bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the prospects for the use of lubricants produced by Fuchs Lubritech GmbH on the Ukrainian railways in “wheel of rolling stock-rail” tribocoupling
Authors: Кravets Andrii , Vlasovets Vitaliy , Yevtushenko rii , Romanovych Yevgen , Кravets Anna
Published: January 2021

Controlling friction and wear of rolling stock wheels and rails is a very urgent task for railway workers and scientists in many countries of the world, including Ukraine. The use of lubrication of the wheel-rail friction pair is rather a promising way to solve this problem, and the success of the solution depends significantly on the choice of an effective lubricant. The article considers the results of study of Locolub ECO and Tramlub F 234 MOD 2 greases, taking into account the prospects for their use in locomotive wheel flange lubricators that are operated in the Ukrainian railway. The results of laboratory and operational tests of these greases in comparison with the currently used Relsol lubricant are presented and analyzed. Quite high tribological characteristics of Locolub and Tramlub lubricants and their compliance with the operating conditions of rolling stock, wheel flange lubricators and track lubricators are noted. Based on the results of operational tests, recommendations are given on the prospects for the use of the studied lubricants in the Ukrainian railway transport.
Use of modern logistics technologies in terms of saving resources
Authors: Lomotko D V , Prymachenko H O , Kovalova O V , Shkurenko O V , Hryhorova Y I
Published: January 2021

The necessity of research of modern logistic technologies is proved. The definition of “logistics technology” is given. The connection of technological and logistical operations with the Pareto principle is shown. The logistic technology “just in time” is considered, which once appeared in connection with the changing situation in the Japanese market, its basic principles are investigated. It is shown how this technology “just in time” became the foundation for the development and practical implementation of new technology “lean production”. The historical periods of introduction of “lean production” in various branches and evolution of the technology are considered. Also, the technology of Lean transformation system is offered which is based on 5 questions to the company, which seeks to increase its efficiency and ensures understanding how to implement effectively the principles, purpose and concepts of Lean manufacturing to make continual improvements to the operations of an organization. Methods, methodology and tools of Lean were reviewed on practical examples.
Principles of Energy-effective Land Use in Automobile Transport in Ukraine
Authors: Novakovska I O , Zholkevskyi P F , Stetsiuk M P , Ishchenko N F
Published: January 2021

The article studies contamination of the environment with motor transport and the objects of road infrastructure. It considers the experience of the European Countries in implementation of investment programs to modernize the transport and the infrastructure as a whole by their “ecologization” and “green transport” to minimize the negative impact on nature and preserve the competitive opportunities. It contemplates on types and sources of bio-fuel used in European countries determines the opportunities to grow the plants for alternative fuel production in Ukraine. The concept of “greening” in relation to the transport system of Ukraine have been considered, as in the scientific literature this concept is quite new. The authors outline the basic issues of the National transport strategy for the period till 2030 on the necessity to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with movable sources, raising a share of public transport and electric vehicles, electrical buses, muscle-driven vehicles (bikes). The directions of providing the “greening” principle of the transport system of Ukraine have been offered. The necessity of introducing the “reservation” concept for the land of automobile transport to the following normative legal documents have been substantiated: National transport strategy till 2030, State strategy of development of highways, perspective plans of construction, reconstruction or expansion of highways and others. The article contains a plan of actions to decrease the influence of transport on the environment, namely through the implementation of power-saving technologies, the use of alternative fuels, renewal and extending possibilities to use electric transport. The comparative analysis of economical and ecological aspects of different types of transport – “green vehicles”.
Kinematics of motion of rotors of an orbital hydraulic machine
Authors: Panchenko A , Voloshina A , Luzan P , Panchenko I , Volkov S
Published: January 2021

There is no “rigid” kinematic connection between the centers of the rotors of the orbital hydraulic motor, which leads to non-standard changes in its output characteristics. A kinematic diagram of the movement of the rotors of an orbital hydraulic motor was developed, which made it possible to substantiate the kinematics of movement of its rotors and analyze the change in output characteristics. Abnormal changes in the output characteristics of this type of hydraulic motors are changes in the overall efficiency and changes in the angular speed of rotation of its shaft. When the gap between the rotors changes in the range of 0 to 0.4 mm, the overall efficiency of the positive displacement hydraulic machine decreases 3.6 times, which is explained by the increasing pour over between its rotors. The high value (0.92) and constancy of the volumetric efficiency of the orbital hydraulic motor is explained by the property of its rotors “self-sealing” in the process of moving, eliminating overflows. A decrease in the angular speed of rotation of the shaft of an orbital hydraulic motor 35 to 27 rad/s, with an increase in the gap of 0 to 0.4 mm, is explained by additional displacements of its inner rotor.
Estimation of the State of Engine of Mobile Machines in the Conditions of Operation on Basis of Onboard Diagnostics
Authors: Panchenko S V , Remarchuk M P , Kebko O V , Chmuzh Ya. V , Zadorozhnyi A O
Published: January 2021

