bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for STIs in PrEP cohorts results in high levels of antimicrobial consumption
Authors: Kenyon Chris , Baetselier Irith De , Wouters Kristien
Published: September 2020

Screening for STIs in men who have sex with men receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis resulted in high consumption of macrolides, extended spectrum cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines. The consumption of macrolides was 52 times as high as that reported for community-level consumption in certain European countries.
A cat’s scratch or a wolf’s bite?
Authors: Shmuely Haim , Chernin Gil , Giladi Michael , Zimhony Oren , Miller Edward Bari
Published: September 2020

Bartonella henselae endocarditis mimicking systemic vasculitis has been reported in patients with valvulopathy. Herein, we describe a patient with B. henselae endocarditis involving a prosthetic pulmonic valve with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies misdiagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the revised classification SLE criteria.
Use of Social Media in Planning Domestic Holidays: A Study on Malaysian Millennials
Authors: Moorthy Krishna , Salleh Nik Mohamad Zaki Nik , Jie Ang Xin , Yi Chan Shu , Wei Lau Shin , Bing Loo Yian , Ying Yee Zhao
Published: September 2020

This study examines the social media usage of Malaysian millennials in planning their domestic holidays. This study integrated the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) variables by adding electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM), as it is a crucial factor influencing the travel industry nowadays. Data were collected from 301 Malaysians. The results show that e-WOM is the greatest antecedent influencing Malaysian millennials to use social media in planning their domestic holidays. Local tourism organizations such as Tourism Malaysia could gain an understanding of the issue through this study, and the promotion of local tourism through social media could be developed to reach millennials in Malaysia.
The influence of different compositions of fiber metal laminates on the fracture in the semi-solidified stamping forming
Authors: Li Lei , Lang Lihui , Hamza Blala , Alexandrov Sergei , Li Shiyue
Published: September 2020

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are widely used in manufacturing due to the high specific strength, fatigue resistance, and lightweight. However, because of the deformation coordination of different layers of FMLs, challenges have been faced in rapid and small part forming. To research the feasibility of the fast forming of small parts using the FMLs, the influence of different compositions of FMLs on the stamping performance under the semi-solidified process condition was investigated, including the outer aluminum layer, the fiber lay-up direction in the middle layer, and the various states of the resin. Based on the results of Finite-element simulation and experiments, the semi-solidified process can improve the forming performance of FMLs by making the thickness distribution of the outer aluminum layers more uniform and preventing excessive fiber deformation. The coordination of fiber lay-up direction and interlayer forces can improve the forming limit height of semi-solidified FMLs. Besides, the fracture position of the cup part is related to the fiber lay-up direction and interfacial bonding performance in FMLs. This study provides necessary guidance for the rapid stamp forming of small parts using FMLs.
Treatment Effect of Niaspan, a Controlled-release Niacin, in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia: A Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Morgan John M. , Capuzzi David M. , Guyton John R. , Centor Robert M. , Goldberg Ronald , Robbins David C. , DiPette Donald , Jenkins Sarah , Marcovina Santica
Published: September 2020

Background

The present study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of Niaspan (Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Hollywood, FL), a new controlled-release formulation of niacin, in the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia, the occurrence and severity of flushing events, and potential adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity.

Methods and Results

The study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel comparison of Niaspan in doses of 1000 mg/day and 2000 mg/day, administered once a day at bedtime. One hundred twenty-two patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels > 4.14 mM/L (160 mg/dL) with dietary intervention and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 1.81 mM/L (70 mg/dL) were randomized to one of three treatment groups: placebo, and 1000 mg/day or 2000 mg/day of Niaspan. Safety and efficacy measures included 12-hour serum fasting lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, serum analyte levels for major organ function, flushing diaries, and adverse event records. The placebo group demonstrated no significant changes in serum lipoprotein concentrations over the treatment period of 12 weeks, except for a slight 4% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Niaspan significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 6% and 14% for the 1000 mg/day and 2000 mg/day doses, respectively. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels rose significantly, with a 17% increase occurring at the 1000 mg/day dose and a 23% increase occurring at the 2000 mg/day dose. Niaspan (2000 mg/day) produced significant decreases of 27% and 29%, respectively, for serum lipoprotein(a) and triglyceride concentration. Although the incidence of flushing was significant, these episodes were generally well tolerated.

Conclusion

Niaspan administered in doses of 1000 mg/day and 2000 mg/day at bedtime were well tolerated with few side effects and produced favorable effects on the major circulating lipoproteins of patients with primary dyslipidemias as specified by the enrollment criteria.
Class III Antiarrhythmic Effects of Dofetilide in Rabbit Atrial Myocardium
Authors: Pallandi Regan T. , Lovell Nigel H. , Campbell Terence J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Dofetilide is a new class III antiarrhythmic agent with demonstrated efficacy in ventricular and atrial tachyarrhythmias. We investigated its class HI actions and their modulation by stimulation rate in rabbit atrial myocardium.

