bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex bias in basic science and translational otolaryngology research
Authors: Stephenson Elizabeth D. , Farzal Zainab , Kilpatrick Lauren A. , Senior Brent A. , Zanation Adam M.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Recent studies revealed sex bias in surgical research. Although many diseases exhibit sex‐based clinically relevant differences, otolaryngology research has not been evaluated for sex reporting and sex‐based analysis. We postulate that a similar bias is prevalent in otolaryngology literature.

Study Design

Literature review.

Methods

Articles published from 2016 to 2017 in The Laryngoscope, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and JAMA Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery were reviewed. Articles with animal subjects, human subject cells, or commercial cell lines were included. Data collected included study type, cell/animal sex, and sex‐based data analysis.

Results

One hundred forty‐four basic/translational research articles were identified. Sixty‐nine (47.9%) of those lacked sex reporting. Of 75 studies that reported sex, 22 (29.3%) included both sexes, and 11 (14.7%) analyzed data by sex. One hundred five (72.9%) used animal subjects, of which 54 (51.9%) lacked sex breakdown. Among animal studies, 48/105 included only one sex, and three articles analyzed data by sex. Fifty‐four studies used commercial cell lines (N = 23) or human/animal subject cells (N = 31). Among cell groups, 28/54 (51.9%) were of unknown sex, and seven were single sex. Eight (14.8%) studies included data analysis by sex. Domestic studies exhibited a lower rate of sex reporting in both animal and cell studies, and a lower rate of sex‐based analysis in cell studies.

Conclusions

Sex may influence outcomes significantly but is underreported and underanalyzed in basic/translational otolaryngology research. Because this research frequently lays the groundwork for clinical trials and standards of care, future research must address these sex‐based discrepancies.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:613–618, 2019
The Prevalence of Cricopharyngeal Webs in Elderly Cadavers
Authors: Mehdizadeh Omid B. , Wickwire Peter , Said Mena , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Cricopharyngeal webs (CPW) are a frequent cause of solid food dysphagia. They are difficult to diagnose and are often missed on swallowing fluoroscopy. The prevalence of CPWs is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CPWs in elderly cadavers.

Methods

Direct laryngoscopy and cervical esophagoscopy were performed in 19 embalmed cadavers by independent two‐clinician consensus. Cadaver demographics and the presence and laterality of a CPW were recorded. The prevalence of CPW was calculated, and the size of the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) was quantified.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 83 ( ± 12) years. Fifty‐three percent were female, and the mean body mass index was 19.7 ( ± 3). The causes of death were cardiovascular disease (10 of 19), cancer (5 of 19), and respiratory failure (4 of 19). A CPW was present in 68% (13 of 19) of cadavers. Forty‐seven percent (9 of 19) had a unilateral web, and 21% (4 of 19) had a bilateral web. There was no laterality predominance (P > 0.05). Forty‐two percent (8 of 19) had no CPM prominence; 32% (6 of 19) had a small/moderate CPM prominence; and 26% (5 of 19) had a significant CPM prominence.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cricopharyngeal webs in elderly cadavers is high (68%). The clinician should maintain a high index of suspicion for CPWs in patients with no other identifiable etiology of solid food dysphagia.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 129:63–66, 2019
Evaluation of early oral cavity cancer treatment quality at a single institution
Authors: Chang Steven , Sanii Ryan , Chaudhary Hamad , Lewis Carol , Seidman Michael , Yaremchuk Kathleen
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the adherence to oral cavity quality guidelines endorsed by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) at a large tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This retrospective study identified patients treated for early‐stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma at a tertiary care hospital from 1992 to 2013. Patient charts were reviewed for 26 process quality measures and four key indicator process quality measures as endorsed by the AHNS. Patients were then grouped by diagnosis date either before (historical group, 1992–2007) or after (current treatment group, 2008–2013) the published process quality measures from the AHNS. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the rates of adherence for each process quality measure within the 2 groups.

Results

Of the 57 patients identified, 29 were female (51%). The mean age was 62.3 years. A majority of the oral cavity cancers were stage I (59.6%), followed by stage II (35.1%) and stage III (5.3%). Compliance with the process quality measures was in the acceptable range in both cohorts. However, several areas demonstrated lower adherence in both cohorts. Statistically significant improvements were noted between the two cohorts, which showed a measurable improvement in adherence to process quality measures in several key areas over time.

Conclusion

Using the process quality measures proposed by the AHNS, adherence to the process quality measures for early‐stage oral cavity cancer care at a tertiary care center was successfully evaluated. In general, good compliance with the proposed process quality measures was found and several areas for improvement were identified.