According to the results of the analysis of literature sources, when the issue of determining the state of internal combustion engines is considered, a single basis at all stages of life has not yet been decided, because it is a complex problem. A feature that can solve this problem is the efficiency coefficient. To justify the efficiency of the engine as a parameter, at the design stage, a systematic approach was applied along with the definition of rank subordination and significance of all components with their representation in the form of functional and structural schemes. According to the schemes, there is the main system-forming component in the structure of engines, which in the operable state provides the conversion of thermal energy of the fuel into mechanical energy of the rotary movement of the engine shaft. All other components of the engine are intended to maintain the functioning of the main component of the internal combustion engine and to create comfortable operating conditions for the operator in the machine system where this engine operates. At the stage of completion of production of the internal combustion engine, bench tests are used to determine its condition on the basis of efficiency and all technical parameters of the engine. The efficiency of the internal combustion engine at the operational stage is ensured by the load of the hydraulic drive in the structure of the machines and the use of computer equipment that can remotely record diagnostic parameters.
Method for determining non-uniform loading of gondola cars with bulk cargo
Authors: Romanovych Yevhenii , Kravets rii , Afanasov Georgii , Povorozhenko Yevhenii , Afanasova Olga
Published: January 2021

Methods of loading gondola cars with bulk cargo are considered and possible types of non-uniform cargo distribution in the car bodies are established.

The most common methods of levelling bulk cargo in gondola cars in the Ukrainian railway network are determined. Designs of equipment for mechanization of levelling bulk cargo in gondola cars are presented, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. Based on the given analysis, it is established that the most efficient way to ensure compliance with the current regulations on the placement of cargo in cars is the timely detection of non-compliance with these requirements at the stage of loading.

The analysis of existing methods for determining the non-uniformity of cargo distribution in the car bodies was conducted. Based on this analysis, a new method for determining the nonuniform distribution of bulk cargo in the car bodies is proposed, which can be used to preestimate the compliance of the actual placement of bulk cargo in the car body with the requirements of current regulatory documents immediately after loading and take prompt measures to eliminate the identified inconsistencies.
Simulation modeling of the automobile braking system performance
Authors: Viselga G , Ugnenko E B , Uzhviieva E N , Tymchenko O N , Sorochuk N I
Published: January 2021

Simulation model of the automobile braking system performance taking into account not only the wheel, brake pads, brake drum dynamics but the dynamics of the hydraulic brake system: the main hydraulic cylinder, the brake gear hydraulic cylinders has been presented. Effect of changing parameters of the braking system elements on the braking distance of the automobile has been considered. Road users’ safety relies heavily on effectiveness of vehicle braking system. Thus, braking system design is essential when designing a new vehicle. Modeling of the functionality of the designed system is one of the most important phases of design. Time and material expenses for imitational modeling are always less than actually producing models and conducting experiments on them. Experiments should prove theoretical abstracts stated while modeling. Thus, the imitational model should be well designed and adequate. Imitational model allows efficient operation of brake system with different system of control.
Simulation of change in rheological properties of structure of combined materials in tribosystem
Authors: Voitov A , Fenenko K , Fenenko O
Published: January 2021

The paper presents experimental and theoretical dependences of changes in the rheological properties of the structure of materials of the surface layers of triboelements in the tribosystem during running-in, the methodical approach to definition of such properties with use of transverse ultrasonic waves is substantiated. It has been experimentally established, that the logarithmic decrement of the attenuation of ultrasonic vibrations in the structure of the material of the surface layer during the period of running-in increases by 32 to 45 % from the initial structure. A parameter for estimating the rheological properties of the structure of conjugate materials in the tribosystem as a function of time is proposed. This is a physical quantity that characterizes the ability of the materials included in the design of the tribosystem, irreversibly convert mechanical energy into thermal energy in the process of deformation of surface layers. Determined by ultrasonic vibrations passing through the material and reduced to a distance of one meter, the dimension 1/m.
Fractals Theory Application for Evaluation of Influence of Non Metallic inclusions on Mechanical Properties of S355J2 Steel
Authors: Volchuk V M , Uzlov O V , Puchikov O V , Ivantsov S V
Published: January 2021

Influence of non-metallic inclusions in constructional S355J2 steel on mechanical properties has been evaluated by using fractal theory. Since point evaluation of non-metallic inclusions is fault tolerant to mechanical properties change. Point evaluation of experimental steel grades has been evaluated by 1-2 points. Correlation between mechanical properties of the steel (KV20, σ0.2, σB, δ) and fractal dimensions of non-metallic inclusions has been found. Mechanical properties of the steel have been ranking according to influence of fractal dimensions of non-metallic inclusions on the properties. It has been revealed that non-metallic inclusions, evaluated by their fractal dimensions, have strong effect on impact toughness of the steel S355J2 (R² = 0.89). It can be explained by reducing the metal matrix resistance to crack propagation due to non-metallic inclusions in the matrix. Method of mechanical properties ranging by non-metallic inclusions fractal dimensions allow to vary chemical composition of steel for main parameter obtaining. In this particular case for necessary impact toughness of constructional S355 steel narrower chemical composition of the steel should be chosen.
Experimental studies of a throughput of the distribution systems of planetary hydraulic motors
Authors: Voloshina A , Panchenko A , Titova O , Pashchenko V , Zasiadko A
Published: January 2021

