bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effect of Carbon Black—A Short Carbon Fiber Hybrid Filler on the Electro-Activated Shape Memory Cyanate Ester/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Wang Yong-Kun , Wang Liang-Chao , Zhang Yu-Ting , Ye Jun-Jie , Shi Yang , Tian Wen-Chao
Published: November 2019

An electro-activated type shape memory cyanate ester-epoxy (CE-EP) composites containing short carbon fiber (SCF) and carbon black (CB) were fabricated, where SCF linked among CB particles to make the superior conductivity network in compositions. In the compositions, the content of
CB was fixed at 5 wt%, while the amount of SCF was ranged from 0 to 0.9 wt%. The synergistic effects of SCF and CB on the mechanical properties test, electrical properties, SEM, DMA and the electro-activated type shape memory experiment was reviewed. The outcomes showed that when the parts
of SCF is less than 0.9%, the mechanical properties and storage modulus of required compositions expand with the content of the SCF growth. But, when the SCF content reaches 0.9 wt%, the flexural strength and storage modulus of the compositions decrease slightly. With the growth of SCF content,
the glass transformation temperature increases from 89 °C to 103 °C and the resistivity of the composites decreases gradually. The resistivity of the composites is only 7.37 Ω/cm with 0.9 wt% of SCF. Further, the thermal response speed and shape convalescence rate of the compositions
increase greatly with the growth of SCF content.
Finite Element Analysis Model on Ultrasonic Phased Array Technique for Material Defect Time of Flight Diffraction Detection
Authors: Chen Hanxin , Fan Dongliang , Huang Jinmin , Huang Wenjian , Zhang Guangyu , Huang Lang
Published: November 2019

In this study, the finite element method (FEM) for phased array technology in ultrasonic time of flight diffraction (TOFD) for the defect detection of two-dimensional (2-D) geometric materials was researched. The phased array technology generated the FEM model for the TOFD signal. We
have established the finite element model by the FEM software ANSYS based on the ultrasonic mechanism about the defects and the phased array transducer. A plane strain elements have simulated the reflected signal of the defect. We can compare the error ratio between simulation and experiment
by using the theoretical calculation value as the benchmark, and find the feasibility of the FEM detection.
Early Stages of Precipitation in γ' Phase of a Ni–Al–Ti Model Alloy: Phase-Field and First-Principles Study
Authors: Sun Yuanyang , Zhao Yuhong , Guo Huijun , Tian Xiaolin , Hou Hua
Published: November 2019

The early stages of precipitation process of the γ' phase of a Ni–Al–Ti alloy are investigated by microscopic phase-field and first-principles calculations. The simulated results indicate that a pre-precipitate with L10 structure appears before the
L12 ordered phase, and then this metastable phase gradually transforms to L12 ordered phase; finally, the precipitated phase is composed of γ' ordered phase and γ matrix phase. The occupation probabilities of Al, Ni, and Ti atoms also illustrate
the formation of the L10 phase and its situ conversion to L12 ordered phase constituted by a complicated compound Ni3(AlTi). Through the analyses of order parameter and occupation probability, the precipitation mechanism of γ' phase is drawn as
a combination of congruent ordering and destabilization decomposition. Meanwhile, we also find that the growth and coarsening of the γ' phase occur via mixed mechanisms of Ostwald ripening and coalescence coarsening of neighboring precipitates. Moreover, the first-principles method
is applied to calculate the thermodynamic parameters and validate further the appearance of the metastable phase and the site preference of Ti atom, which offers an explanation for atomic occupancy characteristics in the precipitate.
A Composite Analysis of Snowfall Modes from Four Winter Seasons in Marquette, Michigan
Authors: Pettersen Claire , Kulie Mark S. , Bliven Larry F. , Merrelli Aronne J. , Petersen Walter A. , Wagner Timothy J. , Wolff David B. , Wood Norman B.
Published: November 2019

Presented are four winter seasons of data from an enhanced precipitation instrument suite based at the National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Marquette (MQT), Michigan (250–500 cm of annual snow accumulation). In 2014 the site was augmented with a Micro Rain Radar (MRR) and a Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP). MRR observations are utilized to partition large-scale synoptically driven (deep) and surface-forced (shallow) snow events. Coincident PIP and NWS MQT meteorological surface observations illustrate different characteristics with respect to snow event category. Shallow snow events are often extremely shallow, with MRR-indicated precipitation heights of less than 1500 m above ground level. Large vertical reflectivity gradients indicate efficient particle growth, and increased boundary layer turbulence inferred from observations of spectral width implies increased aggregation in shallow snow events. Shallow snow events occur 2 times as often as deep events; however, both categories contribute approximately equally to estimated annual accumulation. PIP measurements reveal distinct regime-dependent snow microphysical differences, with shallow snow events having broader particle size distributions and comparatively fewer small particles and deep snow events having narrower particle size distributions and comparatively more small particles. In addition, coincident surface meteorological measurements indicate that most shallow snow events are associated with surface winds originating from the northwest (over Lake Superior), cold temperatures, and relatively high surface pressures, which are characteristics that are consistent with cold-air outbreaks. Deep snow events have meteorologically distinct conditions that are accordant with midlatitude cyclones and frontal structures, with mostly southwest surface winds, warmer temperatures approaching freezing, and lower surface pressures.
The Transformation of the Indo-Tibetan Trade in Wool, 1904–1962
Authors: Sherpa Diki
Published: November 2019

