bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing definitions for invasive fungal diseases in critically ill adult patients in intensive care units. Protocol of the FUNgal infections Definitions in ICU patients (FUNDICU) project
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Scudeller Luigia , Giacobbe Daniele R. , Lamoth Frederic , Righi Elda , Zuccaro Valentina , Grecchi Cecilia , Rebuffi Chiara , Akova Murat , Alastruey‐Izquierdo Ana , Arikan‐Akdagli Sevtap , Azoulay Elie , Blot Stijn I. , Cornely Oliver A. , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Koehler Philipp , Cuenca‐Estrella Manuel , de Lange Dylan W. , De Rosa Francesco G. , De Waele Jan J. , Dimopoulos George , Garnacho‐Montero José , Hoenigl Martin , Kanj Souha S. , Maertens Johan , Martin‐Loeches Ignacio , Muñoz Patricia , Kullberg Bart J. , Agvald‐Ohman Christina , Poulakou Garyphallia , Rello Jordi , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Taccone Fabio S. , Timsit Jean‐François , Torres Antoni , Vazquez Jose A. , Calandra Thierry ,   from the Study Group for Infections in Critically Ill Patients (ESGCIP) and the Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID),   the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM),   the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM),   the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC)
Published: November 2018

Background

The reliability of diagnostic criteria for invasive fungal diseases (IFD) developed for severely immunocompromised patients is questionable in critically ill adult patients in intensive care units (ICU).

Objectives

To develop a standard set of definitions for IFD in critically ill adult patients in ICU.

Methods

Based on a systematic literature review, a list of potential definitions to be applied to ICU patients will be developed by the ESCMID Study Group for Infections in Critically Ill Patients (ESGCIP) and the ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG) chairpersons. The proposed definitions will be evaluated by a panel of 30 experts using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness methods. The panel will rank each of the proposed definitions on a 1‐9 scale trough a dedicated questionnaire, in two rounds: one remote and one face‐to‐face. Based on their median rank and the level of agreement across panel members, selected definitions will be organised in a main consensus document and in an executive summary. The executive summary will be made available online for public comments.

Conclusions

The present consensus project will seek to provide standard definitions for IFD in critically ill adult patients in ICU, with the ultimate aims of improving their clinical outcome and facilitating the comparison and generalizability of research findings.
Audit of the diagnosis of rectal evacuation disorders in chronic constipation
Authors: Chedid Victor , Vijayvargiya Priya , Halawi Houssam , Park Seon‐Young , Camilleri Michael
Published: November 2018

Background

Balloon expulsion test (BET) and high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HRM) are used in diagnosis of rectal evacuation disorders (REDs); their performance characteristics are suboptimal.

Methods

We audited records of 449 consecutive patients with chronic constipation (CC). We documented anal sphincter tone and contraction, puborectalis tenderness, and perineal descent on digital rectal exam (DRE); maximum resting and squeeze pressures, and rectoanal pressure gradient on HRM; weight or time to balloon expulsion; colonic transit, and area of rectal area on radiograph (RASF). We based the diagnosis of RED on ≥2 abnormalities on both DRE and HRM, excluding results of BET, as the performance of BET is being investigated. Results of RED vs non‐RED and results obtained using tbBET vs wbBET groups were compared. We used multivariate logistic regressions to identify predictors of RED using different diagnostic modalities.

Key Results

Among 449 individuals, 276 were included (74 RED and 202 non‐RED). Predominant exclusions were for no HRM (n = 79) or use of low resolution anorectal manometry (n = 77). Logistic regression models for abnormal tbBET showed time >60 seconds, RASF and age‐predicted RED. For tbBET, the current cutoff of 60 seconds had sensitivity of 39.0% and specificity 93.0% to diagnose RED; on the other hand, applying the cutoff at 22 seconds, the sensitivity was 77.8% and specificity 69.8%.

Conclusions & Inferences

The clinical diagnosis of RED in patients with CC is achieved with combination of DRE, HRM and an optimized, time‐based BET. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm the proposed 22 second cutoff for tbBET.
Spectrum of susceptibility to air quality and weather in individual children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Noh Su Ryeon , Kim Jin‐Seob , Kim Eun‐Hye , Jeon Byoung‐Hak , Kim Jong‐Hun , Kim Young‐Min , Kim Jihyun , Han Youngshin , Ahn Kangmo , Cheong Hae‐Kwan
Published: November 2018

Background

Exposure to air pollution aggravates symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children in the population studies. Variability in individual patient's response from individual susceptibility is needed to be explored.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate spectrum of individual variability in the associations between AD symptoms and air quality.

Methods

We enrolled 89 children aged 0‐6 years with AD (22 890 person‐days). Daily manifestation of symptoms was recorded for an average of 257 days (range 100‐499). Both an individual analysis using logistic regression models and an overall analysis using a generalized estimating equation were performed.