As a result of the study, an experimental test bench was developed for testing high-torque hydraulic motors. A methodology for experimental studies of a unified series of planetary hydraulic motors has been developed. It has been established that an increase in the throughput of a hydraulic motor with a modernized distributed system makes it possible to increase the hydromechanical efficiency of the modernized hydraulic motor by 11 to 14%, the volumetric efficiency by 2 to 4%, and the overall efficiency by 7 to 9%. The increase in the values of the hydromechanical, volumetric and overall efficiency of the modernized hydraulic motor explains the increase in the throughput of its distributed system. It has been established that the torque of the developed serial hydraulic motor is 300 to 325 min−1, which is a sign of the rigid characteristics of this hydraulic motor. The stability of the torque (within 1.5%) developed by the modernized hydraulic motor 370 to 375 H.m in the frequency range of 75 to 450 min−1 is confirmed by its rigid characteristic.
Influence of Temperature and Concentration of Additives on the Lubricity of Track Machine Oils
Authors: Voronin S , Stefanov V , Onopreichuk D , Ovchynnikov O , Pashchenko O
Published: January 2021

The promising types of additives to hydraulic oils of track machines, which contribute to increasing the lubricity of oils, that is necessary for the introduction of resource saving in railway transport, were substantiated. On the basis of the conducted justification, two types of additives were selected for further study: pure stearic acid and a three-component additive based on carbamide A, stearic and oleic acid. These additives were used in the studies, being added to hydraulic oil I-20A in different concentrations. Methods and results of laboratory studies of the indicators of the lubricity of hydraulic oil with additives depending on the concentration of the additive and the operating temperature of the oil are given. The following indicators of oil lubricity were studied: the dynamic viscosity of the oil measured in a rotary viscometer; the thickness of the boundary lubricant film measured using the “ball stack” method; the load-carrying capacity of the boundary lubricant film measured in a special load device by establishing a load in which the electrical resistance in the point of contact between two lubricated steel balls abruptly approaches the values of resistance of the dry metal contact.
Effect of odd viscosity on the stability of a falling thin film in presence of electromagnetic field
Authors: Zhao Juanxia , Jian Yongjun
Published: January 2021

In the presence of an electromagnetic field, we studied the stability of a conductive thin liquid film flowing on a non-conductive inclined plate taking the effect of odd viscosity into account. Using the lubrication theory, a new liquid–gas interface evolution equation involving odd viscosity effect is derived. By analyzing the linear and non-linear stability of the evolution equation, we find that the odd viscosity and the magnetic field stabilize the flow, while the electric field destabilizes the flow. Linear study shows that the larger odd viscosity leads to the higher critical Reynolds number. The weakly nonlinear study reveals that in the limited amplitude range, the supercritical stable region and the explosion region will decrease with the increase of the odd viscosity. Conversely, the unconditionally stable region increases and the subcritical unstable region keeps almost unchanged.
Effect of transition metals doping on electronic structure and optical properties of β-Ga2O3
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Li Weixue , Dai Jianfeng , Wang Qing , Suo Zhongqiang
Published: January 2021

The effects of transition metal (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) doping on the stability, electronic structure and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 have been studied using GGA and GGA + U. The results show that the U value can correct the strong interaction of the d-layer, causing orbital hybridization and affecting the position and number of impurity energy levels. It can move the conduction band to higher energy levels and weaken the role of Ga-3p in the valence band. The Ti-doped β-Ga2O3 is easily formed, followed by V, Cr, Sc, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn doping. Some bands change regularly with the increase of atomic number. All systems become degraded semiconductors after doping. All doping will make the β-Ga2O3 red shift. Among them, the absorption intensity of Cu doping in the visible light range is significantly improved.
Decomposition analysis of per capita emissions: a tool for assessing consumption changes and technology changes within scenarios
Authors: van den Berg Nicole J , Hof Andries F , van der Wijst Kaj-Ivar , Akenji Lewis , Daioglou Vassilis , Edelenbosch Oreane Y , van Sluisveld Mariësse A E , Timmer Vanessa J , van Vuuren Detlef P
Published: January 2021