Methods and Results

Standard microelectrode techniques were used to record action potentials from rabbit atrial tissue at varying stimulation rates. Dofetilide produced a dose-dependent prolongation of action potential duration at concentrations from 1 nM to 1 μM at an interstimulus interval of 1000 ms. Action potential duration at 90% repolarization (action potential duration) was prolonged from 116 ± 11.7 ms in control solutions to 148 ± 13.9 ms at 1nM dofetilide and 186 ± 49.3 ms at 1 μM dofetilide ( P < .05 for 1 nM vs control; P < .01 for 1 μM vs control). Reduction of interstimulus interval to 500 ms had no significant effect on action potential duration prolongation by dofetilide. At faster rates than this, and particularly at an interstimulus interval less than 330 ms, a marked “reverse rate dependence” of the class III effect was observed. Specifically, the high therapeutic concentration of 10 nM showed no effect on action potential duration at interstimulus interval of 250 ms or 200 ms, and even at a concentration of 30 nM, the small class III effect was no longer statistically significant at these rates.

Conclusion

Dofetilide prolongs action potential duration in rabbit atrial myocardium, but this effect is significantly attenuated at stimulation rates above 2 Hz.
Reduction of Carnitine Content by Inhibition of Its Biosynthesis Results in Protection of Isolated Guinea Pig Hearts against Hypoxic Damage
Authors: Dhar Pradip K. , Grupp Ingrid L. , Schwartz Arnold , Grupp Gunter , Matlib Mohammed A.
Published: September 2020

Background

3-(2,2,2-trimethylhydrazinium) propionate (THP or mildronate) is an inhibitor of carnitine biosynthesis. This study was carried out to determine whether feeding of guinea pigs with THP results in decreased myocardial-free carnitine content and, as a result, attenuates hypoxic damage in isolated and paced work-performing hearts.

Methods and Results

Guinea pigs were administered either distilled water or 100 mg THP/kg/day orally for 10 days. The treatment resulted in about a 50% decline in myocardial-free carnitine content, from 11.1 ± 0.2 (n = 5) to 5.6 ± 0.2 (n = 5) μM/g dry weight of the heart. The left ventricular contractile function of the hearts was measured during normoxic perfusion (PO2 = 590 mmHg), hypoxic perfusion (PO2 = 149 mmHg), and reperfusion (PO2 = 590 mmHg). In both untreated and THP-treated groups, the rate of development of intraventricular pressure (+dP/dt) under normoxic perfusion was similar; however, +dP/dt declined to about 10% of the initial rate within 20 minutes of hypoxic perfusion. In the THP-treated group of hearts, the initial decline was slower than that of the untreated animal hearts. After 20 minutes of normoxic reperfusion following 60 minutes of hypoxic perfusion, the recovery of +dP/dt and -dP/dt was greater in the THP-treated group than in the untreated group. The elevation of end-diastolic pressure during hypoxia was completely reversed by normoxic reperfusion of the THP-treated group but not in the untreated group. Mitochondria isolated from hearts from the THP-treated group after normoxic reperfusion following hypoxic perfusion exhibited better respiratory function than those from untreated hearts.

Conclusion

The data suggest that feeding guinea pigs with THP results in reduced myocardial-free carnitine content and attenuation of hypoxic and reperfusion injury in isolated hearts.
Cardiac Arrest Associated with Combination Cisapride and Itraconazole Therapy
Authors: Hoover Craig A. , Carmichael J. Kevin , Nolan Paul E. , Marcus Frank I.
Published: September 2020

We report a case of cardiac arrest associated with cisapride in combination with itraconazole and provide a brief review of pertinent literature. Cisapride (Propulsid; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, NJ), a gastrointestinal prokinetic drug, has recently been reported to prolong the QT interval. Itraconazole, an oral antifungal agent, is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) metabolism and may elevate serum drug levels of compounds metabolized by this pathway. A 31-year-old woman had a witnessed cardiac arrest while taking the combination of cisapride and itraconazole. Following resucitation, the prolonged QT interval returned to normal after withdrawal of both agents. Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were within normal limits; electrophysiologic testing failed to induce ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation. She has had no documented arrhythmias since the arrest. This combination can now be added to a growing list of drugs that may cause torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
Case report on 5-fluorouracil induced cerebrovascular accident
Authors: Karthikeyan Kavya , Babu Christy M , Shaji Shintu , Ashok Ashwin M , Madhu CS
Published: September 2020

Introduction

5-Fluorouracil is an antineoplastic agent generally used to treat various types of solid tumors. The common adverse drug reaction associated with 5-fluorouracil are myelosuppression, mucositis, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome. Neurological side effects such as headache, dizziness, convulsion, encephalopathy, and acute cerebellar syndrome are rare in nature.