Level of Evidence

2c

Laryngoscope, 129:1816–1821, 2019
Monodisperse Sequence‐Controlled α‐l‐Fucosylated Glycooligomers and Their Multivalent Inhibitory Effects on LecB
Authors: Bücher Katharina Susanne , Babic Nikolina , Freichel Tanja , Kovacic Filip , Hartmann Laura
Published: November 2018

The opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, often exhibiting multiresistance against conventional antibiotics, expresses the lectin LecB that is suspected to be an important factor during biofilm formation via interactions with cell‐surface presented carbohydrate ligands such as the blood group antigens. Therefore, carbohydrate‐based ligands interfering with LecB binding have the potential to lead to new anti‐biofilm and anti‐adhesion therapies. This study explores in vitro binding potencies of glycomimetic ligands containing up to six α‐l‐fucose ligands on a monodisperse, sequence‐controlled oligoamide scaffold interacting with LecB. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and a modified enzyme‐linked lectin assay (mELLA) revealed an increasing affinity to LecB with increasing fucose valency. Furthermore, fucosylated glycooligomers were shown to inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilm up to 20%. Overall these results show the potential of fucosylated oligoamides to be further developed as inhibitors of LecB binding and biofilm formation.
Manager impacts on worker performance in American football: Do offensive coordinators impact quarterback performance in the National Football League?
Authors: Pitts Joshua D. , Evans Brent
Published: November 2018

Ample research in nonsports labor markets suggests that managerial quality significantly impacts worker productivity; however, studies using sports data have been less likely to find such evidence supporting the importance of managers/coaches. We examine the impact of offensive coordinators on quarterback performance in football. While we find that various offensive coordinator characteristics have little impact on quarterback performance, we show that individual offensive coordinators do seem to play a role in quarterback development. Consistent with research on manager effects outside of sports, this suggests that elite and poor offensive coordinators do significantly impact the productivity of the quarterbacks they manage.
A new numerical approach for single rational soliton solution of Chen‐Lee‐Liu equation with Riesz fractional derivative in optical fibers
Authors: Saha Ray Santanu
Published: November 2018

In this paper, time‐splitting spectral approximation technique has been proposed for Chen‐Lee‐Liu (CLL) equation involving Riesz fractional derivative. The proposed numerical technique is efficient, unconditionally stable, and of second‐order accuracy in time and of spectral accuracy in space. Moreover, it conserves the total density in the discretized level. In order to examine the results, with the aid of weighted shifted Grünwald‐Letnikov formula for approximating Riesz fractional derivative, Crank‐Nicolson weighted and shifted Grünwald difference (CN‐WSGD) method has been applied for Riesz fractional CLL equation. The comparison of results reveals that the proposed time‐splitting spectral method is very effective and simple for obtaining single soliton numerical solution of Riesz fractional CLL equation.
A compact monopole antenna for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Saha Tonmoy K. , Goodbody Carlene , Karacolak Tutku , Sekhar Praveen K.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a slotted circular ultra‐wideband (UWB) microstrip patch antenna is reported. The antenna is designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested experimentally. The antenna operates over a 4.0‐40 GHz (164% fractional bandwidth) range with a return loss of 10 dB and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2. The designed monopole antenna is of dimensions 28.1 mm × 17.1 mm with an electrical size of 0.37 λ × 0.23 λ at 4 GHz frequency. The antenna is fabricated on FR‐4 substrate with a dielectric permittivity of 4.4, loss tangent of 0.02, and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The designed antenna exhibits nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns over the entire impedance bandwidth with more than 2.8 dB peak gain for the entire frequency range and 75% of average radiation efficiency. The presented antenna can be used in UWB communications along with C‐band, X‐band, Ku‐band, K‐band, Ka‐band, WLAN, and future wireless applications.
Management of neurogenic bladder in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Chapple Christopher R. , Pashazadeh Fariba , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh
Published: November 2018

Aims

To assess the different treatment methods in management of neurogenic bladder (NGB) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

A systematic search was performed in Cochrane library, EMBASE, Proquest, Clinicaltrial.gov, WHO, Google Scholar, MEDLINE via PubMed, Ovid, ongoing trials registers, and conference proceedings in November 11, 2017. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs comparing any treatment method for management of NGB in patients with PD were included. The titles and abstracts of all identified studies were evaluated independently by two investigators. Once all of the potential related articles were retrieved, each author separately evaluated the full text of each article and the quality of the methodology of the selected studies using the Cochrane appraisal risk of bias checklist and then the data about the patient's outcomes was extracted. We registered the title in Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) that is available in http://joannabriggs.org/research/registered_titles.aspx.