During the first half of the twentieth century, the wool trade articulated new political and economic relationships between Tibet and the British Raj in India and the world beyond. Kalimpong, the Eastern Himalayan town in North Bengal, flourished on the basis of India’s frontier trade with Tibet for about five decades. By placing the trans-frontier wool trade of colonial India at the centre of analysis, this article seeks to highlight the material history that existed on its landed periphery. An attempt will be made to understand the emergence, pattern and significance of India’s trans-frontier trade with Tibet in the light of major geopolitical changes in this region and the world in the twentieth century. The article will argue that the channelling of trade through the Kalimpong–Lhasa route was driven by multiple colonial interests, as well as commercial considerations. In particular, safeguarding the empire and producing a unified sovereign space in the newly established Himalayan frontier constituted a major concern of the British Raj.
Health-care Professionals’ Knowledge and Perception of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting and Pharmacovigilance in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Danekhu Krisha , Shrestha Sunil , Aryal Sushant , Shankar P. Ravi
Published: November 2019

Background: Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is common globally, and Nepal is not an exception to this. Health-care professionals (HCPs) play a vital role in reporting ADR during routine practice. Lack of knowledge and awareness about pharmacovigilance and reporting ADRs among HCPs may contribute to underreporting. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of HCPs regarding ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance in a tertiary care teaching hospital in, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A questionnaire was distributed to 215 HCPs (medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) between March and September 2018. Knowledge and perception regarding ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance were studied. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York). Results: The HCPs included 75 medical doctors, 126 nurses, and 14 pharmacists. Majority of the participants were female (67%), and the majority of participants were not aware of pharmacovigilance. Among the participants, pharmacists were found to have better knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance. However, other HCPs (doctors and nurses) strongly agreed about the necessity of having adequate knowledge about pharmacovigilance. Out of 215, 57.7% agreed that the important benefit of reporting ADR was to identify safe drugs and improve patient safety. The main reasons for not reporting were – ADR reporting was not widely promoted by relevant authorities (47%), followed by not knowing where and how to report ADR (34.9%). However, other HCPs (doctors and nurses) strongly agreed about the necessity of having adequate knowledge about pharmacovigilance. Conclusions: The knowledge of HCPs on ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance was poor. Despite a low knowledge of ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance among HCPs, there was a positive perception that ADR reporting is necessary and ADR monitoring system should be established in the hospital. This study also highlights a need for future intervention studies focusing on educating HCPs about ADR and pharmacovigilance.
Thank God for My Successes (Not My Failures): Feeling God’s Presence Explains a God Attribution Bias
Authors: DeBono Amber , Poepsel Dennis , Corley Natarshia
Published: November 2019

Little research has investigated attributional biases to God for positive and negative personal events. Consistent with past work, we predicted that people who believe in God will attribute successes more to God than failures, particularly for highly religious people. We also predicted that believing that God is a part of the self would increase how much people felt God’s presence which would result in giving God more credit for successes. Our study ( N = 133) was a two-factor, between-subject experimental design in which participants either won or lost a game and were asked to attribute the cause of this outcome to themselves, God, or other factors. Furthermore, participants either completed the game before or after responding to questions about their religious beliefs. Overall, there was support for our predictions. Our results have important implications for attribution research and the practical psychological experiences for religious people making attributions for their successes and failures.
Informal urbanisation and clientelism: Measuring the global relationship
Authors: Deuskar Chandan
Published: November 2019

This paper uses newly released data on political behaviour and urban growth to identify, for the first time, a statistical correlation between clientelism (the informal provision of benefits, including urban land and services, to the poor in contingent exchange for political support) and informal urban growth, across a globally representative sample of 200 cities. The paper finds that, consistent with theoretical expectations, cities in more clientelistic countries are more likely to experience urban growth in the form of informal settlements that appear to have been planned in advance of settlement (‘informal subdivisions’), but are not necessarily more likely to experience unplanned, ad-hoc informal growth. The main model for informal subdivisions finds that if a country were less clientelistic by one point on a 0–10 scale in 1990, the proportion of residential growth in the form of informal subdivisions between 1990 and 2015 in its cities would decrease by 16% of its previous value, a magnitude equivalent to that of an increase in 1990 GDP per capita of US$2700, based on purchasing power parity (PPP). These results support the notion that informality is not simply associated with poverty but also with politics. They indicate that particular political dynamics may have a spatial ‘signature’ on the urban landscape; that, conversely, certain urban spatial forms may generate certain kinds of politics; or both. The paper provides an example of how newly available data may be used to advance our understanding of the relationship between politics, urban space and informality.
Relying on External Information Sources When Answering Knowledge Questions in Web Surveys
Authors: Gummer Tobias , Kunz Tanja
Published: November 2019