Recent studies show that behaviour changes can provide an essential contribution to achieving the Paris climate targets. Existing climate change mitigation scenarios primarily focus on technological change and underrepresent the possible contribution of behaviour change. This paper presents and applies a methodology to decompose the factors contributing to changes in per capita emissions in scenarios. With this approach, we determine the relative contribution to total emissions from changes in activity, the way activities are carried out, the intensity of activities, as well as fuel choice. The decomposition tool breaks down per capita emissions loosely following the Kaya Identity, allowing a comparison between the contributions of technology and consumption changes among regions and between various scenarios. We illustrate the use of the tool by applying it to three previously-published scenarios; a baseline scenario, a scenario with a selection of behaviour changes, and a 2 °C scenario with the same selection of behaviour changes. Within these scenarios, we explore the contribution of technology and consumption changes to total emission changes in the transport and residential sector, for a selection of both developed and developing regions. In doing so, the tool helps identify where specifically (i.e. via consumption or technology factors) different measures play a role in mitigating emissions and expose opportunities for improved representation of behaviour changes in integrated assessment models. This research shows the value of the decomposition tool and how the approach could be flexibly replicated for different global models based on available variables and aims. The application of the tool to previously-published scenarios shows substantial differences in consumption and technology changes from CO2 price and behaviour changes, in transport and residential per capita emissions and between developing and developed regions. Furthermore, the tool’s application can highlight opportunities for future scenario development of a more nuanced and heterogeneous representation of behaviour and lifestyle changes in global models.
Dissecting localization phenomena of dynamical processes on networks
Authors: Silva Diogo H , Ferreira Silvio C
Published: January 2021

Localization phenomena permeate many branches of physics playing a fundamental role on dynamical processes evolving on heterogeneous networks. These localization analyses are frequently grounded, for example, on eigenvectors of adjacency or non-backtracking matrices which emerge in theories of dynamic processes near to an active to inactive phase transition. We advance in this problem gauging nodal activity to quantify the localization in dynamical processes on networks whether they are near to a transition or not. The method is generic and applicable to theory, stochastic simulations, and real data. We investigate spreading processes on a wide spectrum of networks, both analytically and numerically, showing that nodal activity can present complex patterns depending on the network structure. Using annealed networks we show that a localized state at the transition and an endemic phase just above it are not incompatible features of a spreading process. We also report that epidemic prevalence near to the transition is determined by the delocalized component of the network even when the analysis of the inverse participation ratio indicates a localized activity. Also, dynamical processes with distinct critical exponents can be described by the same localization pattern. Turning to quenched networks, a more complex picture, depending on the type of activation and on the range of degree exponent, is observed and discussed. Our work paves an important path for investigation of localized activity in spreading and other processes on networks.
Corrigenda to “Cohen-Macaulay bipartite graphs in arbitrary codimension”
Authors: Haghighi Hassan , Yassemi Siamak , Zaare-Nahandi Rahim
Published: January 2021

A misuse of terminology has occurred in the statement and proof of Theorem 4.1 in our paper [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 143 (2015), pp. 1981–1989] which caused some justifiable misinterpretation of this result. To recover this result we provide a new definition and give the statement of our result in terms of this definition. The proof of the new version is an improvement of the old proof. The effect of the new definition on further relevant results in our paper has been adopted in a remark.
Splitting theorem for Ricci soliton
Authors: Wu Guoqiang
Published: January 2021

Let

(
M
,
g
,
f
)

(M, g, f)

be a gradient Ricci soliton

∇
2

f
+
R
i
c
=
λ
g

\nabla ^2 f+Ric=\lambda g

with

λ
∈
{

1
2

,
0
,
−

1
2

}

\lambda \in \{\frac {1}{2}, 0, -\frac {1}{2}\}

. Suppose there is a geodesic line

γ
:
(
−
∞
,
∞
)
→
M

\gamma : (-\infty , \infty )\rightarrow M

satisfying
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout 1st Row limit inf integral Subscript 0 Superscript t Baseline upper R i c left-parenthesis gamma prime left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis comma gamma prime left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis right-parenthesis d s plus limit inf integral Subscript t Superscript 0 Baseline upper R i c left-parenthesis gamma prime left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis comma gamma prime left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis right-parenthesis d s greater-than-or-equal-to 0 comma EndLayout">

lim inf

t
→
∞

∫
0

t

R
i
c
(

γ
′

(
s
)
,

γ
′

(
s
)
)
d
s
+

lim inf

t
→
−
∞

∫

t

0

R
i
c
(

γ
′

(
s
)
,

γ
′

(
s
)
)
d
s
≥
0
,

\begin{eqnarray*} \liminf _{t\rightarrow \infty }\int _0^{t}Ric(\gamma ’(s), \gamma ’(s))ds +\liminf _{t\rightarrow -\infty }\int _{t}^{0}Ric(\gamma ’(s), \gamma ’(s))ds \geq 0, \end{eqnarray*}

then

(
M
,
g
,
f
)

(M, g, f)

splits off a line isometrically.
Newell-Littlewood numbers
Authors: Gao Shiliang , Orelowitz Gidon , Yong Alexander
Published: January 2021

The Newell-Littlewood numbers are defined in terms of their celebrated cousins, the Littlewood-Richardson coefficients. Both arise as tensor product multiplicities for a classical Lie group. They are the structure coefficients of the K. Koike-I. Terada basis of the ring of symmetric functions. Recent work of H. Hahn studies them, motivated by R. Langlands’ beyond endoscopy proposal; we address her work with a simple characterization of detection of Weyl modules. This motivates further study of the combinatorics of the numbers. We consider analogues of ideas of J. De Loera-T. McAllister, H. Derksen-J. Weyman, S. Fomin–W. Fulton-C.-K. Li–Y.-T. Poon, W. Fulton, R. King-C. Tollu-F. Toumazet, M. Kleber, A. Klyachko, A. Knutson-T. Tao, T. Lam-A. Postnikov-P. Pylyavskyy, K. Mulmuley-H. Narayanan-M. Sohoni, H. Narayanan, A. Okounkov, J. Stembridge, and H. Weyl.
On the 𝐿^{𝑝} boundedness of the wave operators for fourth order Schrödinger operators
Authors: Goldberg Michael , Green William
Published: January 2021