Results

We included 41 RCTs or quasi‐RCTs or three observational study with a total of 1063 patients that evaluated pharmacological, neurosurgical, botulinum toxin, electrical neuromodulation, and behavioral therapy effects on NGB. Among the included studies only solifenacin succinate double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was assessed as low risk of bias, and treatment led to an improvement in urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

Although several interventions are available for treatment NGB in patients with PD, at present there is little or no evidence that treatment improves patient outcomes in this population. Additional large, well designed, randomized studies with improved methodology and reporting focused on patient‐centered outcomes are needed.
Development of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/pine resin blends: Study of thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Chang Robert , Rohindra David , Lata Roselyn , Kuboyama Keiichi , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: November 2018

Blends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with pine resin, an extract from the plant Pinus caribaea—Hondurensis was prepared by melt mixing in mass ratios from 90/10 to 50/50. The thermal, crystallization, morphological, and mechanical properties of the blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile test. Enzymatic degradation of the blends was investigated using porcine pancreatic and Candida rugosa lipase. Antimicrobial activity of the blends was tested against four strains of bacteria; Staphylococcus aureas, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the zone inhibition method. Miscibility of the blends was confirmed by the depression in the equilibrium melting temperature () of PCL estimated from Hoffman–Weeks plot and the presence of extinction rings in the spherulites of blended PCL. Interactions between the two components involved the carbonyl and the C‐O‐C groups. The tensile strength of the blends with low pine resin content was comparable to PCL but decreased with higher pine gum content. Enzymatic degradation of the blends increased with increasing pine resin content. The blends showed antimicrobial property with all the bacteria except E. coli. The developed biomaterial shows promising candidacy in medical applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E32–E41, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Potentials with small‐angle neutron scattering technique for understanding structure–property relation of 3D‐printed materials
Authors: Kang Tae Hui , Compton Brett G. , Heller William T. , Qian Shuo , Smith Gregory S. , Urban Volker S. , Duty Chad E. , Do Changwoo
Published: November 2018

Carbon fiber (CF)‐embedded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer composites printed on the large‐scale printer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory were investigated by small‐angle neutron scattering to correlate the microstructure of the composites with their mechanical strength. The microstructure of the polymer domains and the alignment of CF were characterized across the interfaces between layers of the hot‐melt extruded material and were compared with CF‐free ABS. The small‐angle neutron scattering data show that the CF‐containing material displays strong anisotropic scatterings suggesting molecular alignment along the printing direction that is not present in the CF‐free ABS. Scattering data analysis across the interfacial layer revealed enhanced molecular alignment along the printing direction near the boundaries and inhomogeneous size distribution of polymer domains upon the addition of CF. We attribute the compromised strength across interfacial layers from CF‐containing material to this inhomogeneous size distribution which prevents effective lateral interaction between layers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E65–E70, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical analysis of mixing in block‐head mixing screws
Authors: Marschik Christian , Osswald Tim A. , Roland Wolfgang , Albrecht Hanny , Skrabala Otto , Miethlinger Jürgen
Published: November 2018

The research reported here used 3D non‐Newtonian flow simulations to investigate the pumping and mixing capability of block‐head mixers. Block‐head mixers are distributive mixing screws that are widely used to homogenize the polymer melt and eliminate thermal gradients. The polymer‐processing industry employs a variety of block‐head mixers, with little consensus on design and distribution of screw flights and mixing blocks. This analysis addresses this issue based on a computational design study in which the influence of three geometrical parameters was examined: (1) the number of flights at a mixing block, (2) the number of blocks along the screw, and (3) the stagger angle between the blocks. To examine the flow behavior of the mixing screws, the pressure consumption and energy dissipation is evaluated. Distributive mixing is analyzed using residence time distribution functions, kinematic stretching parameters, and the scale of segregation. Dispersive mixing is assessed by means of the mixing index and the shear stress. The results of this design study increase the understanding of block‐head mixers and contribute to the design and optimization of such geometries. The findings can further be applied to mixing screws of similar geometry, including pin‐type and knob mixers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E88–E104, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Polymer Engineering & Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mass‐produced graphene—HDPE nanocomposites: Thermal, rheological, electrical, and mechanical properties
Authors: Batista Natassia L. , Helal Emna , Kurusu Rafael S. , Moghimian Nima , David Eric , Demarquette Nicole R. , Hubert Pascal
Published: November 2018

Economically viable high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/graphene nanocomposites were produced using mass produced graphene powder and an industrial twin‐screw melt‐compounding machine. Rheological and electrical properties were investigated and scanning electron microscopy was carried out to investigate graphene dispersion and its network formation in the matrix. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated using tensile, flexural and impact tests. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that the crystalline structure of the polymer might be affected by high loadings of graphene. SEM evaluation revealed reasonable graphene dispersion in the matrix. In addition, the amount of graphene required to form a percolated network was similar for both rheological and electrical networks. The nanocomposites exhibited a significant increase in Young's and flexural moduli without a notable reduction in impact strength up to 14 wt% graphene loading. In these experiments, compounding graphene powder with HDPE produced a clear and distinct improvement in mechanical properties at an industrially suitable low cost. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:675–682, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comprehensive electrical loss analysis of monolithic interconnected multi‐segment laser power converters
Authors: Kimovec Rok , Helmers Henning , Bett Andreas W. , Topič Marko
Published: November 2018

