors requires further study in those at the extremes of body weight due to differences in drug exposure compared to IV trastuzumab.
Peri- and Postpartum Management of Patients With Factor XI Deficiency
Authors: Gerber Gloria F. , Klute Kelsey A. , Chapin John , Bussel James , DeSancho Maria T.
Published: October 2019

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is an uncommon autosomal disorder with variable bleeding phenotype, making peripartum management challenging. We describe our experience in pregnant women with FXI deficiency and identify strategies to minimize the use of hemostatic agents and increase utilization of neuraxial anesthesia. Electronic records of 28 pregnant women with FXI deficiency seen by a hematology service in an academic medical center from January 2006 to August 2018 were reviewed. Data on bleeding, obstetric history, peripartum management, and FXI activity were collected. Partial FXI deficiency was defined as >20 IU/dL and severe <20 IU/dL. Median FXI activity was 42 IU/dL (range <1-73 IU/dL), and median activated partial thromboplastin time was 32.2 seconds (range: 27.8-75 seconds). There were 64 pregnancies: 53 (83%) live births and 11 (17%) pregnancy losses. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 9 (17%) pregnancies. Antifibrinolytic agents and fresh frozen plasma were used only in women with severe deficiency (42% with bleeding and 17% with no bleeding phenotype, respectively). Neuraxial anesthesia was successfully administered in 32 (59%) deliveries. Most women with FXI deficiency have uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries with minimal hemostatic support. Neuraxial anesthesia can be safely administered in most women.
Alcohol Use and Harm to Children by Parents and Other Adults
Authors: Freisthler Bridget , Wolf Jennifer Price , Hodge Ashleigh I. , Cao Yiwen
Published: October 2019

This study used mixed methods to examine parent-reported harm to children (lack of supervision or physical harm) due to alcohol use by themselves or someone else as well as parent beliefs about alcohol, parenting, and harms to children. We conducted a cross-sectional general population survey of 1,599 parents who were primary caregivers to a child aged 10 or younger and follow-up interviews with 23 parents who responded “yes” to one of the questions about alcohol use causing harm their child. Survey data were analyzed using multilevel logistic models. Compared to abstainers, parents who drank at least once a year were less likely to report that someone else’s drinking caused a lack of supervision or physical harm to their child. Higher continued volumes of drinking were related to fewer reports of not watching a child closely enough. Social companionship support (having people to go out with) was related to greater odds that a parent’s drinking would cause physical harm to his or her child(ren). In the qualitative analysis, four relevant themes emerged: perceived effects of alcohol use, tangible support and child supervision, immediate and distal harm, and turning points in drinking behaviors.
Major obstacles to doxorubicin therapy: Cardiotoxicity and drug resistance
Authors: Al-malky Hamdan S , Al Harthi Sameer E , Osman Abdel-Moneim M
Published: October 2019

Background

Doxorubicin is one of the most commonly prescribed and time-tested anticancer drugs. Although being considered as a first line drug in different types of cancers, the two main obstacles to doxorubicin therapy are drug-induced cardiotoxicity and drug resistance.

Method

The study utilizes systemic reviews on publications of previous studies obtained from scholarly journal databases including PubMed, Medline, Ebsco Host, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The study utilizes secondary information obtained from health organizations using filters and keywords to sustain information relevancy. The study utilizes information retrieved from studies captured in the peer-reviewed journals on “doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity” and “doxorubicin resistance.”

Discussion and results

The exact mechanisms of cardiotoxicity are not known; various hypotheses are studied. Doxorubicin can lead to free radical generation in various ways. The commonly proposed underlying mechanisms promoting doxorubicin resistance are the expression of multidrug resistance proteins as well as other causes.