Knowledge questions frequently are used in survey research to measure respondents’ topic-related cognitive ability and memory. However, in self-administered surveys, respondents can search external sources for additional information to answer a knowledge question correctly. In this case, the knowledge question measures accessible and procedural memory. Depending on what the knowledge question aims at, the validity of this measure is limited. Thus, in this study, we conducted three experiments using a web survey to investigate the effects of task difficulty, respondents’ ability, and respondents’ motivation on the likelihood of searching external sources for additional information as a form of over-optimizing response behavior when answering knowledge questions. We found that the respondents who are highly educated and more interested in a survey are more likely to invest additional efforts to answer knowledge questions correctly. Most importantly, our data showed that for these respondents, a more difficult question design further increases the likelihood of over-optimizing response behavior.
Two-degree-of-freedom compensator design for disturbance attenuation problem via higher order sinusoidal input describing functions theory
Authors: Erol Bilal , Oz Muhammed Ali , Ucun Levent
Published: November 2019

In order to deal with disturbance attenuation problem in the presence of norm bounded uncertainties, different techniques involving [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) designs exist in literature. The major drawbacks of these approaches may be classified as obtaining controllers with high order terms and too much computational load during the controller design. Hence, two-degree-of freedeom (2-DOF) controller design is taken into consideration in this study in order to avoid some of these drawbacks in the controller design and implementation process for disturbance attenuation problem. Here, the procedure for the design of 2-DOF structure is divided into two parts: designing [Formula: see text] controller to stabilize the closed loop system and implementing a higher order sinusoidal input describing functions (HOSIDF)-based compensator as a secondary controller in order to increase the disturbance attenuation performance of the overall closed loop system where the norm bounded uncertainties already exist. Thanks to the Lur’e type system definition that is also used in the design process of HOSIDF compensator, the research also proves that the proposed 2-DOF design structure is suitable to be implemented into the systems involving nonlinearities such as actuator saturation.
Behavioral classroom norms in special education: Associations with peer acceptance and rejection
Authors: de Swart Fanny , Scholte Ron H. J. , Delsing Marc J. M. H. , van Efferen Esther , der Stege Heleen van , Nelen Wendy , Burk William J.
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the role of behavioral norms on concurrent links between problem behaviors (externalizing problems, internalizing problems, attention–hyperactivity problems) and social status (acceptance, rejection) in special education classrooms at four time points within and across school years. Two opposing models were considered, the “person–group similarity model,” suggesting moderation of behavioral norms, and the “social skill model,” suggesting no moderation. The sample included a total of 580 pupils (88% boys, Mage Time1 = 10.82 years, SD = .86) attending 37 classrooms from 13 Dutch schools for special education. Multilevel analyses revealed that the data generally supported a “social skill model,” meaning that higher individual levels of attention–hyperactivity problems and externalizing problems were related to lower acceptance and higher rejection, independent of behavioral norms. Support for behavioral norms as moderators of the link between individual behaviors and social status was limited to pupils with attention–hyperactivity problems being less rejected in classrooms in which this behavior was normative. In sum, these results provide an initial exploration of the role of behavioral norms in special education. Various explanations for the results, including special education characteristics and the value of behavioral norms, are discussed.
Prevalence of Pediatric Dizziness and Imbalance in the United States
Authors: Brodsky Jacob R. , Lipson Sophie , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Understand the prevalence of vestibular symptoms in US children.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis

Setting

2016 National Health Interview Survey.

Subjects and Methods

Responses from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey for children ages 3 to 17 years were examined to determine the prevalence of vestibular symptoms and provider‐assigned diagnoses.

Results

Dizziness or imbalance was reported in 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.1‐3.9) million patients (5.6%) with a mean age of 11.5 years. Dizziness was reported in 1.2 million patients (2.0%) with a mean age of 12.7 years and balance impairment in 2.3 million patients (3.7%) with a mean age of 10.6 years. Prevalence of dizziness and imbalance did not vary by sex (P =. 6, P =. 2). Evaluation by a health professional was reported for 42% of patients with dizziness and 43% of patients with imbalance, with diagnoses reported in 45% and 48% of patients with dizziness and imbalance, respectively. The most common diagnoses reported for dizziness were depression or child psychiatric disorder (12%), side effects from medications (11%), head/neck injury or concussion (8.4%), and developmental motor coordination disorder (8.3%). The most common diagnoses reported for imbalance were blurred vision with head motion, “bouncing” or rapid eye movements (9.1%), depression or child psychiatric disorder (6.2%), head/neck injury or concussion (6.1%), and side effects from medications (5.9%).