Case presentation

We report a case of 5-fluorouracil induced cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in a patient with no risk factors for CVA before chemotherapy. A 37 years old female patient diagnosed with carcinoma rectum underwent six cycles of chemotherapy with 5- fluorouracil- calcium leucovorin- irinotecan (FOLFIRI regimen). After completing the last cycle, she developed headache, vomiting, and facial deviation along with high blood pressure (260/160 mmHg). MRI brain was done, and it revealed acute non-hemorrhagic lacunar infarct in the left half of pons. 5-fluorouracil induced CVA was suspected and was managed with dual antiplatelet, statin, and antihypertensives.

Conclusion

The clinicians and clinical pharmacists must be aware about the potential of 5-FU to induce rare side effects such as CVA even in low risk patients in order to avoid permanent harm to the patient
Revisiting same day administration of pegfilgrastim in the age of biosimilars: A review of literature
Authors: Gerberich Amanda J , Attilio Mark R , Svoboda Alison
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Since 2018, several pegfilgrastim biosimilars were approved, which may affect insurance reimbursement. Guidelines recommend pegfilgrastim be administered the days following chemotherapy to prevent hematopoietic toxicity. To date, only the reference pegfilgrastim product has an available autoinjector-device. This has contributed to logistical issues in administering biosimilar agents per guideline recommendations. Administration on the same day as chemotherapy may be a potential alternative when logistical issues are present. This review will assess current evidence on this practice to inform clinical decisions. Data sources: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline for studies examining the administration of pegfilgrastim on the same day as chemotherapy. Data summary: Several studies were identified, including a systematic review, retrospective reviews, and insurance claim data. Studies had significant limitations, and chemotherapy regimens and cancer types varied among studies. Studies showed inconsistent results in terms of incidence, duration, and severity of febrile neutropenia. In studies with patients with head and neck, urothelial, gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancer, no difference in outcomes was detected or outcomes supported the feasibility of same-day administration. In patients with breast cancer, outcomes were worse with same-day administration. Outcomes were mixed in studies with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and various solid tumors.

Conclusion

Administration of pegfilgrastim on the same day as chemotherapy may be safe and an acceptable alternative, if logistics prohibit a patient from receiving administration the days after chemotherapy. Clinicians should consider patient risk factors and prescribed chemotherapy regimens, along with available evidence when contemplating administration of same-day pegfilgrastim.
Brand Stories: Transformative Learning Through Digital Brand Storytelling (DBS)
Authors: Fischbach Sarah , Guerrero Veronica
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to explore how the digital brand story assignment creates a transformative learning experience for students. This study involves assessing the levels of learning according to Mezirow’s transformational learning theory through the development of digital brand stories. The authors have tested the Digital Brand Storytelling (DBS) video reflection assignment across two universities providing students the opportunity to meaningfully reflect on their brand relationships as part of their own personality. Study results showed that the DBS gives students an increased understanding of how brands influence their personal purchasing habits and increased awareness of the brands they purchase. Results of the study demonstrated that this assignment allows faculty to assess learning in courses where the DBS is applied toward the transformative pedagogical approach. The DBS requires reflection and articulation of personal brand attitudes, perceptions, and consumption behaviors. Guidance for course implementation is provided for educators to modify and implement in their courses.
Non-Targeted Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Serum Phospholipid Alterations in Patients with Early Stages of Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Ignacio I , Castaño-Tostado Eduardo , García-Gutiérrez David G , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía , Elton-Puente Juana E , Barajas-Pozos Alicia , Pérez-Ramírez Iza F
Published: September 2020

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) characterized by ulcer formation, which can lead to the amputation of lower extremities. However, the metabolic alterations related to this complication are not completely elucidated. Therefore, we carried out a metabolomic analysis of serum samples obtained from T2DM adult patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcer in a cross-sectional, observational, and comparative study. Eighty-four volunteers were classified into the following groups: without T2DM (control group, n = 30) and with T2DM and different stages of diabetic foot ulcer according to Wagner-Meggitt classification system: DFU G0 (n = 11), DFU G1 (n = 14), DFU G2 (n = 16), and DFU G3 (n = 13). The non-target metabolomic profile followed by chemometric analysis revealed that lysophosphatidylethanolamine (16:1) could be proposed as key metabolite related to the onset of diabetic foot ulcer; however, this phospholipid was not affected by diabetic foot ulcer progression. Therefore, further studies are necessary to validate these phospholipids as biomarker candidates for the early diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcer in T2DM patients.
Impact of Open Burning Refuse on Air Quality: In the Case of “Hidar Sitaten” at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bulto Tadesse Weyuma
Published: September 2020