Results

The odds ratios of an individual ranged 0.24‐8.11 for particulate matter <10 μm in diameter (PM10), 0.09‐101.92 for nitrogen oxide (NO2), 0.03‐44.00 for ozone (O3), 0.11‐58.30 for sulfur dioxide (SO2), 0.00‐15.83 for carbon monoxide (CO), 0.00‐39 446.94 for temperature, and 0.03‐5.18 for relative humidity, demonstrating a wide individual variability. In the overall analysis, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO had a significantly positive association, whereas temperature and relative humidity were negatively associated with AD symptoms. Air pollution was responsible for aggravation of symptoms from 24.7% (O3) to 39.3% (SO2) of AD children. Overall, 71.9% of the AD children responded to at least one or more air pollution and weather variable.

Conclusion

Responses of AD children to air pollution and weather variable were considerably variable among individuals. An individualized model would be useful to forecast and manage AD symptoms in patients.
Shame and the psychosis continuum: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Carden Louise J. , Saini Pooja , Seddon Claire , Watkins Megan , Taylor Peter James
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Shame is increasingly implicated in the development and maintenance of several psychological problems including psychosis. The aim of the current paper was to review the research literature concerning the relationship between shame and the psychosis continuum, examining the nature and direction of this relationship.

Method

Systematic searches of databases PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science (from the earliest available database date until November 2016) were undertaken to identify papers that examined the relationship between shame and psychosis or psychotic experiences.

Results

A total of 20 eligible papers were identified. Risk of bias assessment identified methodological shortcomings across the research in relation to small, unrepresentative samples and failure to control for confounding variables. Narrative synthesis suggested positive associations between shame and paranoia (n = 10,r = .29–.62), shame and psychosis (n = 1,r = .40), and shame and affiliation with voices (n = 1, β = .26), and suggested that shame was greater in those with psychosis compared to controls (n = 4,d = 0.76–1.16).

Conclusions

Overall, several studies provide partial support for the theory that shame is an important factor in relation to psychotic experiences in both clinical and non‐clinical populations, particularly paranoia. However, the predominance of cross‐sectional designs prevents any conclusions being drawn concerning the temporal nature of associations. Additional research is necessary to further delineate the role of shame in relation to specific psychotic experiences such as voice‐hearing. Longitudinal research is particularly needed to help establish the directionality and temporal aspects of effects.

Practitioner points

Research indicates moderate‐to‐strong positive associations between shame and psychotic experiences in the existing literature.

The results provide preliminary evidence that shame may play a role in relation to psychosis and, more specifically, paranoia.

Findings should be interpreted with caution due to many disparities across the studies reviewed and methodological shortcomings (e.g., small sample sizes).

It is not currently possible to determine causality or direction of effect due to the cross‐sectional design of all existing studies.
Red/blue light ratio strongly affects steady‐state photosynthesis, but hardly affects photosynthetic induction in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Kaiser Elias , Zhang Yating , Yang Qichang , Li Tao
Published: November 2018

Plants are often subjected to rapidly alternating light intensity and quality. While both short‐ and long‐term changes in red and blue light affect leaf photosynthesis, their impact on dynamic photosynthesis is not well documented. It was tested how dynamic and steady‐state photosynthetic traits were affected by red/blue ratios, either during growth or during measurements, in tomato leaves. Four red/blue ratios were used: monochromatic red (R100), monochromatic blue (B100), a red/blue light ratio of 9:1 (R90B10) and a red/blue light ratio of 7:3 (R70B30). R100 grown leaves showed decreased photosynthetic capacity (maximum rates of light‐saturated photosynthesis, carboxylation, electron transport and triose phosphate use), leaf thickness and nitrogen concentrations. Acclimation to various red/blue ratios had limited effects on photosynthetic induction in dark‐adapted leaves. B100‐grown leaves had a approximately 15% larger initial NPQ transient than the other treatments, which may be beneficial for photoprotection under fluctuating light. B100‐grown leaves also showed faster stomatal closure when exposed to low light intensity, which likely resulted from smaller stomata and higher stomatal density. When measured under different red/blue ratios, stomatal opening rate and photosynthetic induction rate were hardly accelerated by increased fractions of blue light in both growth chamber‐grown leaves and greenhouse‐grown leaves. However, steady‐state photosynthesis rate 30 min after photosynthetic induction was strongly reduced in leaves exposed to B100 during the measurement. We conclude that varying red/blue light ratios during growth and measurement strongly affects steady‐state photosynthesis, but has limited effects on photosynthetic induction rate.
Respiratory muscle weakness increases dead‐space ventilation ratio aggravating ventilation–perfusion mismatch during exercise in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Hamazaki Nobuaki , Masuda Takashi , Kamiya Kentaro , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nozaki Kohei , Maekawa Emi , Noda Chiharu , Yamaoka‐Tojo Minako , Ako Junya
Published: November 2018

Background and objective

Respiratory muscle weakness causes fatigue in these muscles during exercise and thereby increases dead‐space ventilation ratio with decreased tidal volume. However, it remains unclear whether respiratory muscle weakness aggravates ventilation–perfusion mismatch through the increased dead‐space ventilation ratio. In ventilation–perfusion mismatch during exercise, minute ventilation versus carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope > 34 is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We examined the relationship of respiratory muscle weakness with dead‐space ventilation ratio and ventilation–perfusion mismatch during exercise and clarified whether respiratory muscle weakness was a clinical predictor of VE/VCO2 slope > 34 in patients with CHF.