Conclusion

The national prevalence of childhood vestibular symptoms is more common than previously thought. Reported diagnoses varied greatly from the literature, suggesting a need for increased awareness of causes of vestibular symptoms in children.
Managing expectations: How stress, social support, and aging attitudes affect awareness of age-related changes
Authors: O’Brien Erica L. , Sharifian Neika
Published: November 2019

The degree to which social support (SS) moderates the effects of stress on self-perceptions of aging may depend on individual differences in general aging attitudes. We examined how stress, different types of SS, and general expectations regarding aging (ERA) affect awareness of age-related changes (AARCs). The sample included 137 adults (21–76 years; 56.2% women) who took an online survey on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Regression analyses showed differential moderation of stress effects due to ERA and the SS measure (perceived and received) and function (emotional and instrumental). Received emotional SS was only associated with AARC losses, whereas perceived support—both emotional and instrumental—was associated with AARC gains and losses. Findings may help guide future work aimed at promoting health and well-being in adulthood.
Political ecology III: Who are ‘the people’?
Authors: Loftus Alex
Published: November 2019

Since its inception, political ecology has marshalled a variety of different understandings of the human subject. Confronted with the challenges of authoritarian populism, as well as the provocations of the Anthropocene, being explicit about such conceptualisations is increasingly necessary. In this third report, I review recent conceptualisations of the subject, beginning with how ‘the people’ have been invoked in authoritarian populist discourses. I then contrast such a perspective with the situated social subjects of everyday political ecology before considering the challenges posed to notions of a sovereign human subject. I conclude with a discussion of political ecological persons in praxis.
Why be sustainable? The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Professional Document PS64: Statement on Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice and its accompanying background paper
Authors: McGain Forbes , Ma Scott CY , Burrell Rob H , Percival Vanessa G , Roessler Peter , Weatherall Andrew D , Weber Ingo A , Kayak Eugenie A
Published: November 2019

Healthcare’s environmental sustainability is increasingly an area of research and advocacy focus. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) has produced a professional document, PS64, Statement on Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice, and a background paper, PS64 BP. The purpose of the statement is to affirm ANZCA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and support anaesthetists in promoting environmentally sustainable work practices. This article presents the main features of PS64 and its background paper, and the associated supporting evidence. The healthcare sector is highly interconnected with activities that emit pollution to air, water and soils, considerably adding to humanity’s collective ecological footprint. As anaesthetists, we are uniquely high-carbon doctors due to our work anaesthetising with greenhouse gases (particularly desflurane and nitrous oxide) and our exposure and contribution to large amounts of resource and energy use and waste generation in operating theatres. Discussion is made of the improving research base of anaesthetic life-cycle assessments—that is, cradle-to-grave studies of how much energy, water and so on a product or process requires throughout its entire life. Thereafter, reducing, reusing and recycling as well as water use are examined. Ongoing research efforts within environmentally sustainable anaesthesia are highlighted. Environmentally sustainable anaesthesia requires scholarship, health advocacy, leadership, communication and collaboration. The focus is placed on practical initiatives within PS64 and the background paper that can be achieved by all anaesthetists striving towards more sustainable healthcare practices that reduce waste, reap financial benefits and improve health.
Postoperative Recurrence of Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Shoulders With Primary Instability Compared With Recurrent Instability: Influence of Bipolar Bone Defect Size
Authors: Nakagawa Shigeto , Hirose Takehito , Uchida Ryohei , Tanaka Makoto , Mae Tatsuo
Published: November 2019

Background:

In shoulders with traumatic anterior instability, a bipolar bone defect has recently been recognized as an important indicator of the prognosis.

Purpose:

To investigate the influence of bipolar bone defects on postoperative recurrence after arthroscopic Bankart repair performed at primary instability.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study group consisted of 45 patients (45 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair at primary instability before recurrence and were followed for at least 2 years. The control group consisted of 95 patients (95 shoulders) with recurrent instability who underwent Bankart repair and were followed for at least 2 years. Glenoid defects and Hill-Sachs lesions were classified into 5 size categories on 3-dimensional computed tomography and were allocated scores ranging from 0 for no defect to 4 for the largest defect. The shoulders were classified according to the total score for both lesions (0-8 points). The postoperative recurrence rate was investigated for each score of bipolar bone defects and was compared between patients with primary instability and patients with recurrent instability. The same analysis was performed for the age at operation (<20 years, 20-29 years, or ≥30 years) and for the presence of an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion.