A method for distributed electrical modeling of complete photovoltaic monolithic interconnected modules (MIMs) with complex geometrical and electrical features is developed and applied to study electrical power losses of a six‐segment GaAs‐based MIM laser power converter (LPC). The model considers spatial dependence of resistive and recombination losses of all epitaxial layers and explicitly takes into account perimeter recombination and the photo‐induced leakage current through the semi‐insulating GaAs substrate. The investigated specimen was fully parametrized to obtain the model's input parameters which were verified by a comparison of a variety of simulated and measured specimen's electrical characteristics. Based on simulations, we show that distributed series resistance effects, mainly caused by Joule heating in the lateral conduction layer (LCL), limit the efficiency of MIM LPCs under a high irradiance illumination, whereas for a low irradiance illumination perimeter recombination is identified as the limiting factor. Additionally, photo‐induced conductivity leads to a reciprocal relationship between irradiance and substrate resistivity, which results in a parasitic shunting between segments and reduces the device efficiency. We present mitigation strategies for the outlined major loss mechanisms and propose a thin‐film cell employing a metal back mirror that exploits photon recycling and mitigates LCL losses. With such MIM LPC design, conversion efficiencies above 60% can be reached for a broad irradiance range.
Impact of a behavior change program and health education on social interactions in survivors of head and neck cancer: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Shu‐Ching , Huang Bing‐Shen , Hung Tsung‐Min , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chang Ya‐Lan
Published: November 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study of survivors of head and neck cancer was to evaluate the effects of a behavior change program and health education on depression, fear of social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, physical function, and social‐emotional function.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial of 100 subjects, in which changes in the scores of several psychometric scales were recorded for an experimental group (behavior change program and health education) and a control group (routine care only). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), and at 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), and 3 months (T3) after completing the intervention.

Results

After the intervention, the experimental group reported significantly less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and better physical function than the control group. The experimental group also had less depression at T3 than at T0, although there was no such change in the control group. Analysis of physical function indicated that both groups experienced improvements from T0 to T1, slight declines from T1 to T2, and slight declines from T2 to T3; however, both groups had significantly better physical function at T3 than at T0.

Conclusions

Head and neck cancer patients who received a behavior change program and health education reported less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and improved physical function during the 3 months after this intervention.
Early rehabilitation of cancer patients—An individual randomized stepped‐care stress‐management intervention
Authors: Arving Cecilia , Assmus Jörg , Thormodsen Inger , Berntsen Sveinung , Nordin Karin
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an individual stepped‐care stress‐management intervention for cancer patients on cancer‐related stress reactions (intrusion/avoidance), and secondarily on psychological distress (anxiety/depression) and emotional reactivity (impatience/hostility).

Methods

Consecutively 291 cancer patients were included in a randomized controlled intervention study. Patients randomized to the intervention who did not report clinically significant stress levels (n = 72) after the first counseling session participated in only one counseling session and a follow‐up (Step 1). The remaining patients (n = 66) received an additional three to eight sessions, depending on individual needs (Step 2). The intervention used techniques derived from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) such as daily registration of events and behaviors as well as scheduled behavioral and physical activity, along with short relaxation exercises. The intervention was completed within 26 weeks of inclusion. The Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Everyday Life Stress Scale were used to evaluate effects for 2 years.

Results

The linear mixed effects model analysis showed a difference between the randomization groups in favor of the intervention for avoidance and intrusion after the first 6 weeks (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003) and for emotional reactivity after 17 weeks (P = 0.007). There were no differences in psychological distress. Decreases in cancer‐related stress reactions and depression were noted for the Step 2 intervention.

Conclusions

An individual stepped‐care stress‐management intervention for cancer patients, performed by specially educated health professionals using techniques derived from CBT, seems beneficial for cancer patients and may therefore be a realistic complement to routine cancer care.
Transportation, handling, and microbial growth performance of molded fiber and expanded polystyrene apple trays
Authors: Batt Gregory S. , Lussier Mackenzie , Cooksey Kay , Northcutt Julie
Published: November 2018

Washington State apples are shipped all over the United States for retail sales. Adequate packaging is needed to minimize apple damage during distribution. Two common materials used for apple trays are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and molded fiber (MF). A recent industry change from MF to EPS trays provoked an interest in exploring the performance difference between the two. Distribution environment hazards include shock, vibration, and compression forces. Prior work has focused only on comparing vibration or shock performance of EPS and MF trays used in protecting apples. In this study, a variety of typical hazards encountered between case pack and retail preparation are considered on a larger sampling scale. The shock, vibration, and interlayer dynamic compressive forces are simulated as well as free‐fall drops possible with manual handling of the cases. A novel device and test method is developed to simulate the forces because of human hands removing trays of apples from the case at retail. Further, a microbial analysis of worst case apple condensation is performed to compare the tray materials effect on apple microbial populations. It is concluded through physical and microbial testing that there is no statistical difference in the physical protection or the growth of microbial populations between EPS and MF apple trays. Most significant tray damage is observed in the EPS trays because of free‐fall drop testing. Apple tray material selection can be shifted to other factors such as cost or consumer preference.
An Aromatic Diamine Molecule as the A‐Site Solute for Highly Durable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Hwang Taehyun , Lee Byungho , Lee Sangheon , Park Kimin , Park Helen Hejin , Park Byungwoo
Published: November 2018