Methods

Maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) was measured as respiratory muscle strength 2 months after hospital discharge in 256 compensated patients with CHF. During cardiopulmonary exercise test, we assessed minute dead‐space ventilation versus VE (VD/VE ratio) as dead‐space ventilation ratio and VE/VCO2 slope as ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Patients were divided into low, moderate and high PImax groups based on the PImax tertile. We investigated determinants of VE/VCO2 slope > 34 among these groups.

Results

The low PImax group showed significantly higher VD/VE ratios at 50% of peak workload and at peak workload and higher VE/VCO2 slope than the other two groups (P < 0.001, respectively). PImax was a significant independent determinant of VE/VCO2 slope > 34 (odds ratio (OR): 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.82) with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.812 (95% CI: 0.750–0.874).

Conclusion

Respiratory muscle weakness was associated with an increased dead‐space ventilation ratio aggravating ventilation–perfusion mismatch during exercise in patients with CHF.
Oil booms and inequality in Iran
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza , Krieger Tim
Published: November 2018

We study the response of income inequality to positive per capita oil and gas revenue shocks in Iran. Using historical data from 1973 to 2016 and vector autoregression (VAR) as well as vector error correction (VECM) model‐based impulse‐response functions, we find a positive and statistically significant response of income inequality to oil booms. We also explore possible channels through which oil booms may increase inequality, including private sector credit growth, construction investment, international trade (imports) and real economic output. We find that following an oil boom, higher imports, private sector credit growth, and real economic output can explain the increased income gap to a certain degree in Iran's oil‐based economy. Our analysis can help policymakers evaluate and accommodate the possible positive or negative effects of inequality in Iran resulting from the 2016 lifting of the embargo against the country.
Migration, Livelihood Strategies, and Agricultural Outcomes: A Gender Study in Rural China
Authors: Tong Yuying , Shu Binbin , Piotrowski Martin
Published: November 2018

In this study we examine whether the gender composition of migrants from rural households affects household economic strategies and agricultural productivity, which is the fundamental economic activity for rural Chinese. Using data from the 2010 and 2012 Chinese Family Panel Studies, this study treats households as the unit of analysis. Our results show that households with migrants are less likely to engage in agricultural activities or operate small businesses than households with no migrants. However, households with female migrants are less likely to engage in agricultural activities to a greater extent than those with male migrants, whereas the latter pose an obstacle to running small family businesses. This suggests that women may have to shoulder the burden of agricultural work when men migrate, whereas having male migrants from the households hampers households from engaging in local nonagricultural activities. Finally, although having male migrants who have left does not significantly discourage households from continuing agricultural activities, it does reduce agricultural productivity.
Investigation of stress and nursing support in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Akkoyun Sevinc , Tas Arslan Fatma
Published: November 2018

Background

The birth and hospitalisation of a premature infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are stressful experiences for the mother and the family. The support of neonatal nurses is necessary to control and reduce the stress of mothers. And nurse–parent support may play a role in effective stress management and make a positive contribution to the health of mothers.

Aim

To determine the correlation of stress and nurse–parent support levels with mothers’ age and educational status, number of children, gestational week of the infant and the hospitalisation period of the infant among mothers of premature infants hospitalised in the NICU.

Methods

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted in the NICUs of two medical faculties. The study was conducted between March and June 2017 with the participation of 106 mothers with hospitalised premature infants. The data of the study were collected using a ‘mother information form’, Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Nurse‐Parent Support Tool. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t‐test, analysis of variance test, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results

It was determined that the stress levels were high in mothers regarding their PSS: NICU parental role subscale. The stress levels of mothers with infants connected to mechanical ventilation and fed parenterally were high (p < 0.05). The nurse support levels of mothers with middle‐ and low‐income status were high. Multiple regression analysis, mechanical ventilation was determined to be effective in the use of the PSS:NICU total score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a result, it was determined that mechanical ventilation and parenteral nutrition of the infant increased the stress level of mothers. Furthermore, in the study, the Nurse‐Parent Support score of the mothers with middle‐ and low‐income status was higher.
Post‐Eocene intensification of deep‐water circulation in the central South Pacific: Micropalaeontological clues from dredged sites along the eastern Manihiki Plateau margin
Authors: Ando Atsushi , Kuroda Junichiro , Werner Reinhard , Hoernle Kaj , Huber Brian T.
Published: November 2018