Conclusion

In this review, we have described the major obstacles to doxorubicin therapy, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as well as the mechanisms of cancer drug resistance and in following the treatment failures.
A Proposal for a General Psychology of Persons and Their Lives
Authors: Martin Jack
Published: October 2019

This is a proposal to make persons and their lives central to and the primary focus of psychological theory and inquiry. To this end, the ontological status of persons is clarified, their unique ontogeny is described, and the nature of their lives is explored. With these clarifications and descriptions in place, the proposal concludes with a consideration of advantages to psychology and psychologists of adopting persons and their lives as a primary focus of psychological theory and inquiry.
Brinzolamide/brimonidine fixed-dose combination bid as an adjunct to a prostaglandin analog for open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension
Authors: Topouzis Fotis , Goldberg Ivan , Bell Katharina , Tatham Andrew J , Ridolfi Antonia , Hubatsch Douglas , Nicolela Marcelo , Denis Phillipe , Lerner S Fabian
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the additive intraocular pressure–lowering effect of twice-daily brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed-dose combination (BBFC) as an adjunct to a prostaglandin analog (PGA) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension insufficiently controlled with PGA monotherapy.

Methods:

In this Phase 4, double-masked trial, patients aged ⩾18 years, with a mean intraocular pressure of ⩾19 and <32 mm Hg in at least one eye were randomized (1:1) to receive BBFC + PGA ( n = 96) or vehicle + PGA ( n = 92) for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean change in diurnal intraocular pressure from baseline (averaged over 09:00 and 11:00 h) at Week 6.

Results:

The mean diurnal intraocular pressure at baseline was similar in the BBFC + PGA (22.8 mm Hg) and vehicle + PGA (22.9 mm Hg) groups. The least squares mean change in diurnal intraocular pressure from baseline at Week 6 was greater with BBFC + PGA (−5.59 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: −6.2 to −5.0)) than with vehicle + PGA (−2.15 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: −2.7 to −1.6)); the treatment difference was statistically significant in favor of BBFC + PGA (−3.44 mm Hg, (95% confidence interval: −4.2 to −2.7); p < 0.001). Ocular adverse events were reported in 21.1% and 8.7% of patients in the BBFC + PGA and vehicle + PGA groups, respectively. The most frequent ocular adverse event was ocular hyperemia (5.3%) in the BBFC + PGA group and blurred vision (2.2%) in the vehicle + PGA group.

Conclusion:

BBFC + PGA significantly reduced mean diurnal intraocular pressure than PGA alone in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The safety findings with BBFC + PGA were consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medications.
Lamellar macular hole in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kuo Bo-I , Yang Chung-May , Hsieh Yi-Ting
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To describe the clinical features and surgical outcomes of diabetic retinopathy–associated lamellar macular hole and compare them with those of idiopathic lamellar macular hole.

Methods:

A total of 17 eyes with diabetic retinopathy–associated lamellar macular hole and 30 eyes with idiopathic lamellar macular hole undergoing surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity, preoperative optical coherence tomography characteristics, and final best-corrected visual acuity were compared between two groups.

Results:

Both the baseline and the final best-corrected visual acuity in the diabetic retinopathy group were significantly worse than those in the idiopathic group (p = 0.029 for baseline, p = 0.002 for final). Lamellar macular hole in diabetic retinopathy tended to have a wider opening (p < 0.001) and a thinner residual base (p = 0.023). The width and height of parafoveal schisis in diabetic retinopathy–associated lamellar macular hole were both larger than those in idiopathic lamellar macular hole (p < 0.001 for both). After operation, both groups achieved significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (p < 0.01 for both).