Open burning of refuse is one of the key sources that causes high air pollution in Metropolitan cities. This paper identifies pollutant concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) emission and air quality index categories with the peak hour interval on Hidar Sitaten day, and present analysis of air quality in Addis Ababa from August 2016 to November 2019. Daily records, with a 1-hour interval, of raw concentration of air pollutant and air quality index data, were obtained from the AirNow website of Addis Ababa central monitoring station. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of the mean air quality index and concentration of PM2.5. Accordingly, the study revealed that the peak hour for high pollutant concentration emission ranges between 8 pm to 11 pm hours, and the mean air quality index was more than a moderate level. Particularly, on Hidar Sitaten in 2019 at 9 pm the maximum concentration of PM2.5 was 8.6 times higher than WHO air quality guideline standard of daily allowance. The highest mean of air quality index and concentration of PM2.5 recorded was 112 and 44.2 µg/m3 on 21 November 2017, respectively, and it was found to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. This implies that the concentration of PM2.5 was harmful to people who are unusually sensitive to particulate pollution and have health problems. Therefore, public participation and strong regulations are needed on air quality management to strike a balance between a cultural practice of Hidar Sitaten and healthy air quality.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Mathur Pankaj , Srivastava Shweta , Xu Xiaowei , Mehta Jawahar L
Published: September 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications have found widespread applications in many fields of science, technology, and medicine. The use of enhanced computing power of machines in clinical medicine and diagnostics has been under exploration since the 1960s. More recently, with the advent of advances in computing, algorithms enabling machine learning, especially deep learning networks that mimic the human brain in function, there has been renewed interest to use them in clinical medicine. In cardiovascular medicine, AI-based systems have found new applications in cardiovascular imaging, cardiovascular risk prediction, and newer drug targets. This article aims to describe different AI applications including machine learning and deep learning and their applications in cardiovascular medicine. AI-based applications have enhanced our understanding of different phenotypes of heart failure and congenital heart disease. These applications have led to newer treatment strategies for different types of cardiovascular diseases, newer approach to cardiovascular drug therapy and postmarketing survey of prescription drugs. However, there are several challenges in the clinical use of AI-based applications and interpretation of the results including data privacy, poorly selected/outdated data, selection bias, and unintentional continuance of historical biases/stereotypes in the data which can lead to erroneous conclusions. Still, AI is a transformative technology and has immense potential in health care.
Local newspapers and coronavirus: conceptualising connections, comparisons and cures
Authors: Hess Kristy , Waller Lisa Jane
Published: September 2020

Within weeks of the nation-wide COVID-19 shutdown, more than 200 regional and community newspapers across Australia announced they could no longer keep their presses running due to the unprecedented crisis. A drain in advertising spend, a broken business model and the refusal of digital behemoths to pay for content were blamed for their collapse, ironically as audiences’ demand for credible news and information soared across the globe. There is no doubt the COVID-19 crisis has widened existing, deep cracks in the news media industry. In response this article sets out to explore possible solutions and strategies for local newspapers in the post-pandemic media landscape. We take an analogical approach to argue some of the issues that emerged during COVID-19 and strategies used to fight the global health pandemic also present valuable lessons for the preservation of public interest journalism and news at the local level. We conceptualise five coronavirus-related themes that resonate with a much-needed innovations agenda for local newspapers in Australia: (1) support for essential services, (2) warnings of complacency against an evolving biological threat, (3) appreciating the power of the social (4) coordinated government/policy responses and (5) ‘we are all in this together’.
Face masks as layers of meaning in times of COVID-19
Authors: Tateo Luca
Published: September 2020

The pandemic of COVID-19 has brought to the front a particular object: the face mask. I have explored the way people make-meaning of an object generally associated with the medical context that, under exceptional circumstances, can become a presence in everyday life. Understanding how people make meaning of their use is important. Using cultural psychology, I analyse preferences toward different types of face masks people would wear in public. The study involved 2 groups, 44 Norwegian university students and 60 international academics. In particular, I have focused on the role of the mask in regulating people affective experience. The mask evokes safety and fear, it mediates in the auto-dialogue between “I” and “Me” through the “Other”, and in the hetero-dialogue between “I” and the “Other” through “Me” The dialogue is characterized by a certain ambivalence, as expected. Meaning-making is indeed the way to deal with the ambivalence of human existence.
Dislocation, Social Isolation, and the Politics of Recovery in Post-Disaster Japan
Authors: Gagné Isaac
Published: September 2020