Studies of organometallic perovskite solar cells have remarkably progressed within several years, but there still remain concerns of poor stability and insufficient power conversion efficiency (PCE). To overcome these limitations, modification of the perovskite material should be addressed. Herein, imidazole (C3H4N2) is demonstrated as an A‐site solute for the conventional methyl‐ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3). As an aromatic hydrocarbon and diamine species with a small ionic radius, imidazole is appropriately alloyed and the bond interactions within the ABX3 lattice are increased. Also, the nature of delocalized π bonding and the unique structure of imidazole allow the formation of an unprecedented kind of hybrid perovskite exhibiting favorable band alignment and optical propertie with high electrical conductivity. Optimal content of imidazole incorporated into CH3NH3PbI3 with architectural optimization of the device leads to improved PCEs approaching 20.2% (reverse) with small hysteresis (forward PCE = 19.0%). Furthermore, properly alloyed imidazole into the A‐site of CH3NH3PbI3 leads to extra stability against air, light, and heat. Lastly, devices with a large active area of 2 cm2 exhibit PCEs as high as 16.8%, further addressing the effect of imidazole on the formation of high quality nanostructured perovskite and devices.
Synthesis and Characterization of the New Ternary Titanium Thiophosphate TiP2S7 and Comparison to Ti4P8S29
Authors: Dressel Carina B. , Klein Wilhelm , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: November 2018

The synthesis of the new thiophosphate TiP2S7 succeeded from TiS2, P4S10, and elemental S in presence of Li2S or elemental Cu and additional S. The crystal structure [orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 23.9895(13), b = 6.8308(4), c = 19.6295(6) Å, V = 1905.0(2) Å3, Z = 8, R1 = 2.78 %, wR2 = 6.35 % (all reflections)] consists of edge‐connected TiS6 octahedra and PS4 tetrahedra, which form corrugated layers. Each of these layers interpenetrates a second one to form double layers parallel to the bc plane. The highly anisotropic characteristics are macroscopically observed by the easy cleavage property. One S atom coordinating the Ti atom is partially replaced by a S2 dumbbell leading to a TiS5(S2) coordination. Including the dumbbell atoms the exact composition of the new compound is refined to TiP2S7.05. According to the crystal structure TiP2S7 shows two signals in 31P NMR spectra. Another known ternary thiophosphate with a very similar composition, Ti4P8S29, was reinvestigated with special consideration of the S/S2 occupational disorder, the composition was determined exactly to Ti4P8S28.68 and found to be different from the previously reported.
Recent Advances in Rare Earth‐Doped Hydrides
Authors: Kunkel Nathalie , Wylezich Thomas
Published: November 2018

The optical properties of rare earth ions in different inorganic host materials, for instance oxides, silicates, borates, or nitrides, have been used in applications for many years, from color TV to fluorescent tubes, lasers, or pc‐LEDs. However, rare earth metal ion‐doped hydrides have not really been considered as host lattices and up to now only been studied in a relatively small number of investigations. Yet, for certain metal hydrides these studies, e.g., allowed the determination of the crystal field strength and nephelauxetic effect of the hydride anion using the Eu2+ 5d excited state. In air‐sensitive hydrides, the use may be restricted to fundamental studies and local probes. But recently more and more air‐stable mixed anionic hydrides have been discovered, which may serve as hosts. This short review summarizes the synthesis and characterization of rare earth metal ion‐doped hydrides reported so far.
A 19th Century Baseline Temperature Estimate for Peninsular India from Combined Analysis of Geothermal and Meteorological Records
Authors: Akkiraju Vyasulu V. , Roy Sukanta , Tiwari V. M. , Shalivahan
Published: November 2018

Direct information about climate change from meteorological surface air temperature records are available in India only since 1901 A.D. Meteorological surface air temperature (SAT) data for the period 1901-2006 from 49 sites in peninsular India have been combined with the geothermal data from 146 sites to extract a baseline (or pre-observational mean, POM) surface temperature prior to the existence of the observational record in the region. Periodicities of 5, 11 and 22 years in the SAT time series have little influence on the combined analysis to infer long-term climate change. The best estimate of the long-term average temperature for the 19th Century is 0.7 °C lower than the 1961-1990 mean temperature. Considering the additional warming of 0.38 °C relative to the 1961-1990 mean over a 10-year window centred on the year 2000, the hybrid POM-SAT method suggests that the total surface warming in peninsular India from mid-1800s to early-2000s is about 1.1 °C. The study provides new evidence for significant warming prior to the establishment of widespread meteorological stations in peninsular India.
Impact of Rainfall Variability on River Hydrology: A Case Study of Southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Sreelash K. , Sharma Rajat Kumar , Gayathri J. A. , Upendra B. , Maya K. , Padmalal D.
Published: November 2018