Results:

Bipolar bone defects were smaller in shoulders with primary instability (mean ± SD defect score, 1.4 ± 1.5 points) than in those with recurrent instability (3.6 ± 1.9 points) and were larger in older patients than in younger patients at the time of primary instability. The postoperative recurrence rate was low (6.7%) in shoulders with primary instability regardless of the size of the bipolar bone defect and the patient’s age, whereas the postoperative recurrence rate was high (23.2%) in shoulders with recurrent instability, especially among patients younger than 20 years with bipolar bone defects of 2 points or greater. An off-track Hill-Sachs lesion was found in only 1 patient in the oldest age group (2.2%) at primary instability, but it was found in 19 patients (20%) at recurrent instability, including 14 patients younger than 30 years. Among patients with an off-track lesion, the postoperative recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients younger than 20 years with recurrent instability (recurrence rates: <20 years, 71.4%; 20-29 years, 14.3%; ≥30 years, 0%).

Conclusion:

The recurrence rate was consistently low in patients with primary instability and was significantly influenced by bipolar bone defect size and patient age in patients with recurrent instability.
Risk Factors Associated With a Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury to the Contralateral Knee After Unilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in High School and College Female Athletes: A Prospective Study
Authors: Davey Annabelle P. , Vacek Pamela M. , Caldwell Ryan A. , Slauterbeck James R. , Gardner-Morse Mack G. , Tourville Timothy W. , Beynnon Bruce D.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The incidence of contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (CACL) injuries after recovery from a first-time anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption is high in women; however, little is known about the risk factors associated with this trauma.

Hypothesis:

Patient characteristics, strength, anatomic alignment, and neuromuscular characteristics of the contralateral uninjured leg at the time of the first ACL trauma are associated with risk of subsequent CACL injury, and these risk factors are distinct from those for a first-time ACL injury.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Sixty-one women who suffered a first-time noncontact ACL injury while participating in high school or college sports and underwent measurement of potential risk factors on their contralateral limb soon after the initial ACL injury and before reconstruction were followed until either a CACL injury or an ACL graft injury occurred, or until the last date of contact.

Results:

Follow-up information was available for 55 (90.0%) of the 61 athletes and 11 (20.0%) suffered a CACL injury. Younger age, decreased participation in sport before the first ACL disruption, decreased anterior stiffness of the contralateral knee, and increased hip anteversion were associated with increases in the risk of suffering a CACL injury.

Conclusion:

A portion of CACL injury risk factors were modifiable (time spent participating in sport and increasing anterior knee stiffness with bracing), while others were nonmodifiable (younger age and increased hip anteversion). The relationship between younger age at the time of an initial ACL injury and increased risk of subsequent CACL trauma may be explained by younger athletes having more years available to be exposed to at-risk activities compared with older athletes. A decrease of anterior stiffness of the knee is linked to decreased material properties and width of the ACL, and this may explain why some women are predisposed to bilateral ACL trauma while others only suffer the index injury. The risk factors for CACL injury are unique to women who suffer bilateral ACL trauma compared with those who suffer unilateral ACL trauma. This information is important for the identification of athletes who may benefit from risk reduction interventions.
Temporal Associations of Screen Time and Anxiety Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Boers Elroy , Afzali Mohammad H. , Conrod Patricia
Published: November 2019

There are indications that screen time is associated with symptoms of anxiety in adolescents, but from a longitudinal perspective, the magnitude, specificity, and temporal precedence in this association are relatively under-explored. To address this gap, over the course of 4 years, we annually surveyed adolescents assessing their usage of various types of screen time per day and symptoms of anxiety.
Survival Impact and Clinical Predictors of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Huang Amy Huaishiuan , Liu Ye , Hsien Yenh-Chen , Hsu Tzu-Chun , Yen Debra , Hsu Wan-Ting , Lin Hsin-Yang , Chen Shyr-Chyr , Lee Chien-Chang ,   NTUH Health Data Science Research Group
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

The impact of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) on outcomes of patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) has not been studied. We aim to evaluate the risk factors and survival impact of GIB on the outcome of BSI.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted prospectively at National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016. Patients aged ≥18 years for who BSI was confirmed by blood cultures were enrolled and followed for 90 days. Risk factors of GIB were identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The survival impact of GIB on BSI was evaluated with the Cox proportional hazards model with inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results:

Of the 1034 patients with BSI, 79 (7.64%) developed acute GIB. We identified 5 independent predictors of GIB. Patients with BSI complicated with GIB had an increased 90-day mortality compared to patients without GIB (hazard ratio 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 2.65).