What happens when temporary shelters become permanent homes? What are the psychosocial impacts of prolonged dislocation, and how might these effects be mitigated through grassroots community activities? Based on fieldwork and interviews with residents in temporary housing and volunteer support groups in northeastern Japan conducted from 2014–2018, this article analyzes the ongoing challenges of delayed recovery, chronic dislocation, and social isolation among survivors of the March 11, 2011 disaster in Japan, with a particular focus on the residents of temporary facilities in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture. I examine how the complexity of the disaster-recovery process within the local politics of the region has produced new tensions, creating a particular “zoned liminality” for displaced residents while undermining the social nexus of community relations. Then I reflect on certain challenges in treating the psychosocial trauma among survivors, and how their particular needs are addressed through new citizen-based volunteer movements offering holistic activities. These grassroots activities do not necessarily solve the breakdown of social bonds nor improve residents’ prospects of returning home. However, by alleviating survivors’ sense of social isolation and loneliness, this “humanistic” approach highlights the possibilities of participatory-style psychosocial support that goes beyond conventional biomedical services and top-down, state-driven policies.
Two-level politics and the backlash against international courts: Evidence from the politicisation of the European court of human rights
Authors: Madsen Mikael Rask
Published: September 2020

Are international institutions more prone to face backlash politics than domestic ones? Are international institutions easy targets for satisfying domestic political interests? Using the case of the recent criticism of the European Court of Human Rights, the article explores whether international institutions are more susceptible to face backlash politics than domestic ones due to the dual nature of international politics. The empirical study, focusing on the reform of the European Court of Human Rights through the 2018 Copenhagen Declaration, suggests that pre-existing commitments to international institutions might be given up rapidly when significant domestic interests collide with international institutions and their practices. The analysis, however, also shows that backlash politics against international institutions is transformed when seeking institutional reform. Entering a collective bargaining process, backlash objectives are changed by the logic of diplomatic negotiation, academic scrutiny and the interests of the other member states and civil society. This suggests that the two-level logic of ordinary international politics has a mediating effect on domestically fuelled backlash campaigns.
The personal is global political: The antifeminist backlash in the United Nations
Authors: Cupać Jelena , Ebetürk Irem
Published: September 2020

Antifeminist mobilisation is growing in the United Nations. It is led by a coalition of certain post-Soviet, Catholic, and Islamic states; the United States; the Vatican; conservative nongovernmental organisations, occasionally joined by the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, the UN Africa Group, and the G77. Uniting them is the aim of restoring the ‘natural family’ and opposing ‘gender ideology’. The group has become increasingly strategic, and its impact can already be seen in a number of UN fora, including the Security Council. By surveying feminist notions of backlash and comparing them to Alter and Zürn’s definition of ‘backlash politics’, the article gauges whether the group’s activities can be characterised as such politics. The conclusion is that they can, suggesting that we are looking at a group with the potential to alter not only the global course of women’s rights but also how politics is done within the UN.
Open-plan office design for improved natural ventilation and reduced mixed mode supplementary loads
Authors: Abdullah Hardi K. , Alibaba Halil Z.
Published: September 2020

The hybrid philosophy behind the mixed-mode (MM) strategy aims at achieving energy-efficient buildings and sustainable development. A performance-based open-plan office design facilitates the handling of multiple design parameters to identify optimal design solutions for effective MM offices. This research presents a method of open-plan office design for an improved natural ventilation potential and reduced supplementary heating/cooling loads in the early design stage within a Mediterranean climate. Different design variables including office size, layout aspect ratio, window orientation and fraction of window opening, with several factor levels, were studied. The design of experiment developed by the Taguchi method was applied to define the most informative simulation scenarios. Analysis of variance was utilised to indicate the effectiveness of each design parameter, while the signal-to-noise ratio approach identified the near-optimal level combinations that support informed decision-making. Suggested by the EN 15251:2007 standard, the hourly dynamic simulations were conducted using TAS Engineering. The measurement criteria included airflow rate, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, adaptive thermal comfort and air-conditioning (AC) loads. The calculated indicator was the number of hours in which a specific performance criterion is met during the occupancy period and the AC loads.
Multi-objective optimization of Pulsed direct current magnetron sputtered titanium nitride thin film using Grey relational analysis
Authors: Prasath V , Krishnaraj V , Geetha Priyadarshini B , Kanchana J
Published: September 2020

Titanium nitride coatings are extensively adopted as an intermediate adhesion layer in the cutting tools because of its superior mechanical properties. The interdependence of each process parameter during the deposition of such a coating process is nonlinear, and hence, it becomes a challenge to determine the output responses without carrying out a wide range of experiments. So to minimize the experiments, Taguchi-based L9 design of experiments were employed in this study with three factors and three levels such as Argon (Ar): Nitrogen (N2) gas mixture, Pulsed direct current power, and deposition time for depositing titanium nitride thin films on silicon (100) and tungsten carbide substrates using Pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering technique, where conventional direct current magnetron sputtering cannot be deployed using titanium nitride target. Multiple output responses such as average thickness, surface roughness, nano-hardness, Young’s modulus, wear track deformation, and coefficient of friction were measured by carrying out the systematic investigations, and a single optimum solution was obtained using Grey relational analysis. From the Grey relational analysis, the optimum Ar:N2 gas flow mixture, Pulsed direct current power, and deposition time for improved titanium nitride adhesion layer are 300 W, 10:5 sccm, and 5 min, respectively. Further, grazing incidence x-ray diffractometer profiles of deposited films exhibits (111) and (200) reflections corresponding to the titanium nitride phase, and the morphological analysis also revealed the existence of strongly faceted nano-grains with a triangular-shaped morphology.
Co-deposition of W and Mo in electroless Ni–B coating and its effect on the surface morphology, structure, and tribological behavior
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arkadeb , Barman Tapan Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: September 2020