Conclusion:

Compared with idiopathic group, diabetic retinopathy–associated lamellar macular hole had worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity, wider defect, and more pronounced parafoveal schisis. However, significant visual improvement could be obtained after operation. All cases in both groups achieved good anatomical outcomes with normalization of foveal contour and reduction of parafoveal schisis.
Tour guides’ perceptions of below-cost tours and managerial implications
Authors: Wang Suosheng
Published: October 2019

Below-cost tours (BCTs) have long been considered a serious issue in the travel industry, yet they have rarely been discussed from a tour guides’ perspective. Today’s tour guides are mostly freelancers, hired by tour operators to lead tour groups. While previous studies cover the management and behaviors of tour guides, there is little insight into personal perceptions of their work. To better understand BCTs, this study provides an intimate look at the phenomenon through the use of semi-structured interviews from tour guides and employment of nonparticipant observation on their experiences. The structural problems of the travel industry and impacts of BCTs on tour guide performance are explored and highlighted. Framed in the agency theory, the managerial implications and solutions to the BCT problems are discussed and recommended.
Inferior alveolar nerve anaesthesia: A rare complication of orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Mahmood Hanya , Stern Melanie , Atkins Simon
Published: October 2019

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage is a rare but recognised complication of dental procedures including third molar surgery, implant surgery, endodontic treatment and local anaesthetic injections. However, it is rarely caused by orthodontic tooth movement. This report highlights a case of temporary IAN anaesthesia to the right mental region, which was likely to have occurred secondary to the orthodontic uprighting of a lingually tilted molar using a high strength arch wire. Immediate deactivation of the appliance and an acute reducing dose of systemic steroids resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. To the best of the author’s knowledge, there have been seven previously described cases of IAN paraesthesia but no cases reporting IAN anaesthesia secondary to orthodontic fixed-appliance treatment. This case highlights the importance of dentists practising orthodontics to have an awareness of the clinical and radiographic signs that may indicate a high-risk case requiring appropriate referral for cone beam imaging and careful orthodontic planning. Furthermore, this case emphasises the need to warn high-risk patients of the symptoms of this rare complication and how it may be managed. This will ultimately help to minimise the risk of litigation and optimise patient experience and care.
Establishment of an IoT-based smart factory and data analysis model for the quality management of SMEs die-casting companies in Korea
Authors: Park Sangwoo , Changgyun Kim , Youm Sekyoung
Published: October 2019

In this research, an Internet of things–based smart factory was established for a die-casting company that produces automobile parts, and the effect of casting parameters on quality was analyzed using data collected from the system. Most of the die-casting industry in Korea consists of small- and medium-sized enterprises with inferior finances and skeptical views about the establishment of a smart factory. In response, the Korean government is providing various types of support to spread the implementation of smart factories for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Although small- and medium-sized enterprises have become more active in establishing smart factories according to the government policies, the effect of smart factories requires real-time monitoring. A monitoring system has been built but the data collected are not being utilized properly. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a system suitable for the die-casting environment and data analysis purposes and to utilize it to enable the analysis of data. To this end, we established to smart factory that provides data based on the Internet of things. Among the data collected, casting parameter data were analyzed through a data mining technique to establish a relationship between casting parameters and the quality of production. It is expected that a method of systematic implementation will be provided to die-casting companies that want to build smart factories in the future and that a plan for managing casting parameter by-product will be established. In addition, algorithms that can solve the problem of multi-collinearity among the casting parameters and aid in the development of new products are needed to detect optimum casting parameters.
Network modelling and computation of quickest path for service-level agreements using bi-objective optimization
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Kumar Rajiv , Talib Manar Wasif Abu , Srivastava Saurabh , Iqbal Razi
Published: October 2019

This article addresses the problem related to the reliability of path after transmitting the given amount of data with the service-level agreement cooperation in the computer communication network. The links have associated with service performance factor parameter during the data transmission, and each node is associated with the requested service performance factor. In this article, first we have considered the single objective to minimize the transmission time of the quickest path problem. An algorithm for quickest path problem has been proposed for results, and furthermore, its time complexity has been shown. The problem has been extended with bi-objective optimization of the quickest path problem, which minimizes the transmission time and hybrid logarithmic reliability. An algorithm is proposed for getting the number of efficient solutions for the quickest path problem using label-correcting algorithm. The algorithms are implemented and tested on different standard benchmark network problems provided with the set of Pareto front of the results.
Toward computational algorithm for time-fractional Fokker–Planck models
Authors: Freihet Asad , Hasan Shatha , Alaroud Mohammad , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Ahmad Rokiah Rozita , Salma Din Ummul Khair
Published: October 2019