Reconstruction of early Cenozoic deep‐water circulation is one of the keys to modelling Earth's greenhouse‐to‐icehouse surface evolution, but it has long been hampered by the paucity of information from the central South Pacific. To help overcome this knowledge gap, we present new micropalaeontological data from dredged carbonates (R/V Sonne Expedition SO193) at several eastern volcanic salients of the Manihiki Plateau. Interestingly, despite appreciable longitudinal separations among the dredged sites, ages indicated by the foraminiferal assemblages are consistently around the Middle Eocene (including mixed Turonian [Late Cretaceous]/Eocene at a single site), suggesting widespread post‐Eocene cessation of the pelagic sedimentation. By integrating with independent seismic and chronostratigraphic data (Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 33) for large‐scale erosion of top‐Eocene–Oligocene sedimentary units on the eastern Manihiki Plateau, our results can be viewed as novel physical evidence for the intensification of central South Pacific deep‐water circulation since the Eocene/Oligocene climatic transition.
Evaluation of the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module for transfusion‐related adverse reactions in the United States
Authors: Edens Chris , Haass Kathryn A. , Cumming Melissa , Osinski Anthony , O'Hearn Lynne , Passanisi Kelly , Eaton Lynn , Visintainer Paul , Savinkina Alexandra , Kuehnert Matthew J. , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Andrzejewski Chester
Published: November 2018

INTRODUCTION

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module (HM) collects data on the frequency, severity, and imputability of transfusion‐associated adverse events. These events contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among transfusion patients. We report results from the first systematic assessment of eight attributes of the HM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard methods were used to assess the HM. Evaluation data included training materials, system modification history, and facility survey information. A concordance analysis was performed using data from the Baystate Medical Center's (Springfield, MA) electronic transfusion reporting system.

RESULTS

In 2016, system representativeness remained low, with 6% (277 of 4690) of acute care facilities across 43 jurisdictions enrolled in the HM. In 2016, 48% (2147 of 4453) and 89% (3969 of 4,453) of adverse reactions were reported within 30 and 90 days of the reaction date, respectively, compared to 21% (109 of 511) and 56% (284 of 511) in 2010, demonstrating improved reporting timeliness. Data quality from most reactions was adequate, with 10% (45 of 442) misclassified transfusion‐associated circulatory overload reactions, and no incomplete transfusion‐transmitted infection data reported from 2010 to 2013. When compared to the Baystate system to assess concordance, 43% (24 of 56) of NHSN‐reported febrile reactions were captured in both systems (unweighted kappa value, 0.47; confidence interval, 0.33–0.61).

CONCLUSION

Since the 2010 HM pilot, improvements have led to enhanced simplicity, timeliness, and strengthened data quality. The HM serves an important and unique role despite incomplete adoption nationwide. Facility efforts to track and prevent transfusion‐associated adverse events through systems like the NHSN HM are a key step toward improving transfusion safety in the United States.
Why did the equity home bias fall during the financial panic of 2008?
Authors: Wynter Matthew M.
Published: November 2018

Investors tend to put most of their wealth in local stocks; theories of portfolio choice and uncertainty aversion jointly predict that this home bias should increase during a financial crisis. Yet, using a sample of 45 countries, I document that the equity home bias fell during the financial panic of 2008. Exploiting bilateral stock holdings, I find that investors actively increased their home bias, but large valuation changes subsumed these trades. Across countries, the change in home bias is consistent with partial portfolio rebalancing and increased information asymmetries during the crisis.
Impact of climate change on meteorological, hydrological and agricultural droughts in the Lower Mekong River Basin: a case study of the Srepok Basin, Vietnam
Authors: Sam Truong Thao , Khoi Dao Nguyen , Thao Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nhi Pham Thi Thao , Quan Nguyen Trong , Hoan Nguyen Xuan , Nguyen Van Thinh
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study is to assess future changes in meteorological, hydrology and agricultural droughts under the impact of changing climate in the Srepok River Basin, a subbasin of LMB, using three drought indices; standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized runoff index (SRI) and standardized soil moisture index (SSWI). The well‐calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used as a simulation tool to estimate the features of meteorological, hydrological and agricultural droughts. The climate data for the 2016–2040 period is obtained from four different regional climate models; HadGEM3‐RA, SNU‐MM5, RegCM4 and YSU‐RSM, which are downscaled from the HadGEM2‐AO GCM. The results show that the severity, duration and frequency of droughts are predicted to increase in the near future for this region. Moreover, the meteorological drought is less sensitive to climate change than the hydrological and agricultural droughts; however, it has a stronger correlation with the hydrological and agricultural droughts as the accumulation period is increased. These findings may be useful for water resources management and future planning for mitigation and adaptation to the climate change impact in the Srepok River Basin.
Comparative analysis of the novel infiltration model with other infiltration models
Authors: Zakwan Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Variability in infiltration characteristics of soils creates need for selection of appropriate infiltration model. Recently, a novel infiltration model was proposed and reported to perform excellently in estimating infiltration rate of soils of Kurukshetra, India, however, this model need to be tested for its reliability at global level. In this regard, the present study analyses the reliability of the novel model based on infiltration database comprising of 16 data sets from different parts of the world to arrive at some generalized results on the reliability of novel model as compared to commonly used infiltration models. Comparative analysis reveals that out of the 16 data sets for 9 sites (57%). Horton model was found to be best model while novel model was found as best‐fit model in five cases (31%). Based on the present study and earlier investigations, it may be inferred that novel model could be a useful model to estimate infiltration rate in loams.
Mixing in Spacer–Filled Channels
Authors: Bayer C. , Breisig H. , Follmann M. , Fritzmann C. , Melin T.
Published: November 2018