Conclusions:

Gastrointestinal bleeding had an adverse impact on the short-term survival in patients with BSI. The clinical predictors may help identify patients who may benefit from active prevention and treatment of GIB.
Preparation and physicochemical properties of an injectable alginate-based hydrogel by the regulated release of divalent ions via the hydrolysis of d-glucono-δ-lactone
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Li Zhaoyang , Cui Zhenduo , Wu Shuilin , Zhu Shengli , Liang Yanqin , Yang Xianjin
Published: November 2019

In this study, an injectable dopamine-modified alginate hydrogel combined with nano-hydroxyapatite or strontium hydroxyapatite was cross-linked via the in situ slow release of divalent ions from the hydrolysis of D-glucono-δ-lactone (GDL). The cross-linking mechanism involved the chelation of an alginate with divalent ions and the hydrogen-bonding interaction between alginate and catechol groups. As the GDL concentration at 0.5% (w/v) regulated the release of the divalent ions, which enhanced the chelation effect, it was investigated, and inorganic nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed into the hydrogel system to improve the mechanical properties and stabilize the hydrogel network. Furthermore, the effects of dopamine on the improvement of the mechanical properties were investigated. Results demonstrated that the compressive strength of this injectable hydrogel is enhanced by 4.6 times compared with that of the hydrogel without the addition of GDL, and the compressive strength is enhanced by 4.0 times compared with that of the unmodified alginate hydrogel at strain values ranging from 10% to 50%. The hydrogels combined with strontium hydroxyapatite exhibited a more compact, suitable pore size, with a three-dimensional network structure, and the particle size was 50–100 μm; this range of values is considered as optimal for the growth of bone tissues. In addition, the gelation time can be adjusted from a few minutes to a few seconds by adjusting experiment variables. Our study provides a potential method for improving the mechanical properties of bone tissue engineering materials. 1HNMR, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy measurements; XRD and SEM; and pH, ion release, and mechanical tests were carried out.
Moderating Effects of Perceived Neighborhood Factors on Intimate Partner Violence, Psychological Distress, and Suicide Risk
Authors: Fedina Lisa , Mushonga Dawnsha R. , Bessaha Melissa L. , Jun Hyun-Jin , Narita Zui , DeVylder Jordan
Published: November 2019

Neighborhood factors such as instability and weakened social ties have been linked to both intimate partner violence (IPV) and poor mental health outcomes; however, research has not yet investigated the relationship between IPV and gentrification-specific change, including whether gentrification-related neighborhood factors affect mental health symptoms commonly associated with IPV. This study aims to determine if (a) perceptions of neighborhood connectedness and recent compositional changes (e.g., residential mobility, crime, and infrastructure) are associated with IPV exposure and (b) perceived neighborhood connectedness and compositional change moderates the relationship between IPV and mental health symptoms (i.e., psychological distress, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts). Data from the 2017 Survey of Police-Public Encounters were used, which is an online, cross-sectional, general population survey administered to male and female adults residing in New York City and Baltimore ( N = 1,000). Findings suggest that higher levels of neighborhood disconnectedness were associated with higher levels of IPV, whereas higher levels of neighborhood compositional change were associated with lower levels of IPV. Neighborhood disconnectedness and compositional change worsened psychological distress symptoms and suicide risk most strongly among individuals exposed to IPV. Violence prevention and intervention approaches should consider the extent to which neighborhood instability, related to community connectedness and recent compositional change, impacts the safety and mental health of victims of IPV.
An Examination of Sexual Assault Kit Submission Efficiencies Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Law Enforcement Agencies
Authors: Hendrix Joshua A. , Strom Kevin J. , Parish William J. , Melton Patricia A. , Young Amanda Royal
Published: November 2019

Drawing on results from a survey of 321 law enforcement agencies, we assess how labor and capital inputs, evidence policies, and other agency characteristics affect the number of sexual assault kits (SAKs) submitted to crime laboratories for testing. We examine to what extent agencies are submitting the maximum number of SAKs possible, given their available resources. Stochastic frontier models are used to analyze the productivity of labor inputs for the submission of SAKs and the extent to which resource inefficiencies contribute to unsubmitted SAKs. Results indicate that agencies are submitting fewer than 60% of SAKs that are possible given their resources. Full-time sworn officers were found to be productive inputs, as the number of SAKs submitted increases by 24% for every 100% increase in the number of officers. Findings also suggest that the accumulation of SAKs is driven partially by technical inefficiencies but more so by a lack of resources.
After Vatican II and Veritatis splendor: Five Moral Theology Textbooks
Authors: Bennett Jana M.
Published: November 2019