This article describes an efficient algorithm based on residual power series to approximate the solution of a class of partial differential equations of time-fractional Fokker–Planck model. The fractional derivative is assumed in the Caputo sense. The proposed algorithm gives the solution in a form of rapidly convergent fractional power series with easily computable coefficients. It does not require linearization, discretization, or small perturbation. To test simplicity, potentiality, and practical usefulness of the proposed algorithm, illustrative examples are provided. The approximate solutions of time-fractional Fokker–Planck equations are obtained by the residual power series method are compared with those obtained by other existing methods. The present results and graphics reveal the ability of residual power series method to deal with a wide range of partial fractional differential equations emerging in the modeling of physical phenomena of science and engineering.
Tribological properties of surface microtexture friction pairs under different lubrication conditions
Authors: Wang Lili , Zhao Xingtang , Guo Shaohui , Wang Min
Published: October 2019

In the field of journal bearings, the microtexture processing technology of the bush inner surface has become an effective way to improve the performance of journal bearing. The two-dimensional finite element model of microtexture surface with different shapes of friction pairs is established based on the Navier–Stokes (N-S) equation, and the effect of lubrication conditions on the frictional performance of friction pairs is analyzed. Four microtextures that are radial grooves, circular pits, local reticulation, and circumferential grooved microtexture are processed by laser microcarving on the surface of specimen, and three different lubricating medium conditions are set up with high-viscosity oil, low-viscosity oil, and oil–solid mixture, and the effect of lubrication condition and texture shape on the wear reduction of the microtexture friction pair is studied. Results show that the concave microtexture and the radial groove can improve effectively the friction performance of the friction pair. The microtexture can effectively store the lubricating medium and wear abrasive particles in the mixed lubrication, and avoid effectively the second wear, and its average friction coefficient of radial groove microtexture is 22%, 30% lower than that of high- and low-viscosity lubricating media, respectively. Both theory and experiment have proved that the effect of microtexture on high-viscosity lubricant is better than that of low-viscosity lubricant.
Design of robot finger based on flexible tactile sensor
Authors: Tang Zhijie , Wang Zhen , Lu Jiaqi , Ma Gaoqian
Published: October 2019

In this article, a flexible tactile sensor that made of conductive silicone rubber for dexterous robot hand is designed. The tactile sensor is made up of four microsensors. The maximum gripping force is simulated when the degree of a robot finger joint is 138. Meanwhile, a control system to analyze the creep and hysteresis characteristics and a processing system of the tactile sensor is designed. We also demonstrated an experiment for the application of robot grasp object, showing the finger’s flexibility and sensitivity. Then the feedback data is sent to control system to provide precise grasp action changes for the robot hand.
Stroke in the Middle-East and North Africa: A 2-year prospective observational study of intravenous thrombolysis treatment in the region. Results from the SITS-MENA Registry
Authors: Al-Rukn S , Mazya M , Akhtar N , Hashim H , Mansouri B , Faouzi B , Aref H , Abdulrahman H , Kesraoui S , Hentati F , Gebelly S , Ahmed N , Wahlgren N , Abd-Allah F , Almekhlafi M , Moreira T
Published: October 2019

Background and methods

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the Middle-East and North African (MENA) countries is still confined to the main urban and university hospitals. This was a prospective observational study to examine outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis-treated stroke patients in the MENA region compared to the non-MENA stroke cohort in the SITS International Registry.