We consider the fourth order Schrödinger operator

H
=

Δ
2

+
V
(
x
)

H=\Delta ^2+V(x)

in three dimensions with real-valued potential

V
V

. Let

H
0

=

Δ
2

H_0=\Delta ^2

, if

V
V

decays sufficiently and there are no eigenvalues or resonances in the absolutely continuous spectrum of

H
H

then the wave operators

W

±

=
s
\,–

lim

t
→
±
∞

e

i
t
H

e

−
i
t

H
0

W_{\pm }= s\text {\,–}\lim _{t\to \pm \infty } e^{itH}e^{-itH_0}

extend to bounded operators on

L
p

(

R

3

)

L^p(\mathbb R^3)

for all

1
>
p
>
∞

1>p>\infty

.
Real roots near the unit circle of random polynomials
Authors: Michelen Marcus
Published: January 2021

Let

f
n

(
z
)
=

∑

k
=
0

n

ε
k

z
k

f_n(z) = \sum _{k = 0}^n \varepsilon _k z^k

be a random polynomial where

ε
0

,
…
,

ε
n

\varepsilon _0,\ldots ,\varepsilon _n

are i.i.d. random variables with

E

ε
1

=
0

\mathbb {E} \varepsilon _1 = 0

and

E

ε
1
2

=
1

\mathbb {E} \varepsilon _1^2 = 1

. Letting

r
1

,

r
2

,
…
,

r
k

r_1, r_2,\ldots , r_k

denote the real roots of

f
n

f_n

, we show that the point process defined by

{

|

r
1

|

−
1
,
…
,

|

r
k

|

−
1
}

\{|r_1| - 1,\ldots , |r_k| - 1 \}

converges to a non-Poissonian limit on the scale of

n

−
1

n^{-1}

as

n
→
∞

n \to \infty

. Further, we show that for each

δ
>
0

\delta > 0

,

f
n

f_n

has a real root within

Θ

δ

(
1

/

n
)

\Theta _{\delta }(1/n)

of the unit circle with probability at least

1
−
δ

1 - \delta

. This resolves a conjecture of Shepp and Vanderbei from 1995 by confirming its weakest form and refuting its strongest form.
Time Trends in Comorbidity and Management of Hypertension and Self-reported Diabetes: A 15-Year Nationwide Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Li Yixuan , Sun Xiaomin , Wei Junxiang , Wu Jing , Wang Youfa
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

To examine time trends in comorbidity of hypertension and self-reported type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their diagnosis, treatment, and management in China during 2000–2015 and study factors associated with these outcomes.

METHODS

Longitudinal data collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) during 2000–2015 were analyzed. 143, 351, and 338 had both hypertension and self-reported T2DM were selected in 2000, 2011, and 2015, respectively. Average systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension prevalence among T2DM participants, and treatment and control of hypertension and self-reported T2DM among participants with both conditions were examined for all and by sex and weight status. Poisson regression model assessed the associations.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2015, among participants with self-reported T2DM, hypertension prevalence dropped from 88.4% to 83.0% and blood pressures decreased (P < 0.05). Men and overweight/obese participants had greater decreases in hypertension prevalence and DBP, while women had a larger decrease in SBP than men. Over time, among participants with both hypertension and self-reported T2DM, rates of hypertension treatment (45.3%–57.7%), hypertension control (3.0%–10.9%), and self-reported T2DM treatment (90.0%–95.6%) increased (all P < 0.001). Older, women, ever-smoking, heavier drinking, better income level, higher education level, and obesity had higher rates of prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension, and self-reported T2DM treatment among participants with both hypertension and self-reported T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of hypertension treatment and control among participants with both hypertension and self-reported T2DM have improved in recent years, but were still low.
A comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid epidemic in a large health system
Authors: Ash Nathan , Tuten Jedediah , Bohenek Wayne , Latham Brian
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To describe the implementation of a comprehensive program to address the opioid epidemic in a large health system and to assess the effect of the program on opioid prescribing.

Mercy Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system that employs over 1,400 providers and operates 23 hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky, 2 states that have experienced large numbers of overdoses. As a good community partner, the health system developed a comprehensive plan to address the opioid crisis. A system-wide Opioid Steering Committee was established to implement and manage the program. The committee was chaired by a senior pharmacy executive and supported by 4 subcommittees: the data analytics, education development, outreach and assessment, and electronic health record (EHR) subcommittees. The 4 subcommittees developed and implemented several initiatives, including forming a database with prescribing data by specialty and geographical location, implementing a standardized screening approach in the emergency department, challenging hospitals to create partnerships with local schools, and creating EHR enhancements to change opioid prescribing habits. When normalized for patient volume, the prescribed opioid burden was reduced from 65.3 to 35.2 morphine milligram equivalents per unique patient from 2016 to 2019 (a 46% absolute reduction). During this same time the number of acute prescription orders with a morphine equivalent dose greater than 30 was reduced by 52% (from 37,793 to 17,822 prescriptions per year).