Pedagogy in moral theology follows some of the particular concerns Catholic theologians have had since the Second Vatican Council as well as the aftermath of John Paul II’s encyclical on moral theology, Veritatis splendor. Most of the textbooks reviewed here teach virtue, Christian practice, and Thomas Aquinas’s theology, as largely positive responses to the Council and John Paul II. Catholic moral theology thus appears as a relatively stable field, though the authors use multiple approaches. There are, however, some moral theologians offering alternative perspectives on moral theology. One book reviewed here contends with Humanae vitae and resists both Thomas Aquinas’s authoritative voice and Veritatis splendor’s argument against proportionalist thought. The textbooks offer a range of pedagogical tools for varying student levels. Two of the overall gaps in the field, as indicated by these textbooks, might be more direct engagement with Scripture, and a proper locating of Catholic social teaching within moral theology.
Analysis of the oxide occurrence on WEDM surfaces in relation to subsequent surface treatments
Authors: Mouralova K , Prokes T , Benes L
Published: November 2019

Surface treatments are typical surface protection against corrosion or serve to create an attractive appearance for the end customer. However, the surface to which they are applied must be completely oxide-free, otherwise, defects occur which can cause subsequent corrosion or deterioration of the visual appearance of the product. The parts manufactured by wire electrical discharge machining, however, have a high tendency to oxidize. For this reason, this study was aimed at demonstrating the effect of machine setup parameters (gap voltage, pulse on and off time, wire feed and discharge current) on oxygen occurrence on the surface of two non-metallic (aluminium alloy 7475-T7351, chromium nickel superalloy Inconel 625) and four metallic materials (tool alloy steel X210Cr12, Hadfield steel, Creusabro 4800 and Hardox 400). Within this study, 18 samples were produced, where the chemical composition of energy-dispersive X-ray was analysed, on the basis of which the effect of these parameters on the surface oxidation was proved.
A preventive, opportunistic maintenance strategy for the catenary system of high-speed railways based on reliability
Authors: Cheng Hongbo , Cao Yufan , Wang Jiaxin , Zhang Wei , Zeng Han
Published: November 2019

The catenary is a vital component of the electrified railway system. It consists of many parts which are interrelated; the maintenance schedule of the catenary system should consider the influence of the interrelationship. In this study, a preventive, opportunistic maintenance method is proposed to schedule the maintenance process of the catenary system. First, the reliability of the key parts of the catenary is modeled using Weibull distribution. Second, a reliability margin is proposed to expand the maintenance time from point to interval, and the reliability margin is optimized to minimize the maintenance cost. Then, a preventive opportunistic maintenance schedule can be arranged on the basis of the optimal reliability margin. Case study results verify that the proposed preventive opportunistic maintenance method can reduce the number of maintenance schedules and can effectively save the maintenance cost.
Dynamic balancing of two-plane rotor without phase angle measurement using amplitude subtraction method
Authors: Bhende Amit R
Published: November 2019

Two-plane balancing is required for a rotor whose length is greater than its diameter. Balancing such a rotor is tricky, since the effects of unbalanced forces on both the planes need to be considered in determining the corrective action. This article presents a method of dynamic balancing of a two-plane rotor without the need to measure the phase angle. The rotor is balanced by measuring vibration amplitudes at the support bearing of the rotor shaft. A new rotor balancing method of amplitude subtraction is used to calculate the balancing weights and their positions on the rotor. The advantages of this method over the phase angle measurement method are also discussed in the article.
Potential energy recovery scheme with variable displacement asymmetric axial piston pump
Authors: Wang Aihong , Lv Zhenfeng , Gao Youshan , Quan Long , Huang Jiahai
Published: November 2019

Hydraulic systems are widely used in construction machinery and equipment. However, the energy efficiency of hydraulic system is low. In many cases, hydraulic systems output energy to lift the working device. During the lowering process, the potential energy is commonly wasted through the throttling loss of the control valve. Recovering the potential energy is an efficient way to improve the hydraulic system efficiency. In this article, theoretical analysis, simulation calculation, and experimental verification were used to study the energy recovery efficiency of a differential cylinder system controlled by variable displacement asymmetric axial piston pump. Meanwhile, the influence of the load, motor speed, variable displacement asymmetric axial piston pump swashplate angle, accumulator pressure and capacity, and other key parameters on the potential energy recovery efficiency and system performance was analyzed. The results show that the system energy consumption can be reduced effectively by using the potential energy recovery system. When the load, motor speed, pre-charge pressure and capacity of the accumulator, and swashplate angle are 440 kg, 1000 r/min, 2.5 MPa, 1.6 L, and ±5°, respectively, the system’s energy-saving effect can be up to 39.25%. Considering that only the vertical motion of the differential cylinder controlled by variable displacement asymmetric axial piston pump was analyzed, in future work, the corresponding parameter optimization and control strategy will be carried out to obtain good energy recovery effect, and the influence of accumulator pre-charge pressure on the energy-saving effect will be conducted.
The David Eastman case: The use of inquiries to investigate miscarriages of justice in Australia
Authors: Fuller Jacqueline
Published: November 2019