The Western Ghats plays a pivotal role in determining the hydrological and hydroclimatic regime of Peninsular India. The mountainous catchments of the Ghats are the primary contributors of flow in the rivers that sustains the life and agricultural productivity in the area. Although many studies have been conducted in the past decades to understand long term trends in the meteorological and hydrological variables of major river basins, not much attention have been made to unfold the relationship existing among rainfall and river hydrology of natural drainages on either side of the Western Ghats which host one of the unique biodiversity hotspots across the world. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this paper to examine the short term (last three decades) changes in the rainfall pattern and its influence on the hydrological characteristics of some of the important rivers draining the southern Western Ghats as a case study. The short term, annual and seasonal trends in the rainfall, and its variability and discharge were analyzed using Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s estimator of slope. The study showed a decreasing trend in rainfall in the southwest monsoon while a reverse trend is noticed in northeast monsoon. Correspondingly, the discharge of the west and east flowing rivers also showed a declining trend in the southwest monsoon season. The runoff coefficient also followed the trends in the discharge. The runoff coefficient of the Periyar river showed a decreasing trend, whereas the Cauvery river exhibited an increasing trend. A high-resolution analysis of rainfall data revealed that the number of moderate rainfall events showed a decreasing trend throughout the southern Western Ghats, whereas the high intensity rainfall events showed an opposite trend. The decline in groundwater level in the areas which recorded an increase in high intensity rainfall events and decrease in moderate rainfall events showed that the groundwater recharge process is significantly affected by changes in the rainfall pattern of the area.
Weathering Controlled Landslide in Deccan Traps: Insight from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Authors: Joshi Mayank , Rajappan S. , Rajan P. Prasobh , Mathai J. , Sankar G. , Nandakumar V. , Kumar V. Anil
Published: November 2018

Landslide is one of the devastating natural phenomenon that threatens human life and property. Every year a number of persons lost their lives due to the landslides. Therefore, a better under-standing and characterization of landslide is very essential for adopting mitigation strategies to contain the adversities of this natural hazard. Information on landslides from different climatic setup are very essential for better understanding of the influence of weathering, rainfall, or topography on landslide generation. Weathering is one of the important causative factor for landslide generation in the moderate topography or inactive mountainous terrain. The Western Ghats including the Deccan Traps, an inactive mountain range, receives torrential rainfall. Intense rainfall in these areas enhances the weathering processes and fabricates thick soil covers. Mahabaleshwar area, Maharashtra was chosen as a case study, where high elevated part is covered by lateritic layer and each lava flow unit is separated by a thin weathered bed of red bole. The area experiences series of landslides during the summer monsoon months. Mainly two types of landslides have been identified in the area confined with the red bole bed and powdery lateritic soil. The first type of landslides occur at higher elevations (≥1200m) where horizontal beds of permeable laterites underlined by impermeable thick basalt beds. The rain water infiltrates down and spread laterally within the permeable lateritic beds. It finally spouts at lower plateau elevations and triggers mainly debris flows. The other category of landslides occurs where the weathered red bole bed separates two successive lava flows. The percolating water from the secondary porosities (joints and inter connected vugs) comes out from the contact zones of basalt and red bole bed in the form of seepages. It erodes the red bole bed and as a result the overlying masses hang and consequently lead to rock fall. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) of the representative samples from landslide locations indicates significant weathering. The CIA values for the fine lateritic soil are up to 98% whereas for the red bole bed it varies from 77 to 85%. This suggests a high chemical weathering and higher erodibility. The association of active landslide locations with the red bole bed and fine lateritic soil suggests a close relation between weathering and landslide occurrences in the area.
Investigation on Submarine Groundwater Discharge at Kozhikkode Coastal Aquifer, SW Western Ghats
Authors: George Mintu Elezebath , Babu D. S. Suresh , Akhil T. , Rafeeque M. K.
Published: November 2018