Conclusion

Mercy Health’s comprehensive approach to the opioid epidemic has successfully impacted opioid prescribing habits, screening practices, and community outreach.
Management of a parenteral opioid shortage using ASHP guidelines
Authors: Vo Peter , Sylvia Daniel A , Milibari Loay , Stackhouse John Ryan , Szumita Paul , Rocchio Megan , Cotugno Michael , Belisle Caryn , Morris Charles , Goralnick Eric , Vacanti Joshua C , Matta Lina , Cooley Tom , Triggs Angela , Silverman Jon , Fanikos John
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Management of an acute shortage of parenteral opioid products at a large hospital through prescribing interventions and other guideline-recommended actions is described.

In early 2018, many hospitals were faced with a shortage of parenteral opioids that was predicted to last an entire year. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has published guidelines on managing drug product shortages. This article describes the application of these guidelines to manage the parenteral opioid shortage and the impact on opioid dispensing that occurred in 2018. Our approach paralleled that recommended in the ASHP guidelines. Daily dispensing reports generated from automated dispensing cabinets and from the electronic health record were used to capture dispenses of opioid medications. Opioid prescribing and utilization data were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) to allow clinical leaders and hospital administrators to quickly evaluate opioid inventories and consumption. Action steps included utilization of substitute opioid therapies and conversion of opioid patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and opioid infusions to intravenous bolus dose administration. Parenteral opioid supplies were successfully rationed so that surgical and elective procedures were not canceled or delayed. During the shortage, opioid dispensing decreased in the inpatient care areas from approximately 2.0 million MME to 1.4 million MME and in the operating rooms from 0.56 MME to 0.29 million MME. The combination of electronic health record alerts, increased utilization of intravenous acetaminophen and liposomal bupivacaine, and pharmacist interventions resulted in a 67% decline in PCA use and a 65% decline in opioid infusions.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary response is necessary for effective management of drug shortages through implementation of strategies and practices for notifying clinicians of shortages and identifying optimal alternative therapies.
Digital Interventions for People With Co-Occurring Depression and Problematic Alcohol Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schouten Maria J E , Christ Carolien , Dekker Jack J M , Riper Heleen , Goudriaan Anna E , Blankers Matthijs
Published: January 2021

Aims

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of digital interventions addressing depressive symptoms and alcohol use simultaneously among people with co-occurring depression and problematic alcohol use.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for trials evaluating digital interventions aimed at depression and alcohol use. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool effects on depressive symptoms and alcohol use up to 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Overall quality for every outcome was assessed with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Results

The pooled effect of digital interventions compared to their comparators was in favour of digital interventions. Small but significant effects on depressive symptoms at 3-month follow-up were found (g = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06–0.62, P = 0.02, k = 6) and non-significant effects at 6-month follow-up (g = 0.29, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.73, P = 0.15, k = 5). For alcohol use, the pooled effect of digital interventions was small and non-significant at 3-month follow-up (g = 0.14, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.30, P = 0.07, k = 6) and significant at 6-month follow-up (g = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07–0.20, P = 0.005, k = 5). Sensitivity analysis indicated the latter finding to be sensitive to statistical estimator choice. Quality of evidence was moderate, except for depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up for which it was low.

Conclusion

Based on the literature, digital interventions are effective in reducing depressive symptoms at 3-month follow-up and alcohol use at 6-month follow-up among people with comorbid depression and problematic alcohol use. More high-quality trials are needed to confirm the current findings.
Drinking and Neighborhood Contexts of Alcohol’s Harms from Others
Authors: Tam Christina C , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J , Greenfield Thomas K
Published: January 2021

Aims

Negative consequences of alcohol (or secondhand effects) extend beyond drinkers to affect other people, including both known others (friends, family members, spouses/partners) and strangers. Secondhand effects of alcohol manifest across various social environments, including the places where people drink and the neighborhoods where they live. These neighborhoods are characterized by different levels of alcohol availability and degrees of residential social cohesion. Hence, social environments may confer risk or protect from harms from others’ drinking. The current study explores: (a) how drinking venues and neighborhood contexts relate to harms from other people’s drinking (both known others and strangers), and (b) whether these associations vary by gender.

Methods

Using pooled data from the National Alcohol Survey and National Alcohol’s Harms to Others Survey (N = 5425), we regressed harms from various drinking others on social environment characteristics (drinking venues, alcohol availability and social cohesion) for the full sample and separately by gender. We used the false discovery rate method to adjust for multiple testing.

Results

Overall, greater neighborhood social cohesion was associated with lower odds of harm from drinking others and, specifically, harm from drinking strangers. The effect of social cohesion was most pronounced for men.