Results

Of 32,160 patients with ischemic stroke registered using the SITS intravenous thrombolysis protocol between June 2014 and May 2016, 500 (1.6%) were recruited in MENA. Compared to non-MENA (all p < 0.001), median age in MENA was 55 versus 73 years, NIH Stroke Scale score 12 versus 9, onset-to-treatment time 138 versus 155 min and door-to-needle time 54 min versus 64 min. Hypertension was the most reported risk factor, but lower in MENA (51.7 vs. 69.7%). Diabetes was more frequent in MENA (28.5 vs. 20.8%) as well as smoking (20.8 vs. 15.9%). Hyperlipidemia was less observed in MENA (17.6 vs. 29.3%). Functional independence (mRS 0–2) at seven days or discharge was similar (53% vs. 52% in non-MENA), with mortality slightly lower in MENA (2.3% vs. 4.8%). SICH rates by SITS-MOST definition were low (<1.4%) in both groups.

Conclusions

Intravenous thrombolysis patients in MENA were younger, had more severe strokes and more often diabetes. Although stroke severity was higher in MENA, short-term functional independency and mortality were not worse compared to non-MENA, which could partly be explained by younger age and shorter OTT in MENA. Decreasing the burden of stroke in this young population should be prioritized.
The ‘changing’ face of media discourses on poverty in the age of populism and anti-globalisation: The political appeal of anti-modernity and certainty in Brazil
Authors: Lugo-Ocando Jairo
Published: October 2019

This article analyses how the political right in parts of the Global South has appropriate agendas and issues that in the past were often associated to the political left and presented them instead as their own. It does so by articulating narratives around poverty and social exclusion in the context of anti-globalisation and nationalistic discursive regimes that appeal to popular ‘common sense’. The piece explores this argument by examining the case of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. Reviewing a sample of Brazilian news media outlets and the type of messages in relation to poverty during the most recent presidential elections, it is suggested that by linking themes of social exclusion with nationalism in the news media, the political right has been able to explain poverty by means of increasing globalisation and liberalism and co-opt this agenda.
Serum MMP-9: a novel biomarker for prediction of clinical relapse in patients with quiescent Crohn’s disease, a post hoc analysis
Authors: Yablecovitch Doron , Kopylov Uri , Lahat Adi , Amitai Michal M. , Klang Eyal , Ben-Ami Shor Dana , Neuman Sandra , Levhar Nina , Fudim Ella , Avidan Benjamin , Laish Ido , Selinger Limor , Zingboim-Orbach Noam , Picard Orit , Yavzori Miri , Eliakim Rami , Ben-Horin Shomron
Published: October 2019

Background:

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a novel marker of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess if serum MMP-9 levels predict clinical flare in patients with quiescent Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods:

This study was a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study in which quiescent CD patients were included and followed until clinical relapse or the end of a 2-year follow-up period. Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were measured, and the patients underwent repeated capsule endoscopies (CEs) every 6 months. Small bowel inflammation was quantified by Lewis score (LS) for CE. A baseline magnetic resonance enterography was also performed, and MaRIA score was calculated. Serum MMP-9 levels in baseline blood samples were quantified by ELISA.

Results:

Out of 58 eligible enrolled patients, 16 had a flare. Higher levels of baseline MMP-9 were found in patients who developed subsequent symptomatic flare compared with patients who did not [median 661 ng/ml, 25–75 interquartile range (IQR; 478.2–1441.3) versus 525.5 ng/ ml (339–662.7), respectively, p = 0.01]. Patients with serum MMP-9 levels of 945 ng/ ml or higher were at increased risk for relapse within 24 months [area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.88]; hazard ratio 8.1 (95% CI 3.0–21.9, p < 0.001)]. Serum MMP-9 concentrations showed weak and moderate correlation to baseline LS and FC, respectively ( r = 0.31, p = 0.02; r = 0.46, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between serum MMP-9 to CRP and MaRIA score.