The direct discharge of groundwater to sea through aquifer medium (Submarine Groundwater Discharge), has been recognized as a small but significant component of hydrological cycle as it often transfers considerable amount of nutrients and pollutants to the sea. Understanding on Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) allows us to estimate optimum exploitation levels of coastal fresh groundwater and to locate feasible waste disposal sites in coastal zones. SGD is temporally and spatially variable as interactions between multiple forcing mechanisms vary at any given location and time. Thus, site-specific investigation is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the timing, magnitude, and importance of SGD in any region. The potential of thermal remote sensing (IR imagery) was resorted to target the possible SGD zones in the initial phase. Subsequently, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and resistivity surveys have provided adequate field evidences to delineate the direct discharge areas. Though sandy horizons form the main aquifer material, laterite and weathered/fractured rock were also found to be functioning as aquifer zones. Based on different field investigation techniques, a total of three areas such as, Gotheeswaram, Kappad and Koyilandi were identified as potential groundwater discharge zones in the Kozhikkode coastal aquifer.
Groundwater Environment of a Tropical East Flowing River of Western Ghats, Southern India
Authors: Magesh N. S. , Chandrasekar N. , Elango L.
Published: November 2018

Abstraction of groundwater resources is increasing over the years to meet its ever-increasing demand for industrial, agricultural and domestic purposes throughout the world. The scenario is even worse in the east flowing rivers of the Western Ghats, where the demand of water is high under changing climatic conditions. Such situation may affect the groundwater resources of the river basin on a long run. The aim of the present study is to characterize the geochemistry of groundwater in Tamiraparani sub-basin through geochemical modeling and deduce the ionic interactions with the aid of geostatistical and multivariate statistical techniques. A total of 40 groundwater samples from shallow aquifers were collected randomly throughout the sub-basin for assessing its physico-chemical parameters, which include physical properties of the water, major ions and nutrients. Two major hydrogeochemical facies were identified such as mixed Ca-Mg-Cl and Ca-HCO3 groups. The nutrients derived from agricultural runoff, urban discharge and organic decomposition alters the nutrient level in the groundwater. The dissolution/precipitation of minerals such as calcite and dolomite controls the chemical constituents of the groundwater. The multivariate statistical analysis indicates that natural weathering of source rocks is the main contributors of ions in the groundwater followed by anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices and urbanization. The insights obtained from this study can be helpful for sustainable groundwater management and long-term monitoring studies.
Aiming for agency and authenticity in assessment
Authors: Harrison Christopher
Published: November 2018

None
Assuring the quality of programmatic assessment: Moving beyond psychometrics
Authors: Uijtdehaage Sebastian , Schuwirth Lambert W. T.
Published: November 2018

None
Discrete stochastic approximations of the Mumford–Shah functional
Authors: Ruf Matthias
Published: November 2018

We propose a new

Γ

-convergent discrete approximation of the Mumford–Shah functional. The discrete functionals act on functions defined on stationary stochastic lattices and take into account general finite differences through a non-convex potential. In this setting the geometry of the lattice strongly influences the anisotropy of the limit functional. Thus we can use statistically isotropic lattices and stochastic homogenization techniques to approximate the vectorial Mumford–Shah functional in any dimension.

Nous proposons une nouvelle discrétisation de la fonctionnelle de Mumford–Shah convergente au sens de la

Γ

-convergence. Les fonctionnelles discrètes agissent sur des fonctions définies sur des réseaux aléatoires stationnaires et dépendent de différences finies générales via un potentiel non-convexe. Dans ce cadre, la géométrie du réseau aléatoire influence grandement l'anisotropie de la fonctionnelle limite. Ainsi, en utilisant des réseaux aléatoires statistiquement isotropes, on démontre par des techniques d'homogénéisation le résultat d'approximation de la fonctionnelle vectorielle de Mumford–Shah en toutes dimensions.
Operational and Financial Considerations of Using Drones for Medical Support of Mass Events in Poland
Authors: Robakowska Marlena , Ślęzak Daniel , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Nowak Joanna , Robakowski Piotr , Żuratyński Przemysław , Ładny Jerzy , Nadolny Klaudiusz
Published: November 2018

Objective

The implementation of drones in the medical security system requires a proper planning of the cooperation of different services, dividing the area into sectors, assessing potential risks, and other factors. This study refers to the cost analysis of using drones in the medical support of mass events. The aim of this research is to analyze the costs of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) implementation in the mass event medical support system.

Methods

The description includes purchase and maintenance costs of UAVs. The analysis also involves ways of raising funds for projects related to the UAV sector. Apart from the financial aspect, staff and drone operator training issues are the subjects of this analysis as well.

Results

This study is based on a specialist research involving drones and referring to reports on the current situation in Poland and in the world.