Conclusions

Social cohesion was the most salient neighborhood factor associated with reduced alcohol-related harms from strangers. Directions for future research and policies to mitigate these harms are discussed.
Be modest: you're living on the edge
Authors: Dorst Kevin
Published: January 2021

Many have claimed that whenever an investigation might provide evidence for a claim, it might also provide evidence against it. Similarly, many have claimed that your credence should never be on the edge of the range of credences that you think might be rational. Surprisingly, both of these principles imply that you cannot rationally be modest: you cannot be uncertain what the rational opinions are.
Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy
Authors: Glass Graeme Ewan
Published: January 2021

Background

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a recent addition to the pantheon of light-based therapeutic interventions. The absorption of red/near-infrared light energy, a process termed “photobiomodulation,” enhances mitochondrial ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, and attenuates oxidative stress. Photobiomodulation is now highly commercialized with devices marketed directly to the consumer. In the gray area between the commercial and therapeutic sectors, harnessing the clinical potential in reproducible and scientifically measurable ways remains challenging.

Objectives

The aim of this article was to summarize the clinical evidence for photobiomodulation and discuss the regulatory framework for this therapy

Methods

A review of the clinical literature pertaining to the use of LLLT for skin rejuvenation (facial rhytids and dyschromias), acne vulgaris, wound healing, body contouring, and androgenic alopecia was performed.

Results

A reasonable body of clinical trial evidence exists to support the role of low-energy red/near-infrared light as a safe and effective method of skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne vulgaris and alopecia, and, especially, body contouring. Methodologic flaws, small patient cohorts, and industry funding mean there is ample scope to improve the quality of evidence. It remains unclear if light-emitting diode sources induce physiologic effects of compararable nature and magnitude to those of the laser-based systems used in most of the higher-quality studies.

Conclusions

LLLT is here to stay. However, its ubiquity and commercial success have outpaced empirical approaches on which solid clinical evidence is established. Thus, the challenge is to prove its therapeutic utility in retrospect. Well-designed, adequately powered, independent clinical trials will help us answer some of the unresolved questions and enable the potential of this therapy to be realized.
LINC00265 maintains hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration by targeting miRNA-28-5p
Authors: Yu Sheng , Cui Zhonglin , Zhou Jie , Wang Kai , Li Qingping , Sun Hang , Hu Zhigang
Published: January 2021

Long noncoding RNAs have been implicated in many biological processes, but their roles in liver regeneration still need to be illustrated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of LINC00265 as a pivotal regulator of hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. It was found that LINC00265 is significantly upregulated in rat liver tissues at various time points after 2/3 liver resection. LINC00265 knockdown inhibited hepatocyte proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and led to G2/M phase cell cycle arrestment. In rats subjected to surgery, LINC00265 knockdown decreased liver/body weight ratio, attenuated improvement from liver damage and reduced Ki67 and PCNA expression. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-28-5p was a direct target of LINC00265, and inhibition of miR-28-5p abolished the effect of LINC00265 knockdown. In summary, LINC00265 might maintain hepatocyte proliferation by targeting miR-28-5p during liver regeneration and should be considered as a promising therapeutic option for hepatocyte regeneration after liver resection.
Emerging principles of brain immunology and immune checkpoint blockade in brain metastases
Authors: Fares Jawad , Ulasov Ilya , Timashev Peter , Lesniak Maciej S
Published: January 2021

Brain metastases are the most common type of brain tumours, harbouring an immune microenvironment that can in principle be targeted via immunotherapy. Elucidating some of the immunological intricacies of brain metastases has opened a therapeutic window to explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in this globally lethal disease. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that tumour cells hijack the immune regulatory mechanisms in the brain for the benefit of their own survival and progression. Nonetheless, the role of the immune checkpoint in the complex interplays between cancers cells and T cells and in conferring resistance to therapy remains under investigation. Meanwhile, early phase trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors have reported clinical benefit in patients with brain metastases from melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. In this review, we explore the workings of the immune system in the brain, the immunology of brain metastases, and the current status of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastases.
A complex networks approach to ranking professional Snooker players
Authors: O’Brien Joseph D , Gleeson James P
Published: January 2021