Conclusions:

Serum MMP-9 may be a promising biomarker for prediction of clinical flare in CD patients with quiescent disease.
Diversity of Furanoeremophilane Composition in Ligularia tongolensis
Authors: Okamoto Yasuko , Nakadozono Yumi , Shiojiri Kosuzu , Suehiro Sayaka , Saito Yoshinori , Matsuo Yosuke , Tanaka Takashi , Kuroda Chiaki , Tori Motoo , Gong Xun , Hanai Ryo
Published: October 2019

The composition of root chemicals was studied for 7 samples of Ligularia tongolensis collected in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China. The structures of 2 new 3β-angeloyloxy-6β-acyloxyfuranoeremophilan-15-oic acids were determined. It was found that the plant harbors chemical diversity in the acyloxy groups in 3,6-bis(acyloxy)eremophilan-15-oic acids. The presence of a 3-methylpentanoate moiety at C-3 appears geographically differentiated to a degree. Consistent with this low diversity, results of DNA analysis indicated little genetic differentiation, although introgression was inferred for one of the samples.
Public Attitudes Toward the Secondary Uses of Patient Records for Pharmaceutical Companies’ Activities in Japan
Authors: Nakada Haruka , Inoue Yusuke , Yamamoto Keiichiro , Matsui Kenji , Ikka Tsunakuni , Tashiro Shimon
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess public attitudes toward pharmaceutical companies’ secondary uses of patient records and public preferences regarding consent approaches.

Method:

3000 responses to an online survey were collected from adults in Japan. The questionnaire included 32 items related to (1) awareness of “clinical trials”; (2) awareness of the processes of drug development, such as cost, time, and the number of candidate substances in a new drug; (3) knowledge of the laws and regulations for use of patient records in Japan; (4) assessment of the public benefit of the secondary use of patient records; (5) preferences for consent for the secondary use of patient records; and (6) basic characteristics of the respondents.

Results:

The public benefit from secondary use of records by academic institutions for scientific research was rated highest. All of the activities by pharmaceutical companies were rated higher than those by governmental institutions and other for-profit companies. Regarding consent approaches, 37.9% preferred an “opt-in” approach for new drug development by pharmaceutical companies, 79.7% of whom would change their preference to an “opt-out” approach under specific conditions, such as ensuring intended uses only.

Conclusion:

Our respondents consider the “public benefit” as dependent on the relative distance from “promoting public health” when assessing the secondary purpose of patient record use. Pharmaceutical companies should include the beneficial purposes when using patient records with “opt-out” approach. Policy makers should pay more attention to the purposes of use when developing personal information protection policies.
Malpractice litigation, quality improvement, and the University Hospitals Obstetric Quality Network
Authors: Cossler Nancy , Liu James , Porter Steven , Albertini Megan , Katz Tyler , Pronovost Peter
Published: October 2019

Objective

A healthcare organization’s medical malpractice data can help identify patient safety risks and drive improvement. In most organizations, obstetric malpractice losses are assumed to be part of the risk of delivering obstetric care. We describe a systematic approach to mitigating risks for obstetric patients and their newborns while simultaneously improving patient outcomes and reducing obstetric litigation costs at University Hospitals, a northeast Ohio-based health system of 18 hospitals, including seven hospitals providing obstetric services and delivering approximately 8000 women per year.

Methods

From multiple data sources, including malpractice claims data, the team identified four key drivers of risk on the obstetric service: hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and shoulder dystocia. Collectively, these contributed to multiple adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and accounted for 71% of obstetric litigation costs from 2009 to 2015. In response, the team built a regional obstetric quality network and implemented interventions to mitigate the four major risk areas.

Results

We achieved a substantial reduction in serious safety events from 2010 to 2018, defined as any event where the standard of care was not met and the level of harm to mother or baby was one (death) or two (severe permanent or temporary harm). We also achieved a reduction in obstetric litigation costs between 2009–2012 and 2015–2018.