The Ni–B binary alloy deposited by autocatalytic chemical deposition technique has tremendous potential of wear/friction reduction and wide industrial usage. A significant improvement in mechanical properties, higher hardness, and wear resistance can be achieved in electroless nickel coatings by deposition of poly-alloy coatings rather than the binary variant. The present work therefore investigates the outcome of co-deposition of both tungsten and molybdenum in binary Ni–B coatings on the morphology, structure, and tribological behavior. Ni–B–W–Mo poly-alloy coatings were deposited by chemical reduction on AISI 1040 steel. Ni–B–W and Ni–B–Mo ternary coatings were also deposited along with Ni–B for effective comparison. Tribo-tests in the as-deposited and heat-treated condition (400°C for 1 h) revealed that the anti-wear properties of Ni–B–W and anti-friction properties of Ni–B–Mo could be realized in Ni–B–W–Mo coatings. Also, Ni–B–W–Mo coatings were observed to have high W content and a compact defect-free surface morphology with dense nodules. Backscattered electron images of the worn surface of the Ni–B–W–Mo coating in the as-deposited and heat-treated condition revealed low deformation of the coating with mild abrasion and an excellent overall tribo-performance.
Finite element simulation of fracture toughness testing of 20MnMoNi55 steel and the effect of loading rate on reference temperature
Authors: Paul Swagatam , Bhattacharjee Snehasish , Acharyya Sanjib Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: September 2020

Fracture toughness of ferritic steel in the ductile-to-brittle transition zone is scattered and probabilistic owing to embrittlement. Use of master curve along with the reference temperature ( T0) adopted in ASTM E-1921 is widely accepted for characterization of this embrittlement. Reference temperature is a measure of embrittlement in the temperature scale. Factors affecting fracture toughness like geometry and loading rate are expected to influence the reference temperature. In the present study, the role of the loading rate on the reference temperature for 20MnMoNi55 steel is assessed experimentally using compact tension C(T) and three-point bend (TPB) specimens. Finite element simulation of tests at different loading rates and cryogenic temperature are carried out using a suitable viscoplastic material model that incorporates flow characteristics of the material for varying displacement rates and cryogenic temperatures. Results from simulation studies are compared with experimental ones.
Impact of organisational practices on the relationships between young people with disabilities and paid social support workers
Authors: Fisher Karen R , Robinson Sally , Neale Kate , Graham Anne , Johnson Kelley , Davy Laura , Hall Edward C
Published: September 2020

This article uses Ikäheimo’s concept of institutionally mediated recognition to explore how organisational norms and rules facilitate and constrain interpersonal recognition between a young person with disabilities and their paid support worker. The experience of recognition is important because it reflects the quality of this relationship and shapes the identity of both people in the paid support relationship. To understand the relationships between the pairs, Honneth’s interpersonal modes of recognition were applied as the theoretical lens. The data were generated from photovoice, social mapping, interviews and workshops with 42 pairs of young people and their support workers in six organisations. These data were then analysed for the ways institutional practices mediated the interpersonal relationships.

Findings

The findings revealed four practices in which the organisational context mediated interpersonal recognition: the support sites, application of organisation policies, practices to manage staff and practices to organise young people’s support. Some organisational practices facilitated recognition within the relationships, whereas others were viewed by the pair or managers as constraints on conditions for recognition. Some young people and support workers also exercised initiative or resisted the organisational constraints in the way they conducted their relationship.

Applications

The findings imply that to promote quality relationships, organisations must create the practice conditions for recognition, respond to misrecognition, and encourage practices that make room for initiative and change within the paid relationship. This requires supervision and training for and by support workers and people with disability.
“Pulling the sheep’s wool”: The labour of online thrift in a Chinese factory
Authors: McDonald Tom , Dan Li
Published: September 2020