Coated flat–sheet contacting devices are currently under development for a variety of membrane applications, e.g. in air conditioning [1], in the removal of CO2 from fuel gases of biological origin [2] or in the elimination of trace organics from wastewater [3]. Generally, the relative take-up capacity of the stripping fluids is very large leading to low cross–flow velocities in the permeate channel. This undesirable consequence broadens the residence time distribution so that the stripping fluid is loaded unevenly. However, its effect can be reduced by enhancing lateral mixing. To quantify the mixing effects of spacers at different hydraulic conditions, this paper presents a suitable measurement method for lateral dispersion in spacer–filled channels. The measuring concept is based on mixing an acid and an alkaline stream, both marked with a pH indicator. The points in space where the pH indicator shifts its color are directly observed by photometric analysis. The resulting image is interpreted by transforming the axial space coordinate to a time coordinate, so that an analytical solution of Fick’s Second Law can be fitted to the color–change front. The dispersion coefficient, which is a measure for lateral mixing in the spacer–filled channel, can be therewith obtained directly.
Recent Advances in Thin Film Composite (TFC) Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Membranes for Desalination
Authors: Abu Tarboush B. J. , Arafat H. A. , Matsuura T. , Rana D.
Published: November 2018

Reverse osmosis (RO) by polymeric membranes is known to be among the successful technologies for brackish and seawater desalination. For the development of these polymeric RO membranes, two different techniques have been used – the phase inversion method for asymmetric membranes, such as cellulose acetate membrane and the interfacial polymerization for thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Despite the high quality of the water produced by TFC–RO process, TFC membranes are susceptible to fouling. After a long period of academic and industrial researches, it is generally accepted that hydrophilicity, surface charge, and surface roughness of the TFC membrane surface are the major factors which affect the membrane susceptibility to fouling. As a result, several recent studies have focused on tailoring these properties with the aim of producing TFC membranes with reduced fouling as well as enhanced flux and salt rejection for use in desalination.In this study, authors present a comprehensive summary of the most recent findings in the literature focusing on the enhancement of TFC RO and nanofiltration membrane performance in desalination applications, by tailoring membrane characteristics. The authors would then present a new concept for the preparation of TFC membranes by interfacial polymerization on porous polysulfone support using novel additives, namely, surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs). Hydrophilic SMMs (LSMMs) were synthesized both ex–situ and in–situ within the organic solvent of the TFC system. The RO performance results showed that the addition of the ex–situ LSMM significantly decreased the salt rejection of the membrane and slightly reduced the flux, while in the case of the in–situ LSMM, salt rejection was improved but the flux declined at different rates for different LSMM concentrations. The membrane prepared by the in–situ LSMM exhibited less flux decay over an extended operational period.
Preparation and Characterization of Asymmetric Ultrafiltration Membrane for Lysozyme Separation: Effect of Polymer Concentration
Authors: Nora’aini A. , Sofiah H. , Asmadi A. , Abdul Wahab M.
Published: November 2018