Discussion

This multifaceted intervention was associated with decreased patient harm and reduced obstetric litigation costs. Application of this approach to other hospitals could result in improvements in obstetric patient safety and reduced obstetric litigation costs.
Comparison of Interventions Made in an Ambulatory Pharmacist-Managed Refill Model to Usual Physician Care
Authors: Okraszewski Stephanie , Sattler-Leja Rebecca , Brodman Monika , Goll David , Lam Simon W.
Published: October 2019

Background: With the current practice model, there is less time for physicians to address refill authorization requests (RARs) while performing consistent quality care, which creates an opportunity for pharmacists to assist in refills. Currently, inadequate evidence is available to support this intervention. Objective: To compare the rate of medication management interventions (MMIs - drug therapy changes, laboratory monitoring ordered, or office visit scheduled) initiated by the pharmacist-managed authorization center (PMAC) to usual care. Methods: A retrospective, noninferiority study looked at 4000 RARs from 6 primary care centers from January 2016 through March 2017. The primary endpoint compared the rate of MMIs between PMAC and usual care. Noninferiority was concluded if the upper limit of the 95% CI of the difference in interventions was <2%. Secondary endpoints included total, type, and acceptance rate of PMAC recommendations. Results: A total of 3830 patients were included, with 4732 medications requested (2183 reviewed by PMAC and 2549 by usual care). MMIs occurred in 153 medications within PMAC (7.0%) versus 90 for usual care (3.5%). The difference in total MMIs between PMAC and usual care was −3.5% (95% confidence interval = −4.8% to −2.2%). Medications reviewed by PMAC had significantly higher number of laboratory monitoring ( P = .036) and scheduled appointments ( P < .001). There were 294 PMAC recommendations (13.5%) with a 52.0% acceptance rate. Conclusion and Relevance: This study showed that PMAC was superior to usual care for reviewing RARs. There was a statistically significant improvement in medication monitoring and patient follow-up, supporting the idea of including a pharmacist in the decision making.
Alpha-Catenin Is Dispensable for Normal Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function.
Authors: Mikhalkevich Natallia , Becker Michael W.
Published: October 2019

Abstract 1438

Poster Board I-461

We previously demonstrated the loss of expression of alpha-E-Catenin, the product of the CTNNA1 gene, in primary leukemic stem cells isolated from patients with advanced Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) associated with loss of all or part of the long arm of chromosome 5. To formally assess the impact of loss of Ctnna1 expression on hematopoiesis, we employed a murine model for the hematopoietic specific conditional loss of Ctnna1 expression. We demonstrate that Ctnna1 deficiency is associated with normal hematopoietic maturation and proliferation as assessed by peripheral blood examination and methycellulose colony assays. We assessed stem cell and early progenitor frequencies using both flow cytometry and functional assays. Ctnna1 deficiency was associated with equivalent frequencies of Sca1+C-Kit+CD135-Lineage- HSCs in both experimental animals and controls. Short term HSC and MPP frequencies were likewise unaltered. We assessed HSC function using transplantation studies. In competitive repopulation experiments, HSCs deficient for Ctnna1 maintained stable engraftment of recipient mice for up to 1 year. Limiting dilution analyses detected no significant difference in HSC frequency between wild type and Ctnna1 deficient mice. We examined the potential role of Ctnna1 deficient hematopoietic stem cells in two murine models for myeloid neoplasms 1.) exposure to mutagen ENU and 2.) a model for murine AML driven by the HoxA9-Nup98 fusion product. Following exposure of HSCs to ENU, loss of Ctnna1 was not associated with an increased risk of development of a myeloid neoplasm. Expression of the HoxA9-Nup98 fusion product by retroviral infection of Ctnna1 deficient and wild type Sca1+C-Kit+Lineage- cells resulted in no difference in time to development of the previously characterized myeloproliferative disorder or acute leukemia. Taken together, these data demonstrate that in the absence of specific genetic abnormalities, loss of Ctnna1 expression in primary murine HSCs is not associated with aberrant HSC function or the development of myeloid neoplasms. Further studies are necessary to define a role for of loss of Ctnna1 expression in human myeloid malignancies.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.