This paper draws on data collected during ethnographic fieldwork in a factory in south-east China to describe the significance of a group of activities colloquially known as “pulling the sheep’s wool” ( haoyangmao). This wide-ranging set of thrift-oriented practices involves gaining rewards and discounts by collecting various credits and points, most often through activities conducted on online shopping, news and payment platforms. Recent studies have sought to reposition thrift as a morally-infused consumptive practice for the creation of value, through which the concept of the house is enacted. However, this paper demonstrates how thrift is viewed by labourers as a kind of “work”. As such, it is able to act in a factory environment largely unmoored from notions of domesticity, instead delineating social boundaries between production line workers and managers, fostering communal behaviours amongst labourers and—through a process of earmarking—allowing for workers to direct a greater share of their wages toward household economies. We argue that this conception of thrift as labour actually reworks the way that consumption conjoins with production, challenging our received understandings of consumption, while also providing new possibilities for the creation of both value and personhood.
Highly stretchable electro-conductive yarn via wrapping carbon nanotube yarn on multifilament polyester yarn
Authors: Wei Xiaoxiao , Aouraghe Mohamed Amine , Pang Shasha , Farha Farial Islam , Saleemi Sidra , Zhang Kun , Liu Wei , Xu Fujun
Published: September 2020

By virtue of the light-weight, high conductivity, and extraordinary strength, carbon nanotube yarns (CNT yarn, CNTY) are attractive candidates for promoting wearable electronic textiles. However, the unstable conductivity of the CNTY due to piezoelectric characterization of the CNTs may severely affect the conductive performance of the CNTY that is woven into smart textiles. Herein, we report a highly stretchable and stable electro-conductive yarn fabricated by wrapping CNTY on the multifilament polyester yarn (MPY). The stretchable CNTY/MPY wrapping yarn exhibited not only significant-high tensile force (∼727.60 cN) but also ultra-high tensile strain (∼142.76%) compared to pristine CNTY (tensile force ∼211 cN, strain ∼20%). Furthermore, the CNTY/MPY wrapping yarn displayed very limited decrement (<0.5%) of resistance changes after cyclic loading and could still work even during ∼60% stretching. Moreover, this CNTY/MPY wrapping yarn presented steady-state temperature (205.5 °C) with a high quick electro-thermal response (with 1 s) when applied with 2 V voltage. In addition, the CNTY/MPY wrapping yarn could retain the electro-thermal stability when sewed into gloves, displaying low temperature-changes (<2%) under various deformations. Our work explored the potential applications of CNTY/MPY wrapping yarn for wearable smart textiles.
Orally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn’s-like colitis
Authors: Mitchell Chloe J , Howarth Gordon S , Chartier Lauren C , Trinder Debbie , Lawrance Ian C , Huang Li San , Mashtoub Suzanne
Published: September 2020

Crohn’s disease is a severe, incurable inflammatory bowel disease. Orally administered emu oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in previous models of gastrointestinal disease. We aimed to determine whether orally administered emu oil could attenuate disease in a mouse model of Crohn’s-like colitis. Female ARC(s) mice (CD-1 equivalent, n = 10/group) were intra-rectally administered water (120 μL) or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS; 3 mg in 50% ethanol; 120 μL bolus) on day 0. Mice were orally administered water (80 μL) or emu oil (80 μL or 160 μL) daily for five days and euthanized on day six. Bodyweight and disease activity were recorded daily. Colonoscopy, burrowing activity, facial grimace, histological parameters (damage severity, small intestinal villus height/crypt depth and colonic crypt depth), myeloperoxidase activity and intestinal permeability were assessed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. TNBS decreased bodyweight (days 1, 2, 4; P < 0.05) and increased disease activity (days 1–6; P < 0.01), compared to normal controls. Emu oil (80 μL) attenuated disease activity on days 5–6 ( P < 0.05), although bodyweight loss was not significantly impacted ( P > 0.05). Facial grimace and colonoscopy scores were significantly increased in TNBS-control mice; effects attenuated by both volumes of emu oil ( P < 0.001). TNBS increased histological damage severity compared to normal controls ( P < 0.05); an effect attenuated by 80 μL emu oil (proximal and distal colon; P < 0.05) and 160 μL emu oil (distal colon; P < 0.01). In the ileum, villus height and crypt depth were unaffected by TNBS or emu oil treatment compared to normal ( P > 0.05). TNBS-induced distal colonic crypt lengthening was unaffected following emu oil administration ( P > 0.05). Remaining parameters, including burrowing, myeloperoxidase activity and intestinal permeability, were unchanged across all treatment groups ( P > 0.05). In normal mice, emu oil treatment did not significantly impact any parameter compared to normal controls. In conclusion, emu oil reduced overall disease severity and facial grimace scores in TNBS mice. These results suggest therapeutic potential for orally administered emu oil in the management of Crohn’s disease.
Heat transfer enhancement in H2O suspended by aluminium alloy nanoparticles over a convective stretching surface
Authors: Adnan  , Zaidi Syed Zulfiqar Ali , Khan Umar , Ahmed Naveed , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Khan Ilyas
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work is to investigate the heat transport on water suspended by aluminium alloy nanomaterials. The analysis is conducted by incorporating the influence of imposed magnetic field and viscous dissipation over convective surface. The self-similar version of the model is treated numerically and the results for the flow field are presented. It is perceived that the velocity of AA7072-H2O and AA7075-H2O declines for stronger magnetic field effects. Due to convective condition, the temperature rises abruptly. Moreover, increasing trends in the local heat transfer rate are examined for higher Biot effects.
Standing balance maintenance by virtual suspension model control for legged robot
Authors: Cui Junwen , Li Zhan , Kuang Yiqun , Cheng Hong
Published: September 2020