Penetrations of membrane technology in the downstream processing of protein production are now well accepted due its effectiveness and ability to generate high yield of product. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polymer concentrations on morphology and performance of ultrafiltration membranes for lysozyme separation. Three membrane solutions with different polymer concentration of Polyehtersulfone/N–Methyl pyrolidone/water with 15% w/w, 17% w/w and 19% w/w (15% [UF 15], 17% [UF 17] and 19% [UF 19]) were used to prepare asymmetric flat sheets membranes via a simple dry/wet phase inversion technique. The data obtained shows that the permeability coefficient decreased from 10.9 × 10–6 to 0.44 × 10–6m3/m2.s.bar with increasing polymer concentrations. UF 15 membrane discovers the highest flux and lysozyme transmission, consequently promoted this membrane as an optimum membrane for lysozyme separation. This study proves that the polymer concentration was greatly affected the membrane performance and structural properties consecutively, promoted an improvement of UF membrane capability for lysozyme separation.
Preparation and Characterization of TiO2-LaFeO3 based Mixed Matrix Membrane for Oily Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Patrick R. , Aziz F. , Yahya N. , Jamaludin N. A. , Ismail N. M.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of catalyst loading in mixed matrix membrane. LaFeO3 and TiO2-LaFeO3 were synthesized by sol-gel glucose method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle, membrane permeation testing unit and UV-Vis spectrophotometer techniques are used for characterization. FTIR showed the successful transformation of photocatalyst TiO2, LaFeO3 and TiO2-LaFeO3. Due to increase in nanoparticles loading, the hydrophilicity of the membrane had improved thus increase the permeation flux. The cross-section morphology of membranes (PTL-1, PTL-3 and PTL-4) indicated that all the membranes were found to have asymmetric structure, consisting of dense top layer (air side), a porous sublayer (finger-like) and a small portion of sponge-like bottom surface layer (glass side). But as for the PTL-2, the cross sections of the membranes have a fully sponge-like structure. The formation of sponge-like structure was associated to the slow solidification process during the casting. The highest oily wastewater rejection was 76.26% with highest permeation flux and lower contact angle. This result showed that nanoparticles with membrane had improved the oily wastewater rejection. It proved that the fabricated nanoparticles with mixed matrix membrane exhibits a high flux, which is 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than commercial filtration membranes with an acceptable separation performance.
Rotating Cylinder Microfiltration of Oil–in–Water Emulsion Using Novel Slotted Pore Filter
Authors: Doddy Sutrisna Putu , G. Holdich Richard , R. Kosvintsev Serguei , W. Cumming Iain
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, oil–in–water emulsion has become an important topic in petroleum industry, which produces oil–inwater emulsion in the recovery of crude oil. Oil–in–water emulsion produced in crude oil recovery causes problems at different stages of the production in the petroleum industry. Recently, microfiltration has been applied in the separation of oil from water. In filtration of oil–in–water emulsion, there is the possibility of oil drops deforming and squeezing through the slot of membrane so the separation efficiency will decrease. This research has studied cross flow filtration of oil–in–water emulsion in a rotating system and also visualized the interaction of oil drops and slot shaped membrane pores. The drop or bubble–slot experiment used a slot with different width. It has been found that the squeezing of an oil drop in the slot is really determined by the pressure applied and velocity of the surrounding fluid. Cross flow microfiltration experiment was conducted using tubular slotted pore membrane with rotation to generate shear on the surface of membrane. Kerosene and crude oil were tested using 5.3 and 7.5 microns membrane at different rotation speed and permeate velocity. Experimental results indicated that in a no blocking condition, the movement of oil drops was determined by shear force and permeate drag force. While in blocking condition, the rejection of oil drops was determined by the formation and characteristic of the secondary membrane formed on the surface of membrane. Blocking will improve the filtration performance in relation to oil rejection, but it will increase the pressure needed or decrease the flux rate through the membrane.
Coupled Extensional and Flexural Motions of a Two-Layer Plate With Interface Slip
Authors: Li Peng , Jin Feng , Chen Weiqiu , Yang Jiashi
Published: November 2018

The effect of imperfect interface on the coupled extensional and flexural motions in a two-layer elastic plate is investigated from views of theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. A set of full two-dimensional equations is obtained based on Mindlin plate theory and shear-slip model, which concerns the interface elasticity and tangential discontinuous displacements across the bonding imperfect interface. Some numerical examples are processed, including the propagation of straight-crested waves in an unbounded plate, the buckling of a finite plate, as well as the deflection of a finite plate under uniform load. It is revealed that the bending-evanescent wave in the composites with a perfect interface eventually cuts-on to a propagating shear-like wave with cutoff frequency when the two sublayers imperfectly bonded. The similar phenomenon has been verified once again for coupled face-shear and thickness-shear waves. It also has been pointed out that the interfacial parameter has a great influence on the performance of static buckling, in which the outcome can be reduced to classical buckling load of a simply supported plate when the interface is perfect.
Time-Dependent Decay Rate and Frequency for Free Vibration of Fractional Oscillator
Authors: Chen Y. M. , Liu Q. X. , Liu J. K.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an investigation on the free vibration of an oscillator containing a viscoelastic damping modeled by fractional derivative (FD). Based on the fact that the vibration has slowly changing decay rate and frequency, we present an approach to analytically obtain the initial decay rate and frequency. In addition, ordinary differential equations governing the decay rate and frequency are deduced, according to which accurate approximation is obtained for the free vibration. Numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the presented approach. Based on the obtained results, we analyze the decay rate and the frequency of the free vibration. Emphasis is put on their time-dependence, indicating that the decay rate decreases but the frequency increases with time increasing.
Simulating Surface Forces Between Iron Oxide Surfaces Immersed in Methyl Oleate Using Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Chong William W. F. , Zhang Hedong
Published: November 2018

Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation, the current study determined the surface forces between iron oxide surfaces when immersed in methyl oleate. Condensed-phase Optimized Molecular Potentials for Atomistic Simulation Studies (COMPASS) force field was used to model the methyl oleate molecules. For the nano-confinement simulation, the iron oxide wall was modelled from its crystal structure. The nano-confinement simulation model was setup in a manner where the confined methyl oleate molecules were in contact with the bulk molecules surrounding each side of the iron oxide walls. Through the simulation, the load-separation gap profile was obtained by reducing the separation gap between the ferric oxide walls. When the separation gap was reduced from 2.75 nm to 1.88 nm, the load is shown to increase monotonically. Such increase in load bearing ability of the contact is observed to correspond to a more densely packed methyl oleate molecules, reflected by four well-formed layers across the separation gap. As the gap is dropped from 1.88 nm to 1.63 nm, the load instead reduces, indicating deteriorating load bearing ability of the contact. However, the load bearing ability of the contact is then shown to recover when the gap was further reduced till 1.38 nm. This oscillatory load trend is shown to be as a result of a layer of methyl oleate molecules being squeezed out of contact, corroborated by the density profile change where four well-formed layers were reduced to only three layers from 1.88 nm to 1.38 nm gap. This also indicates that the simulated contact exhibits structural forces, known as solvation forces. Thus, the MD simulation discussed in this study is demonstrated to be capable of providing a foundation to allow for a multi-scale simulation, integrating various force laws at different length scales, to study larger scale tribological contacts.
Finite Element Modeling of Electromagnetic-Coils Targeting System for Locating Distal Screw-Hole in Intramedullary Interlocking-Nail Surgery
Authors: Cheng Ya-Wen , Chen Po-Wen , Wong Tze-Hong , Chen Chin-Chung , Hsu Wensyang , Chung Tien-Kan
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we report a finite element modeling of an electromagnetic-coils targeting system to locate a distal screw-hole in intramedullary interlocking-nail surgery. The system consists of an internal coil, external coil, and control/measurement electronics. The internal coil is embedded in a distal screw-hole of the nail inserted into the bone. A current is applied to the internal coil to produce a directional magnetic flux penetrating the nail/bone. Thus, the external coil scans different regions of the nail/bone will receive different amount of magnetic flux, and thereby produces different voltage outputs due to the electromagnetic induction. By analyzing the voltage outputs, the distal screw-hole is targeted. However, to precisely apply this system to many different nails for people in different regions, modification and optimization of the system are needed. For rapid modification and optimization, we implement finite element method to model the targeting system. Because the modeling results are qualitatively consistent to experimental results, the modeling is successfully validated to be able to qualitatively predict experimental trends and thereby can be used for rapid system modification and optimization.
Brain Activation Measurement of Velvet Hand Illusion Using Pocket NIRS
Authors: Ohka M. , Mitsui Y. , Komura H.
Published: November 2018

In this research, as a different approach to the conventional one which enhances the performance with hardware of a haptic device, we adopt another approach to make the brain feel as if the person is touching the real thing via an illusion. Thus, we study Velvet Hand Illusion (VHI) which is an illusionary phenomenon concerning tactile touch. In VHI, a hexagonal wire mesh is sandwiched between both hands and rubbing the wire mesh without relative motion between both hands generates a smooth feeling, like velvet. The brain activation at this time is measured by PocketNIRS, which contains two channels measuring the bilateral prefrontal cortex. We obtained the result that the prefrontal cortex was activated to roughly two times larger when VHI occurred than when touching real velvet fabric. Since different responses can be obtained in the prefrontal cortex during brain activation between real velvet and VHI, it is possible to use pocketNIRS for the evaluation of VHI.
MEMS-Based Micro Probe Incorporating Electrostatic Actuator Towards Friction Force Microscopy With Accurate Gap Control
Authors: Fukuzawa Kenji , Takahashi Mikito , Hori Yusuke , Itoh Shintaro , Zhang Hedong
Published: November 2018

Lubrication in nanometer-sliding gaps has attracted much interest along with the advance of processing technology. To clarify the lubrication phenomena in nanometer gaps, force measurement under accurate control of the gap between the sliding probe and sample surface is needed because the lubrication properties significantly depend on the gap size. In this paper, we aimed at realizing friction force microscopes that is capable of accurate control of sliding gap. A probe with an actuator that utilizes electrostatic force was proposed and its feasibility was demonstrated.
Measurement of Temperature Dependence of Lubricant Viscosity in Nano Gaps by Fiber Wobbling Method Combined With Laser Heating
Authors: Itoh Shintaro , Kamiya Kento , Fukuzawa Kenji , Zhang Hedong
Published: November 2018