A detailed analysis of matches played in the sport of Snooker during the period 1968–2020 is used to calculate a directed and weighted dominance network based upon the corresponding results. We consider a ranking procedure based upon the well-studied PageRank algorithm that incorporates details of not only the number of wins a player has had over their career but also the quality of opponent faced in these wins. Through this study, we find that John Higgins is the highest performing Snooker player of all time with Ronnie O’Sullivan appearing in second place. We demonstrate how this approach can be applied across a variety of temporal periods in each of which we may identify the strongest player in the corresponding era. This procedure is then compared with more classical ranking schemes. Furthermore, a visualization tool known as the rank-clock is introduced to the sport which allows for immediate analysis of the career trajectory of individual competitors. These results further demonstrate the use of network science in the quantification of success within the field of sport.
Early exit from business, performance and neighbours’ influence: a study of farmers in France
Authors: Paroissien Emmanuel , Latruffe Laure , Piet Laurent
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the effects of economic performance and neighbours’ characteristics on farmers’ exit behaviour before retirement age. Using a unique set of social security data describing all French farmers under 50 over the years 2004–2017, we explore how these effects depend on farmers’ characteristics and how they stand relative to their neighbours. Our probit estimations reveal that younger farmers and farmers operating smaller farms are more sensitive to their own and neighbours’ performance than other farmers. Allowing for an asymmetric comparison effect between farmers and their neighbours, we uncover a nonlinear influence of own and neighbours’ profit and size.
An expanded auxin-inducible degron toolkit for Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ashley Guinevere E , Duong Tam , Levenson Max T , Martinez Michael A Q , Johnson Londen C , Hibshman Jonathan D , Saeger Hannah N , Palmisano Nicholas J , Doonan Ryan , Martinez-Mendez Raquel , Davidson Brittany R , Zhang Wan , Ragle James Matthew , Medwig-Kinney Taylor N , Sirota Sydney S , Goldstein Bob , Matus David Q , Dickinson Daniel J , Reiner David J , Ward Jordan D
Published: January 2021

The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system has emerged as a powerful tool to conditionally deplete proteins in a range of organisms and cell types. Here, we describe a toolkit to augment the use of the AID system in Caenorhabditis elegans. We have generated a set of single-copy, tissue-specific (germline, intestine, neuron, muscle, pharynx, hypodermis, seam cell, anchor cell) and pan-somatic TIR1-expressing strains carrying a co-expressed blue fluorescent reporter to enable use of both red and green channels in experiments. These transgenes are inserted into commonly used, well-characterized genetic loci. We confirmed that our TIR1-expressing strains produce the expected depletion phenotype for several nuclear and cytoplasmic AID-tagged endogenous substrates. We have also constructed a set of plasmids for constructing repair templates to generate fluorescent protein::AID fusions through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. These plasmids are compatible with commonly used genome editing approaches in the C. elegans community (Gibson or SapTrap assembly of plasmid repair templates or PCR-derived linear repair templates). Together these reagents will complement existing TIR1 strains and facilitate rapid and high-throughput fluorescent protein::AID tagging of genes. This battery of new TIR1-expressing strains and modular, efficient cloning vectors serves as a platform for straightforward assembly of CRISPR/Cas9 repair templates for conditional protein depletion.
The azimuthal dependence of Rayleigh wave ellipticity in a slightly anisotropic medium
Authors: Hu Shaoqian , Yao Huajian , Yang Hsin-Ying
Published: January 2021

A recent study analysed the Rayleigh wave ellipticity obtained by ambient noise cross-correlation in periods of 8–20 s, and observed the Rayleigh wave ellipticity is backazimuth-dependent with a 180° periodicity in the contiguous United States. However, the azimuthal anisotropic parameters have not been inverted to depths, and the comparison with other seismic results has not been possible so far, partially due to the lack of related theoretical investigations. Here, we first derive explicit formulation to relate the period-dependent backazimuthal Rayleigh wave ellipticity with the depth-dependent azimuthal wave speed variation in a slightly anisotropic medium based on the variational principle; by carefully examining relations among different parametrizations of a horizontally transverse isotropic medium, we then express the final formulation in terms of Crampin’s notation. The formulation is verified by comparison with the results of anisotropic propagator matrix technique. Tests show the backazimuth-dependent Rayleigh wave ellipticity provides complementary information on anisotropic parameters in addition to the widely used phase velocity. A simple application of the derived formulation to real data in North America is also provided. Our formulation can be regarded as an extension of the classic work on azimuthal-dependent phase velocity, and helps to quantitatively explain the backazimuth-dependent Rayleigh wave ellipticity.
Multi-influential genetic interactions alter behaviour and cognition through six main biological cascades in Down syndrome mouse models
Authors: Duchon Arnaud , del Mar Muniz Moreno Maria , Martin Lorenzo Sandra , Silva de Souza Marcia Priscilla , Chevalier Claire , Nalesso Valérie , Meziane Hamid , Loureiro de Sousa Paulo , Noblet Vincent , Armspach Jean-Paul , Brault Veronique , Herault Yann
Published: January 2021

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic form of intellectual disability caused by the presence of an additional copy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). To provide novel insights into genotype–phenotype correlations, we used standardized behavioural tests, magnetic resonance imaging and hippocampal gene expression to screen several DS mouse models for the mouse chromosome 16 region homologous to Hsa21. First, we unravelled several genetic interactions between different regions of chromosome 16 and how they contribute significantly to altering the outcome of the phenotypes in brain cognition, function and structure. Then, in-depth analysis of misregulated expressed genes involved in synaptic dysfunction highlighted six biological cascades centred around DYRK1A, GSK3β, NPY, SNARE, RHOA and NPAS4. Finally, we provide a novel vision of the existing altered gene–gene crosstalk and molecular mechanisms targeting specific hubs in DS models that should become central to better understanding of DS and improving the development of therapies.