Conclusions

The presented funds required for such projects and the way of raising these funds illustrate the range of the project and its requirements. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:527-532)
Puritan Martyrs in Island Prisons
Authors: Cressy David
Published: November 2018

Charles I's Star Chamber prosecution of the lawyer William Prynne, the minister Henry Burton, and the physician John Bastwick generated both contemporary and historiographical controversy, mostly concerned with their writings, their trial, and their punishment in London. This article turns attention to their unusual offshore incarceration on the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Scillies between 1637 and 1640. It examines the material, social, and spiritual circumstances of island detention, and shows how the “puritan martyrs”1coped with separation from the world. Though the discourse of martyrdom invited a compilation of miseries, invoking scriptural comparisons, this triumvirate experienced isolation that did not necessarily incapacitate them. Prynne savored the hospitality of his jailers, Burton smuggled out polemical tracts, and all three found inspiration in the book of Revelation, written by St. John while a prisoner on the island of Patmos. Each returned to the fray in the 1640s, writing works of witness and justification. Their experience of island imprisonment provided a model and an inspiration for dozens more who were similarly confined during the Protectorate and the Restoration.
Sir John Gladstone and the Debate over the Amelioration of Slavery in the British West Indies in the 1820s
Authors: Burnard Trevor , Candlin Kit
Published: November 2018

Sir John Gladstone made a fortune as a Demerara sugar-planter and a key supporter of the British policy of amelioration in which slavery would be “improved” by making it more “humane.” Unlike resident planters in the British West Indies, who were firmly opposed to any alteration to the conditions of enslavement, and unlike abolitionists, who saw amelioration as a step toward abolition, Gladstone was a rare but influential metropolitan-based planter with an expansive imperial vision, prepared to work with British politicians to guarantee his investments in slavery through progressive slave reforms. This article intersects with recent historiography highlighting connections between metropole and colony but also insists on the influence of Demerara, including the effects of a large slave rebellion centered on Gladstone's estates (which illustrated that enslaved people were not happy with Gladstone's supposedly enlightened attitudes) on metropolitan sensibilities in the 1820s. Gladstone's strategies for an improved slavery, despite the contradictions inherent in championing such a policy while maintaining a fierce drive for profits, were a powerful counter to a renewed abolitionist thrust against slavery in the mid to late 1820s. Gladstone showed that that the logic of gradual emancipation still had force in imperial thinking in this decade.
Non-isothermal bubble rise dynamics in a self-rewetting fluid: three-dimensional effects
Authors: Balla Mounika , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Sahu Kirti Chandra , Karapetsas George , Matar Omar K.
Published: November 2018

The dynamics of a gas bubble in a square channel with a linearly increasing temperature at the walls in the vertical direction is investigated via three-dimensional numerical simulations. The channel contains a so-called ‘self-rewetting’ fluid whose surface tension exhibits a parabolic dependence on temperature with a well-defined minimum. The main objectives of the present study are to investigate the effect of Marangoni stresses on bubble rise in a self-rewetting fluid using a consistent model fully accounting for the tangential surface tension forces, and to highlight the effects of three-dimensionality on the bubble rise dynamics. In the case of isothermal and non-isothermal systems filled with a ‘linear’ fluid, the bubble moves in the upward direction in an almost vertical path. In contrast, strikingly different behaviours are observed when the channel is filled with a self-rewetting fluid. In this case, as the bubble crosses the location of minimum surface tension, the buoyancy-induced upward motion of the bubble is retarded by a thermocapillary-driven flow acting in the opposite direction, which in some situations, when thermocapillarity outweighs buoyancy, results in the migration of the bubble in the downward direction. In the later stages of this downward motion, as the bubble reaches the position of arrest, its vertical motion decelerates and the bubble encounters regions of horizontal temperature gradients, which ultimately lead to the bubble migration towards one of the channel walls. These phenomena are observed at sufficiently small Bond numbers (high surface tension). For stronger self-rewetting behaviour, the bubble undergoes spiralling motion. The mechanisms underlying these three-dimensional effects are elucidated by considering how the surface tension dependence on temperature affects the thermocapillary stresses in the flow. The effects of other dimensionless numbers, such as Reynolds and Froude numbers, are also investigated.
Christian Yoga: Something New Under the Sun/Son?
Authors: Brown Candy Gunther
Published: November 2018

Between the 1960s and 2010s, yoga became a familiar feature of American culture, including its Christian subcultures. This article examines Christian yoga and public-school yoga as windows onto the fraught relationship between Christianity and culture. Yoga is a flashpoint for divisions among Christians and between them and others. Some evangelicals and pentecostals view yoga as idolatry or an opening to demonic spirits; others fill gaps in Christian practice by using linguistic substitution to Christianize yoga. In 2013, evangelical parents in California sued the Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) for promoting Hinduism through Ashtanga yoga.Sedlock v. Baird'sfailure to dislodge yoga exposes tensions in Christian anti-yoga and pro-yoga positions that stem from a belief-centered understanding of religion, the dissatisfaction of many Americans with Protestant dominance in cultural institutions, and a broad-based pursuit of moral cultivation through yoga spirituality. I argue that, although many evangelicals feel like an embattled minority, they are complicit in cultural movements that marginalize them. Naïveté about how practices can change beliefs may undercut Christian doctrines, facilitate mandatory yoga and mindfulness meditation in which public-school children and teachers are required to participate, and impede evangelistic goals by implicating Christians in cultural appropriation and cultural imperialism.