In order to ensure the performance and durability of highly accurate mechanical systems, it is urgent to establish lubrication technology realized in minute gaps. It has been reported that the mechanical properties of lubricating oil in minute gaps narrowed down to nanometer order are completely different from those in the bulk state, and measurement of these phenomena are indispensable for lubrication design. In this research, in order to elucidate the temperature dependency of lubricant viscosity in nano gaps, we proposed laser heating of lubricating oil in highly sensitive viscosity measurement method developed in our previous study, which we called the fiber wobbling method (FWM). We succeeded in measuring temperature dependence of lubricating oil viscosity in nano gaps.
Damage Precursor Assessment in Aerospace Structural Materials
Authors: Cole Daniel P. , Henry Todd C. , An Ke , Chen Yan , Haynes Robert A.
Published: November 2018

The focus of this study was to apply a robust inspection technique for monitoring damage nucleation and propagation in 7075 aluminum alloy specimens exposed to cyclic loading. A previously developed specimen, linearly tapered in width along the length, was subjected to a sinusoidal tension-tension load while conductivity and strain were measured in-situ. Ex-situ measurements of modulus, hardness, surface potential, digital image correlation strain field, and neutron diffraction were made as a function of fatigue cycles. It is hypothesized that varying levels of induced stress along the length due to equal-force but varying area along the length will create a record of damage which can be probed to intuit a temporal history for the specimen. Baseline, intermediate, and failure sensor measurements for several specimens were compared and analyzed as a function of applied stress (varied linearly along the length) and fatigue cycles (constant). Mechanisms of damage nucleation and propagation due to fatigue cycling are discussed with an emphasis on which inspection methods are most promising for improving structural durability and state monitoring.
Smart Trailing Edges for Wind Turbines
Authors: Riemenschneider Johannes , Pohl Martin , Ungurán Róbert , Petrović Vlaho , Kühn Martin , Haldar Ayan , Madhusoodanan Hinesh , Jansen Eelco , Rolfes Raimund
Published: November 2018

In order to reduce the “cost of energy” for wind turbines it is an ongoing trend to increase the rotor diameter, which increases fatigue loads in the blade root area. Thus, a critical prerequisite for increased rotor diameter is the reduction of loads, which can be utilized by passive and active measures. This paper is giving an overview of current research work towards the use of a flexible trailing edge for load reduction as it is being pursued in the German national SmartBlades project. The active trailing edge is designed to change the lift of the outer blade in a way to counteract sudden changes caused by gusts or wind shear. Areas that are covered include the simulation towards the load reduction potential of such flexible trailing edges, the structural design of the trailing edge itself as a compliant mechanism, its experimental validation and fatigue investigation as well as multistable approaches for the design of such trailing edge flaps.
A Multi-Point Loaded Piezocomposite Beam: Mechanics and Response to Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Heaney Patrick S. , Bilgen Onur
Published: November 2018

In this paper a multi-segment beam, in what is called an inertial four-point loaded configuration, is proposed and its dynamic response is analyzed. In this configuration, two symmetrical overhanging free segments extend beyond the pinned supports, and two tip masses are attached to these free segments yielding symmetrical inertial loading at the tips. By varying the configuration parameters of this multi-segment beam, such as support locations and tip loading, the dynamic response of the system can be significantly altered. The harmonically excited transverse vibration of a piezocomposite beam with four-point loaded boundary conditions is analyzed as a function of the support location and tip mass. Experimental data for several support locations is presented for validation of the analytical model and the predicted relationship between the system natural frequency, support locations, and tip masses. Comparisons are also made between the multi-point loaded cases and a reference cantilevered beam. The analytical and experimental results demonstrate that the natural frequency of a multi-point loaded beam can be continuously adjusted in a relatively wide range using the configuration changes investigated.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Special Piezoelectric Energy Harvester With a Special Bistable Piezoelectric Cantilever Beam
Authors: Yao Ming Hui , Xia Wei , Zhang Wei , Jiao Jian Yu
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a special piezoelectric energy harvester system which is obtained by separating the end of the upper piezoelectric layer of the traditional piezoelectric cantilever beam from its basic layer. A mass I is located at the end of the separated upper piezoelectric layer (SUPL), a mass II and a permanent magnet I are located at the end of the separated lower piezoelectric beam (SLPB) and a permanent magnet II is added in the opposite position of the permanent magnet I and they face each other with same polarities. A nonlinear magnetic force which can broaden the frequency bandwidth of the system is generated mutually on the two permanent magnets. Studies find that this special piezoelectric energy harvester has extremely high energy capture efficiency. In order to further explore the reason of high efficiency, experimental research on its dynamic behavior is carried out. The experimental results show that the vibrations of the SUPL and the SLPB are relatively simple. The dynamic behaviors of the SUPL, the SLPB and the unseparated part are different. The unseparated part of the piezoelectric shows relatively complex nonlinear phenomenon due to the interaction of nonlinear magnetic force and the collision. With the increase of the external excitation frequency, period doubling motion and almost periodic motion appear alternately.