The wrongful conviction of David Harold Eastman in the Australian Capital Territory represents one of Australia’s most recent and high-profile public failures of the criminal justice system and highlights the limits of the Australian legal system. Further, the Eastman case draws into question the use of inquiries into miscarriages of justice, particularly when an inquiry’s recommendations can be disregarded by governments (as it was in this instance). This article provides an overview of the Eastman case and critically evaluates how it sheds light on the use of inquiries as an avenue to investigate and correct wrongful convictions more broadly in Australia.
Generation of critical aftershocks using stochastic neural networks and wavelet packet transform
Authors: Rajabi Elham , Ghodrati Amiri Gholamreza
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a methodology using wavelet packet transform, principal component analysis, and neural networks in order to generate artificial critical aftershock accelerograms which are compatible with the response spectra. This procedure uses the learning abilities of neural networks, principal component analysis as a dimension reduction technique, and decomposing capabilities of wavelet packet transform on consecutive earthquakes. In fact, the proposed methodology consists of two steps and expands the knowledge of the inverse mapping from mainshock response spectrum to aftershock response spectrum and aftershock response spectrum to wavelet packet transform coefficients of the aftershocks. This procedure results in a stochastic ensemble of response spectra of aftershock (first step) and corresponding wavelet packet transform coefficients (second step) which are then used to generate the aftershocks through applying the inverse wavelet packet transform. Finally, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, three examples are presented in which recorded critical successive ground motions are used to train and test the neural networks.
A simple method to identify undiagnosed drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and its application in oncology pharmacy practice
Authors: Wen Haini , Ge Maojun , Yao Di , Liu Li
Published: November 2019

Aims

To establish a simple method to identify chemotherapy-induced liver injury among oncological patients. To evaluate current clinical approach to elevated laboratory liver test results.

Methods

A total of 289 patients admitted to oncology department who had systemic chemotherapy episodes for cancer treatment from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 were identified. With aid of healthcare information system, Hy's law was applied to laboratory liver test results to identify potential hepatocellular drug-induced liver injury cases. Medical record review was carried out among identified patients to exclude liver dysfunction of alternative causes. Current clinical approach to elevated laboratory liver tests was evaluated through medical record review.

Results

Of 289 patients who were treated by systemic chemotherapies, there were 123 patients with elevated laboratory liver tests, among which 8 patients were suspected as potential Hy's law cases. After medical record review, there were two patients determined with chemotherapy-associated liver injury, caused by 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and S-1 plus paclitaxel separately. Of eight potential Hy's law cases, seven (87.5%) patients were prescribed with ≥2 kinds of liver protectants and remained treated with traditional Chinese medicine for decoction.

Conclusions

A reliable and simple method to identify undiagnosed drug-induced liver injury was successfully established. An annual incidence of 0.69% of chemotherapy-associated liver injury in oncology department of the setting was found.
Grapefruit essential oils inhibit quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Luciardi María C , Blázquez M Amparo , Alberto María R , Cartagena Elena , Arena Mario E
Published: November 2019

Citrus essential oils are used in food to confer flavor and aromas. The citrus essential oils have been granted as GRAS and could be used as antimicrobial additives to control bacterial quorum sensing from potential food bacterial pathogens. The chemical composition and inhibitory activity of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) essential oils obtained by cold-pressed method (EOP) and cold-pressed method followed by steam distillation, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined . The GC-MS analyses of the oil indicated the amount of the essential oil components was highest with D-limonene in both cases. However, the extraction method modified the chemical composition. EOP had higher amount of coumarins and flavonoid as well as less oxygenated terpenoids. At 0.1 mg/mL essential oils were not able to modify the bacterial development but inhibited the P. aeruginosa biofilm production between 52% and 55%, sessile viability between 45% and 48%, autoinducer production and elastase activity between 30% and 56%. Limonene was less effective at inhibiting P. aeruginosa than the essential oils, suggesting a synergistic effect of the minor components. According to our results, grapefruit essential oils could be used as a food preservative to control P. aeruginosa virulence.
Analytical modeling of carbon nanotubes effects and their distribution patterns on the low velocity impact response of sandwich panels
Authors: Feli Saeed , Rashidi Ehsan
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the effects of carbon nanotubes and their distribution patterns on low velocity impact response in sandwich panels are investigated. At first, the effects of carbon nanotubes and their distribution patterns on mechanical properties of sandwich panels will be obtained; then, for modeling the impact dynamics, the three-degree freedom mass-spring model has been used in which the effects of transverse flexibility of core are considered. To obtain the mechanical properties of sandwich panels, the effective properties of carbon nanotubes are calculated utilizing a composite cylinder micromechanics technique as a first step; then, these effective properties are used in the Mori–Tanaka methods to obtain elastic moduli of face sheets consisting of aligned or randomly oriented straight carbon nanotubes. After examining the validity of the present solution, the consequences of distribution patterns of carbon nanotubes, volume fraction of carbon nanotubes and initial velocity of the impactor are studied in detail.