Legged robots demand to keep the balance under required durations when performing standing and locomotion. It may be a challenge for legged robots to maintain balance during standing without actuation from ankle joints and involvement of support polygon plane to estimate the center of mass (CoM). In order to maintain the standing balance of legged robots under such a scenario, we propose a virtual suspension model control (VSMC) method which is concise and can get rid of updating model iterations on sophisticated dynamics. Furthermore, we optimize the range and propose the criteria for the virtual height of the CoM for quickly adjusting parameters and adapting to task characteristics. Simulation experiments on balance keeping are performed for single-leg robot vertical standing, quadruped robot diagonal standing and biped robot parallel standing cases, and the proposed method can achieve promising results within the approximative real setting condition that demonstrate the feasibility and strong anti-interference ability of the VSMC approach.
Optimising intervals for abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance: A pilot study analysing patient opinion
Authors: Robertson Lisa
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Optimising abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance intervals will improve current surveillance programmes. To the author’s knowledge, no known study has exclusively asked patient opinion with regards to their surveillance interval. The aim of this study was to therefore determine a patient’s perspective of their optimal intervals, encouraging shared decision-making and creating a patient-focused service.

Methods

Fifty patients, currently under abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance, were interviewed. Patients were asked their opinions before and after seeing a patient decision aid. A patient decision aid presents information of risk in an easy-to-understand format. This specific patient decision aid, designed and created for this study, informed patients of the ‘risk of exceeding the 5.5 cm surgical threshold’ with regards to various surveillance intervals. The chosen optimal surveillance interval was recorded for each patient, and a median interval was calculated for each abdominal aortic aneurysm group. Groups were categorised based upon maximum aortic diameter (3.0–3.4 cm, 3.5–3.9 cm, 4.0–4.4 cm and 4.5–4.9 cm).

Results

After assessing the patient decision aid, the median surveillance interval calculated for each abdominal aortic aneurysm group was 24 months (3.0–3.4 cm), 12 months (3.5–3.9 cm), 12 months (4.0–4.4 cm) and 6 months (4.5–4.9 cm), respectively. The majority of patients (78%, n = 39) agreed that the patient decision aid was a useful tool to help make an informed choice.

Conclusion

Overall, patients in abdominal aortic aneurysm groups 3.0–3.4 cm and 4.5–4.9 cm would choose to lengthen abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance intervals. Lengthening the current surveillance intervals to 24 months (currently 12 months) for abdominal aortic aneurysm group 3.0–3.4 cm and to 6 months (currently 3 months) for abdominal aortic aneurysm group 4.5–4.9 cm would not only increase capacity but also reflect the needs and wishes of those using the National Health Service. The use of a patient decision aid is an effective way of communicating, to the patient, the risk of the proposed changes and thus alleviating potential anxiety.
Quantitative colour Doppler and greyscale ultrasound for evaluating prostate cancer
Authors: Ashi Khalid , Kirkham Brooke , Chauhan Anil , Schultz Susan M , Brake Bonnie J , Sehgal Chandra M
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Although transrectal ultrasound is routinely performed for imaging prostate lesions, colour Doppler imaging visualizing vascularity is not commonly used for diagnosis. The goal of this study was to measure vascular and echogenic differences between malignant and benign lesions of the prostate by quantitative colour Doppler and greyscale transrectal ultrasound.

Methods

Greyscale and colour Doppler ultrasound images of the prostate were acquired in 16 subjects with biopsy-proven malignant or benign lesions. Echogenicity and microvascular flow velocity of each lesion were measured by quantitative image analysis. Flow velocity was measured over several cardiac cycles and the velocity–time waveform was used to determine microvascular pulsatility index and microvascular resistivity index. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the malignant and benign groups.

Results

Median microvascular flow velocity of the malignant lesions was 1.25 cm/s compared to 0.36 cm/s for the benign lesions. Median pulsatility and resistive indices of the malignant lesions were 1.55 and 0.68, respectively versus 6.38 and 1.0 for the benign lesions. Malignant lesions were more hypoechoic relative to the surrounding tissue, with median echogenicity of 0.24 compared to 0.76 for the benign lesions. The differences between the malignant and benign groups for each measurement were significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Marked differences were observed in flow velocity, microvascular pulsatility, microvascular resistance, and echogenicity of prostate cancer measured with quantitative colour Doppler and greyscale ultrasound imaging. Vascular differences measured together with echogenicity have the combined potential to characterize malignant and benign prostate lesions.